Jan25

Helpful Hints To Decorate A Wood Paneled House

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Helpful Hints To Decorate A Wood Paneled House

Wood paneling is coming back in a big way. It’s rustic and very cozy, for one. Plus, because of its popularity, wood can add value to a house. Anyone looking to sell up soon could take a calculated risk to increase the price of their home. However, it’s not all picnics and rainbows. Firstly, paneling can be hard to decorate as it’s stubborn. It isn’t as if you can transform the style because wood is wood. And, ripping it out and starting again isn’t a smart idea because it’s a waste of time and money.

The realization might make you think “what am I going to do?!” To begin with, don’t panic. Secondly, you might want to have a glance at the advice below. Here are the helpful hints which should lend a hand when it comes to decorating a wood-paneled property:

Hide It:

For those of you who just can’t stand the panels, it’s time to take away its pop. Walls seem as if they are impossible to change barring a splash of paint due to their size. However, don’t forget that you can easily hide them with large, bulky furniture. A bookcase is a fantastic piece that will take the focus from the wood. You and your guests will be too busy leafing through the novels on the shelf to realize there are panels behind the books. Cases of dead trees aren’t the only things which can help, either. On a bookshelf, antiques and traditional home ware can be as effective at obscuring the wall. Never stack as many bits and pieces on a shelf as books, though, because it looks cluttered. The best option is to choose five or six items and space them out along the rack.

Splash Of Paint:

Wood has a deep, warm feel to it which can be troublesome. Not only is it dark, but some homeowners find totally unappealing. Gutting the house isn’t an option as it’s costly and time-consuming. The good news is that paint can be a wonderful way to transform paneling, and it doesn’t break the bank. All you have to do is choose a color of your choice and start brushing. For example, a white or cream is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to add light to their property. Even better, wood soaks up paint so the walls take on a textured look after the fact. An overlay can also change the style. White panels make a house feel as if it is now a comfy little cottage on the edge of town.

Alter The Direction

Lots of homes have panels which run one way: vertically. The readers who double as fashionistas will know that the direction of a shape can impact the style. It’s the worst kept secret in the world that horizontal stripes make a person seem fat. In the home, across running lines are not putters on of pounds but a source of contrast. To begin with, it’s hard not to notice the fact that they lie flat and don’t run up and down. Although you may not realize it now, your mind subconsciously thinks of stripes as moving in one direction. Secondly, everything in the room will run the other way. Drapes, blinds, light fixtures, and lampshades – they all stand vertically tall. As the panels go the other way, the contrast should be striking. Hopefully, the wood boards are just glued on so that you can prize them off and modify the style. If not, you will have to be very careful not to ruin the panels.

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So pretty!!

Embrace It:

Let’s not pretend like wood panels don’t look amazing. Everyone has been to a house that used boards and thought “I wish my house were this pretty”. The issue is embracing the style and making it work. Although it looks fantastic, wood paneling can be a tricky statement to get just right. One useful hack is to concentrate on a single room. The bedroom, for instance, might have boards running across the walls. If so, use it as a guinea pig before you attempt to revolutionize the entire house. On your bedroom shopping list, you will want hardwood or faux floors, a lumber dresser, and timber wardrobes. That way, the furniture fits in with the rest of the room perfectly. Also, resist the urge to cover up the panels when possible. Instead, stain them and let the wood stand out as the focal point of your boudoir.

Make A Statement:

Along the same lines is the idea of sectioning off an area of a room. For instance, you use a corner of the living room rather than use panels throughout. It’s a straightforward task as long as you find the ultimate location. Lots of homeowners like to squirrel wood away in the corner, which is a smart plan. Wood is a strong material, so it won’t blend in to the point that no one notices its existence. However, it won’t overpower the rest of the pieces, either. A lumber cabinet is a fantastic addition because it looks beautiful while taking up hard to reach space. What’s more, using wood in this way makes it seem special because it has a novelty value. Like the tip above, making a statement tries to find a delicate balance between differing trends.

Choose Soft Accessories:

Because wood dominates, it’s vital to soften the look with accessories. These can range from window dressing to furniture. The pieces don’t matter too much, but their colors do as they add light contrast and texture. As always, white is a fantastic addition to a dark room, as are creams. However, don’t forget about the effectiveness of light blues and yellows. One way to make sure the balance is just right is to use light colors little and often. For instance, homes which pull off the look tend to incorporate light furniture as it’s bulky. Therefore, the pieces stand out more than, say, a coffee table. Drapes are another great choice as they are long and billowy. As a result, it makes the room feel cool and airy as well as light.

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PxHere Image

Time To Tile:

One of the excellent traits of paneling is that it doesn’t clash with alternative trends. Usually, a strong material like wood would be the only texture in the room, but it isn’t the case here. Due to its flexibility, you can use numerous fashions in one space. Wallpaper is a fine example as it’s coming back in a big way. Tile, however, has to be the most wonderful companion. Tiles add a sense of modernity to a room due to the fact that they are sleek and clean. Also, their thickness adds a new texture which boosts the contrast. When they are put together, the two styles look amazing, especially with a roll or two of wallpaper.

Wood paneling can be something which you want to ditch ASAP. That’s fine because it may not be your bag, baby. But, just know it is possible to incorporate it into any dream house, even your own!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan25

7,000+ Followers!!!

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7,000+ Followers!!!

Woohoo!!! I just had to write a quick post to thank all of my readers, because I now have over 7,000 followers!! This is a gigantic landmark and I am so proud to be on the better half to 10,000 lifewithlilred followers – so here’s to making that happen. 😀 Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of my friends and followers of lifewithlilred, because this achievement is compliments of each and every one of you!

I’M SO HAPPPPPPPPPPY!!!!!

Jan24

Valentine’s Day Gifts For You

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Valentine’s Day Gifts For You

Hi! The last two posts on lifewithlilred were special for the couples celebrating Valentine’s Day. But what happens if you’re riding solo this year on V-Day? Of course, moping in bed with chocolate and chick flicks is always a viable option, but if you want something more out of Valentine’s Day even though you’re single as a Pringle, then this post is for you!

Treat Yoself:

If you envy the guys and gals that are being spoiled on V-Day, then spoil yourself, instead. Take a trip to the mall or scroll through your favorite online store with a glass of wine in hand and get yourself a special V-Day treat. Nothing perks the mood up like a new pair of shoes, a Pandora bracelet, or some bath and body care goodies. Be good to yourself on Valentine’s Day and get spoiled rotten by the most important person on the planet… you!

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Galentine’s Day:

Misery loves company, so grab all of the single ladies in your life and have a day together. Watch some rom-coms, drink some wine, and eat all of the chocolate – because that literally sounds like a perfect day! And if you’re feeling frisky, you can get yourselves dolled up during the evening and go out for a night on the town. Members of the opposite sex, who?

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Single’s Party:

If you’re looking to celebrate singleness on a larger scale, then give hosting a Single’s Party a go. Round up your infamously single friends, and give them a place to celebrate among like minded people for the night. Do be sure to play “Love Hurts” on repeat the entire time! You can even plan the evening in a potluck style manner and have your guests bring their favorite break up vices to share, so you should have plenty of booze, pizza, and candy for all.

(And, as always, I have no rights to this song or video!)

Focus On Other Things:

If you would feel better about Valentine’s Day by just pretending that it doesn’t exist, then that’s fine too! Go about your day as normal, but maybe do something a little special for yourself to not make V-Day a total bust. Order your favorite takeout, grab a new nail polish color from the store and give yourself a manicure, or just tuck in early with the book that you’ve been meaning to read for months. Valentine’s Day is only a big deal to the people who make it out to be, so if it’s not your thing, then don’t let it get in the way of going about your day.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a shopping spree or if the real Valentine’s Day gift for you is spending it with your friends, just try and enjoy your day as best as you can. No matter how you spend it, V-Day isn’t an excuse for the day to be an instant throw away. And, who knows, you could end up having a lot of fun by starting new traditions with friends or by riding solo and vegging out to your must watch or read list!

How do you treat your sassy, single self on Valentine’s Day? Do you have any V-Day traditions with your friends? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Mr Tumblr

Jan23

Starting Your Own Business – Anyone Can Do It!

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Starting Your Own Business – Anyone Can Do It!

Many people think it’s a difficult task to start up their own business, and that it can cost you everything you have. While in some cases it’s expensive, it’s specific to different scenarios. When someone decides to start up their own business, they need to consider their goals and what they want to gain from it. You don’t always have to go into it expecting to become a globally known brand, like a chain of retail stores. It’s actually a lot simpler than running your own store and managing employees. You have that option, yes, but it’s not for everyone. Create.net has a more in-depth article on the ideal mindset that you should have as a newbie in the business world. And, then, there are these tips below:

Home Businesses

It’s common these days for people to start up home businesses, and it’s made so much simpler by the internet. It’s not limited to selling brand products, either, it can be done from your own creation. When you run a business from home, you already dodge most of the startup costs, and you don’t need to go all out and pay for your own building, too. However, should you need a business address, services like https://www.yourvirtualofficelondon.co.uk/ can assist with that. You might also need to upgrade your car to a larger model if you are delivering to customers locally. Not to mention for hauling the supplies to keep your business in working order. If a bigger car is necessary for your business, simply enter a search for “Van Dealer in Norwich” (or your local area). Do not overlook used vehicles to help save you money while still getting safely from Point A to Point B.

Some people even have another job while running a home business. However, it usually depends on the demand and profitability of the said business. They key is, you need to find your angle and talent to sell to the public. In a lot of cases, people spend their time at home making pieces of art or unique items that people commission for a sum of money. While it may not seem efficient, you can brand it and it can be very profitable if you find a large customer base. There are many resources out there for you to use too, with sites like eBay and other online marketplaces, you’re free to make and sell what you like. Not only that, but you can promote yourself on social media too!

If you are interested in starting a home business, it is so important that you market yourself well through selling platforms, social media, and your own website. All of this can get your work in front of more people and make you more sales. If you are unsure of where to begin when building a website, that is okay as there is plenty of help available. You could use a digital marketing agency or a website like Atoms AI that will set you up with a team of AI agents to assist in planning, building websites, SEO, tracking sales, and more. Your website should be well designed, easy to use, and provide clear information to your customers.

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Pexels Image

Other Costs:

If you don’t want to run a home business, you still don’t need to have a whole lot of money to get yourself started. It is expensive to run a store, but you can get the money elsewhere. You just need to know where to look and what options are best for you. It’s common for people who want to start a business to request funding from friends and family. Usually, in exchange for this, they are paid back a bigger percentage later on if the business succeeds. It’s a bit of a gamble on their part. However, it’s support that everyone has a chance to benefit from.

If that kind of support isn’t enough for you to get yourself started, you might try looking for small business or commercial building loans in florida or your local area. There are many lenders out there who help small businesses to get started and can support you in expanding when you grow. Often, external funding can mean the difference between a small business floating and sinking.

However, acquiring a loan for your business is a move that requires research and a firm understanding so you should check out smallbusinessloans.co for an idea of what you could be signing up for, and find out whether you can afford a start-up. While taking loans might not seem appealing to you, making sure you have enough money to cover all of your costs while you go along should be a top priority. Even if you don’t need the whole of the loan for the initial expenses, having some to the side can be a great way to give your business the support it needs. You’re probably not going to be making too much profit at the start, and you need something to keep you going while your audience is building up.

You shouldn’t leave yourself open to risk, making sure you have the right amount of money and resources is essential for the survival of your business, especially if you run a store! If you don’t think you can afford it, you might try starting an online business first, to help you determine if your products/services are worthy of something bigger.

It is worth mentioning that when you own a business, taxes become a whole different ballgame so it’s important to sit down with a tax professional and discuss these changes. You can learn the ins and outs of deductions and even the amortization of startup costs which can preserve deductions across profitable years. Be sure to always add an accountant and tax professional into your budget to ensure that your business is always above ground and taxes are filed with the most benefits to you. Keep excellent records to make things easier during tax season!

Jan23

What You Should Know About ASD As A Parent

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What You Should Know About ASD As A Parent

It is crucial that parents have a solid understanding of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). The first thing to understand is that many psychologists believe that since it is a spectrum we all exhibit traits of Autism. Whether or not we receive a diagnosis is dependent on how severe or how prominent these traits are. This is just one of the reasons why you should be aware of ASD.

It is also true to say that the condition has become more prevalent in society recently. According to statistics on http://www.autism-society.org, about one percent of people have ASD. This might not seem like a significant level, but at that percentage, it is likely that if your child doesn’t have ASD, then someone in their class does.

Misunderstandings About ASD:

Recently, ASD has been something of a fixation in the entertainment media, and this has led to a great number of misconceptions about the condition being spread around. The Big Bang Theory, The Good Doctor, Sherlock, and The A Word all have representations of ASD in them. However, they also do not show the full picture. The problem with Autism in the media is that it tends to latch onto the genius intellect trait and makes it seem more common than it actually is. The genius level of intellect displayed in the media is incredibly rare, and most people with Autism have average levels of intelligence.

As well as this, some people believe that certain traits of Autism must be present in every individual with the condition. This is perhaps due to the triad of impairments, which includes social difficulties. Today, there are many people with a diagnosis who can socialize on their own terms.

Causes And Cures:

There is a lot of information about potential causes of Autism. One of the most common beliefs is that Autism can be caused by child vaccinations. This idea is based on one research study that has now been discredited publicly and yet the idea still lingers today, perhaps due to the fact that some celebrities promote the notion. However, this does not change the fact that there is no scientific evidence and actually, we still don’t know what causes it.

Many people also often assume that Autism cannot be treated. But, there are case studies and research into a variety of different treatments including the use of CBD. Available on https://thoughtcloud.net and similar sites, CBD is believed to be beneficial for children with Autism and, while it cannot ‘cure’ the condition, it is believed to help the child cope. Your child’s doctor will also be able to give you recommendations for specialists or autism services in the field too. It is so important to have a doctor that you like and trust for your child’s care. To begin finding the right doctor to fit your needs, simply enter a search for “hawaii pediatrics” (or your local area) and be sure who you choose comes well recommended.

Development And Growth

Perhaps the most damaging misconception about Autism is that people with the condition are unfeeling, and lack even basic human emotion like empathy. A joke in a recent episode of The Big Bang Theory showed the character, Sheldon Cooper, believing that he invented the concept of empathy after apparently feeling it for the first time. However, people with Autism can feel, do have emotion, and while they can have difficulty understanding certain human emotions like empathy they do learn, often at a young age. In fact, with support and help, an individual with ASD can get through childhood and function as a completely independent adult. There’s more info on how to help kids become independent on https://lifewithlilred.com, particularly if they lean towards the high-functioning end of the spectrum. You can learn more about the high and low end on https://www.verywell.com.

We hope you see now why it’s important for parents to understand ASD and that you should, perhaps complete some research yourself.

Featured Image By: Flickr

Jan23

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him

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Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him

Okay! Yesterday, we talked about some amazing V-Day gift ideas for her. But, now it’s time to hear it for the boys. I’ve noticed throughout the years that some guys are incredibly easy to shop for, while others are damn near impossible. So no matter what difficulty level your boyfriend is on the gifting scale, there are sure to be some ideas that you can work with below. Let’s get to it:

First Of All:

The first thing that I mentioned yesterday was that a card is a necessity in a Valentine’s Day gift for a girlfriend. And, coincidentally, the same goes for your man candy. Guys like romance, too! They might just not be as outward and vocal about it. What do you love about your boyfrand? What makes him different from literally every single guy on the planet? Write it out! Underneath all of the fart jokes and actual farting, there is a sensitive ball of mush in your boyfriend and a card can be just the way to tap into that.

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Definitely not this one!! ^^^

Dapper Dudes:

Does your guy love to get suited up, duded up, and fancy free every chance he can get? Accessories can be a great way to go, then. Enhance the fance with pocket squares, tie clips, cuff links, watches (Wrist or pocket!), and ties. All of these things will take his ensemble to the next level and it will add your personal touch to each of his looks. This is an incredibly thoughtful way to go, especially if your man has a passion for fashion.

Another way to spoil your dapper man is with some pampering. This could be booking a couples massage session or even using a mobile barber in New York or your local area. You can bring the salon to him, and he’ll get a fresh cut just in time for a romantic evening out!

Give Him Some Sugar:

My best friend and I have made chocolate truffles together and it was so much fun and totally delicious. Reach out to your girls and plan an evening to set up bake shop. Sweet treats always go down well and it’s even better when they’re hand made just for him. Throw on a rom-com, pour the wine, and enjoy a bake night with your friends. And, yes, you can taste test! 😀

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^ I promise this chocolate was more delicious than it looks!

Gamer Guys:

A favorite way to pass time for a lot of guys is spent by playing video games. If this sounds like your significant other, get competitive with him and take him out for a night of gaming fun. So many bars now feature arcade games, new and old school, to enjoy and that can be an amazing way to spend an evening. If no bars around you have the arcade game option, Dave & Buster’s or other similar establishments work just as well.

Hone In On Hobbies:

Many a man really enjoys experience gifts rather than sentimental trinkets. So what are some of your boyfriend’s hobbies? Does he love music? Is he a fan of trying different beers when he can? Maybe he loves to cook? Take what your guy enjoys and turn it into a date night. He’ll be shocked that you remembered and touched that you want to share his interests with him.

Still Need Some More Options?

  • Treating your S/O to dinner and a movie is a nice surprise, especially if he doesn’t pick the restaurant or flick very often.
  • If your guy has a beard or is picky about his hair, a trip to the barber to get duded up is a great option. Definitely include his favorite products and beard balm!
  • Couple’s massages, anyone?
  • Does your boyfriend work out? Paying for a few months of his gym membership is sure to please!

And Remember:

As I said yesterday, it’s not about spending money but making memories! There are so many ways to spoil your boothang rotten without breaking the bank. Ball out if you want to, but creating a unique experience for your guy is what Valentine’s Day is all about! Make your day fun or make it romantic, but most importantly – make it special.

What are some of your gift ideas for him for V-Day? Does anyone have Valentine’s Day plans already? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Tumblr

Jan22

Getting Healthier By Playing Sports

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Getting Healthier By Playing Sports

Surely everyone wants to be healthier. Or maybe, you’re growing tired of looking at your stomach and thinking that it resembles a big lump of strawberry jelly. Either way, it doesn’t matter whether you want to lose weight or whether you just want to try and be healthier, because sports are a brilliant way for you to do both:

Focusing the mind and body:

The best benefit that you get when you play sports is that it can boost your level of physical fitness. It can also help your mind to stay much healthier, as well. Exercise helps to keep the mind sharp and it can even help you to feel more connected to the body in general. If you don’t quite know which sport is right for you, why not consider joining the FCB Canada soccer academy? This is one of the best ways for you to stay fit while also meeting plenty of new friends.

Future success:

Participating in sports can actually help you with your work and your school life. Sports can show you that if you practice something for long enough, then there is a high chance that you will go on to succeed, and this is a brilliant way for you to see the world differently. Sports can also be an outlet for any stress that you are experiencing right now, as well, and by letting go of this stress, you can then begin to focus more on the job that you do and the situation at hand. Of course, if you have never participated in a sport before, then there has never been a better time to start and you may even find that there are plenty of starter courses available for you to look at. This could include beginner football classes, hockey lessons, and more.

If you are worried about taking part in a sport where everyone is better than you, then this is one of the best ways for you to put an end to that. If you are shy, anxious, or unconfident, then sports can really help to bring you out of your shell. You can even play with your family, and the benefits are great and truly endless!

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Swishhhh!

A better social life:

A lot of sports require you to work either as part of a team or as a unit. Even sports that have individual scores, such as running, still have some elements of teamwork involved. For example, if you were to travel to another city, then you may need to car-share or even train with one another. When you are a member of a team, you can then go on to develop higher cooperation skills, as well. By having these skills, you’ll have more focus, commitment, and dedication which can help you out a lot when it comes to your relationships and work life.

Tennis is an excellent example of a sport that involves a social aspect whether you are playing doubles, a pick up game at the park, or working with a coach. There are countless community parks that offer tennis courts so take advantage of them! You might want to take a few lessons beforehand so simply enter a search for “find tennis lessons in Houston” (or your local area) to get started. Then you can report back and tell me how scoring in tennis actually works!

Sports are not only great for getting in shape, but they are wonderful for your mental health. Gather your friends, start a team, and watch as your mind and body reap the benefits.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan22

A Myriad Of Money Management Mistakes

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A Myriad Of Money Management Mistakes

It is a fact of life that some people simply don’t manage their money particularly well. If you feel like you are one of these people, there are several things that you can do to change things. First and foremost, you need to work out the mistakes that you are making in the first place. In this article, we are going to take you through just a few of the most common ones so that you can avoid repeating them:

Lifestyle Inflation:

If you get a pay rise, you shouldn’t automatically ‘improve’ your lifestyle by that same percentage. Instead, you can use this extra cash to clear some of your debts, channel money into your savings, or make some sound financial investments. Just because you have the cash doesn’t mean you have to spend it!

Paying Bills Late:

Getting into a habit of paying your bills on time is a positive step that you can make. You can even automate this to happen directly from your bank account so it can be one less financial worry to have every month. The last thing that you want is to incur any additional fees or payments than you already have.

Paying Bank Fees:

Bank fees can come in multiple forms, but most of them are totally avoidable. For example, you should never use an ATM when you are charged an operational fee. Avoid paying late fees on your credit cards by clearing the balance in full every month. Compare bank accounts online to make sure that you are not paying more fees than you need to.

Not Educating Yourself Financially:

With all of the free tools and articles about money out there these days, you have no excuses for not educating yourself financially. You should know all of the different options available to you about where you can best invest your money, as well as information regarding where you can get quick support such as bad credit personal loans with guaranteed approval. Read as widely as you can and you can avoid many common money management mistakes.

Lack Of An Emergency Fund:

Though it may be frustrating to channel some of your paycheck off into an emergency fund every month, you will be very thankful for it once you need it. There are all sorts of life situations out there which could require a great deal of cash such as job loss, medical expenses, car repair, and essential home maintenance. Whenever you make a withdrawal from your emergency funds, make sure that you replace what you have spent as you never know when the next situation may arise.

Not Having a Budget

If you haven’t got any sort of household budget, you have no idea what is coming in and going out of your bank account every month. There are plenty of budgeting apps out there which allow you to clearly track all of your expenses. Otherwise, you can track everything manually along the way.

Now you know some of the most common money management mistakes so that you can avoid making them yourself. Budget wisely and watch your bank account increase over time.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan22

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her

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Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her

Bonjour! Valentine’s Day is slowly creeping up and just thinking about all of the people that are shopping for their significant other the day before the holiday is enough to give me anxiety. So, I decided to start the V-Day festivities early on lifewithlilred by doing a gift guide for her today and for him tomorrow.

Of course, flowers and chocolates are a great way to go and I would love to get that. But, if you’re on the hunt for something a bit more unique, try some of these ideas:

First Of All:

Okay guys and gals, a cute card is so necessary for your V-Day haul for your S/O. You may find it cheesy, but 99% of the population will find it sweet as can be. Write a heartfelt letter to your partner and don’t skimp on the romance. We’re talking the moment you knew you were in love, your first date memories, or a list of reasons why you love and admire your special someone. This is a great thing to do any time, but definitely pull out all of the stops this Valentine’s Day, which can be done with something as simple as writing a letter.

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Maybe not that one. ^^^

Gift An Experience:

The weather in February can still be pretty sketchy depending on where you live. But, the great thing about concerts is that, for the most part, they are usually indoors! Who is your honey’s favorite band or singer? AKA who do they constantly annoy you with by playing in the car?! A concert is a great date and you can even make a day of it by exploring the area where the venue is and don’t forget the pre-show dinner or drinks!

Pampering Party:

Everyone loves to pamper themselves in some way shape or form and a sultry V-Day surprise could involve an evening of luxury for your S/O. You can never go wrong with gifting bath and body care products and do be sure to throw in a few candles to light for good measure, as most specialty bath and body stores carry them. And guess what else they typically carry? MASSAGE OIL! Quick… Cue the slow jams:

(As always, I have no rights to this video!)

Ahhhh…. That’s the stuff. So, as I was saying:

Run some bath water and let your BOO (Because I don’t say bae!) pick from an assortment of bath bombs to use. Rose petals and bath oil is just as good, too! Have an array of lotions set out for afterwards and the massage oil handy to give a nice………..

FOOT RUB. 😉

Wine And Paint Night:

Many local establishments and bars host wine and paint nights and they are an absolute ball. Most places will even offer a special picture to paint for Valentine’s Day. This is a fresh and fun take on just going out to dinner and it offers a chance for both of you to show off your creative sides or unlock a talent that you didn’t even know was there.

Still Need Some More Options?

  • Mani/Pedis always go down well
  • A shopping trip to their most loved store
  • Cooking dinner (Don’t forget the wine or champagne!)
  • Taking a ballroom dance class
  • Paint your own pottery places are fun
  • Going to a museum (Art or history buffs will love that!)

And Remember…

The most important thing is doing something thoughtful for your loved one. Being showered with presents is nice, and anyone will agree to that. But, creating a happy and special memory is even better. And, keep in mind, that it is NEVER about how much money you spend, either! Ball on a budget or blow it out of the water, but at the end of the day spending a small fortune doesn’t guarantee a wonderful time.

What are some of your Valentine’s Day date ideas? What is one of your happiest V-Day memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan21

Blogging Tips (Since You Asked!)

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Blogging Tips (Since You Asked!)

Hey! Okay, ever since my post about my 2017 stats, I have been receiving a lot of cries for help in the blogging world for tips and tricks. So, today, I thought that I would share the wealth and give some advice for those who want to see more action on their page. The tricks that are seen below have worked wonders for lifewithlilred and I have already seen an increase in my numbers in this month alone. Let’s get to it!

Write, Write, Write:

You can’t have a blog without content and it is SO important that you keep cranking posts out. In 2017, I posted every single day and that gave me the best stats yet in my almost four years of blogging. Can’t commit to daily posts? Then try and create a schedule and stick to it so that your readers will know which days to come back to see something new.

Branch Out:

I always thought that my page would be strictly a beauty and fashion blog, but one will find that they lose inspiration for content very quickly if they limit themselves to just one or two categories of writing. Try giving other styles of writing and different subjects a go and see the spikes in your stats from your spicy new content.

Interact With The Blogging World:

Bloggers won’t bite, I promise. The blogging community is so fantastic, talented, and welcoming. Explore different blogs, make new friends, and gain insight into literally any topic that you can imagine. I have made countless amazing friends through lifewithlilred and that’s what is most important to me, always. The extra exposure that you can get from interacting with others is just another sweet added bonus of the blogosphere.

Social Media Is Your Friend:

If you have a ton of Facebook friends or followers on Twitter and Instagram, then why not share your blog on your social media? My URL for lifewithlilred is the first thing that people see when they find my personal Facebook page. I never am spammy about my posts or anything like that, but my URL is there for those that want to explore my blog further.

If you have a specific likeable page for your blog on social media, that’s great. I have one, myself, but I pick my battles and I chose to spend more time on my actual WordPress blog rather than trying to get more people to like my lifewithlilred Facebook page. Be picky about what you put your time and energy into and make sure that what you choose is what would benefit your blog the most.

In Conclusion:

Admit it, when you started blogging you thought that it would be a piece of cake. You also might have been a bit shocked to find out that it’s not in the slightest. Blogging is hard work that you really have to dedicate yourself to if you want to see results. Not only that, but it’s a little bit of luck, as well. But, with the tips above, you can make the odds of seeing the fruits of your labor flourish turn more in your favor. Good luck!

What are your blogging tips and tricks? What are your goals for your blog? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pinterest