Feb23

Are You Looking After Your Hearing Right?

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Are You Looking After Your Hearing Right?

Protecting your hearing is a huge part of protecting both your mental and physical health and there are a lot of things you might want to think about to ensure that you are doing this effectively. In this post, we are going to consider some of the main ways in which you can look after your hearing with best practices you can start today. Like the following:

Slow Fading:

Hearing loss is rarely dramatic at first. It tends to creep in. High-frequency sounds usually fade before lower tones, which means consonants like “s,” “f,” and “th” become harder to distinguish. Conversations start to sound muffled, especially in places with background noise. You may still hear that someone is speaking, but clarity drops away. The brain works overtime to fill in the gaps. That mental effort can be surprisingly exhausting. Many people attribute the fatigue to stress or poor sleep, never suspecting that straining to hear is draining cognitive energy throughout the day.

Noise Is Louder Than You Think:

You do not need to stand next to jet engines to risk damage. Prolonged exposure to everyday noise can be enough. Traffic, construction, power tools, loud gyms, concerts, and even constant headphone use all contribute. A good rule of thumb is this: If you need to raise your voice to be heard at arm’s length, the environment is probably too loud for prolonged exposure. The same applies to headphones. If someone sitting next to you can hear your music clearly, it is too loud. If you are using them for hours a day, even moderate volume can become an issue over time.

^^^ Pexels Image

Importance Of Hearing Tests:

One of the most overlooked parts of hearing care is simply having a hearing test. Many people wait until they notice a clear problem, but by that stage, changes may have been happening for years. A professional hearing test is quick, painless, and far more detailed than most expect. It measures how well you hear different frequencies and volumes, identifying patterns that might indicate early-stage loss, noise damage, or other issues. Even if your hearing is currently fine, a baseline test gives you something to compare against in the future.

Small Habits:

Looking after your hearing does not require drastic change. Often, it is about consistent small habits. Lower the volume on personal devices and use noise-cancelling headphones rather than turning music up to drown out background sound. Wear proper ear protection when using power tools or attending loud events. Give your ears rest periods after exposure to high noise levels. Be mindful of ear hygiene too. Cotton buds can push wax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing blockages. If you suspect excess wax, professional removal is safer than attempting to clear it yourself. Hydration, general cardiovascular health, and avoiding smoking also play a role. The inner ear relies on healthy blood flow, and what benefits your heart often benefits your hearing as well.

Can you hear me now? Good! Keep it that way with these tips!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb23

Hurray For 27K!

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Hurray For 27K!

Howdy! Way back in March of 2025, I saw myself out of a crappy job and had a bit of free time to kill before booking myself up again with clients. I enjoyed some much needed downtime and while I was shooting some content at home, I decided to go ahead and make a TikTok too. As you all know, I am a word girl through and through and pivoting to video content was a big leap for me. Like when I started my blog, my main priority with TikTok was having some fun being creative. And you know what? It has been fun! For almost a year now I have been posting daily content on my TikTok too and I’m really proud of that effort because it still seems like a polar opposite world to writing on the ol’ blog. I am also incredibly pleased with the results as I just crossed the threshold to twenty-seven thousand likes!

If you have ever found yourself thinking “Wow, I wish I had more Lil Red in my life”, then I would so love it if you followed me on TikTok. Even if you have never had that thought, I would so love it if you followed me on TikTok! It’s a goofy little corner of the internet with my daily antics, bonus OOTD content, and delightful cameos that include Johnny, my parents, and Archie the family dog. My bunny babies, Melvin and Penelope, never sit still enough to bask in their cuteness! There’s no rhyme or reason to what I post and I refuse to follow trending content. Rather, I post what I like and the fact that I have 27K likes to show for it is crazy to me! 😀

I am so close to thirty thousand likes that I can taste it. To some, that might not seem like a lot. To me, it is a huge validation. My TikTok really is just a for funsies page and the fact that I am having a blast and have some likes to show for it is a major feather in my cap. Do I expect to be a major TikTok influencer? Absolutely not and that is a-okay! My reward has been far greater. It has given me even more confidence in my content creating ability and it feels good to carve out another space that is just for me. A space to explore a different medium of creating, give exclusive looks that you don’t see on the blog, and hopefully put a smile on someone’s face. This 27K might as well be twenty-seven million and I am so excited to continue with my daily content streak. ❤

When you are sick of doom scrolling, take a breather on my TikTok. I can’t wait to see you there!! 🙂

What if your favorite social media platform? What is your favorite medium of content? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb22

V-Day OOTD Bloopers

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V-Day OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my V-Day OOTD! Johnny and I had an absolute ball on our Valentine’s Day date with a yummy dinner out and an evening at a Cupid’s Revenge haunted house. We ate like kings and had the most spooky, silly time at the haunt. We cannot wait to go back to the Haunted Schoolhouse And Laboratory for their St. Patrick’s Day haunted house next month! If it’s anything like the V-Day one, it will be a freaking hoot. 😀 Our night on the town was full of fabulous memories as well as super styling OOTDs on both of our parts. I felt like a V-Day queen but these pictures are more like me as the royal court’s jester lol, check it out:

Just staring into space

I can’t tell if I love or hate this picture!

Halt! Who goes there?

Pat your head and rub your belly world champ

Hey girl!!!!

My Squidward face says it all lolol

No pictures, please …. But please take my picture!!!

Johnny and I were both exhausted on Sunday after all of the hubbub and I took it as my opportunity to get caught up on the Olympics. This is the happiest time of every four years for me and I was chomping at the bit to watch all of the figure skating that I missed. After I was done watching the men’s long programs, I decided to have some fun by watching a bit of the bobsled events that were taking place. By that time, Johnny was up from his nap and was SO into it. I think he had his fill of figure skating after he graciously sat through the team and short programs with me. 😀 To my surprise, he requested that we watch more Olympic sports after watching several bobsled heats and it was music to my ears. The sport he chose…

Curling! I haven’t watched a ton of Olympic curling in my day and I regret that deeply after our bingeathon. Honestly, it begged the question of why aren’t we watching these sports regularly like we do for football and baseball. Curling was absolutely hilarious to watch. Not because of the athletes, but the commentators. Johnny and I are so not hip to curling lingo and all of the phrases they rattled off were like a new language. We had no idea what they were talking about but it all sounded good! In fact, at one point one of the commentators delved into a story about his wife that really had nothing to do with the matter at hand. It reminded us SO much of the commentary in one of our favorite movies, Best In Show, which made us laugh even harder. These lesser known sports might not be at the top of your Olympics agenda but I promise you they are just as fun if not more so than the big events. I can’t wait to watch more with my main squeeze!

I cannot describe how happy I am that Johnny found an Olympic sport that we can enjoy watching together. It was the perfect way to wrap up a perfect Valentine’s Day weekend!

Have you been watching the Olympics? What is your favorite sport? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb21

How Technology Has Changed The Performance Of Modern Hearing Aids

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How Technology Has Changed The Performance Of Modern Hearing Aids

The technology within many of the modern hearing aids nowadays is incredible. It’s a lot different from the older versions, some one or two decades ago. Modern hearing aids have been transformed by AI, Bluetooth, and advanced signal processing. It’s shifted from simple amplification to intelligent and personalized sound enhancement. In this guide, we’ll take a look at how technology has changed when it comes to the performance of modern hearing aids and how they’re something to be sought after, rather than avoided by people who need them:

Artificial intelligence and machine learning:

AI enables hearing aids to learn user preferences, whilst automatically adjusting settings in real-time. It helps you to switch from a quiet room to a busy street without needing to do anything. AI hearing aids are certainly the future of hearing aid technology.

Advanced noise reduction and directional microphones:

With modern devices, they analyze sound in real time in order to reduce background noise and instead focus on speech. It allows the user better hearing in complex and noisy environments.

Rechargeable batteries:

Modern hearing aids now eliminate the need for small, disposable batteries. Instead, users benefit from rechargeable hearing aids that can be charged overnight while you sleep. It provides all-day power, which is highly beneficial for uninterrupted audio experiences.

Smart apps and personalization:

With modern hearing aids, it works with smartphone apps that allow users to fine-tune sound, adjust volume, and help to monitor battery levels directly too.

Health tracking and biometrics:

Some advanced models will include sensors that monitor physical activity, analyze environmental data, and track your heart rate, too. These insights can be great for improving your overall health and not just your hearing.

Telehealth and remote fitting:

Audiologists are now able to adjust hearing aid settings remotely. It removes the need for in-person appointments for any minor tweaks that need to happen, which is helpful for those who might not live near an audiologist or hearing center.

Smaller and discreet designs:

With smaller and discreet designs, you’re getting a more comfortable and less noticeable device.

Signs you need a hearing aid or two:

There are some tell-tale signs that you need a hearing aid or two. Such signs include the following:

  • Difficulty with conversations – Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
  • Volume adjustment – Turning up the TV or radio to levels that are too loud.
  • Muffled sound – Voices and surrounding sounds are muffled or unclear.
  • Tinnitus – Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.
  • Social withdrawal – Avoiding social situations as it’s too exhausting or difficult to keep up with conversations.
  • Fatigue – Feeling stressed after conversations and fatigued as your brain is working harder to understand sounds.

Technology has changed the performance of modern hearing aids, so explore what they could do for you if you need them in the future!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Feb21

Puzzle Place Pt. 2

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Puzzle Place Pt. 2

Hello! Doing puzzles is a past time that I really enjoy. However, I don’t get to do so very often as Johnny isn’t a fan and it’s no fun to put puzzles together by yourself. I was SO happy when my dad purchased a couple of puzzles that featured images of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings for my family to do together. We had a fair amount of difficulty completing Starry Night but once we got in a groove, it was relatively smooth sailing. By the time my family and I were done, all I had to say was bring on the Sunflowers! I was so confident in our skills that I figured it would be a breeze. I was also very excited as Sunflowers is one of my favorite paintings. A breeze this puzzle was not but after painstaking work, we made it through and have another amazing puzzle to glue together and display as wall art. Check it out:

It was truly a fool’s errand comparing the difficulty between Sunflowers and Starry Night because they are polar opposite paintings. Starry Night in puzzle form was hard, yes, but it provided the opportunity to put it together based on all of the different shades of blue. Sunflowers, on the other hand, was a whole lot of yellow and it proved to be a huge challenge. Every piece looked like it could have belonged anywhere! What’s more, pieces that did fit together and looked right weren’t actually right upon closer inspection, meaning we had to backpedal to find out where we went wrong. Puzzles are supposed to be relaxing and this one was straight up annoying lol.

For all of the irritation this puzzle gave us, it was the biggest sigh of relief once that last piece fit in perfectly. We also didn’t have the stress of a missing piece like when we did Starry Night which was very nice! A five hundred piece puzzle might seem like child’s play to some but it is the maximum of what my family can do while still having a good time. Was this puzzle a good time to put together? Hard no!! Does it look awesome now that it’s finally done? Hard yes!! I cannot wait to see it glued, framed, and hanging proudly above the mantel. Team work definitely made the dream work and we have a beautiful display of Sunflowers to show for it!

The next puzzle painting we are going for is The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai. It is one of my other favorite paintings and will look phenomenal by our Starry Night puzzle!

What is one of your favorite past times? What is the maximum size of puzzles that you can do? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb20

How To Stop Stressing Over Your Age

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How To Stop Stressing Over Your Age

Getting older is something that happens to everyone. In fact, it’s a sign that you’ve been successful. Once you reach the age of 50, 60, 70 or beyond you have survived a long time in an otherwise difficult world. But people have many problems when it comes to their age. They often look at it the wrong way. If you’re somebody who’s stressing about their age and worried about getting older then this post is for you. We are going to look at some strategies you can use to reduce the stress you feel and really enjoy your life day to day:

Reframe aging as a privilege:

The first thing to do is to reframe aging as a privilege. This was something that we hinted at in the introduction. Instead of seeing birthdays as the next stage in the inevitable march through life, you can look at them more as success stories or milestones. Getting to a specific age is actually quite an achievement, especially once you start getting into the higher numbers. If you can reframe how you look at the situation, then you can totally control how you feel about it.

Focus on the things you can control:

Another thing you can do is stop pretending that aging is something you can control. You can’t actually map and manage the time passing on the calendar, but you can intervene in your lifestyle to change how you feel and function. Many people forget all about aging once they improve their exercise routine, stress management, nutrition, sleep, and skincare. Combining all of these factors often slows down the aging process significantly. It can also change the nature of the aging process so that it doesn’t lead to chronic disease and dysfunction.

^^^ Unsplash Image

Get the treatment you need:

Sometimes, feeling less stressed about the aging process is simply getting the treatment that you need. For example, if you have hearing loss, go to the audiologist and ask for hearing aids. Similarly, if you struggle to walk or you have physiological problems, you can get a trainer to improve muscle strength. You should find that once you’ve got this treatment, it has a meaningful and lasting effect on your life. It makes a profound difference to how you approach things.

Practice being present or mindful:

Worrying about aging also often means worrying about the future. Therefore, it’s a good idea to practice being present or mindful. Many people get to a certain age and wonder why their lives aren’t turning out the way they wanted them to. They stress about the things that they should have done differently in the past. Being present is the best way to counter this sort of thought process. If you can focus on what you’re doing now, you often discover that your life is much better than what you thought.

So there you have it – some of the things you can do to stop stressing about the ageing process. Looking at the positives and accepting what’s happening is often the best approach!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Feb20

Early Signs Of Hearing Loss Every 20 Something Should Know

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Early Signs Of Hearing Loss Every 20 Something Should Know

Anyone can lose their hearing. No matter how old you are or how healthy you feel, your hearing can be affected by your day to day activities. Too much loud noise at home, in the workplace, or coming through your headphones and you could be dealing with a lower level of hearing. And for some people, genetics play a role in causing hearing loss at a younger age. It’s a complex thing, and it’s something to keep an eye out for so you can act in time. As such, here are some of the most common early signs of hearing loss that you should know about as a young adult:

Everything Needs Turning Up Higher:

Have you started needing to turn the volume up on your phone, tablet, or TV much louder than you used to? Say you always had the volume set to fifteen and that was fine, but these days you need it at twenty and above. Dialogue just doesn’t feel all that easy for you to parse anymore. It could be an issue with the device itself, of course. It could also be a problem with the way the sound was recorded for whatever media you’re watching. But it could also be a sign your hearing has been impacted.

People Keep Saying You’re Being Loud:

Are you noticing that more and more people are saying you’re talking quite loudly, but you didn’t even realize? That could be a sign of hearing loss, especially if no one really said anything like this to you before. Or alternatively, you think you’re speaking at a normal volume, but everyone’s suddenly telling you that you’re being really quiet. Both of these things can, in fact, be a sign of hearing loss. And when it comes to difficulties in general conversation, a trip to the audio doctor is the next best thing to plan. After all, you could be in need of hearing aids. And if you do, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of different styles and options to suit your ears, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Plus, your audiologist will be there to walk you through choosing a set that’s right for you.

You’ve Stopped Noticing Background Noise:

It’s hard to notice when you’re not noticing something – that’s why it’s called ‘background noise’. But if you’re never noticing when there’s some sound going on around you, it could be another sign you’re dealing with a form of hearing loss. Maybe cafes aren’t as loud as they used to be, as you haven’t really heard much chatter going on around you? And what about when you’re on the bus to work – does the sound of the bus sound as loud as it used to? The next time you get the chance, focus on the background and see what you’re picking up.

Hearing loss can creep up on you, and it can happen at any age. Pay attention to signs like these to prevent the problem from getting worse!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb20

5 Technologies That Can Improve Your Health

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5 Technologies That Can Improve Your Health

There’s no doubt that technology is making our lives easier – but the right tools can also make us healthier! If your priority is to look after your health, form better habits, and improve your living space, some technologies can make it easier to improve your well being and prevent future health problems. In this guide, we’ll look at a few investments worth making this year. Let’s dive in:

Wearables:

Wearable devices like smartwatches play a key role in helping you take better charge of your health. They can help you track essential indicators such as step counts, heart rate, stress levels, sleep quality, and more. Some specific devices, such as wearable alarms, can also improve safety levels among older people and those with mobility limitations. Make sure to find the best model for your needs and consult a doctor to understand how to best use your wearable technology to support your health.

Smart Home Technology:

Smart home devices can create a healthier home that fosters healthy habits. As well as adding convenience to everyday life, these technologies can help you control temperature, lighting, air quality, and safety features. Some investments worth making for your health and well being include:

  • Air Purifiers: Improve indoor air quality, reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory issues.
  • Smart Thermostats: Maintain temperatures for better sleep quality and overall comfort.
  • Smart Lighting: Support healthy sleep cycles and mood regulation.
  • Voice-Activated Assistants: Help with reminders for hydration, exercise, medication, and provide hands-free emergency assistance.
  • Sleep Trackers: Monitor sleep patterns for better sleep health.

AI Hearing Aids:

Did you know that unaddressed hearing loss can lead to significant complications, including an increased risk of dementia? However, deciding to wear hearing aids is not always an easy choice, as it can impact your confidence and comfort. Thankfully, newer models are less noticeable, more efficient, and fully adjustable. For instance, AI hearing aids can adapt to different sound environments, filter out background noise, and even learn your listening preferences, making communication much easier and natural.

Telemedicine Platforms:

Telemedicine has been a game changer for both healthcare providers and patients. Over the past few years, it has contributed to overcoming common barriers to treatment, including long travel distances, childcare or eldercare, busy schedules, and mobility limitations. Telemedicine allows you to consult specialists within your area and beyond from the comfort and privacy of your home. Patient portals can also help in scheduling appointments, getting test results, asking questions to your provider, and repeating prescriptions as directed. Consult your primary healthcare provider to understand what telemedicine systems they offer.

Digital Mental Health Tools:

Last but not least, technology can help in supporting mental health, too. Thanks to guided meditation apps, online therapy platforms, and support from mental health professionals available via chat or video calls, getting support at any stage of life is easier than it has ever been. Be sure to explore the best tools to boost your health and make calculated investments in the technologies that can provide support in the long term.

Improve your life and health with the technology above and you will be sure to notice a huge difference!

Featured Image By: Freepik

Feb20

V-Day OOTD

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V-Day OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Johnny and I enjoyed a magnificent Valentine’s Day date with dinner at Boss ChickNBeer and an evening at a Cupid’s Revenge haunted house. For dinner, I paired the look you are about to see with a sweetheart cardigan. Then, I let it all hang out at the haunted house because it was an event that definitely teetered on the sexy side! This little fit was a huge hit and I felt like an absolute star in it. In fact, Johnny and I were so well dressed that we ended up making friends with every single person who complimented us! ❤ Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Bralette: Victoria’s Secret

Bubble Skirt: A New Day, Target

Heeled Mules: Betsey Johnson, TJMaxx

Heart Earrings: SugarFix By Baublebar, Target

As the Cupid’s Revenge haunt erred on the side of sexy, I decided to follow suit and put the lingerie as everyday wear trend to good use. I had a few different bralette options in mind including an adorable one with embroidered hearts on it. That was actually my original plan until I pivoted to an All Black Everything ensemble. I’ll be honest with you, I genuinely forgot I had the Vicky’s Secret bralette you see above so when I found it, it was game on. This little number is sexy with a capital S E X Y. I absolutely love the black lace over the nude background and find it to be such a chic pairing. While this was quite revealing, I felt fully comfortable in it as it is so supportive with six tabs to attach in the back. I was able to hit the dance floor at the haunt without any fear of a wardrobe malfunction! (Although it for sure wouldn’t have mattered there!)

The evening of our date was blessedly warm which gave me the opportunity to go with a skirt to pair the bralette with. Even if it was bitter cold, I still think I would have worn it because I would do anything for fashion! And besides, it was a very short walk into the haunted house. 😀 Since the bralette was so form fitting, I wanted to add some dimension and went for my gorgeous bubble skirt by A New Day. It made for such an interesting silhouette and was such fun to twirl in to the pop hits blasting through the speakers. This skirt added a dose of sweetness to the sex appeal and made for a perfect combination.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I went for a pair of heeled mules by Betsey Johnson for a touch of quirky cute with those striped heels and embroidered flowers. They were also a strategic choice as the heel was nice and sturdy for our trek through the haunt. With my tattoos doing a majority of the talking, all that was left to do was slip on a pair of earrings. The three tiered hearts by BaubleBar provided a pop of color and V-Day flare. With that, I was ready for our amazing night on the town!

Sometimes you just have to get sexy and what better occasion than Valentine’s Day?!

How would you describe your personal style? What does a sexy piece of clothing look like for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb19

4 Ways Investing In A Boat Can Seriously Enhance Your Summer

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4 Ways Investing In A Boat Can Seriously Enhance Your Summer

Let’s think of the ideal summer’s day. You’re probably outside somewhere, surrounded by nature with your friends and family. You spend the day jumping in and out of a cooling body of water, and wrap up the evening with a delicious meal.

That is an idyllic day that sounds like a dream, but actually, if you live near a lake, then it might be more within reach than you think. If you have a boat, then all of those things could be on the table, and not just on one day, but all summer long. 

Still not convinced that a boat is right for you? We’ve put together a list of just some of the ways that buying a boat can be a game-changer for how you experience the summer months:

It Gives You Easy Access To a Good Time:

The summer months can be fun, but it doesn’t happen automatically. On a sunny day, you still have to make something happen. A boat provides an easy and convenient way to make sure that you and your family have a day to remember. Most people have to go on vacation to make the most of the summer months — if you have a boat, then you’ll have a vacation-worthy experience readily available all summer long. 

It Provides Plenty of Water-Based Fun:

It can be fun to simply spend time out on the water, but you can also use your boat to engage in water-based hobbies. While most boats are multipurpose, some are designed with a particular activity in mind. Remember how we mentioned at the beginning of the article about eating a delicious meal? Then take a look at Smoker Craft boats, which are excellent for fishing in both shallow backwaters and large lakes. If you’re looking for a boat that’s fun for the family, then a wake boat can be a great option — these high-speed boats are awesome for wakesurfing and wakeboarding, among other watersports. 

It’s a Great Hangout Spot:

Having a boat might just make you the most popular person in town. The reason? Everyone loves spending a hot summer’s evening on a boat! They’re great for socializing; all you need to do is pack some snacks and drinks, head out onto the water, and simply enjoy being together in a beautiful environment. If you’re looking for a way to bring your loved ones together this summer, then a boat will more than do the trick — and not just this summer, but for many years to come.

It Brings Adventure:

Many of us are infused with the spirit of adventure when summer rolls around. Normally, that means taking a vacation somewhere. When you have a boat, you’ll have adventure right on your doorstep. Boats allow you to explore during the hot summer months when the days are long. Maybe you’ll discover a hidden gem of a beach, find fun caves to trek through, or discover that you can easily reach the next town over by taking a shortcut over the water. 

Make a huge splash this summer with a brand new boat. Adventure awaits!

Featured Image By: Pexels