Oct5

Lucky Brand Haul: Black Skinnies Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Black Skinnies Edition

Howdy! One of my main bugaboos are the classic, all American blue jeans. From about fifteen on, I have simply refused to wear them because 1) I feel like they make me look fat and 2) they definitely don’t fit with my all black everything aesthetic. So, needless to say, I own black skinnies for days and always have to restock a pair or two at least once a year as the color fades so easily.

While shopping the Lucky Brand outlet store in Asheville, North Carolina, I was able to score a new pair that fit like a glove for thirty dollars – a mere fraction of the original ninety dollar price tag! Take a look:

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What I love about these jeans other than their inky midnight black hue and the more cloth like material as opposed to denim is their fit. Thanks to over a decade’s worth of figure skating, it’s no secret that Lil Red definitely has some junk in the trunk. My legs are extremely muscular and I have a booty boo that I am quite proud of, thank you very much!

This is why I am so happy that I was able to find a curvy but still skinny fit pair of jeans. As we all know, plain old skinny jeans don’t have much give to them and it’s no fun having to do the pants dance every time you want to pull a pair on. And, I hate having to size up in jeans and clothes in general due to an eating disorder which is now under control. I was elated to be able to try on a pair of skinnies that were true to my actual size and still felt *comfortably* suction cupped to my legs, lol.

Also, can we please take a moment to talk about the cheeky “lucky you” on the inside of the fly?! Haha, so cute! It has been a while since I got a new pair of black skinnies for myself and these were very much needed. I can absolutely picture myself purchasing Lucky Brand jeans again if the price is right. My new pair fit perfectly and are exactly what I wanted – no sacrificing self esteem required!

What is your least favorite piece of clothing to shop for? Which store has the best jeans? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct4

Lucky Brand Haul: Spot On Sweater Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Spot On Sweater Edition

Hello hello! Despite saying that I was going to save money while on vacation, the outlet malls in Asheville were calling my name and I ended up with a haul from Lucky that I am very happy with. In fact, I daresay that I got a better deal at the outlet store than I ever would have shopping with TJMaxx – and that’s really saying something because I swear by that store. Because ya’ll have never known Lil Red to pass up on a deal, I ended up with some beautiful new pieces for my fall wardrobe like this darling polka dot sweater:

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Blah, blah, blah mustard yellow.

Blah, blah, blah excellent deal.

Blah, blah, blah perfect fall staple.

Ugh, but seriously – mustard yellow, excellent deal, and PERFECT fall staple! I cannot say enough good things about this sweater. From the gorgeous fallen leaves hue and the charming pattern to the chunky but fitted shape and keyhole cutout on the back, this sweater has got it going on. It has just the right amount of give to keep me comfy cozy during the cooler weather but it is fitted enough that it doesn’t look like I’m drowning in it or am as wide as a house. Spoiler Alert: Both looks are not cute.

Nope, this lovely little sweater is the epitome of slouchy chic and is going to look simply  flawless paired with some faux leather skinnies, thigh high boots, and a great big statement bag to complete the look. Throw on a huge floppy hat and don’t look at me sunnies and you are ready to strut about the pumpkin patch or apple orchard like you own the joint. Hello, stunner!

What is your favorite pattern to wear? How do you rock a slouchy sweater? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

Items To Buy Before You Pick Up Your New Puppy

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Items To Buy Before You Pick Up Your New Puppy

Bringing home your puppy for the first time is an exciting time and, if you have children, it’s going to be even more of a special experience. It’s not something to be taken lightly, of course, and you need to think about how much time, effort, and money you have available for this new puppy. But, if you’ve already thought about it thoroughly and you have made the decision, then you can be sure that there are some things that you are going to need to purchase. Puppies need a lot of time spent on them primarily, but there is also such a vast world of puppy items too, including the pooper scooper, all of which you’ll have to consider carefully.

Food:

There is considerable debate over what constitutes as a proper diet for your dog. There are many articles out there are explaining why a particular dog food should never be given to your pet, and also lots of information regarding raw feeding. Raw feeding is simply a diet that consists of uncooked meat, there is a community of people that believe raw food is the ultimate option for any dog. But, you have to take many things into consideration, do your research and find the right thing for you and your pet. Make sure you stock up, as these little puppies eat and grow in vast quantities.

Bedding:

Having a safe spot to sleep and hide is an essential thing for a new puppy. They are going to need to feel safe, and the “cave” option for them is important. A puppy who is happy, content, and not scared is a puppy that will listen and make good choices. Mostly, if a puppy is destructive and not listening to the training, you will find that it’s because they don’t have everything they need, including good direction. Many people believe that crate training is important for a puppy’s development and potty training, and others believe that leaving the puppy to sleep on your bed with you is the ultimate. Whichever you choose, you will no doubt be looking for a puppy bed before you bring them home.

Training Books:

The most important thing you can do to keep your puppy happy and safe isn’t just about controlling the dog, it’s making sure they know what is expected of them and are challenged mentally. Training books such as easy peasy puppy squeezy, give great insight into puppies, why they do what they do, and how you can set them up for excellent training. Don’t miss this step and wait until they are ‘older’ as they are like sponges when they are little. They won’t remember everything all of the time but it’s recommended to get started straight away.

To help with your puppy’s enrichment and entertainment, which in turn stops them from being destructive, you will need to provide them with toys and training opportunities with high-value treats. It can be as simple as a toilet roll with treats wrapped inside (supervised) or a puppy Kong filled with dog-safe peanut butter. Good luck bringing your new pet home!

Featured Image By: Austin Kirk on Unsplash

Oct3

Lucky Brand Haul: Topper Jacket Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Topper Jacket Edition

Hellooo everyone! While vacationing in Asheville, North Carolina, I planned on saving money during the week. However, a trip to the outlet malls utterly destroyed that and I ended up going way too hard at the Lucky Brand discount shop. In my defense, though, I scored some excellent deals and I finally got to actually shop in their store as opposed to waiting for TJMaxx to have some Lucky goodies available to purchase.

If I do have a Lucky Brand near me in Ohio, it is definitely not an outlet location so I wanted to take full advantage of the experience. And, even when TJs does have Lucky items, it is usually just sunnies and jewelry – which are nice. But, it’s not a full blown clothing item, which I so lust after.

During my Lucky haul, I was able to curb the desire for some actual Lucky’s clothing and ended up with four items for about one hundred and forty bucks, which I considered a steal, because the original price on most of the items was one hundred! I also had a twenty-five dollar off coupon and received fifteen percent off when getting approved for their credit card, which dwindled the total down fifty-five dollars. So, no one can say I didn’t shop smart. Or stylish, for that matter, because check this beauty out:

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There is no denying that Lil Red loves a good jacket. I am absolutely addicted to them and, as soon as I saw this gorgeous, wheat colored topper jacket I knew that I needed it. It is honest to god as comfortable as slipping on a bathrobe but the sleek shape, cool color, and fleecey fabric keeps it looking nice and chic. As a shorter girl, I strive to create the illusion of length in all of my OOTDs and the straight lines in this coat make this possible. And, thanks to the slinky fabric, it still feels like it fits like a glove so it doesn’t overpower my petite frame.

The golden wheat color is just phenomenal and I love the way it looks when the light hits it because the poly/cotton blend fabric provides a dazzling sheen. Although this is a fairly simple piece, it makes a bold statement. This, in turn, makes styling it a breeze. All one need do is throw on a killer pair of trousers, your favorite turtle neck, a heeled ankle bootie, and a necklace to hit at the V-neck and you are all set!

Are there any stores that you love but are not close to you? How do you shop smart at outlet malls? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct2

Vacation Eats: The Moose Cafe

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Vacation Eats: The Moose Cafe

Hello, hello everyone! When it comes to family vacations, my dad is the king of planning. From activities and shops to hikes and the best restaurants in the area, he spends time scouring the internet and travel books for stops to make for the ultimate vacation. While in Asheville, North Carolina for our vaca, we had dinner at The Moose Cafe after shopping a charming little farmers market right down the street. Although the menu wasn’t the most vegetarian friendly, I still managed and ended up with a massive plate o’ carbs. Check it out:

carbs

^^^ Awwww yeahhhhh

During one of our previous trips to Asheville, we had breakfast at The Moose Cafe and that was really crazy good. And, despite only having one option to eat for dinner, it was still really crazy good. I was able to pick four side dishes to form one mega meal and went with the cheesy grits, mashed potatoes, mac n’ cheese, and French fries as well as a slice of cornbread. As if that wasn’t enough carbohydrates for ya, don’t even get me started on the pre-meal biscuits and apple butter. YUM!

From a health perspective, this might not have been the best meal. But, from a “I was super hungry” perspective, this meal fucking SLAPPED. The biscuits were huge, soft, and fluffy. They literally melted in your mouth with a butter and honey finish. And, committing even more carbicide on the main course was just what I needed after a long day.

Some of the sides were definitely better than the others and I have them ranked in the following order:

  1. French fries
  2. Cheesy grits
  3. Mashed potatoes
  4. Mac n’ cheese

However, once I had them reheated as leftovers, they all tasted really freaking good! Funny how that works out!

What is your favorite spot for breakfast in your neck of the woods? Where do you like to eat if you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc.? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Facebook

Oct1

Side Hustles You Could Turn Into A Full-Time Career

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Side Hustles You Could Turn Into A Full-Time Career

A side hustle is a great way to earn some extra money. It’s also a way to pursue your interests, and it can help you build skills that might not be possible with your regular job. Some side hustles can even lead to bigger and better things. If you’ve wanted to make a career switch or you want to pursue your life’s passion, then a side hustle could be the beginning to helping you realize this.

Are you interested in knowing what’s out there? Here are some amazing side hustles you could turn into a full-time career:

Copywriting:

Copywriting is a popular side hustle choice. Businesses and individuals need copyrights for their websites, social media channels, etc. which puts copywriters in demand. If you’ve got great writing skills and are good with a deadline, then becoming a copywriter could be an excellent way for you to make some money. Eventually, you could decide to make the switch to a full-time copywriter, either for a business or on a freelance basis and choose a career path that’s flexible and relevant to your skills.

Online Surveys:

There are so many amazing websites out there where companies will pay you for your opinion in the form of surveys. And, if you are using some of the best survey sites, then that money can really add up quickly. Take an hour or so out of your day to get started and give your thoughts on anything from vacation spots to groceries to earn some pocket change. You can always extend your time if the survey route is working well for you.

Realtor:

Do you love all things HGTV? Then becoming a realtor on the side could be a fantastic way for you to pursue your interest. Of course, you’ll need a real estate license to be able to become a realtor, but it’s a qualification worth having if you’d like to pursue the role full-time. Some people start out their real estate career helping friends and family or working weekends, which can help you to earn some extra income while you get yourself established.

Photographer:

Are you a talented photographer? Why not use your skills to become a photographer as a side hustle? From photographing events and weddings to selling photos to stock websites, you could make a great second income from photography. If your photos are good and you market yourself well, word will soon spread – allowing you to easily turn your photography work into your full-time job. Expand your reach by posting photos regularly or even creating your own website like this Surrey wedding photographer. You never know who will be interested in hiring you if you don’t show off your content!

As your photography business takes off, it is a good idea to plan ahead. For example, you might want to consider photography insurance to keep all of your expensive equipment well protected. This is something that you might not need right now but you will be so happy you have it should anything go wrong. You might also want to start thinking about what it would cost to hire an assistant or rent out a studio if this is really the direction you want to go in.

Selling online:

Interested in starting an online shop? Many people make great side hustles from selling on eBay or Etsy. If you’ve got a talent for making things or an eye for vintage apparel, selling online can be an enjoyable way of increasing your income. If things take off, you could look at starting your own online business and start selling from your own website. With online sales, you will want to cultivate a brand that is unique to you. You can build your brand with custom packaging and ship your products with high-quality welna drzewna (wood wool), set up a booth at vendor fairs, and good old-fashioned word-of-mouth marketing.  What might start out as a hobby could soon be an amazing way to take charge of your career.

Having a side hustle can be a simple way to top up your earnings, while also making the most of your free time. While there are many people who enjoy their side hustle on top of their regular work, there are also plenty of people whose side hustles become a full-time career. Take a look at opportunities to boost your career through life-long learning; you never know where these additional skills could take you!

Featured Image By: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Oct1

Soba Sushi And Noodles: YUM!

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Soba Sushi And Noodles: YUM!

Salutations! Some of you might recall that my family had a vacation to Hilton Head planned. However, with Hurricane Dorian wreaking havoc, my dad didn’t want to take the risk and we ended up in North Carolina again for our yearly family vaca. My family loves Asheville, NC and have vacationed there at least three or so times in the past handful of years. The art scene, the nature, and, of course, the delicious food are all reasons why we keep coming back and I, for one, am not mad about it!

Speaking of delicious food, we ended up at an amazing Japanese restaurant called Soba in Weaverville and it was literally to die for. Normally, I’m not the type of blogger who has to take a picture of every meal I eat. But, I had to be “that girl” because my noodle soup bowl was out of control crazy good. Check it out:

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^^^ Peep me using chopsticks correctly for a whopping one time!

Before our main course, my mom and I ordered avocado sushi rolls to share, which was a vegetarian delight. My mom has never tried sushi before and, although she used a nose running amount of wasabi, she enjoyed it as much as I did! For my meal, I went with the Thai Coconut Noodle Soup Bowl with tofu and absolutely no mushrooms, which are the bane of my existence. According to the menu, this entree was made up of: “Red peppers, mushrooms, cilantro, lemon, spicy sesame oil & vermicelli rice noodles in creamy coconut & lemongrass broth”.

I have never tried a noodle soup bowl and it was actually my second option because I really wanted Pad Thai but, unfortunately, their recipe was made with fish oil which made it a no can do for me. So, I ended up with the noodle soup bowl which was a total blessing because it was one of the best meals I’ve had in months. The broth was rich and flavorful, the veggies were crisp and fresh, and the soft tofu was bursting with the taste of the broth it was soaking in.

I love a good, Oriental cuisine and, sadly, my stomping grounds in Ohio are severely lacking in that department. Akron and the surrounding areas have a lot of chain restaurants without much diversity so, when I can have an ethnic meal, I revel in it. I absolutely adored the bold flavors featured at Soba and it was nice to have a lot of vegetarian options to choose from, instead of having to opt for the veggie burger which happens at basically every Ohio restaurant ever, lol. *massive eyeroll*

If you find yourself close to Weaverville in North Carolina, definitely do yourself a favor and have a meal at Soba. The restaurant was cute and clean, the service was outstanding, and the food will blow your mind. 🙂

What is your favorite kind of food to eat? What kind of restaurants do you live by? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep30

September 2019 Finishes

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September 2019 Finishes

Howdy! We’ve reached the end of another wonderful month here on lifewithlilred and that means it’s time to discuss my monthly empties. I used up some really good stuff this past month. Stuff that I’ve been using for forever, stuff that took me a short amount of time to finish, and just stuff in general! So take a look and let’s get to it:

sept

Would I Use Again:

  • Softsoap Citrus Splash & Berry Fusion body wash: YES
  • Yes To Cotton micellar water: NO
  • IGK Mistress leave in conditioner: YES
  • Clinicals Anti-Aging Vitamin C facial oil: YES

Why/Why Not:

Softsoap Body Wash: As you all know, I am a huge Softsoap fan. The brand is cheap as can be but all of their body washes smell amazing, they lather well, and are always so damn invigorating during my morning shower. The little moisture beads are a nice touch, too! It takes me one month to use one bottle which includes daily use and a weekly bubble bath and at three bucks and change, I can definitely swing that.

Yes To Micellar Water: My mom got this bottle of micellar water for me on sale and I was very unimpressed. I used up the bottle in a month because I wasn’t going to not finish it but I was happy to have been done! It just didn’t make my skin feel as fresh and clean as the Garnier micellar water and it was also not the best at removing all traces of makeup. I’m sure it’s significantly cheaper than the Garnier brand but I have a rule of thumb of not skimping on the good stuff when it comes to my skin care!

IGK Leave In Conditioner: I absolutely love this product by IGK! I have been using it for the past year or so and I honestly don’t think that I could live without it. The Mistress leave in conditioner smells so good, it smooths out all of my frizz, it makes my hair shiny, and it protects my locks from the heat. Does your leave in conditioner do that? Although the price is steep at twenty-nine bucks a tube, it takes me over six months to finish it up and, with all of that in mind, it is worth every penny.

Clinicals Serum: What I love about skin care products with Vitamin C in it is that I can always see noticeable results from it. My skin glows and is radiant without having to break the bank on an expensive treatment. I really enjoyed using the Vitamin C serum by Clinicals. It sat well under makeup and I loved how my skin looked and felt after each use. My only qualm with this product is that the serum was in a spray bottle, which I didn’t like because I felt like I had to use a ton of it to get full coverage on my face and neck. Despite that, it still took me one month to use up the bottle.

With a seventy-five percent success rate, I’d say I did pretty good with my empties for the month of September! I would recommend all of the products that I liked above but definitely stay clear of the Yes To Cotton micellar water!

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

Sep29

If The Shoe Fits: Formentini Heeled Boots Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Formentini Heeled Boots Edition

Hello! It wouldn’t be the fall season without purchasing a new pair of boots, which was the last item on my list during my fall haul at TJMaxx. Despite a few pairs that I sort of liked, none of them did it for me so returns were made and, although I have a ton of boots, I felt like I was empty handed. That is, until my beautiful new taupe suede darlings by Formentini came along. Check it out:

formform3form1form2

Although the light colored suede of these boots might not be the most practical come winter time, I am totally okay with only sporting them in the fall. They include everything that I love in a boot like the high shaft, a bit of rocker embellishment, a good heel, and *most importantly*, the fact that the heel is covered with suede as opposed to plain old rubber.

I absolutely despise when a gorgeous shoe is destroyed by a thick, chunky rubber heel and refuse to buy the boots if they have that major character flaw. I am obsessed with creating long lines when it comes to dressing my bottom half and such an abrupt breakup in the flow from color to rubber definitely ruins the illusion of legs for days.

At one hundred smackers, these boots hit right at my cut off point for when I am buying a new pair. I believe in shelling out for clothes, shoes, and accessories of high quality as well as for things that I really like. And, these Formentini knee highs met all of these requirements and then some because of all of the exciting styling possibilities.

I am very much looking forward to wearing my new boots over knitted tights along with sweet long sleeved dresses this fall. They will also look charming with A-line skirts and a peacoat or topper jacket that will hit just at the top of the shaft for an OOTD perfect for keeping you warm but still chic once the cold weather strikes. Love it!

How do you prep your wardrobe for a change in the weather? What is your favorite type of boot? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep28

Hats Off: Lefenice Newsboy Cap Edition

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Hats Off: Lefenice Newsboy Cap Edition

Hi hi! If you are a fashionista like myself, then I am sure that you have seen the classic Meryl Streep and Anne Hatheway movie The Devil Wears Prada more than a few times. I absolutely adore it and will watch it every chance I get. The actors, the fashion, the fashion, the fashion – it’s just perfect and I will never forget going to see it in theaters with my mom, sister, and late grandma and gabbing about our favorite outfits on the way out.

Although my style is definitely more Emily Blunt in TDWP, Anne’s character, Andy, turns into quite the it girl herself after a much needed transformation. And, my latest Hats Off purchase seen below is inspired by one of her killer OOTDs. Check it out:

hats2hats1dwp

See the resemblance?!

I am a huge fan of hats but have never owned a newsboy cap before. This is certainly not due to a lack of desire for one but because I have never found just the right cap for me. I found this Lafenice number on TJMaxx’s online site, big surprise, and I went with it even thought I wasn’t completely sold on the idea. But, this mild hesitation was squashed the moment I took it out of the box and placed it upon my crowning glory. I love the tweedy grey and yellow pattern, the small flower embellishments, and, mainly, that it gives me such TDWP vibes so hard.

Like Andy in TDWP, I plan on wearing my newsboy cap with peacoats, of course. But, also with my new white faux fur jacket to add a touch of mod to such a posh piece. This cap will also look especially charming with a smart black blazer and skinnies for an updated take on a more menswear style for women. Not only is this new hat versatile, but it is also nice and warm and will keep me feeling cozy all fall and winter long!

Who else is a fan of The Devil Wears Prada? What is your favorite OOTD from that movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah