May9

Welcome To My Crib: My Room Edition

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Welcome To My Crib: My Room Edition

Hi, MTV, and welcome to my crib! It has taken me a while to get a post up about the room where all of the magic doesn’t happen AKA my bedroom. Mainly, this is because my room is dark AF and it took me two weeks of being moved in to decide to assemble the lamp that I got to brighten things up. Lol, WHOOPS. Anyways, you guys have seen the amazing walk in closet that my room offers but you haven’t seen the rest – so take a look:

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Even with all of the lights on in my room and a huge skylight looking over it, it is still pretty dark so I am open to suggestions on how to fix that problem! But, other than that, I am in love with my loft space and the big open bedroom that it created. Obviously, the walk in closet is my favorite part but it’s so nice to have a large room to sprawl out in.

And, this includes my bed! Because I ball on a budget, I refused to buy a bigger bed. Rather, I just put the two twin ones from my family home together to make an ultimate mega bed. Surprisingly comfy and insanely roomy, there is nothing better than tucking myself into it every night!

Again, because I ball on a budget, almost all of the furniture in my room is from the family home. However, I purchased the gorgeous vanity, stool, and full length mirror from Abbey Ann’s along with my living room furniture. (PS: If you have a vanity but don’t have a matching stool, you could consider purchasing some classroom stools and customizing them as a cool DIY!) I have yet to do my makeup in front of the vanity like I intended because bad lighting but I still love it so much. And, I have always wanted a full length mirror like the one I purchased so they were both an amazing secondhand find. :’)

I am really proud of how my apartment is coming together and I am so happy that I got to share my Moving On Up journey with all of you. Thanks for reading!

How do you create good lighting in a dark space? How is your bedroom decorated? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May8

Simple Tricks For Unblocking Your Drain

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Simple Tricks For Unblocking Your Drain

Now that spring is here, it is the ideal time for us to look at cleaning the entire house to make a brand new start for the summer season. Spring cleaning is something we do once a year where the whole home is cleared out, tidied, and thoroughly cleaned, and it really makes life easier in the long run.

Today, we are going to have a chat about one specific part of your spring cleaning which can be a little tough: the drain. Our kitchen drain will often get clogged up with suds, food waste, and other deposits and it is up to us to clear this out so that the drain runs properly and doesn’t become blocked. You could use a Thrift drain cleaner, pipe cleaner and other methods to do this, and we are running through our top few methods today.

Before we begin, it is worth reminding all of you to DIY at your own risk. Sometimes, quick-fix methods do more harm than good. If you feel like the blockage in your drain is beyond your capabilities, call an expert in your area by searching online for “Blocked Drains Plumber Sydney” or wherever you reside to ensure a safe and effective solution. Now, let’s get to it:

Wire Hanger:

If you know that your drain is clogged up to the max and you need to fix the blockage right away, a bent wire hanger can be ideal. It is a simple but effective choice and it will allow you to fish and dig for different sediment and dirt which might be left in the drain. Once you’ve pulled out as much as you can, make sure to rinse with hot water.

Baking Soda and Vinegar:

One of the easiest ways to clean a drain is by using a simple chemical reaction found in the kitchen. By mixing ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup vinegar and pouring it down the sink, you will be able to watch a fizzing reaction which would put any science fair volcano to shame. This is a super easy way to clean your drain and all you need to do is leave it for 10 minutes and then rinse with hot water after.

The Wet & Dry Vacuum:

If you weren’t already aware of this, there is such a thing as a wet and dry vacuum which is used for situations just like this. If you have one, you can set your vacuum to wet and cover up your vent to the sink to allow dirt to be sucked up without any mess.

Boiling Water:

If you don’t like the idea of throwing a ton of different chemicals down the drain every time you want to wash it, then boiling water will be for you. Everything has a melting point and when we pour hot water into the drain, it will start to melt the grime and dirt and wash it away. Let the water work its magic for a few seconds between each pour and soon your drain will be as good as new.

Of course, none of these methods are foolproof and might only be slightly improving the clog. If you have utilized the skills to solve it yourself and it’s not getting any better, then it’s time to call in the pros. The team at lclplumbing.com.au (or a similar company in your local area) specialize in blocked drains and will get things back in working order the first time. This can save a lot of hassle and headache!

Caustic Soda:

For tough grease and grime which you cannot remove by regular means, this is one of the easiest ways to make sure that your drain is clean and tidy. To start, you will want to wear gloves as this is strong stuff and then mix 3 cups of caustic soda with ¾ gallon water. Stir well and pour into the drain before leaving for 30 minutes. Rinse with water.

Nothing is worse than a blocked drain, so clear it up with the simple methods above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May8

Lanoline Eye Serum: Do Not Use!

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Lanoline Eye Serum: Do Not Use!

Hellooo everyone! I feel like all of you know by now that when I start using a beauty product, I stick to it and finish it off until the bitter end – even if I’m not crazy about it. But, for this particular eye serum by Lanoline that I have been using, I just had to put my foot down and stop using it. It is the literal WORST and it would behoove all of you to not even consider using it on the delicate skin around your eyes. Smdh.

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I purchased this serum from TJMaxx back in January but didn’t begin using it until mid March or so. I can recall using it for the first time and it stung so badly. However, I was in the midst of seasonal allergies at the time, so I credited that sensation to my itchy eyes. So, I continued using the serum and assumed that my eyes would feel better soon. But, once my allergies subsided, I was still experiencing such dryness after each use with the serum that I would have to take my one a day contacts out and swap them for a new pair.

Although this serum was giving me grief, I tried to continue using it like an idiot. But, once I realized how low I was running on my contacts supply that should last me six months, I gave up that ghost. There was nothing soothing about this serum, despite what its packaging says, and it left my eye area stinging and feeling tight all day.

I am currently using an eye cream by Mokita now and could notice a difference in how my eyes felt after just one use. After this disappointing run with the Lanoline serum, I would never use any of their products again and, at the very least, I would tell all of you to not buy this serum even if it was the last one on earth!

What is a beauty product that you would never recommend? What type of eye serum or cream do you use? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May7

4 Alternative Ways To Feel Your Brilliant, Beautiful Best

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4 Alternative Ways To Feel Your Brilliant, Beautiful Best

It’s all too easy to fall into a bit of a slump. We’re not unhappy, far from it, but we’re not exactly walking the streets feeling our most brilliant, beautiful best. But why shouldn’t we? There are plenty of things that we have to do as adults, but it’s the fun things that we’re capable of that make life worth living. If it’s been some time since you were feeling fantastic about yourself, then take a look some of the tips that we’ve outlined below. You’ll be walking on cloud nine and find that you’re all-around able to better handle the humdrum aspects of everyday life:

Get Dressed Up:

There are few things better than getting dressed up and heading to the city for a night out. Alas, we only ever really do this when we’re celebrating a special occasion, at which point it’s not really something that we want to do, but something that we need to do. It’s much more fun and enjoyable to get dressed up and go out into the town for no other reason than that we want to live life to the fullest. So the next time you have a free weekend, hit the stores, get a new outfit, and go out to enjoy all the possibilities of an evening out.

Attend a Shoot:

We don’t get as many opportunities to really show off the sensual side of our personality. As such, it can feel like it’s forever just lying under the surface, just waiting to get out. So why not let it out? A boudoir photo shoot is a fantastic way to express yourself and always leads to an increase in confidence (just wait till you see how good you look). Book a photo shoot here and let your inner and outer beauty shine through. You’ll be walking high with confidence afterward!

Listen to Music:

There are some tracks that just make us feel good. Indeed, this is one of the fun things about music: it transports us, briefly, to another world, and allows us to explore sides of ourselves that are sometimes left dormant for too long. If you want to feel great about yourself, then there are few better ways than heading out to dance for the night. People can get put off by super clubs and the like (and understandably so), but there are plenty of more niche, focused dance halls in your area, too. Grab some friends and dance the night away.

Hit the Spa:

Our bodies take a bit of a beating as we go through life. Sometimes, the weariness begins to feel normal, but it’s not! It’s only after you hit the spa or do a spot of yoga, that you realize that your body can feel oh so much better. Treat your body well, and you’ll be comfortable, relaxed, and just as you were supposed to be.

Whatever you end up doing, make sure you do it with confidence and a smile on your face!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May7

WILSON!!!!!

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WILSON!!!!!

Hellooo everyone! Literal years ago, my sister and I visited Chicago together for a weekend trip. We ended up at a TJMaxx there with one of her friends and I ended up with a replica Wilson volleyball from the movie, Cast Away. Wilson has been a staple in my space ever since and has his own special spot on my bookshelf:

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^^^ Can you find him?!

While moving into my apartment, one of the movers from the company I hired noticed Mr. Wilson sitting in one of my boxes and asked me if I used to play volleyball. When I laughed and said no and asked him if he’s ever seen Cast Away he looked at me like I was a crazy person so I had to drop some knowledge on him. Can you believe that there are people who have never seen let alone heard of that masterpiece?! Smh.

I am still on a big movie kick at chez moi because no cable and no streaming services so imagine how happy I was to spot Cast Away at Target for FOUR DOLLARS. You’re not going to not buy it!

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^^^ Lol, I just can’t.

I’m pretty stoked about my latest purchase and I know that Wilson is ecstatic to be reunited with his rightful owner. An afternoon viewing of Cast Away with a glass of wine in hand is just what the doctor ordered on my next day off! 😀

What is a movie that you love that no one knows about? What is your favorite cult film? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May6

Welcome To My Crib: Balcony Edition

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Welcome To My Crib: Balcony Edition

Hi, MTV, and welcome to my crib! Today, we’re going to take a look at the lovely back balcony that my apartment offers. Despite its lack of furniture, which I promise I’m getting soon, it is still so nice to be on and enjoy the weather and the company of some little animal friends. Take a look:

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As you can see, I have some bird buddies who have made a home in the rafters of the balconies of myself and my neighbor. I’ll tell you what, nothing startles me more than when I’m standing outside and one of the tenants takes flight! It gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I’m hoping that I’ll see some deer in the wooded areas behind my apartment building at some point, too. #NATURE

Literally all I need to complete my balcony is some bright colored lawn chairs and I’ll be set. It’s a simple area but it’s one of my favorite parts about chez moi. Standing under the covering while it’s raining and breathing in the fresh air is good for the soul and I revel in it every chance I can get!

What type of furniture do you have for your outdoor areas? Do you have any animal companions that live in your yard? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May5

New Red & Orange Nails

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New Red & Orange Nails

Hi! I had a lovely morning of pampering earlier in the week. It was so nice! I got my hair cut first and then I headed off to Elysian Nails to get a much needed fill. I had the cutest nail tech named Kim fix up the talons and she was an absolute doll. AND she did an amazing job so I can’t wait to go back to her next month. Check out these fiery beauties she fixed up perfect for summer time:

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These nails are an absolute fiesta and I am so obsessed! After doing a sweet pink and gold for spring, I needed something with a pop and the only answer was a bright red to go with the promises of eighty degree weather in Ohio. These nails make me feel so saucy and they look really fun and sunny. Now all I need is a beach and a Margarita to go with these babies and I’m all set!

What color of polish do you have on? What are your favorite colors to sport in the summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May4

May 2019 Funky Time Jams

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May 2019 Funky Time Jams

Greetings and welcome to another fabulous month here on lifewithlilred! During the past few weeks of working with my newest client, I have been introduced to a ton of new music because he is all about the oldies but goodies. So, we have been listening to a lot of good stuff ranging from the 40’s to the 70’s. All of this music is just pure fun and I can’t get enough of it. Here are a few of my favorites:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos!

In this day and age where most songs on the radio are about sex, drugs, violence, or a combination of the three, it’s nice to listen to something more innocent. All of the songs above are such feel good anthems and I get genuinely happy when I listen to them. Singing along to the tunes with my darling client certainly helps the happiness cause, too! I find myself playing the songs above constantly throughout the day now and, no matter how stressed or busy I am, it manages to lift my mood and put a smile on my face. I feel like that’s what these songs are all about!

What are some of your feel good anthems? What is your favorite era of music? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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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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