Tag Archives: blue

Mar12

New Shimmer Ocean Blue & Glitter Pink Nails

Posted on March 12, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Hello!!! This past Wednesday, I spent a lovely morning before work being pampered with a fill at Elysian Nails. I was bummed because I couldn’t get an appointment with my usual tech, but it honestly ended up working just as well. The tech that did my nails was SO fast and I ended up making it to work early instead of fifteen minutes late like I had originally planned. Normally, I crave extra time at the salon but, in this case, everything was coming up Lil Red! Check out this fill that was completed in forty-five minutes:

As I made my way to Elysian Nails, I struggled to come up with a color combination that spoke to me. So, I decided to let fate decide and left it up to whatever struck my fancy first at the nail polish wall. After a quick once over, my eyes locked in on the bottle of the shimmery ocean blue polish and decided to go for it. It looked so pretty in the bottle and the color reminded me of mermaids! With the mermaid motif in mind, I selected the glittery pink for my second color and waited for my appointment to start.

The tech who did my nails has been at Elysian for forever, but he was new to me. It was freaking amazing to watch him work because he was both fast and efficient but the quality of my nails was still on par if not better than someone who took their time. I admit that I was a bit nervous to have him do my nails because I don’t trust just anyone with my claws. However, my mind was quickly put at ease because he wouldn’t be at the salon if he wasn’t excellent. As we settled into our comfortable silence, I was able to relax and get my HGTV on but before I knew it, he was already done!

I love how my nails turned out and I can’t stop looking at them to save my own life! The shape is perfect and the colors are so playful in the light. Of course, the flash of blingy glitter from the pink is always fun, but I am obsessed with the ocean blue. In just the right lighting it looks emerald green and no matter what color you see it as, it is still gorgeous! 😀

I would happily see the tech who did my nails again and it is good to know that there is another option if my usual gals are booked up. This was definitely another successful trip to Elysian in the books!

What color of nail polish are you rocking? Do you prefer gel, dip, or regular polish? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan15

New Light Blue & Tangerine Nails

Posted on January 15, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!!! This past week, my talons were in desperate need of a fill. They were grown out and one was lifting badly, which was perfectly awful. Unfortunately, my normal salon was closed for their holiday break when the lifting incident occurred so I enlisted the help of my tech for a salon she recommends. Then, she said exactly what I hoped she would: She would come to my apartment and do them for me! What. An. ANGEL. There was nothing better than getting my nails done in my own home and I seriously felt like a celebrity – it was amazing!! Check out my new and improved claws:

My tech, admittedly, didn’t have as expansive as a nail polish selection as the salon but when she sent me my choices the light blue and tangerine orange instantly stuck out to me. I love bright blue and orange together and it makes me think of a day at the beach. However, the softer hues of these polishes make it feel appropriate to start thinking spring with and it’s a nice change of pace from the typical darker shades for winter.

I have never had any type of salon service done at my home that wasn’t something I was capable of doing by myself. It was seriously one of the best experiences to be able to relax, girl talk, and hang out without being surrounded by other salon goers. If you have the opportunity for your nails, hair, etc. to be done at your place, then I can’t recommend it enough. I always feel pampered after a trip to the salon but this took it to a whole new level. Plus, it made my apartment smell like a nail salon and it was, honestly, freaking awesome lol.

An afternoon at my apartment salon was just what I needed and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The constant applying of nail glue to my lifted nail was getting so annoying. My nails look amazing and I am so thankful to my tech for working her magic!

Do you have a good relationship with your nail tech or hair stylist? Have you ever had a salon treatment at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug15

New Cobalt Blue & Hot Pink Nails

Posted on August 15, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! I was wayyy overdue for a fill at Elysian Nails because of my uber busy work schedule and was so happy to have some pampering time this past week. While I was excited to go, I can’t say I was thrilled because my absolute favorite nail tech I’ve ever had no longer works there. I miss her and our fabulous convos immensely, however, I am very happy with the end results from a tech I have never worked with before. Check it out:

Prior to getting my nails done, I always try and think of the color combination that I would like so that I’m not standing at the nail polish wall for ten minutes straight! For some reason, all I could think about was the commercials for the Malibu Barbie play sets with her hot pink car driving past the ocean. So, despite having turquoise nails last time around, hot pink and cobalt blue it was.

These nails just scream fun in the sun to me and I could sure use it as it has been super stormy in my neck of the woods. When I look at my nails, I am taken back to lounging in the pool and soaking up some rays even when it is thunder storming like crazy!

I sure wish that my go to gal was the one doing this fill because one of my favorite things about going to the salon is the girl talk. All of the nail techs at Elysian are crazy talented, though, so I always know that I am in good hands no matter what. ❤

What color of nail polish do you have on? Which colors remind you of summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb18

New Slate Grey & Denim Blue Nails

Posted on February 18, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! For Valentine’s Day, I just had to treat myself to a fill for my talons even though it was a bit earlier than my four week mark between appointments. I had an insanely busy week and the fact that I could get pampered at the end of it definitely helped get me through the long work days. My go to girl at Elysian Nails was unavailable, however, another of my favorite techs was able to fit me in and it was so nice to catch up. She also did a fabulous job on my claws! Check it out:

Normally, it takes me a fairly long time to pick out the perfect color combination for my nails. This time, though, I walked up to the polish station and my eyes immediately locked on a bottle of rich denim blue by OPI. I was in love and decided to go with a slate grey because of its blue undertones to enhance the beautiful blue even more. I am particularly fond of the shade of slate grey that I picked out and have used similar colors before but this one is definitely my favorite! I also love the fact that, in certain lighting, the denim blue looks black – it’s like having two different polish colors in one. 😀

I knew I was in good hands with my nail tech and we spent my entire time at the salon gabbing away about quarantine life, our favorite TV shows, and the traditions of Lunar New Year, which my tech was kind enough to teach me about. I also happened to get my fill on my favorite day at Elysian Nails: Throwback Thursday! They play the best hits of the late 90s and early 2000s all day and every time a new song would come on, we would both reminisce on how it was our jam. And apparently still is now!

Elysian Nails is, hands down, the best salon that I have ever been to. The nail techs are so incredibly talented and I enjoy getting to know each of them. The atmosphere created in the salon is not only fun with the great music and constant chit chat but I also feel safe when I go there because of their dedication to following COVID-19 regulations and then some. Whenever I go there, I not only get to be pampered like a queen but I get to see all of the techs and the owners who I am lucky enough to consider friends now. ❤

What is your nail salon like? What color of nail polish are you rocking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug9

If The Shoe Fits: Marc Fisher Heeled Boots Edition

Posted on August 9, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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If The Shoe Fits: Marc Fisher Heeled Boots Edition

Hi there and welcome to the newest edition of If The Shoe Fits! It has been a tragically long time since I did any type of shopping that wasn’t for necessities. In fact, my last in store TJMaxx shopping trip was all the way back in February. Shocking, I know, but what’s the point of buying new clothes if literally no one is going to see you in it cause COVID lol.

Every once in a while I would scroll through TJMaxx’s website but nothing jumped out at me and I was worried about the hassle of returning unwanted items. I would online window shop once or twice a month and, since February, there has not been one single item that I deemed worth buying. Until I saw these gorgeous admiral blue boots by Marc Fisher, that is! Check em’ out:

Since my birthday, I have had a TJMaxx gift card burning a hole in my pocket and I was so happy to finally find something truly worth spending it on. As I browsed through the TJ’s website, I legit clutched my pearls when these boots popped up on the screen. They immediately went into my shopping cart and I have not looked back since. It’s not every day you find a pair of blue knee high, heeled boots and in a crocodile pattern to boot! Ba dum chhhh.

Anyways, everything about my new Marc Fisher boots is perfect to me. They are just so unique and I have seriously never seen anything like them before, which makes them all the more appealing. Were they a necessary purchase amidst the coronavirus pandemic? My answer is: Absolutely because mama needed a treat! It has been so long since I had a treat yoself purchase and it felt like giving myself a big hug when my boots finally arrived in the mail. Now, here’s to hoping I’ll find at least somewhere to wear them to this year. 😀

How have your shopping habits changed since the coronavirus? What was your last treat yoself buy? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec17

New Dove Grey & Tiffany Blue Nails

Posted on December 17, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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Hellooo everyone! With the holidays approaching, mama needed to get her nails right so I took myself to Elysian Nails after work on Friday for some pampering. As always, being able to sit back and get my talons pretty while girl talking with my favorite team of nail techs was just what the doctor ordered after a long work week. I am so in love with my latest color combination and am back to feeling 100% sassy fabulous after some much needed TLC to the claws. Check it out:

I have wanted to do my nails with this palette for a long time and finally found the perfect shades at Elysian to do it with. The soft, dove grey looks so charming against the more vibrant Tiffany blue and it definitely serves icicle fierceness during the cold month of December. I don’t think that I would ever go full on red and green during the holidays but this combo felt appropriate and still oh so cool during the festive season.

I would never say that I’m someone overly concerned about brand names but, what girl hasn’t fantasized over receiving that statement blue box from Tiffany’s with something sparkly inside? A girl can dream! For now, though, I’ll be okay with just glancing down at my claws and seeing a color that makes me smile!

What color of polish do you have on? How do you sport holiday nails? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun21

Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Goldrush Edition

Posted on June 21, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Goldrush Edition

Hellooo everyone! This past week, I enjoyed taking a soak with a bath bomb from Lush called Goldrush. Giving the ultimate mermaid experience with gorgeous turquoise water and glitter for dayz, this bath bomb was a definite hit. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

Although Goldrush was small, it was a mighty little bath bomb. The blue power ball was really pigmented, which I was so happy about. Sometimes the smaller bath bombs just tint the water and that’s always disappointing. About halfway through the bomb fizzing out, the glitter started coming from the core and it just didn’t stop! It made for a bath that was perfectly lux and oh so pampering.

Goldrush was a very solid bath bomb overall and it would be a great one to gift to someone or just for yourself! I give it a 7.5 out of 10.

Do you prefer bath bombs or bubble bath? What is your favorite color for your bath water? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: Special thanks to Kate from Live In The Nautical for this treat! ❤

PPS: Sorry this post is a bit lackluster – I am writing it with a horrible hangover. #justbeinghonest #whoops

Mar3

Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

Posted on March 3, 2018 by lifewithlilred

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Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

Howdy! Does anyone have an accessory that they wear every day? Maybe it’s your favorite bracelet, the earrings that you never take out, or the anklet that’s too difficult to bother taking off. I actually have four bracelets that I wear every day, compliments of my beloved mom and the beautiful Kate of Ankhor You.

Back in October, you might remember that I spent some time in New York City for the first annual Bloggers Conference between me and Kate. Once I was there, it was fabulous. But, I’ll tell ya what, getting there was a bit of a struggle. I had never traveled alone before and, needless to say, I was freaking the fuck out lol. But, in true mom fashion, my darling JANE always knew just what to say and do to calm me down. She let me pick out one of her pieces of jewelry so it was like she was with me on the trip. It was

SO SWEET

And I ended up selecting the following bracelet set from my mom:

By the time I arrived home from my NYC extravaganza, I was too attached to the bracelets to give them back and asked my mom if I could keep them. Obviously, she said yes, because I have been wearing them every day since my trip. The bracelets are kind of falling apart now and beads are falling off. But, I plan on wearing them until every single bead is gone. ❤

These bracelets are old, blue, and technically borrowed – so what’s the new one? This here Alex and Ani bracelet from the beautiful Kate, of course:

This gorgeous Harry Potter themed bracelet was a Christmas surprise from Kate, and I have been wearing it every day since it arrived in the mail. This is my first Alex And Ani bracelet and it couldn’t be more perfect. The theme, the sentiment behind it, the element of surprise from a package in the mail from NYC. I get emotional just thinking about it!!! :*)

When these bracelets combine, I have something old, new, borrowed, and blue and my day wouldn’t feel complete without having them on my wrist. So special thanks to my mom and my darling Kate for gifting me with something that makes me smile every day. I LOVE YOU!!! ❤

Do you own anything that fits the old, new, borrowed, and blue guidelines? Do you have a piece of jewelry that you wear daily or don’t take off? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep7

4 Reasons Why Blue Is The Most Soothing Color For Interior Decor

Posted on September 7, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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4 Reasons Why Blue Is The Most Soothing Color For Interior Decor

Some colors are naturally overwhelming to your senses, but blue somehow promotes calm because most people associate blue with something good in their life. There are varying shades of blue and none of them have been noted to give you a headache from exposure. Whereas, too-bright colors, like lemon yellow or neon green, have been known to cause migraines if viewed in large doses.

Blue is a color that is widely associated as soothing and these are the top four reasons why. Incorporate various shades of blue into your decor and get your calm on!

Blue Goes with Nearly Everything in Your Home Decor:

Like your favorite pair of denim jeans that goes with everything in your wardrobe, other shades of blue go with nearly everything in your home decor. You can pick a single shade of blue, then plan an entire room around it. For example, if you deck the walls in cobalt blue, you can add touches of silver in vases, pillows, and frames, to represent the night sky directly after a sunset. Fairy lights optional!

There are Dozens of Shades of Blue:

You could count off two handfuls of blue shades and still not be done naming all of the different kinds of blue. There are dozens to choose from; ergo, you get more to work with when designing your interiors. And who doesn’t love options?! You could wind up with four or five different shades of a similar color just because it makes you feel calm and positive, and your room will look positively fabulous.

Blue is Associated with Good Things in Nature:

From the beautiful blues of the oceans, to the blues of summer skies or velvety nights, the color is often associated with the beauties of nature. And you can design your home with these shades of blue, using nature as your inspiration. When designing a room around your favorite nature scene, use a blue hue as the backdrop, then add onto your palette with other colors from the same scene. For instance, if you love the cerulean of a rainbow, throw in red, yellow, orange, and purple accents around the room to complete the prism look.

Often Times, Blue is Associated with Favorite Scents:

You would be surprised, but most people associate their favorite colors with their favorites scents. When someone closes their eyes and sees green, they might envision forests, fresh-cut grass, and raindrops on flowers. Whereas, when people think of blue, they imagine sea breezes, brisk summer rains, and cold winter nights. From the palest blues to the deepest indigos, the color blue inspires a scent that is as crisp and refreshing as a huge intake of clean, mountain air.

Blue is soothing because it simply is. There are different reasons for different people, but it’s no wonder why it’s such a popular color for home decor. Some people have a natural knack for interior design and choosing colors that “work”. But if that is so not you, you can always pay an hourly rate for the advice of a home renovation contractor. It will be well worth it, once you have your own little slice of zen in your home to unwind in after a stressful day!

Featured Image By: Pantone

May10

Thrift Shop Fun At Blue!

Posted on May 10, 2015 by lifewithlilred

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Helloooo everyone and Happy Mother’s Day to all of the beautiful mamacitas out there!! In one of the local newspapers that gets delivered to my house there was an article recently about Blue, a Goodwill “boutique” in downtown Kent, Ohio. The article mentioned that Blue only carried new and next to new name brand clothing such as Banana Republic, Nine West, Doc Martin, and Guess to name a few. Naturally after reading the article about the Goodwill company’s attempt at a more high end thrifting experience, my mom and I decided that we would love to go on a shopping trip and look around. Yesterday evening we got into the mom-mobile and made our way to Kent to pop some tags at the thrift shop. It took a stop at the gas station for directions to find Blue, because we were driving around aimlessly with no luck for about ten minutes but thankfully we found it after some much needed help from the sweet employee – and let me tell you, I’m so glad we did! Blue Boutique was tucked away in the heart of downtown Kent, and walking into it seriously felt like walking into any other store in the area. It felt clean and crisp, it was well decorated, and most importantly there was an amazing selection of clothes and accessories to look through. When I read the newspaper article about Blue, I felt pretty ambivalent about the shop being described as a boutique, but after taking a quick scan of the store, that’s truly what it was. It had amazing full wall murals of The Beatles, comfy ottomans, vintage-esque mirrors placed strategically throughout the store, cute little knickknacks showcased on table displays, and fun music playing on the speakers. While exploring the boutique and searching through the clothing racks, I was amazed at how “un-Goodwill” the store felt. Blue was so spacious, unlike a normal Goodwill where all of the clothes are jam packed together in endless aisles and clothing racks. But most importantly, the clothing at Blue really didn’t feel like it was second hand. You know how when you go thrifting you can almost always tell that the clothing you’re shopping through has been really worn, is stained, or has an unpleasant odor? Blue was nothing like that. The clothing felt brand new (some of them still had the original tags on it), there were no visible stains, and none of the clothes had a distinctive smell to it. Don’t get me wrong, I love thrifting as much as the next hipster, but it was nice to be in a Goodwill environment that felt like I was in a high end boutique. While chatting with one of the employees, she told me that Blue is very picky about the clothing that they take into their store, and I have the purchases to prove it! Take a look at my fabulous new finds:

Here’s the usual breakdown of my “new” second hand jackets from Blue:

Lace blazer: Esley, purchased for $15
Emerald green peacoat: Nine West, purchased for $15

Love, love, love! My Esley blazer actually still has the original tags on it, and I’m seriously so thrilled about finding this little beauty! I’ve been in need of a sharp new blazer for ages now, and I finally found one. This little lace number fits like a glove and is a fresh, edgy take on a staple piece. I plan on wearing it to my brother’s graduation this upcoming weekend. And please don’t even get me started on my Nine West peacoat! I’m seriously so obsessed with this coat it isn’t even funny. For one, emerald green is my absolute favorite color to wear. For two, minus the too long sleeves that my mom is hemming, the coat fits perfectly. For three, a Nine West number for fifteen dollars?! Yes, please! And most importantly, for four, this beautiful peacoat reminds me and my family of my beloved late grandma. Every thing about this coat from the color to the classic shape just screams “Grandma Rita” – the most gorgeous, classic Hollywood woman in the entire world. When an item invokes that type of emotion on you, you just have to bite the bullet and make the purchase, and I’m beyond excited to welcome such a timeless piece into my wardrobe.

Thanks, Ryan. ^^^

I’LL WEAR YOUR GRANDDAD’S CLOTHES. I LOOK INCREDIBLE….Oh…you’re back already?…Uhmm…Hey. 😉

I hope all of you guys have a lovely Sunday and a terrific Mother’s Day! What was one of your best thrift store finds? Is there a Blue-like boutique in your neck of the woods that you shop at? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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