Mar18

Reader Map Update

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Reader Map Update

Hiiii everyone and happy weekend! So yesterday I was hanging out and listening to a little I’m From Barcelona and their song “Collection Of Stamps” came on. This song, a little ditty that gives an ode to friends and locations world wide reminded me that it’s been a while since I posted an updated reader map picture. So first, take a listen. And then, take a look!

(As always, I have no rights to this song. I just like it a lot.)

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I started making my reader map once I had a little over forty countries reading me with the pure intention of keeping track of them all. But now, with over one hundred and seventy different countries that are hip to lifewithlilred, this map serves as so much more than a location tracker. This little project that I began gives me such an immense feeling of pride every time I look at it – which is frequently, considering it’s located in my bedroom!

To know that the page that little old me started two and a half years ago is reaching locations that I never even knew existed completely blows my mind. This map has also made me SO much better at the geography questions on Jeopardy, which is a really nice added bonus! As soon as “Collection Of Stamps” came on, it made me think of all of my wonderful readers, friends, and followers in the blogging community and I just knew that I had to send a shout out to them in an Updated Reader Map post.

Thank you all so, so much for stopping by my page. If it’s as a one time reader or a loyal follower, I appreciate it far more than you know. Many well wishes and a ton of love to each and every one of you!

What country on my reader map would you like to visit some day? Where are you located? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar17

Spring Is At The Door. Are You Ready?

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Spring Is At The Door. Are You Ready?

Spring is nearly here! If you believe the calendar, spring should be with us by the 20th of March. In truth, it has already started in some areas. And unfortunately for some, they might have to wait until April. But you can definitely safely say that spring is on the way. Forget the cold and the snow of the past winter, the sun is coming back and the flowers are starting to bloom. Nature is finally taking over, the birds are singing again and skirts are getting shorter. There is no doubt about it: The nation is getting ready to welcome spring. Best of all, you can already find some yummy chocolate eggs in the shops, so this is another good reason to eagerly await the changing of the seasons. But are you ready for it?

Spring Cleaning:

What is spring without the unavoidable spring cleaning? Some might say that it could be a lot nicer not to have to clean the house from bottom to top, but let’s be honest: It’s part of a good home maintenance practice. Start by decluttering your home from everything that you have accumulated throughout the winter and that you don’t need any longer. Whether you decide to throw unneeded items away, sell, or give to charities is your own decision. But you will see clearer once the unnecessary items are out of the way. Then, you can start washing and cleaning in depth every room and every piece of decor and furniture. This also includes your carpets. If you knew what a welcoming terrain dirty carpets make for dust mites and other unexpected guests, you’d probably wash it more often, too!

Spring Starts Outside:

But in truth, spring begins outside your house. You should be gathering new ideas for your garden to capture the essence of spring in your backyard. Whether you are looking to give a new character to your outdoors with customized decking or by building a barbecue area, it’s important to start with the basics. Clear your garden from any weeds and other dirt that has accumulated over the winter. This will help you to reevaluate the space and maybe bring some exciting landscaping changes. Get creative and your backyard will be the talk of the town in no time.

Get Your Spring Wardrobe:

Last, but certainly not least, is your closet. It’s time to remove those thick knits for a lighter spring wardrobe. You will be delighted to know that this year, the spring fashion is set on practicality and neutral colors. The denim jacket is making a comeback, as well as nude and powder rose color schemes for shoes and accessories. And remember to maximize your basic white tee for the season: It’s an essential of your warm weather wardrobe. If it’s too cool to wear a t-shirt only, throw a military jacket on top. It will keep you warm and trendy! Fashion this season is promoting classic and simple lines: A modern silhouette under the sun. What is there not to love?

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar16

Netflix Suggestions?!

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Netflix Suggestions?!

Hihihi everyone and happy Thursday! So the last time I Netflixed, I watched American Crime Story: The People VS OJ Simpson and it was so. damn. good. The acting was sublime, the real life plot was insane, and the length of the show was just right. But, as always upon finishing a show, I have no idea what to watch next.

I reached out to the world of Facebook to see what other people recommend and was left with over eighty comments of TV shows to sift through. Yikes! BUT, I realized that I never reached out to the blogging world, whose opinions are surely to be a bit more diverse considering the vast, world wide locations of such an amazing community. So before the suggestions come rolling in, let me bring you up to speed on the shows that I have watched. (I am also always up for movie suggestions, too! Particularly foreign films, but even more specifically: French ones, please!)

Shows I Have Watched:

  • Orange Is The New Black (multiple times.)
  • Wentworth (hella multiple times.)
  • American Horror Story (all seasons.)
  • Dexter
  • Slasher
  • Fargo
  • Breaking Bad
  • Parks & Recreation
  • American Crime Story: The People VS OJ Simpson (most recently.)
  • Making A Murderer
  • Locked Up: Women Behind Bars (clearly I like prison shows!)

^^^ Annnd I think that that’s about it!

ANYWHO, I am open to any and all recommendations and suggestions. But my personal preference leans more towards drama and horror based shows than comedies or dramadies, which should be obvious from my list!

What is your favorite series on Netflix? Which series should I watch next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar15

Bath & Body Works March Freebie

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Bath & Body Works March Freebie

Hiii everyone and happy Hump Day! Yesterday I made a quick stop into Bath & Body Works to grab my March freebie, a travel sized French Lavender & Honey shower gel. I’m trying to stock up on travel sized necessities like body wash and lotion for when I eventually make it out to Europe because every little bit helps! And as you guys know, I freaking love this scent. Check it out:

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So since we’re all aware of the deliciousness that is French Lavender & Honey, I would like to announce a future giveaway, instead. March is all about the launch of lifewithlilred’s perfume line, Ruby Tulip. But, come April, I would love to do a giveaway of four to five travel sized Bath & Body Works goodies. It will be a lovely variety of different scents to test out for yourself or you could do the Sarah technique and add them on to birthday presents for friends or family. Either way, a giveaway is on the horizon so be on the lookout!

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? Who plans on participating in lifewithlilred’s first giveaway? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar15

If You Think Your Job Is Hard, Try Being A Manager

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If You Think Your Job Is Hard, Try Being A Manager

Managers have got a difficult job. They don’t just have to master job roles themselves, understanding them inside out. They also have to be able to manage people. Being a first-time manager can be daunting. But being a great manager is a little bit like being a great marketer: you pick up so many people-managing skills throughout life that the work itself can feel surprisingly natural. Becoming a manager will endow you with all sorts of new skills, like being a better motivator, coach, and communicator. Here are some tips to help you thrive in your first management job:

Be The Example: Companies go through good times and bad times. And when times are bad, people need somebody that they can look up to: a role model. As a manager, being the role model is your job. You’re the person who has to be able to handle any adversity that gets thrown the company’s way and stand up for employees in the process. Perseverance is all part of the job and an essential ingredient for motivating your team to rectify the situation. The more you demonstrate proper behaviors, the more your team will respect you and follow your lead.

Understand The Basics: As a manager, you need to learn the basics, not only of your own business’s operation but also what constitutes a compliant working environment. Companies have a duty of care towards their staff, according to Ellis Whittam, and managers are the people who carry that duty out. It’s their responsibility to make sure that employees are safe while they’re at work and that they’re treated fairly according to the law. As a manager, you need to know the rights of the company as well as the rights of the individual members of your team. You’ll have to conduct yourself within those rights, especially when it comes to things like dismissals and complaints.

Understand The Magic Of Delegation: What is the purpose of managers? Some would say that it is purely to facilitate work: to provide workers with the directions and incentives that they need to carry out tasks. Managers need to understand that they can’t be everywhere at the same time. At some point, they need to delegate responsibility to other members of their team. Not only will this stop you from going mad but it will also help other people develop their skills and create a path to a better career.

When delegating to somebody, make sure that you stress how important it is for their personal development. Talk to them about how it’s an opportunity for them to progress in their role and make more money in the future. The more ownership that they have in their new position, the better job they’ll do.

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Delegation Partayyy

Accept That Relationships Must Change: The relationship between managers and workers is probably going to be a little different than what you’re used to. If you’ve been promoted, you may now be the boss of people who were once your peers. It’s important to understand that your relationships have changed and you need to be transparent about that. It might be awkward, but when handled properly, hard feelings are typically avoided.

Featured Image By: Pexels

 

Mar14

Ruby Tulip Launch!!

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Ruby Tulip Launch!!

Hello everyone and happy Tuesday! This is a very exciting day because lifewithlilred’s very first signature scent is here in the form of Ruby Tulip, a roll on fragrance oil. Ruby Tulip was created by the unbelievably talented scentstress of Angie’s Bath & Body – a dear friend, Angela. Her and I collaborated on this scent and she took what little ideas I had and turned them into a beautiful fragrance. Ruby Tulip is available for purchase on Angela’s Etsy shop and with shipping will be just over fifteen dollars. A total smell goods steal!

As I pondered what to say about this scent, I hit a brick wall. Especially because Angela’s description of Ruby Tulip on her site is simply perfect. So, I’m taking the stumped wordsmith’s route here and sharing that with you because I literally couldn’t have said it better myself:

RUBY TULIP CUSTOM PERFUME – 1/3 oz. (roll-on)

This a very special creation. A dear friend of mine asked me to create something special for her and her beloved blog readers. And so I did.

RUBY TULIP is made from all natural ingredients and with pure love. It took almost 2 months to get all of the essential oils to work perfectly together and now it’s ready for the world. It’s a citrus scent, but lightly. It wears very well and may only need 1 touch up throughout the day.

INGREDIENTS: Fractionated Coconut oil, lavender essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, rosemary essential oils, sweet orange essential oil, and a smidge of honeysuckle fragrance oil.

You have the option of adding rose petals or ordering without. The rose petals are a beautiful addition to the perfume.

Ruby Tulip is packaged in a 1/3 glass roll-on bottle w/cap. It will be shipped in a black roll-on box and organza bag via USPS 1st Class Mail.

I truly hope that you love this scent as much as I do.

Thanks,
Angela

^^^ Told you I couldn’t have said it better myself!!

I want to thank Angela again for the hundred millionth time for creating Ruby Tulip for me but most importantly for all of you! Angela is an incredible businesswoman and you can check out her latest ventures on my most recent Accessory Story. While checking out Ruby Tulip’s page on Angela’s Etsy shop, be sure to treat yourself to some more divine bath and body care goodies like her body butters and sugar scrubs – I promise you that they won’t disappoint!

The Ruby Tulip Launch is a go and I am so excited to finally be able to share it with all of you! Who plans on making a Ruby Tulip purchase? What should Angela’s and my next fragrance be called? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar13

Sleep Trouble: What’s Keeping You Awake At Night?

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Sleep Trouble: What’s Keeping You Awake At Night?

There’s been a growing trend in the wellness, health, and fitness industries towards helping people get a better night’s sleep. Given that around 45 percent of all individuals in the country are struggling to catch enough sleep every night, that can only be a good thing. Regular readers of my blog might remember my struggles with getting good sleep, and there’s every chance that almost half of you reading this will be experiencing something similar. And it’s a huge issue. You end up being less productive in the day, it affects your general health, and it can even result in conditions such as obesity, depression, and diabetes.

Scary, right? And it’s no surprise that many of us want to fix out sleep problems! The key to that is, of course, working out why you can’t get to sleep properly, which will give you the chance to address the issue. So, in today’s guide, we’re going to go through some of the most common factors that are lying behind many people’s sleep problems. Let’s take a closer look:

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Zzzzz

Physical Pain: First of all, do you have pain problems? If you have a bad back or suffer from regular headaches, for example, it can be affecting your sleep. Try taking a warm shower or bath before going to bed – it will relax your muscles and give you the chance of getting a better quality of sleep than you are having right now. See your doctor, too, and talk to them about some basic pain management tips. Your doc might recommend heat pads or even painkillers on a temporary basis. Long-term care might involve physiotherapy which can help ease pain sans surgery. If this is the route you’d like to take, simply enter a search for “Best Physiotherapy clinic near me”. Be sure to read reviews to ensure that patients are satisfied with the care and voice any concerns you might have to your doctor too before making a final decision.

Mental Anguish: Other common causes of poor sleep are stress and anxiety. In an increasingly busy and stressful world, many of us battle against active brains that prevent us from getting some shut-eye. Most people will experience this at some point. The mind goes into overdrive, going through all of your problems in fine detail, and the more you think, the more your anxiety levels increase – meaning you slip into a vicious feedback loop. Yoga can help with this issue, as can mindfulness – the key to getting over your problem is to try and turn off your brain and prevent those intrusive thoughts from occurring in the first place.

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Admittedly not the best place to fall asleep!

Environmental Issues: There is a vast range of environmental issues that can prevent you from sleeping properly. Internal factors include bed bugs, which can keep you up at night and cause intense itching, according to the Pest Control of Alabama. There are also external factors such as noise pollution and noisy neighbors, too – could the outside world be keeping you up at night?

Think about installing double – or triple – glazed windows if you want to reduce the impact of the former. For the latter, you have to play it carefully,. Talk to your neighbors first and most will tone it down a little. However, you can also contact your local EHP practitioner to act on your behalf if they continue to cause you problems.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar13

Where People Go Wrong With Pests

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One thing which often leaves homeowners filled with dread is the thought of pests in their property. They can do a ton of damage to the structure of your home. And not only that, but they can harm your family. Things like fleas and bed bugs can end up irritating your skin. And once you have the annoying bugs in your home, it can be a nightmare to get rid of them. A lot of people make errors which tend to mean that they become a regular occurrence in their home. Here are some ways that people go wrong with pests:

They try and find DIY ways to get rid of them: A lot of people make a vital error when attempting to get rid of pests by trying to cut corners. They think that they can easily find a DIY solution which will get rid of the pests from their home. For one thing, they do it to save money. But while there are some ways you might be able to say goodbye to them, doing it yourself is bound to lead to a return visit. You might get rid of a few of the pests with a homemade spray, but you might not catch them all if they are hidden.

Not only do DIY methods tend to be inefficient and ineffective but it can also pose a safety hazard. This is especially true if you are trying to get rid of insects that sting like hornets or bees. If you are dealing with a beehive on your property, countless pest control companies try to remove the hive in the most ethical way possible by relocating it. As bees are crucial to our environment, this is certainly something you will want to look for when you enter a search for “Bee Removal Doncaster” (or your local area). You might also want to find a service that can help rebuild the structure that may have been compromised when accessing the hive. That way, every process of the removal is handled with one appointment.

Therefore, it’s best to do a search for “effective pest solutions in Toronto” or your local area and call a professional to come and remove the pests. For one thing, they have done it so many times before, so they know where the pests might be hiding. And they will use a permanent solution so that you won’t have to worry about a return visit anytime soon! Hunt down a pest management company who can come out to your home quickly and get the job done in an efficient manner.

They forget about outside ones: You might be surprised to know that a lot of people make an error of thinking pests can only occur inside. We hear most often about pests like bedbugs and mosquitoes becoming problems in your home. But you also need to consider that pests might be in your garden, too. It’s easy to get fleas and ticks in your lawn if pets are in the backyard. And they could soon get inside your home if they are not dealt with quickly. When it comes to dealing with pests outside, again it’s best to get a professional to come and remove them quickly. That way, it will stop them from entering your home and causing your family a lot of trouble!

pest.jpg Pixabay Image

They don’t find a solution quickly: When someone notices a minor infestation, they think it might just be a one-off, so they might not opt to find a solution quickly. But this can be a big error if you do just leave it. The longer they are left without treatment from pest control services, the more of a chance they might spread around your home. And then you might struggle to get them under control. As soon as you spot a gathering of the pests, find a local company that will remove them immediately. That way, you can eliminate them before they become a huge problem!

And remember to watch out for signs of pests in your home. You might not see the pests in their form, so it’s best to look out for signs like the ones described in this article.

Mar12

I’m NOT Lonely

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I’m NOT Lonely

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! So, I’m not sure if those of you who aren’t my friends on Facebook are aware but my year and a half long relationship ended (by me) a few months ago. And, believe me, I’m fine. Even if I wasn’t the one doing the dumping, I think that I would be fine. But, the absence of someone who you used to talk to every day for the past year and a half is a little bit difficult to deal with.

I was having this conversation over drinks with my sister last night and I swear, I must have emphasized to her that “I’m NOT Lonely” at least five times. Because I’m not. Really. However, a void has definitely now been made in my life from the time that I used to spend hanging out with and talking to my former significant other. It’s not a feeling of loneliness but I’m more left with the feeling of “what do I do now?”.

It’s just freaking annoying. Like, when you have a boy or girlfriend, you have a built in social life from it. Dinners, movies, drinks, or just simply hanging out. But, once the break up happens, you are left to your own devices. I guess this wouldn’t be a problem if I had a buttload of friends but, in all reality, I have like three people that doesn’t include my sister that I like to spend time with.

It’s weird, because everyone thinks I’m this little social butterfly – but I’m so not. I’m actually quite shy when it comes to new people. I’m not the girl who’s going to go strike up a conversation with a stranger and I’m definitely not the girl who’s good at making friends. So, that kind of leaves me floundering around trying to figure out what to do next.

The way I’m feeling right now is really conflicting because I am totally content with my social life. I am able to see my girlfriends at least weekly, which is super nice. I love going to the bar, the mall, movies, or whatever with them and we always end up having a lot of fun. So why do I all of a sudden feel like I need a brand new friend group? After typing this out, I guess I am trying to “fill the void”, so to speak. It seems that now, it’s more of a matter of finding productive things to do to help use up some of this newly gained free time. Blogging, planning my Europe travels, et cetera.

Wow. Okay. Good one sided talk, everyone! Glad we had it. So, to emphasize again, I’M NOT LONELY:

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Lolol, JK. I just need to focus on doing some things that make me happy rather than focusing on such an apparent loss of someone’s company. Yeah? Yeah. How have you dealt with the post break up void? Has anyone ever felt similarly to what was described in this post? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar11

Accessory Story: Houndstooth, Honey Edition

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Accessory Story: Houndstooth, Honey Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to a brand new and very fun edition of Accessory Story! This post is really special to me because it is compliments of the newest business venture of one of my dearest, darling blogging BFFs, Angela. You might recognize her name as she is the creator of my signature scent, Ruby Tulip, which will be coming soon to lifewithlilred. When Miss Angela isn’t busy mixing up amazing bath and body care goodies, she is dedicated to getting us ladies divafied on her new online jewelry boutique.

Angela’s jewelry website boasts gorgeous jewelry for a totally reasonable price. Not only are the accessories not going to break your bank BUT you also get free shipping with the purchase of one of her jewelry sets! It’s such an amazing deal and her shipping is extremely reliable. All of my jewelry from the Houndstooth Elephant Necklace Set arrived safely tucked in beaucoup bubblewrap and the most darling cosmetic case that looked EXACTLY what Ipsy would send in their monthly makeup subscription.

Seen below are a few quick pics of yours truly sporting my accessories from Angie’s Jewelry Boutique:

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What I love about the jewelry from Angie’s Jewelry Boutique is that it’s fun and flashy without being too much. All of the pieces on her website look amazing worn as a set but they also work so well individually. I’m not a jewelry set girl, myself. I prefer to mix and match pieces as I go along and I am super excited to incorporate the accessories from my Houndstooth Elephant Necklace Set into my every day outfits.

It’s hard to pick a favorite from my new set but I freaking love the rhinestoned orb ring. Huge statement rings are a major component of my accessory arsenal so I can’t wait to wear it and add some edgy glam to my outfits. And, of course, the ring looks fabulous with my talons! ❤

But what about the elephant adorned necklace and bracelet, you ask? Well, the necklace is going to be perfect for spicing up a T-shirt and jeans or a work ensemble while giving a little safari touch of adventure to the day. And as for the bracelet, I absolutely love charm ones and my favorite way to wear them is paired with some plainer, non-bangle bracelets to make the adorable elephants and houndstooth baubles pop. Throw this little beauty on to show off smooth summer ready arms or wear over a long sleeved shirt for those chilly March days ahead.

No matter how you style your set from Angie’s Jewelry Boutique, you are sure to end up with a sassy chic new look every time. Now, get to shopping! And remember, the shipping is free with every set purchase!

So there you have it, the latest issue of Accessory Story: Houndstooth, Honey Edition! What is your favorite piece of animal themed jewelry? What is your favorite set on Angie’s Jewelry Boutique? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah