Tag Archives: anything and everything

Dec6

2020 Writing Tips

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2020 Writing Tips

Hello! lifewithlilred is known for having fresh new content every day and, other than a few rare occasions, I can say that I have posted something daily for the past six plus years of my blog’s existence. Mind you, this is no easy task and even I suffer from writer’s block – especially in 2020.

I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard to come up with content when there really isn’t anything to do safely, compliments of COVID. That hasn’t stopped me, though, and it shouldn’t prevent you from creating, either. If you’re struggling to post new content, take a look at some of the tricks that I use daily for a little inspiration:

Your posts do not have to be “groundbreaking”:

Just because it feels like you have nothing to write about doesn’t mean you don’t have anything to write about. Your posts don’t always have to be deep or profound. They can be goofy, short, and simple and people will still like it just the same. I find that my readers are happy to hear from me daily even if some of my posts are just a couple of paragraphs long.

Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to come up with content that could go viral or spark a huge discussion. All this will do is make you second guess the ideas that you have that aren’t as grand. We are all struggling through 2020 together and your readers aren’t going to like you any less if your content isn’t up to your usual standards. I promise, we all get it. ❤

Find inspiration in small things:

Johnny and I have been pretty much confined to our small apartment since March. Of course, it’s difficult to come up with posts when we are no longer going here, there, and everywhere. However, this has taught me to find inspiration in all of the little things to write about.

Did you watch a great new series on Netflix? How was your Zoom game night with your friends? Did you wrap any holiday presents recently? I promise that your small victories, struggles, or hilarious mishaps are all post-worthy. Big or small, your readers want to know what you’re up to. Don’t be so hard on yourself!

Have FUN:

I know this sounds lame but writing should be fun so have a ball with it! I love writing to music and once I’m jamming and getting into a good groove, I feel like I can’t stop writing even if I want to. Being a blogger is as fun as you make it and that should be encouraged on your page.

Host a question and answer session. Try a holiday giveaway. Do a top ten countdown of your favorite posts. There are plenty of ways to get feel good vibes on your blog but it starts with you. Don’t get discouraged – just put on your favorite songs and see what you can come up with. 🙂

I have been asked countless times throughout the COVID pandemic how I am still writing every day and I tend to answer with a combination of the tips above. I can’t wait to see what all of you come up with on the blogosphere!

How do you find inspiration for your posts? What do you do when you have writer’s block? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov26

How To Enjoy A Calm Winter

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How To Enjoy A Calm Winter

Winter is well and truly on its way. In fact, it’s pretty much here. And with what’s going on in the world right now, you may find that you really don’t want to be spending too much time on anything that’s strenuous or that takes your energy away. And if that’s the case, you will be reaping as many of the benefits that a winter hibernation can offer you. At this time of the year, we don’t always want to spend too much outside or on hard activities. Instead, we want to be able to slow down and make sure that we can get through to spring feeling fantastic. To help you to do that, you may find that the ideas below will inspire you:

To get started:

Before shifting into hibernation mode, is everything on your winter checklist tended to? Garden furniture put away? Winter tires installed? Has an inspection of your heating system been completed? As the temperatures drop it is so important to get your HVAC or boiler system inspected to ensure it is in working order for the season. A company like https://heatsafeheatingltd.co.uk/ (or something similar in your local area) can inspect your boilers and repair any issues to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long. All that will be left to do is relax!

Switch off more:

To start with, one of the best things that you can do here is to make sure that you’re letting yourself switch off as much as possible. If you’re always on the go or your mind is always racing, your time won’t be calm. So try to switch off from work or the online world for a little bit if you can.

Distance yourself:

From here, you might want to try and think about keeping your distance from negativity. This may seem like a strange thing to add in as a winter practice, however, it can be really beneficial for your mind. If you know that you have a lot of toxic people in your life as you’re choosing to enjoy a few calming months, it’s good to try and keep them at arm’s length. That way, you know that your tranquillity won’t be threatened.

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Unsplash Image

Make room for calming practices:

The next thing that you might want to do is make sure that you are welcoming more calming practices into your life. You may find that you are able to feel a lot calmer throughout the colder months when you actively look to make this happen. Maybe you want to read instead of watch TV? Turn to something like Bloom Farms CBD instead of alcohol? Or quiet games nights with family rather than something rowdier? It all helps.

Treat yourself better:

Even if you think you already do this, you may not be treating yourself as well as you’d think. Are you resting? Are you looking after your body? Are you prioritizing your needs? If not, then you’re going to want to make sure that you change this. You’ll find it helps you to be a lot calmer and feel much better about yourself.

Enjoy the downtime:

Finally, you may find that it’s actually really nice for you to just enjoy more of the downtime. Winter isn’t always as fun, busy, and outgoing as summer – and it needn’t be. With winter comes the cold and dark and it’s not always the time of year that you want to be active. So just let yourself enjoy the calm and the slower pace. Do less. Relax. Be slow. Lap up all of the things you can do in hibernation before a glorious springtime comes back once again.

Ready, set, relax with the tips above and have a calm and safe winter!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov26

What Should You Expect From A Leading Estate Agent?

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What Should You Expect From A Leading Estate Agent?

Would you build a house without using a reputable construction firm? It’s unlikely. So, why should your approach be any different when buying or selling a property? There are many people who overlook the services of an estate agency in an attempt to save themselves some cash. However, this could cost a lot more in the long run. Signing a contract without expert consultation could turn out to be a disaster.

Moreover, with an experienced estate agent on your side, you have more chance of striking the perfect deal for you. Knowledgeable estate agents can help in all aspects of sales and rentals, allowing their clients to benefit from their expertise when it comes to everything from negotiation, adding value to a property, and finding the right tenants. Property law can be complex, and it is ever-changing, which is why it is always advisable to have an expert in the field on your side. This eliminates the need to carry out extensive research and gives you the peace of mind that everything is being handled effectively and efficiently.

If you are in need of an excellent estate agent, simply enter a search for “Estate agents in Romsey” (or your local area). When you have made a selection after researching and seeking reviews and recommendations, the following pieces of advice should be expected in the service they are providing:

What to expect when selling your property:

With an abundance of experience, an esteemed position in the industry, and a constant appetite to stay up to date with the latest trends, you will have the help you need from an expert estate agency. A dedicated team will ensure that the process of selling your home is as straightforward and stress-free as possible. They will conduct a thorough valuation of your property, and when you are ready to proceed they will market it via both offline and online channels. Click here to see a good example. They will take professional photographs to show your property in the best light and combine them with an attractive description. They’ll conduct professional viewings whenever anyone is interested.

Buying a property with a leading agent:

If you’re looking to buy, then your agent will provide you with all the information on properties in your preferred area that fit within your price range, making sure the process of finding your dream home runs as smoothly as possible. Once you’ve found your dream home, there should be an evident commitment to providing an enjoyable purchasing experience. From liaising with solicitors and mortgage providers to answering any questions you may have about the progress of your purchase, your consultant will be on hand to provide information and advice on all parts of the property buying process.

Remember that you will want an agent that specializes in the specific type of property you are interested in. There are realtors for everything from bungalows to beach houses and this is just in your home state or country. If you are thinking of purchasing property overseas, companies like Simon Conn can assist in making what seems like a daunting task much easier.

Property rentals with agents:

Do you have a portfolio of properties you’d like to rent out? Perhaps you’re thinking of moving home and would like to make an income on your current place? No matter what applies, a leading agent should offer you an exceptional service for landlords. If you’re interested in renting a property out, a dedicated team will find the perfect tenant for you. They’ll market your property via numerous channels, using professional photographs and compelling content. Once they find someone interested in your property, they will conduct the necessary checks, including credit checks and references, while they will also put together tenancy agreements and all other required documents.

Don’t skimp on the importance of working with an estate agent when it comes to selling or purchasing property!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov24

Keeping Your Dog Happy, Always

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Keeping Your Dog Happy, Always

If you are a dog owner, you are probably always going to be concerned with ensuring that your pooch is as happy as possible. After all, that is the main aim of looking after them, and it’s something that you should spend your time and energy on if you are going to have a dog at all. But there are a lot of things to consider here, and you need to make sure that you are going to focus on them all if you really want to keep your dog happy. In this article, we are going to discuss just a few of the things to bear in mind, so that you can make sure your dog is the happiest in town:

Show them lots of love:

The most important thing for a dog is that they know you love them. Anyone who has ever had a dog will know that they are very needy when it comes to your love, and you need to make sure that you are showing and expressing this to them as much as possible. If they start to feel that you don’t really care, then that is the biggest way you can possibly upset them, and it can actually lead to some pretty negative consequences on the whole. So do whatever you can to show you love them – cuddle them, kiss them, play with them – and you will be keeping them so much happier for longer.

Give them some freedom:

Dogs still need to feel free to a certain degree and there are a lot of ways to do this. One is to ensure that you take them for their daily walk without fail – which obviously has a range of other benefits for their health, as well. Another is to install a dog door into your sliding glass door so that they are able to come and go into the garden whenever they want to. If you give them freedom in this way, you are going to find that they are much more likely to feel happy with their life, and you will see this in their behavior soon enough.

Keep them healthy:

On top of all of this, you also need to make sure that you are keeping your dog as healthy as possible too. If they are not healthy, then they are not going to feel happy, and you will find that they are much less likely to look as though they are fully enjoying life. This is something that you can always improve, so if you are not feeding them the best food or you know you could walk them more, you should make sure to do that as soon as possible. These changes are likely to make things so much better in the long run, and you will find that you are going to feel like a better pet owner too.

Give your four leggeds the best life possible with the tips above and give them lots of pets for me! 😀

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov21

Sweet Surprises: Silly Stuff Edition

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Sweet Surprises: Silly Stuff Edition

Hello! One of the most fun parts about dating Johnny is that I feel like we are constantly surprising each other with gifts that are either totally sweet or really silly. From cute coffee mugs and LEGO sets to random Honey Nut Cheerios found throughout my kitchen, where ever I turn in my apartment there seems to be a reminder of our relationship.

This past week, I arrived home with the DVD seen below and the following morning I woke up to a goofy surprise on my laptop:

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Throughout our days of being in lock down from COVID, Johnny and I talk about literally anything and everything. From world affairs to desert island favorites and the merits of Danny Trejo showing up in the most random movies, it’s never all that boring!

In fact, we’ve talked about Danny Trejo a lot so when I saw the TREJO TRIO DVD at the Dollar Tree I wasn’t not going to buy it. Lol, I was so excited to show Johnny my “can’t believe it’s only a dollar” find and we were completely cracking up after the grand reveal.

Obviously, Johnny and I both love to laugh so it was still surprising but no surprise that the following morning, I woke up to a Waffully Good Joke on my laptop. It was such a little, silly thing but it put me in the best mood when I woke up because I knew Johnny was thinking about me while he made his breakfast in the morning.

I love our relationship and our surprises to each other from the romantic and sentimental to the downright hysterical makes me so happy. A dollar DVD and a joke from the LEGGO waffles packaging kept me smiling all day and, sometimes, the simplest things can cause the biggest impact! ❤

What are some silly things that you and your friends or SO talk about? How do you surprise your loved ones? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov19

Garage Organization Tips You Need To Know

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Garage Organization Tips You Need To Know

If you are currently rooting through your home looking for small DIY jobs to pass the time, you might not have yet considered the garage. Our garage is as much a part of the home as any other but, sadly, it becomes a dumping ground all too often with no rhyme or reason. Today, we want to show you how you can easily organize your garage and keep everything as tidy as can be.

With a more organized traditional or Wooden Garage, you will be amazed at the possibilities that open up. Renovated garage spaces can make excellent workshops for crafts or workout studios. Here are our simple tips for organizing your garage to make it into a functioning part of your home once more:

Clear out clutter:

Over the years you may have accumulated a lot of things in your garage such as random tools, partial tins of paint, and other knick knacks that don’t fit in the house. Now is the time to go through your garage and get rid of anything you don’t need. By clearing out some space in your garage you will open it up for better storage ideas, and it will make the space feel more like an actual room.

If your garage has become a full fledged storage space, it is going to be a difficult job to clear it out. This is especially true if you have a lot of heavy items like furniture, machinery, lumber, or metal. If you need extra help cleaning your garage, it is a great idea to look into Garage Clearance Services to take care of the heavy lifting and removal for you. Your garage will soon return to being a functional space with the assistance of a professional team.

Secure the door:

It is important before you do anything else with your garage that the door is secure and safe. You can hire a garage door installer to help you update your door, and be sure that if you choose a rolling door that there is plenty of space around the area for it to open and close. Updating the door will not only make the garage feel new and fresh, but it will increase your security and give you peace of mind. When you come to change or renovate your garage it would be worth speaking to a specialist like the professionals at B&D Garage Doors who will be able to provide you with the best ergonomic option to help save room while keeping your home safe and secure.

Make use of plastic trays:

Plastic trays will soon become your best friend as you try to organize and improve your garage. You can buy steel shelving similar to warehouse shelves and buy plastic trays to fit inside which can hold all of your tools, spare paint tubs, and random items such as bungee ties and wire. Labeling your plastic trays with the contents of them can also be a helpful trick to use.

Hang up tools:

When you have large garden tools such as an axe, rake, shovel, or hoe – it is a great idea to hang them up rather than standing them awkwardly in a corner of your garage. You can install hooks cheaply or even use sturdy nails in the wall and hang these larger objects so no one trips over them. You might also want to consider hanging up bulkier items like bikes and tires using a platform. Incorporating sturdy structures like the Auxx Lift 1400 in your garage will give you access to vertical storage and allow for a clutter free ground level.

Use your paint:

If you are short on space and have some random partial paint tins in the garage, why not use them to spruce up the place? A well placed white or cream on your garage walls can make all the difference to the space and it will allow you to get rid of empty tins rather than waste paint that is perfectly good.

Utilize vertical space:

When you have a garage and a lot of things to put in it, it is a good idea to make the most of vertical storage. This means using hooks and shelves on the walls of your garage to maximize how much you can store safely away from the floor, or even looking at places like The Smarter Garage to get some inspiration as to what you could do with vertical storage. You will be amazed at your garage’s transformation from this simple hack. Such an effective way to clear clutter!

Using these small tips, you should be able to make a positive change to your garage this winter and store all the things in a much more organized fashion!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Nov19

Lil Red COVID-19 PSA

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Lil Red COVID-19 PSA

Howdy!! Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still causing a lot of grief for everyone. Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to better protect yourselves and your loved ones. Like some of the following:

Mask Up:

Whether you’re rocking a surgical mask or a homemade cloth one, it is so important to wear a mask if you are out in public. Yes, some people find them uncomfortable. But, you know what’s more uncomfortable? People getting sick and dying. Wearing a mask is a sign of respect to those around you, for yourself, and for your loved ones. It is the absolute least we can all do.

Social Distance:

If you are out in public, be sure to follow proper social distancing protocols by standing at least six feet apart from those around you. Many stores have handy markers on the ground to help keep everyone the appropriate space apart. Be aware of them, use them, and don’t be that person who is up in everyone’s space despite the PANDEMIC going on. Also, while in public, make sure you are using Purell or your preferred brand of hand sanitizer often.

Just Stay In:

As someone who works with very high risk people, I have been hunkered down since March to better protect myself and my clients. Would it be nice to continue to go here, there, and everywhere as if things were normal right now? Yes. But things aren’t normal right now and most outings like restaurants, bars, or large get togethers are completely unnecessary.

Order take out, have a wine night at home, or Zoom everybody in for a hang sesh in the evening. It has been so difficult for me to give things up that I love like ice skating weekly, seeing my friends, and in store shopping trips. However, I value everyone’s health and safety far more than all of my favorite activities combined.

If You’re Bored…

And, if you’re super bored, you are always welcome here on lifewithlilred as a guest blogger! Fill up some ample free time by emailing me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com and we can arrange for you to be my featured blogger of the day. The best part? lifewithlilred is about creating a family in the blogosphere and all of my previous guest bloggers will always have a home on my page when they want to have their work featured again. Stay in for an afternoon and become part of my ever growing blogging family! ❤

How do you stay safe in COVID times? What is something that you miss doing the most? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov18

4 Ways To Create A Low Maintenance Home

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4 Ways To Create A Low Maintenance Home

Even though you’re spending more time at home at the moment due to the coronavirus pandemic, you don’t want to be spending all of your time cleaning it! It’s nice to have a home that you can just sit and relax in without thinking about what jobs need to be done or being surrounded by clutter. It can sometimes feel like housework is never-ending, but that doesn’t have to be the case at all because with a little work up front now, you could create a very low-maintenance home. This would be like a gift to yourself and mean that you can sit and enjoy your home while doing things you like, such as reading and watching TV, knitting, or playing games with the family.

Choose Easy Flooring:

When you have flooring that has gaps or joint lines, you have a lot more dirt to clean as this type of flooring gives it a place for dirt to settle. Look into flooring services to find something that would suit your home and give you an easy life when it comes to cleaning, something that means you’ll only need a broom and a mop to keep it clean. There are plenty of options when it comes to flooring, so you won’t find it difficult to get something to suit your home, needs, and budget.

Keep Things Simple:

Keeping things simple not only makes your home look clean and tidy rather than cluttered, but it also helps you to keep it clean and tidy. When you have fancy moldings on your walls, they will do nothing but collect dust, protruding edges will attract spiders and webs, detailed light fittings will want dusting regularly, and blinds or shutters collect dirt. All of this creates more jobs for you; however, if you do like your home to be full of ornaments and trinkets, then put them in easy reach so that dusting is not an even bigger task.

Choose Stain Resistant Fabrics/Materials:

If you have children and often spend your time wiping up after spills, then choose furniture with materials such as leather or fabrics that are durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. This way, you won’t have to spend your time scrubbing and trying to get pen marks or food stains out of furniture that you love.

Declutter:

When you have fewer things in your house, you automatically will have less mess, and when you have less mess, you have less stress. Having a clean and tidy house will make you feel calmer and more relaxed. If you declutter your home and donate or sell things that you don’t need or use anymore, then not only will your home look cleaner but there will be fewer things to clean. Total win/win!

If your house is feeling cluttered from larger pieces like furniture, you might want to think about storage solutions. That way, you will be able to hold onto these items while still having the space to roam freely in the house. Companies like Page Street (or a similar one in your local area) provide storage containers for rent so your items can be held in a safe space. Less furniture means less items to collect dust or be damaged from every day wear and tear.

Cut your cleaning time significantly with the tips above and get back to your Netflix marathons! 😀

Featured Image By: Wokandapix from Pixabay

Nov18

Top Tips For Looking Your Best

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Top Tips For Looking Your Best

When you look great, you usually feel great, which is a recipe for success and joyfulness. You can’t help but have confidence in yourself and hold your head up high. The dilemma may be that you’re not taking good care of yourself and are letting your self-care slip because you’re busy.

Make yourself and your wellness and beauty a priority, and you’ll be much happier about your appearance. Review the following tips so you can look your best and get back to living life to the fullest with a smile on your face. Have fun with it and enjoy the transformation when you’re in a better place:

Get Enough Sleep:

One tip for looking your best is to get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Sleep not only gives you more natural energy, but it’ll ensure you don’t have dark circles under your eyes too. Your skin will glow and have fewer blemishes, and you’ll find it’s easier to maintain or lose weight. Sleep is essential to you feeling motivated to achieve your goals and tackle your to-do list.

Take Care of Your Smile:

Another tip for looking your best is to take care of your smile. Smiling makes you feel lively and will help you give off a friendly vibe to others. Visit your dentist regularly and brush your teeth and floss at home to maintain white and healthy teeth. If you’ve lost any teeth due to injury or illness, you may want to consider dental implants. After this procedure, you can smile confidently and will no longer feel self conscious when speaking and interacting with others.  

Do Your Hair & Makeup:

Wake up each day and take a shower and get ready so you can feel and look your best. Commit to doing your hair and applying makeup, which will make you feel ready to seize the day. You want to leave the house feeling good about yourself and the way you look. If you roll out of bed with messy hair and no makeup, you might feel tired and lousy all day. If you’re in a rush, then find quick up-dos you can use for your hair and, at the minimum, put on mascara and lip balm to add some color to your smile.

Exercise & Eat Well:

You’re going to look your best when you’re at a healthy weight and are free from stress and anxiety. Two ways you can reduce your worry and get into better shape is to exercise and eat well. Find physical activities you enjoy doing, and that allow you to burn calories and break a sweat. Get in the habit of cooking for yourself at home and carrying healthy snacks with you to eat throughout the day. When you combine healthy eating with regular exercise, you’ll be setting yourself up to love the way you look, and you’ll feel energized and content inside your mind and body, as well. 

It’s hard to feel good when times are so crazy but the tips above will help get some pep back in your step!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov17

Blogging Through 2020

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Blogging Through 2020

Hello! For over six years, lifewithlilred has been going strong on the blogosphere and, unless there are some crazy circumstances, I write each and every day. You all have been with me through a lot from graduating college, break ups, car accidents and everything in between. With that in mind, there has never been a lack of anything for me to write about because it always felt like something new was happening.

Then, COVID-19 came around in 2020 and said “hold my beer”. As someone who works with extremely high risk families every day, all of my previous favorite activities fell by the wayside to not only protect me but all of my clients and loved ones. This meant no more shopping in store, no movies, no restaurants, no bars – no nothing, really.

This change from a constant on the go career as well as bopping around here, there, and everywhere with Johnny as his band played shows to a mostly sedentary lifestyle in my apartment was a huge shock. I have never had a lack of things to talk about on my blog but now, some days, I just don’t feel like I have anything to say!

But, we all know that Lil Red having nothing to say is impossible and I still have managed to write every day of 2020 despite the constant ups and downs. This is something that I am really proud of myself for because I have had to get so creative with my content to keep new posts coming, which can be uber difficult when you barely leave the house, lol.

Blogging through 2020 has taught me about finding inspiration in unlikely places and being more forthright in my own opinions and beliefs. I am so thankful that all of my beloved readers have stuck with me through such crazy times and it makes me that much more motivated to get up early every morning and write before I have to head to work.

Honestly, I have always been my toughest critic and it’s sometimes hard for me to come up with nice things to say about myself. It feels so good to see the fruits of my labor every day with a new post on lifewithlilred and having such a sense of pride in my work has increased my self esteem tenfold.

Times are hard right now and everyone’s situation is different. But, in Lil Red’s world, we’re all in this together so thank you for continuing to share in this crazy journey with me! ❤

Has it been difficult for you to blog during 2020? What do you do when you have writer’s block? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah