Tag Archives: apartment

Apr12

Sweaters In Spring OOTD Bloopers

Posted on April 12, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Sweaters In Spring OOTD! For last week’s OOTD, I had to resort to using my tripod for pictures because Johnny was feeling under the weather so I was very happy that my master photographer was back for this shoot. It was an alright experience using the tripod and I am glad that I got a feel for it in case I ever have to use it again. However, the convenience of having an in house photographer and OOTD shoots that last all of five minutes definitely outshines independently taking my pics. Plus, only Johnny can capture the outtakes that make for a good blooper reel! Check it out:

Lol, just hoisting up me britches

I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just out here getting my Vanna White on

Upsy daisy!!

Pausing to contemplate the meaning of life mid shoot

Derek Zoolander has got nothing on me!!!!

Poise, elegance, and grace

You may have noticed in several of the past OOTDs published that I have resorted to taking pictures on the balcony of my apartment. I know, I know – no brick wall in sight! As much as I would love to go out and about with Johnny on Saturday, our designated picture day, we have much more pressing matters to tend to. Every Saturday for the past month and change, Johnny and I or just myself have gone to visit a loved one in the hospital. Then, I do my makeup and put an outfit together when we get home and do a quick photo shoot before becoming one with our couch.

The balcony is, admittedly, not the most exciting place for a shoot but, hey, you work with what you’ve got given the situation and it works for us! If you are wanting to create content, but are too wiped out to go anywhere then it is A-okay. If you have a good imagination, as I’m sure you do since you like to write, content can be found anywhere! Whether it be taking pictures on your porch, writing about your favorite knick knack, or simply writing about your day; you are still creating something and that’s great. Life happens and the blogosphere understands – we are all proud of you simply for writing and being in this wonderful corner of the internet that we have made for ourselves. Write on, no matter the situation – it always helps me feel better and it will help you too. 🙂

For the time being, you can find me posted up on my balcony and it’s all good. I wouldn’t trade my time at the hospital for the world! Keep it posted for more fun on lifewithlilred and I will see you all tomorrow. ❤

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

Mar30

On The 6th Day, She Rested OOTD Bloopers

Posted on March 30, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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On The 6th Day, She Rested OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my On The 6th Day, She Rested OOTD!! It has been an insanely awful few days in Lil Red’s world and by the time Johnny and I returned home this past Saturday, I just wanted to go to bed. Content called, however, and I would have been a monkey’s uncle before I ruined my streak of Saturday OOTD shoots. So, I decided to show the world a makeup free, lounge clothes Lil Red. We also had a power outage at that point so I just had to roll with the punches because applying makeup wasn’t in the cards. Not surprisingly, there weren’t a lot of winners from this shoot. There were a fair amount of bloopers, though, so let’s check them out:

Smiling for my kindergarten school picture like:

I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lol, not so much a blooper; I just thought that the plushies looked hysterical

Johnny beautifully captured a photo sequence, which I call “Makar & Me”. We begin by gingerly placing the plushie to the side…

About to start freaking WERKING it as much as I possibly can

My “seriously?” face when Makar fell in a matter of two seconds

Alright, let’s get back on the horse and try again

And down he goes! This is also when I decided that we had enough pictures haha

You might notice a cooler propped up to the left of me in these pictures and there is a method to the madness. The room behind the couch is our bunny proofed area for Mel and Penelope and we have had to get creative with ways to keep them away from the areas that aren’t safe for them to be at. One example of this is the cooler! Mr. Melvin used to LOVE running behind our curio cabinet to get to the non bunny proofed living room. So, Johnny placed “bunny blockers”, which included cardboard behind the cabinets and the cooler on top of a box to keep him from hopping over it. As unsightly as it looks, it serves its purpose well!

You might also have noticed an array of Chewy boxes and cardboard behind me too and that is all Mel and Pen lol. I absolutely adore buying new toys for them when I restock their supplies on Chewy and most of them go over pretty well. However, nothing will ever beat boxes for them. Melvin is my tiny wanderer and he is always running in and out of the boxes and jumping on top of them from the stairs. Penelope, on the other hand, is my shy girl and has spent hours burrowing in the boxes and shredding to her heart’s content. When things get less crazy, Johnny and I have grand dreams of creating a cardboard castle for them and solidifying our ranks that I personally gave of “best bunny parents ever”. 😀

Every home is different and, in this case, you got to take a peek into our bunny room as well as a lazy day at chez nous. The backdrop from this shoot might look a bit haphazard, but I suppose that’s what happens when you have two furry little gremlins running about for hours on end!

Do you have a special place for your pets at your place? How have you gotten creative with pet or baby proofing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar27

Let The Light Shine In Your Home

Posted on March 27, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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If your home feels dark and cramped, you may be interested in learning how to achieve a brighter, airier look. This can be done by doing some simple decorating and home improvements. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Paint the walls a lighter color:

Painting the walls a lighter color is an easy and effective way to brighten up and air out your home. Lighter colors such as white, pale gray, and taupe give rooms a feeling of spaciousness, while deeper colors can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. To maximize the light reflection in any room, opt for glossy paint finishes instead of flat or matte paints. Additionally, using a semi-gloss finish on the trim around doors and windows will help to enhance the brightness of the space.

For maximum impact, consider painting just one wall in an accent hue to create visual interest without overwhelming the room. When selecting lighter colors, it’s important to look at sample chips in different lighting conditions throughout the day so that you’re confident that they will work with your existing decor. With a few simple changes like these you can easily achieve an airier home with plenty of light.

Install some bigger windows:

Installing larger windows or increasing the existing window sizes can significantly brighten up a space. Natural light is key to achieving an airy feel and making small spaces appear bigger. When selecting new windows for the window company to install, opt for designs that have multiple panes of glass, as this will help to maximize sunlight in your home while also helping to trap warm air during the cooler months. You could also consider installing some skylights, as they’ll provide more natural light and add character to any room.

Add more lighting fixtures:

Adding additional overhead lights is another way to bring much-needed illumination into the dark corners of a room. Consider replacing old light fixtures with modern ones that direct the light downwards for maximum brightness without being too stark or overwhelming the space. Installing dimmers is also a great way to conserve energy while allowing you to adjust the lighting in each room depending on how much light you need at any given time. If you are opting for a light fixture installation to brighten up your home, just be sure to choose wisely. Really look at the space and how the shape, size, and design of the fixture can enhance it. Not only will you have better lighting to work with but you will be giving the room a mini makeover too!

Hang some mirrors:

Mirrors are great for reflecting light around a room and making it feel more spacious. Place one near a window to make the most of natural sunlight and to help create an airy ambiance in any room. Alternatively, group several small mirrors together on a wall for maximum reflection and visual impact.

These simple tips can help you achieve a brighter, airier home with minimal effort. But if you want to go the extra mile, consider adding indoor plants or nature-inspired art pieces that will bring life and energy into your living space while adding color and texture to your decor. With these few changes, you’ll be able to enjoy the bright, open atmosphere of your newly refreshed home in no time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar27

Better Protect Your Home With These Tips

Posted on March 27, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Better Protect Your Home With These Tips

With many people still working from home, we can all become blind to the fact that our home has a number of problems. A very good example is how safe our home is. Our home can be an easy target for burglars, which is why we need to make sure we are not unwittingly displaying red flags as an open invite. Here are a few things to bear in mind and what you can do to better protect your home:

Not changing the locks since you have moved in:

If you’ve been in the home for a number of years but you’ve never changed the locks, you don’t know who has access to that property. Having a local locksmith change the locks is such a simple thing, but they can also advise you on the best ways to reinforce your door. They may recommend that you use keyless entry points, which can provide extra peace of mind if you are going on vacation.

Things to look out for:

Some people’s homes can be watched by burglars over a long period of time. Here are a few things that you may wish to keep an eye out for:

Calls from unknown numbers: Look out for unknown callers and never give away any personal information. If you have children, talk to them about phone safety so they can alert you if any odd calls come in.
Flyers, stickers, and ads: If you notice marketing and advertising flyers in the door or mailboxes, this could be a sign that burglars are using these as marks. Any stickers on your mailbox should be removed immediately. Additionally, if you find any unusual markings, such as a little bit of paint on your fence, a rope tied around your lamp post, or any other symbol this should be a sign that you need to remove the markings but also step up your security.
More door-to-door activity: Burglars will sense their opportunity by casing up the home, as well as the individuals within. They can target properties by pretending to be someone taking a survey, salespeople, or other non-threatening individuals.

What you can do:

If you notice any signs that burglars are targeting your home you need to:

Record observations, including dates and times of questionable activity, like a vehicle patrolling the area.
Notify neighbors so they can be more vigilant in the community.
Find ways to prevent break-ins, which can include installing a security system, but also illuminating dark corners outside of your property by installing a light sensor.
Inform the police. Informing the police and ramping up your neighborhood watch initiatives ensure you are informing the people who can best deal with this while also making sure the neighborhood is more vigilant than ever.

It can be incredibly stressful to find out your home is being targeted by burglars. Some of these components can make a massive difference. It is always about making sure you are in a prevention mindset, while also noticing these tell-tale signs.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar22

Keeping Your Home Clean – Even With A Pet!

Posted on March 22, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Keeping Your Home Clean – Even With A Pet!

Are you thinking about bringing a pet into your life? If so, then it’s important to make sure that the right precautions are taken to keep your home in good shape during the process. New pets have lots of exploring to do in their new digs, which can sometimes lead to disaster! Here are some of the key points to consider:

Choose The Right Option:

First, you need to make sure that you are choosing the right pet. If you have a smaller home, for example, you might want to avoid bringing home a larger breed of dog. It could be in your best interest to think about a smaller dog like a Terrier rather than a German Shepherd. Larger dogs can also be more difficult to train and control. You should also think about how much time you are going to have for your pet. Some dogs need almost constant attention or company to keep them happy. If you’re out a lot of the day, then a cat could be a better choice. They are more independent.

Training:

With a new pet, it is crucial to put in the time and effort to train them from day one. There are lots of training options that are going to make your life a little easier in the long run. For instance, you might want to think about training them to chew their toys instead of your furniture. This is particularly important when your pet is teething. If you don’t train your pet, you can’t be mad when they do something you don’t like!

Pest Treatment:

Pets can mean pests in your home. Some of the common pests include fleas and tics. The good news is that this doesn’t have to be an issue. You just need to make sure that you invest in the right pest treatment. A lot of vets will provide this as a standard. As such, you don’t have to worry about it costing you a fortune. Dog flea treatment and other pest solutions are available to purchase directly at a low cost from a wide range of sources.

Cleaning Products:

Finally, you need to make sure that you are choosing the right cleaning products and equipment. If you are bringing a dog into your home, it’s important to be aware that some breeds shed more than others. The best way to stop your home from becoming a furry nightmare is to make sure that you have the right pet vacuum. The best pet vacuum will ensure that your floors are spotless in a matter of seconds. You should also research carpet cleaners if you are worried about your pet causing stains that can permanently damage your carpet. Or, alternatively, consider switching to flooring that is easier to maintain such as laminate tiles.

Bringing a new pet home is exciting! Keep the good vibes in check by preparing accordingly so you can focus on your new friend as opposed to a potential mess!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar21

She Sells Seashells

Posted on March 21, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!!! I work as an Independent Provider for people with special needs and specialize in community inclusion and daily living skills. I have worked in the field for almost a decade and all of my clients new and old will always hold a very special place in my heart. It is the best job in the whole world and I am so thankful to have assisted so many amazing families. It means so much to be trusted to provide quality care and I deliver nothing less every day at work.

Whenever I can’t see my clients due to vacations or days off, I miss them terribly! My days feel so off without my normal shifts and all smiles and I couldn’t wait for one of my clients to return from a family vaca. I know for a fact this young man was missing me too because he collected seashells on the beach just for me and proudly presented them when I saw him again:

When I was given my seashells, I seriously almost cried. I was SO touched that my client took the time out of his vacation to search for shells that he thought I would like. He was completely right, because I LOVE them. He told me that they have to drive to the beach next time because all of the shells that he wanted to bring me wouldn’t fit on the plane! I cannot wait to find a pretty jar to house my shells in and display it on my knick knack shelves so I can see them and smile every day. ❤

Between three jobs, I am a busy lady. However, I will never be too busy to see my clients; I simply could not imagine my life without any of them! It brings me such great joy to teach new things when I am at work, but every day, I am the one who learns something new. My seashells will serve as a reminder to always be thoughtful, generous, and kind – just like the dear young man who gave them to me. I am the lucky one to even know him and feel proud to continue to grow as people together!

As the weather in Ohio remains awful, I will be on the beach in the sunshine every time I see my seashells. Always turn your face towards the sun and have the best day, darling friends!

Where is your dream vacation location? Who has seashells on display in their home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar20

Find Your Dream Home In 2023

Posted on March 20, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Searching for your dream home can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. However, following a few simple steps can make the process much easier, and you can be well on your way to finding the perfect place for you! Let’s get started:

Determine Your Budget:

The first step is to determine your budget. It is important to understand how much you can afford to spend on a home. This will help you narrow your search to homes within your price range. You can also get pre-approved for a mortgage to better understand what you can afford.

Create a List of Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves:

Once you have determined your budget, the next step is to create a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. This is most helpful if you are working with an estate agent like those at Wooster & Stock Estate Agents Camberwell (Or a similar company in your local area). When you provide a list of home must haves for an estate agent, they can focus their search on homes that meet your specific criteria.

Some examples of must-haves might include:

A certain number of bedrooms

A specific location

A certain style of home

Nice-to-haves might include:

A swimming pool

A large backyard

A gourmet kitchen

Chase The Dream:

If the kind of home you crave cannot be found by simply moving across town, then are you ready to chase the dream? Perhaps you want to be immersed in a big city. Maybe you want somewhere quiet in a wooded area. Or do you dream of sprawling land and livestock at Ranches in south Texas? Even if this big of a move isn’t possible right now, do not put it on the back burner. If a move to a new state is your goal, you would be wise to stay put and save until you can make it happen.

Start Searching for Homes:

After you have created your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, it’s time to start searching for homes. There are many ways to search for homes, including working with a real estate agent, using online real estate websites, or driving around neighborhoods to look for “For Sale” signs. You can also attend open houses to get inspiration for what you are looking for in a home.

Consider Your Home/Apartment Size:

Your home or apartment size is essential when searching for your dream home. For example, you may need a home with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms if you have a large family. On the other hand, if you are a single person or a couple, a smaller home or apartment may be more appropriate. Looking into different shapes, like square apartments, may also be of interest to you. It’s important to consider your current lifestyle and any potential future changes when deciding the size of your home.

Schedule Visits to See Homes in Person:

When you find a home that interests you, schedule a visit to see it in person ASAP. This will give you a better idea of the layout, the size of the rooms, and the home’s overall condition. It’s also a good idea to take notes and pictures to compare homes later. If you are working with a real estate agency, this is something that we highly recommend. Your agent will be able to handle scheduling and alert you to houses that might not be listed online yet. They can also accompany you to home visits for advice in that very moment.

Make an Offer and Move Forward with the Home Buying Process:

Once you have found a home you love, it’s time to make an offer. Your real estate agent can help you with this process, which involves submitting a written offer to the seller. The seller will then have the option to accept, reject, or counter your offer. If your offer is accepted, you will move forward with the home-buying process, including getting a home inspection, securing financing, and closing the sale.

Although searching for your dream home can be a long process, remember that it’s worth taking the time to find the right home for you and your family. Happy moving!

Featured Image By: cottonbro studio on Pexels

Mar14

Modernize Your Home With These Tips

Posted on March 14, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Do you have a smaller home and feel like it doesn’t look as stylish as it could? A lot of this could come down to your lack of floor space. Interior designers are always looking to turn petite homes into stylish spaces, and there are a number of tricks that you can adopt to try and make a positive change. Want to find out more? Let’s get started:

Draw a Scale Plan:

Even if you have a large home, you still need to make sure that you plan everything out before you start the design process. You have to know what space you are working with so you can then sketch out every room. This will help you to see the size and the shape of what you have before you go ahead and make changes. You don’t want to find out the couch you ordered is way too big when it’s being installed!

Use Earthy Tones in Smaller Rooms:

Neutral earth tones tend to have a knack for making a small space look way bigger than it is. The great thing about earth tones is that they are contemporary and they can make your room look modern too. If you want to do something about the space you have, then it is helpful to make sure that the ceiling and the trim are lighter than the walls. You can also replace the windows in the room if you want to let way more natural light in. Look up local energy efficient windows if you want to know more.

Vivid Colors Are Great for Adding Personality:

Modern homes are not just about neutral colors. If you want to add a lot of style and personality to your smaller home, then make sure that you are incorporating bright and vivid shades. This will help to draw the eye; if people are looking at a chair that is bright blue, then they probably won’t be paying much attention to how big or how small the room is.

Indoor Garden:

Indoor gardens are very popular and you would be surprised at how much you can use them to your advantage. You only need a very small amount of space to work with, such as under your stairs. You can then transform this and make a contemporary statement as a result.

Don’t Overlook the Kitchen:

The kitchen is the heart of the home. If you want your home to be more modern, pay special attention to this room. Brushed metal and even industrial tones work well together and they are ideal if you want to get that functional look. If you aren’t quite sure how to get the result you want out of your kitchen, look up inspiration online. When you are good and inspired, you will soon find that it is easier to work with the space you have.

Whether your home is big or small, it is only as stylish as you make it. Use the tips above to get started today!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar14

Brighten Up Your Home With These Simple Tricks

Posted on March 14, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Brighten Up Your Home With These Simple Tricks

If you feel like your home is gloomy and dark, then you will know how frustrating this can be to work with. You may feel that anything you do to your home doesn’t work and this can work against you. If you want to brighten your home today, check out these simple tricks to put some sunshine back in your step and decor:

Use White Furniture:

Where possible, you should try to use white furniture over dark colors. Think about using white bookcases, cream couches, or even tables. If you have dark wood or dark floors then you may not want to replace it. That being said, adding a white, or light rug is a fantastic way for you to make a positive change here. If you are scared about getting your rug dirty, then think about getting one that can be washed for a no muss no fuss option.

Keep Tall Items Away from Natural Light:

If you have a large bookcase, plant, shelf or any other furniture that is blocking the light in your home. then you need to move them. It is recommended that you put big pieces of furniture at the opposite end of the room to where your windows are. If you can do this, then you will be able to let in a lot of natural light and this will work in your favor.

Use White Curtains:

Having thick curtains is always nice but at the same time they can block out a lot of natural light. If you want to do something about this, try and buy some white, sheer curtains. When you do this, you will be able to let a lot of natural light into the room and you can also add a lot of drama, which will spice things up. If you feel as though your windows are looking a bit old and tired, then now could be the time for you to look up the best window replacement brand so you can give your home an instant face lift..

Add some Mirrors:

Mirrors come in very handy, especially when you look at home decor. They help to make your home look bigger than it actually is and they also reflect any natural light. If you want to make a big difference here, think about adding a mirror to your dark room to see what a change you could bring about.

Paint:

This is an obvious, but important suggestion. If your home has very dark paint then you may be giving off a dark feel overall. Paint can transform a room, so try and add some white paint or even light grey. When you do this you will be able to see a huge change in the way that your home feels. Why not experiment with some lighter tones and see what happens!

The bright days of spring will soon be upon us. Let the sunshine into your home by enhancing the natural light with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan23

Halloween Pop Up Tree

Posted on January 23, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! This past holiday season, my client’s mom offered my family her pop up Christmas tree to use since we didn’t put one up. She also learned that Johnny and I didn’t have a tree, either, but if we ever got one then, of course, it had to be black. As a bonus Christmas gift, I was surprised once again by her generosity because Johnny and I got the Christmas or should I say Halloween tree of our dreams! Check it out:

^^^ Lol, please don’t mind our corral of bunny supplies in the background!

When I originally brought the borrowed pop up tree to my family home, I had no idea what it entailed because I had never heard of it before! It is, however, exactly what you would think it would be and is so very cool. A pop up tree is basically a base, poles, and a “tree” to place over them. The Christmas pop up tree that we used was five feet tall and came pre-decorated with ornaments, ribbons, and lights. Similarly, our Halloween tree came pre-lit and adorned with glittery pumpkins. 😀

It took me less than two minutes to assemble the tree and I couldn’t believe its perfection. Everything about it is just right for me and Johnny. The narrow size is also ideal for our apartment setting and we will be able to put it anywhere without taking up too much space. Every year for Christmas, Johnny’s mom gifts us with a couple of ornaments apiece and they have all been sitting on our knick knack shelves. Now, we finally have a tree of our own to decorate and I can’t wait to dress it up with our fairly extensive ornament collection!

I am obsessed with my Halloween Pop Up Tree and am so appreciative to my client’s mom for the amazing gift. And, yes, just like all of our other Halloween gear, the tree will be staying up all year round!

Do you use real or artificial Christmas trees? What is your favorite Christmas ornament? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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