Tag Archives: blessed

May11

Mystery Blogger Award #2

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Mystery Blogger Award #2

Hi everyone and happy Thursday! This post is compliments of my friend, Tiffany, over at Tiffy’s Wild World, who nominated me for my second Mystery Blogger Award! Her blog is a real treat so please make sure to check it out. 🙂 I always am so flattered whenever I get nominated for something, and I think that these award posts are so fun and such a great way to get to know our fellow bloggers a little bit better. I always jump at the opportunity to make these posts so a major thank you again to Tiffany for the nomination! Alright, let’s get to it:

The Rules:

  • Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
  • Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
  • Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
  • Answer the questions from the nominator
  • Nominate 10-20 people
  • Share a link to your best post(s)
  • Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
  • Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice

3 Fun Facts:

  1. My current favorite movie is The Eyes Of My Mother, which can be watched on Netflix. If you are a horror movie junkie, like myself, watch it and you’ll thank me later!
  2. I’m turning 23 very soon on June 7th and I am SO not excited.
  3. Prison TV shows are my favorite and Bea Smith from Wentworth is my red haired spirit animal.

Q & A:

What would your perfect date be? Hmm…Let’s see…Probably going ice skating and then to Taco Bell. It doesn’t take much to make me happy!

What is your favorite beauty hack? I’m not creative enough to come up with my own beauty hacks!!

When was your favorite birthday? Even though I don’t remember much of my 22nd birthday, I had a really great party and everyone told me after how much fun that they had! So, I’m guessing that I had fun, too!

When was the last time you went on holiday? Last October my family went to Asheville, North Carolina and I loved that. It’s such a cool area and the people and atmosphere are all wonderful.

If you could go and live anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why? Probably London or Paris. Preferably Paris, though, because fashion and I can perfect my French.

My Best Post:

Uhhhh…I don’t know. Lol, I literally don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it before.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. Who or what is your spirit animal?
  2. Is there a food or drink that you like that everyone else hates? (Everyone but me in my family hates Indian food! I friggen love it.)
  3. Where do you like to do your blogging at?
  4. How do you normally start your day?
  5. If you were a boy, do you know what your name would have been? (Mine would have been Matthew or Phillip.)

Muchos gracious again to the lovely Tiffany over at Tiffy’s Wild World for nominating me for my second Mystery Blogger Award! How would you answer some of Tiffany’s questions? How about some of mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May7

13 Reasons Why I’m Happy Challenge

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13 Reasons Why I’m Happy Challenge

Hey everyone and happy weekend! So my friend Charlie girl over at CharlieeStar tagged me in the 13 Reasons Why I’m Happy Challenge and I love these little awards and tags posts so I figured why not. Charlie is going to be featured during my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series so be on the look out for her! But until then, make sure to check out her wonderful blog! Okay, here we go. 13 Reasons Why I’m Happy in no particular order:

  1. I’m waiting for my pot of coffee to cool down to make some iced coffee and I’m really excited about it because I got a new creamer to try last night.
  2. I just walked my two rescue dogs, Gem and Ollie, with my mom and the weather in Ohio is actually acceptable to walk in, as it’s been raining here ALL WEEK.
  3. I’m talking to this really cute guy who’s coming up from North Carolina at the end of the month for my birthday.
  4. My mental health is finally in check, so that’s nice.
  5. There’s a Taco Bell within a mile of my home so that’s a blessing.
  6. I graduated college in December and I’m still happy about that!!
  7. I have a handful of really good friends who I love dearly. Quality over quantity and whatever.
  8. My family, obvs.
  9. All of the wonderful friends that I’ve made through lifewithlilred. I always get so happy every time I think about that!
  10. Bubble baths, face masks, and moscato.
  11. My background as a competitive figure skater has given me some rock solid legs and a sturdy gait that keeps me away from spine surgeons, which is also a blessing haha.
  12. Whenever I’m writing my talon nails click away on the keyboard and I love that.
  13. My personal style. I have a closet full of beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories. Wonderful makeup, bright red hair, long acrylic nails, piercings, and tattoos and I love it all.

Well that was fun! I thought that this list would be a bit harder to make but I actually feel like I could have kept going, which is a pleasant surprise. I’m not going to tag anyone in this because it’s more up to you if you want to participate in the 13 Reasons Why I’m Happy Challenge, but it was most enjoyable!

Thanks again to my Charlie girl for the tag, you’re a doll! What makes you happy? What bums you out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr13

To The Man At Oil Change Place

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To The Man At Oil Change Place

Okay, so if you’re following me on Facebook, then I’m sure you have seen some of my posts regarding Man At Oil Change Place – AKA, Don. This guy is awesome. He’s so funny and kind and his first words to me were “you could scratch my back from across the street with those nails” because of my long ass talons, lol. Not only is he someone who makes killing time at the auto body shop enjoyable, but he is also my windshield wiper guardian angel because he gave me free windshield wipers after I told him that my torn and old as dirt wipers were okay. He had them installed without me knowing and it was only when I was driving home in the rain that I realized what he did (and you better believe I called him to thank him!).

Anyways, my dad just got off the phone with the shop to schedule an oil change for my mom and apparently he spoke with Don. Their conversation went as follows:

  • Don: Is this Sarah with an H’s dad?
  • Dad: Yeah.
  • Don: You have some daughter.
  • Dad: Yeah, she’s something!

And I’m not sure why but as soon as my dad told me about this, I started to cry. The thing is, is that this man who works at the shop has literally only seen me looking a hot mess. The three times that I’ve been in the shop have been no makeup days and I essentially look like I’ve just rolled out of bed. So, to me, this means that this employee genuinely enjoys my company and conversation rather than just the way I look.

I know it sounds cocky, but sometimes I feel like the only reason why people even give me the time of day is because of my outer appearance. Sometimes, I feel like no one ever cares to get to know the actual person behind the red hair, red lips, talon nails, and piercings. So, to have someone compliment my father on who his daughter is as a person and not an object felt really good because that’s something that just never happens.

Don took what little information he knows about my life, job, etc. and pieced together that I was somebody worth getting to know even though he has never seen me looking dolled up before. He used our witty banter and chats that had nothing to do with anything, like trading in the waiting room Keurig for a margarita machine as grounds for reason that I’m an okay person. Like I said, this rarely happens and, for once, somebody gave me the time of day without any alterations to my outer appearance and they liked what they saw. I can’t get over how good this made me feel and all I want to do is drive to the shop and hug the guy and he would probably have no idea how happy his remarks made me feel.

Yes, it’s a little thing, but Don remembered me enough to point out to my dad that he has a cool daughter. And after the week that I’ve been having, I really really needed that. So, here’s to you, Don. Can’t wait to see you next time the Little Red Love Machine needs some work done! I LOVE YOU!

Has anyone ever had their day turned around by a kind word? What would you say to the person who helped make you feel better? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr11

Iced Coffee Obsession

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Iced Coffee Obsession

Hiii everyone and happy Tuesday! I hope everyone is having a fabulous week so far. So, if there’s one thing that a Lil Red loves, it’s her coffee! I’m a caffeine fiend, so a smooth, strong, hot cup of coffee is a must for me when I am working, lounging, doing nothing, and doing everything. I am a hot, black coffee drinker through and through and I will be a monkey’s uncle before I succumb to putting cream or sugar in my cup. But, when the warm weather hits, which has happened this past week in Ohio, my tastes change to absolutely craving a good cup of iced coffee.

One of my favorite things to treat myself with is an iced coffee from Starbucks. A venti iced coffee with cream and vanilla, to be exact! “But wait! I thought you don’t believe in cream in your coffee!” You might say? I DON’T. But, iced coffee is a totally different story. I hate iced, black coffee more than anything and I just need that little splash of cream to turn the beverage into a drinkable delight. So, yeah.

Anyways, it’s a rare occasion that I get Starbucks now that I don’t work at the mall, so I always really enjoy it when I get it. But as you all know, I am constantly balling on a budget and it’s not like I love spending three dollars for a drink that I could totally make at home. So, make it at home I did. I have been making my own iced coffee every day for the past week and it has been an absolutely delicious experience. My coffee concoction has tasted great every time, and not shelling out the dough for basically the exact same thing at Starbucks has been a freaking blessing, lol.

An iced coffee recipe may seem self explanatory, but mine has turned out really freaking good so I’m going to share it on here, anyways:

Sarah’s Iced Coffee Masterpiece

  • Make yourself the amount of coffee that you plan on drinking.
  • Once complete, let the coffee sit for about an hour so that it can cool.
  • Add 4 to 5 ice cubes to a glass and pour the now room temperature coffee over it.
  • Add a splash of flavor. I have been totally obsessed with Coffee Mate’s Natural Bliss Vanilla creamer.
  • Drink and enjoy!

If you aren’t hip to the Coffee Mate Natural Bliss creamer collection, then you need to get on it ASAP. It is the purest, richest vanilla creamer that I have ever tasted and it literally will transform your iced coffee. I do not say this lightly, because it makes my coffee creation taste one million times better than what I used to get at Starbucks. AND it costed like two dollars for a bottle, which is awesome!

My iced coffee revelation may seem like a simple thing, because it really is pretty simple. BUT, I am so excited that I’ve made myself something that 1) saves money and 2) doesn’t sacrifice the taste, just in time for the warm summer weather ahead! GO ME!!

So there you have it, my Iced Coffee Obsession! Who else makes their own coffee creations at home? What is your caffeine beverage of choice? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr1

Sunshine Blogger Award #2

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Sunshine Blogger Award #2

Hi everyone and happy weekend! I hope everyone is having a wonderful start to their day so far. A few days ago the beautiful Olita from Ola Masalska nominated yours truly for my second Sunshine Blogger Award. I am always so flattered when other bloggers nominate me for stuff and things and I definitely make it a point to try and make a post for all of my nominations. Olita has a charming little blog, which I’m sure all of you will enjoy as much as I do, so please check it out and give her page some love. Now, let’s look at the rules:

The Rules:

  • Thank the person(s) who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.
  • Answer the 11 questions sent by the person who nominated you.
  • Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
  • List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your post and/or on your blog.

Q & A:

What country do you live in right now?

I live in the United States.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

I love to read and take a nice long bubble bath when I feel like I need to unwind.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Where do you wish you will be?

Yikes, I don’t know. I’ll be twenty-seven and that is something that I’m so not looking forward to. Growing up sucks.

Favorite TV show?

Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Face Off.

Favorite actor/actress?

Uhmmm…I love Hillary Swank, Sandra Bullock, Natalie Portman, and Tilda Swinton. And for actors, I would have to say George Clooney, Johnny Depp, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

One thing you could not live without?

Asides from the obvious ones like family, friends, yada yada I could not live without my beloved blog and a really good moisturizer.

Favorite season?

I love the fall.

Favorite social media platform (besides WordPress)?

Facebook! Because it’s the only social media page that I have, lol.

Favorite artist (painter) if you have one?

I do not have a favorite artist. Shame on me!

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I hate saying this, but I check my phone, Facebook, and email.

What is you favorite thing about yourself? Don’t be shy! 😉

My pasty pale skin, fake red hair, my beloved talon acrylics, my personality, and my tattoos and piercings.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. What is your favorite store to shop at?
  2. Who is one of your role models?
  3. No makeup for a month or wearing the same outfit for a week?
  4. Favorite candy or sweet treat?
  5. What is a hidden talent of yours?
  6. What was your favorite childhood toy?
  7. What was your high school experience like?
  8. Favorite holiday?
  9. A piece of advice for those in the blogging community?
  10. What was the best date that you’ve ever been on?
  11. How about the worst?

Thank you so much again to Olita for nominating lifewithlilred for the Sunshine Blogger Award! You’re a doll! How would you answer some of the questions that Olita had for her nominees? How about some of my questions for mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar24

The Blue Sky Tag

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The Blue Sky Tag

Hiii everyone and TGIF! Earlier this week I was so happy to be nominated for The Blue Sky Tag by my friend Megan over at Megan Elizabeth Lifestyle. Over the years, lifewithlilred has been nominated for lots of awards and tags, but never this one so I am really excited! Everyone please make sure to check out Megan’s wonderful page and give it some love – I’m sure that all of you will enjoy it as much as I do. Now, let’s take a look at the rules:

The Rules:

  • Answer 11 questions given to you
  • Tag 11 people
  • Give 11 questions

Q & A:

Onesie or Dressing Gown?

Definitely a nightie or a cute matching pajama pants and top set. I’m so obsessed with PJs as of late but I will never EVER wear a onesie – I personally think that they’re a bit ridiculous!

Bath or Shower?

For practicality purposes a shower but if I want to relax and have some me time, then a nice warm bubble bath.

What song are you currently obsessed with? (Mine is Green Light by Lorde)

Uhmmmm…. I’ve fallen into an unfortunate pop punk circa my high school years phase and am loving the album Underdog Alma Mater by Forever The Sickest Kids. Particularly “My Worst Nightmare”.

If you could have any chocolate bar in the world what would it be?

Trader Joe’s has this AMAZING dark chocolate bar that has chili powder and pop rocks in it and I freaking love it. I could totally eat like ten of them lol.

You’re having dinner with a historical figure, who would it be?

Hmm… I’m not sure. Does Johnny Depp count? haha

Why do you like blogging?

I love to blog because of all of the amazing friends that I have made all over the world. Blogging has put me in touch with people who I don’t think I would have met otherwise and I am so thankful for that.

What is your favorite blog to read at the moment?

Too many to count!

Cozy night in or wild night out?

I like both. Like, last night one of my girlfriends came over and we just drank some wine and watched Wentworth and it was a blast. But I do love going out to the bars with my friends when I’m feeling saucy.

Where do you dream of visiting and why?

Europe! Specifically Paris so that I can perfect my French!

What is your go-to choice for brunch?

It depends on what I’m in the mood for. If I want breakfast food, then definitely some type of fritatta and hashbrowns. But if I want lunch, then I usually go for some type of vegetarian friendly sandwich or a grilled cheese.

In your opinion, what is the best sitcom? (Friends, I’m not biased or anything!)

Seinfeld, of course!

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions:

  1. What is your favorite topic to write about?
  2. What was your high school experience like?
  3. What was your favorite toy as a child?
  4. Heels or flats?
  5. Which beauty product could you not like without?
  6. What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time?
  7. Texting or phone calls?
  8. What is your favorite restaurant to eat at?
  9. What is one of your goals for this year?
  10. What qualities do you look for in a friend?
  11. What would you and your crush or significant other do on a dream date?

Thank you so much again to Megan for nominating little old me for The Blue Sky Tag! How would you answer some of the questions that Megan asked her nominees? How about some of mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar18

Reader Map Update

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Reader Map Update

Hiiii everyone and happy weekend! So yesterday I was hanging out and listening to a little I’m From Barcelona and their song “Collection Of Stamps” came on. This song, a little ditty that gives an ode to friends and locations world wide reminded me that it’s been a while since I posted an updated reader map picture. So first, take a listen. And then, take a look!

(As always, I have no rights to this song. I just like it a lot.)

mapp.jpeg

I started making my reader map once I had a little over forty countries reading me with the pure intention of keeping track of them all. But now, with over one hundred and seventy different countries that are hip to lifewithlilred, this map serves as so much more than a location tracker. This little project that I began gives me such an immense feeling of pride every time I look at it – which is frequently, considering it’s located in my bedroom!

To know that the page that little old me started two and a half years ago is reaching locations that I never even knew existed completely blows my mind. This map has also made me SO much better at the geography questions on Jeopardy, which is a really nice added bonus! As soon as “Collection Of Stamps” came on, it made me think of all of my wonderful readers, friends, and followers in the blogging community and I just knew that I had to send a shout out to them in an Updated Reader Map post.

Thank you all so, so much for stopping by my page. If it’s as a one time reader or a loyal follower, I appreciate it far more than you know. Many well wishes and a ton of love to each and every one of you!

What country on my reader map would you like to visit some day? Where are you located? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb27

Liebster Award #7

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Liebster Award #7

Hii everyone and happy Monday! Yesterday, I was nominated by the darling Lindsay at Lindsay Rose for my lucky number seventh Liebster Award! It was such a lovely little surprise because it’s no secret that I love doing these award posts. Please make sure to give Lindsay’s page some love because it’s a real gem! Thank you again, beautiful! Now, let’s get to the rules:

The Rules:

  • Thank the person who nominated you and link back to his/her blog.
  • Copy and paste the Liebster Award badge to your post.
  • Answer the questions the person who nominated you asked.
  • List some fun facts about yourself.
  • Create ten new questions for the bloggers you are nominating.
  • Notify the bloggers that you have nominated by leaving a comment on their blog.

Q & A:

1. What country do you live in?

I live in the USA.

2. How old are you?

I am 22.

3. Why did you start blogging?

Because enough people told me that I should so I rolled my eyes and said “fine”!!

4. If you had 3 wishes, what would you do?

If I told you, they wouldn’t come true!

5. Describe your personality in three words.

Caring, exuberant, unique.

6. What does success mean to you?

Doing what you love for a living.

7. What is your pet peeve?

Uhmmmm…I really hate when people make the quotes from memes their Facebook statuses and everyone thinks that it’s really funny but it was the meme that was funny, not the person. #petty hahaha

8. What are you fearful of?

I hate spiders, bridges make me wary, and cats.

9. You’re on a desert island and can take two items what would you choose?

A lawn chair and a bottle of rum!

10. Can you drive?

Yep, I drive a red 2012 Mazda 2 hatchback and it’s basically the love of my life.

11. What is your favorite feature of yourself?

My hair, of course!

Fun Facts:

  • I love all things horror! Books, movies, haunted houses. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is my fave and I currently love all things Jack Ketchum.
  • I read every night and am working on rereading Joanne Harris’s Gentlemen & Players.
  • I have very long, sharp acrylic nails that I love and only wear black nail polish with an accent color on my pointer fingers.
  • I love piercings and tattoos and am always looking to add to my collection.
  • I’ve been a vegetarian for very well over ten years now and couldn’t imagine a different lifestyle.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. What is your favorite junk food?
  2. What was your favorite childhood toy?
  3. Would you rather wear no makeup for a month or the same outfit for a week?
  4. What is something that you are proud of?
  5. What is one goal that you have for your future?
  6. What is your favorite store to shop at?
  7. How would you describe your look?
  8. Do you have any weird or hidden talents?
  9. What is your favorite color to wear?
  10. What characteristics do you look for in a friend?

Lots of love to Lindsay for the nomination for my seventh Liebster Award! You’re a doll. How would you answer some of Lindsay’s questions? How about some of mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb22

Blogger Recognition Award #3

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Blogger Recognition Award #3

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! My beautiful blogging BFF, Nida, from Shopaholic Blogs was kind enough to nominate lifewithlilred for its third Blogger Recognition Award! Nida is one of my dearest blogging friends and has been featured on my page quite often. You can see her most recent work in a spring themed OOTD for my Think Spring guest bloggers series. I absolutely adore Nida and I know that all of you will too, so make sure to check out her page and give it some love! Now, for the rules:

The Rules:

Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
Write a post to show your award.
Give a brief story of how your blog started.
Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers.
Select 15 other bloggers you want to give this award to.
Comment on each blog and let them know you have nominated them and provide the link to the post you created.

Because lifewithlilred has already completed this award, as seen here, I am just going to move right along to my nominations. Definitely check out the original post if you are interested in reading about the birth of my blog baby, though!

My Nominees (I am only doing three!):

Thank you again to the lovely Nida for the nomination! Love you! How did you start your blog? Who is enjoying a marg today for National Margarita Day (ME!)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb1

Mystery Blogger Award

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Mystery Blogger Award

Another award?! Ahhhh! Thank you so much to the darling Juli for nominating me for the Mystery Blogger Award. What a fabulous surprise to wake up to two awards this morning! Juli’s page at Blonde’s Tea is a wonderful blog to get lost in so definitely take a look and give her some love. And also, shout out to Enigma who is the creator of this award! OKAY, let’s see the rules:

The Rules:

  • Display the award logo on your blog.
  • List the rules.
  • Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
  • Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well.
  • Tell your readers three things about yourself.
  • Answer five questions from the nominee.
  • Nominate anywhere from ten to twenty bloggers.
  • Notify the bloggers by leaving a comment on their blog.
  • Ask your nominees any five questions of your choice, including one weird or funny question.
  • Share the link to your best post.

Three Facts About Me:

  1.  Whenever I am working on the ol’ blog, my sweet little pup named Ollie always sits at my feet and it’s basically the cutest thing ever. My other dog, Gem, could care less.
  2.  I really would love to get a pet dwarf rabbit named Floppy. The only requirements is that it’s a female and that she’s black like my soul.
  3.  Taco Bell and getting my nails done are my two vices. I couldn’t live without my acrylics and my burritos! ❤

Q & A:

Favorite place you’ve visited?

Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. I’ve been there twice and constantly think about going there again! Harry Potter World is my favorite place to be!

A place you’d love to visit?

Europe, Europe, and oh yeah – Europe.

Your dream job?

It sounds silly, but I would love to be a fashion model! Ugh, the clothes, the lifestyle, everything about it just sounds like a dream to me.

If you could have 3 wishes, what would you wish? (more or infinite wishes is not an answer)

If I told you, my wishes wouldn’t come true.

Something you can’t live without?

My beloved car!! I work multiple jobs which all consist of driving so I would be nowhere (literally) without the Little Red Love Machine.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. Would you rather wear the same outfit for two weeks or no makeup for a month?
  2.  What is something that you have accomplished that you are proud of?
  3.  What is your favorite junk food to snack on?
  4.  How long have you been blogging?
  5.  If you had a gift card filled with one thousand dollars, what are some things that you would buy with it?

Thank you so much again to the darling Juli for the nomination! You’re a doll! How would you answer some of Juli’s questions? How about mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah