Tag Archives: apartment

Sep21

Lil Red’s Art Gallery: This Is Halloween Edition

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Lil Red’s Art Gallery: This Is Halloween Edition

Howdy! So, while shopping at Walmart with a client, I went a bit too hard in the Halloween department and picked out some new wall art and knick knacks for the apartment. What can I say, I just couldn’t help myself! It may be mid September but, in my humble opinion, spooky season is officially among us and I couldn’t be more excited if I tried! And, although I still have none of the paintings that I got compliments of Goodwill in my apartment, I couldn’t say no to these beauties. Check it out:

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It shouldn’t come as a surprise that as soon as I saw the skeleton pop out picture, it went right into my cart. And, it was a wonderful surprise to me to find the ghoulishly gorgeous butterflies behind the skeleton one. So, into the cart it went. These pictures combine creepy with pretty (My own personal aesthetic!) and I am deeply looking forward to eventually getting them hung up in my apartment.

Normally, I am not one to fill my living space with all Halloween everything and I liked that these pictures were a little dark and disturbing without a giant Frankenstein being plastered on it. However, I guess if it was done in the style of the pictures above, it could be kind of cool! 😉

What is your favorite holiday to decorate for? Which stores have the best Halloween decor? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep20

How A Long Haul Move Should Really Be Done

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How A Long Haul Move Should Really Be Done

After all of the searching and viewing, you have finally found your new home and settled on a price. You’ve signed the contract, you’ve sent the money, and you’re just days away from being handed the keys. The only slight concern is that your new home is many miles away. It’s going to take a few hours to get there and that means one hell of a busy day ahead of you.

Long haul moves are not that common so most people tend to treat them the same as a normal moving trip. However, this is definitely not the case. So, packing certain things has to be done in a specific way so they survive the trip. You, too, have to get enough rest so that you’re ready for whatever task you’re suddenly met with. Here’s how a long haul move should be done:

Be careful of scratches:

The longer your furniture and other decor pieces are trapped in a truck, the higher the chances that one of them will be scratched. When furniture rubs together you’re bound to damage it because the weights we’re talking about are quite large. So, when you’re finally ready to pack up the largest pieces such as cabinets, cupboards, wardrobes, tables, chairs, and the couch, you need to use shrink wrap. This will protect the wood from being scratched but it’s safe to use and easy to take off. You’ll save a lot of time working in twos wrapping each item and all you need is one person with box cutters to take the wrapping off when you’re in the new place.

Use expert help:

If you’re moving a lot of things, it’s best to use the services of professional long distance movers. These long distance movers are international movers and have expertise in moving fine art, pianos, and other delicate expensive things like crystal vases. They also do all of the heavy lifting, so if you would rather not have a hand in anything, they’ll prepare your things and lift them into the trucks, then lift them out when you arrive at your home.

They also have storage for valuable vehicles, which is a big concern for long haul movers. You’re obviously going to want to take your cars with you, but managing to do all this in one day is very tricky if you’re on your own. Use expert help and don’t try to juggle everything at once, you might end up leaving something behind or not properly packing your things so they get damaged on the way.

Early birds:

You will be ripping your hair out if you’re caught in rush hour traffic with your life literally stuck in the back of multiple trucks. So get up early and plan your journey to end by early afternoon or evening and no later. Don’t avoid the main highways, just use them when they’re not packed with commuters.

A long haul move can be stressful but, plan it right, and it will be smooth sailing to your new home!

Sep18

Groovy Movies: Walmart Haul Edition

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Groovy Movies: Walmart Haul Edition

Howdy! Le sigh, you guys all know I can’t resist the five dollar DVD section while out shopping. I seriously just can’t help myself and it’s an absolute curse. But, there are worse things that I could be addicted to so I guess I’m not complaining. While shopping with a client, I accidentally went a bit too hard at Wally World and ended up with this big ol’ haul. Check it out:

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I know, I know six movies is a bit excessive – but how can you say no to such an excellent selection for a whole five bucks?! The answer is, that you don’t… obviously. I am a HUGE Melissa McCarthy fan and haven’t seen Life Of The Party yet so I figured I’d snag that. And, of course, anything with Will Ferrell and fine ass Mark Wahlberg is fine by me! Daddy’s Home is hilarious, so that will make for a fun night in.

Now, a Lil Red Groovy Movie haul wouldn’t be the same without some scary ones so getting A Nightmare On Elm Street and It was a must. I am eagerly awaiting seeing It Chapter 2 in theaters so I plan on watching the first one and the original beforehand. Also, for those of you who haven’t seen There Will Be Blood, PLEASE DO, because it is a masterpiece. Alright, Party on, Wayne!

Which movies do you have in your collection? Which flicks are you looking forward to seeing in theaters? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep13

7 Ways To Look After Your Home During Colder Weather

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7 Ways To Look After Your Home During Colder Weather

With summer coming to an end over the next few weeks that can only mean one thing: the cold weather is just around the corner. Whether you love a bit of chill in the air or you’re dreading it, you need to ensure that you’re as prepared as you can be when it comes to looking after your house. Whether that means stocking up on cold weather essentials or investing in double glazing, the more you can do to protect your house during the winter the better. With that in mind, here are seven ways to look after your home during colder weather:

Keep The Heating On To Avoid Your Home Getting Damp:

Although it may be expensive to keep your heating on for the duration of winter, it’s one of the best ways for you to stay in good health as the temperature drops. Not only will keeping your heating on allow you to stay warm and cozy, but it will also ensure you do not experience damp throughout your home. For more information when it comes to the importance of keeping your heating on during winter, you can visit this site here.

Get Your Boiler Serviced Before Winter Starts:

Getting your boiler serviced just before the temperature drops will assure you that your heating will be in check all winter long!

Invest In Double Glazing And Keep Your Windows Shut:

If you haven’t already, investing in double glazing is another great way to help prevent your home from becoming damp. Whilst it can be expensive, double glazing will help keep the heat in and the cold out. If you don’t have double glazing or you’re considering updating your windows, you might want to consider a siding service.

Even if you do have double glazing, you also need to ensure you’re keeping your windows shut where possible. For a guide to keeping the cold air out during winter, you can visit the following site.

Insulation:

A drafty home is not a comfortable one! Sometimes providing extra warmth is as simple as swapping out summer curtains for a heavier fabric, adding thick and plush rugs, or doubling up on throw blankets. However, this is not a fix all as the chill is coming from the outside in. You might want to consider upgrading your home’s siding with the services from James Hardie Siding in Naperville (or a similar company in your local area). This is an energy efficient option to give extra insulation as well as boost property value and curb appeal. With improved siding, your home will be nice and cozy all winter long!

Stock Up On Cold Weather Essentials:

Another great way to look after your home during cold weather is to stock up on cold weather essentials. Whether that means drought excluders for your doors or blankets for your living room, get what you need to stay comfy cozy while the cold weather strikes.

Clean And Store Your Garden Furniture:

Although you may think that it’s just the inside of your home that needs looking after during colder weather, the outside is just as important. Autumn and winter can bring some horrible weather and if you’re not prepared, you may find that your garden furniture is prone to damage. To help prevent this from happening, you need to clean and store your furniture just before the temperature starts to drop.

Consider Your Roofing And Gutters:

Your gutters and roofing may be in good condition now, but the bad weather may cause them some damage. Get any problem areas repaired or at least have a professional from a roofing company give them a once over before the winter to make sure that they can handle some snow. It is so important to have your roof checked because the pros will be able to catch small problems before they turn into a bigger one. Research companies like Tyler Roofing or a similar one in your local area to see what services they can provide for you.

Signing off on the checklist above will help keep you and yours perfectly comfy cozy all fall and winter long!

Featured Image By: StockSnap from Pixabay

Sep11

Moving On Up: New Couch Edition

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Moving On Up: New Couch Edition

Helloooo, darlings! During my move in mid-April, I did almost all of my shopping via secondhand and consignment shops. I was happy to do this because not only did it save me a buttload of money but it gave me a lot of unique pieces of furniture and decor that I’m confident no one else will have. I was also bequeathed with some amazing items by some of my client’s families including my beautiful curio cabinets and crystal collection.

The generosity of the families I work with never ceases to astound me and, thanks to one of them, I have a gorgeous new to me red velvet couch for my living room. Check it out:

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Now, don’t get me wrong. I really like my old loveseat that is currently still in my living room until I figure out what to do with it. But, I’m not going to lie, it’s not the comfiest thing on the planet. When I’m reading or watching a movie, I like being able to curl up and relax. My loveseat is quite small and it makes getting the optimum snugly feeling that I require impossible.

So, when the parents of one of my clients began renovating their living room complete with new furniture, I couldn’t say no to the offer of their old couch. It’s funny, because I never even knew that they owned this pretty little number because my client and I don’t spend time in the living room, we are mainly out and about in the community. And, when I first laid eyes on it, it was definitely love at first sight!

I adore the vintage chic shape, the soft and plush velvet material, and, of course, the color! The best part about my new to me couch is that it’s one hundred percent snuggle approved. Because it’s made on a curve, it fits to my body perfectly when I’m laying down and I am reveling in that because it just wasn’t an option with my straight as an arrow loveseat.

And, luckily enough, the couch goes exceptionally well with my furniture that I already had in place. It wouldn’t have been a big deal if it didn’t but the fact that my new couch looks like it should have been in my apartment all along is the cherry on top. My client’s parents were going to donate the couch if I didn’t want it so I am very happy that it ended up in the Lil Red Foundation, instead, and am so totally thankful for their help in making my little apartment the ultimate home. ❤

How is your house or apartment furnished? Do you like a more modern or vintage look when it comes to your decor? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep7

“Haunted” Apartment Update

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“Haunted” Apartment Update

Hello!! Way back in May, I posted about some strange paranormal activity happening in my apartment and, since then, I’ve had quite a few people contacting me asking for updates on that spooky situation. And, I am pleased to tell all of you, that since the three occurrences that happened three days in a row, my apartment has been free of any supernatural activity. Thank goodness, because I don’t think I could handle stepping on anymore broken glass!

As an avid fan of all things horror related, I am well aware that pesky poltergeists and spirits like to kick you when you’re feeling down. This hardly seems fair, but I was definitely in a darker place during the first month or so living on my own. I felt lonely, overwhelmed, stressed out, and irritated that I was feeling all of those ways to begin with because moving out was something that I wanted to do.

So, it makes sense to me that I picked something up that wanted to stir up more feelings of unease while I was in such a delicate state of mind. And, strangely enough, the occurrences stopped once I sat down at my laptop and wrote out all of the weirdness that was happening. My mood also improved as I got more used to being in my own place, which lifted the negativity that was bringing me down.

I’m happy to report that things have been nice and normal at chez moi and here’s to hoping that it stays that way as I continue on through this thing called life!

Who else has experienced paranormal activity in their home? What made it stop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep4

TJMaxx Fall Hall: Royal Stafford Plates

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TJMaxx Fall Hall: Royal Stafford Plates

Salutations! Saying that I just “like” the dark and disturbing is a severe understatement because the creepy, spooky, scary, and weird is what I am most drawn to. I am a horror fan through and through from movies and literature to art and decor. My preferred activities for a night in would include a scary movie marathon or tucking in with a good Stephen King book. And, with Halloween on my mind, I couldn’t pass up these gorgeous skull embellished plates by Royal Stafford when I saw them at TJMaxx. Check it out:

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After giving a nod to British punk fashion in my latest OOTD, it should come as no surprise that I was eager to add my new plates into the cart after seeing the “Made In England” sticker. And also: skulls, lol! These plates are so beautiful to me and I love the sketch style skull on the more simple plates but the real piece de resistance is the ornate crowned skull. Sadly, there was only one of those bad boys, which was a disappointment because trust and believe I would have bought a few of them!

Do I plan on eating off of these plates? Absolutely not. They’re too pretty to me and I got them for more of a home decor purpose. Now, it’s only a matter of finding just where to put them, because my curio cabinets are already fully stocked with my trinkets and treasures. For the time being, my Royal Stafford dishes are resting safely on my air hockey table until I get a stroke of inspiration for where to put them.

Until then, I am just happy to have found such unique pieces that I find so much beauty in. These are the last items from my TJMaxx Fall Haul and I really think that I was saving the best until the end of this series. And, who knows, maybe I’ll find some more unique dishes by Royal Stafford during my seasonal shopping haul come winter. Fingers crossed!

How do you shop for fall and the changing of the seasons? What is a TJMaxx or secondhand store find that you are particularly proud of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug20

Apartment Must Haves: Kitchen & Cleaning Necessities Edition

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Apartment Must Haves: Kitchen & Cleaning Necessities Edition

Hi! So, the first time I went grocery shopping, I was so focused on stocking up on ALL of the food that I forgot the sage words of my client’s mom to remember about cleaning supplies and things like garbage bags, plastic wrap, etc. Of course, I remembered this advice as soon as I got back to my apartment and had to turn around and go back to pick up things like zip lock baggies, sponges, and the like. And, we can’t forget about laundry detergent and dish soap! Here are just a few of my necessities when it comes to cleaning:

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It’s so easy to get wrapped up in all of the big must haves of moving that the little things like your cleaning supplies go unnoticed. Stocking up on these things is important and, unless you’re deep cleaning your place every day, they should last you for a good long while.

On that note, it’s a great idea to invest in a nice trash can. One with a flip up lid, preferably! You don’t want your garbage stinking up the place so do be sure to grab some high quality bags to line your bin with, too. I purchased a stainless steel one from Target and I have yet to have any issues with garbage odors. And, the steel makes it easy to clean in case of spills.

The next thing that I would like to purchase when it comes to cleaning is a Swiffer WetJet for my hardwood and tile floors in the apartment, because those are starting to look a little rough. And, I suppose a vacuum will come in handy, too. But, for now, the carpeted rooms aren’t frequented enough for that to be completely necessary just yet. Talk about adulthood, amiright?!

What are some cleaning necessities that you recommend? How do you keep your place fresh and clean? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug19

Apartment Must Haves: Entertainment Edition

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Apartment Must Haves: Entertainment Edition

Hi! Being in my own apartment is, for the most part, a lot of fun. But, there’s a lot more that goes in to running a mini household than people might think. From your necessities to keeping a sanitary environment like trash bags, detergent, and cleaning projects to things to keep you occupied like a gaming system, books, or movies – we are going to discuss it all in this Apartment Must Haves series.

Today, we are going to chat about one of the big ones, for me at least, when it comes to an apartment and that is entertainment. Whether that be when you’re with your friends or just hanging out alone, it’s important to have things on hand that you enjoy to fight the boredom blues. I, myself, have a few shelves dedicated to preventing idle hands during my free time. Check it out:

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And, let’s not forget the new air hockey table! 😀

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Having my own little setup of easily accessible books and movies is an absolute must for me because I am an avid fan of both. Cracking open a good book or putting a movie on during a rainy afternoon is one of my favorite things to do. It’s relaxing and there’s nothing like being transported to another world for a few hours.

I also have a GameCube and am hoping to get a Wii or a Switch so that there are more options for my friends and I to do when they come over – other than getting wine drunk, of course. 😉 And, I would really like to invest in some classic board and table top games, as well, so I can start hosting game nights once a month or so. Good, clean fun is important and being a hostess with the mostess when company is over will make your place the ultimate hangout when you want it to be!

This is why I had to snag my air hockey table when I found it at the Goodwill. Seriously, what’s more fun than that?! There is nothing wrong with having drinks with friends at your place, but I don’t want that to be just what my apartment is about. And, having good entertainment, whether that be hosting a movie night or a game night is a great way to add some variety into your apartment hangs.

What are your favorite board games? What type of games or gaming systems are worth investing in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Fall Is In The Air

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Fall Is In The Air

Okayyyy okay, so fall technically isn’t in the air yet but that doesn’t mean that my apartment can’t smell like it! Because my dumbass thought that burning cigarettes out into some of my candles was a good idea, I needed to restock because none of them will light now. But, lucky for me, Michael’s was having a three for ten dollar deal for their fall scented candles. And, at six dollars apiece originally, I just couldn’t pass that deal up! Check it out:

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I never quite understood people’s obsession with candles until moving into my apartment. And, now, I can definitely see why because the first thing I do when I get home from work in the evening or have a free afternoon is light one up. There is just something about the soft glow of the flame, the delicious scents, and the general atmosphere that is so relaxing when combined with your quiet time reading a book or watching a movie.

I always thought that giving a candle as a gift was kind of basic but OMG would I love to get all of the candles as prezzies now. But, until gift giving season is upon us, these fall scented delights from Michael’s will do just fine. I like all three fragrances that I picked out but the Butterscotch Spice is divine and I’m looking forward to having it lit on my coffee table as a scary movie plays and the crisp autumn wind howls outside.

What is your favorite fall scent? What is one of your favorite “basic” presents to receive? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah