Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Hollister Flannel Edition

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Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Hollister Flannel Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday! Today in Unsung Wardrobe Heroes, we are going to discuss a Goodwill find that has been giving and giving for well over FIVE YEARS now. My favorite flannel is said Goodwill find and I got it for a whole four dolla holla. It is Hollister brand, which I normally never wear, but at four dollars and a new but used condition – how can you not? Take a look and let’s discuss:

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What I love the most about this button down is its versatility. I can wear it unbuttoned over a crop top, buttoned up with a blazer over top of it for work, or buttoned with a moto jacket for play. And can we talk about its ability to create the perfect pinup girl look simply by tying it in a cropped knot? So flirty and fun! This top looks great with virtually anything and the checked pattern is classic, which creates a timeless look with every wear.

My favorite way to wear this top currently is buttoned down under a blazer. I love wearing it like this for work, because it creates a really true business casual look. My oversized boyfriend blazer looks cool and chic over this more closely fitted top and it takes it from a top for play to a top for work in an instant. At twenty-three, I never want to look stuffy when I’m with my clients, and this look keeps me feeling youthful and fresh, while still professional.

I normally don’t shop Goodwill or Plato’s Closet for the simple reason that I’m a pretty intense germophobe, so I don’t get a lot of pleasure in going. However, I faced my fear and I wound up with one of my go to tops in my wardrobe so maybe I should do it more often!

So there you have it, this week’s issue of Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Hollister Flannel Edition! How do you fight germophobia while thrifting? What is your favorite thrift store find? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

December Jams

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December Jams

Hellooooo! I have been doing So. Much. Driving lately so I have been listening to lots of music in my car.

BUT WAIT… I thought you only listened to French tapes in your car!

Not anymore. I now listen to my French tapes when I’m getting ready for my day in the morning, instead. And, I have to say, listening to music in my car is way more fun! Here’s what I’ve been jamming out to as of late. And, as always, I have no rights to any of these songs or videos.

As you can see, my above selection is a solid mix of emo, princess pop, and indie – which is exactly how I like it! I am currently LOVING U2’s new album, “Songs Of Experience”, and you can always catch me rocking out to Arcade Fire’s “Everything Now”, as well. And, as per usual, Marilyn Manson and AFI is always a must!

These are my December Jams and I want to hear about all of yours! Who is on your playlist right now? Who has the best holiday music mixes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Collar Coolness: St. Tropez Edition

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Collar Coolness: St. Tropez Edition

Hey everyone and happy weekend! So yesterday we talked about some Collar Coolness with my new faux fur Modena collar and today we are going to stay on that topic with this gorgeous St. Tropez piece. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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^^^ The collar is lined with silk fabric in a floral pattern. So pretty!

Of course, I couldn’t have just one collar and I chose to get another one in this sultry, smokey mauve shade. This St. Tropez accessory is a lot fuller than my Modena one as seen in yesterday’s post and I really like that. The added fluff makes for a more over the top piece, and we all know that Lil Red loves making a statement!

I’m definitely excited to style this collar into my outfits, but I’m actually more looking forward to the makeup that can be worn with it! I am thinking a lush, purple smokey eye and a nude lip to create a really posh overall look. I do love this collar with my moto jacket as seen above, but I think that I would wear this one with a sleek little black dress for a swanky New Year’s Eve party look.

These collars are so fun but they also add such an air of chicness to every single piece that they’re paired with and I love that. My green Modena collar is edgy and funky, while this St. Tropez piece adds such a luxe touch to everything. The color is very high fashion to me and all of the extra volume doesn’t hurt in creating an interesting and fashion forward silhouette to all of my outfits.

So there you have it, some more Collar Coolness: St. Tropez Edition! How would you style this accessory? Do you prefer the green Modena collar or the mauve St. Tropez one? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Top Gift Ideas For The Whole Family

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Top Gift Ideas For The Whole Family

If you want to find a gift that the whole family can enjoy, then you are not alone. Every single year, people try and find gifts for a group of people rather than buying gifts for them individually and this can cause real problems. This is especially the case if the family members in question don’t share many common interests. Thankfully, there are plenty of ideas out there for you to choose from and you’d be surprised at how easy it is to find something that matches your family perfectly!

Family Mugs: A lot of people feel a relentless sense of anger when they find someone else using their mug. We all have a favorite mug, one that we use to get us through those cold winter nights and even those long nights after work. If you want to put an end to those mug-wars then why not consider buying a family mug set? You could personalize each one with the name of the person and even a cartoon picture of them, as well. You can also create one for any guests that come to your home, so there will be no more arguing or bloodshed when the time to make coffee approaches.

Customized gifts like a coffee mug, wine glasses, or tumblers are always sure to please. It’s a useful gift with that little bit extra! You can extend custom options to anything that you please as your selection is vast. Custom Fridge Magnets are perfect to organize the fridge art of kiddos and grandchildren and could be customized with their picture. A dufflebag for the gym could be embroidered with the initials of your giftee. No matter which route you go, it will be a thoughtful gift that they will love!

Ice Cream Machine: An ice-cream machine is a must-have in the summer months. The best thing about having an ice-cream machine is that they are very easy to use and they are also good for the kids to use, as well. All you have to do is add the mixture to the machine and turn it on. The machine will then chill the ice-cream over time and when it’s ready, you can scoop it right out of the machine. This is way better when compared to making it yourself because you don’t have to worry about putting it in the freezer or even blending it properly. You can then add your own flavors if you’re feeling adventurous!

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YUM.

Family Bucket List: We all have things that we want to do before we kick the bucket, so a family bucket list is really fitting if you know that everyone has a mental list of what they want to do. It’s actually possible for you to buy kits that give you the chance to do this, and each one comes with a container and a list of slips for you to write what you want to do on there. Everyone can see the list going down as feats are accomplished, and it’s ideal for those who have adventurous family members!

Games Consoles: A gaming console is a brilliant way for you to get the whole family involved. You can buy quiz games and you can also buy family-fun games as well. If you have a family of console-lovers or even mobile app gamers, then games such as Final Fantasy 15 are great for this. You can even buy in-game extras and this can include currency and so much more, so it’s ideal if you want to give them a head-start.

Family Charades: Charades is quite possibly the game that causes the most arguments in a family. It is incredibly fast-paced and it is also very fun. When you do play charades, you will be given something to act out. It could be a movie, an actor, or anything else. You can get the kids involved with this and it is a great way for you to make sure that everyone is included. These sets don’t cost much, either, so if you want to have something that the kids can play then this is a good option for you.

Sweets Basket: Who doesn’t like sweets? Sweets baskets are the easiest way for you to get something for everyone without breaking the bank. They show that you thought about the recipients and you can put tags on the individual sweets, too. On top of this, you can add extra goodies to the gift basket. This could be a mug or it could be a selection of coffee. You can make something for each family member or you can make a joint one. Either way, this is ultimately the easiest way for you to appeal to everyone and you can do the whole thing yourself with bows, ribbon and more!

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Β YUM again!

Finding the whole family a gift is relatively easy and there are plenty of ideas above to get you started. Happy holidays!

Plan Your Dream Bathroom Interior For 2018

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Plan Your Dream Bathroom Interior For 2018

The festive season is here, and before long you’ll be opening Christmas gifts and enjoying quality time with those you love. The holidays are often a time where you receive presents from loved ones and friends, and bath products, fancy shower scrubs, and special toiletries are often a go-to gift for many. New toiletries that you wouldn’t usually buy for yourself can be a real treat, and many enjoy a relaxing soak in their tub or a refreshing cleanse in their shower space. However, if you flinch every time you walk into your bathroom environment; it could be time to focus on its renovation and ensure that 2018 is the year that you enjoy spending time in there.

Tired bathrooms with old broken tiles and dated sinks can leave you in a bad mood every morning, especially as you’ll have no other choice but to brush your teeth and wash your hair in there. Therefore, it’s time to open up your laptop, search for aΒ Bathroom remodeler in Las Vegas, NV or your local area, and start planning what you’ll need to organize regarding how you want your fresh bathroom to look and function. The following are some ideas, inspiration, and advice for those who want to embark on creating their ideal space in the new year so that a long soak in their bath becomes a regular thing for 2018:

The Functional Side:

This might be the bit where you lose a little interest; however, it’s crucial that you invest in the functionality of your bathroom above all else. The building and plumbing work cannot be a last minute decision just because you’ve put so much emphasis into the style and design (that’s coming later). Therefore, you’ll need to start by hiring a reputable building company and a plumbing specialist who won’t overcharge you for the work that they carry out and who can ensure that your bath water is running smoothly for the foreseeable future. The plumbing and pipes in your bathroom space need to be secure and well maintained so that you don’t get any surprise leaks in the new year. Leaks or plumbing issues can lead to permanent damage; which will have wasted both your money and time. It’s essential that you find companies you trust to do the job, and are reassured that you’ll receive quality service and results.

It’s understandable to want to DIY as much as you can when renovating a space. However, tasks like plumbing should always be left to a professional like those at Rosenberg Plumbing in Pacifica, CA (or a similar business in your local area). Leaving plumbing to your DIY skills could cause lasting damage and money going down the drain. Save the DIY for the design aspect which will require your own personal touch.

The Decorative Side:

This is the part that you’re probably thinking about the most. If you’ve invested wisely in the building and plumbing side of things, you can focus on the style, layout, and design of the environment (Yay!). You can be thrifty and creative with your choices, so don’t just run towards the nearest bathroom showroom and buy the whole suite from one place; this can be a costly mistake. Take your time to source items, even if that means waiting a little longer for your dream bathroom to happen. Check out online auction sites, reclamation yards, and vintage warehouses for vintage bathtubs, secondhand sinks, and spare boxes of tiles. You’d be surprised at how well you can clean up a tub so that they look brand new, but retain all the charm and character of their era, without the ridiculous price tag. The same goes for showerheads and taps; these are so much more affordable second hand and will polish up nicely so that you end up with a bespoke and unique space to soak up the bubbles.

Mixing and matching your tiles will create a style statement in any space, so consider an array of prints, sizes, and shapes for your bathroom. You’ll be able to save money by purchasing boxes, or even individual tiles from those who have bought too many for their own interior. It won’t matter if they are all different if you go with the flow and decide to enjoy an eclectic space in which to shower.

Bathroom accessories will be next on your shopping list, so make sure that you take the same approach as with your tiles; source them from an array of places and mix it up for ultimate bathroom charm and character. Mirrors, vases, toothbrush holders, and soap dishes can all make an interior statement, so don’t stick to the usual store-bought items that everyone has; go vintage instead.

The more creative you are with your choices, the more money you can save on your bathroom renovation project; you can utilize this and put it towards the right team of people to fit your appliances and ensure that it’s functional for a long time ahead.

Featured Image Found At: lifewithlilred

A Perfect Match: How Education Can Fit Around Your Life

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A Perfect Match: How Education Can Fit Around Your Life

When you think back on your life, achievements that can really change your circumstances are some of the most important changes you can make. If you feel that you have more to give and would like to go back to college or start studying again, you can make it happen. With work and family commitments, many people write it off as a pipe dream. But with today’s flexible educations styles and virtual platforms, it doesn’t have to be a choice – you can fit your continuing education goals into your life. Studying for a degree while also having a career, especially if you work irregular hours, can certainly be a challenge, but putting a little thought into your approach can make it work.

Many institutions recognize that people are wanting to study later in life and have designed programs specifically for working adults. These are structured flexibly from purely online modules taken in your own time for some courses that involve a mix of virtual learning and physical seminars. Many are designed to complement an existing career, such as a bachelor of policing program designed for actively serving officers. Here’s how to get started:

Research Your Options Carefully:

Choosing the right program for you is much more of a considered decision when it needs to fit around your life, so make sure that you do plenty of research to find the right provider for your individual needs. If you have existing college credits, some programs will take that into account, allowing you to graduate faster. If you don’t have the capacity to travel, a degree delivered via online learning is a good choice. Hundreds of universities now offer bachelor and graduate degrees in subjects like public administration, criminal justice, and management skills. Or if you feel you want some in-person contact, try a hybrid degree that combines online with sessions of traditional classroom learning across evenings and weekends.

Work Out A Sustainable Schedule:

Studying can be a big time commitment, so the key to making it work alongside a job and a busy life is being strict on scheduling. Plan all your classes and study hours alongside household commitments, working hours, and time to spend with family and friends – all of these areas are important. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family members to collect kids from school, prepare meals, or help around the house. You have to be organized to make all these elements work together so plan in advance and batch-make meals to fill up the freezer.

If work commitments get intense, don’t be afraid to speak to your degree supervisor about adjusting your study plan to avoid conflicts if necessary. Take full advantage of any study resources offered, as well. Most places have academic centers to help make your study skills better. Also be sure to use study groups to connect with fellow students and share tips and coping strategies. Make sure that you have a quiet space to study when it comes time, and don’t allow outside distractions to pull you off course. The trick is to give 100% to whatever you’re doing at that time, and try to shut the rest out.

It’s never too late to begin a new career, and with constant advances in classroom technology, there is no time like the present to start!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Taking Control Is A Leisurely Stroll

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Taking Control Is A Leisurely Stroll

Feeling as if you don’t have control over the events going on in your life can be very frustrating. If you’ve lost your job, aren’t earning what you’d like, or are simply struggling to use your time well, it can be hard to feel like you’re a true adult. In reality, everyone has a hard time with these parts of life, and the way you handle them can make a real difference. To make this nice and easy, this post will be exploring all of the little areas which you need to take control of when you’re first starting out in adult life:

The Little Things:

The Modules Of Adulthood: Buying a home, having a family, and achieving your other goals will seem very daunting when you think about them together. To make this a little easier, some simple splitting can help you a lot, as this will give you the chance to handle each piece on its own. This makes the big jobs little, giving you some breathing room and a chance to think at each stage. When thinking about this approach, the Agile development methodology can be very helpful to use as a template.

Using Outside Support: When you’re doing something for the first time or when you don’t have the skills, it almost always benefits you to hire a professional. An experienced moving company, for example, will have a much better chance to achieve a home move successfully than you will on your own. There are loads of professionals out there, making it easy to find someone to help you with whatever you’re struggling with.

Time Management:

Why Is It Important? Being able to follow the passage of time accurately without looking at a clock takes many years, and a lot of people will struggle to be able to do it. Of course, when you’re working, at school, or dealing with other adult commitments, you’ll have to make sure that you have a tight hold on your time. One of the best ways to achieve this is through some strict routine. As time goes on, it will become a lot easier to follow your preferred cycle, and a lot of people will find it becomes habitual.

The Constant Battle: When you’re trying to control a busy life, it can be hard to make sure that you have enough time for all of the jobs that you have on your plate. To solve this for you, it can be a good idea to start looking for some ways to assess your workloads. For a lot of people, the biggest problem is underestimating the time something will take. So, as a backup, having some extra time can always be a good idea, even if you don’t end up using it.

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Β Daunting tasks turn easy when you break it up!

The Bigger Picture:

Your Career: Being stuck without an idea of what you’d like to do with your life can be very hard. Along with this, finding yourself in a job that won’t go anywhere can also be unpleasant to live with, and a lot of people will strive for the chance to have a fulfilling career. One of the easiest ways to achieve something like this is through planning. Right up until retirement, you should have an idea of where you would like to be at each stage in your life.

Your Family: Unfortunately, there are some parts of life which can’t be planned, and your family will be one of them. Most people never set out to find their partner or to have children; these things are surprises. To make them easier when they come, it can always be very helpful to have some preparation in place. Money is what you’ll need the most to fuel a growing family, so it’s a good idea to save up long in advance for this part of life. Along with this, having some knowledge under your belt can add a lot of ease to your job as a parent or partner.

Your Other Goals: Finally, it’s time to think about the other goals in life, and how you’re going to find ways to achieve them. Unlike the time you spend on your career, your hobbies and interests will need your spare time, making it hard for a lot of people to get the chance to indulge in them. This is a shame, though, as making time for something like this is often a simple matter of using time currently dedicated to something like TV.

Hopefully, this post will inspire you to start working harder on the time you put into the control you have over your life. When you feel like your destiny is out of your hands, it can be hard to feel safe and secure in life. Thankfully, though, it doesn’t have to be this way, and most people have the skills to make the changes that they need all by themselves.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Collar Coolness: Modena Edition

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Collar Coolness: Modena Edition

Heyoooo. So last weekend at TJMaxx I got the literal coolest faux fur collars that I am totally obsessed with. When I was in New York for the Bloggers Conference with Kate from Ankhor You, we went to Anthropologie to do some browsing. In the store, they had an emerald green faux fur collar that I loved, but the price was something that I hated. However, I vowed to find a similar item for a much more reasonable price and I did in this fifteen dollar Modena collar (Holler!). Take a look and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Looooove.

I am so happy with this TJMaxx find that I really can’t even. I love wearing my clothes in different ways and this detached collar allows me to do that with literally any top, jacket, cardigan, or dress that I own. I simply just have to put it around my shoulders and then BOOM I have a seemingly brand new item – just add faux fur!

When I was at TJs, I tried this collar on with the moto jacket seen above and it looked so cute that I just had to use it for my example photo. This combination is actually one of my favorites, because the collar looks like it was made for the jacket. I love all shades of green when it comes to my clothing and accessories and this piece is no exception. The funky dark green looks amazing against my red hair and pale skin and it always seems to make those features pop even more – which is a total plus!

I am always trying to find new and innovative ways to style my clothes and this Modena faux fur collar just made that a whole lot easier. Some of my older wardrobe pieces are going to feel brand new again and I can’t wait to begin working my new collar into my outfits.

BUT WAIT!

THERE’S MORE!

Because I totally got another collar in a luscious mauvey grey by St. Tropez and it is also fabulous, so do tune in tomorrow for that! How would you style this chic green collar? How do you incorporate faux fur into your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fingerless Gloves Frenzy

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Fingerless Gloves Frenzy

Howdy! This past weekend, a trip to TJMaxx supplied me with oodles of gorgeous winter accessories. And one of my favorite accessories of all? FINGERLESS GLOVES!! Obviously, with my talon nails, going fingerless when it comes to gloves is a must. But they are just so cute that even without long nails, I would be obsessed with them anyways. Take a look at these darling Steve Madden gloves that I scored for FIVE DOLLA HOLLA and let’s discuss:

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When I saw these adorable little babes, I knew that I had to have them. And when I saw the five dollar price tag, I double knew that I had to have them. I am so in love with these gloves that it isn’t even funny. The creamy tan base color, the color pop of fun on the phalanges, a designer that I love – Hello, Steve Madden – all of these created a perfect whirlwind of an accessory in a getting away with robbery price that made these gloves impossible to say no to.

I’ve always had a strong drawing to fingerless gloves, even in my pre-talons years. I love that they are text friendly and way quirkier than your standard gloves or mittens. Not only that, but I drive a lot and I prefer fingerless when I’m behind the wheel of the Little Red Love Machine. I have accumulated a ton of pairs of fingerless glovies over the years that I love to alternate between, but I just know that these are going to be the fan favorite for this winter!

I am in a Fingerless Gloves Frenzy, but you can’t beat five dollars and cute as a button! Do you prefer fingerless or normal gloves? What is your favorite winter accessory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Liebster Award #14

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Liebster Award #14

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! This past weekend, lifewithlilred was nominated for its fourteenth Liebster Award by my sweet friend, Joy, at Mademoiselle O’Lantern. Joy is such a doll and I love her page so definitely take the time to check it out. Thanks for the nomination!! Now, let’s get on to the award rules:

The Rules:

  • Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to them on your blog.
  • Answer the questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you.
  • Nominate blogs that you feel deserve the award.
  • Create a new list of questions for the nominees to answer.
  • List these rules in your post.
  • Inform the people/blogs that you nominated that they’ve been nominated for the Liebster Award and provide a link for them in your post so that they can learn about it.

Q & A:

What is your holy grail makeup/skin care product? Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara and the Vitamin C Skin Boost from The Body Shop.

What is your favorite thing about Christmas? Spending time with my loved ones, a big dinner, and PRESENTS!!! πŸ˜€

Have you ever traveled outside of your country? If yes, where to? My family went to Canada when I was five or so. I don’t really remember it, though.

Who is your favorite beauty blogger/influencer/youtuber? I don’t really have one.

What is your current favorite song/music? I love Marilyn Manson’s new album Heaven Upside Down.

What do you wish to receive for Christmas? Shoes, shoes, and shoes!!

Salt or Sugar? Something salty and then something sweet! Wash and repeat.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. Favorite Christmas movie?
  2. Favorite holiday memory?
  3. What is winter weather like where you live?
  4. Weirdest holiday gift you ever received?
  5. Are you an early or last minute gift shopper?
  6. What are your favorite holiday decorations?
  7. Which celebrity would you like to find under the mistletoe?!

Thank you so much again to Joy for nominating lifewithlilred for its fourteenth Liebster Award! How would you answer some of Joy’s questions for her nominees? How about some of my questions for mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah