May2

Who Wears Short Shorts?

Posted on May 2, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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:

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

Posted on May 1, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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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

Posted on May 1, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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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.

:*)

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.

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

Posted on May 1, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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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:

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

Posted on April 30, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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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

Posted on April 30, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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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:

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

Posted on April 29, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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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:

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

Posted on April 28, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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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:

Who? What? Wear?

Floral Top: True Destiny, TJMaxx
Faux Leather Pants: Blank NYC, TJMaxx
Word Bubble Heels: Lust For Life, TJMaxx
Black Hat: Christmas gift!

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

Apr27

Photo Shoot Fun

Posted on April 27, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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Hi hi! As I sit in *my* apartment – my apartment! Ahh! I have been able to review the pictures that my friend, Markus, took of me a few weeks ago while enjoying my first cup of coffee from my handy dandy Keurig machine compliments of my mom and dad. You might remember my Life On The Edge OOTD from a couple of weeks ago that featured pictures from the shoot and now I have more to share with you. And, be sure to tune in tomorrow for even more shots of yours truly! Check it out:

A few of these pictures were taken for Markus’s photography project at Tri-C, which just so happens to be my alma mater. And, then, he was kind enough to take some shots of me specifically for lifewithlilred. For the project, he had to shoot three different looks. One for a business, an emotional one, and one for beauty. And, he had to use lighting to express each one. I’m sure you can guess which ones were for the business style pictures! I’m actually really happy about those, because I’d like to make a webpage at some point for my work as a provider so they will be perfect for that endeavor.

I am so in love with the more blog related photos (And all of them, for that matter!). I especially like the one with the really dark red background because it reminds me so much of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, which is one of my favorite series. The photos with the lighter pink background are just pure bubblegum fun and I had a blast creating these outfits and hanging out with Markus for the afternoon to get them done! Stop by for more tomorrow! 😀

What is your favorite hobby? How do you make time to practice your craft? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr26

Welcome To My Crib: Home Office Edition

Posted on April 26, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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Hi, MTV, and welcome to my crib! For the most part, my apartment is pretty much completely furnished and decorated minus my home office. So, I was hoping that my darlings with an eye for decor could help me out with figuring out what to do with this space.

For now, it has been so nice doing my paperwork for my big girl job and writing at my own desk instead of the dining room table at home! But, it will definitely feel better once the room has a deliberate design as opposed to a spare one with a desk in it. Lol, you’ll see. Check it out:

Two great things about my office is the gigantic storage closet as well as the door that leads to my back balcony. I honestly don’t even have enough stuff to fill all of the storage options in my apartment and here I was before worrying that I wouldn’t have enough space! Anywho, as you can see, the office is a work in progress. I plan on taking some time off in May to completely finish my apartment so I’m hoping I’ll get some inspiration to get this space looking as good as the rest of chez moi. Help your girl out!

What would you do with this room to make it more home office ready? How is your office decorated at your place? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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