Feb28

Social Media Tips & Tricks

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Social Media Tips & Tricks

Hii everyone! Last week, I enjoyed spending some time at my old high school talking about lifewithlilred and social media with the students in the Theater Arts Career Academy (TACA). The TACA program was something that I attended back in the day and I still keep in touch with the wonderful teacher who was in charge of the program.

A few weeks ago, he posted a link to my blog on the TACA Facebook page, and I was so flattered! So, I offered to come in for a visit and teach the students about some social media dos and dont’s, especially since all of them are applying for colleges and part time jobs. I was also able to share information on initially setting up social media pages, including how to get sms online verification without using your main details to further protect your identity. We had a great discussion and some of the students even took notes, which I thought was so cute!

You can read some of the key points that we talked about below but, bear in mind, that I came up with these according to their age group. However, a lot of these tips apply to many, especially if they work in the world of freelance, like writing or theater! Let’s get to it:

No Partying, Please:

Ohhhhh my goodness. This one should go without saying, but I’ll repeat it again. If you are underage (And, frankly, even of age!), no one wants to see pictures of you getting wasted. No one wants to see pictures of the ten bag of weed you just bought. And, no one wants to hear your drunk Facebook babbles… Although, those can be pretty funny.

Employers and colleges, alike, are not keen on any of the above behaviors, because it all has the potential to reflect poorly on your work. And, if you think that employers and colleges aren’t checking your social media pages, then you are living under a rock. Maintaining a squeaky clean image is important for future successes and it all starts with your social media pages.

Stay Clear Of Controversy:

We are living in a politically charged world right now and so many people have the mindset that if your opinion is different, then you are an automatic enemy. Who’s to say that your future bosses and deans are going to be any different? This is not saying to not have an opinion but, if you are posting really radical points of view, you might be shooting yourself in the foot, so to speak.

I’ve heard from many friends who work with talent agencies that political and religiously driven posts are a no no if you are working for them. And, all posting that type of info does is create arguments on your page, laden with profanity and off color remarks. Do you really want that featured on your profile if people who could benefit your future are looking at it? Not so much.

If you absolutely must share your opinion, talk about it over coffee with your friends. Put it in an argumentative essay. Or, maybe join a debate club. But, social media is not the best place for it.

Spread Positive Gossip:

Spreading good news about yourself is far different from bragging, as long as you approach it properly. If you are proud of your volunteer project, invite your friends to join. If you nailed an audition for a play, let the people know! Sharing the good stuff that is happening to you is far better than being a Debbie Downer on your page.

And, I get it, the world is not sunshine, rainbows, and puppies. But, searching for the positive in a not so great situation shows that you have a great attitude, which is an asset to any business or college campus. An example that I gave for turning a negative post around, was when I was driving to school and I spilled my coffee on literally everything but my white shirt. I was pissed about my coffee but, how lucky was I that a crisp white shirt didn’t suffer an unfortunate stain?! It’s all about perspective, baby!

Pick The Right Profile Pic:

I think that it is so important to have a profile picture that is easily recognizable as you. And, by this, I mean that the picture should be the version of you that people are most likely to see if they run into you on the street. So, if you got glammed up for prom, that’s probably not your best choice. And, if you took a selfie while you were sick in bed, that isn’t a good option, either. Choose a picture that you would like future employers or professors seeing. And, always make sure that the picture is just of you. Nobody wants to guess who you are in a group photo!

I was happy with how receptive the students who I talked with were about these ideas. And, all of them agreed on these tips making sense, being helpful, and something that they could implement on their social media pages. I felt really proud of that and I am happy that I had the opportunity to spread some knowledge at my old school. 😀

What are some of your social media tips and tricks? What is your preferred social media platform? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb27

These Are My Confessions…

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These Are My Confessions…

Hiiiii everyone! I have to confess… after close to two months post break up with my most recent ex, I made a Tinder… and a Bumble, too. Lol, *Facepalm Emoji* But, damnit, I just couldn’t help it. All of my single lady friends encouraged me to make one, as they have one, as well, so I figured “why not”?

In a social media world, it can be difficult and even damn near impossible to meet someone the old fashioned way. And, for me, it feels even harder considering I am self employed. I have no coworkers and the people who I do work with have special needs so getting my flirt on while on the job is a NO, as I’m responsible for someone else at the time. It’s just not a good look.

At twenty-four, I’m over the going to the bar stage of my life. And, because my working week keeps me so busy, my weekends are normally spent recouping from that. So, how in the HECK do I meet someone?! Hence, I downloaded Tinder… and Bumble. -___-

I haven’t had a Tinder since I was nineteen and, I have to say, it is exactly what I remember it being. AKA, swiping through a bunch of pictures of guys holding up fish. Lolol, seriously! I’ve never seen so many fish pictures in my life. And, because I am anti-fishing, it’s always a no, no, no.

AND, if it’s not fish pictures, it’s pictures of a huge group of people. How am I supposed to figure out who you are if your profile picture is of your entire graduating college class?! No, no, no siree BOB. I thought that maybe Bumble would be a little different and I liked the idea that the girl had to contact the person who you matched with. But, it’s literally the exact same as Tinder.

In fact, I have seen so many of the same fish pictures on Bumble as I have on Tinder and I just can’t take it! Does anyone else notice this?! I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!! I’ll admit, that I have absolutely NO idea where I was going with this post, but I really felt like I needed to get all of that off of my chest, so thanks for listening! Lololol WOOF.

How do my single friends meet people? Who has had some success on any of the dating apps? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Week Adjourned

Feb26

February 2019 Finishes

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February 2019 Finishes

Hi! The itty bitty baby month of February is nearing an end, so it’s time to chit chat about the products that yours truly used up this month. There were quite a few good ones in my February finishes that I would happily use again. One in particular, was a serum that has been getting a lot of attention on my page so I take it that all of you liked it, too! Take a look at my empties and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

LPM Shower Creme: I found a half used bottle of this Orange Blossom scented shower creme in my stock pile, so I figured that I would use it up. Obviously, it was pretty disappointing, because I definitely wouldn’t use it again. Shower cremes are supposed to be moisturizing and this one dried my skin out so badly. It didn’t lather well and I had to use a lot to feel clean. The one thing that I was most looking forward to was the Orange Blossom scent, because it sounded so lovely. And, unfortunately, this product didn’t really smell like anything. Whomp whompppp.

TBS Face Mask: The Honey & Oat face mask from The Body Shop is one of my favorites. Its creamy texture is so nourishing, but the flakes of oats give it some exfoliating power. This combination helps get all of the dead skin and gunk off of your face but it leaves it absolutely glowing with peaches and cream perfection. I also got over ten uses out of one container, which is a great value.

B&BW Lotion: Ahhhhh, the Golden Pear & Brown Sugar scent is SO yummy! The warmth of the brown sugar paired with the softest hint of a juicy pear made this a lotion that I actually wanted to put on, which rarely happens. I got a one and a half full body use out of the travel size and I would love to have this scent in a full sized bottle, for sure.

Azure Lux Serum: I have had SO many people coming to my page to check this serum out and I hope that all of you liked it as much as I did, because I friggen LOVED it! This serum had gold flakes in it and it left my skin so radiant that I just want to take a bath in it… That’s how much I enjoyed it. It also took me at least three months to finish it. Now, if only I could find some more!

Garnier Cleanser: I got this mini micellar foaming cleanser FO FREE with a bottle of Garnier micellar water and it was okay. It did an okay job of removing my makeup and it felt okay and it was a very average cleanser. It didn’t foam very well, though, which is too bad considering that’s in the name of the cleanser and I loves me a foaming cleanser. This mini size took me about a week and a half to finish, which is pretty good. I definitely wouldn’t use it again unless I got it for free.

My February finishes were a mixed bag, but that’s okay, because the ones I liked were ones I liked a lot, which makes up for it! Now, hopefully I can find some more Azure Lux serum at TJMaxx soon…

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

Feb25

Accessory Story: New Sunnies Edition

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Accessory Story: New Sunnies Edition

Hiiii everyone! I know that after my last post about the fifty cent sunglasses I got from the thrift store, I vowed to never purchase sunnies for over ten bucks again. But, sadly, seventy-five percent of my sunglasses collection has broke in the past year, because all of them are old AF. Seriously, I’ve had some of these pairs since high school, so it’s no wonder that the ones that are almost a decade old have been snap, crackle, and popping their way into the trash can.

So, needless to say, I really needed a reup of shades and, although the two pairs I picked out from TJMaxx were slightly over my ten dollar budget, I am so happy with them! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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As you can probably tell, I am a huge fan of huge sunglasses. Don’t get me wrong, I love the teeny tiny pairs, too. But, nine times out of ten, I opt for a pair that’s big enough to cover half of my face. To me, there’s something so glamorous about big shades and, although my life is far from luxurious, it’s nice to play pretend!

The big frames are a Lil Red must, and so is a more muted color palette when it comes to my sunnies. Huge shades in a bright color would like a little much with my bright red hair and lipstick, so I like to go for the tortoise patterns, blacks, and browns. Both the Sam Edelman and Tahari pairs that I purchased feature a tortoise hue, which makes their size chic instead of cartoon-y and I am so looking forward to wearing them once the sun finally makes an appearance in Ohio. Now, here’s to hoping that they don’t break! #fingerscrossed

Do you prefer large or small sunglasses? What does your favorite pair of shades look like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb24

Accessory Story: Michael Kors Necklace Edition

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Accessory Story: Michael Kors Necklace Edition

Howdy! When it comes to jewelry, I either really like it or completely hate it. There’s no happy medium. And, when I choose to wear it, I pile it on so much that I would surely sink if I took a trip to the ocean. I rarely buy jewelry, because I have quite the collection from my beloved grandma and from when I would spend my money more frivolously. But, trust and believe that when I do find a piece that I like enough to buy, I have every intention of wearing it constantly. Like the Michael Kors necklace below, for example:

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I would never consider myself one who would obsess over labels but, I do really really like Michael Kors. Ever since religiously watching Project Runway when I was young, I fell in love with his simple but oh so chic brand. From his clothing to accessories, everything looks so sharp and crisp and that’s something that I try to emulate in all of my looks. I only own one pair of shoes from this coveted brand so, needless to say, I admire everything that TJMaxx has in stock by him from afar.

So, why would I go ahead and purchase a fifty dollar necklace if I look but never buy? Because I know a good deal when I see one! The original price of this necklace was one hundred and twenty-five bucks, so I felt like I was getting it for a steal. And, of course, I absolutely LOVE it and sometimes you’ve just gotta treat yoself!

I am a flashy girl and gold jewelry speaks to me. And, this Michael Kors lock necklace had a lot to say. I love the blingy golden yellow color and the length of the chain. The darling little lock makes it sweet, but the almost gaudy color and past my belly button length chain makes it a statement. But, like all of the pieces in Michael Kors’ collections, it makes a statement while somehow still maintaining that touch of elegant simplicity and I am living for it.

I have worn my new necklace almost daily since I bought it and the compliments have been pouring in. This is nice, but I like the fact that it reminds me of a wonderful Sunday afternoon spent shopping with my beautiful mother even more! ❤

What is a brand that you admire from afar? What is your favorite style of jewelry to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb23

Aveeno Positively Radiant Overnight Hydrating Facial Review

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Aveeno Positively Radiant Overnight Hydrating Facial Review

Hellooo everyone! As we all know, Lil Red is a sucker for skin care and is always up for trying new products. So, whenever my mom or sister gets something new, I have to borrow it to 1) Test it out and 2) Put it on the blog. Sometimes, the products are amazing and other times they are ehh… not so much. Unfortunately, the overnight moisturizer by Aveeno that I just tried out missed the mark by a long shot. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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Although I don’t use them as often as I would like, I enjoy a good overnight mask or moisturizer. A product that puts in work while you sleep is the best. And, it’s even better when you wake up and your skin feels awesome and you did literally nothing but catch some Z’s to make it that way. So, of course, I was excited to try this Aveeno moisturizer out, because who doesn’t like overnight results?

Sadly, I could tell that I didn’t like this moisturizer as soon as I put it on. The texture was way too thin and gel like to feel nourishing and, by the time I went to bed, it already seemed to have absorbed into my skin. I woke up the following morning and my face felt tight and so parched for hydration, which is the polar opposite of what any overnight product should do.

I was a bit disappointed, because Aveeno is a good brand and I was looking forward to trying it out. I’m not sure if the reaction my skin had was a fluke or what but, because it left my face feeling so dry, I would not recommend this product based on that alone. At least this was something that I didn’t buy! 😀

What is your favorite overnight product? How do you keep your skin hydrated during the winter? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb22

Lacking Motivation For Your Blog? Get Your Mojo Back!

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Lacking Motivation For Your Blog? Get Your Mojo Back!

Hi! Maintaining a blog is hard work. Creating content, staying relevant, and letting your presence on social media platforms be known can be a daunting task. With so much to do, it’s easy to throw in the towel – especially if you’re lacking motivation or are suffering from a case of writer’s block. So what can you do to get your mojo back, baby? So glad you asked!

Create A Schedule:

My writing schedule is crucial to the maintenance of my blog. I am such a schedule oriented person and if I falter from that, my day just seems off. Because I post new content daily, I write my next pre-written article around eight or nine every morning. This works for me. But, you need to create a schedule that works for you and stick with it. This could mean writing every other day or once a week. Create your schedule and let it be known on your blog when new content will be posted, which will hold you accountable.

Treat Yoself:

The reward system is a great way to gain some motivation for a blog post. I do this as often as I can afford! If I’m hankering for a treat for myself, I think of it as a new article on my blog. This could be a swatch post with the lipstick you just bought or an OOTD with the clothes that you couldn’t pass down at your favorite store. We’re only human, and sometimes we need a little incentive to do what needs to be done. With a reward, you get something new along with something to talk about on your blog. Just spend wisely, please!

Enjoy Yourself:

Blogging should first and foremost be fun. If you’re genuinely struggling to write and it seems more like a chore than a pleasure, then there is no shame in taking a break. Don’t beat yourself up about it and get back on the horse when you’re ready. The blogging community is a supportive one and we will be so happy to see you upon your return.

Of course, there is something to be said for just powering through and creating content despite not feeling good about it. And, sometimes, this can be really helpful. Once the juices start flowing a few articles in, you’ll wonder why you ever stopped at all. This is my preferred method of dealing with a lack of motivation and I always find myself feeling better after I’ve sat down and written something for my readers.

Open Your Eyes:

Writing is all about finding something that excites you during your day to day life. Whether it be the gorgeous floral arrangements at the market or taking a brisk hike through the woods, find what gives you that little spark and hone in on it. What did you feel? What were your surroundings like? The noises? The smells? Take note of it and create from there. When I’m out and about, I am constantly scanning what’s around me, because an idea for a blog post could be there if you know to look for it.

Motivation makes all of the difference when it comes to maintaining your blog and hopefully this post gave you some inspiration to keep the ball rolling! 🙂

How do you stay motivated as a blogger? What do you do when you have a case of writer’s block? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: TeamBonding

Feb21

Feeling Off? 4 Simple Steps To Getting Back On Track

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Feeling Off? 4 Simple Steps To Getting Back On Track

It happens to most of us, doesn’t it? Whether it’s due to stress at work, home, or something of our own accord that has skidded down a slippery slope, we have all had a wobble with our overall well being at one time or another. And, if you have been lucky to have not hit a sticky patch in your life so far, you’ve probably been close to someone who has to some degree.

It’s not the greatest feeling in the world, as we know, and it’s not the easiest place to escape from. Even if you’re at a stage where you’re struggling to overcome the obstacle in your life, and others are telling you that it’s much simpler than you think, it’s understandable that you still can’t quite crack the code. Something so very annoying and confusing can be unlocked, however, but things like this take time, and the solution won’t arrive straight away. Here are a few simple things to think about when trying to improve your overall health:

Make A Plan:

It doesn’t have to be the most complex of plans. It can be a simple as a weekly routine that could keep you organized so that you know what to do at certain times. For example, if you’re looking to clear up your eating habits, you can jot down a certain rigid time that you’ll eat every day. Keeping a scheduled routine can help you to worry less and also feel as though you’re heading on the right track to achieving your goal.

Getting Back On Track And Staying There:

We’ve talked about the idea of realization and preparation, and now it’s time to act on what you’ve been preparing for. Taking that concrete step into the world of a new diet, mindset, or into a stage of recovery may seem scary, but it’s more comfortable than you think. It could merely be a change in calories or as big a move as biting the bullet and getting help from drug and alcohol rehab centers. This step could take you into your new life and, when looking back, you might see it as the pivotal moment when things began to improve.

Nutrition:

Food! Getting the correct food into the body won’t just help you physically reach the stage you want, it’ll help you out mentally. Having knowledge of nutrition in your life can save you. It doesn’t have to be a strict routine of every health food known to man – you can have a cheat day once a week to keep moral nice and high!

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 That salad looks so good!

Getting Enough Exercise:

Exercise is often played up as the ultimate killer of mental health problems – while that’s not entirely true, it’s still a significant factor in tackling some of the issues and creating overall happiness. It’s, of course, also very beneficial to your body and, if you want to keep that ticker going for as long as you can, getting the blood pumping from even the most moderate of walks around the block can help.

The post New Year’s Resolution funk or a current rough patch can make us feel tired and just downright blah. Use the tips above to help get yourself back on track!

 Featured Image By: Unsplash

Feb21

All Time Favorite Enchilada Recipe

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All Time Favorite Enchilada Recipe

Hiii! It is no secret that your girl loves to eat and I enjoy a variety of different ethnic cuisine as long as it’s vegetarian. But, perhaps, my most favorite is Mexican food. The spice, the flavor, and heat – I just love it and I wouldn’t complain if that was the only type of food I could ever eat for the rest of my life. Recently, I had one of my favorite Mexican dishes that is quite simple but insanely delicious and I had to share it with all of my fellow foodies!

This recipe for Avocado & Cashew Enchiladas is from The New Moosewood Cookbook. Enjoy!

Avocado & Cashew Enchiladas

  • 2 medium sized avocados
  • Juice from one lemon
  • 4 finely minced scallions
  • 1/2 cup finely minced parsley
  • 1 cup finely chopped cashews
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or firm yogurt
  • 1 medium clove of garlic, crushed
  1. Mash the avocados until they are smooth and add the lemon juice immediately.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
  3. Fill your tortillas and place on a pan sprayed with Pam.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.
  5. Top with your favorite salsa or enchilada sauce and dig in!

This recipe takes a whole ten minutes to make and the avocados and cashews provide a satisfying and relatively healthy filling. I feel so full after this enchilada meal and always can’t wait to eat it again the following day. 😀

What is your favorite type of food to eat? What are some of your favorite recipes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb20

Lil Red’s Fresh Face Tips & Tricks

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Lil Red’s Fresh Face Tips & Tricks

Hiii! Since I posted some no makeup selfies on Facebook and on the blog, I have had a lot of people inquire about my skin care routine. I have to say that I’m flattered, because I do take really good care of my skin and my complexion is something that I’ve always liked about myself. I have never had a pimple in my life, and I thank the stars for that. I always tell people that if I had to deal with acne during the major brunt of my mental health struggles during my teenage years, I honestly don’t know if I would be here today.

That sounds extreme, but it’s the truth. If skin problems was something that I was going through during teenager-hood (Which is completely normal!) on top of everything else, that might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back. So, from about freshman year on, I’ve stuck to a very strict skin care regimen and it works! And, now I am going to share some of my tips and tricks with all of you.

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1) Double Wash

I have been double washing my face during my morning showers for years and I think that is one of the main reasons for my clear skin. Depending on what products I have handy, I will use a regular old cleanser and then a scrub or a charcoal facial bar. I’m bad, and I don’t take my makeup off at night, so I know that I need some extra cleansing power to get all of the gunk off from the previous day. And, whether you take your makeup off or not, a double wash is still good to get off any grime or dead skin lingering around that the first wash doesn’t always remove.

If your skin is sensitive, then a second wash can be incorporated every other day or every third day to prevent yourself from drying out. And, make sure the products you’re using are creamy in texture. But, if your skin is normal or problematic, give yourself a daily double wash and see what happens!

2) Skin Care

I don’t have a magic face mask or home remedy, but I do have some skin care products that I couldn’t live without. After I double wash in the shower my skin care routine goes as follows:

Micellar water: I start with wiping my face down with micellar water to act as a toner and get my skin fully ready to make the best use of the next three products I apply.

Serum: A good serum is a must. I always recommend using something with Vitamin C, gold, or anything with the words “rejuvenating” or “revitalizing” in it. All of the previously listed things will help with brightening your skin, giving you a youthful glow. This is when you know your skin care is working right.

Eye cream: I’ve been using eye cream since high school and I swear by The Body Shop’s Nutriganics cream. Wrinkles, crows feet, and dark circles around your eyes can really age you, so it’s crucial to work in an eye cream to your regimen if you don’t have one already. It’s all about youthfulness, after all!

Moisturizer: And, finally, a moisturizer. This will complete your skin care routine by giving you a peaches and cream finish. But, do be sure that you’re not over hydrating your skin, which can lead to oiliness. It’s all about balance. If I’m using a thicker, oil based serum, I stick with a lighter moisturizer. But, if the serum I’m using at the time is thinner, then I go with a heavier moisturizer to make sure I’m still getting hydrated. Also, pay attention to the weather. You might have to go with a heavier moisturizer during the cooler months and something lighter during the summer.

3) Hydrate!

I’m sure everyone tells you this, but water, water everywhere is a must for glowing and clear skin. It helps detoxify your body and it keeps your skin from getting dried out. And, then, people wonder why they are having skin issues if all they do is drink sugary beverages all day. I try to drink at least three to four bottles of water a day. It’s great for your skin and it might help you lose a little weight, too. What could be better?!

4) Makeup Mindfulness

The last thing we will be talking about is makeup mindfulness. Be aware of what you’re using when you’re painting your face and notice the reaction your skin is having. No makeup should be making your skin feel oily or greasy. And, be careful of the amount you use on your face. When you really cake a foundation or powder on, it basically suffocates your skin and makes it very easy for gunk to get trapped in your pores.

This is not to say to walk around with no makeup on every day. And, if applying your makeup heavily is what gives you confidence, then do it up. But, just be on the look out for any changes in your skin. If you start breaking out or if you’re starting to feel oily, it might be your makeup that’s causing the problem.

Will the above tricks work for everyone? Maybe. But, they definitely work for me and I had to give the people what they asked for! So, hopefully they will come in handy for you, too.

What are some of your tips and tricks for clear skin? Will you be implementing any of the suggestions above? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah