May3

Duolingo Progress

Posted on by
Standard
Duolingo Progress

Howdy! Thanks to everyone’s recommendations to me about the Duolingo app, I have been obsessed for close to two months now. For funsies, I finally completed their French program for an enjoyable review and to sharpen my skills. Although it was tedious, it was well worth the time and effort and it felt good to finish the lessons that I started for a language that I love.

I have now moved onto Duolingo’s Spanish program and have been working on it for the past week or so. Once I complete these lessons, Spanish will be the FOURTH language that I’m familiar with, which is pretty good for an American! I haven’t taken a Spanish course since grade school, which has been over a decade ago, and I am already pleased with the progress that I have made.

My only complaint about the Duolingo app is the new update, where there are now three levels to complete per topic. I wish that they just did more extensive training on the subjects rather than having to go back to each one twice more once you complete level one. Three levels means a really repetitive curriculum, which was confirmed when I tried some of the advanced French levels only to find that it was a lot of the same thing over again.

When people ask me my level of fluency in French, I always reply with “If you transported me to Paris right now, I am sure that I would get along fine”. So, I can’t say that I will complete the additional levels for it. However, if I feel the need, I will certainly go back and give it a go. Spanish, on the other hand, will probably require all three levels of training, as I am completely unfamiliar with the language – despite eight years of it in grade school!!

Which languages are you learning on the Duolingo app? How many languages do you know and how did you learn them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May2

How To Set Up A Band

Posted on by
Standard
How To Set Up A Band

When you want to play some awesome tunes but don’t have anyone to jam with, there is but one solution: set up your own band. Though this might sound a bit nerve-wracking if you’ve never done it before, it is just the same as making new friends. The first thing you need to do is figure out the answers to the questions below and then you should go Online at Vampr to find the best people for your new group:

What kind of music do you like?

You probably already have a good idea of the kind of music you like, but you also need to think about what you want to play. Musical people often have wide tastes that can lead in all kinds of directions, so settling on one sound can be really difficult. Think back to what you like to play when you are on your own. Do you have a more folksy vibe? Is rock your thing? Do you like to write your own music or are you strictly covers only? Answering these questions will help to decide the kind of people that you want to attract.

Put together a track list of the things you like most and the styles you want to base your own music on to give potential band members an idea of what you are about. This can be any and all music so don’t be afraid to do the obvious stuff as well as the more off the wall things you enjoy.

Which Instruments Do You Need?

Next up: instruments. There are plenty of 2 guitars, 1 bass, drums types of bands but there is a lot to be said for branching out a little. How about adding a horn section? What about switching between instruments or experimenting with electronics? If you are looking to develop a unique sound, you might really be after musicians who can play multiple instruments so that you can all switch about to create something never heard before. This is the way that lots of famous bands work and create something new and different.

Where are You Based?

The final question might not be musical but is very important, nonetheless. If you are based in a garage somewhere, you need to think about how many people can realistically get in to practice. Plus, you need to make sure that you aren’t recruiting people who will have to drive for ages to get to each rehearsal. However enthusiastic they are now, they might not be after a long week of work in the depths of winter!

Similarly, if you want to gig at a cool underground nightclub with a tiny stage, a group of nine might sound great but just won’t fit. It’s not very rock and roll, but thinking about the logistics now will save you a lot of bother in the future when you start playing together.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May2

Unique Gifts For The Person Who Has Everything

Posted on by
Standard
Unique Gifts For The Person Who Has Everything

What do you buy for the person who has everything? You’ll probably spend hours searching the deepest corners of the internet trying to find something, but with the giftee’s birthday fast-approaching this can make it even more stressful. That is why we have listed some top ideas below so that you can put an end to those endless internet searches:

Glow In The Dark Pillows:

Do you have a friend who is always stumbling in drunk and unable to find their bed? Then a glow in the dark pillow could be the solution. Glow in the dark pillows come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, and they look awesome, so if you want to give them something really special and unique then this is certainly the way to go. The best thing about these pillows is that you don’t even know that they are glow in the dark until you turn the light off! You can also get cute pillows and gifts too, which work just as well for someone who might not need the glow in the dark aspect as much.

uniquee.png

So cute!

Fun Mugs:

You may have seen funny mugs on the market and you may also think that they look kind of tacky. The best thing about mugs is that there are so many options available and there are some that look awesome. For example, you can get mugs that are shaped like tiki totems and you can also get some that light up, as well. Themed mugs are also great if they have a favorite movie and they are ideal if you can get one that is unlike anything that they have seen before.

Custom T-Shirt:

Does your friend have a favorite slogan, band, or anything else of the sort? Then why not put it on a t-shirt for them! You can easily create your own and this is about as unique as it gets. You can create your own shirt in a couple of minutes and the best thing about this is that you know that they won’t have one already!

uniquee1.png

 Pixabay Image

Food Gadgets:

Everyone loves food and one way for you to get something for the person who has everything would be for you to buy them a gadget if they love to cook or bake. Or, if they have been to another country and they love the sweets or food there, then you can easily buy them a box of candy online or try cooking their favorite dish for them. Sure, you may pay a ton for postage, but at the end of the day you know that they will love it and it is a great way for you to show that you really care.

With so many options available when choosing a gift, finding the right one has never been easier – even for the friend that has everything!

May2

Relationship Survival Tips For Moving In Together

Posted on by
Standard
Relationship Survival Tips For Moving In Together

So, you’ve been together for a few years, know each other inside and out, and have decided to move in together. You are both very much in love with one another, so this is going to be a walk in the park, right? Well, unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. In fact, some couples find that moving in together can be a huge strain on their relationship, even if they have been seeing each other for years.

But you shouldn’t let that put you off of moving in together, because there are certain things that you can do that can help ease the strain. Here are some tips that will make the move go as smoothly as possible:

Look For A New Place:

You will have to decide whether you move into one of your own flats or if you choose to look for a completely new place altogether. Sometimes, it makes more financial sense for your partner to move in with you or for you to move into their apartment. However, if you can afford to, you should think about looking for a new place where you can both make a fresh start together. That way, you can both start from scratch again, and one of you won’t feel like you are trying to settle into someone else’s home, which can sometimes be uncomfortable.

Buy A Mattress Together:

When it comes to buying new furniture for your shared place, it’s often not necessary for you to do it together. However, you should always go mattress shopping together so that you find one that suits the both of you. That’s because mattresses come in all different styles and are made with different materials. Some types might not be suited to your body and could cause you to develop back and neck pain. So, shop for a mattress together so that you both have the chance to find one that suits you both.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiRQsHYFP9S/

Respect Each Other’s Decor Choices:

If you decide to redecorate your new place, you will need to respect each other’s interior design and decor choices. If you both have similar tastes, then this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. However, if you have contrasting styles, you should both be prepared to make sacrifices. For instance, your partner might not like a rug that you had in your old flat, so you will be better off buying a new one that you both like rather than bringing your old one with you.

Make Time For Yourself:

Just because you live together now, it doesn’t mean that you have to spend all of your time together. In fact, that could get quite suffocating, and could easily add to some tension and resentment. So, be sure that both of you make time for yourself. You can, for example, spend one night a week out with your friends. This gives you both some breathing space and won’t make it feel like you are on top of each other all of the time.

Moving in with your significant other is an exciting time. Make sure that you don’t let minor frustrations take away from that!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May2

Leg Health: Often Overlooked, But Vital To Wellbeing

Posted on by
Standard
Leg Health: Often Overlooked, But Vital To Wellbeing

We hear about heart health all of the time in the media, but what about leg health? After all, our legs are a major part the body that are essential to our mobility, so we really should be looking after them as much as possible. With that in mind check out the information below on how to keep your pins as healthy as you can:

Cramps:

Leg cramps can be painful and particularly inconvenient if you are suffering from them when exercising or standing on your feet for a long time at work. Most of the time, the cause of cramps can be something simple like forgetting to warm up properly before working out or standing for too long without a break.

However, sometimes leg cramps can be indicative of something more serious such as a vitamin B1, B5, or B6 deficiency. Something you can find out more about here.

Clicking Knees:

Our knees take a lot of strain over the years, and they can be one of the most vulnerable places in our body to injury and damage. In particular, knees that click when you bend or move can be a sign that the cartilage inside them is wearing away. This can be a major issue because it means that over time the two bony parts of the knee joint will end up rubbing against each other without any cushioning which can cause serious pain and damage.

With that in mind, it is a very good idea to get painful or noisy knees checked out by a specialist at the first chance you get.

Varicose Veins:

Varicose veins are bulging purple veins that protrude from the surface of the leg. They are generally regarded as being unsightly and they can also be painful, as well.

On their own, they’re not usually seen as a major medical problem, although in combination with other symptoms such as leg swelling, spider veins, and leg discoloration they could be indicative of a heart condition. If you are concerned that this may be the case, it is wise to seek an assessment from your local cardiology department as soon as possible.

Strains And Pulls:

Lastly, a common leg health issue that many people can experience is the straining or pulling of a muscle. Many of this type of injury occurs while a person is moving or working out and they can be quite painful until healed, limiting their range of movement.

To treat a strain or pulled muscle, it is useful to elevate it as this will help halt any swelling. You can also use a compression bandage and apply a cold compress to the area every 30 minutes or so. It is vital that you rest the injury until it has healed and don’t aggravate it further by doing any strenuous exercise until then.

Your legs are what gets you from Point A to Point B, so keep them healthy so that you can stay on the move!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May2

Face Mask Festivities: CVS Avocado Oatmeal Clay Mask Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Face Mask Festivities: CVS Avocado Oatmeal Clay Mask Edition

Hey everyone and happy Hump Day! If there’s one thing a Lil Red loves, it’s a clay mask. I don’t buy them too often because I don’t use them too often, but the one that we’re discussing today was a hand me down from my beauty queen sister. It wasn’t the best, but it certainly wasn’t the worst, either. So, take a look and let’s get to it:

facemaskfacemask3facemask4facemask6

Okay, so a major pro of this mask was that it smelled awesome. It had a nice and creamy texture thanks to the avocado, but it’s scent was rich and sweet from the oatmeal. I have a love/hate relationship with the overall feel of this mask, though. I liked that the consistency of it was lighter than a standard clay mask. But, at the end of the day, I love a really thick texture. It’s a matter of preference, though. I love being able to take a bath and let a thicker mask soak in. It was impossible to do that with the CVS one, because it dried so quickly!

Although this product smelled really good, I am glad that I didn’t go out of my way to purchase it for myself. When I use a face mask, I’m only genuinely concerned about one thing: Blackhead removal. And, unfortunately, my blackheads were none of the better after using this mask even though it’s supposed to be a purifying one. Don’t get me wrong, my skin felt soft after using it and it will be nice to apply every once in a while. But, don’t expect a miracle in this face mask, because you aren’t going to get it.

What is your favorite face mask to use? How do you like to pamper yourself? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May1

The Art Of Simple Living

Posted on by
Standard
The Art Of Simple Living

With the world in somewhat uncertain times, and things like the fuel, food, and the cost of living rising, budgets are getting more and more stretched. So while this is going on, many people are looking to cut back in different aspects of their lives. In essence, they have been looking to live a more simplistic life, that can lead to being happy and healthy, in spite of all that is going on around them.

But what is simple living and how can you apply it in your life? In short, it is about living with the things that you need to survive and to make you happy; it is living a life without excess. We can so often confuse what our real needs are with the things that we want. Things like cable TV or processed fast foods are not necessary for living, but we often think that we need them. It might be easy to think that these kinds of things will help to make your life easier or better, but in many instances, this isn’t the case. So if this sounds like a type of living that you’d like to start embracing, here are some practical ways that you can bring simple living in at home:

Declutter:

One of the best things that you can do to start off with is decluttering. Whether that be looking for somewhere that does skip bin hire and throwing things out that you don’t need (or selling them) or decluttering your personal life, it can all help to give you some much-needed clarity. When you have a home that is filled with only the things you need, and not full of excess, it is a good place to start. It clears your mind and can actually be good for you.

simplee.jpg

Decluttering is key!

Establishing Wants And Needs:

As has been described, it is a great thing to distinguish between the wants and needs in your life. This can stop you from overspending and stop you from filling your life with excess. So get back to basics; what do you need in your life? If you write things down and make a list, it will help you to know the areas that you need to cut back on. Many people spend more than they think about, especially for things like socializing. Grabbing a coffee here or going for a drink there can all add up. Are they essential in your life, though?

One Step At A Time:

It is important to not give up everything all at the same time, especially if there are certain aspects of your life that are really essential to you. Being able to go the gym may be a vital part of your mental health and wellbeing, so that could stay in there. Some people enjoy going out to eat. While you could still do this, you could just get a main course, rather than a three-course meal, for instance. You’re just going for what you need to sustain you, and not wasting money or calories on excess.

Simple living is an amazing way to bring clarity into your life as well as saving some extra moolah!

May1

Bouquet Beauty

Posted on by
Standard
Bouquet Beauty

Heyyy everyone and happy Mayday! With another lovely month of spring upon us, it only seems right to plaster lifewithlilred’s walls with a floral frenzy. It’s hard not to see a huge field of flowers, a lone rose, or a freshly picked bouquet and not smile. That’s basically how I’ve been feeling for the last few days since my hopeless romantic dad gifted my mom with this here bunch of flowers:

bouquet

Seeing this bright pink delight every time I walk into the kitchen is always a treat. Seeing the blooms of daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths all over the neighborhood is always a treat. And, spending another month with my beloved readers here on lifewithlilred is the best treat of all!

Happy May! ❤

What is your favorite month of the year? Are you doing anything special in the month of May? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr30

Dandelion Days

Posted on by
Standard
Dandelion Days

Hi everyone and happy Monday! From as early as I can remember, I have always loved dandelions. Apparently, I used to spend countless hours in my youth squatted in the yard and plucking dandelion bouquets for my parents and grandparents. I also had many a temper tantrum when my parents wouldn’t stop the car at random fields to let me go dandelion crazy. But, that’s neither here nor there. And now, twenty years later, I still take delight in seeing the yellow blooms sprouting up in my neighborhood.

A weed and an inconvenience to some has always been viewed as a treasure to me. As soon as the dandelions begin invading the yards and fields in my neck of the woods, I know that spring is here. And, when the tiny yellow petals fall away, a puff of new seeds will come back that are perfect for making a wish on.

While walking through the neighborhood, I saw the perfect little lineup of dandies poking out of one of the driveways, and it brought me so much pleasure that I had to stop and snap a picture.

dandy.jpeg

It doesn’t take much to make me happy, but it sure is hard not to smile at the yellow pops of color scattered throughout the grass. 🙂

What was one of your favorite activities to do as a child? Who else was a fellow dandelion picker? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr29

Flashback Fun

Posted on by
Standard
Flashback Fun

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! When I talk about my dogs to anyone who will listen, nine times out of ten, I end up showing them the pictures of my rescue pups dressed up for Halloween. Ollie, my terrier mix, and Gem, our Golden Retriever, make up a huge part of my happiness. And, when I think about them, I often flashback to their Despicable Me minion costumes for Halloween this past year:

halloweenn1halloweenn

I LOVE the polar opposition in these pictures between my babies, because Ollie is just going about his day as normal. Gem, on the other hand, looks freaking PISSED. I am that crazy dog mom who would have pictures of them in my wallet if I could. But, when dogs are the topic of discussion, showing these pictures from my iPod always gets a laugh – and hopefully it makes you laugh, too! It’s just a fun party trick of mine, you know?

Do you dress your pets up for Halloween? Are they like Ollie or Gem when it comes to wearing clothes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah