Tag Archives: anything and everything

Feb17

How To Revamp Your Home’s Exterior

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How To Revamp Your Home’s Exterior

Whether you have a nondescript colonial house that needs a bit of a makeover or a cottage that you would like to improve its personality, it can always be tricky to decide on the changes to make. When it comes to exterior home makeovers, a straightforward trick of achieving a great look is to avoid forcing a particular style, especially unrelated to your home. However, with the best exterior enhancements, you stand a higher chance of improving your home’s overall appeal.

If you are not sure what aspects of the exterior of your home to change, here is a brief guide to help you:

Update the Front Door:

The front door of your house says a lot about it. There is a new trend where the focus is to create a meaningful sense of arrival by updating the door. Most traditional houses have asymmetrical windows, a front door that is not at the center, or even a jagged roof line. A bolt-on addition, such as a porch, would put the needed emphasis on the house’s entrance. Another way to update the front door for your home’s appeal would be to upgrade its hardware – change the door number and apply a new layer of color.

Add an Enclosed Entrance:

Including a cover overhead at the entryway would be a perfect way to make your home’s exterior stand out. An even better idea would be a covered entrance; it will go a long way to giving your home’s appearance a boost. If yours is a colonial-style home, opt for a minimalist portico with a pediment – it will define the entrance elegantly.

Even with the significance of such entrances, it is worth minding pests and other crawly creatures. Termites tend to hide in wooden structures similar to the ones used to create doorways. Find a pest control company near you to ensure that the right measures are in place; you don’t want a case where termites infest your entrance within a week of construction.

Work on the Roof:

Another significant way to boost your home’s appeal is by having an updated roof. You can do this in a variety of ways, including painting the existing roof or replacing it entirely. Whether to repaint or replace the roof with the help of commercial and residential roofing and roof repairs depends on the roof’s condition, your budget, and aesthetics. If the roof is in poor condition, repairing it might not be an option, especially if it’s nearing the end. In such a case, a replacement or an addition to the roof’s cover would give it a much better appearance. The roof installation service may be necessary, for safety and longevity reasons.

When it comes to roofing projects, this is a task that should always be left to the professionals. DIY skills can be dangerous any time, but especially on top of your house! Well reviewed companies like Wilson Roofing, who offer roofing residential in Austin or in your own hometown are a must. This is a job that you want done right the first time – the safety of your family and home depends on it!

Replace the Old Windows:

How would your house look with a revamped door and new roof but old windows? Replacing the windows should be on your to do list to give your home’s exterior a facelift. You will have many options when it comes to window replacement – you can opt for powder-coated aluminum frames if you are a fan of contemporary styles or choose from PVCu, single-glazed, or period-style windows. No matter what design of replacement windows you choose, they should always complement the property and be installed by experts to give your home the ultimate makeover. This is one of the final steps in a full exterior revamp so choose wisely. You will want to explore several window options before making a decision so take the time to research “St. Paul replacement windows” (or your local area) and find some examples that fit your style.

Revamping your home’s exterior is something that you should occasionally do to keep it in perfect condition and align with the trends. Your focus should be on the yard, doors, windows, roofing, and perhaps the paint.

Featured Image By: Expect Best via Pexels

Feb12

So You Want To Be A Blogger?

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So You Want To Be A Blogger?

Hi!! If you would have told my twenty year old self that the blog I had just started would still be going strong for over six years, I would have been in stitches laughing. But, here I am now, over six years later with a following in over one hundred and ninety countries, islands, and provinces. Sometimes I still feel like I need to be pinched and woken up from this dream!

Whether you want to be an influencer or just have a page where you can share your thoughts, there is a lot of hard work that comes with the territory of blogging and that was just pre-coronavirus pandemic! I have the utmost respect for those who want to start a blog right now because COVID-19 has done my content creating no favors and I consider myself a seasoned blogger at this point.

If you want to be a blogger, it’s important to bear the following in mind. And, believe you me, I am constantly reminding myself of these tips:

Posting Often Is Important:

I have a lot of pride for my page because, within the first few months of my humble beginnings, I made the choice to dedicate myself to creating content to be posted daily. Fear not if writing a post every day seems like a daunting task, as every other day to every three days will suffice as you begin! Daily content gives your readers the chance to really get to know you and this is a beautiful thing because all of my followers feel like my dearest friends. Posting often gives your readers the opportunity to keep coming back and this will really help you build a strong base.

You Get As Much As You Give:

Writing gives me such great joy and it always has. This is why creating daily content has been a natural thing for me because I feel so happy every time I sit down at my laptop! Blogging is an amazing opportunity to share your truth, make new friends, and grow as a person and I was determined to have all of that when I started my page. I put my all into lifewithlilred every day and in return I feel appreciated, I have made best friends, and have grown exponentially. If you put your best effort into your page, good things will start coming your way even if it takes a while.

Don’t Be Afraid To Try Something New:

This may sound weird, but my blog keeps me motivated to try new things. Why? Because even if I don’t like it, I can still write about it! I would never say that I am a person who is opposed to change or new experiences but I am not the most spontaneous gal on the planet. My blog has helped spark a “Why not?” attitude that I used to have but got lost somewhere along the way. From cutting a rug with an elderly stranger on the dance floor during a family vacation to enrolling in community college despite not going right out of high school, my blog encourages me to take chances. Like I said, new experiences mean new content even if you end up hating it so it’s a total win/win. But, I have a feeling you’re going to love a lot of what you do dare to try! 🙂

One final thought when it comes to blogging is that it’s important to be kind to yourself. My page is dedicated to making people smile as they lose themselves in my own little world for a spell. Bad vibes are definitely not conducive to my goal of having a “feel good” page and this helps me get myself in check when I start to feel down. Writing is a labor of love and when you feel your best, it will come across in each post. ❤

Please don’t forget that if you ever want to guest blog on lifewithlilred, you can always email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com . You can also friend me on Facebook at: Sarah Mushenheim to keep up with more of the latest and greatest from Lil Red!

How has your blog helped you? What motivates you to keep writing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb8

Buyer’s Guide When Purchasing Plastic Access Panels

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Buyer’s Guide When Purchasing Plastic Access Panels

Access panels are used in an assortment of projects. They typically have the function of providing people with access to services for maintenance purposes, such as valves, fuses, and switches. Regardless of why you need this item, there is a lot to take into account to ensure you purchase the right plastic access panels for your needs specifically. Keeping that in mind, read on to discover everything you need to consider:

Wall or Ceiling: 

There is only one place to begin and this is by deciding where the access panel is going to be used. This will decipher whether you are going to purchase a wall or ceiling access panel. For example, if you’re looking for plastic panels for your electric fuse box, this will determine what you’re going to need from your access panels. Needless to say, the local electrician will be the best person to turn to for advice on things like this.

Size:

Size is, undoubtedly, a pivotal factor. You need to meet the right balance, because if you go for an access panel that is too small, you might not even benefit from its easy access. However, you don’t want to go for something too big that is going to take over the entire ceiling or wall. From 300 x 300 mm to 550 mm x 1200 mm to bespoke sizes, the options are endless.

Frames:

You also have a choice of different frames. Generally speaking you can choose between a plaster frame, a picture frame, and a beaded frame. A plaster frame is used when access panels are going to be installed into walls to be plastered. A picture from is used where supporting construction is already built. It is worth noting that you will be able to see the frame once it has been installed. Finally, a beaded frame is used in a new-build where the board is skim finished or taped and jointed.

Fire Rating: 

There are various performance benefits you are able to get from your plastic access panels and one of these is in regards to fire. Whilst a lot of access panels are not fire rated you can get those that are one hour or two hour fire rated.

Lock:

On a final note, you should also take the locking system into mind. If you need to benefit from high levels of security this is particularly important, with a lot of people going for a three-point locking system in this instance. Alternatively, you can select an access panel that is tamper proof or has a touch catch system. Budget access panels typically have a very low level of security. You can, of course, have a bespoke system created if you so wish.

There is a lot to consider when buying plastic access panels for your home. Keep the factors above in mind to find the ideal solution for your needs.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Feb8

Simple Upgrades To Make Life Easier

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Simple Upgrades To Make Life Easier

With all of the additional stress that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought, I think we all deserve to treat ourselves to a few upgrades that will help make life a little easier. Our minds have been filled constantly this past year with concern for the health of our loved ones and any additional space we have left is spent worrying about work, bills, and how to keep our mental health in check. Give your brain a break by adding some of these simple and super handy upgrades into your life:

Remote Car Starter:

A remote car starter is an amazing tool to have, especially in the winter. I always find myself wishing that I had one, as it snows a lot where I live and nothing sounds more luxurious to me than getting my car to defrost automatically while I wait inside. A remote car starter will save you a lot of extra time in the morning since you can warm up your car as you finish getting ready for work. It will also save you from the frustration of having to slip slide around your car to brush your windows off. I hate that!

Air Fryer:

I know I’m about to sound like Every. Single. Adult who has an air fryer when I say this… But the air fryer is the best kitchen appliance ever. I am blown away by how good my food turns out whenever I use it and it is a much healthier option than greasy fried food. Air fryers are not only convenient in size but also really nice for when you’re feeling ravenous because you don’t have to wait for them to preheat.

Contact Free Shopping:

Did you know that certain grocery stores have employees that will gather the items on your shopping list for you, bag it, and either deliver it or put it all away in your car? As we are still in the midst of a pandemic, any way to cut out unnecessary contact is a good thing and is an immediate upgrade that you can make next time you need to restock your pantry.

It has also been said that people feel less likely to impulse buy when they shop for their groceries online, which can help save you money. Talk about a win/win!

Cleaning Appliances:

Endless time at home means an endless cycle of things to clean – That’s sure what it feels like, anyways. If you are constantly cleaning up at your place, you deserve to make the job easier with the right tools. Purchase a Swiffer WetJet instead of having to break out the mop and bucket. Or how about a Dust Buster for those hard to reach corners and spaces? There are also spot carpet cleaners which are great for if you have a new pet that you are house training. Cleaning is hard work and it is well worth it if you can make it any easier on yourself.

Upgrades don’t need to break your bank, despite the word sounding expensive. Simple upgrades, like the ones above, are budget friendly ways to make some improvements.

 

Feb6

Spring Cleaning: It’s Never Too Early To Start!

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Spring Cleaning: It’s Never Too Early To Start!

Although spring time feels like it’s just around the corner, we still have a while to go until moderate temperatures and beautiful flowers blooming. However, it is never too early to start some spring cleaning to breathe some freshness into your home after a long and claustrophobic almost year of living during a pandemic. I, myself, did a fair bit of pre-spring cleaning during a random day off last week and once I was done, the atmosphere in my apartment felt much more relaxed from pecking away at the clutter. I plan on utilizing the following mental bullet points I came up with as I continue to clean up my place:

Get Prepared:

This may seem like a no brainer to have all of the necessary supplies handy to employ in your cleaning but, sadly, it’s not for me because I always forget to buy them when I’m grocery shopping! Trust me, your motivation to clean will quickly dissipate when you realize you don’t even have a sponge. Prior to your cleaning day, make sure you have everything you will need. Whether this be renting a dumpster bin through Bins Toronto for a massive haul away or picking up all of the products to deep clean your bathroom with, it’s better to do it beforehand. This way, you won’t be scrambling (Or completely not want to clean!) on your planned spring cleaning day.

Work In Sections:

Lighten the mood of the overwhelming dread that comes with saying “I’m going to clean the house today” to “I’m going to clean the living room today”, instead. Breaking your cleaning process up into sections will make it much less daunting of a task. You will also be able to really deep clean if you work room by room as opposed to a lighter cleaning all over. Before I did my pre-spring cleaning, I decided that I wanted to put all of  my laundry away and clean the kitchen and coffee table that were both very cluttered. I set an achievable cleaning goal and I felt good about the fact that I spent the extra time to do it the best I could.

Providing individual attention to each room will make your entire house feel more open, lighter, and relaxed.

Make It Fun:

Cleaning is hard work but it doesn’t have to be a totally miserable process! I always seem to get my best cleaning done when I have music playing. Then, not only am I cleaning but I am also starring as lead vocals, back up vocals, and guitar in all of my favorite songs. Hey, whatever works! Whether it be listening to music, motivating yourself with Starbucks, or dictating your memoirs – do what you can to make cleaning an, if not enjoyable, than slightly less awful of a chore for you.

Starting your spring cleaning early will make it feel like your house fast forwarded into April and, I don’t know about you, but that sounds great to me!

Feb2

A Day In The Life Of Lil Red

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A Day In The Life Of Lil Red

Hello! I told you that I would be using some of the writing prompts that I suggested for all of you yesterday and here I am – surprise! Yours truly knows a thing or two about writer’s block and, honestly, the best way for me to combat it is to think of a ton of different post topics and go from there. So, as per my own recommendation, I am going to take all of you through a normal day for Lil Red, pandemic style. Here we go:

Morning:

I typically wake up to start getting ready for work around seven. It’s a bit of a mad dash for me because I need to shower, write, and do any other last minute preparations with the hope of leaving for a client’s house at eight fifteen. This may seem like a lot to cram into an hour and a quarter but I have been dedicated to this morning routine for years and it would be weird to change it up now. I also find that I am less likely to keep hitting the snooze button when I have a few things to accomplish before I even leave for work! 

Afternoon:

My afternoons are dedicated to my clients and trying to find fun ways to keep them occupied at home during the pandemic. I love my job so much and have been an Independent Provider for people with special needs for over three years now. The pandemic has definitely put a damper in a normal day at work as community integration is my specialty but I think that I am better at my job for it because I have had to get so creative with endless days at home. No matter what we do, I am always thankful for time with my clients and get home anywhere between three thirty and five during my work week.

Evening:

Once I get home from work, I still have a bit of paper and computer work to take care of before I can settle in with Johnny for dinner and an episode of whatever show we’re watching. Right now, we are working on three different ones: Castlevania, the Ken Burns Vietnam documentary, and King Of The Hill as our comedic palette cleanser. Johnny and I will sometimes play a few video games, as well. I am currently still working on Mario Galaxy and it is so much fun! I also like to incorporate some time into all of my evenings to read and practice the five languages I am learning on Duolingo for a mental work out.

My days have felt rather blah lately but after writing out a typical day in my life, I have realized that I actually do a lot even during the pandemic. I feel proud of myself for sticking with all of my routines and still trying to make every day a great one despite not feeling my best. Here’s to safer and happier times to come!

What is a day in your life like? Which shows are you currently watching? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb1

Have Some Writing Prompts!

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Have Some Writing Prompts!

Hello everyone and happy February! Can you believe that we are already one month into 2021? I, personally, am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that we are quickly approaching the one year mark of when the bars, restaurants, and salons first shut down in Ohio on March 19th, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Time really seems to be flying and dragging on at the exact same time.

This pandemic has done us writers literally no favors and I understand how hard it is to come up with daily content better than anyone. And, as we approach the one year anniversary (worst anniversary ever) of the coronavirus, writing can seem even more daunting as this limbo we are all stuck in feels never ending. If you are struggling to come up with content on your page, fear not! Lil Red is here to help with some writing prompts and I can’t wait to see what all of you come up with:

  • How have you adjusted to life during a pandemic?
  • What has been your favorite memory during the past year?
  • Valentine’s Day is almost here! Do you have any ideas for at home dates and gifts?
  • The pandemic has put many big events on hold. Did you miss out on any concerts or plays?
  • It’s never too early to start your spring cleaning! Any tips on the best ways to deep clean your place?
  • How has your personal style changed since the pandemic?
  • Working from home? What are the pros and cons, in your opinion?
  • Do any of your friends run a small business? Now is the time to support them by giving a shout out on your page!
  • What is the most binge worthy series you watched during the pandemic?
  • What is the most unputdownable book you’ve read this past year?
  • Where do you turn for inspiration when you are writing?
  • Describe a typical day in your pandemic life.

Believe it or not, this post is as much for me as it is for all of you because I will be using some of these prompts, myself! If you plan on using any of the above, let me know so I can check your post out. 🙂 Happy writing!

What do you do when you have writer’s block? What are you most looking forward to post pandemic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan30

Simple Tips To Improve Your Mornings

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Simple Tips To Improve Your Mornings

Hello! Every day seems like twenty-four more hours of the exact same thing: Wake up, work, relax, repeat. It can be hard to spring out of bed every day with a pep in your step when things are so monotonous but that doesn’t mean you can’t try. Starting your morning out strongly means that you have a better chance of keeping the momentum going all day, which can definitely help improve a blah mood! To get your day going on the right foot, keep the following in mind:

Don’t hit the snooze:

No one is more guilty of hitting the snooze button than me but I really am trying to work on this bad habit! Hitting the snooze button, even for just five minutes will already be pushing your morning back which makes the pre-work rush even more frantic. As soon as your alarm goes off, shrug off your blankets and get yourself moving. If you are feeling sleep deprived, it’s better to go to bed earlier than bank on those extra five to ten minutes every morning that leave you scrambling around the house so you can leave for work on time.

Have something to eat:

Some people are just not breakfast people and that’s okay – no one is saying you need an elaborate breakfast spread every morning. But, it’s important to try eating a little something before you start your day. We need the extra energy to help get us through until lunch time and your morning is really going to drag if all you can think about is how hungry you are. Have yogurts or breakfast bars handy at home so you can have a quick bite before work. On the weekends, there is nothing better than brunch with friends. Quaint restaurants like The Black Penny make for a perfect spot to chat away and enjoy a great meal.

Complete your normal morning routine:

I’m sure all of our morning routines have changed drastically since the start of the pandemic since there really is nowhere to be that requires us to get spruced up. I, myself, have tumbled into an unending cycle of leggings and hoodies. But, there is just something about completing your full morning routine, even with nowhere to be, that hits different. This might mean applying a bit of makeup, styling your hair, or shaving. Whatever it is, give it a shot. It will bring back a touch of normalcy to your day and it will be nice to feel totally work ready again.

Prepare things the night before:

Whether this be making your breakfast or lunch, prepping your paper work, or readying your outfit, it’s always better to do these things the night before. Leaving all of these random additional tasks for your work morning will only add time and stress as you start your day. Plus, if you do everything that you can to already be ready the night before, then you can hit the snooze button without it having such a negative impact! 😀

The tips above are all easy changes that you can start incorporating into your morning routine immediately so you can always wake up on the right side of the bed!

Are you a morning or night person? When do you normally get up in the morning? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan25

What Have I Been Up To?

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What Have I Been Up To?

Hi!! Is it just me, or is January kind of a blah month? It’s grey, damp, and cold – what’s more, all of the excitement from the holiday season has come and passed leaving not much to look forward to. As January draws to a close, it’s also a cruel reminder that in a month and a half it will be one whole year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. I don’t know about you, but that is definitely an anniversary that I won’t be celebrating!

Other than working, I really haven’t been up to much since Christmas. It’s just been the usual of Duolingo, reading, Mario Galaxy, Netflix, and enjoying Johnny’s company. Boring? Yes. But safe? Absolutely! It has been a long time since we have seen any of our friends but we just don’t want to take any risks – especially with the vaccine right around the corner.

Oh! How could I forget? Johnny and I have began looking for a house to rent once our lease is up at the apartment. It is still a couple of months away but, oh my gosh, am I excited. This pandemic has taught us that our little apartment just isn’t big enough and I can’t wait until we have a space that we can actually move around in. I am also constantly thinking about having a game room so we can entertain our friends when it’s safe to do so.

A bigger space also comes with the potential to get a pet, which is also going to be an amazing stepping stone in mine and Johnny’s relationship. We both grew up with dogs and wherever we end up moving will certainly feel more like a home with a four legged friend in it. And, also bunnies! I have had my heart set on getting two Netherland Dwarf rabbits and promised myself that it would happen once I am not in an apartment so my Bunny Mom dreams are that much closer to coming true. 🙂

Despite the boredom blahs, there is much to be thankful for like the safety of myself and my loved ones. Boring is good right now because it keeps us out of harm’s way and Johnny and I will gladly continue our lock down lifestyle with the promise of big milestones happening very soon!

What have you been up to recently? What is the next thing that you are looking forward to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan24

New Year’s Resolution Check In

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New Year’s Resolution Check In

Hello! We are already getting close to wrapping up the first month of 2021 and if you made New Year’s Resolutions, then now might be a good time to reflect on these past few weeks and see how you have been faring. Consider the following and make adjustments accordingly so you can achieve all of your goals this year:

How often are you working on your goal?

If you have been dedicated to working towards your goal several times a week, you might want to buff up the time you’re spending by an extra five to ten minutes. However, if you’re struggling to work on your goal during your set scheduled times – don’t fret! There is no need to be hard on yourself. Rather, make a schedule that you know you can accomplish and then add more time to it gradually. Remember, a resolution is supposed to last you until the next New Year so it’s important to not let yourself get discouraged or burned out.

Is your resolution something you want to do?

It’s all well and good to say resolutions that sound well and good like losing weight or taking a class for your own enrichment. But, if you’re not one hundred percent dedicated to what you’re saying, then what’s the point? If there is something that you’d like to accomplish but it doesn’t fit in with a traditional New Year’s resolution, then it’s time to change things up while it’s still early in 2021.

Think carefully about all of the goals you have in the back of your mind, big or small. You are sure to feel an “Aha!” sensation about something and that means you are on the right track. And, don’t let anyone else’s goals intimidate you because resolutions are about bettering yourself. Start small and work your way up to big moves.

Are you feeling different?

Achieving goals feels awesome and if you’ve been steadily working on your resolutions, then you might already be feeling the benefits of small gains. Feeling discouraged is a totally different story, though, and that’s the polar opposite of what making New Year’s resolutions is all about. It’s impossible to start something new and be an instant expert because good things take time. If you’re feeling a little glum, take a break for a day or two and come back to your goals with a clearer head so you don’t completely turn yourself off to the process. Everyone needs time to relax and, if that’s the case for you, then it is one hundred and fifty million percent okay.

January has been flying by and that can make New Year’s Resolutions feel even more intimidating. I hope everyone is making huge wins in their goals and I, for one, am very proud of all of your successes big or small. Keep your chin up no matter where you’re at in achieving your resolutions and you are sure to accomplish everything you set your mind to! ❤

What is one of your New Year’s resolutions? How are you faring so far? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah