Tag Archives: birthday

Jun10

Bath Bomb Blitz: Unknown From Lush Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Unknown From Lush Edition

Howdy! I have made many wonderful friends thanks to lifewithlilred but there’s one lovely lady who holds a very special place in my heart and that’s Kate from Live In The Nautical. A fiery, intelligent beauty with a passion for travel and style, Kate is literally the coolest and it has been such a joy to be her friend. No matter if we talk every day or if it’s been a month, we always seem to pick up right where we left off, which I think is a major testament to our friendship.

Everything about Kate is amazing but her thoughtfulness is what I love the most about her. It always seems like she just knows when I need a little pick me up. For example, when I was in absolute agony from my surgery in December, I receive a Christmas present from her in the mail. And, recently, when we were very close to putting our dog down, a birthday prezzie from my Gemini Twin shows up. Talk about blogging BFF telepathy!

Kate knows that goodies from Lush are the way to my heart and I always feel so spoiled when I get to enjoy a bath bomb from there because I don’t use their products often at all. Recently, I used the little number seen below who’s name I am not sure of because it wasn’t on the website. So, we’ll just go with “Unknown” for now, lol. Check it out:

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Aside from my bath tub at my apartment having a mind of its own and draining whenever it feels like, Unknown was a very pleasant bath bomb experience. It didn’t have much of a smell but it put on a jolly good show of shamrock green and white spirals. It also took a long time to fizz out – at least five minutes, which is always a plus.

When Unknown first started fizzing, I thought it was going to be a jelly bomb because of the thicker green bubble stuff happening. But, that wasn’t the case, which was a little disappointing because I do love me a good jelly bomb. Despite that, I still felt insanely hydrated upon exiting the tub once I finished shaving and I think that’s my favorite part. I always put lotion on post shave but I probably don’t even need to when using the ultra moisturizing Lush bath bombs!

Overall, I’d rate Unknown with a five out of ten. It wasn’t my favorite but it certainly wasn’t the worst, either, and I wouldn’t be mad about using it again.

What is your favorite Lush product? Who is your blogging BFF? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun7

Happy 25th Birthday To Me!

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Happy 25th Birthday To Me!

Hello everyone and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!! Today, I turn the ripe old age of twenty-five and can you say hello midlife crisis?! Lol, nah, crisis mode won’t kick in until twenty-six so I have one more year of turning up to do. In all seriousness, it is an exciting time to be a Lil Red. I got my first apartment less than two months ago, my businesses are booming, and lifewithlilred will have been a thing for FIVE YEARS come September. Wow!

Although twenty-four had a lot of moments that were about a bitch from two of the dumbest relationships that I’ve ever been in to a month and a half of misery from a surgery gone wrong, it ended strong. And, for that, I am definitely grateful. I am looking forward to what twenty-five has in store for me but, I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t wishing that time would slow down just a little bit! We all know that that isn’t going to happen, though, so here’s to enjoying another year here on planet Earth. 😀

Happy Birthday To Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! ❤

May18

Super Cool Planter

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Super Cool Planter

Hi! As you all know, my dad is an expert gardener so that makes gift giving very easy for him. For his birthday this past month, I got him this awesome stackable planter set from Amazon. Since it has warmed up significantly in Ohio since April, he finally got around to getting the planter set up with strawberries and flowers and it looks great! Take a look:

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I was so happy to come home on Mother’s Day and see the planter out on the deck in its full glory. It also made me smile to see the garden gnome planter that I got for him last year with a potted plant in his little knapsack. Seeing the splendor of my dad’s hard work never ceases to amaze me and it’s always so cool to see the projects that he tends to so lovingly take full bloom!

What is your favorite plant or flower? Who else is a fan of gardening? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr8

Happy Birthday, Sister!!

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Happy Birthday, Sister!!

Hello! Today is a very special day, because it is my big sister’s birthday! Kristen is my best friend and has granted me the gift of having two other besties – her boyfriend, Ramon, and my darling niece, Valerie. Together, we create a foursome of awesomeness and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to be surrounded by.

Kristen’s little girl is one month and one day old and it has been the most amazing thing seeing Kristen blossom into a mommy. I am so incredibly proud of her and I brag about her every chance that I can get. How can you not when you share DNA with a lady like that?! I love you so much, Kristen, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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Happy Birthday, Kristen!! ❤

Apr6

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

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Happy Birthday, Dad!!

Hello, everyone! Today is a fantastic, wonderful, special day because it is my dad’s birthday! I am lucky enough to say that my dad is one of my literal favorite people on the planet. He is a loving father, devoted husband, friggen hilarious, and is a man of many talents. From tending his beautiful garden to planning amazing family vacations, everything that my dad does, he does to picture perfection. I so appreciate this, because it has truly taught me the importance of a job well done throughout the years.

I cherish all of the time that I get to spend with my dad. Even just watching an episode of Seinfeld or sharing a meal together makes me happy and I am so going to miss seeing him every day once I move. CHARLES is the best dad in the world and is now the best grandpa in the world to my little niece, Valerie. I love you so much and I hope you have a great birthday even though you hate birthdays!

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Happy Birthday, Dad!!! ❤

Mar22

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

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Happy Birthday, Mom!!

Hello! Today is a very special, wonderful day because it is my mom’s birthday! Although my mom may look sweet, petite, and absolutely adorable (Which she is!) – she’s a total badass. Seriously. She beat cancer’s ass, she’s a doctor, and she still somehow manages to make time for everyone and every dog she encounters. In other words, she’s my hero. An inspiration to anyone she meets, myself especially, my mom really is the greatest. And, now, she is the greatest grandma, as well, to her granddaughter and my niece, Valerie.

In every adventure and obstacle that life sends my mom’s way, she handles it with the poise of a queen and comes out on top every time. I love you, mom, and I thank you for all that you have done to shape and inspire me into the *semi* badass that I am today!

Happy Birthday!! ❤

mom

Jul6

TJMaxx Beauty Haul

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TJMaxx Beauty Haul

Hey! My gifts from my 24th birthday just keep on giving, because I was finally able to go to TJMaxx and spend some of my birthday gift card from my brother. I ended up with a gorgeous new top, which I’ll discuss tomorrow, but, for now, we will go over my little beauty haul that got me a bunch of my necessities for an amazing price! Check it out:

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The Haul:

  • ArganiCare moisturizer: $5.99
  • Castelbel Watermelon and Mango bar soap: $3.99 each
  • CoverGirl eyeliner: $2.99

Grand Total: $17

I was so happy to have been able to stock up on some products that I definitely am going to need within the next few months. I can always use a new moisturizer, so I’m looking forward to trying ArganiCare for a whole six bucks. My skin type is completely normal, so it’s nice to be able to experiment with different skin care goodies at TJ’s ON THE CHEAP!

Not only was I able to get something new, but I also got to revisit old favorites with my Castelbel soaps and CoverGirl liner. Both the Mango and Watermelon scented bar soaps smell SO. Freaking. Good. They literally smell like Lip Smackers and are super hydrating – totally perfect for my morning showers! And, you can’t go wrong with my usual black eyeliner that normally costs me OVER SEVEN DOLLARS at the drug store for a whole three bucks at TJ’s. This results in over four dollars in savings and I am all about that. #ballinonabudget

I am completely thrilled with this TJMaxx Beauty Haul, because it’s not every day that you can spend less than twenty dollars for four items in skin care, makeup, and bath and body care. I can smell the savings now! 😀

Where do you score the best deals on beauty? How do you cut the costs on your beauty routines? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun19

Bite Beauty Lip Crayon Swatch In Glace

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Bite Beauty Lip Crayon Swatch In Glace

Hi! As promised, today we are going to swatch the second gift from my Sephora birthday freebie – their lip crayon in Glace! The swatching experience for this lippie was an unfortunate one, because after I snapped my pictures, I dropped the crayon on my white carpet. :((((( It was a hot mess, but a blogger’s job is never easy, so let’s get on with the show:

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As described in yesterday’s post, this lip crayon by Bite definitely has a minty smell to it, which certainly makes for a different sensation when wearing a lipstick! As disappointed at myself as I am for dropping this on the carpet, I think that Glace is a lovely shade. It doesn’t have as glossy of a look to it as yesterday’s swatch did, which I like a lot, because I am a matte girl at heart.

This lip crayon is especially nice, because the size of it doesn’t feel like a mini one at all, as opposed to the itty bitty lipstick from yesterday. It’s cool that a huge company like Sephora genuinely wants to pamper their costumers on their big day, because this crayon will definitely last for a good long while. But, then again, who am I to talk considering I’ve only finished one tube of lipstick in my entire life! :’D

Do you prefer matte or glossy lip colors? What is your favorite brand that Sephora carries? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun18

Bite Beauty Lipstick Swatch In Chai

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Bite Beauty Lipstick Swatch In Chai

Howdy everyone and happy Monday! I am really feeling my birthday treats from Sephora – a lipstick, lip crayon, and lip balm and scrub by Bite Beauty. I finally have gotten a chance to swatch them and am feeling it EVEN MORE! Take a looksee at Chai and then tune in tomorrow to see the swatch of the lip crayon in Glace!

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Aside from my initial first impression on this lipstick being gorgeous, my second one was that it smelled awesome! This lippie had a very minty smell to it, which is great because it looks pretty and freshens your breath. How can you refuse that sales pitch?!

In my initial article about my Sephora birthday gift, I mentioned how both this shade and the color I’m swatching tomorrow will look lovely on literally anyone, and I stand by that statement wholeheartedly. Chai has such a soft, dusty rose undertone to it, which works well with any skin tone, hair, or eye color. I like that Sephora really thinks about what will be the most inclusive shades for their birthday treats and completely knocks it out of the park each time.

This is my second year in a row getting a birthday prezzie from Sephora, and I am equally, if not more, satisfied with the Bite Beauty kit this time around. Chai is a perfect date night shade and can easily transition from work to play while still looking appropriate. This color is also suitable for all four seasons because it truly sits right in the middle of too dark and too light, making it an amazing shade all year round.

What has been your favorite birthday gift from Sephora? Who is a fan of Bite Beauty products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun17

24th Birthday Haul

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24th Birthday Haul

Hiiiii! Despite not being thrilled about turning the big 2-4, I did get to ring my birthday in with some super fun outings and beautiful presents from friends and family – like the following:

  1. Tickets to X-Fest from my parents: The best gift I’ve received in years. I got to spend an entire day in Pennsylvania with my sister enjoying the sunshine, drinks, and music of lovelytheband, Sir Sly, AWOLNATION, Cold War Kids, and Jack White. And did I mention that it was all from the view of the front row? It doesn’t get much better than that!

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2. An in theater showing of The Room and dinner with my sister: I have been trying to get Kristen to come see The Room with me at the Cedar Lee theater in Cleveland for literal years. And, for my birthday, she finally agreed to join me. We went to dinner at my favorite restaurant, Barrio, and were in hysterics the entire time at the movies. It was SO fun!

3. A boxed wine hang out and goodies from the BFF: My best friend, Lea, and I have been celebrating our birthdays together for ten years now, so we were definitely due for a hang out! I received wine, coffee grounds, a Starbucks gift card, and a new mug all while enjoying out boxed moscato together. It was all of my favorite things! And, we are going to plan a weekend trip in July to celebrate both of our summer birthdays – I can’t wait! :*)

4. Bath bombs galore from my sister and other BFF: The beautiful Kate of Ankhor You and my sister both treated me to some products from Lush, which was so incredibly kind because I normally don’t buy that type of stuff for myself. It was such a wonderful surprise to receive a package from my Gemini twin, Kate, in the mail and I was so touched by her generosity and how she knows exactly what I am going to like every time. I love you, darling! ❤

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5. Cash flow and gift cards from my brothers: My two older brothers, Peter and Andrew, played it simple and effective with some cash money and a gift card to TJMaxx. Obviously, it was just the right gift for their favorite shopaholic and it fit like a glove! 😉

6. Foley + Corinna purse from my mom: When it gets closer to my birthday, my mom will let me pick out something special for myself during one of our shopping trips together. This year, I chose a beautiful Foley + Corinna purse that I am completely in love with and have already got amazing use out of!

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Thank you so much to all of my amazing friends and family for their generosity and for making 24 start off with a bang! I love you all! ❤

What was your favorite gift that you received this year for your birthday? How do you like to celebrate your big day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah