Londontown Unboxing

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Londontown Unboxing

Hi! As we all know, Lil Red is a nail girl. I would be nowhere without my talon style acrylics and am only in my truest form when they are eye poking sharp! Getting my nails done is such a treat and I look forward to my monthly visit to the salon to get myself right. There is nothing better than taking an hour or two to yourself to get pampered and I always leave my stomping grounds of Elysian Nails feeling like a million bucks.

I am especially excited for my next trip to get a fill because I have some amazing new goodies from Londontown to test out. Boasting a vegan, 9-free formula and a stunning array of colors to choose from, my nails are never going to look better compliments of the products below. Check it out:

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Seen From Top To Bottom:

  • Buckingham Blue polish
  • Summer Fling polish
  • Electric Avenue polish
  • Restorative Nail Cream
  • Nourishing Cuticle Oil

In the next few days, you can see all of my nail care adventures including an outing to the salon and a girls night in with my darling mom to test out the cuticle oil and nail cream. It’s going to be a lot of fun and the end results are sure to be gorgeous so keep it posted on lifewithlilred!

How do you care for your nails? What is your favorite nail polish color from Londontown? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath Bomb Blitz: Treat Me Pt. 2 Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Treat Me Pt. 2 Edition

Howdy! Today, we are going to discuss the other bath bomb that I purchased from the Dollar Tree that was equally as disappointing as the first one, lolol. It’s fine, though, because it’s not like I was expecting anything different and my curiosity has been tended to. So, now, I have even more of an excuse to shop at Lush because any other brand is a disgrace! Take a look at some pics and let’s get to it:

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^^^ Whomp whomp.

I selected the bath bomb above because the colors reminded me of the always popular galaxy print and I had a fleeting hope that it would be reminiscent of Lush’s intergalactic style bomb. But, obviously, I was dead wrong. Although the colors of the bath bomb were pretty, all it did was create a murky mauve once it hit the water and that was that.

Now, can any of us say that we’re surprised? Absolutely not. This is a Dollar Tree bath bomb we’re talking about. But, I’m glad that I conducted this little experiment for your viewing pleasure and for my knowledge in the future. I now know that these are not the move for an add on gift or a treat to myself. And, it is also a friendly reminder that sometimes you have to splurge to get a product worth using. So, let’s hit Lush and do some shopping! 😀

What is your favorite Lush bath bomb? How about your favorite Lush product? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

5 Home Improvements To Protect Your Home From Burglars

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5 Home Improvements To Protect Your Home From Burglars

Keeping yourself and your family safe should always be the main goal. Want to keep burglars away from your home? Here are a few improvements that could help to ward off would-be intruders:

Replace old windows and doors:

If your windows and doors are very old, you may want to consider replacing them. Many old windows and doors can be easily broken into by modern burglars even with the use of the simplest objects. Signs of visible wear and tear such as cracked windows or loose hinges could be a particular danger.

When it comes to windows, you ideally want a strong frame material like uPVC, double glazing, and window locks. You should hire a replacement window company to replace your windows as it can be a precise and tricky job to fit them. Replacing your windows not only increases your safety but will also be like a face lift for your home! Boost your security and upgrade the aesthetic by researching the best replacement companies in your area. You want a business that is trusted, accredited, and well reviewed. For window installation in Denver, Five Seasons Windows is a great place to start.

As for doors, consider upgrading to a steel door with a modern lock (you could even consider a smart lock). Doors can be more easily replaced by oneself, but to ensure that it’s fitted securely you may still want to hire professionals.

Put up net curtains:

Net curtains could also help to deter burglars – especially when hanging them up on windows that are facing onto a busy street. If you have valuables in your home, a burglar may be able to see them through the window and this might encourage them to choose you as a target. Net curtains stop burglars from being able to peek in, while still letting in sunlight.

On top of net curtains, you may also be able to use blinds as a way of distorting people’s view in. Frosted glass could also be an option, but it might prevent you from being able to look out.

Install security lighting:

Security lighting is a great way to keep away burglars. This is lighting located on the outside of your home that only turns on when motion is detected. Many burglars like to target homes at night when it’s easy to move undetected. Security lighting will make it harder for burglars to go unnoticed by illuminating them for all your neighbors to see. The fact that security lighting only comes on when motion is detected will save you money in energy bills compared to permanent lighting.

Cut down high hedges:

High hedges, walls, and fences can offer privacy, but they could also make it easier for burglars to break into your home without being seen by neighbors. By cutting down these barriers, your burglars won’t have anything to hide behind. This will make them less likely to choose you as a target.

Fit a burglar alarm:

Burglar alarms are triggered if somebody opens your door and can only be deactivated using a code. Nowadays, there are smart burglar alarms that can alert your phone as well as taking video footage of whoever is outside. Some will even alert the police if not deactivated within a certain amount of time. If you have home insurance, a burglar alarm could also help to reduce your insurance rates. If you are interested in having an alarm system for your home installed, simply enter a search for “security companies indianapolis indiana” (or your local area). Security alarms are something you hope will never be needed but you will be relieved to have should a situation ever arise. Be sure to seek referrals and recommendations for security companies from friends and family too.

Give your family the gift of protection this holiday season with making the improvements above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Accessory Story: Seed & Sage Necklace Edition

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Accessory Story: Seed & Sage Necklace Edition

Hello! This is the last of my most recent haul from TJMaxx – leave it to me to only need one thing and come out with an armful of stuff! But, damnit, I just couldn’t help myself. You all know that Lil Red loves her cold weather shopping! And, this necklace by Seed & Sage is one that I am particularly excited about because for 1) it’s gorgeous and for 2) I have had my eye on it for a while and I purchased it at a clearance price. Score! Check it out:

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Despite being an atheist to the max, I grew up in the Roman Catholic church and have always loved religious iconography. I have a beautiful collection of rosary style necklaces and I even have a rosary blessed by Pope Francis from when my brother and sister in law honeymooned in Italy. TJMaxx often seems to have religious themed necklaces in stock and I find myself swooning over them with every shopping trip.

The Virgin Mary necklace by Seed & Sage that I bought has been at the store for quite some time in a variety of sizes. I never felt a strong urge to try it on until it was in the clearance section and I just had to give it a go. Once it was out of the case, it was even more stunning up close and I saw that it had images on the front and back, which made it feel more unique.

Although I had a bit of a difficult time getting the necklace clasp to work because of my claws, it was a small price to pay for such a lovely piece. The length of the necklace is perfect and it will hit right at the end of a V-neckline. But, more importantly, the images on both sides are lovely and the colors are stunning, especially when it hits the light! I am definitely looking forward to wearing my new Seed & Sage necklace soon and am happy to have added it into my jewelry collection for well under twenty bucks! 😀

Where do you like to purchase jewelry from? How do you rock a funky necklace? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Hats Off: Norla Canada Beanie Edition

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Hats Off: Norla Canada Beanie Edition

Salutations! One of the best things about cold weather is all of the darling cold weather accessories, of course! Hats, scarves, faux fur collars, and fingerless gloves – oh my. All of which make up a cold weather accessory arsenal that will keep you warm, cozy, and totally cute all winter long. With a doctor for a mom, I grew up hearing her say that the most heat escapes your body through your head so that means I should probably buy a ton of hats, right? Right. Lol, check out this little beauty by Norla Canada and let’s discuss:

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I always love when the fall and winter season rolls around at TJMaxx because that means that their wonderful cold weather department resurfaces. We’re talking racks, hangers, and shelves filled to the brim with boots, jackets, and all of the knitted accessories at a fraction of their original price. I found my new Norla Canada beanie during my last TJ’s shopping trip and I am very excited to bust it out once the temperature drops a hair more.

Normally, I am not a huge pink girl and opt for my all black everything approach, instead. But, there was something so sweet about this dusty baby pink beanie and I just couldn’t say no to it. The slouchy fit, the cotton candy coloring, and the softest faux fur pompom I’ve ever felt were all key factors in this purchase and it definitely has been making me rethink my opposition to the color pink. Granted, I don’t think you’ll ever see me in a hot pink sweater but, I guess a few cute accessories can’t hurt!

How do you rock cold weather accessories? What is a color that you’re ambivalent about? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

It’s In The Bag: Steve Madden Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Steve Madden Edition

Hi! I have always loved Steve Madden. In fact, my very first pair of heels that I purchased during eighth grade was a pair of Steve’s and, since then, a special place in my heart was dedicated to the brand. So, whenever I can find any Steve Madden shoes, bags, or accessories when shopping at TJMaxx, it is very exciting! Affordable and adorable, Steve Madden is a brand for all and I am so enamored with my new black and plaid backpack from my latest haul. Check it out:

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Fashion forward backpacks have become quite popular over the past few years and I have invested in a few, myself. Cute, convenient, and easy to carry these bags are definitely not your run of the mill backpacks that you tote your huge textbooks in to school. Unless you get a big and sturdy enough one, of course! Rather, the backpack trend is perfect for hauling along your essentials, totally hands free which makes them an optimum choice during travel or walking your commute to work in the city.

My new Steve Madden backpack screams fall fun and I love the jet black and red plaid combo along with a floral scarf tied on for some visual contrast. Shaped in a more bucket style, this bag runs deep and probably could fit a textbook or two if need be! I will always prefer a purse to a backpack no matter how fun the trend is. But, this pack will be a gorgeous fall staple paired with a skater skirt, knitted tights, and cardigan for a school girl chic look that will give Blair Waldorf a run for her money!

Are you a fan of the backpack trend? How do you incorporate one into your outfits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Fergalicious By Fergie Ankle Boots Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Fergalicious By Fergie Ankle Boots Edition

Greetings! When I shop in store at TJMaxx, I never seem to be able to find any shoes there and purchase them on their website, instead. So, you can only imagine my surprise when a pair of shoes in store literally made me clutch my pearls. And, when anything gets this reaction from me, nine times out of ten it ends up in my shopping cart. Check out these pretty little babies by the one and only Fergie Ferg and let’s discuss:

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A girl can never have too many pairs of black ankle booties because they are all so different yet so remarkably similar, lol. But, I have to say, this new pair is probably the most unique one I have out of all of them. It’s no secret that Lil Red loves all things edgy and punk so when I saw these studded, buckled beauties it was damn near impossible to say no. Granted, I have many a studded and buckled pair of booties but none with all over visual interest going on, which made this Fergalicious number a must.

Of course, these will be perfect for marching through the fallen leaves this autumn. However, I am actually more excited to wear these during the warm weather. This past summer, I took a shining to wearing my ankle boots along with a pair of short shorts and sweet frilly socks for a fun twist on a simple OOTD. It definitely spiced up a basic shorts and a T-shirt ensemble and my new ankle booties will be perfect for that once the hot weather begins again. Love!

How do you rock ankle boots? What is your go to pair of shoes in the fall? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Trail Blazers: Christian Siriano Edition

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Trail Blazers: Christian Siriano Edition

Howdy! Back in the day, I was a big Project Runway fan and, if you were too, then I’m sure you’ll remember the boy wonder, Christian Siriano. Serving sass and designing looks to die for, he instantly became a fan favorite of mine and the rest of the Project Runway following. So, when I saw this gorgeous cheetah print blazer at TJMaxx sporting his namesake, I just had to try it on. And, when I saw that it was fabulous, I just had to take it home! Check it out:

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I am completely obsessed with my new blazer. I know, I know I have a ton of them but cheetah print, guys! Cheetah print. This little beauty fits to perfection and I love the uniquely colored pattern. The chocolate base and caramel spots make for an interesting and different take on a classic print and I am so there for it.

I used to shy away from brown, dubbing it a “boring” color. I also used to stick my nose up at animal print, claiming it wasn’t chic enough for me. But, damn, was I dead wrong. Fifty shades of brown from camel and chocolate cherry to tan and cinnamon has become a palette that I have been welcoming into my wardrobe recently and it has become all the better for it. And, I honestly think that my life only truly began when I realized how much fun that cheetah print is!

This Christian Siriano number combines the best of both worlds that I have been exploring lately and I cannot wait to rock it this fall season. ❤

What is your favorite animal print? Who is your favorite Project Runway winner? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

October 2019 Finishes

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October 2019 Finishes

Hey there! Welcome to the last day of October here on lifewithlilred and thanks for stopping by. Today, we will be discussing my monthly finishes of skin and bath and body care products. I am pretty happy about this month’s empties, mainly due to the fact that I finally finished the jar of eye cream that I have been working on using up for the past half a year! There is something so satisfying on finishing a product that you have been using for forever and needing new skin care means a shopping trip to TJMaxx for me, so it truly is a win/win all around. Lol, take a look at my empties for this month and let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

Coffee Scrub: For those of you who don’t know, I take shaving very seriously. I have perfected my shaving routine to a science and the Wonder Therapy coffee cream scrub will always be a part of it from now on. First of all, the coffee/lavender/coconut scent was absolutely divine. It was rich without being overpowering and the coffee aroma was invigorating.

And, most importantly, it gave me the best, closest shave of my life. The exfoliating coffee grounds mixed with the moisturizing cream provided the perfect combo for prepping my skin for a shave while protecting it from drying out. My skin has never felt smoother and my shave lasts for at least four days without prickles. Does your favorite scrub do that? One bottle of this miracle product lasted me about two months with weekly, full body use.

Rose Gold Serum: I love me my Azure Lux serum and will always purchase a bottle when it is available at TJMaxx. With pieces of twenty-four karat gold and rose hip mixed in the formula, this serum leaves my skin feeling blinged out and super hydrated with just a thin application. My only qualm with the product is that the consistency of the serum is quite thick, which makes the bottle go quickly as I finished it in under a month. It leaves my skin positively radiant, though, so I’ll deal with it!

Manuka Honey Face Cream: I quite liked this moisturizer by Lanocreme! It was so rich and creamy without feeling greasy and it sat well under my makeup. The light honey scent was delicious and I loved using it in the morning after my shower. I like a thicker moisturizer during the cooler months and I would definitely use it again. It took me a little over one month to finish this product.

Mokita Eye Cream: My mom bestowed this eye cream onto me at the beginning of May and it took me until the end of October to use up. The large jar was completely filled to the brim with product and even daily application didn’t put a dent in it. I’ve never really worried about eye wrinkles because I legit have been using an eye cream since I was fifteen and this Mokita cream helped keep them at bay for a while longer. Although I liked the product, I was very happy to use it up because I love trying new skin care goodies. But, if given the opportunity, I would for sure use it again.

As you can see, October was a very successful month for empties and I would highly recommend all of the reviewed items above. So, hit up TJMaxx and get you some, STAT!

Which products have you used up this month? What are your thoughts on any of my empties if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sunny Side Up

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Sunny Side Up

Salutations! One of my favorite “treat yoself” items to get while shopping is a new pair of sunglasses. Or, in this case, three of them. I just couldn’t help myself! Sadly, my favorite pair of Lucky sunglasses broke during the car accident. I was really upset about this and once my boyfriend and I were up and moving again he bought me a similar pair at the mall to replace them. And, sadly, the pair he bought me broke too! So, I just had to fill the Lucky Brand shaped void with these little beauties. Check it out:

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The top and bottom pair seen above were actually both from the Dollar Tree and I was astounded to find such cuteness there for one whole dollar. I loved the funky 70s flower pattern and I can never have enough tortoise shell hued shades, either. As always, will they be of the best quality? No, definitely not. But, were they cute enough that I didn’t care? Obviously!

I also totally swooned over the Crayola indigo colored aviators at TJMaxx. I *shockingly* only own one other pair of aviators and they are on the fritz so I figured it was time for an upgrade. The unique color and gold detailing creates an amazing contrast with my hair and skin tone and they feel so posh while still being totally badass. Will these be of better quality? I sure fucking hope so!! 😅😅😅

What is one of your favorite treat yoself things to buy? How often do you buy new sunglasses? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah