Tag Archives: beautiful

Dec18

A Letter To A Friend

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A Letter To A Friend

Hello all and happy Friday! I had a long day in Columbus yesterday for work but it was definitely worth it! Stay tuned for the Monday Update to hear more on that. ANYWAYS, If there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, it’s letting close friends borrow books from my extensive collection. What I love the most though, is when I find a book that I think one of my friends would respond really well to and personally give it to them with a hand written message explaining why the book reminded me of them. Recently a very dear friend of mine had to go away for a spell so I made a special care package just for her with books and of course, a letter. This very well may be one of my favorite things that I ever wrote, so I thought that I would share it with all of you. Take a look:

Hello, you. I brought you some of my favorite books and I hope you find as much comfort in their pages as I do. You’ll meet girls who are brave like Coraline and Liesel. You’ll come to fall in love with a boy who never grows up and a Little Prince from a planet far away from here. In The Little Prince, the fox teaches the little boy a lesson: “One sees clearly with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.” Well, I see you so clearly in my heart and eyes, for that matter, and I think it’s important for you to know what I see.

I see a beautiful young woman who is working so hard to better herself and I admire you very much for it. G.K. Chesterton states that “fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten. You have a big obstacle to face during your time away but I trust that you will be able to beat it and come out victorious on the other end. Please treat my books with care because they hold some of my dearest friends but don’t be afraid to let them help you on the way. All my love, Sarah

I dunno, I kinda liked it! 😉 I always enjoy sharing my personal writings with my readers so I figured “why not”, especially because I like this letter a whole lot – and maybe it might just help one of you! I hope you’re all having a great day and I’ll talk to you all soon! Until then, what is your favorite book? What book inspires you when you need encouragement? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: The books that I referenced in my letter were in order: Coraline, The Book Thief, Peter Pan, and The Little Prince – all of which are some of my favorites!

Nov25

Bindi Irwin – DWTS Season 21 Champion

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Bindi Irwin – DWTS Season 21 Champion

Hellooo everyone and happy Hump Day! Last night the darling seventeen year old, Bindi Irwin, was crowned the champion of Dancing With The Stars season 21. Bindi and her partner and now six time champion Derek Hough hoisted the source of envy throughout the season, the Mirror Ball Trophy, and celebrated with the entire season 21 cast after their win. Bindi beat out former Backstreet Boy, Nick Carter, and American hero, Alek Skarlatos, who finished second and third, respectively.

Bindi danced her way into the hearts of millions including myself and my parents who enjoyed watching her so much this season. The charming young Aussie animal lover with the infectious laugh and personality graced the dance floor every week with innovative routines that were visually appealing and technically beautiful. And with a partner like Derek Hough – what could go wrong?! Hubba hubba.

I simply adore Bindi Irwin and think that she is such a fantastic role model for people everywhere. Her outstanding work ethic and sunny outlook on life is something that everyone can take note of. I tip my cap to Miss Irwin and like everyone has parroted throughout this season, her father really would be so proud of her. Here’s to you Bindi: Season 21 DWTS champion!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW0sTAHOgqU

^^^ SO sweet!

I hope all of you are having a fantastic day so far! Who watched this season of Dancing With The Stars? Are you glad that Bindi was crowned champion? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov25

Woman Crush Wednesday: Christina Aguilera Edition

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Christina Aguilera Edition

Hellooo everyone and welcome to a new issue of Woman Crush Wednesday – Christina Aguilera style! It’s been awhile since we’ve had a #WCW article since I straight up couldn’t think of anymore BUT after a girl power singing session to XTina in the Little Red Love Machine yesterday, I was inspired to give her a shout out! Let’s discuss:

Dear Christina Aguilera,

Oh, Christina you tiny little songstress – I just adore you! I forgot just how much I enjoyed your music until I was singing along to all of your songs in my whip (lolol) yesterday. I didn’t sound half as great as you though, so don’t worry about me stealing the pop star throne anytime soon. ANYWAYS, I had a really difficult time picking out what song I was going to choose to honor you with and in the end I just had to go with “Fighter”. A little known Lil Red Fun Fact is that “Fighter” is on my top ten list of favorite songs on the planet. Nothing makes me feel more empowered, nothing gets me more hyped, and nothing makes me feel better after a struggle than this song. And please, PLEASE don’t even get me started on the music video – it’s such a classic.

I think you are drop dead gorgeous and I can’t get over that big beautiful voice you have in that tiny little body! I felt so sad when you were getting ridiculed for weight gain (yay, pop culture) and thought you handled all of the negativity and backlash with such poise and grace. And believe me, no matter what size you are you look fabulous to me! Your amazing vocal talent is something that I envy so much and I just love everything that you do from your Dirrty XTina past to your days as Miss Diva on The Voice. You are one in a million and I LOVE YOU!!!!

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^^^ Omg. SHE’S SO PRETTY!!!!

So there you have it, this week’s Woman Crush Wednesday: Christina Aguilera Edition! Who is your favorite female pop vocalist? Who is your #WCW this week? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov4

Trades Of Hope

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Trades Of Hope

Hellooo everyone and welcome to a very special article here on lifewithlilred about a wonderful company that one of my good friends works for, Trades Of Hope. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sarah White to discuss her work with the company and some of her favorite accessories that are offered through her Trades Of Hope party to kick start the holiday shopping season. For those of you who don’t know, Trades Of Hope employs women artisans in third world countries so they can earn a fair living wage to help provide for themselves and their families. Take a look at part of our interview conducted by yours truly and then stick around to see some of Sarah’s gorgeous fall favorites:

  • Lil Red: Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve been passionate about volunteering your time for programs that help women world wide. What would you say is the most rewarding part of being involved with Trades Of Hope?
  • Sarah: I’ve always wanted to have a tangible way to help women coming out of poverty but I specifically have a passion for women coming out of trafficking, like many of the Trades Of Hope artisans. I’ve been involved with various programs that help raise money for women, but Trades Of Hope isn’t a charity – these women are hired, paid a fair wage, and are then able to take care of their families in a long term way. Trades Of Hope is an organization that helps women stop their cycle of poverty and betters their lives, I think that’s the best part.
  • LR: If you could say something to the Trades Of Hope artisans, what would it be?
  • S: I think it would just be…Thank you for what you’re doing. Thank you for making these products to support your families. We care about you and we love you…I would keep it pretty simple.
  • LR: You actually introduced Trades Of Hope to me one afternoon over coffee. If someone wanted to get involved with working for the company, what should they do?
  • S: To become a Compassion Entrepreneur, which is what we call ourselves, anyone can reach out to me for additional information! (Sarah’s contact info will be posted below.)
  • LR: Trades Of Hope offers an abundance of beautiful handcrafted accessories through catalog and on their site. It must be hard to pick a favorite!
  • S: It is! Of course I love the Mosaic Clutch and the Mustard Infinity Scarf but out of the jewelry the Julia from Guatemala is one of my favorites. The necklace was made from a young artist aging out of her orphanage and it’s simple but so pretty. If you look closely on the silver pendant the fingerprint of the artist is engraved in it.
  • LR: Are there any items on the site that are considered a fan favorite by the shoppers?
  • S: Definitely. The Eternal Seed necklace is very popular (it’s a Lil Red favorite too) as well as the Haiti Signature Bracelet which is made out of cereal boxes. (The pictures of the accessories mentioned can be seen below, as well as the Kala necklace, which I’m the proud owner of!) Not only does the bracelet help support our artisans but it’s great for the environment as well.

juliahaitieskala

Mosaic Clutch: I got to see this cute clutch in person and it’s even better in real life, if that’s even possible. Sarah is a self proclaimed “bag girl” and the Mosaic Clutch, made by Trades Of Hope artisans in Guatemala is one of her must have staples for fall.

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Mustard Infinity Scarf: This beautiful scarf was made by TOH artisans in Cambodia who have survived acid attacks. Despite such horrific events, the amazing women making these scarves have found joy again in their craft and they truly do it so well. Sarah has also deemed this scarf as one of her must have autumn pieces because of how much she likes the color! My friend has great style and would pair this infinity scarf with a hat of the same color, a sharp dark green jacket, dark wash denim, and a tall pair of boots for a fall OOTD. I’m a fan!

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Sarah will be hosting a party to ring in the holiday shopping season and it promises to be a lot of fun! Anyone who places an order through Sarah’s party has the opportunity to win free or half off items as the “hostess rewards”. The shopping extravaganza will be up and running for at least two weeks, so you’ll have lots of time to make your purchases and maybe get lucky by winning some rewards! Unfortunately, Trades Of Hope only ships in the US, but if you live abroad and are interested in any of the products seen on the site, you can email Sarah who will do the best she can to get you your accessories.

Sarah’s contact info and party links:

I had so much fun chatting about Trades Of Hope with my dear friend and before we parted ways, she gave some terrific ideas on stocking stuffers for the holiday season. Not only does Trades Of Hope offer chic accessories but you can also find items for kids, men, home decor, and beauty. Sarah recommends the soap and chapsticks from the site as a sweet and small gift but she’s partial to the jewelry! “All of the Trades Of Hope jewelry comes in a pretty bag and you can wear it and think of the person who got it for you” she says. I, for one, would love to find the Eternal Seed Necklace under my tree! Sarah can be seen below sporting some Trades Of Hope earrings and a mega watt smile! I see you!!

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Writing about Trades Of Hope was such a blast and I encourage all of you to do some shopping at the links provided above! What is your favorite item on the website? Do you have any questions about the company for Sarah? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct14

Woman Crush Wednesday: Jennifer Aniston Edition

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Jennifer Aniston Edition

Helloooo everyone and welcome to another edition of Woman Crush Wednesday – Jennifer Aniston style! The newly Mrs. Aniston is an actress who I love and admire very much so check out some funny scenes from one of my favorite movies, Horrible Bosses, and then let’s discuss:

Dear Jennifer Aniston,

So I have to admit, it almost seems not right writing about you for #WCW because I never got too into Friends BUT that doesn’t take away from how much I love your movies! From your darling rom-coms to your iconic role as the sexual dynamo, Julia Harris, in Horrible Bosses – I’m a fan of it all! Not only do I appreciate your acting chops that have been on display for the duration of your lengthy career but I am enamored with your stunning natural beauty. Like seriously, you’re almost fifty years old and you don’t look a day over thirty. Women like you who take pride in their looks without going overboard with hair, makeup, and outlandish clothing sets an amazing example for ladies everywhere. You are the dictionary definition of a cougar and I want nothing more than for you to make me your cub. HUBBA HUBBA. I have enjoyed watching your red carpet and out and about style develop over the years and the pictures that I chose to honor you with feature two of my favorite looks by you. I think you’re an absolutely terrific role model and I LOVE YOU!!!!!

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^^^ Jesus Christ – she’s a masterpiece!!!

So there you have it, this week’s newest issue of Woman Crush Wednesday: Jennifer Aniston Edition! Who is everyone’s #WCW this week? (Seriously who is it because I’m running out of crushes!) What is your favorite movie role played by my woman crush? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct7

Woman Crush Wednesday: Jessica Lange Edition

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Jessica Lange Edition

Hey there everyone and sorry for my absence yesterday – it was a busy day! But I’m back and it’s time for another edition of Woman Crush Wednesday – Jessica Lange style! With American Horror Story: Hotel premiering tonight with a new leading lady, Lady Gaga, it only seems right to pay homage to the original AHS queen bee, Jessica Lange. Take a look at a fan favorite video of J-Lange performing as Elsa Mars in AHS: Freak Show and then let’s discuss:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_S4ToLRsws

Dear Jessica Lange:

Oh Jessica, you incredibly amazingly talented woman, you. Your performances on seasons one through four of American Horror Story go unmatched by anyone on the show. Episode after episode you stunned us faithful viewers with singing, tear jerking moments, and a butt load of sassafras to the nth degree. My personal favorite character you played has to be from season one, though. In Murder House you played Constance Langdon, which skyrocketed your AHS career with a bang, winning you Emmy’s and the respect of all of your fans and colleagues. I’ll never forget being blown away by your outright bitchiness that made me love to hate you throughout the season. Although Lady Gaga is taking your place this season on Hotel, there is no replacing you. I, as well as a vast majority of AHS fanatics, so wish that you were returning to take your rightful place as the star of the show. As I said, your talent is unreal, but your beauty is off the charts as well! You have aged with such poise and grace and I would be more than happy to date you because everyone loves a cougar! Hubba hubba! I LOVE YOU and please PLEASE come back to American Horror Story soon!

jl2jl11

^^^ Wtf even? She’s drop dead gorgeous.

So there you have it, this week’s Woman Crush Wednesday: Jessica Lange Edition! Make sure you tune in with lifewithlilred for a synopsis of the premiere episode of American Horror Story: Hotel! Who’s excited for the season premiere? How do you feel about my woman crush not being in Hotel? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

If The Shoe Fits – Michael Kors Edition

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If The Shoe Fits – Michael Kors Edition

Helloooooo everyone and welcome to a new issue of If The Shoe Fits – Michael Kors style! In association with my post yesterday entitled “Fall Shopping Fun” these beautiful Michael Kors booties were also purchased with the intention of adding them to my cold weather wardrobe. Take a better look at my pretty new babies and then let’s discuss:

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Alright, first let me just say that I am far from a label whore when it comes to my clothing. I don’t care for designer anything. I live for a good deal at Target, Kohl’s, or TJMaxx so it’s extremely out of the ordinary for me to own anything from what I consider a “high end” designer. BUT I saw these boots while shopping with my mom at TJ’s and I fell in love. So how did these MK buckle adorned beauties end up coming home with me? I’m so glad you asked!

I LOVE going to TJ’s with my mom. I can remember going shopping there with my grandma when I was really young and ever since I’ve been a die hard Maxxinista. Whenever my mom and I hit up our favorite store, we always always start in the shoe department. The past few times we’ve shopped at TJ’s we’ve been unimpressed with what they had to offer but not this time around! As I ambled through the aisles of boots, heels, and flats my eyes locked on the industrial style booties. I hurried over and plucked them off the shelf and immediately turned them over to inspect the price. When I saw the tag was far out of my normal price range, I realized that they were Michael Kors. “Oh, that explains it”, I thought to myself and put them back with a heavy heart.

Once my mom caught up to me she asked me if I saw anything that I liked and I pointed out the booties that I just recently returned to the shelf. “Well are you gonna try them on?” she asked. “No, they’re too expensive and I know that if I try them on I’m going to like them too much.” My mom didn’t argue with my logic and we continued to peruse the shoe department together. As my partner in crime tried on some cute new booties of her own, all I wanted to do was try on the Michael Kors. I voiced my insatiable desire deep in my loins to her and she urged me to give them a try. Well, she didn’t have to tell me twice. I rushed my sweet ass to the MK’s and snatched them so fast I was worried that I was going to break a nail. I brought them back to the benches to try them on for the moment of truth…

I sat my sweet tookus on the bench and slipped off my knee high tan riding boots all while thinking, “Sarah, you really shouldn’t be doing this”. But it was too late, my shoes were already off and the Michael Kors were sitting there, waiting patiently to join forces with my feet. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes tight, and shoved the right boot on. I zipped up the zipper on the side and told myself that “that wasn’t so bad” and pulled on the left shoe to complete the pair. I hoisted my sweet badonk off of the bench and walked slowly to the mirror. “Damnit,” I thought as I saw my reflection, “I love them”.

As soon as I saw them in all of their rocker chic glory I knew that I couldn’t leave the store without them. They. Were. Perfect. These Michael Kors booties have legitimately everything that I love. They’re black, buckled, zippered, and edgy as hell. As I previously mentioned, I don’t care about labels. In fact, I hate them. BUT for my first and only pair of designer shoes, I think that they hit the nail on the head!

I don’t plan on buying any more “high end” heels or boots to add to my collection because I really do think that they’re unnecessary. However, I deemed my purchase “worth it” because it really is a one time splurge and the only harm in that is to my wallet. Yes, I do have a lot of beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories but 99% of them were purchased with price in mind. I’m a smart shopper, I always wait for the best deals, and I like to think that I ball on a budget – but I don’t know any girl that’s going to turn down a pair of Michael Kors booties that were literally made for you!

So there you have it, my latest purchase documented in If The Shoe Fits – Michael Kors Edition. With my amazing new booties and fun new shirt that you can see in “Fall Shopping Fun”, I think that I’ll take a break from the mall for a while…But I really do love both of my new editions to my wardrobe! What has been your favorite splurge purchase? What are you most looking forward to wearing this fall? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep30

Woman Crush Wednesday: Julianne Hough Edition

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Julianne Hough Edition

Heyyy everyone and welcome to the newest edition of Woman Crush Wednesday – Julianne Hough style! The darling and newly engaged Miss Hough has been the apple of my eye ever since her Dancing With The Stars debut so it only seems right to feature her as Lil Red’s #WCW. Take a look at my all time favorite dance that she ever performed on DWTS and then let’s discuss:

Dear Julianne Hough,

Oh Julianne, you precious tiny dancer, you. I admire your immense talent on the dance floor so very much. You make the most difficult dances look effortless and I had a blast watching you win the Dancing With The Stars mirror ball trophy with Apolo Anton Ohno and Helio Castroneves. It’s a family tradition over at casa da la Lil Red to watch DWTS together and we always rooted for you! I am so happy that you’re back on the show to share your expertise on the judges panel and to occasionally grace the dance floor with your presence. It has been such a joy to watch your transformation from a sweet young woman to a sassy and fabulous goddess! I love your elegant yet fierce style and your ever changing hair! You are just SO beautiful – hubba hubba, lady! Thank you for allowing your bubbly personality into our homes every Monday night during Dancing With The Stars. And most importantly, thank you for being such an amazing role model and inspiration to performers (and people in general) everywhere. I LOVE YOU!!!!

hough2hough1

^^^ OMG, could that pic of Julianne cuddling a puppy be any more adorable?! I think not!

So there you have it, this week’s Woman Crush Wednesday: Julianne Hough Edition! Who is everyone’s #WCW this week? What is your all time favorite Julianne Hough moment on DWTS? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep23

Woman Crush Wednesday: Sarah Paulson Edition

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Sarah Paulson Edition

Hellooo everyone and welcome to the newest edition of Woman Crush Wednesday – Sarah Paulson style! With season five of American Horror Story making its debut on October 7th, it only seemed appropriate to send some love to one of my favorite actresses on the show. Take a look at this fan favorite scene from American Horror Story: Asylum and then let’s discuss:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFf4TYGpFj0

Dear Sarah Paulson,

Oh Sarah, you brilliant brilliant actress with a wonderful name, I just adore you. From your humble AHS beginnings during Murder House with a minor role to working your way up to leading lady status in the past three seasons, you can do no wrong. It’s so hard for me to pick a favorite character that you’ve played during your time as a member of the American Horror Story family, but if I absolutely had to choose, I think it would be when you played conjoined twins, Bette and Dot Tatler, in Freak Show. Your characterization of sweet and naive Bette and the cold and calculated Dot were spot on perfection and I looked forward to seeing your performance every week when Freak Show was airing. Your incredible talent is undeniable and I can’t wait to see what you’re going to bring to the table during AHS: Hotel. So yes, your acting chops are unreal but you also have some out of this world looks as well! Hubba hubba, lady. You have the face of an angel and the most glorious porcelain skin to match. Your hair also looks awesome in literally any color which is a gift from the gods. I LOVE your hair blonde, like when you played Cordelia in Coven but like I said, any color will do. You are such an inspiration to actors (and people in general) everywhere and I can only hope as an actress myself that I have an ounce of the ability that you have. I LOVE YOU!!!!!

paulson1paulson2

^^^ The lovely Sarah got a lot of hate for the dress pictured above but I actually really liked it…SUE ME FOR IT!!!

So there you have it, this week’s Woman Crush Wednesday: Sarah Paulson Edition. Who is everyone’s #WCW this week? Who was your favorite character that my woman crush played on American Horror Story? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep16

Woman Crush Wednesday: Sasha Cohen Edition

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Sasha Cohen Edition

Helloooo everyone and welcome to the newest edition of Woman Crush Wednesday – Sasha Cohen style! For those of you who don’t know, I figure skated competitively for ten years and the lovely Miss Cohen was and still is one of my biggest inspirations. Check out this gorgeous routine that I picked solely because she’s wearing one of my all time favorite skating dresses and then let’s discuss my woman crush:

Dear Sasha Cohen,

Beautiful little Sasha, where do I even begin? I guess I have to ask if you remember me, for starters. We met when you came to visit at the Wooster skating rink. We took pictures together and you signed my skates, a hoodie from a previous competition, and my copy of Skating magazine with you on the cover. You were just as sweet as I hoped that you would be and you were even smaller than I thought! You have the most darling petite figure and it was pleasantly surprising for you to be the same height as me when you stood up to give me a hug. Meeting you was one of the highlights of my skating career/life in general and I’ll never forget it. Your exquisite grace and beauty on and off the rink is extraordinary. You skate with such genuine emotion and elegance and your talent is undeniable. I always wanted you to get the gold in the Olympic games…I daresay I wanted it for you just as much as you wanted it for yourself! Your career as a figure skater motivated me to push myself on and off the rink. You taught me the importance of hard work and dedication and for that I thank you so much. I can’t close this love letter without also mentioning how hard I laughed at your cameo in Blades Of Glory when you caught Chazz Michael Michaels jock strap…It was truly a moment for the ages. 😉 I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!

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^^^ She’s just divine. Lord have mercy on a gal!

So there you have it, this week’s Woman Crush Wednesday: Sasha Cohen Edition! Who is everyone’s #WCW this week? What was your favorite routine skated by my woman crush? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah