Tag Archives: blessed

Oct24

Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Black Crop Top Edition

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Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Black Crop Top Edition

Howdy! An article of clothing that I don’t think I give enough credit to is my beloved black crop top from Target. I have had this little number for a handful of years and I honestly can’t even tell you the amount of times that I’ve worn it. I do know that for the ten dollar price, my cost per wear is probably down to fractions of a cent! From its perfect cut and soft material to its versatility in styling literally any outfit, my black crop top is definitely an Unsung Wardrobe Hero.

 

 

 

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^^^ See the full OOTD posts from these shoots here and here!

This past summer, I have sported my crop top often simply by pairing it with jean shorts and loads of jewelry for a quick work outfit or with a pleated faux leather skirt for something more dressy seen below:

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^^^ Peep me and my boyfriend looking mighty cute!

During the summer, it’s easy to slack on your outfits – believe me, I get it. It was unbearably hot in Ohio this year, with days in the high eighties and nineties more often than not. And, for those of you who don’t know, Lil Red does not function well in extreme heat. I sweat like nobody’s business, I get fatigued, and downright cranky. Despite the major discomfort, still staying fashion forward and slaying the streets was important to me.

My black crop top allowed me to stay cool and comfortable without showing too much skin and for that, I am thankful. Looking like a blogger when I go out is a high priority for me and the fact that I could wear this shirt dressed up or down kept the possibilities endless all summer long. And, it doesn’t just stop there because there is nothing better than a crop top under an oversized blazer come fall, which I have already been rocking heavily compliments of the cooler weather.

It’s easy to hold your more expensive or flashy pieces in a higher regard than your basic staples and that just doesn’t fly with me. Sure, I love my bling, bags, and shoes but I also appreciate the many OOTDs that my black crop top has allowed me to style throughout the years and I definitely consider it one of my wardrobe staples. So, here’s to you, my darling Target crop top and thank you for continuing to serve me well! ❤

What is one of your Unsung Wardrobe Heroes? Which piece in your closet do you think you wear the most? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct12

And In Conclusion…

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And In Conclusion…

Hello everyone! So I definitely laid some scary news on you all yesterday and I’m sorry for it but, oh my god, it was crazy. One of the things that I pride myself on as a blogger is not sugar coating anything. From my ongoing issues with mental health to everything in between, I try to keep it 100% real with all of you because, if not, then what’s the point?

I am so grateful to have been able to walk out of a severe car crash with the injuries that I had, which seem minor in comparison to breaking a bone, a bleeding cut, or worse. My boyfriend and I are both doing much better now but I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that it didn’t suck on ice. One person’s poor decision when it came to driving effected SIX other cars, people, and families. And, not only that, but he also had another major wreck at his own fault two years prior.

It honestly makes you wonder how that person ended up with his license in the first place, when he only seemed to leave destruction in his path. People could have been killed and, after the wreck, he still seemed unfazed – which is scary. I can only hope that the people in my neck of the woods are spared from having him on the road again and all I can do is urge all of you to be careful when you get behind the wheel. Not just careful for yourself but for all of the others around you, as well.

I always say when I’m in the car with my clients and they ask me if I’m afraid to drive that I’m never worried about my ability to drive, but for everyone else around me. And that definitely rang true the day of the accident. I am completely confident in my boyfriend’s ability to drive but that also didn’t prevent someone from getting into our lane and hitting us head on. So, all I can say is – be aware of your surroundings, wear your seat belts, and always be thankful when you make it to your destination safely.

What is something that you’re afraid of? How did you deal with a car accident if you’ve ever been in one? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun24

Crystal Collection

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Crystal Collection

Hi! When moving into my new apartment, my family and the families of the clients that I work with were so generous in the different ways that they helped. From moving furniture, helping me select apartment necessities, and words of encouragement, my move was definitely a group effort. And, some donations of goods that were no longer needed to the Lil Red Foundation certainly helped, too!

While a client’s family was cleaning through their garage, they offered me all of the crystal glassware that I will ever need. From wine glasses to mugs and drinking cups as well as the gorgeous pieces below, I think that I am all set! Check it out:

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I love my job so much because I have become extremely close with quite a few of the families that I work with. And, being considered part of the family as opposed to the provider for their son or daughter with special needs is an honor that I don’t take lightly. Because of this family mindset that has formed thanks to the over year and a half that I have been working with some of them, an eagerness to help out from my families was displayed.

Of course, their services were something that I would never ask for but were insisted upon me and that kindness meant so much. I am so in love with all of the pieces in my crystal collection but, mainly, am enamored with the huge punch bowl with hanging glasses! I am so excited to create some type of tasty sangria to fill it with and serve at my next get together. The bowl set feels vintage and oh so chic and I am really looking forward to using it.

And, the set of four chunky crystal pieces are beautiful, too. And, once I get the lovely pair of curio cabinets that one of my client’s families was going to tote off to the Goodwill, I will be displaying them on one of the shelves. Can’t wait!

Do you have a crystal or China collection? How do you store or display your glassware? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun5

Liebster Award #19

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Liebster Award #19

Hiii! This past week, lifewithlilred was nominated for its nineteenth Liebster Award by my darling friend, Carlie, over at Carlie’s Art World. Carlie is an absolute doll and one of my dearest blogging friends and I cannot recommend her page enough. Her artwork and OOTDs are amazing and I know all of you will love it just as much as I do! Now, let’s get on to the rules for this award:

The Rules:

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you.
  •  Display your award.
  •  Answer the questions you were asked by the blogger who nominated you.
  •  Nominate 5 other bloggers.
  •  Ask 6 new questions for your nominees to answer.
  •  Let your nominees know they were nominated and give them a link to your post.

Q & A:

What made you want to start a blog?

I honestly didn’t even want to start a blog but so many people told me that they loved my style and that I’m funny and if I started a blog that they would read it. So, when I began college, I started my page and I was hooked! And, I still am almost five years later.

What is your favorite horror movie? 

The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre and I love the French film Ils.

Do you have any pets?

I, sadly, do not have any pets at my apartment. But, I have two beloved rescue pups at my family home, Gem and Ollie. Both of them are actually quite sick right now so please send some love their way!

Do you collect anything? If so, what do you collect?

Shoes, shoes, shoes, purses, jewelry, clothing, shoes.

What’s your favorite place to vacation?

Asheville, North Carolina.

If you could live anywhere, where would you be?

Paris! I speak French, so hopefully I would fit right in!

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
  2. Are you going on any summer vacations?
  3. How do you stay cool in the warm weather?
  4. What is your favorite Popsicle flavor?
  5. What was the last movie you saw in theaters?
  6. What is one of your goals for the rest of 2019?

How would you answer some of Carlie’s questions 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

Mar15

BTW: I’M AN AUNT!!!!!

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BTW: I’M AN AUNT!!!!!

Hello!!!! As you might have inferred from the vague title of this post… I’M AN AUNT!!! My precious niece, Valerie Jane, was born on March 7th weighing five pounds and five ounces. My sister, Kristen, and her boyfriend, Ramon, are so happy to welcome their little girl whose namesake is derived from both of their beautiful mothers. I am the proudest TT on the planet and I am so obsessed with Valerie I just can’t stand it. Did I mention she’s cute? Cause she’s so freaking cute. The proof is in the pictures:

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Le sigh… she’s so perfect. The cutest button nose, her full head of black hair (Just like her mom had when she was born!), and the most darling little baby sneezes you’ve ever heard, I just can’t get enough of my niece. Every time I see her, I fall more in love and whenever I’m not with her, I am thinking about when I can hold her again. I am so honored to be an aunt to the tiniest princess and can’t wait to watch her continue to blossom every day. TT Sarah loves you, sweet Valerie!

Who else is a member of the cool aunt or uncle club? How about a member of the new parent club? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov22

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello everyone and a Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Thanksgiving is one of my most loved holidays, because it revolves around food and family, which are my two favorite things in the world. There is nothing like having friends and family over to share in a beautiful meal and just enjoy each other’s company, and I feel like that is what this day is all about.

Today, I am looking forward to cooking up some deliciousness in the kitchen with my mom and sister. I love to cook, and it is so fun and rewarding to be able to make a meal that everyone looks forward to year round (At least, I do!). I hope that however you spend your day today brings you a lot of joy, good food, and wonderful company.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? How are you going to spend your day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep24

Auntie Announcement!

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Auntie Announcement!

Hey everyone and happy Monday! As you can tell by the post title, I’M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!! That’s right! My sister, Kristen, and her long term boyfriend, Ramon, are with child and we are all so excited. The baby is due on March 22nd, which just so happens to be my mom’s birthday! Kristen and the bambino are doing awesome, according to the doctor at her twelve week ultrasound and we got to see a picture of the wee babe. LOOK AT IT!!!!

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Baby! :*) ❤

I dare say that no one is more excited about the baby than me, because I finally get to be an auntie! And, trust and believe, I am going to be the funnest, coolest one on the planet. Your auntie loves you, Baby Big Head! ❤

Are you an aunt or uncle? What is your favorite thing about having nieces and nephews? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Vimeo

Sep22

Sweet Surprises

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Sweet Surprises

Hello! I was so touched this past week because, upon one of my coworker’s return home from a trip to Arizona, she surprised me with a lovely souvenir. I was absolutely tickled that she thought of me during her travels, and it was such a wonderful reminder of how thankful I am for her friendship. Check it out:

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This beautiful teal lounger will make the perfect, breezy option for a variety of occasions. A lazy day at home, a pretty cover up at the pool, or belted with heels for a chic boho look. The color of my new dress makes me so happy, because it reminds me of my college color, Tri-C Teal! And, it makes me even happier to know that a beloved friend cares about me enough to pick me up a little something something while she’s away.

Surprises are an amazing way to show the ones that you love how much they mean to you. From a pop in visit to a homemade treat or a new dress, never pass up on the opportunity to show some love to your friends and family! ❤

How do you like to surprise your loved ones? What is the best surprise that you have ever received? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep16

Four Year Blogiversary?!

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Four Year Blogiversary?!

HOLY MOLEY!!!! According to WordPress, I have had lifewithlilred up and running for four years as of the thirteenth of September and I had no idea! It feels like just yesterday that I started my blog as I prepared to start college and, now, here we are four years later and still going strong. I am so proud of my dedication to keeping my page afloat for four whole years. That’s almost a half a decade of fabulousness and I’m so thankful for having such a wonderful group of readers to share that with.

Blogging can sometimes be a thankless job, but the friends that I have made and the businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with make it all worthwhile. There is nothing like a blogiversary to give you a swift kick in the booty to keep up the good work and my motivation is sky high right now. Here’s to another four years of lifewithlilred and I’m looking forward to sharing it with all of you! Much love. -Sarah

Sep13

Sunshine Blogger Award #7

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Sunshine Blogger Award #7

Hello!! This past weekend, I was so excited for lifewithlilred to be nominated for its seventh Sunshine Blogger Award by my friend, Tiffy, at The Life Of Tiffy. Tiffy runs a wonderful lifestyle blog that covers everything from product reviews and fitness to everything in between. It’s a real treat, so do be sure to check it out and give it some love! Now, on to the rules for this award:

The Rules:

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you in the post and link to their blog
  • Answer the 11 questions asked of you
  • List the rules and include the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post
  • Write a new list of 11 questions for your nominees
  • Nominate 11 bloggers for the Sunshine Blogger Award

Q & A:

If you could not blog, what would you do? I guess if I was technologically challenged, I would journal. I kept a journal all throughout high school until the time I was twenty or so. If lifewithlilred didn’t exist, it would be back to the ol’ pen and paper.

Dream holiday destination and why? Paris! Because shopping, finally putting speaking French to good use, and getting lost in the city.

You’re on a desert island. What three things would you have with you? I feel like people normally go with the obvious things like a boat or a cell phone. So, I’m going to go with more minimal and say a lighter to start a fire, a pot to boil water, and a supply of vegetarian friendly food so I don’t have to hurt an animal.

Cats or dogs? Or neither? Dogs! Dogs, dogs, dogs. But, my sister and her boyfriend and my boyfriend both have cats and they’re not the worst thing ever. 😉

Favorite way for you to destress after a long day? Taking a bath with a Lush bath bomb and watching a movie before going to bed early.

Favorite thing to do on a first date? Coffee dates are always good!

The one product I could not live without is… A really good moisturizer. Skin care always comes first for me.

Who is your inspiration in life? Basically everyone who I choose to interact with inspires me in some way shape or form.

You find out your grandmother has a secret fortune, and you inherit a large sum of money. First thing you would do? Find good homes for all of the animals in shelters.

Who would you form a band with? 4 extra members max. Jack White, Marilyn Manson, and Bono.

Favorite Disney film, classic and modern? Beauty & The Beast and then I’m not really sure of the modern ones because I’ve never watched them.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. Describe a perfect day off from work.
  2. Do you have any traditions that are special to your family?
  3. What is your favorite board game?
  4. What was your favorite childhood toy?
  5. What is your go to accessory?
  6. What are your favorite things to do in the fall?
  7. Text messages or phone calls?
  8. Do you have any hidden or weird talents?
  9. Who is a celebrity that you can’t stand?
  10. What are your goals for your blog?
  11. Who do you go to when you need advice?

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