Apr2

April Funky Time Jams

Posted on by
Standard
April Funky Time Jams

Hiiii everyone and welcome to another month here on lifewithlilred! With spring officially upon us, it only feels right for my music selection for the month to be upbeat, poppy, and filled with girl power. But, of course, it wouldn’t be a Lil Red music post without some good old horror rock and emo screamo thrown in! Let’s get to it:

(And, as always, I have no rights to the above songs or videos!)

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been watching The Voice with my mom and Kelly Clarkson is one of the judges or if spring really is in the air, but I have been going pop queen crazy lately. Britney, Christina, Lady Gaga – the works. There’s something about the increase in temperature and being able to drive with the windows semi down that puts me in the best mood. And, nothing puts me in a better than best mood than singing along to my most loved pop divas in the Little Red Love Machine!

Of course, all of the emoness that I can muster is still necessary and so is listening to Rob Zombie, since I’ll be seeing him with Marilyn Manson in July. I can’t say that I’m his number one fan or anything, but so far so good. 😀

Which artists do you like to play when you’re in a good mood? Who is your favorite pop queen? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr1

Nourishing Your Friendships

Posted on by
Standard
Nourishing Your Friendships

How often do you sit on the sofa with your partner barely a foot away from each other, chatting with other people on social media? How often do you go out for lunch with a friend or to their house, to both spend time checking your emails or scrolling through feeds? If the answer is “all of the time”, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most of us are now spending time communicating or sharing with people online when we are in the company of others. We’re glued to our phones most of the time, and we often give it more attention than the people around us.

Social media is wonderful. Used correctly it’s a great way to nourish your friendships and maintain contact with people that live far away. But, many of us are guilty of paying more attention to these screens and communications than we are our real lives. Our real-world relationships are suffering because we struggle to give the real world and the people in it our full attention.

This kind of neglect can lead to the breakdown of friendships, divorce, and ultimately extreme loneliness. These friendships and relationships are important. These are the people that are there when you need them. That offer you a shoulder to cry on or important advice. That pick you up when you are down and give you a confidence boost.

While these friends and lovers might always be there when you need them, without nourishing the friendship by giving it your attention, time, and love, it won’t always be the same. For a lasting friendship that never falters or declines, you need to put some work into it. Here are some great ways to do just that:

Give Them Your Time:

Best friends are often the ones that you don’t need to see every week for things to stay the same. Even after a bit of a break, you snap back into your old ways, sharing jokes and giggles like you’ve never been apart. You can call them in the middle of the night even if you haven’t seen them for a month. But, you do still need to give them some time. Eventually, it will have been too long. Try to meet regularly, even if it’s just for a quick coffee. Show them that you want to make an effort to see them, even when you are busy, and they’ll do the same for you.

nourish1

#BFFs

Leave Your Phone at Home:

There’s nothing worse than being out with a friend to see them constantly on their phone. You feel like going out was a waste of time, and you’d have got more of their attention if you were both at home chatting online. So, don’t make this mistake yourself. Have a rule with your friends that when you are together, the phones stay behind. So what if you don’t share a photo of your dinner with all of your Instagram followers? You’ll really share it with your friends, instead.

Listen:

The key to all relationships is listening to each other. This is another thing that’s easier to do when you’ve put your phones and devices down. To show you are listening to everyday conversations, remember what they’ve told you and ask about it in the future. Don’t make them tell you the same thing twice because you weren’t paying attention the first time.

Give Gifts:

Everyone loves to receive a gift, but as we get older, we often buy them less. Many of our friends probably only get a birthday text or Facebook message. Now and then, get them something just because you want to. It could be a membership to the Flower of the Month Club or a nice meal out. Think about it, though. Don’t just buy something for the sake of it. Get them something that they will genuinely love.

Try New Things Together:

One reason that relationships start to fade is due to a lack of shared interests. Think about yourself ten years ago – are your interests still the same? Probably not, we change and develop all of the time, just as the world changes around us. Your best friend from ten years ago will also have different interests, and they may not be the same as yours. To maintain this friendship, it’s important to do two things. First, show an interest in the things that they love. Even if it’s not your cup of tea, ask them questions and give it a go for yourself or at least make it clear that it’s something that you are willing to talk about.

Then, you need to try new things together. Think outside of the box and try something that neither of you has ever considered. This will mean that you’ve always got something new in common, even if it’s a disaster.

nourish2

#selfie!

Know When to Let Go:

However essential friendships are, it’s also as important to know when to let go. To stop wasting your time and effort on those people that never give back, that only bring negativity into your life, and that leaves you feeling worse than you did before you spoke. Letting go of these negative relationships can help you to feel more positive and give you more free time to spend with the people that are willing to give back.

Good friends listen, they are honest, they make you laugh, and they are there whenever you need them. To have friends like this, it’s essential that you learn how to be one yourself.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Apr1

Happy Easter!!

Posted on by
Standard
Happy Easter!!

Hi everyone and Happy Easter, Happy Sunday, and Happy April Fools to all! I, myself, do not celebrate Easter but I want to wish the happiest of days to those who do. Oddly enough, I will spend my time today watching the live version of Jesus Christ Superstar, as it happens to be my favorite musical. Go figure, huh?

No matter how you spend your day, I hope that you have a wonderful time doing it! Enjoy a lazy Sunday, a church celebration, or revel in the tricks of April Fools – just have some fun! See you all tomorrow. 🙂 Much love. -Sarah

Mar31

Are You Struggling With Your Health?

Posted on by
Standard
Are You Struggling With Your Health?

Are you constantly feeling run down, as though you’ve got no energy left to do anything at all? It’s a common occurrence for people to start feeling like that. There are so many things that we could be doing to potentially harm our bodies, yet we carry on doing them. Even the littlest things like how much sleep we’re getting can dramatically reduce our health within a few weeks. But to get to the point where you feel as though you’re struggling with your health can be pretty worrying, so we’ve got some ways to solve the most common ways that people could be damaging their health:

Toxins:

The main reason why so many people struggle with their health is due to the many toxins that they’re including in their diet. It can be a range of things, but one of the most common ways we’re doing it is through the abuse of alcohol. A cheeky drink at the end of every day can so easily turn into an addiction, and an addiction can be hard to crack. One thing you might want to consider doing if you ever got to this point would be addiction counseling. It is one of the easiest ways to get out of the habit that you’re in, and it is always good to talk to someone about what you’re going through.

Depending on the level of your addiction, you might need something more intensive than counseling alone like an outpatient treatment center or a live in rehab. If this is the route you want to take, be sure to find a facility that fits your preferences. It could be a program that’s out of state, a rehab specific for men or a rehab for women, or a facility with a pretty view to inspire. You want a place that you can thrive so make some calls and take tours to find your best fit. It can feel scary to make a big change and taking tours of different facilities can help ease your mind. That way, you will know exactly what you’re getting into. Take the time to research different Drug and alcohol rehab centers and be proud of yourself. This is a big step!

Other toxins that so many of us are putting into our bodies is through food. We’re going through a time where people are skipping the vital vitamins and minerals from their diet, and replacing them with foods that are high in fats and sugars. If you want to get back on track with your health, consider changing to a diet that includes a lot of leafy greens and fruits.

Mental Health:

Struggling with mental health is something that countless people deal with and it’s important to know that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Whether you are talking to a therapist or a trusted friend, confiding in someone can lessen the burden as can a course of medications prescribed by a psychiatrist. There are plenty of resources out there including telehealth, hotlines, and websites that offer guidance. The page for strong spirit strong mind is an excellent place to start as it offers ideas that can be easily done to soothe your symptoms. It also features the information to find professionals that specialize in the struggles you are facing. Taking care of your mental health is a big step and it will only benefit you.

Aging Problems:

Some things we can’t help, but it is just something that we go through as we get older. For example, menopause for women is not a nice experience to go through. A lot of women actually really struggle with the process, and it can make their health feel really low. There’s the sweats, mood swings, and fatigue, among many others to try and cope with. But, it is a natural aging process that can’t be stopped. Another, possibly more crippling problem, is arthritis. Again, something that can’t be avoided, but can be managed. The best thing to do is use anti-inflammatory gels to reduce inflammation and, more importantly, keep the joints active so that it doesn’t seize up.

Work Related Problems:

The work that we do sometimes can cause us the biggest issues. Even something that might seem so easy as sitting at a desk can cause us to struggle with our health. For one, you’ve got the postural issues to contend with. Sitting at a desk for hours a day will no doubt affect it, but you can get foam cushions that will support your back to keep it up right. Then, there’s the issue of weight gain if you’re a snacker at the desk. It might not seem bad in the beginning, but the lack of exercise during the day coupled with a poor diet will eventually equal weight gain. Try and stay as active and healthy as possible by walking around the office and standing every hour to stretch after a stint in your chair.

Lifestyle choices can be altered and can improve your health for the better, one simple change at a time.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar31

New Hot Tools Hair Straightener

Posted on by
Standard
New Hot Tools Hair Straightener

Helloooo! For the past few months, I have been suffering from mild distaste for my hair. “WHAT?! But you love your red hair!” Yes, yes I do. BUT, my hair itself has just not been styling well, as of late. It just seemed like no matter what styling sprays and serums I used and how many times I flat ironed my hair, I could not get it straight for the life of me.

When I say that I want my hair straight, I’m talking pin straight, so it was infuriating to straighten my hair only to have it be frizzy and wavy shortly after. At first, I was wondering if my amazing hair stylist didn’t take enough bulk out when she was thinning through my thick locks. But, I poo pooed that thought immediately after, because she’s a genius. Then, I realized that it was my hair straightener.

I have been using my old faithful Ion One Stroke for a solid four years now, so it only makes sense that it might not be working to the best of its ability. Finally, the frizzy mess that my hair would turn into five minutes after straightening sounded about right. So, I did what I normally do…

I went to TJMaxx and got myself a Hot Tools straightener for twenty-five bucks.

hot1hot2hot3

This styling tool heats up to 450 degrees, which is perfect for my thick hair. It also has a handy touch screen to turn the product on and off and to adjust the heat. Immediately after using my new Hot Tools straightener, the difference in my hair was all I needed to justify my purchase. My locks looked straight, sleek, and the style held all day.

I am so happy to have solved the mystery behind my bad hair months, because I am SO over covering up my hair with hats, beanies, headbands, and wearing it up. Now, my crimson crown can flow freely and perfectly straight. Thank gawd.

R.I.P

Ion One Stroke

2014-2018

What are your tips for achieving pin straight hair? How do you usually style your locks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar30

Jazz Up Your Garage And Make It A Creative Space

Posted on by
Standard
Jazz Up Your Garage And Make It A Creative Space

The garage is often known as being that space where you dump absolutely everything. It is also the place where you can’t find anything, and it often gets neglected over time. This can cause real problems for your home and it also shuts it off as being an accessible room, as well. This doesn’t have to be the case, and if you want to jazz up your garage, then there are things that you can do to make this happen.

Of course, before we begin we have to note that some homes don’t have garages. The ideas below can easily be used with a shed too. It is worth remembering, however, that garages are an excellent boost in property value. If you are interested in adding a garage to your property, then it is worth searching for local Custom Garage Builders to find a reliable company to work with. Now, let’s get started:

From the Ground Up: 

If you are looking into renovating your garage into a space to create in, it’s often best to start from the ground up. Chances are high that your garage has hard and cold cement for the flooring and that can be quite uncomfortable when you are hard at work on your passions. We recommend searching for “epoxy garage coating minnesota” (or your local area) for epoxy flooring installation. Epoxy is an excellent option as it is slip resistant, durable, and very easy to clean. When creativity is flourishing, it can get a bit messy and epoxy will take the hard work out of cleaning up paint spills, metal and wood shavings, and dirt and grime.

Folding Desk:

If you have a small garage, then this can make it very hard for you to have a desk or anything else that you need to really harness your creativity. One way for you to get around this would be for you to have a folding desk. This can come out from the wall and when you are finished, it isn’t hard for you to just lift it up and have your space back. This is one of the best things that you can do if you don’t want to move your car, and it also frees up a lot more room should you need to convert the space again for something else.

Storage Jars:

If you want to store a lot of things at once, like pens, pencils, sharpeners, and more, why not put them into jars? When you have things stored in jars, it doesn’t matter if they get knocked over because there is a lid. On top of this, you can see instantly what items you have in each one. When you have these on an overhanging shelf that is higher up, you can save a ton of desk space and this is ideal if you want to go for the folding desk idea above.

garage1

 Pexels Image

Your Garage Door:

If your garage door is full of grime or if you know that it is not functioning properly then maybe it’s time to consider getting sectional garage doors installed. This is a great way for you to turn your space into a multi-functional room. You could even try and paint the garage door, as well, so that you can easily add some color to the space. If you want to be super creative, add in some artwork. This could be of anything, and if you don’t want to get it ruined in a dusty atmosphere, just opt for canvas. This is ideal because it’s cheap and it can easily be wiped down.

Should repairs be the only change to your garage door that you’d like to make, that’s okay! Furnishing a creative space can be pricey and it’s understandable that you would want to use a majority of your funds for that purpose. A team of professionals like those at NB Garage Door Repair (or a similar business in your local area) will have your garage door functioning like new again. How nice will it be when it glides up to unveil your new studio?!

Bookcase:

Do you need shelf space but you know that you can’t have a full set installed? One thing that you can do here is have a bookcase. Bookcases are much thinner when compared to shelving units and they are much taller. This is ideal if you actually need space and if you have a lot of items with nowhere to put them. Bookcases can also be fixed to the wall, so that there is absolutely no danger of them falling over.

Turning your garage into an actual room can really increase the value of your home on top of having your own workshop!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar30

Marilyn Manson Concert Excitement!!!

Posted on by
Standard
Marilyn Manson Concert Excitement!!!

Hiiii everyone!! This summer, July 17th to be exact, Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie will be performing at Blossom Music Center in my neck of the woods. I was lucky enough to have seen Mr. Manson this past October in Pittsburgh and it was AMAZING. Naturally, getting tickets to the July show was a must in my head, but I didn’t realize that I would be getting them so soon.

This Monday, my sister texted me to let me know that she purchased our tickets for us, as they were half off on Groupon. It was literally the best text EVER and I am so excited that I could cry. I can’t say that I’m too familiar with Rob Zombie’s music, but I love his movies, so it should still be pretty cool. But, let’s be real, the only reason that I’m even going is for Ohio’s finest!

I feel so spoiled that I will be getting to see one of my favorites twice in less than a year and, even though it’s months away, I am so looking forward to it!

Which concerts are you hoping to see this year? What is your favorite music venue in your area? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar29

From Hobby To Passion, Finding More Time For What You Love

Posted on by
Standard
From Hobby To Passion, Finding More Time For What You Love

Finding your balance in life isn’t always easy. When you feel the scales tipping too hard in one direction, it can feel like you’re stuck in a rut. With the state of modern living, all too often those scales tip too heavily in favor of work and the important responsibilities we all carry. When that happens, it’s time to take a closer look at how you spend your time, and how much you dedicate to your passions.

Recognize the benefits:

First, we have to get rid of the stigma that some of us attach to our hobbies. It is true that in many cases, you don’t get an easily understandable return on your investment. Most people aren’t going to make money off of their passion. However, they are going to enjoy the benefits that can enrich their lives not just personally but professionally. People with hobbies tend to be more productive and more motivated in their work. They can learn plenty of transferable skills that can apply to their careers. Perhaps more importantly, it helps round you out as a person, gives you a broader perspective on life, and gives you the downtime that you need to get away from work every now and then.

Be willing to invest:

If you want the full benefits of finding a passion, whether it’s writing, backpacking, archery, or something entirely different, you have to be willing to give into it. Most passions require some kind of gear or tools that cost money. This could be sports equipment, a laptop, or even EFT Coffee cheat packs for your favorite video games. You can start with basic gear and level up as you continue to explore your hobby more fully. The time it takes to learn the ins-and-outs of any hobby, however, is the biggest investment that you have to make. This means taking a closer look at your schedule and physically penciling in time that you take away from other fields of your life to enjoy your hobby without any distraction. You have to create those boundaries and make a hard rule out of them, otherwise, it’s all too easy to find yourself sacrificing that “me time” for something that isn’t really worth it.

Find others who are into it:

To some people, a little isolation goes a long way in helping them enjoy their passions. Spending time alone in the wilderness or in your own garden can help you get away from the noise of your colleagues or family, which is perfectly fine. But, if you really want to get deeper into a hobby and commit to making it a passion, finding others who share your interest can be beneficial. Beyond all of the practical advice, discussion, and recommendations, finding others who share your hobby acts as a positive reinforcement. Seeing other people willing to commit to the same thing as you can help you get over the stigma that you might have against spending more time on you.

hobby1
Creative hobbies are a good place to start!

Make room for it (literally):

It’s another investment, but if you need physical space to enjoy a hobby, such as gardening, woodworking, or painting, then it’s worth making space for it. If you love movies, then you can create the perfect home entertainment space. If you paint, then think about using the garage or finishing the basement to give yourself a studio. A degree of separation is needed from the space where you practice your hobby and where you live the rest of your life. Otherwise, it’s too easy to let distractions pop in or to find your valuable hobby time spoiled because someone else is using that space.

Get your own retreat:

If you’re an outdoorsman who loves archery, horse riding, or simply walking the great outdoors, then it is worth considering making an investment into a property that allows you to indulge in it whenever you have the time. There is plenty of land for sale perfect for those who love their outdoor passions. It’s a big investment, but property can always be profitable, and it can be cheaper to keep returning to your own property rather than having to rent a lodge several times a year.

Get involved with the community:

We have already stated how finding others who share your passion can help you learn more about it and get more engaged with it. But if you’re already well versed in the passion of your choice and you are in a position to share, then you could become a more established voice in the community, as well. Think about starting a hobby podcast or a blog where you can discuss the finer points and give a little more insight, even helping new people find that passion. If you’re able to land sponsors or affiliate deals, you might even be able to monetize that passion.

hobby2

Beautiful!

Teach others:

Not all passions can be easily monetized. It depends on the market around you, any competition, and your own experience. If you have a long history in a particular field or talent, however, then you could make a side-gig or even a main career of teaching it to others. Whether it’s sports, martial arts, or knitting – consider starting a class to help newcomers find their feet. Beyond finding new people to share that joy with, teaching is also a learning experience, helping you consider your passion a lot more deeply so that you’re able to communicate it with others.

It might feel like a risk, investing time and money in something that your mind can easily rationalize as “just a hobby”. However, the benefits of finding your passion and giving yourself a reason to enjoy getting out of bed every morning are vital to helping you keep up those still important responsibilities.

Featured Image By: Kaboompics

Mar29

Hipster Hobbies: Becoming A Collector

Posted on by
Standard
Hipster Hobbies: Becoming A Collector

Have you been thinking of a new hobby that you could take up? Lots of people instantly think of getting involved with a sport whenever they start looking for a new hobby, but if you are not particularly sporty, then that suggestion might not impress you! Not too keen on reading or other creative pursuits, either? Well, there is one other idea that we have for you. In fact, this suggestion is quite trendy right now as many hipsters are starting to pursue it.

Why not become a collector and start a new collection? Not only does this give you something to do in your spare time, but it could also work out as a very valuable investment eventually. Some collections, such as stamps and baseball cards, can increase in value over time and you’ll be able to sell them for a tidy profit at some point in the future. That’s especially the case if you can add any very valuable items to your collection!

Ready to get started on your new life as a serious collector? Here are some tips that can help you get your new collection up and running:

collect1

Antiques are always a good way to go!

Realize Your Passion:

First, you need to think about what you are going to collect. It’s a good idea to start collecting something related to your passion and main interests. That way, you are a lot less likely to get bored of whatever it is that you are collecting. You should also have a fairly good background knowledge on whatever it is you are collecting, which will make this a much more interesting hobby for you to pursue. Thanks to this knowledge, you will probably already be pretty clued up on how to spot authentic items and which to pass on.

collect2

Pretty!

Catalogue Everything:

Once you start a collection, you should try and make sure that you don’t accidentally buy two or more of the same item. That would be a waste of money and will only take up space in your home, especially if the items that you are collecting are large. One way to prevent this from happening is to make sure that you catalogue everything that you buy. Don’t worry; this doesn’t have to be an extensive catalogue system – simply recording each item that you buy is enough to keep track of what you have in your possession. You should be alright keeping a record in a notebook, but if your collection becomes extensive, you might want to consider buying a specialist computer software to help you keep track of everything in your collection.

collect3

Pexels Image

Buy Authentic Items:

You will find that some collectables can be rather expensive. As a result, there are a lot of people out there who are selling fakes and pretending that they are the real deal so that they can take advantage of collectors. To make sure that you’re not fooled by any scammers, you need to make sure that you are careful to only buy authentic items. If you do buy a forgery, you will find that you won’t be able to sell it at the price that you bought to make a profit.

Are you wondering how to make sure that you always buy authentic items? First, make sure that you use reputable sellers and shops. When you visit the website where you are hoping to buy your collectibles, you should make sure that there is a wealth of information about each item. They should also have accreditations that prove that they are the genuine sellers. If possible, try and find some reviews from other sellers, as well. Generally speaking, it is always better to buy from official sites instead of auction sites like eBay, as it is easier to figure out whether the seller is genuine or not.

collect4

Stamp collecting is always popular.

Sell & Buy:

When it comes to collecting, it is rarely a one-way street. You will find that the majority of collector sell as well as buy. This is, more often than not, for practical reasons. For example, they might need to make more space in their home for more valuable items and, therefore, sell off some of their lower value items. Or, it could be for financial reasons – some collectors sell off some of their items to make funds for more expensive and rarer ones. It’s a good idea to set up your own eBay site to aid your selling. If that sounds like too much effort for you, you could also sell through a genuine collectible seller or shop. Just remember that they will take a commission, though, so you won’t get 100% of the profits.

Work On Relationships With Sellers:

Once you start to regularly return to the same sellers, it’s a good idea to try and develop a rapport and relationship with them. Lots of sellers really appreciate their loyal customers, as they help them make a profit each month. You will find that the sellers you always go back to will be really appreciative of your business. As a result, you will find that they might offer you some discounts on buying in bulk and they could also offer you other special and exclusive deals. Plus, when they start to get a feel for the kinds of things that you are after, they could contact you to let you know whenever they get something new in their shop.

Think About Storage:

Ideally, you need to try and keep all of your collectibles in pristine condition. This way, they will retain as much of their value as possible. So, it’s a good idea to try and keep the items in their original packaging. You might also want to buy some display cases if you want to use your collectibles as part of your decor.

Lots of people find that starting a collection is a very worthwhile hobby and one that can bring them significant profits. Do you think this sounds like the one for you?

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar29

Spring Crocuses

Posted on by
Standard
Spring Crocuses

Hello!! With hopefully the last snow of the season behind us in Ohio (But, who am I kidding, we’ll probs get at least one more!), the temps have been raising to a comfortable fifty degrees. With that increase and some extra sunshine, I found some more crocuses in my yard popping up when I walked the dogs this weekend. Seeing freshly sprouted flowers just makes me happy, and I’m sure that plenty of you are the same, so take a look:

crocuscrocus1crocus2

Instead of just the yellow crocuses that were sprouting up last time, I had the pleasure of seeing white and purple blooms peeking out beneath the winter debris. The white crocuses are happily embracing the sunshine, while the three purples ones are so close to opening up and doing the same. I can’t wait for when they do!

What is your favorite flower? Are there any blooms popping up in your yard? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah