Mar27

Preventing the Aging Process

Posted on by
Standard
Preventing the Aging Process

A lot of us take our lives for granted, and before we know it we are at a stage where we are unable to do the things we once loved. Unless we keep at something, do it regularly, or at least have it on the brain for a bit, there is little chance that we can go back to it and pick it up just like that – and that goes for both physical and mental activities. It also sets a standard for our health and well-being, too; if you don’t take care of your body now, then you are setting yourself up for trouble in the long run. Not everything lasts forever, as much as we wish sometimes that it would. Our bodies change over time, and sometimes there is no stopping what age can bring us … but we can prevent it, if only for a little while with these steps:

Take Care Of Your Teeth: Our teeth don’t last forever. There probably isn’t a person on the planet over the age of 70 who hasn’t had at least one of their adult teeth fall out or had them taken out. With good care they can last longer than expected, but at some stage they will just give up the ghost. This is due to our life expectancy getting longer and longer – the lifespan of our gnashers simply hasn’t caught up yet. They’re still living around 2000 years ago, where you were lucky if you made it to 40 or 50.

There are things that you can do if you are worrying that your teeth have gone past the point of no return. Check in with your dentist for a thorough checkup and see what they recommend or do a bit of searching online for methods that you may want to consider, like dental implants – you can get the info from dental brush. It’s not too late to really start looking after your teeth, and they will always benefit from a good brush and floss. Some people are looking more towards interdental brushes instead of the traditional dental floss for a more precise and thorough clean. Getting yourself into a good routine with it is definitely the way to go to keep your pearly whites picture perfect.

Wake Up Early: Making the most of your day is something that most people can’t do if they sleep in. When you wake up early, you have the chance to use up more time in daylight and generally when the majority of those around you are more sociable; plus you have more chance to get errands done around you with the stores being open. Not everybody lives in an inner city where amenities are open 24/7 and, even if you do, it’s still a thing that you ought to try out. It is said that those who wake up early are the ones with the best sleep routines, and this counts for a lot in life. It means that your body is getting the amount of rest that it needs and waking you up at the same time every day, indicating a pattern that you’re getting used to.

Early risers are linked with having better grades, being more productive throughout the day, and generally being happier people. If you arise before your alarm in the morning, then you have more time to organize yourself for the day and get stuff done – there is less to distract you in the early morning, especially on the biggest time-waster of social media … barely anybody else is awake to interact! It’s also linked to having a better mood, being more sociable, and sustaining a healthier diet. With all of these benefits to go hand in hand with waking up before everyone else, what’s to lose? Give it a try and see how you feel!

Be Kind: It’s hard to get yourself into a personality habit like being kind to everyone and everything around you – especially if you haven’t done it before. It’s not something that can’t be done, it’s just something that needs time and commitment so that kindness comes naturally instead of being forced. We often find it so easy to find the negatives in everything, but sometimes you just need to look for the positives. A lot of people who work with children tend to be kinder than those who are immersed in just an adult world, as the innocence of the kids passes over and you pass it on from them. It shouldn’t be this way – as in, you shouldn’t have to be kind just because you work with the youngsters of society.

In Scandinavia, the first few school years of a child’s life are not learning about the basics of math, science, and English, but teachings of how to be nice to everybody and earn respect. They have proven time and time again, country by country, that they have the happiest nation in the world. There’s definitely something to be taken from that. Spread a bit of kindness and see how far it gets you today.

Get A Good Night’s Sleep: Getting  your recommended eight hours of sleep a day can be tough in this busy world. If you have the chance to nap during the day, take it; it all adds up to your daily total. Quite a few of us have interrupted sleep, with tossing and turning throughout the night. Make your sleep routine better by taking out of your reach anything that can distract you when you wake up for those few seconds. If you have a smartphone, leave it in another room while you rest. These are the biggest distractions and the worst things that can be near us when we’re trying to catch a good night’s rest. The brightness from the screen just by checking the time is enough to wake your body up past the stage that it’s meant to be, meaning that the effects felt in the morning from your disturbance will be exaggerated just that little bit more. That’s definitely not what you want, especially if you have a busy day ahead. Respect your sleeping pattern and it’ll do absolute wonders for you.

Drink Plenty: We are meant to be drinking eight glasses of fluid every day, each containing 8 ounces. This is known as the 8×8 rule, and as long as you stick to it relatively well, there is little chance that you will become dehydrated throughout the day. Of course, you need to factor in more fluids for if you are doing strenuous activities like working out. There are certain things that you can do to push yourself along, such as setting reminders for yourself to get a glass of water, or even investing in a water bottle that will do it for you. Once your get yourself into a routine, you’ll be wondering how you ever got through the day without it; the benefits of drinking the right amount of water are that you will feel more energized, be more focused on what you are doing, and feel less bloated throughout the day. Who can say no to that? Especially the bloated part!

Eat The Right Things: We all know what a healthy diet looks like, and if we are unsure then a quick Google or visit to your local dietician can help. So why aren’t we doing it? Unfortunately, junk food is more accessible for us and generally quicker to get on demand when we are hungry. We look for the easy option. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. If you get the food ready before your week starts by meal planning, then there is less of a chance that you will be queuing up for the drive-thru when you feel a hunger pang. This will help you not only give your body the nourishment it requires, but hopefully set a precedent for those around you, too – especially those with children.

Do Yourself Up: For most, the secret of looking young is … well … looking young! Unless you invest in cosmetic procedures, there is little that can be done to stop the signs of aging apart from a good makeover. Doing yourself up every day and putting effort into your appearance is one of the few things that you can do to give yourself a confidence boost, make yourself feel great, and keep you looking more youthful. Invest in some good quality makeup and go to town on how you want to appear; there are tutorials on Youtube which are great to follow if you’re not sure where to start.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar26

Angie’s Bath & Body Purchases

Posted on by
Standard
Angie’s Bath & Body Purchases

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! Yesterday, a special delivery came (super quickly!) in the mail – some wonderful treat yoself goodies from Angie’s Bath & Body. Angela, a dear friend who custom created Ruby Tulip is the boss lady behind her Etsy shop which boasts amazing home made bath and body care supplies like sugar scrubs, body butters, fragrances, and bath salts. I needed to purchase the finished product of Ruby Tulip for a giveaway here on lifewithlilred coming up next month so I figured that it was the perfect time to also buy a sugar scrub since they’re my fave and I’ve wanted to buy one for forever! Take a look:

ruby3.jpeg

Not only did I get my Peaches & Cream sugar scrub and Ruby Tulip but Angela also treated me to a sample of her goat’s milk lotion that she’s currently working on. SPOILER ALERT: All three smell divine! As soon as I opened the package, which arrived in ONE DAY flat, I could smell the sweet Peaches & Cream scrub which was just as good as biting into an ice cold creamsicle – my favorite frozen treat. I cannot wait to use my new sugar scrub as an exfoliant before shaving my leggies to create a closer shave, silky smooth skin, and a good enough to eat scent. And can we talk about the totes adorbs little spoon that she added to dollop the scrub out with?! SO. CUTE!

The rose petals that Angela added into the Ruby Tulip bottle was a beautiful touch and will be going to a lucky reader come April! I am so excited for lifewithlilred’s first giveaway and for the new lotion that Angela is working on. I tested out the goat’s milk lotion yesterday upon its arrival and it smelled so creamy and absorbed instantly, which is a must for me when it comes to lotions and body butters. I just know that that product is going to be another major seller on her Etsy page!

If you haven’t checked out Angie’s Bath & Body yet, then I urge you to get on it ASAP and treat yoself to some new body care goodies. You won’t be disappointed! What is your favorite bath and body care item to treat yoself with? What is your favorite lotion or perfume scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar24

Creep

Posted on by
Standard
Creep

Okay, let’s all be honest here. We’ve all social media creeped before. Whether it’s on your ex’s new girlfriend or one of your coworkers, social media outlets like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have given us free range to snoop to our heart’s content. My girlfriends and I have had many a conversation about our in depth creeping sessions and it always provides us with a laugh fest or heart wrenching girl talks about our findings. But what happens when you feel a little too creeped out by someone’s Facebook creeping?

So, on Wednesday my dad and I went to Dairy Queen to get an ice cream cake for my mom’s birthday. The same Dairy Queen that my best friend worked at well over a year ago. It’s not somewhere that I actively frequent except for the handful of times that I’ve stopped in to see her or went with her to pick up her paychecks. And by a handful of times, I mean like three. My dad and I chose the cake that we wanted and probably exchanged a total of twenty words with the employee who was helping us.

Frankly, I was not trying to socialize with anyone because I was totally bumming it that day. Leggings, hoodie, no makeup, and a beanie was my outfit of choice. All I wanted was to get the cake and go and within five minutes we were in and out. BUT, despite my disheveled outer appearance, I could feel the employee looking at me just a little too closely for my liking. Especially since I was basically in my pajamas. Whatever. We left and I didn’t think anything of it until twenty minutes ago.

Today while I was hanging out, I saw that I had a notification from Facebook messenger and it was a message request. Normally, I don’t look through those but I knew the red message circle wouldn’t disappear if I didn’t so I took a peek. And, guess who it was from? None other than the Dairy Queen employee from two days ago with a message reading “I hope you enjoyed the cake. Facebook creeping at its finest.” Ugh. What?

Don’t get me wrong. I am well aware that I am an easily recognizable person. With bright red hair, pasty pale skin, and five nose piercings it’s hard not to be. But really? You’re going to use the five words that I exchanged with you at your place of employment as an excuse to hunt me down on Facebook and shoot me a message? That’s just so unprofessional, inappropriate, and (to be frank) weird in my opinion.

Believe me. I am used to the odd messages, emails, and comments. And I get that I am recognizable enough and somewhat relevant enough on social media to get unwanted attention in my inboxes. But, I don’t know. There was something about this experience that made me feel weird because the person is in such close proximity to me and because our exchange was so incredibly brief.

I’ve never had anyone actively try and find me on social media like that and I didn’t like it. Am I looking too much into this? Probably. But I still have such an initial grimy feeling that I just had to blog it out. I am not trying to put anyone “on blast”, I’m just trying to not feel weird about this! Is it ever appropriate to try and find someone you met while on the job? How would you react to this situation? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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

Mar24

Essential Bedroom Comforts

Posted on by
Standard
Essential Bedroom Comforts

We spend hours of our lives in our bedroom every single day. Fair enough, we’re not conscious for most of that time, BUT we’re still in there! So while we might not notice what photos are on the wall or what color the carpet is, we do notice how comfortable we are. From the softness of the sheets to the firmness of the mattress, our bedroom comforts aren’t completely ignored when we’re in the land of nod. But the room should also be perfect for hanging out before bed – it seems wasteful to have an entire room solely dedicated to your unconsciousness. Here’s some ideas to help you make your room as comfy cozy as possible whether you’re awake or not:

Guarantee A Great Night’s Sleep:

First things first, comfort is primarily to aid relaxation. What’s the ultimate sign that you’re relaxed? You fall asleep, of course! The key to an amazing night’s sleep is a ridiculously comfortable bed. The mattress has to be perfect for you – not too hard and not too soft. If you’re not a great sleeper, chances are your mattress isn’t right for you – check out some guides to a great mattress and find one which will work best. Secondly, you’ve got to have good sheets. Your bed should feel like a cocoon of cozy happiness. Bad quality sheets do not make a cocoon of cozy happiness. Go for the highest thread count you can afford – you’ll never look back before you drift off to sleepy bliss.

When it comes to shopping for a new bed to improve your quality of sleep, do not be afraid to shop around. You are going to be sleeping on it for the foreseeable future! It can be helpful to look at online reviews first so you don’t end up on a wild goose chase for the perfect bed. You might find that the right choice for you is as simple as a click here to check out some well reviewed, classic, and comfortable bedding options.

Get The Temperature Right:

Everyone knows the pain of trying to sleep in a room which is far too hot or far too chilly – it’s basically impossible until you pass out from exhaustion. Being able to get the temperature right is essential for comfort. A smart thermostat is the solution. Being able to keep the room warmer in the daytime for when you’re kicking back and relaxing, but turning it down at bedtime to an almost-chilly but completely optimum 65 degrees is sure to guarantee you the perfect relaxation environment. And a smart thermostat also ensures that you will wake up to a cozy bedroom, meaning no more cowering in bed after the alarm goes off… Well, you still might because snooze alarm.

Add Somewhere To Sit:

If you enjoy flicking through a magazine before bed, getting lost in your favorite novel, or just scrolling through Twitter, why not include somewhere specific to do that? Many people find that spending time in bed awake and doing things can cause them to get neck or lower back pain, or it makes their bed too warm before it’s time to sleep. A cozy armchair, complete with fluffy blanket, is ideal for some pre-bed wind-down time.

Include Some Fluff (or lots!):

Speaking of a fluffy blanket, every bedroom needs some fluff. Getting out of bed onto a faux sheepskin rug is the ultimate in cozy luxury. A fluffy blanket in the winter is ideal for cuddling up in and fluffy cushions just add a really cute new texture to the room’s decor. Every bedroom needs at least a few soft and cushy items to snuggle up in. If you’re lucky enough to have a pet, you’ve got your ready-made fluffy thing (with added heat, too!) but the rest of us have to make do with a luxurious fluffy/faux fur-y/fuzzy blanket.

Bedroom comforts are all about filling the room with things that feel good to the touch, but that also make you happy. It’s a room in which happiness and relaxation are fundamental, so don’t skimp. Now go and catch some Zs!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar24

The Blue Sky Tag

Posted on by
Standard
The Blue Sky Tag

Hiii everyone and TGIF! Earlier this week I was so happy to be nominated for The Blue Sky Tag by my friend Megan over at Megan Elizabeth Lifestyle. Over the years, lifewithlilred has been nominated for lots of awards and tags, but never this one so I am really excited! Everyone please make sure to check out Megan’s wonderful page and give it some love – I’m sure that all of you will enjoy it as much as I do. Now, let’s take a look at the rules:

The Rules:

  • Answer 11 questions given to you
  • Tag 11 people
  • Give 11 questions

Q & A:

Onesie or Dressing Gown?

Definitely a nightie or a cute matching pajama pants and top set. I’m so obsessed with PJs as of late but I will never EVER wear a onesie – I personally think that they’re a bit ridiculous!

Bath or Shower?

For practicality purposes a shower but if I want to relax and have some me time, then a nice warm bubble bath.

What song are you currently obsessed with? (Mine is Green Light by Lorde)

Uhmmmm…. I’ve fallen into an unfortunate pop punk circa my high school years phase and am loving the album Underdog Alma Mater by Forever The Sickest Kids. Particularly “My Worst Nightmare”.

If you could have any chocolate bar in the world what would it be?

Trader Joe’s has this AMAZING dark chocolate bar that has chili powder and pop rocks in it and I freaking love it. I could totally eat like ten of them lol.

You’re having dinner with a historical figure, who would it be?

Hmm… I’m not sure. Does Johnny Depp count? haha

Why do you like blogging?

I love to blog because of all of the amazing friends that I have made all over the world. Blogging has put me in touch with people who I don’t think I would have met otherwise and I am so thankful for that.

What is your favorite blog to read at the moment?

Too many to count!

Cozy night in or wild night out?

I like both. Like, last night one of my girlfriends came over and we just drank some wine and watched Wentworth and it was a blast. But I do love going out to the bars with my friends when I’m feeling saucy.

Where do you dream of visiting and why?

Europe! Specifically Paris so that I can perfect my French!

What is your go-to choice for brunch?

It depends on what I’m in the mood for. If I want breakfast food, then definitely some type of fritatta and hashbrowns. But if I want lunch, then I usually go for some type of vegetarian friendly sandwich or a grilled cheese.

In your opinion, what is the best sitcom? (Friends, I’m not biased or anything!)

Seinfeld, of course!

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions:

  1. What is your favorite topic to write about?
  2. What was your high school experience like?
  3. What was your favorite toy as a child?
  4. Heels or flats?
  5. Which beauty product could you not like without?
  6. What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time?
  7. Texting or phone calls?
  8. What is your favorite restaurant to eat at?
  9. What is one of your goals for this year?
  10. What qualities do you look for in a friend?
  11. What would you and your crush or significant other do on a dream date?

Thank you so much again to Megan for nominating little old me for The Blue Sky Tag! How would you answer some of the questions that Megan asked her nominees? How about some of mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar22

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

Posted on by
Standard
Happy Birthday, Mom!!

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! Today is a special day because it’s my mommy’s birthday!! As I’m sure that you guys have gathered by now, my mom is basically my best friend. We love to hang out together, cook, watch movies, go shopping, pet dogs, and play Scrabble. My mom is easily one of my favorite human beings on the planet and everyone who has the honor of knowing her feels similarly. It’s hard not to!

I am so thankful for having a mom who is as funny, smart, wonderful, and perfect as mine. Not to mention how caring, supportive, and encouraging she is. I can always count on good ol’ JANE to be there when I need to talk and am appreciative to have a mother who is a fantastic listener. No matter how my mom and I spend our time together, I always enjoy it because I am seriously in the best of company when I’m with her. I love you so much, mommy!

Happy Birthday!! ❤

DSCN0875

Mar22

Beauty And The Beast Review

Posted on by
Standard
Beauty And The Beast Review

Hiii everyone and happy Hump Day! Yesterday night was a fun one because my older sister, Kristen, treated me and my mom to a night at the movies to see Beauty And The Beast for my mom’s birthday. I have to admit, I was semi ambivalent because I had heard some amazing reviews, some horrible reviews, but mostly very average reviews about the film. But the remake of Beauty And The Beast made me eat my words five minutes in because I absolutely LOVED it. It wasn’t just me, though. My mom, sister, and what felt like the entire audience seemed to be in agreement that this film was really special. Let’s discuss:

What I loved about this remake was that they stayed true to the original cartoon and then enhanced it appropriately. With these improvements, we gained further insight into the backstory of Belle, the Beast, and the castle’s inhabitants. Some people on my Facebook newsfeed deemed these additions “pointless” but I thought that they were brilliant. Why would a classic film be remade at all if there were no changes made to it? If it was a literal live action play by play of the cartoon, I would rather watch the original any day.

Now, let’s all be honest with ourselves here. We all know that that was not Emma Watson singing. The autotune was strong for her – so strong that it sounded exactly like the singing in the cartoon version. I ain’t mad at it. Only a little! Another teeeeny tiny bone that I have to pick is that the British accents seemed incredibly out of place because they are in France, after all. I would have loved to have had the entire film done with really good French accents, but we can’t always get what we want. And, finally: WHY WAS BELLE’S SKIRT TUCKED IN ON ONE SIDE?! IT DROVE ME FREAKING CRAZYYYYY!

Okay. I’m glad I got that off my chest.

But really, though. It was a hell of a remake. It really was. And that’s saying something coming from me because Beauty And The Beast is easily one of my favorite Disney movies. I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed myself immensely. The cast was so strong and complimented each other so well, which made each scene in the movie flow perfectly. I wanted more. I was honestly sad when it was over! The little tastes of the retelling of such a beautiful tale left me ravenous and if a sequel were for some reason announced I would probably cry from happiness.

It’s crazy, because when you’re a kid, you don’t really think about how intense Disney films are. It’s only when you’re older that you can look at the film and be like “wow, that’s kind of fucked up”. I mean, there’s an entire song in Beauty And The Beast dedicated to killing the Beast. And don’t even get me started on the turmoil that Maurice goes through upon returning to the village after Belle stays as the captive. Of course, the cartoons are sad. But there was something about seeing this remake after not having seen the original in so long that made me weep like a baby. The characters were so easy to connect to so all you wanted was the very best for them. And for Gaston to jump off of a freaking cliff!!

Speaking of, I loved, loved, loved to hate Gaston with every ounce of my being! He was so bad and so good and I was so pleased with the “Gaston” number in the bar because that’s weirdly my favorite song. And, I thought Monsieur LeFou was perfect. The combination of Gaston’s meatheaded nature and LeFou’s sass for days was definitely a fun twist. And LeFou is obviously better at seeing the good (or lack thereof!) in people for crushing on a total asshole!

All in all, I’m rating this movie with a ten to the ten, ten, ten. Despite me being nitpicky, I had a fantastic time at the movies last night and would happily go see Beauty And The Beast for a second time!

(And, as always, I have no rights to this trailer or featured image.)

So there you have it, my Beauty And The Beast Review! What did everyone else think of this movie? Which Disney flick do you hope is remade next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Disney UK

Mar22

7 Things That Make YOU Feel Special in 2017

Posted on by
Standard

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! The following is brought to you by my friend, Eve, at Garage Gym Planner. With almost three months of 2017 solidly behind us, it might be easy to fall into a bit of a mid season slump. So, read this article, take some you time, and come back to tackle the rest of your week with a vengeance!

7 Things That Make YOU Feel Special in 2017

In the modern world, it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture and forget about all of the good things in life. Everyone has periods when they feel unwanted, unneeded, and begin to wonder what they are doing with themselves. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to make yourself feel special. Sometimes a small switch up or treat is all it takes to change your life for the better, like the following:

  1. Develop Self Care Rituals

Often, this is the simplest way to make you feel good about yourself. It is the small things that you do which count, and developing self care rituals is one of the most important parts of staying mentally healthy and making yourself feel special. Having a small, routine thing in your every day life that is designed to reinforce you and build you up can be extremely beneficial. It doesn’t matter what it involves or how you go about it: what matters is that you use it as a way to look after yourself and stay mentally healthy, no matter what.

  1. Exercise

Exercise is very closely linked to mental health. Beginning a good exercise program and exercising regularly is one of the best ways to make you feel special. One of the simplest exercises is squats. They can be completed almost anywhere, with minimal equipment, and by anyone.

The benefits of squats are huge and can include:

  • Great legs which you had previously only dreamed of having!
  • An increased blood flow to your brain, keeping you more alert and mentally healthy.
  • The generally fitter and healthier look which you have always strived for.

  1. Say No To Negativity

Feeling bad about yourself is the exact opposite of feeling special. Saying no to the things that make you feel bad is a big step on the pathway to self-development and to feeling comfortable with who you are. Unfortunately, one of the most common sources of this kind of degradation is your ‘friends’. Yes, I’m sure that you have some real friends who care about you and want to see you be successful. However, there is a high chance that you also have people around you who put you down and who make you feel like you aren’t good enough, which is a major problem.

  1. Do Something That You’re Good At

Being good at something can make you feel special and build your confidence. One of the best ways to get good at something is to get out there and try! Everyone has talents: if you don’t know what yours are, then you need to find out this year. Participating in an activity that you are good at is one of the best ways to boost your self confidence and self love.

  1. Read A Book

Reading allows you to explore worlds other than your own. You have an imagination, so use it! When you are feeling down, crack open a book and conjure a world in which you are the hero. Immerse yourself in a good book and let yourself become the main character, feeling their emotions, taking pride in their achievements, and letting this boost your morale.

  1. Dare To Be Different

Don’t conform to society’s expectations and become just another mindless business person wandering through their meaningless zombie-like life. Dare to be different and be proud of your differences. Doing so will allow you to feel special about who you are and what you are doing. Get out there and chase your dreams. Don’t get stuck in a life that you don’t enjoy. Do something that you really find fun in 2017 – even if it is a bit different.

  1. Go On An Adventure!

Who says that adventures are for kids! Your adventure can be big or small. From taking a hike on a nearby trail to going on a cross country road trip, let yourself explore. Adventures are all about getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing something new. Where can you go and what can you do to tune in to your adventurous spirit?

Thanks again to Eve at Garage Gym Planner for these seven tricks and tips to get yourself feeling special in 2017! What do you do to increase your self worth? Where is your dream place to have an adventure? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar22

Making Your Graduation Extra Special

Posted on by
Standard
Making Your Graduation Extra Special

The day of your college graduation is an incredibly happy and special one. It is the penultimate moment of everything that you have worked and studied so hard for – in fact, it’s probably the biggest moment of your life to date! Most colleges (and even high schools) make quite a big deal out of graduation, with a formal ceremony and the opportunity to bring your family along to support you. For many people, it can be an emotional day, as it signals the end of a specific chapter of your life and the start of new beginnings. It’s only natural that you should want to go the extra mile when it comes to celebrating it. Here are a few things that you can do, both before the ceremony and on the day itself to make sure that your graduation day is one that you will never forget:

Plan Your Outfit: Just like with your prom, your graduation is one of those days where all eyes are going to be on you. This is especially true for the moment when you go up on stage to collect your degree – pretty nerve wracking stuff, eh? So, it makes sense that you would want to look your best for such a momentous occasion. Start planning at least a couple of months in advance: remember that a lot of colleges have their graduations around the same time, so you don’t want to find that your dream dress has already sold out! Pick something that you are comfortable in – nothing too heavy or revealing. Graduation day can be a long one, with the ceremony, award giving, a meal, and then sometimes a night out after. Try and find a happy medium between style and comfort – it will work in your favor.

grad5
Shoe Heaven!!

Show Your Appreciation to Your Classmates: At college, you tend to meet a lot of people and have friends from lots of different groups. You may be close to your roommate or maybe the people on your sports team. But chances are you’ll have formed relationships with the other students in your courses as well and this is your chance to express your gratitude for them. You may want to get some of your course friends a gift by way of congratulations – it doesn’t need to be anything extravagant, more just a token of appreciation. A good option for this is a graduation lei. Now, you may wonder why we give leis for graduation. They are actually an ancient symbol and is said to offer good luck to the recipient. Pretty appropriate for a graduation day and something that your friend can treasure forever.

Take Pictures: Just like with any major event, it’s likely that your graduation day will pass in a bit of a blur. There are so many people and so many things to get through – but try and remember to take pictures! If you are too busy socializing, ask a relative or friend to snap some candid shots of you and your friends enjoying the day. You’ll probably get an official graduation picture taking by a professional photographer, but sometimes these unexpected photos can end up being the best shots of the day.

Congrats, Grad!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Mar22

Essential Accessories For a Sizzling Spring/Summer Wardrobe

Posted on by
Standard
Essential Accessories For a Sizzling Spring/Summer Wardrobe

Spring has arrived and soon we’ll be basking in the glory of blue skies and warm climes. If you’re starting to think about your new season wardrobe, don’t get too carried away with expensive clothing because this season is all about the accessories. With the right accessories, you can ensure that you’re right on trend with every look without buying a different outfit for every occasion. If you’re after a sizzling spring/summer 2017 wardrobe, here are the accessories you need now:

The Embroidered Bag: Embroidery is massive this season and if you don’t want to walk around in patched up jeans or floaty folk tops, an embroidered bag is the perfect addition to your closet. You’ll find every style out there so you can choose from embroidered fringed backpacks or cross-body bags for festivals or patterned clutches for a chic evening look. Florals are hugely popular, but you’ll also find swirls, exotic birds, beads, and jewels. For a fun take on this trend, look out for bags emblazoned with customized patches or slogans for a cheeky wardrobe staple.

The Platform Shoe: A firm favorite in the 80’s and 90’s, the platform is back with a vengeance for spring/summer. Many designers mixed chunky soles with ultra-feminine touches on the runways to create an eclectic, fun vibe. Think sturdy heeled sandals teamed with frilly ankle socks and flatform sliders paired with skater dresses. The beauty of the platform is that you can add height without committing to walking around in stilettos all day. Platforms tend to be comfier and they’re usually easier to walk in. And did I mention that they are a Lil Red Favorite?!

sizzleHello, 90s fab!

The Earrings: This season is all about going large with your earrings and embracing the trend of mixing, rather than matching. On the catwalks, models were spotted with dramatic, hanging gems and masculine ear cuffs, which were embellished with a series of different studs and rings. This year, anything goes, so don’t be afraid to wear two different pieces or even just a single earring on its own. You can go girly with stylish chandelier earrings or keep it cool with a tragus ring or multiple studs.

sizzle1

SO. Cute!

Rose Gold: Rose gold has been around for a while, but in the warmer months, it really comes into its own. This shade flatters everyone and it suits all ages. It also complements spring pastels brilliantly. Add a rose gold pendant necklace to a ruffled blouse and a pleated midi skirt for a beautifully feminine smart cashe look or team a tailored blazer, skinny jeans, and a silk cami with a statement watch for the perfect Friday night drinks outfit. If you’re looking for styling tips, have a look through some magazines, check out what your favorite celebrities are wearing, and have a browse online at sites like Frost NYC. With rose gold, you can be as playful or as formal as you like and your accessories will totally make the outfit. Dress up simple basics or vary your look by swapping between statement earrings, classic watches, bangles, and Bohemian stacking rings.

sizzle2

 Love pocket watches!

The Miniature Bag: Gone are the days of hauling your entire collection of possessions around with you in an oversized hobo or tote bag. This season, it’s all about scaling things down and carrying the bare minimum with you. Miniature bags are a cute addition to both smart and casual looks and you’ll find a variety of options to suit your style and the occasion for which you’re dressing. Go for a tiny but incredibly sophisticated box clutch for an evening out or keep things casual with a mini backpack or even a bijou shoulder bag for a trip to the outdoor shopping centers.

Dramatic shades: If you’re a perennial aviator wearer, it’s time to step up your shade game and try out some different styles and shapes. This season is all about making a dramatic entrance and letting your sunglasses do the talking. Think oversized hexagonal frames, bold colors, and cat’s eye glasses for a bold “look at me but don’t look at me” look.

sizzle3

 MeeeOW!

Spring is officially here so it’s time to crack open the boxes full of skirts, dresses, and tees and start thinking about how to incorporate them into your wardrobe. When a new season arrives, it’s tempting to buy a load of new clothes but you don’t have to go crazy to make sure that you’re on trend. Using accessories is a great way to create stylish looks without spending a fortune on new outfits. This season, embrace the new trends and have fun putting different looks together. Make a statement with some eye-catching shades or some dramatic earrings or keep things simple with elegant rose gold touches or a chic miniature clutch. No matter how you style for spring, let your accessories make a splash and head outdoors to show off your warm weather looks!