May3

Victoria’s Secret Haul

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Victoria’s Secret Haul

Hi! For someone who loves to shop more than she loves herself most times, it’s crazy that I don’t go lingerie shopping frequently. But, lo and behold, it has been literal years since I bought myself new bras and panties. So, hitting up Victoria’s Secret during my last trip to the mall was an absolute must.

After working in the mall for over four years, I avoid it like the plague. Which probably explains why I am not at Victoria’s Secret as often as I would like. Because of that, I went a little wild and stocked up on some gorgeous bras and undies so that I won’t have to go to my old stomping grounds again for a good long while. Check it out:

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^^^ Soooo pretty!

It’s normally not like me to spend SO. MUCH. MONEY. in just one store but this was a special occasion. Not only was I able to get a reup on my lingerie hoard but I had awesome coupons to help the cause, which made me feel better. I got four free pairs of undies, a bra for thirty-five dollars, and a bra for thirty percent off. PLUS, my purchase on my Angel Card was worth five times the points that day, so I will get a gift card in the mail so that I can buy more stuff! 😀

As per ushe, I stuck to the Dream Angels collection for my bras, which is literally all I will wear forever and ever amen. It gives the perfect pushed up look without being a push up bra, they are supportive, and did you see how pretty they are?! There is absolutely nothing better than wearing a new bra. I forgot how great that sensation is, so I guess I’ll have to start shopping Victoria’s Secret more often!

Where do you shop for lingerie? How do you shop smart at Victoria’s Secret? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May2

Trends To Try This Summer

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Trends To Try This Summer

2019’s Spring/Summer trends are all about female empowerment. Whether it’s bright, neon colors, chic biker shorts, or retro tie-dye, big name designers and high street brands have been sure to use their platforms to inspire, motivate, and champion women.

Longer skirts, fluid shapes, and comfortable tailoring were key elements of Givenchy’s, Burberry’s, and Valentino’s collections, with Loewe and The Row also showcasing flattering cuts and relaxed outerwear options. With an added emphasis on empowerment, designers are giving control back to the women wearing their clothes. S/S 2019 trends are adaptable, comfortable, and confidence-boosting, which means they’re a realistic option for everyone.

A wide selection of trends ensures great variety on the high street, so take a look at our top picks and choose which trends you’ll be trying this summer:

Beige is back:

Featured by Dior, Givenchy, and Max Mara, amongst others, beige is making a big comeback this season. If you think beige is boring, think again. Laying different shades, using different fabrics and incorporating pink-hued pastel beiges is a great way to stay on trend this summer.

Create a soft, feminine look with pink-toned beige in silk or tulle, or go for a more utilitarian, authoritarian style with a deeper beige, bordering on khaki. Teamed with Alias Mae boots or Dr Martens from Platypus shoes, it’s easy to create a unique, powerful style with this year’s top color.

Top Handle Bags:

Easy to carry and more functional than ever, top handle bags are bound to be a big hit this summer. The sheer number of variations in style, fabric, and texture ensure that you can find the perfect top handle bag for work, formal wear, or a simple day at the beach. Try a top handled leather piece for a city chic look or a woven bag for an easy-going, relaxed style.

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Peep that purse!

Neon is in:

Loud, vibrant colors are a hit this summer and you can incorporate neon into any outfit effortlessly. While the current trend of 80’s glitz and glam gives you the perfect opportunity to rock a solid block neon dress, there are subtler ways of making a statement if the all over neon look is a little too much. Layer a thin neon sweater with a chic black blazer to keep on trend at work or opt for a neon dress in a soft fabric like lace to create the perfect evening outfit.

Get sporty:

Known as athleisure, sports-inspired chic is all over the place this summer. Cycling shorts may be the must-have item, but if you’re not sure you can get away with Lycra bicycle shorts at work, incorporate the latest sea, skate, and surf styles with shell tops, anklets, and a pair of sunnies. Team with a midi skirt and flats at work or opt for relaxed tie-dye if you’re off-duty.

Animal prints:

Leopard print has caught our eye again and many of this year’s must-have pieces feature this classic print. From full-length print dresses and button-down shirts to utility boots and handbags, leopard and python are the big animal prints for this season. Available in a variety of colors, they can be paired with an array of other pieces to create a classic, yet up-to-date, stylish look. Easy to incorporate into any outfit and suitable for any occasion, use animal prints to showcase your style and you can’t go wrong.

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Pexels Image

Make the most of this year’s trends:

Using the latest fashions and staying on trend is a great way to feel in control, stylish, and sophisticated. With great pieces available from designers and high street retailers, there’s bound to be a few new additions to your wardrobe this year for your chicest summer yet!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May2

Who Wears Short Shorts?

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Who Wears Short Shorts?

Hi! One trend that I could never and will never get into is all high waisted everything. Don’t get me wrong, it looks super cute on some people, but me? Not so much. As a petite girl at 5’1, high waisted clothing makes me look really short and makes my ass look REALLY flat. Which is so not okay because, I hate to brag, but over a decade of figure skating has blessed me with a behind that is definitely above average. In conclusion, high waisted and I just don’t get along.

When this trend became popular five or so years ago, it has become increasingly difficult to find shorts that are a normal rise. It seems like every store that I go to only has high waisted shorts that honestly seem like a yeast infection waiting to happen because they go so far up into the nether regions. No thank you!

Before a recent trip to the mall, it felt like the odds were stacked against me in finding some shorts for summer that are a normal rise. I was kind of nervous, actually, because I haven’t bought shorts in forever so it needed to happen. The first boutique style store I went into was a bust. Literally all they had was high waisted shorts. And, just so no one could say I didn’t try, I even tried a pair on.

Spoiler Alert!

It was exactly what I expected it to be. My ass looked flat as a pancake and my torso and legs looked insanely stumpy. Not a good look. I was about to leave after the disappointing fitting room session in the boutique because I had already made purchases at other stores and figured that I could try again later. But, then, I decided to go to American Eagle Outfitters.

I have always really liked the way that AEO jeans fit me and I thought that they might have more options for shorts with a normal rise. And, my instinct was correct, because I was able to find two cute, normal rise shorts at buy one get one half off! Check it out:

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It was such a relief going into AEO and seeing an entire table of normal rise shorts, which I feel like never happens anymore. I was able to select from a bunch of different styles and colors and, for once, short shopping didn’t suck. These new shorties from American Eagle fit me just right, make me look fine from behind, and I don’t need to worry about having a permanent wedgie from a high rise. Score!

Do you prefer a normal, high, or mid rise when it comes to your clothes? What is a trend that you wish would go away or start up again? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May1

The Ultimate Guide To Making Your Puppy Feel At Home

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The Ultimate Guide To Making Your Puppy Feel At Home

It doesn’t matter whether you are the proud new parent of a miniature schnauzer pedigree pup, a labrador puppy, or a young rescue mutt. The chances are, that you want your new addition to feel welcome in his new home. Being taken away from his mom and siblings at a mere eight weeks of age is traumatic enough, but now he has to get used to a whole new environment and set of people. The least you can do is to try and make this transition as easy as possible. Take a look at how you can make your little pupster feel at home quickly:

Talk To The Breeder:

Just like human beings, dogs show their personalities from a young age. Although still a puppy, your pet will have likes and dislikes that only his breeder will know. It pays to have a conversation with them so you can carry on some sort of routine. Check when the feeding schedule is, what food he enjoys, and the sorts of toys he likes chewing. With any luck, the breeder will give you a blanket or small bed with his mom’s scent on to ease his transfer into your home. You might get a small selection of chew toys, puzzle games, and a collar. A good breeder will always want the puppy you are welcoming into your home to feel at home straight away.

Buy A Quality Bed:

When a puppy first arrives at your home, be ready for him to go exploring. Your new family member will be sussing out his surroundings and trying to work out whether it is a safe space for him or not. Make sure that you buy a high quality bed. You could choose a tweed dog bed or a cushioned nylon type. Don’t opt for the soft fluffy type as these will get chewed up immediately. Place it somewhere in the room that you will be most of the time and see if he settles on it. Marking his territory by claiming his bed will make him feel secure and make that first night sleeping somewhere new a little bit easier.

Crate Training:

While the idea of placing your dog in a crate at night sounds like punishment, you are actually creating a safe space for him that is solely his. No one will intrude on this space, and he can retreat there whenever he wants some downtime, if he’s feeling tired, or if he’s feeling anxious. The crate can be used for training as well as a place to sleep overnight. If you are toilet training, you can place your little buddy in there for enforced rest, but only for a couple of hours at a time. Fill it with toys, a blanket, some chews, and water. Make it cozy and inviting and he will see it as his little den.

When you get a puppy, it’s vital that you are prepared. Make sure the whole family knows the ground rules and that you’re working together to make your new hound a member of the family. Before long, you will forget what life was like before you had him.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May1

What To Do If Your Pooch Won’t Eat

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What To Do If Your Pooch Won’t Eat

As any seasoned dog owner will tell you, there will come a time when your precious pooch won’t want to eat. It’s unusual for dogs to refuse food – especially since they are connoisseurs of the toilet bowl and garbage can – but it can happen.  So what should you do if your pooch won’t eat?

Step 1: Find Out If Your Dog Is Sick

The most likely reason a dog won’t eat is that it’s feeling under the weather. Upset stomachs, teething problems, and infections can all lead dogs to lose their appetite. If your dog usually runs towards food with reckless abandon but has suddenly become a lot less excited about stuffing its face, then illness is the most likely scenario. Go to your vet, explain what’s happened, and get them to perform an examination. The vet will check your dog’s teeth to rule out tooth or periodontal infections (which might make them unwilling to chew), and other infections and blockages in their stomachs. Usually, once the vet sorts out the problem, your pooch’s appetite will return.

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:*)

Step 2: Stop Feeding Your Dog Junk

A fussy dog is a rare thing. But it can happen sometimes. If you read Freshpet dog food reviews, you find all sorts of examples of dog owners struggling to get their pets to eat their chow. Dogs, like people, work around set mealtimes; they need to go without food for a few hours in between meals to feel hungry enough to munch down whatever is put in front of them.

Many dog owners, however, have a habit of feeding their pooches between meals, discouraging eating come dinner time. Imagine if the roles were reversed. Let’s say that you had a bag of All Bran that you had scheduled for dinner, but your dog kept feeding you cheesecake, steak, and cookies all afternoon. Would you still be so keen on the All Bran? Probably not. The delectable dishes cooked up by your dog would be so tasty that cardboard-like cereal would be a massive disappointment. You’d rather just wait until the next time your dog got in the kitchen and rustled up something delicious.

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Stick with dog food!

Step 3: Check Your Dog Food

Sometimes, though, your dog has a legitimate reason for rejecting its chow: it’s out of date. Take a look at the label on the dog food to make sure that you’re not serving up feed that’s a year past its best. It’s also a good idea to experiment with dog food. Manufacturers could change the ingredients, making it less appealing or nutritious and discouraging consumption. Or they could have changed the flavor, creating something that is genuinely repugnant, even to dogs. Remember, dogs will avoid food that upsets their digestive tracts.

Step 4: Boost The Flavor

Dogs, like people, want their food to taste good. If it doesn’t, then it’s less appealing. If you’re still struggling to get your dog to eat, try including a bit of extra flavor, like some kitty kibble or chicken broth. Hopefully, that will get their salivary glands working overtime.

Follow the above tips and get your dog’s appetite back ASAP!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May1

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Little Mermaid Themed Bikini

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Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Little Mermaid Themed Bikini

Helloooo! So I shit you not, the last time I bought a bikini was damn near over six years ago. Crazy, I know. But, I don’t really like swimming because I hate getting my hair wet so it hasn’t been that big of a deal. However, with my apartment complex having a pool and the family going to Hilton Head this summer for vacation, I figured it was time for a new one. Joyyyyyyy because bikini shopping sucks, amiright or amiright?

BUT NOT THIS TIME!

I have had my eye on a bikini from Hot Topic for a few months now and I finally made my way to the mall to try it on over the weekend. And, by god, it worked! I literally tried it on once and I knew that it was a-okay, which NEVER happens. Check out this cuteness:

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When you’re a more busty girl, bikini shopping can be about a bitch. I only feel comfortable in bikinis that have bra like support and this Little Mermaid themed top definitely offered that. It fit shockingly well for a bikini top that wasn’t from Victoria’s Secret, which is where I figured I would end up purchasing one from. So not mad about it, though!

And, can we please talk about how darling the little skirted bottoms are?! I’ve always wanted bikini bottoms like these and they are just so perfect. The bikini set is sexy while still being adorable and with my red hair I feel like a punk rock Ariel ready to hit the pool!

I scored my new suit for just under forty bucks with Hot Topic’s buy one get one for ten dollar deal and I thought that this was a steal. While online bikini shopping at VS, just one bikini separate was at least forty dollars or more. For once, I am so excited about being seen in a bikini and I promise I will take some pics as soon as the pool opens! 😀

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

Featured Image By: Fashion Show

Apr30

Home Decor Tricks To Help You Relax In 2019

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Home Decor Tricks To Help You Relax In 2019

Whether you want to do a major overhaul of your home or just a simple design update, these easy and practical decor ideas are perfect this 2019 to add a relaxing esthetic to your space:

Add Natural Elements:

In today’s world, we’re constantly facing our computers and mobile devices so it would be nice to come home to a place with naturally relaxing elements. Even if you regularly take a walk in nature, it’s always good to have a touch of green around you. You can add houseplants and flowers in your urban home to incorporate nature and art pieces that feature the great outdoors or animals. Additionally, be sure to browse for decorative accessories that have earthy touches and are made up of soothing, natural colors like taupe, chocolate, and green. Wood furniture is also a great idea to make your home feel like an escape from our tech-obsessed world.

Use Furniture as Functional Decorations:

Speaking of furniture, it’s always smart and practical to choose pieces that can also serve as home decor. It’s a great way to save space and also make your home more interesting both for you and your guests. Pick a bookshelf with a material that complements your wall and flooring. Wood almost always goes well with anything but you can be more creative with modern-themed homes.

One of the best things you can add to your home this year is a mini wine fridge which can go in your kitchen, dining area, or your living room. Some wine coolers can be installed as part of an entire counter and some can stand alone and still add quite a statement in the room. You can keep your favorite wine bottles chilled at perfect conditions so you can offer them to your guests or have a glass yourself anytime you feel like it. Feeling relaxed now?

Reinvent Your Walls:

If you’re bored with your surroundings, adding some life into your walls can always make things more interesting. You can place a large-scale art piece in one area like an oversized painting or photograph. It can be a black and white photo if you want to be minimalist in your design or a vibrant abstract piece to energize the room. In other areas, you can also create a gallery wall, filled with photos from places you’ve traveled or interesting people you’ve met. Showcase a fabric on top of your bed’s headboard. This can be a tapestry or wall hanging with patterns which can add a sense of softness into the space.

Of course, wall art isn’t the only way to reinvent your walls. How about using books?! If you are interested in learning how to create a dark academia home the best place to start is with books. This could be with floating shelves, built in shelves, or shelving units that vary in height and size. A dark academia home is the ultimate in comfort as it invokes the feeling of cozying up in a leather armchair with a good book. Search for unique colors and binding for your books to add pops of visual interest for the best results.

Maximize Lighting:

Adding mirrors around your home is an old trick that works all of the time. It adds the effect of a larger space because the mirrors reflect light and spread it across the room. Another way to add more natural light is to open your windows or choose light curtains. Maximizing natural light in your home has a general positive effect both in your mind and body. It helps you relax easily and it also conditions your body to get to sleep when the sun goes down.

These are just a few cool decor tricks that you can do to make your home a more suitable place for rest and relaxation. So kick back and unwind in your newly decorated relaxation station!

Apr30

Lil Sephora Haul

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Lil Sephora Haul

Helloooo everyone! Within the past year or so, I have become absolutely addicted with shopping Sephora. Can you believe that there was a point in my life when I didn’t understand why people were so obsessed with it?! I used to think that it was so overpriced but, if you know how to shop their deals online, then you literally make out like a bandit with tons of free goodies and promotions.

Whenever I need a reup on my beloved Better Than Sex mascara, I always turn to Sephora’s website so that I can get some free swag with the things that I needed to purchase anyways. In my most recent haul, I grabbed two more BTS mascaras, my favorite highlighter in Sephora’s Golden Hour collection in Dusk, and three freebies. Take a look:

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The Haul:

  • 2 Better Than Sex mascaras by Too Faced
  • Golden Hour collection highlighter in Dusk by Sephora
  • Laura Mercier lipstick in Classic Red – FREE!
  • Daisy by Marc Jacobs perfume sample – FREE!
  • Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser sample – FREE!

Although I do love shopping Sephora online, it is sometimes disappointing to receive your package and see that the samples that you ordered were replaced with different ones. I originally chose a face mask and serum sample as my two freebies and got the perfume and cleanser, instead, most likely because the two I wanted were out of stock. It’s fine, but I’m not really a perfume girl and I can never tell if I like a cleanser by just one sample use. This has actually happened the past several times I ordered with Sephora and, believe me, I’m not mad about it. It’s just more annoying than anything.

Another unfortunate instance with this order was that the box for one of my mascaras was completely un-intact, which is a little disconcerting with makeup. I’m not worried about it, but it’s just not a good look to open your box and see one of the rather expensive mascara tubes just hanging out in there instead of in its package. Normally, Sephora’s packaging is on point and this was easily the worst overall order I’ve had since shopping with them.

Despite the hiccups with my freebie samples and the poor packaging, I am excited to try the Classic Red lipstick shade by Laura Mercier, which I got for free with a twenty-five dollar purchase. Be on the lookout for a swatch post for that soon. And, here’s to a better unboxing experience next time!

What is your favorite store to purchase makeup from? Which store offers the best freebies or rewards programs? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr29

April 2019 Finishes

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April 2019 Finishes

Hi! Another fun filled month has passed by on lifewithlilred with a lot of exciting stuff that has happened – namely my big move into my apartment. I thank all of you for being so supportive and offering me advice and encouragement, it has been so appreciated! I really have the best readers in the world. And, with the end of another month comes our usual empties post, so it’s time to go over the measly amount of beauty products that I finished up in April. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use Again?

  • Travel size lotions: MAYBE
  • The Body Shop Nutriganics eye cream: YES

Why/Why Not?

Mini Lotions: In my bath and body care hoard, I have an obscene amount of lotions that have been gifted to me or were freebies including the two above by CeraVe and Eufora. Both of these lotions absorbed quickly without being greasy and, because the CeraVe one was for babies, it was especially gentle which was nice after shaving. I wouldn’t go out of my way to by either of them again but I would use them if given the option.

TBS Eye Cream: We all know that I love me my Nutriganics eye cream and, sadly, it has been discontinued by The Body Shop. I am so upset about this because I’ve been using this cream for what feels like the past decade and the one that I bought from TJMaxx by Lanoline just isn’t cutting it. The Nutriganics eye cream was seriously the best. It was so gentle on the sensitive skin around the eyes but it was effective and sat well under makeup. I wish I could buy a ton in bulk so that I can continue my skin care journey with it, but it looks like that isn’t going to happen. Le sigh. 😦

April was a very underwhelming month for finishes and saying goodbye to an old beauty product companion is never easy. So, here’s to hoping for some fun products to discuss in May that won’t be discontinued in the near future! 😉

Which eye cream do you recommend? What is one of your favorite products that has been discontinued? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr28

More Pictures & A Bonus OOTD

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More Pictures & A Bonus OOTD

Hiii everyone and welcome to the viewing of the rest of the pics taken for me by my dear friend, Markus! I really am in love with these photos and I feel like they captured both the essence of myself and lifewithlilred perfectly. Him and I definitely plan on taking more pictures together soon so be on the lookout for them! But, for now, check the rest of these out:

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Who? What? Wear?

For the more beauty related photos that Markus took for his school project, I went with an OOTD that was a little sweeter. And, nothing says sweet to me more than gorgeous florals like the pattern in my True Destiny top. I got this shirt from TJ’s about a half a year ago and I love it so much. The colors are bright and the structured torso against the over the top puffy sleeves create a lot of visual interest. Normally, I am not a huge flower girl, but this shirt definitely made me change my mind about that!

But, because Lil Red is an edgy gal, I had to pepper a little spice into the look with my faux leather skinnies by Blank NYC. And, for some extra sassafras, the “Blah, blah, blah” word bubble heels a la Lust For Life were a must. I am obsessed with these message heels and have three pairs but I thought the blue ones would be nice with the colorful palette on top. I topped this look off with a hat from my brother and sister in law for Christmas and I was camera ready. 😀

How do you add edginess to your OOTDs? How would you describe your style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah