Tag Archives: anything and everything

Aug16

Dating During The Pandemic

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Dating During The Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it hard to do just about anything, let alone date! This has resulted in a lot of people feeling lonely with not many viable solutions to easing the problem. Luckily, there is much that can be done both virtually and in real life to get yourself back out there in the dating world. Here we go:

Check In With Yourself:

If you have been unlucky in love or have just gotten out of a long term relationship, it’s important to check in with yourself before dating again. What went right in your past relationships? What went wrong? And what are you looking for now? These are all key things to consider if you are looking for an actual relationship and not just a fling. Be honest with yourself because, only then, can you be honest with potential partners.

Chat Virtually:

If you are participating in online dating, then chatting online is a great place to start for meeting with potential matches. You could email, instant message, text, make phone calls, try video dating, or do things old school style with snail mail! The best thing about chatting prior to meeting up is that you can better determine if you have a connection or if they could just be good friends. That way, no time is wasted on awkward first dates because a connection has already been established prior to.

Narrow Down Your Options:

There are a plethora of different dating websites and apps for specific things that you are looking for like if the person is religious, is a senior citizen, or enjoys a more laid back or high end lifestyle. If you have something really specific in mind, then this could be a great way to go because the dating pool has already been narrowed down for you. For example, if you would like for the person to be of a certain faith any deal breakers will be eliminated from the jump.

Venture Out:

If you are fully vaccinated, then why not venture out and mingle a little? Speed dating could be a fun, different option to try. Or what about a dance club where you need to find a partner to cut a rug on the dance floor with? Don’t forget that confidence is key! Strike up a conversation and put your best face forward. This doesn’t mean cheesy pick up lines or flooding someone with compliments – just be your best self and go from there!

It can be scary to enter the dating scene at any time, but it is a whole different ballgame during a pandemic. Consult the tips above and you should be just fine. Best of luck!

Aug14

Get In The Writing Zone

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Get In The Writing Zone

Hi! I am quickly approaching a 1,000 post streak of writing on lifewithlilred and it is incredibly exciting! As promised, I will be sharing all of my favorite tips and tricks when it comes to writing as we continue on with the countdown to 1,000. The tips shared today and in the linked post have been essential in making such a long streak of daily writing possible and I am happy to fill all of you in on them. Let’s get started:

Stick To A Schedule:

I follow a very strict schedule when it comes to my writing and it is almost painful for me to stray from it! I wake up extra early before leaving for work to have time to write and get ready for my day. While I love being able to sleep in a little bit longer, I love being all done with my blogging so that I don’t have to do anything once I return home even more.

This is the schedule that works for me but it might not work for you and that’s okay. Figure out the best time to write for you whether it be before work, after, or even in the middle of the night and stick with it. Daily writing is so rewarding and despite almost 1,000 days straight of it, it still feels really good to check it off of my to do list!

Create A Writing Nook:

It’s important to have somewhere comfortable and distraction free to write so that you can keep your creative juices flowing. This is also why I like writing early in the morning because my husband has already left for work so it is just me and my laptop. Create a space in your home that is designated just for your writing. I, personally, thrive by having my own home office. However, if this is not possible for you, then a cozy spot on the couch, some space cleared on your kitchen table, or your favorite coffee shop will work just fine.

Play Some Tunes:

Although I don’t listen to music very often while writing anymore, I used to do it all of the time and it definitely served its purpose. Now, I tend to play some tunes if I am struggling with writer’s block. Some people work and focus better when they have a bit of background noise. If this sounds like you, then create a playlist to write to. Once the music is on and you’re in the zone, there is no stopping you!

Practice Makes Perfect:

Daily writing can seem like a daunting task but just like anything else, practice makes perfect. Writing every day will help you grow exponentially in your craft and you will be amazed at the difference in your posts compared to last years’ or even last months’. Like any new hobby, you might feel shaky in the beginning but continuing to try writing daily will help your confidence in your skill soar as you start to get the hang of it. 🙂

As a seasoned blogger, it is exciting to me to enter the Writing Zone every day and the tips above have all played their part in getting me to that level. I hope they do the same for you! ❤

What are some of your writing tips and tricks? Do you have any questions for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug9

1,000 Post Countdown!

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1,000 Post Countdown!

Hello!!! In thirty-nine short days, I will have reached a 1,000 post streak for writing on lifewithlilred. That’s 1,000 days of writing in a row and, my goodness, has it gone by quickly! I had no idea where I was at in terms of a streak until WordPress started notifying me daily and I get more and more excited every morning when I sit down at my computer to write. 😀

Today, we are going to discuss some of my favorite writing tips and tricks that have made this over two year streak possible. And, of course, keep it locked on lifewithlilred for more Countdown posts and one (or more) giveaways! Let’s get to it:

Go With The Flow:

Let’s be honest, we have all had those days where we experience writer’s block in some form or another. It’s easy to think that you have nothing to say but we all know that’s not true at all! If you are feeling stuck, remember that you are writing for your blog and you can write about anything. Go with the flow of it and remember that short and simple posts are A-okay… Did you have a crazy dream last night? What kind of mood are you in and why? Have you tried cooking a new recipe recently? It’s okay to not have groundbreaking posts every day so take a breath, relax, and go with the flow.

Take Notes:

I am constantly taking down notes for potential posts because I know that if I didn’t, I would forget my ideas in five seconds! Use a physical notepad or use the one on your phone whenever you have inspiration for a new post. Having a backlog of things that I can write about really comes in handy when I am struggling to come up with content. In fact, the Old School Rulez post featured recently has been on my notepad for ages until I finally wrote about it!

Content Won’t Create Itself:

If you are hurting for more exciting content on your page, remember that it is not going to create itself. I know firsthand that it can sometimes be a chore to create bigger posts like OOTDs, MOTDs, or travel based pieces – but, man, do I feel so good once I have a more time consuming article that I am happy with. Schedule some time throughout the week to dedicate yourself to taking pictures or visiting local events. When writing prep is planned, it makes it so much easier for me to follow through with it.

It’s Your Party:

People are visiting your page because they are interested in what you have to say and want to know more about you. Recommendation posts are amazing for that reason! What have you been binge watching? Which products can you not live without? What is one of your fondest memories? How about some gift guides if you pride yourself on being an A+ gifter? Review style posts are great for when you have writer’s block because picking your favorite thing and writing about it is easy to complete and effective to read.

I keep the above tips and tricks in the back of my mind constantly and they have all helped me get to the point of an almost 1,000 post streak. I hope they help you too! 🙂

Do you have any questions for me? What are some of your writing tips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug7

Old School Rulez

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Old School Rulez

Hi! A charming quirk that you might not know about your girl is that I absolutely refuse to get a smartphone. Rather, I opt for my tough as nails slide up keyboard phone which I can make calls and text on:

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This shocks so many people, especially since I work in social media. However, I just have always failed to see the point in a smartphone because of my equally old school iPod Touch that I can access the internet on if there’s WiFi and take pictures. This system has worked for me since I was a teenager and as the saying goes: If it’s not broken, then don’t fix it. But, unfortunately, my old school wayz might need to be altered sooner than later. -_-

When I first moved into my apartment two years ago, I had excellent reception and can recall being able to text or make phone calls from any location inside. Fast forward to the past several months and, slowly but surely, it has been getting harder and harder to send a text and I can no longer make phone calls from my apartment whatsoever. In fact, for the first time last evening, I couldn’t send a text message despite trying to over half a dozen times.

I always knew that this day might come – I just didn’t expect this change to happen so abruptly. It seems like just yesterday I could be a Chatty Kathy from anywhere in my apartment! My lack of reception is, admittedly, insanely inconvenient and I finally have thrown up my hands and agreed to my first smartphone.

While this will certainly be a different change of pace for me, I am just a tiny bit excited to be able to have a phone that takes better quality pictures. This will be awesome for lifewithlilred and for snapping precious memories with my family, friends, and husband. 🙂

Old school has ruled for so long for me but it is going to be out with the old and in with the new before summer is over, I’m sure. Keep it posted here for more updates on this shocking development! 😀

What is something that you are old school about? Which smartphone has the best camera? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug6

Top Tips For Choosing The Right Car For You

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Top Tips For Choosing The Right Car For You

After a house, a car is probably going to be the next biggest and most expensive purchase that you will make. With this in mind, you want to make sure that you do not waste your time and money by picking the wrong one. Here, we look at some of the most important things to think about as you begin car shopping:

What is your budget?

The first step is to determine your budget as your car options will be constrained to what you can afford. This also applies to your monthly outgoings – gasoline, tax, and insurance costs can all come as a surprise if you are not careful with your money. Start by researching a style of car you would like. For example, by entering a search for “new Dodge Hornet near me“. Then, you can start comparing prices and seeing if your preferred car is feasible for your budget.

Unfortunately, the model of car that is necessary for you might not be within your budget. For example, you might need a larger vehicle if you have children. Should this be the case, you still have options. Take the time to search for “car loans perth” (or your local area). The experts at the company you choose will be able to create a finance plan so you can have the car that is safest for your needs.

What are you using your car for?

The next thing you will need to think about is what you are going to do with the car. If you live in a city center and only use your car for shopping and commuting, you should consider the amount of parking space you will have – you might want something small. Conversely, if you live in the country, you should consider how bad the weather gets in the winter and whether you will need a car that can withstand inclement weather – maybe a 4×4. Of course, you might just be after a standard family car or something to have fun in on the weekends, such as a convertible or even drift cars!

What style of car do you want?

You need to consider what you frequently carry and the types of vehicles you prefer. If you regularly do the school run, you will need to plan space for your children. However, if your children are particularly socially active, they may bring friends home, which means you should consider purchasing a car with extra space such as a seven seater. If you have a dog, consider how much space your pet will require in the boot and whether they will be able to jump up into it. An SUV can also be useful if you have older family members or very young kids because the extra height makes getting into the car easier.

If you are driving precious cargo like children, family, and pets then you will certainly want a car with the best safety features. Older models might not have everything you need to make you feel comfortable with your loved ones in the car. It might be a good idea to look for new cars for sale that would fit in your budget. Then you will know for certain that your car will feature the most up to date technology with safety being paramount.

Of course, you might be considering to buy a car simply because you love it or have always coveted one and that is okay too! Just make sure you are making your decision wisely in terms of price as it can be far too easy to instantly say yes to your dream car. Shop around at several different dealerships that specialize in the car you are after like Medina Cadillac (or a similar option in your local area). When you have a few quotes, it can give you leverage for a better deal.

How fast do you want your car to go?

You should consider how fast you want your car to be. Generally speaking, the faster a vehicle is, the less cost-effective it is. If you are watching your monthly expenses, you might want to consider a slower, more fuel-efficient vehicle. If you enjoy the sensation of speed or acceleration, spend a lot of time on the highway or enjoy crowing to your pals about your car, you will want a faster one. More speed comes at a higher cost – at the gas pump, on your insurance, and in maintenance – but a fast car can make some buyers proud every time they get behind the wheel.

Choosing the right car for you and your family involves taking many factors into consideration. It is not a decision that you should rush into – take your time to find the right one for you!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jul30

3 Advantages Of Using A Specialist Packing Team When Moving House In Brisbane

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3 Advantages Of Using A Specialist Packing Team When Moving House In Brisbane

Moving house is something that needs to be done with care and within a specific time frame. You will want to hire the best team to assist so everything will be well packed enough to withstand transit. Specialist firms will employ staff skilled in the art of packing a variety of different items. In Brisbane, firms will employ teams of women to pack with care and reduce the chance of anything becoming damaged. For details on this type of service, visit https://packersandmoversbrisbane.com.au/.

So, how can a specialist firm of packers and movers help with your moving needs?

Take Away the Stress of Moving:

To know that someone is taking care of your possessions and knows what they are doing to protect them will take away much of the stress involved with moving. A poll of homeowners suggested that 40% of them considered moving house as the most stressful event in their lives. This was ahead of getting divorced at 34%, having a baby at 31%, and starting a new job at 27%. Okay, this was only one poll, but the proportions of other polls are likely to produce similar results. So, the more we can do to make things less stressful like hiring professional packers to help us, the better.

Insurance:

When you use a specialist firm for moving your items, they will more than likely be fully insured, which will give you peace of mind. With many insurers that householders currently have policies with, their items will only be insured while they are inside the property but not when taken out. There is no need to worry about this, though, or updating your policy for your move when this kind of insurance coverage can be taken care of by your moving firm. This is as long as you choose a firm that does include insurance, either as standard or extra. This will mean that there will be no surprise financial hits likely from the moving house experience.

Bespoke Services:

As an extra part of the moving service, there are firms such as the one in the above link that will employ the services of women for the packing process. The caring nature shown in reality from the proverbial feminine touch is an undeniable one and when it comes to moving, packing is everything for keeping your belongings safe, secure, and undamaged.

Services geared to individual requirements will ensure awkward and difficult-to-move items are allowed for. Although, moving firms will have encountered most items and how to deal with them, from the large and out-sized to the valuable antique.

With all of these headings, it comes down to the same thing. We are taking away the stress from the moving house process, whether it be the general stress of moving, the financial stress reduction from not having to worry about insuring goods while in transit, or the care that will be taken because the objects are not being handled by us.

So, find a packing and moving service that suits you. Make sure that all of the costs are in the quotation and that you will not be charged any extra. For instance, that there are no extra charges for insurance that shouldn’t be included, charges concerning the removal of fridges, or further costs because steps are involved.

Always use a local firm, because they know the best routes and rely on the reputation that they have built up locally. They will want their service to match that expectation so that you can recommend them too. Reliability will mean that your goods will arrive in the time agreed at the other end.

It is, then, just left to say – good luck with your house move. Not that you will need it when the right packing and moving firm is hired!

Jul24

Whirlwind Weeks

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Whirlwind Weeks

Hello! I don’t know about you guys, but this summer has been flying by for me because it has been so busy. I got married, my husband and I celebrated our birthdays, and I started a new job. Not to mention that over the weekends, Johnny’s band, The Outside Voices, is usually performing. While these are all incredibly exciting things, it can also be incredibly exhausting!

Busy? Yes – but I am LOVING my new schedule thanks to the job I accepted and never get home any later than four o’clock Monday through Friday… It is beautiful and I feel much more well rested. And, although my weekends haven’t been the most relaxing this summer, it is so nice to see all of our friends again as Johnny and I have been fully vaccinated since May.

My favorite hang out to date this summer was when our dear friend, Shannon, stayed with us for a weekend. He is a wonderful photographer and he took pictures of The Outside Voices playing at a gig. Shannon also was kind enough to take some pictures of yours truly too – some of which are taken on a Polaroid camera which was really cool. Tune in tomorrow for an OOTD with some of the sneak peek photos he has sent me!

^^^ This was the first picture Shannon took with his new Polaroid camera and it is one of my favorites of me and Johnny. ❤

What has your summer been like so far? How do you relax after whirlwind days? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul22

T-Shirt Time!

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T-Shirt Time!

Hello!! My husband and I are HUGE fans of the TV show, Impractical Jokers. We have watched the show in its entirety and have been rewatching it every evening for the past month. Unwinding after a day at work in stitches over Joe, Sal, Murr, and Q’s antics with Johnny is the best and we are constantly quoting it to each other. This past week, we took our love for Impractical Jokers one step further by purchasing some novelty T-shirts and Johnny and I are obsessed with them lol. Check it out:

My favorite Joker on the show, Joe, is always wearing the funniest T-shirts and I mention to Johnny how much I want his shirt with a Bichon Frise on it every time we tune in for the evening. While he couldn’t find that shirt online, he surprised me with the “Larry” T – it’s safe to say I have the best husband ever! In fact, I’m wearing it as I write this post now. 😀

One of our favorite games on the show is when the Jokers work as a receptionist in focus group waiting rooms. They have to call out ridiculous names to the people waiting and in one episode, Sal had to ask for a “Crangis McBasketball”. It has been a running joke on the show since and when Johnny showed me the Crangis T-shirt, I just had to get one for each of us. In fact, Johnny is wearing his as I write this post now. 😀

While literally none of our friends understand these Ts since they don’t watch the show, Johnny and I get a kick out of them enough for everyone. Now, is there a one mister Crangis McBasketball in the house?

What is your favorite game on Impractical Jokers? Who is your favorite Joker? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul21

4 Reasons To Smile More Today

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4 Reasons To Smile More Today

Let’s be honest. We don’t always feel like smiling. There can be days when we don’t have a lot to smile about, especially when we are feeling stressed with life’s many dilemmas. And some of us don’t smile often because of dental reasons that we may need to go to the orthodontist office to get fixed. Discolored or missing teeth can give us reasons not to smile, as there is always that fear of embarrassment.

But here’s the thing. We should never underestimate the importance of smiling.

If you’re struggling to smile because of life’s pressures, find moments in the day for light relief. Watch something funny, do something fun with a friend, and do anything else that will help you crack a smile. And even if you still don’t feel like smiling, smile anyway, as you and others will still experience the benefits.

But if you don’t like your smile? Well, it might be time to visit your dentist or you could buy snap on veneers if you are missing any teeth. You will then have more incentive to smile and your life will improve because of it. Read on to find out more:

There are health benefits:

Smiling is good for you, both physically and mentally. When you smile, endorphins are released and this can help to ease your stress levels. Studies have also shown that smiling is an effective way to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and reduce physical pain. Of course, smiling is not a cure in and of itself. You should still see your doctor if you have any ailments. However, knowing that there are health benefits to smiling could give you an actual reason to smile more today!

It helps in social situations:

If you walk around with a permanent scowl on your face, you won’t do much to win people over to you. In fact, they might start avoiding you altogether. But if you smile more, you will appear more friendly, become more approachable, and dare we say it, even more attractive. Whether you’re trying to impress a work colleague, a first date, or your partner’s family, make the effort to smile more to win them over with your good vibes.

Smiling is contagious:

Smile and the world smiles with you! That’s a famous song title but there is actually truth in there. Research has shown that people will naturally feel the urge to smile when they see that expression in others. So, not only will you feel good if you smile more today, but you could quite possibly make others feel good too. Heck, you might even be responsible for a smiling epidemic, which is the only epidemic the world needs right now!

There is much to smile about:

Life might be tough for you right now, so you might debate this point. However, you will improve your mood if you can find the positives in life, so look for reasons to smile. Be thankful for nature and all that exists within it. Be grateful for the joyful moments you experience with friends and family. Eat something that tastes good to you. And check out these other life moments that could cause you to smile.

So, smile more today, for all of these reasons. You will experience the benefits if you do, and so will the people around you.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jun20

Married Life

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Married Life

Hello! Ever since tying the knot on June 4th, Johnny and I have been asked time and time again if we feel any different and we always answer with no. Being married to Johnny is the best thing in the whole world but we both agree that it feels exactly the same as it did before when we were dating and recently engaged. We have had a wild bag of replies back of people concurring or feeling the polar opposite but we can all agree that married life rocks!

Since our nuptials, Johnny and I have enjoyed double birthday celebrations, a road trip to Marietta, trivia night, and the endless support of our loved ones and it has been awesome. In fact, all of these outings after being in the apartment for over a year due to the pandemic feels more like when we first started dating! It has been so exciting to finally be fully vaccinated and have the opportunity to go out and about with our friends and the novelty has yet to wear off.

While our now weekly date days and hang outs with friends have been great, our favorite thing to do is veg out together after work. Whether we are playing video games, watching documentaries, or endless hours of Family Matters we both love our time to relax and enjoy each other’s company after a long day. As soon as I exit my car and walk to the apartment when I return home, I always feel butterflies knowing that my Johnny will be there to greet me and it never gets old.

We have both come to realize that married life doesn’t feel much different because we have never left the honeymoon stages of our first dates and there is no better feeling than that. Here’s to our never ending honeymoon! ❤

Did married life feel different to you? How so? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah