Nov25

November 2018 Finishes

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November 2018 Finishes

Howdy! November is on its way out the door and, with that, December is coming in hot to continue ringing in the holiday season. With yet another month drawing to a close at a crazy fast rate, it’s time for lifewithlilred’s monthly finishes post so that we can talk product reviews. Take a look at my empties for November and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

Micellar Water: I have been using Garnier’s Micellar Water for close to a year, I’d say, and I plan on using it until it becomes discontinued. And, hopefully, it never will! I use this product every day as a toner and eye makeup remover and it lasts me a month and a half or longer, which is a pretty good value. Although I can’t say that I’ve seen major changes in my skin, I still like the Garnier water well enough and it’s way cheaper than any eye makeup remover and toner on the market.

B&BW Shower Gel: I love me my travel size goodies from Bath & Body Works and I love that I get them FO FREE even more! Japanese Cherry Blossom isn’t my favorite scent but, boy, does it bring me back to my grade school years! It takes me three weeks or longer to finish one mini shower gel and you absolutely can’t beat that. So, B&BW, keep those coupons coming!

Vital C Serum: I live for all things Vitamin C when it comes to my skin care and I will always buy the Vital C serum when I see it at TJMaxx. For seven bucks, I get a bottle of magic that lasts me for two months, which is an amazing deal for something that makes my skin so radiant. Seriously, there’s been days where I’ve been tired as THE DICKENS but still manage to have glowing skin thanks to this product. And, a little goes a long way, which is always a plus.

Although I didn’t finish too many products this month, it was still successful because I liked everything that I used up. And, each item that I used was free or really cheap, which speaks to my ballin’ on a budget lifestyle and simply touches my heart. ❤ 😀

What empties do you have this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov24

All Done Christmas Shopping!

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All Done Christmas Shopping!

Woohoo! That’s right, I am All Done Christmas Shopping! I actually finished up about two weeks ago but I had so many posts pre-written that I’m just now getting to this announcement. It should come as no surprise that I jump at every opportunity that I can get to shop so, as soon as November first rolled around, I began my quest to cross off all of the people that I needed to shop for on my list.

For the past few years, I have strictly been doing online shopping. But, this year, I actually hit a few shops for some purchases and I enjoyed it! My theory behind online shopping was that I would beat the crowds entirely by just not going to stores altogether. However, doing some in store shopping in early November was completely pleasant, because no one was in the mad scramble to get their buying done like it is in December. It was also nice to shop at a few discount stores to save some money on little odds and ends that were needed to tie some gifts together.

Although in store shopping was a welcomed change of pace, Amazon pulled through for me, just as they always do year after year. All of the items that I ordered were shipped on time, arrived at my home in perfect condition, and were all reasonably priced. It also makes me happy to know that the gifts that I purchased online cannot be found in any stores nearby. That means that each present feels one of a kind and those are my favorite types of gifts to give!

Now, all that’s left to do is wrap all of the presents up, drink some spiked hot chocolate, and fantasize about my credit card bill getting lost in the mail! 😀

Who else is done holiday shopping? Are you an early or late holiday shopper? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov23

Learning To Love Your Appearance Every Single Day

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Learning To Love Your Appearance Every Single Day

You might have laughed at the title of this post because it’s not possible to love your appearance every single day, right? We all have the occasional “good hair day”, but that’s it. However, there’s no need to be so cynical. There are always going to be days on which you’re not a fan of your hair or you look a little sleepier than usual, but you can learn to love your appearance even when it’s not 100%. It all comes down to improving your mindset. And your mental health is linked to your physical health, so this will help to give your appearance a glow too. Reducing stress can reduce acne, for example, so there’s a clear correlation. Here’s how you can improve your mindset and learn to love your appearance every day:

Facial Beauty:

Let’s start off with your face, because that’s often the main point of focus when it comes to appearance. Many of us are critical of our facial appearance, but this is an aspect of beauty that’s easy to alter. You could start off by trying out microblading if you want to improve your brow game. Eyebrows have become a very important part of facial beauty over recent years, and you might find that changing the shape of your brows changes the appearance of your entire face. You could also try cutting back on foundation; makeup doesn’t always have to be the answer. Giving your skin a break from excessive use of foundation might help to clear up any blemishes, and it’ll make you naturally glow.

Sometimes treatments and makeup aren’t enough to make a drastic change. If you are looking for big improvements, you could find a reputable plastic surgeon to consult with. Looking for something less extreme? How about changing your eye color! Hazel, green, even purple, and blue eye contacts are available to see the whole world through a different set of eye colors!

Fashion:

Fashion is another integral part of loving your appearance every single day. The way you dress has a massive impact on your overall look. If you dress well every day, then you’ll look good every day. It’s as simple as that. But avoid fast fashion; opt for clothes that are timelessly stylish so that they can stay in your wardrobe for years. That being said, if you give away some of your old clothes to charity because they no longer fit or suit you, then there might be an opening in your wardrobe for some new additions. If you want to get inspired, then you should look into some fashionable boutiques which offer modern yet varied options. It’s important that you’re not too restrictive with your choice of style. Fashion should reflect your personality, so have fun with it.

Sleep:

One of the best ways to improve your appearance is to improve your health. The way we look on the outside is a reflection of how well we take care of ourselves. Cutting out unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking can help to improve your skin quality, for instance. You also need to prioritize a healthy sleeping pattern. The term “beauty sleep” is probably nothing new to you, and there’s a lot of substance to this idea. A cup of coffee might make you feel more awake, but does it get rid of the bags under your eyes? No. And that’s because your body is trying to tell you it needs rest. You can’t cut corners when it comes to sleeping well. Sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, slow your metabolism, and even reduce muscle repair. In other words, your healthy workouts won’t have the impact you want. Start sleeping better if you want your body to improve in appearance. You’ll look and feel good. It’s about more than vanity; it’s about your physical and emotional wellbeing.

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Catch some Z’s!

A strong sense of self confidence can help you get through the toughest of times, so start building up yours little by little with the above tips!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov23

How To Pull Yourself Out Of A Slump & Get Motivated

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How To Pull Yourself Out Of A Slump & Get Motivated

Getting motivated can be hard work, especially if something big has happened to demotivate you. This could include losing your job, not achieving a goal, or even just life in general. You have to remember that only you can get yourself out of the slump that you are in right now and, by putting the effort in, you can be sure to give yourself the boost you need:

Have One Goal:

If you are in a slump, then there is a high chance that this is because you have far too much going on in your life right now. You are probably trying too hard, and you may be trying to accomplish too many things at once. If you want to try and get around this, then you need to choose one single goal. You also need to focus on it completely and give it everything you have. This will help you to achieve it much more efficiently and it will also help you with your motivation, especially once you complete the task at hand.

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Find Inspiration:

Inspiration is quite possibly the best way for you to get motivated. Look at what you want to achieve, and then look at the people who have actually done it. You will soon see that they went through stages where they were demotivated, as well, but it didn’t stop them from going out there and making their dreams come true.

Get Excited:

If you want to get out of a slump, then you need to get yourself excited about a goal. Talk to other people about what you want to achieve and visualize what it would be like to be successful. When you do this, you can then get that additional drive and push yourself harder.

Get Some Support:

It is incredibly difficult to accomplish something on your own. If you want to run a marathon, for example, then you need to have your friends and family around you. You may want to join a running club and even go onto forums to find out what other people do in order to get motivated. If you have been in an accident that stops you from achieving what you want, then look for legal support, such as an injury lawyer. The support you get will largely depend on your own situation but, either way, you should never try and get by without it.

Commit:

If you have something that you want to achieve, then don’t be afraid to go public with your idea. When you do this, you give yourself more motivation than ever and you can also prove to those around you that you can do whatever you put your mind to. This can be a really big self-confidence booster too, so this is an important factor for you to take into consideration when planning your goals.

A slump around the holidays can be the worst, so use the tips above and get yourself back on track!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov23

New Kut From The Kloth Starred Skinnies

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New Kut From The Kloth Starred Skinnies

Hello everyone and welcome to the final post in the PANTS PATROL series! This little number by Kut From The Kloth is probably my favorite new pair, because they’re really different than anything I’ve ever owned before. I’ve never had a pair of patterned pants, even though I have always wanted to. But, I would shy away from them because I thought that they would draw more attention to my curvier skater thighs and booty. I liked this pair by Kut From The Kloth so much, though, that I just had to give them a try and I am sure glad that I did! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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In all of my years of searching for a pair of patterned pants that I actually liked, I have never seen a black pair with some visual embellishment. So, when I found these on TJMaxx’s website, I had to give them a go and see if a black pair would suit me better and it definitely did! At the end of the day, Lil Red just isn’t a white pants with flowers on it kind of girl and, it took this starry pair from Kut By The Kloth, to make me realize that I was trying to play the patterned pants game all wrong.

Not only do I adore the charcoal grey stars adorning my new jeans, but I simply love the fit of them, too! I think that in all of my years of pants failures, the shopping gods decided to smile on me and throw a dog a bone by introducing me to several bottoms that actually fit well. This Kut From The Kloth pair is tight and curve hugging but they look more edgy than sexy to me and that’s the look that I always go for. And, if people happen to think that I look sexy in whatever I wear, then that’s just fine!

I cannot wait to pair these skinnies with my red and black faux fur jacket by June & Hudson and my favorite platform boots from Forever 21 for a look that it totally glam rock. But, I can also see myself wearing them with my ladybug button down from Zara and some ankle boots for an OOTD when I have a more laid back day at work. Dressed up or down, these jeans freaking rule, and I am SO happy to have found such a perfect pair for my first patterned skinny jeans. :*)

How would you style these jeans? Which types of clothing do you shy away from wearing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov22

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello everyone and a Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Thanksgiving is one of my most loved holidays, because it revolves around food and family, which are my two favorite things in the world. There is nothing like having friends and family over to share in a beautiful meal and just enjoy each other’s company, and I feel like that is what this day is all about.

Today, I am looking forward to cooking up some deliciousness in the kitchen with my mom and sister. I love to cook, and it is so fun and rewarding to be able to make a meal that everyone looks forward to year round (At least, I do!). I hope that however you spend your day today brings you a lot of joy, good food, and wonderful company.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? How are you going to spend your day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov21

New Blank NYC Faux Leather Skinnies

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New Blank NYC Faux Leather Skinnies

Hi! While on PANTS PATROL, I was able to invest in a wonderful pair of faux leather skinny jeans by Blank NYC. I have been on the prowl for a good pair of faux leather skinnies for a while now, but they are so hard to find. I don’t want them coated, I don’t want something crazy expensive, and I want something that it going to fit me well. At forty bucks, these new skinnies matched all of the listed criteria and then some! Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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I ordered these bad boys in my actual size off of TJMaxx’s website, but they were SO. FREAKING. TIGHT. that I had to return them and reorder in a bigger size. Once I sized up, they fit perfectly. The fit was tight, but not so tight that I felt like I was vacuum sealed into them! And, I’m sure that after I wear them around for a day or so, they will break in a little more. I am not sure if all Blank NYC bottoms run small or just this one, but Lil Red definitely recommends sizing up.

I adore all of the details that these skinnies have like the zippered ankles, the zippers on each hip, and the ribbed knees and lower thighs. All of these extras add even more edge to an already badass material and, we all know how much Lil Red loves that! The quality of my new pants and the fine attention to detail make the forty dollar price tag so worth it and, although sizing was an issue, I would happily buy Blank NYC clothing again.

Faux leather skinnies are awesome, because you can toughen up a rocker look even more or you can add some spunk to a sweeter garment like a flowy blouse or cardigan. Pairing them with my favorite black moto jacket and boots is an obvious must. But, they will also look just as cool with a peacoat and heels for a holiday get together.

How would you style these jeans? Where do you get the best jeans from? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov20

3 Things All College Students Should Know

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3 Things All College Students Should Know

Being in college is often painted as being one of the easier times in life, but anyone who has actually been there will know that it is quite the opposite. It is often very hard being a student in many different ways and wanting some advice or help is absolutely fair and not a sign of failure. If you are keen to try and improve your own college experience, you might want to look into some of the things that you can do to make sure that it is as easy and enjoyable as possible. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the things that all college students should know if they are to both enjoy college and get as much out of it as possible:

There Is Always Help To Be Had:

Because it’s usually your first time away from home, you will probably find that you end up feeling a little alone at some point or another. A big part of this is the sense that you can’t really do anything to be helped out, and that you need to suffer or struggle alone. However, this is not the case, and if you want to get ahead in college you will need to remember that there is always help to be had, no matter what. Whether you buy essays to help you out with your work or calling home for a friendly voice, it is worth bearing in mind, so make sure that you remember that as best as you can.

Grades Can Be Improved:

In most cases, you will get the chance to take mock exams and submit early drafts of essays before you actually finalize them, and that is an incredibly useful thing to be able to do. Knowing that your grades can essentially always be improved means that you can hope to reduce any anxiety you might have around your studies, and put a little less pressure on yourself to get it right the first time around. Grades can always be improved in time for them to matter, so don’t worry so much and instead just try to do your best whenever you can.

There is also plenty of help to be had if you are struggling with your grades. Study sessions and tutors are usually available on campus so you can get a better grasp of your classes. There is also lots of resources online like this student research guide as well as sites like Grammarly if you have a hard time proofreading essays and even YouTube videos to help break down difficult math equations. These are all wonderful tools so use them well!

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Study up!

Friends Are Sustenance:

If you don’t manage to make many friends, it is much less likely that you will have a great and useful time at college, so it is definitely something that you should try to do early on. Making friends is an important part of the whole experience for most people, and it’s something that everyone is perfectly capable of if they know how. If you feel that you sometimes struggle with this, you might want to think about some of the things you can do to ensure that you are going to be able to make more friends in the future, so that you can hope to enjoy college life all the more.

College, although stressful, is a fun and exciting time so use the tips above and make the most of it!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov20

What You Need To Know About Making A Claim Against Your Boss

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What You Need To Know About Making A Claim Against Your Boss

If you have been involved in a workplace accident and are currently looking for some advice on making a claim, then this post is for you. Read on to discover some top tips that can help to make sure that your claim is successful, as well as some answers to your most pressing questions.

What sort of accidents can you claim for?

There are so many different types of accidents that can happen in the workplace. The following is a mere handful of examples:

  • Falls from a height
  • Slipping on an unmarked object
  • Whiplash from a company vehicle accident
  • Injuries because of poor or no risk assessments
  • Injuries due to faulty machinery
  • Assault
  • Objects falling onto someone
  • Industrial diseases
  • Industrial deafness

Will my employer fire me if I make a claim for an accident that occurred in the workplace?

Your employer will not fire you for making an accident claim because of a workplace incident for an injury that was not your fault. They will have insurance in place to cover them and they know that it is their responsibility to provide a safe working environment. Moreover, if they were to fire you, you would have grounds for unfair dismissal and they would only land themselves in more trouble.

Do you have a claim?

The first thing you need to do is determine whether you have the basis for a claim. To do this, you need to look at three key things. These are as follows:

  1. Who caused the accident?
  2. When did the incident occur?
  3. Did you see a doctor for your injuries?

First, it is vital to show that someone else made an error or acted negligently and that this resulted in your suffering. Second, the date of the accident is important, because there is a three-year time limit on all personal injury cases. Third, you must have seen a doctor because the medical report they provide you with is the most crucial piece of evidence when it comes to any type of claim. If you do have grounds to file a claim, it is best to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will be able to evaluate the specifics of your case, gather necessary evidence, and guide you through the legal process to ensure your claim is as strong as possible. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies or represent you in court if needed, increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Simply enter a search for “Edwardsville IL Personal Injury Attorneys” or an expert in your local area, to find a well reviewed and trustworthy team to take on your case.

Finding the best accident lawyers:

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding as to whether you have the basis for a personal injury claim. The next thing you need to do is find a law firm such as Killian, Davis, Richter, & Fredenburg, PC who can provide a reliable solicitor to work on your claim. You need to make sure you have a high quality lawyer fighting in your corner. Here are some top pieces of advice on hiring a solicitor:

  • Look for a solicitor with a considerable degree of experience with your specific claim.
  • Read reviews that have been left by previous customers.
  • Opt for a solicitor that works to a payment agreement you are happy with.

In terms of experience, it is not enough to find a solicitor that has a lot of years in his or her locker. You need to make sure they have worked on cases similar to yours before. After all, lawyers who handle wage theft matters are not going to be the best choice if you have been injured because of a pothole in the company car park and vice versa.

Hire a lawyer quickly:

The sooner you get a lawyer and file your claim, the better. There is a three-year time limit on most personal injury cases so you will want to do your research and find one of these reputable Detroit personal injury law firms (or one of similar caliber in your area) to take on your case ASAP. Three years may seem like a long time, but court proceedings need to be issued within this period. Moreover, the sooner you make your claim the easier the process will be, as the details will be fresh in your mind and you will find it easier to get your hands on witness statements and other crucial pieces of evidence.

Things you can do to help:

Seeking legal assistance when injured at work is often one of the most critical steps you can take to ensure a smooth recovery process. While your lawyer is going to be responsible for ensuring that you get the full amount of compensation you deserve, there are things that you can do to help. For instance, it is a good idea to sit down and make notes of everything that happened as soon as you get the chance. That way, you won’t forget anything important. You should also keep receipts of any costs you have encountered because of your injuries, as you will be able to claim for these. Finally, it may help to take photographs of your injuries.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the different factors to consider when it comes to making a personal injury claim against your boss. There is no need to panic. So long as you handle everything above, it should go smoothly.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Nov20

Risk Assessments To Consider When Working Outdoors

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Risk Assessments To Consider When Working Outdoors

Working outdoors presents its own unique set of challenges. No matter what type of work is being carried out, appropriate risk assessments are required. Otherwise, not only are you putting the safety of your workers at risk, but you could find yourself facing an unwanted legal battle, too. With that in mind, read on to discover some appropriate risk assessments you should consider when working outdoors:

What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic approach to assessing work activities. Business owners need to look at everything that could go wrong and determine suitable control measures for preventing injury, damage, and loss in the workplace. The assessment should include the controls needed to minimize, reduce, or eradicate the risks.

Working in hot environments:

The weather can be erratic at the best of times; one minute it is raining, the next minute we are welcoming a heat wave. When employees are working outside all day, it is important that they are protected from the weather. There are a number of administrative controls that can be used to protect workers when in hot environments. This includes:

  • Talk to workers about the early symptoms of heat stress.
  • Encourage the removal of personal protective equipment whenever a person is resting to help encourage heat loss.
  • Introduce shaded areas where people are working.
  • Supply free access to cool drinking water.
  • Provide more frequent rest breaks.
  • Reschedule work to cooler periods of the day.

Working in cold environments:

If your employees work outside all of the time, it is likely that they are going to need to work in cold weather. You will need to carry out a risk assessment so that you can reduce the risks associated with cold weather working. Some of the controls you can use to achieve this include:

* Talk to workers about the early symptoms of cold stress.
* Consider delaying the work. Is it possible to reschedule the work to a warmer time of the year that will not compromise safety?
*  Introduce more frequent rest breaks.
*  Encourage the drinking of warm fluids, such as hot drinks or soup.
*  Provide mobile facilities for warming up.
*  Make sure the personal protective equipment issued is suitable.

Working outdoors in specialist environments:

There are also a number of specialist workplace environments that require thorough risk assessments. This includes working outdoors under high air pollution levels. Factors to be considered throughout your risk assessment include workload, work arrangement, general/roadside AQHI category, workers’ health condition, and exposure to other air contaminants. Preventative measures include the likes of reducing the weight of loads being handled at one time, arranging for job rotation between indoor and outdoor work, and minimizing outdoor work in areas with heavy traffic.

When something goes wrong:

If you work outdoors and the correct safety measures are not taken, you could end up being involved in an accident and suffering an injury. If this does occur, it is important to find injury lawyers you can rely on. You should not merely sit back and accept what has happened to you. If it was not your fault because risk assessments were not carried out or the proper provisions were not put in place, you will be entitled to compensation.

There is a lot that needs to be considered when it comes to outdoor work. This is why thorough risk assessments are a necessity. Hopefully, you now feel like you have a better understanding regarding the steps that need to be taken in order to ensure that risks are minimized and workers are protected. If you are worried about the conditions you are working in, speak up!

Featured Image By: Pixabay