Oct11

Target Haul: A New Day + Vital Voices Pleated Skirt

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Target Haul: A New Day + Vital Voices Pleated Skirt

Hello everyone and welcome to my last and, perhaps, favorite purchase from my Target Haul. All throughout my twenty-four years of existence, I can’t say that I was ever really attracted to wearing skirts. Sure, I like them. And, I have a handful of skirts in my closet that I love wearing. But, I don’t think that I’ve ever gone to the store with the intention of finding myself a skirt. That is, until I bought my pleather, pleated BB Dakota midi skirt from TJMaxx.

After this purchase a few months ago… it was fucking on, and I became obsessed with finding more pleated midi numbers because, I hate to toot my own horn, BUT – THEY LOOK AMAZING ON ME! I haven’t had any luck with adding a new addition to my collection since finding my BB Dakota skirt, so imagine how happy I was when I found this one by A New Day + Vital Voices at Target:

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The collaboration between A New Day and Vital Voices is all about celebrating womanhood. The pieces in this collection emphasize the passion, strength, and undeniable power of woman – as their tagline goes – and that made buying this skirt even more attractive. The contoured faces make a modern statement and the sweet pleats provide movement, creating a look that is totally unique and completely cool.

For the perfect “I am woman, hear me roar” OOTD, pair with a graphic tee, slouchy blazer, and a pop of color shoe and enter any room with the presence of a girl not to be fucked with. Stand in your power, and look fabulous while doing so with this amazing collaboration only at Target.

What is your favorite brand that does a lot of good? How do you create an OOTD for when you’re ready to take on the world? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct10

Target Haul: A New Day Kimono

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Target Haul: A New Day Kimono

Howdy! I have never been a fan of kimonos, because it’s difficult for me to find one that doesn’t make me look pregnant! Lol, there’s something about them that just looks like maternity clothing to me, so I avoid them like the plague when I go shopping. So, I definitely wasn’t expecting to purchase one during my extravaganza at Target! Fair warning that this A New Day number doesn’t photograph well, because it’s all black (Shocker!). But, you’ll get the idea! Take a look:

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My major qualm with ninety-nine percent of the kimonos on the market is that they are shaped boxy and then they hit at the waist. For a short girl, this is so not flattering. I always try to find clothes that lengthen me, as opposed to making me look like I lost five inches and gained ten pounds! So, I was instantly attracted to this kimono, because it was longer and more fitted.

My new kimono from Target’s A New Day collection falls all the way down to the middle of my calves and is smocked in the back so it isn’t flowy, like a typical duster kimono. Rather, the gathered fabric lays closely but comfortably on the body so that you are not swallowed whole by what does seem like a lengthy piece of clothing. I have never seen a kimono with this shape before and, if I did, I would have bought them all, because it is the perfect shape for me!

The subtle, embroidered flowers on the silky but muted fabric makes for a sultry look when paired over a long sleeved sweater, skinnies, and heels. This kimono can completely modernize your standard date night outfit and will look edgy and chic when wearing it while out and about. How you style it is up to you, but you will look shamelessly cool no matter what in this A New Day number.

Are you a fan of the kimono? Why or why not? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct9

What Makes Ending An Addiction So Challenging?

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What Makes Ending An Addiction So Challenging?

Recognizing that you have a problem with addiction is the first hurdle that you have to overcome. Once you’ve admitted that you’ve got a problem, it’s time for you to think about quitting. You probably didn’t expect to become addicted when you first experienced an addictive substance or behavior for the first time. However, what started out as fun can quickly become something more serious. There are several different ways in which you can try quitting, but don’t be surprised if your first attempt is a difficult feat. If you’re left wondering why you found it so hard, here are some of the reasons why:

Conflict and Ambivalence

Alcohol, drug addiction, or some other type of addictive behavior that becomes excessive will create conflict in your life. It can be within yourself because you want to change, but also have stronger urges to repeat the addictive behavior. Conflict also occurs with other people because they either want you to quit or join them in the addictive behavior. These conflicts don’t go away, and your expectations only get higher. Ambivalence is the feeling of wanting to continue and wanting to quit at the same time. Professional Interventionists are well versed in all of these different situations and emotions and are there to help you work through them in the healthiest way possible. Battling an addiction is no easy feat and skilled professionals will guide and encourage you.

If you are choosing to go to treatment, you might find that being close to the area that you participate in addictive behaviors can be triggering. Especially if these places have resulted in a lot of conflict. For that reason, some people find it helpful to travel to their treatment center. It could be completing treatment at the Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center in Arizona or simply being a few hours away from your current location. Whatever your selection might be, be sure to tour the facility first so that there are no surprises when you enter treatment. You want to set yourself up for the best chance of success when you are making such an important change.

Tolerance – a Key Symptom of Addiction:

Tolerance, together with withdrawal, are the two processes that resulted in your addiction in the first place. The two are interconnected and, without them, it would be easier to quit. Tolerance is a physical and psychological process. The first time you experience an addictive substance or behavior your tolerance is low and the effect you feel is very strong. The more you repeat the behavior or take a substance, the higher your tolerance is and the more you need to take or do the behavior to get the same effect.

Withdrawal is experienced when you aren’t able to do the addictive behavior. The symptoms can be both physical and psychological. Symptoms might include shaking, feeling unwell, upset stomach, and feeling anxious or depressed. This, in itself, can be a barrier from quitting. Safe forms of detox like this one for adderall detox can be most helpful to fight through the withdrawal symptoms and give you an increased chance of success.

Guilt and Justification:

Guilt about your behavior is a strong motivator to make changes, but it also works against you. You find yourself justifying your behavior, not just to yourself but to other people too. Examples are telling yourself it’s not a problem, saying you’ve already cut down, or using other people or situations to divert attention. Treatment centers including The Recovery Village Indianapolis can help you work through these different emotions when you are ready to take that step.

What Can You Do If You Really Want to Quit?

There are a variety of different types of treatment to help you if you really want to quit. Therapy, for example, helps you sort out and change the thoughts that are keeping you addicted. It’s not going to be an easy or straightforward journey, but the support of a good treatment program will help you move forward and eventually quit. Treatment, whether as an outpatient or an inpatient at a luxury facility such as https://healtreatmentcenters.com/luxury-drug-and-alcohol-addiction-treatment-center/, will make the quitting process much easier, but there are, of course, strategies that you can follow if you want to try to quit your addiction on your own.

Sometimes a break from your addiction might not be up to you, but to the courts. This might be the case if you were driving under the influence of alcohol. A duii program at a treatment center can help fulfill court mandated requirements and provide you with the tools you need for success through therapy, support groups, and interventions.

residential addiction treatment

Overcoming an addiction to drugs, alcohol, or some kind of behavior doesn’t have to feel like the end of the world. Admitting that there is a problem is the first step, followed by withdrawal and detox. The recovery journey doesn’t always end there, and you may need professional support for many years to come.

Oct9

Target Haul: Zoe + Liv Hoodie

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Target Haul: Zoe + Liv Hoodie

Yooooooo. I’ve never seen a store that’s more on point when it comes to holiday clothing than Target. As soon as the appropriate season strikes, it seems like Target accommodates with Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc. themed clothes ASAFP. For example, they started carrying Halloween ready T’s, leggings, and accessories mid September.

By the time I got to shopping at Target last week, their Halloween gear was pretty picked over, so I felt lucky that I was able to snag this really fun hoodie by Zoe + Liv that also happened to be the last in stock! Check it out:

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Normally, I am not a fan of holiday themed clothing. But, what Lil Red is a fan of is all things spooky when it comes to my every day attire. I love skulls, bones, crosses, and ghoulishly good fashion so it’s no wonder why I simply adore this rockin’ skeletal hand hoodie! This little Zoe + Liv number isn’t just perfect for Halloween, but for literally every day of the year in Lil Red’s world and I have already worn in multiple times since purchasing.

I love that this comfortable hoodie doesn’t sacrifice any cuteness and it is such a fun top to wear while out and about or just lounging at home. In Ohio, we’re at the stage of fall where it’s chilly in the morning and evening but pretty warm in the afternoon. This hoodie is light enough that you can wear it during the sunny portion of the day and layers well under a jacket during the blustery mornings and nights. Cute, comfy, appropriate year round, and just twenty bucks – this hoodie was impossible to say no to!

What are your Halloween plans? What has been your favorite costume that you’ve worn during the spooky season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct8

Target Haul: Wild Fable Plaid Jeans

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Target Haul: Wild Fable Plaid Jeans

Hi everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend! I’m sure that many of us can agree that shopping for pants is a major pain in the ass. Every pun intended. I have a few problems with finding jeans that I love and can either list them alphabetically or numerically so take your pick! Lol but some of my issues include:

  1. I hate high waisted jeans and shorts more than literally anything.
  2. I only wear black on my bottom half, because anything else makes me look fat. I swear it’s true!
  3. Because of muscular figure skater thighs and booty, patterned bottoms also make me look fat. I swear it’s true!

Bearing all three of these issues in mind, you can see why finding pants might be problematic for Lil Red. So, imagine my surprise when I fell in love with a pair of jeans with *gasp* a pattern! Take a look:

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I’ve always loved plaid pants, and have been looking for a pair for months now. But, problems with the fit and pattern always seemed to stand in the way of me finding the perfect pair. Until these Wild Fable brand wonders came along, that is. These jeans fit exactly how I like – skinny and with a normal rise so that nothing is riding up into my crotch all day! That eliminated one of my major issues right there.

These skinnies also eradicated number two and three on my list because, 1) They are technically black and 2) The pattern is flattering. Although horizontal striping might not be the best thing when you have some extra curves up top or below, the bold vertical stripes in the plaid is the primary focus, so the horizontal lines might as well not even exist. The vertical stripes make me look long and lean instead of short and squat, which is never a good thing on my tiny 5’1 frame.

I cannot wait to pair these jeans with my favorite platform boots from Forever 21 and my Nasty Gal moto jacket for a wicked cool punk rock look this fall. These pants are edgy without even trying to be, so all you need do is layer on your best anarchy chic pieces to create a look that the Sex Pistols would be proud of!

What are some of your issues when shopping for pants? Which store offers the best bottoms for your body? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct7

Target Haul: A New Day Mustard Yellow Cardigan

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Target Haul: A New Day Mustard Yellow Cardigan

Hi! As you can tell from yesterday’s post, mama went a little bit crazy at Target. But, that’s just my cross to bear, I suppose, and each thing I got was well worth it. One of my favorite things that I got was a cardigan by the relatively new Target brand, A New Day. It also happens to be in my favorite color, other than black, MUSTARD YELLOW! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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Mustard yellow is a color that every red head should have in his or her arsenal. There is nothing that makes your red locks pop quite like this color and I wear it as often as I can. Therefore, this gorgeous hued cardigan was an absolute must. I love that it’s long, but not too long. Don’t get me wrong, I love a duster cardi as much as the next fashionista, but there’s something about a cardigan that hits just below the waist that is so flattering on every figure.

Cardigans of all levels of heaviness are appropriate and amazing for fall in their own right, but I much prefer a lighter one over something super chunky. This A New Day number offers the option to layer, which is my preferred autumn style. I also adore the sweet, fine ribbed detail and the double dots traveling down the back of the cardi.

This sweater will instantly transform any autumn OOTD from “oh” to “oh yeah” in a matter of seconds. Button up a thin flannel, throw this little number on over it, pair with black or dark rinse skinnies, and complete the look with your favorite boots. Rinse. Repeat.

What is your favorite fall color? How would you style this cardigan? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct6

Super Awesome Great Day

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Super Awesome Great Day

Hellllooo everyone and happy weekend! This past Tuesday was one of the best days off that I’ve had in a good long while. To start my morning, I had a work review for one of my jobs and passed with high flying colors. Then, to celebrate, my mom and I went to Target so that I could shop to my heart’s content. Upon returning home, I shopped to my heart’s content on ModCloth – I’m so bad! And, to top it off, we ordered take out from one of my favorite restaurants, Aladdin’s, as a hurrah to cap off a great day.

I have been working a lot lately, and it felt so good to have all of that hard work verified by an excellent review. It was also really nice to spend the rest of the day with my mom, because I’ve been working a lot! We had a blast shopping together and you can check out my haul below and, then, we will go over my new fall pieces individually for the next few days!

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My haul from Target brought me a lot of autumn essentials. Funky jeans, a midi skirt, a kimono, a cardigan, and hoodie that, for the most part, can all be mixed and matched really well! Fall clothes will always be Lil Red’s jam and Target did exceedingly well this year in providing high quality and unique pieces for its shoppers. Be sure to tune in tomorrow as we discuss one of these pretty little numbers in detail!

What is your favorite season to dress for? Describe one of the best days that you’ve had recently. I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct5

Blush, Baby – Maybelline’s Dream Bouncy Swatch In Candy Coral

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Blush, Baby – Maybelline’s Dream Bouncy Swatch In Candy Coral

HELLOOOOOOO! Having a sister is awesome because, other than having a built in BFF, you basically get to double your collection of makeup and clothing. Am I the best at sharing said makeup and clothing? Not always, but that’s neither here nor there. Whenever I’m not really using a product anymore, I always send it Kristen’s way and she does the same for me. Take the blush that you see below, for example. I gave it to Kristen and, probably one year later, she gave it back to me. So, now that it’s back in my possession, you can check out the swatch:

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My favorite non powder blush is definitely the Dream Bouncy collection by Maybelline. It’s creamy, goes on easily, and the pigments are always lovely. Shade 30, Candy Coral, is an underrated member of the Dream Bouncy crew, because it’s not the typical pink or brown blush. But, there’s nothing wrong with trying something a little different, especially when it’s so darn pretty!

Candy Coral is a good layering blush to make whatever shade you put over top of it really pop. It also is the perfect option for a no makeup makeup look if you rock it solo. It has just enough shine and oomph to it that it still takes a natural MOTD to next level fierce. Is this color absolutely necessary in your makeup arsenal? Perhaps not, but it is fun to have and it certainly brightens things up on a no makeup or full face day.

Do you use a cream or powder blush? What is your preferred blush color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct4

My Scary Movie Must Watch List

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My Scary Movie Must Watch List

Hello! With October officially among us, it is scary movie central now more than ever. But, who am I kidding, it ALWAYS is for Lil Red! If I get to pick the movie, trust and believe that it’s a scary one every time – they’re my fave! There’s something about cuddling up on a chilly October night that takes watching horror films to the next level, though, and below are my must watch films for the month:

  1. The Nun: I actually already saw this movie in theaters and I enjoyed it so much that I’d like to go again. I love The Conjuring movies and I thought that The Nun was excellent. It was dark, the acting was good, there were some amazing scares, AND it tied into some of the story lines from the first and second Conjuring movies. Two thumbs up.

2. Ils: Ils, aka “Them” in French is hands down my favorite horror film aside from the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. A fantastic, fast paced flick that comes to a shocking halt when you realize who’s hunting the hunted. I made my mom watch this movie with me years ago and there’s still certain noises that remind her of the film and freak her out to this day. SO. GOOD. Ten thumbs up!

3. The Strangers: Ils actually leads me into my third must watch pick, which is The Strangers. This is the Americanized version of Ils and, although it didn’t get the best reviews upon release, I deeply enjoyed it. I had to include The Strangers on my list, because it recently got added to Netflix and just seeing the movie cover creeps me out. So much so, that I literally had nightmares about it last night and woke up screaming. True story. It’s your classic home invasion story, but I think that it’s done really well and is definitely worth the watch.

4. 31: I LOVE Rob Zombie movies and, although 31 didn’t receive the best reviews, it’s probably my favorite RZ flick. A campy survival of the fittest film where the unfortunate players of the twisted torture porn game of 31 get killed off one by one by crazy clowns. It has an all around humor to the movie and you can tell that Rob Zombie had a ball making it. It’s also pretty scary, to boot!

5. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: To me, the pinnacle of horror films is the 1974 classic, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Nothing beats it and other than my modern favorite of Ils, it remains untouched by any other movie as my go to flick. It’s raw, it’s intense, and it combines so many elements of really fucked up shit into an actual story line instead of a hodge podge of torture porn. I have seen this movie countless times and it STILL gets me whenever I watch it. It’s the best of the best.

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to these movies or trailers.

Listed above are just my top five picks and will without a doubt be watched by me this month. But, I also plan on peppering in some of the following:

  1. Saw 1-7
  2. Eden Lake
  3. The Conjuring 1 & 2
  4. Sinister 1 & 2
  5. The Devil’s Rejects
  6. And, of course, seeing the new Halloween in theaters and watching the original.

What is on your Scary Movie Must Watch List for the Halloween season? What are your thoughts on the movies listed above? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

October 2018 Funky Time Jams

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October 2018 Funky Time Jams

Hey everyone and happy Hump Day! As all of you know, the only social media that I have is Facebook. Between the blog and my FB page, anything else would just be too much to maintain. And, I’d be a liar if I said that I didn’t enjoy scrolling through my newsfeed throughout the day! During one of my scroll sessions, I saw lots of people post a status encouraging others to put their iTunes on shuffle and comment what song it ended up on. It seemed fun, so I thought that I would do that with my October Funky Time Jams. Check it out:

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

As you can see from eight songs on shuffle, I have a pretty eclectic taste in music. From girl power queen Christina Aguilera to funky legend Prince and punk icons The Ramones, I truly never know what I’m going to get when my iTunes is on shuffle. But, above all else, I am definitely an indie girl at heart when I’m not feeling super emo! I love upbeat Los Campesinos! and the more experimental Handsome Furs and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes. Pepper in some of The 1975 and Tears For Fears and I’m golden! 😀

What song shows up when you put your music on shuffle? What is your favorite music to put you in a spooky October mood? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah