Lil Red’s Book Club: Hidden Bodies Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Hidden Bodies Edition

Howdy! Last week, I completely devoured YOU by Caroline Kepnes. Starving for more, I had to grab the sequel to Joe Goldberg’s super stalker story and ended up reading Hidden Bodies in two days. As many will agree, the follow up was not as good as the gripping first one. But, it was written exactly the same as the first, hence, it was totally un-put-down-able. Let’s discuss:

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In Hidden Bodies, Joe Goldberg ditches gloomy New York for sunny LA. However, it wasn’t because he wanted to work on his tan. No, he just needed to seek revenge on the last girl that screwed him over. When Amy fled their relationship with a small fortune of rare books in tow, Joe used his uncanny ability to stalk his prey to find out that LA was her destination. So, he called it quits at Mooney’s, packed a duffel bag, and headed west.

Joe learned that Amy had hopes of becoming an actress but he also found that trying to locate his ex in LA was a lot harder than he initially thought. While on the prowl, he gets himself into more trouble and yet another relationship with an incredibly rich woman in the movie industry compliments of crashing an audition that Amy could have been at.

Once Joe begins his relationship with wealthy and older Love, the plot begins to get just the slightest bit far fetched. And by the slightest, I mean very. I enjoyed it, despite some of it reading like soft core porn. But, it just didn’t feel as creepy as its predecessor. Because of the too crazy to be true plot once finding Amy was completely abandoned, the overpowering sense of being watched and followed went out the window with it.

It was still a well written sequel and, because of that, it was a quick read although it was close to four hundred pages. But, I could have not read it and still been fine. However, I am not going to tell you to not read this book. At the end of the day, Joe Goldberg is hilarious. Yes, he’s an awful, sick, disgusting character and that’s putting it nicely. But, the Joeisms in Hidden Bodies were as rich as they were in YOU and you’ll be sure to get some good laughs in.

I am going to give Caroline Kepnes’s follow up a six out of ten. It was good, but not great. But, if you liked YOU, you’re not going to not like Hidden Bodies. Now, I am looking forward to the second season of the television show YOU to see if they incorporate any of this sequel into it!

What were your thoughts on YOU or Hidden Bodies? How did you feel about the TV show of YOU? I want to hear from all of YOU, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Colt Johnson Shout Out

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Colt Johnson Shout Out

Hi!! One of my Sunday evening traditions with my favorite cousin, Laura, who lives in Pittsburgh is watching 90 Day Fiance together. We love to watch the new episode and text the entire time, discussing the latest drama and making witty comments. If you watched the newest season on TLC, then you will know all about the craziness that was Colt, Larissa, and DEBBIE. Colt and Larissa were the couple that we all loved to hate and they provided Laura and I with endless hours of quality entertainment.

So, imagine my surprise when Laura emailed me a video of Colt, himself, talking directly to me! Lol, during Laura’s free time, she found a website where you can hire celebrities to make videos for you. She found Colt on the site and she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get him to congratulate me on my status as a new aunt. Check this shit out:

Guys… I really just can’t. As soon as Colt started saying my name I immediately texted Laura with “wtf is happening?” Lol and when I realized that he was talking to me the hysterical freaking out began. I laughed so hard I almost cried and I just had to share this beautiful shout out with all of you. Even if you don’t watch 90 Day Fiance, there is no denying the hilarity of this video and I cannot wait to return the favor to Laura with her own special hello from Coltee. 😀

Who else is a 90 Day Fiance fan? Which couple do you love to hate on that show? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Refresh The Parts Of Your Home That Fade First

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Refresh The Parts Of Your Home That Fade First

It’s a sad feeling when the home you once loved and cherished is fading away, but it will no doubt get to the point sooner or later. New home or not, the general wear and tear that it faces will lead you to want something more. You might even consider moving homes to something a bit more modern but, even then, the cracks will begin to show eventually, and it could be one of the biggest regrets of your life. Because we know how easy it is to think that a new home will be one without problems but, in fact, they can sometimes have more!

So, when you do feel like your home is beginning to fade, you need to think about how you can perk it back up again and make it look like a million dollars. It’s easy enough to bring an aging home back to life, you just have to think about the parts of your home that are fading first and what you’re going to be able to do about it. Luckily for you, we’re on hand to help and we think these top tips will bring a fading home back to life.

The Windows & Doors:

If you think about how often you mess with all of the windows and doors in your home, it should come as no surprise to you that they’re going to be one of the first things that fades away. It’s so easy for them to become chipped or damaged, especially the fragile paint that you’ll usually find surrounding your windows. Vinyl windows are the best thing that you can bring into your home and they’re going to look so good compared to your old ones if you feel like they’re wasting away. Plus, having new windows and frames installed is only going to improve the green side of your home, meaning you might just notice those bills dropping a bit more than you thought!

The Interior Decor:

The interior decor is going to be something you hold very close to your heart. You have your own style and we’re not about to try and change that. But, we do think that it’s so important that you take some time to update it yearly. Wallpaper may last two years or so, but after that it just becomes outdated. And if you inspect it closely enough, you will notice the wear and tear. So keeping it fresh every single year is a must and you have to admit that redecorating isn’t that expensive and is so fun once you get into it. You’ll often find that fresh decor is all you’re going to need to spruce your home up.

The Vibe:

The vibe of your home was probably something electric when you first started out. You had so much going on, so much happiness, and there just would have been a buzz about it. But, now, things can easily change when you realize how hard owning a home is and how the novelty wears off after a few months. But, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t host monthly gatherings to keep a good vibe going in your home. As long as you surround it with fun, you will feel great!

With spring just around the corner, give your home a little makeover and watch it come back to life in full bloom.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

How To Set Up A Welcoming Guest Room

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How To Set Up A Welcoming Guest Room

If you have guests staying with you, then you want to make them feel both welcomed and comfortable during their visit. In a previous article, https://lifewithlilred.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-guests/, we provided you with some general tips on preparing your home for your guests but, in this post, we are going to go into greater detail on the guest room itself:

#1: Provide essential furniture

You don’t want your guests sleeping on a mattress on the floor or living from their suitcase. In terms of feeling welcomed, that isn’t very welcoming at all! You need to provide those pieces of furniture that should be considered essential. We are, of course, talking about a comfortable bed, a dresser for their clothes, and a mirror, so they can beautify themselves in the morning before joining you for breakfast. You can buy all of this and many more essential pieces of furniture at discounted rates at https://shopdiscountdirect.com/shop/bedrooms; perfect for you if you’re on a budget! Alternatively, shop around online or on the high street but, for the sake of your guests, do try to get the best that your money can buy.

#2: Clear the room

If your guests are staying for an extended period, you should clear the room of any clutter or personal possessions pertaining to you. Clear table spaces for their personal items and ensure that there is enough floor space for their bags, etc. When it comes to the guest room, less is more, so don’t over stuff it with things you think they might like. Stick to the basics, such as a clock, calendar, and the furniture we mentioned, and let your guests have the room to make it just how they like during their stay.

As you clear the guest room of any personal clutter, you might find that these items are cluttering the rest of the house! Fear not and and consider smart storage furniture in the guest room as you remodel it. Furnishings from millie and jones, for example, often feature storage options built directly into their bed frames. You will be able to tuck your own mementos away and prevent it from overflowing into other spaces in your house.

#3: Focus on comfort

Okay, so you have bought them a bed, but don’t forget to buy a comfortable mattress, too. And remember to buy quality bed linen, pillows, mattress toppers, and extra blankets to add to their comfort level. If they are staying for a while, you should also have extra bed sheets and pillowcases available, with the option of room service if you are happy to change their bedding for them! Aside from the bed, consider putting an extra armchair or a small sofa in there, as well. Alongside a table and a lamp, they will then have somewhere to relax in the room, without having to sit on the bed when they are in the need for some alone time.

#4: Provide a home away from home experience

You might need space away from your guests at certain times of the day and, with no offense to you, they might need personal time with their own company too! Therefore, give your guests a room that is worth living in. A miniature refrigerator stocked with drinks and snacks will satisfy them should they need refreshments. You might include tea and coffee facilities too, as well as a bowl of fruit, cookies, and other snacking items.

Then, think about giving your guest something to do in the room. Perhaps a magazine rack stocked with the latest editions or a bookshelf with both fiction and non-fiction. You could also add a television and DVD player with films and box sets to go with them. Finally, a desk and chair which will be useful if your guests are bringing their computers with them to do some work during their stay.

After putting some effort into creating a welcoming guest room, your guests will want to return to you again and again. Unless, of course, you are trying to deter anybody from staying with you. In which case, do as we told you not to, and give them that mattress on the floor of your cluttered room! Of course, we’re sure you’re not that unkind!

Featured Image By: Pxhere

BTW: I’M AN AUNT!!!!!

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BTW: I’M AN AUNT!!!!!

Hello!!!! As you might have inferred from the vague title of this post… I’M AN AUNT!!! My precious niece, Valerie Jane, was born on March 7th weighing five pounds and five ounces. My sister, Kristen, and her boyfriend, Ramon, are so happy to welcome their little girl whose namesake is derived from both of their beautiful mothers. I am the proudest TT on the planet and I am so obsessed with Valerie I just can’t stand it. Did I mention she’s cute? Cause she’s so freaking cute. The proof is in the pictures:

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Le sigh… she’s so perfect. The cutest button nose, her full head of black hair (Just like her mom had when she was born!), and the most darling little baby sneezes you’ve ever heard, I just can’t get enough of my niece. Every time I see her, I fall more in love and whenever I’m not with her, I am thinking about when I can hold her again. I am so honored to be an aunt to the tiniest princess and can’t wait to watch her continue to blossom every day. TT Sarah loves you, sweet Valerie!

Who else is a member of the cool aunt or uncle club? How about a member of the new parent club? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Hosting A Book Club

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Hosting A Book Club

Hosting a book club can be an exciting new venture. It provides you with an opportunity to discuss books that you have genuinely enjoyed reading with others. You can put across your own understanding and analysis of the book and also open your mind to new ideas by listening to others’ comprehension, thoughts, and feelings. It’s also a great way to meet people with similar interests to you. You can form bonds with a whole new friendship group! But hosting a book club is by no means a simple feat. It entails a whole lot more than simply sitting around a table with a copy of a book and talking. You will need to prepare and put a fair amount of thought into ensuring that your book club really stands out from the rest.

Setting Up:

Setting up is, perhaps, the most time consuming process of hosting a book club. You will need to draw up some sort of guest list, set a date and time, and set a place where everyone will meet. Generally speaking, it’s best to communicate with participants throughout this process. What best suits you may not best suit the majority. You may have to be a little flexible and lenient to get the ball rolling.

Nominating Books:

Choosing the book that you are all going to read can be relatively difficult. Attendees are likely to have different tastes and preferences, but emphasize the fact that a book club is a great opportunity for people to introduce themselves to new authors, genres, and forms of literature. Engaging with something unfamiliar could help people become exposed to something that they actually love but would have never tried themselves.

Creating a Comfortable Setting:

If you are meeting in a public space, try to make sure that it is comfortable and appropriate. If you are hosting at home, make sure that there are sufficient seats for all attendees and that the room doesn’t feel cramped with a bunch of bodies. Consider lighting – you don’t want it to be too bright or too dark.

Background Music:

You don’t want music blaring while you’re trying to hold a conversation about Edgar Allan Poe’s assonance. But, it is a good idea to have some sort of quiet background noise. Quiet music can make people feel a little more comfortable in any social setting. This tends to be why bars, restaurants, and cafes all have a quiet soundtrack playing at all times. You can find plenty of royalty free music to use at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/. Make up some sort of playlist that can be looped so you’re not having to play DJ throughout the event.

Provide Snacks and Refreshments:

You may want to consider providing snacks and refreshments or requesting that people bring their own. Rumbling stomachs and thirst can detract from people’s experience, so keep everyone full, quenched, and content. Make sure you’re aware of allergies or special diets ahead of time.

There is a lot more than one might think when it comes to running a book club! The above areas are just a few to consider. Hopefully, they will help to make your book club memorable and enjoyable for all involved.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Making Your Life That Little Bit Better

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Making Your Life That Little Bit Better

There’s always room for improvement in life. So, if you’ve decided that you want to be that little bit happier each time you wake up in the morning, now is a better time to start than ever! Leading a better quality life is more fulfilling and will leave you feeling more content. You will be able to enjoy your life to the utmost and minor problems won’t seem all that bad. So, what can you do to improve your quality of life? Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

Wave Goodbye to Unhealthy Habits:

We tend to get entangled with unhealthy habits, as we find engaging with them enjoyable or pleasurable in the first place. We get some sort of immediate benefit from unhealthy substances and continue to engage with them as a result. But over time, they can prove significantly detrimental to our overall health and well being. The good news, is that there are ways to kick unhealthy habits. You can:

  • Quit smoking with nicotine replacement products.
  • Combat excessive alcohol consumption with men’s sober living.
  • Tackle obesity with a balanced diet and exercise regime.

These are just a few examples derived from common bad habits that people have. But, whatever your unhealthy habit may be, it’s time to wave goodbye to it!

Assume the Best in Others:

Many of us spend time ruminating on others’ wrongdoings and negative experiences that we have had with other people in the past. Betrayal, deception, and other harsh acts can make us skeptical of others and their intentions. This, in a way, can help us. We are less likely to be caught off guard or hurt. But, at the same time, we can find ourselves cutting off potentially positive relationships because we assume the worst in someone who has given us no reason to doubt them. So, start assuming the best of others. It will open you up to better and more rewarding relationships and provide you with a more positive mindset.

Pick Up a New Hobby:

So many of us waste hours on end scrolling through social media feeds and yearning for the fun filled lifestyles that others seem to be leading. But, this is counterproductive. Instead, why not get out there and actively engage with something that you genuinely enjoy? You could put your spare time to much better use. Pick up a hobby. Choose something that appeals to you. Common hobbies include:

Not only can having a hobby provide you with something stimulating and rewarding to do, but it can expand your social circles, putting you in touch with others who have similar interests to you.

These steps may seem relatively basic. But, it’s definitely worth putting a reminder out there. Following the above advice could help you to live your life to the utmost and wake up with a smile on your face!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Bathroom Brainwaves

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Bathroom Brainwaves

What’s your favorite room in your home? Is it your kitchen where family and friends gather round to eat, drink, and chat? How about your bedroom, a haven away from the hustle and bustle of a busy day? Maybe it’s your bathroom, where soaking the dust and smells of a day at work is your favorite way to unwind. Unless, of course, your bathroom is not in the best shape and has you racing through your bedtime routine to avoid the moldy tiling and leaking shower.

If that’s the case, then you need to think about creating a bathroom that provides more than just running water and gives you the tranquil haven you deserve. How to go about this transformation? We’re about to talk you through your bathroom overhaul:

Plan to succeed:

Do your research, read the posts from lifestyle bloggers and decorating gurus, and start creating a reasonable and budget friendly plan. You certainly don’t have to spend thousands on your makeover, but you do have to have a realistic budget in mind before you start. There’s nothing more frustrating than starting a job and then abandoning it halfway through as the money runs out and you have to begin saving again.

Start the work in a logical sequence. This means the messy stuff has to happen first, such as removing unwanted bathroom furniture, tiles, and so on. Once you’re done there, you’ll probably want to start repainting the walls. Think creatively, not all bathrooms have to be a brilliant white and you might opt instead to wallpaper one wall or paint it another neutral color. Try choosing contrasting colors from your bathroom essentials to create a striking juxtaposition.

Pick a priority:

Are you more of a long soaker or a shower kind of person? Whichever you prefer, why not treat yourself to a luxury bathroom suite that’s going to last and give you pleasure for years to come? You don’t have to spend a crazy amount on a new suite. You might find plenty of options online and in second hand stores or salvage yards.

Start getting excited today about transforming this room in your house. Keep an open mind on how and where you source your bathroom furniture from and keep costs down by doing as much of the work that you can yourself. If you’ve got friends and family that can help, tempt them in with the reward of food and beer!

Plan the refurb properly and have everything that you might need in place before you start. If you’re unsure about your DIY skills, then find a YouTube video that will provide you with some top tips to get you started. Then, once you’re done, you can sink into a bubble-filled bath, shutting out the outside world, proud in the knowledge that you’ve created your new favorite room in the house. Just be sure to get in ahead of the rest of your household who’ll also want to make the most of your decorating skills!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Lil Red’s Book Club: An Innocent Client Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: An Innocent Client Edition

Hii everyone! This past week I finished up a riveting courtroom drama called An Innocent Client. I love me a good courtroom film or book just as much as the next guy and this one was one hundred percent decent. It wasn’t the best or most shocking grand reveal, by far, but it was still a pleasant read and it was very easy for me to continue to turn the pages. I finished the three hundred and sixty pager in two days! Let’s discuss:

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Scott Pratt’s debut novel revolved around criminal defense lawyer, Joe Dilliard, who wished for one thing and one thing only on his birthday: an innocent client. Sick of defending the low lifes who everyone knew darn well that they committed horrific crimes, he wanted someone who he truly felt was innocent. And, he felt that way about his latest client, a waitress at a men’s club named Angel Christian.

Angel is beautiful and mild mannered and Joe couldn’t imagine her hurting a fly let alone committing a murder. He is making the big bucks off of her case and begins doing everything in his power to clear her name. All the while, he deals with a drug addicted sister, a stalker, and his clients who he continues to visit in jail. Each one being more colorful than the next.

I enjoyed all of the subplots in this book, because it felt like a different story with every chapter and that made me want to continue reading as soon as I finished one. However, this book definitely contains a lot of trigger warnings in terms of violence and sex crimes and I wouldn’t recommend it to those who are sensitive to that.

Like I mentioned earlier, the grand reveal was good but it didn’t blow me away. But, it was crafted really well and it was a smart trick that the writer had up his sleeve and I appreciated that. I’m going to give this book a six out of ten. I did like reading it, for the most part, but some of it was very hard to get through. An Innocent Client had a great pace and Joe Dilliard was a likeable leading character. Sometimes courtroom dramas read like an instruction manual and this one was approachable enough that I finished it in two days!

What is your favorite courtroom drama? What is your favorite genre to read? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bubble Bar Blitz: Lush’s Yog Nog Yule Log Pt. 2 Edition

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Bubble Bar Blitz: Lush’s Yog Nog Yule Log Pt. 2 Edition

Hello! A few days ago, we discussed the Yog Nog Yule Log bubble bar from Lush. Sadly, I didn’t use it correctly the first time around and did not experience the bubble bath of my dreams. But, since the bar is reusable, I was able to try again! And, sadly, I still did not experience the bubble bath of my dreams, even though I used the bar properly this time. All I got was a few measly bubbles and pee yellow bath water. Lol, take a look and let’s discuss:

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After my unsuccessful first bubble bar bath, I consulted the Lush website and learned that you have to crumble the bar up and hold it under the running water – which I did the second time around. I don’t know what I was expecting, albeit it wasn’t much, but I definitely didn’t anticipate sinking into a bath filled with the water seen above!

Maybe the bubble bars don’t bubble as well the second time around or something but it was very much lacking in that department, to say the least. So, I just took the crumbled up bar pieces that didn’t dissolve and used it on my body to shave with like I did the last time.

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I don’t know if I’ll try a bubble bar again after the two unsuccessful experiences with Yog Nog Yule Log. But, that’s okay, because I’m so partial to the bath bombs that I’d rather use those, anyways. Despite the bar not bubbling the best, it still gave me a really close and smooth shave, which I can definitely appreciate! 😀

What are your thoughts on the Lush bubble bars? Do you have a favorite one? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah