Tag Archives: christmas gift

Feb8

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Marled Reunited Clothing Cardigan

Posted on February 8, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Hello everyone and welcome to the last piece of clothing from my TJMaxx Winter Haul! Today, we will be discussing a darling heart adorned cardigan by Marled Reunited Clothing – so perfect for Valentine’s Day. Then, we will dive into some brand new editions of If The Shoe Fits so keep it posted here on lifewithlilred! Now, let’s get to it:

My mom loves anything and everything with hearts on it, which makes me especially partial to the same sentiments too. When I saw this cardigan in store when I was making my online returns, I knew that it was going to be coming home with me just in time for Valentine’s Day. I didn’t really plan on making any clothing purchases and was trying to limit my shopping to skin care and birthday prezzies. Well, that’s not entirely true – you know your girl always kind of plans on that and it was just this one cardigan, I swear!

This Marled Reunited Clothing cardi was just too cute to pass up. The oatmeal base paired with the bright pops of red hearts is oh so sweet and is certainly not limited to being only worn on V-Day. My new cardi is nice and soft but it isn’t super warm which opens it up to being a four seasons piece. It will be great for a brisk spring day or a chilly summer night having drinks on the patio of mine and Johnny’s favorite bar.

My cardi will, of course, be so charming paired with a skater skirt and tights but is also ideal for throwing on with my go to black skinny jeans with front pockets. I have already done this several times already and it really helped to spruce up a basic work outfit. Pair with some adorable red booties and everyone will feel love in the air!

What is your favorite pattern? How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb7

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Japna Tie Back Top

Posted on February 7, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome back to my TJMaxx Winter Haul! Today, we are going to be discussing a top by Japna that is, admittedly, not appropriate for winter at all but I can’t wait to rock it come warm weather. This new top is identical in shape to one of my favorite purchases from Altar’d State so I knew that it would be a winner when I saw it. And, if it wasn’t, it would have been no harm no foul because it was only seven bucks on clearance! Check it out:

When first trying on a top like my new Japna one during my Altar’d State haul, I wasn’t so sure about it:

My main fear about this kerchief style top was that it would be too much skin, too much bra strap, and that it wouldn’t be flattering in the slightest. So, imagine my surprise when I was in the Altar’d State fitting room and it worked perfectly. The tie back covered up the back of my bra completely, it wasn’t too revealing in the midriff, and best of all – it showcased all of the tattoos on my back that never get seen.

This top was one of my absolute faves to wear last summer and I have been on the hunt for more like it ever since. I never had any luck finding a similar top until my past TJMaxx haul and I was So. Freaking. Excited. about it. Not only was it the same shape but it was black and snakeskin patterned which made it EVEN BETTER! 😀

As you all know, I love snakeskin anything and everything so I felt like I won the lottery when I found this little Japna number for under ten bucks. As soon as warm weather hits, it is so on and I might just alternate between it and my Altar’d State top all summer long. Not really, but I am pretty stoked about it lol.

Pairing my Japna top with my black shorts from American Eagle Outfitters and my new Barbie pink platforms (Which you will see soon!) will definitely be the move. To accessorize, multiple bracelets, huge sunglasses, and a big tote bag are a must. Can it be summer now or?

What is your favorite animal print? What is your ideal summertime outfit? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb4

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Fringe Shawl By Laundry

Posted on February 4, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Fringe Shawl By Laundry

Hello! I had a wonderful winter haul from TJMaxx and I am so excited to begin incorporating all of my new goodies into my wardrobe. One item that I am particularly thrilled about is a shawl by Laundry By Shelli Segal. This little number was originally forty-eight dollars and I got it for seven bucks on clearance! I have never seen anything like it before and have a feeling that I will be wearing it all of the time to spice up my OOTDs. Check it out:

When it comes to accessorizing my looks, I am always on the prowl for unique pieces to take things to the next level. I love bold, chunky jewelry, platform boots, scarves, and anything faux fur. I’m not sure what to call my new Laundry shawl because it isn’t, really. But, whatever it is, I’m obsessed and know that it will make amazing appearances in my OOTDs.

If this shawl were just the lace part, I probably would have passed on it. However, the fringe and hanging tassels take this piece over the top into something cool and edgy rather than, dare I say it, a bit old lady. The details on my new shawl are divine and it doesn’t feel flimsy in the slightest, which is something that I was worried about.

I cannot wait to wear this over top of my silk camis and other sleeveless tops and dresses come warm weather. It will also be a clever way to conceal visible bra straps because wearing one is a necessity for me. I am envisioning pairing my new wrap with short shorts, a cami top, gold jewelry, and some funky wedges for a summer date day with my husband!

What is your favorite accessory? What is your favorite store to shop at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb1

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Go Away Doormat

Posted on February 1, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Thanks to generous Christmas gift cards to TJMaxx, I had an online haul with some darling clothes and shoes which will be discussed later. I did have some returns to make, however, so ended up spending some time shopping in store for the first time in what felt like ages. It was great! I was able to make an exchange for some new skin care, birthday gifts for my niece and mom, a new sweater, and this amazing doormat that I couldn’t pass up on:

I never go into TJMaxx with set ideas of what I would like to buy, rather, the store tells me what I need. When making my rounds through the home goods section, I wasn’t expecting to find this Fiesta doormat for a whole eight dollars and I just had to have it. I have been looking for something like this since I moved into my apartment and have never seen one in store before. I also didn’t feel like spending twenty plus bucks to order one online.

Not only did I really want this mat, but it was also a necessary purchase. Mine and Johnny’s “Come back with a warrant” doormat has seen better days and basically does nothing to help remove snow from our shoes upon entering the apartment. The nasty slush always ends up making its way into our entryway, which results in a ton of additional cleaning so this was eight dollars well spent. The course bristles and sweet sentiment will go a long way for the rest of winter! 😀

I am so excited about all of my new goodies from TJMaxx so keep it posted for more from my winter haul. Tomorrow, we will be discussing skin care and then all of the fashion afterwards. See you then!

What is one of your favorite TJMaxx purchases? What is your least favorite chore around the house? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan26

Happy Haulidays: Parents Edition

Posted on January 26, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the last edition of my holiday haul compliments of my parents! The one thing that I asked for for Christmas was a new set of pots and pans and they definitely delivered. I can’t wait to use the beautiful set that they got me and it will be nice to not have to do dishes immediately after cooking dinner as I originally only had a handful of pots and pans before! Check it out:

Thanks to my husband’s family graciously giving us a new air fryer for Christmas and the new cookware from mine, we have everything that we need in our kitchen now. I am so happy! I try to cook an “actual” dinner instead of air fried foods several times per week so these pots and pans will certainly come in handy. My old cookware is also, admittedly, not the best so using quality cookware for the first time is something that I’m really looking forward to.

While some might consider cooking to be a chore, it is one of my favorite things to do. Serving food for someone is an act of love, and I always enjoy whipping up mine and Johnny’s favorite meals. Our middle class fancy conversation after dinner usually is something along these lines…

Me: I love cooking you dinner.

Johnny: And I love eating it!

Lol, there is nothing more satisfying than that to me!

After a much needed curbside grocery order, I have a feeling that I will be cooking up a storm. Thanks to my parents, I have all of the tools I need to make my time spent cooking an even more joyful experience. ❤

What are some of your favorite vegetarian recipes? How do you show love to someone? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan20

Nars Blush Swatches In Behave & Dolce Vita

Posted on January 20, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Nars Blush Swatches In Behave & Dolce Vita

Hi! Today, we are going to take a look at swatches from the last two blushes in my Nars Basic Instincts 1 palette. These colors are called Behave and Dolce Vita. While they might not be my favorite colors at first glance, I do intend on at least giving them a shot as an attempt to break out of my makeup comfort zone – we’ll see what happens! Now, let’s get to it:

^^^ The fourth picture is the swatch in Behave and the fifth picture is Dolce Vita.

When first looking at Behave, I thought that it might be too dark for my liking so I was pleased to see that it applied as a dusty rose. I think I could work with this blush but it’s not one that I would pick out for myself as I prefer brighter colors on my cheeks. Behave might be a nice shade for fall and winter but it wouldn’t be my go to choice for spring or summer. It is still pretty, though, and I will use it to dip my toes in the water of something other than my favorite shade of bubblegum pink.

On the other hand, we have Dolce Vita and it actually reminds me of the blush that my mom would put on me for skating competitions. Which is probably why I am tentative on it because we all know that competition makeup can be over the top! While the shade is almost identical, I admit that it’s much more subtle lol. I can’t picture myself using Dolce Vita too often but it could be a good look for a date night. In the end, I do think it would be more flattering on someone who isn’t me!

Although I am not head over heels about all of the blushes in the Nars Basic Instincts 1 palette, I am looking forward to using it. I do love the first blush in Orgasm and the other three hues will be ones that I can experiment with. I’m thinking that if I mix them with other preferred shades, I might have a better outcome. Many thanks again to my sister for this gift! ❤

What is your favorite blush? Which colors of makeup push you out of your comfort zone? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan19

Nars Blush Swatches In Orgasm & Orgasm X

Posted on January 19, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Nars Blush Swatches In Orgasm & Orgasm X

Hi! My big sis gifted me with some new makeup for Christmas and today we are going to check out some swatches from the Nars Basic Instincts 1 blush palette. She claims that the Nars blushes are “the best” so I am very excited to incorporate them into my makeup routine. Here’s to stepping out of my makeup comfort zone in 2022! Let’s get started by talking about Orgasm and Orgasm X and tomorrow, be sure to tune in for the remaining shades:

^^^ Orgasm is the fourth picture and Orgasm X is the fifth.

When first opening my new palette, I was immediately drawn to our first swatch in Orgasm… Which feels funny to say but, then again, I have the sense of humor of a twelve year old lol. I loved the bubblegum, glittery hue that isn’t too far of a cry from a blush that I already use. Give me any makeup with a touch of shimmer in it and I am so there for it. I can definitely picture myself using this shade often and think that it will really compliment my fairer complexion.

Orgasm X, on the other hand, is a pretty color but is one that I can’t say that I would use for myself. It has the glitter going for it, however, I fear that it would look clownish on me because it is a deeper shade than I have ever used before. I do think it would look lovely on someone with a darker complexion, especially because it has an orangey tint to it for the ultimate sunkissed look.

When it comes to blushes, I prefer a cream one and don’t use packed powder too often. So, I was very impressed with how soft and creamy these Nars blushes were. It was so easy to apply and didn’t feel cakey in the slightest. Some powder products just crumple to the touch but that wasn’t the case for this palette at all. Very nice!

Tomorrow, we will be taking a look at the final two shades in Behave and Dolce Vita. Then, keep tuning in for future OOTDs so you can see these new blushes in action!

Which blushes do you like from this palette? What are your thoughts on Nars products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan18

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick Swatch In Dazed

Posted on January 18, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick Swatch In Dazed

Howdy! Today, we are going to be swatching the Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick that I got from my sister for Christmas in a shade called Dazed. I have never used anything by ABH before so I was very excited to receive it as a gift! This ultra pretty pinky maroon hue is a perfect shade for fall and winter and I cannot wait to complete an OOTD with a swiping of it on my lips. Check it out:

When it comes to makeup, I prefer to stick with my old faithfuls rather than try anything different. It might not make for the most exciting MOTDs, but it’s what I’m comfortable with and capable of applying lol. That is why I am so thankful for my sister because whether it be hand me downs or new makeup as a gift, she always tries to get me out of my comfort zone!

This ABH liquid lippie is definitely a color that I wouldn’t have picked out for myself but, then again, what do I know? I consider my sister to be a makeup guru so if she thinks that it will work, then I trust her. When swatching, I was pleased by how quickly this lipstick dried into a nice, matte hue. I am a matte girl all the way – mainly because you can eat with it on and it won’t budge. 😀

I think that the Dazed shade will look simply charming with a comfy cozy OOTD of a soft cardigan or sweater, skirt with tights, and knee high boots. The deep raspberry color will pop against the grey days of winter and I will be sure to wear it during mine and Johnny’s next date day.

In my opinion, a present that you wouldn’t get for yourself is the best kind so my new Anastasia Beverly Hills lipstick was a wonderful surprise. Thanks again, sis! Be sure to tune in tomorrow for some swatches from my Nars blush palette. ❤

What is your favorite makeup brand? Who do you turn to for makeup inspiration? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan17

New Harbor Blue & Shadow Grey Nails

Posted on January 17, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! This past Wednesday, I spent some time at Elysian Nails after work getting pampered. It was much needed because some of my acrylics were lifting and they were looking all around jank. Thankfully, my fave nail tech quickly solved all of the problematic claws and I even had a gift card to spend from Johnny’s aunt for Christmas. Getting pampered is great but it’s even better when it’s free! Check it out:

Before my appointments at Elysian Nails, I normally have a pretty good idea of what polish colors I would like to use. This time around, however, I had no idea and stood at the nail polish wall waiting for something to speak for me. At first, I had a cobalt blue in mind and thought that grey would look nice with it. I was all set with these two hues until the harbor blue bottle of polish caught my eye and I knew that I had found my match. Right away, my nail tech told me how much she liked my choices so, needless to say, I was feeling my damn self!

As soon as I got to my nail tech’s station, I literally sank into the chair. I don’t think I realized how tired I was from my holiday weekend with my family until I had time to myself to relax! As always, it was an absolute delight to get my nails done and the conversation was great as per ushe too. It is so fun to be able to have my monthly catch up with my tech so we can dish about anything and everything. What is said in the salon chair stays in the salon chair, after all.

I am in love with the end result of my fill and the stormy seas color palette is one of my favorite combinations I’ve done in a while. It feels so perfect for those grey January days! After my nails have dried, I always leave Elysian Nails feeling like a million bucks. I can’t wait to go back next month and spend the rest of my gift card! 😀

What color are your nails? Which colors should I get next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan13

Happy Haulidays: Sister & Family Edition

Posted on January 13, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Happy Haulidays: Sister & Family Edition

Hello! To celebrate Christmas part two, my entire family went to Oglebay in Wheeling, West Virginia all together. It was such a wonderful long weekend filled with good company, good food, and all of the holiday cheer. To kick start our festivities, we began with a gift exchange for all of the presents that hadn’t been opened yet. My sister, her boyfriend, and my sweet niece gifted me with the following:

I was so happy to give everyone their presents and receiving some for me was the cherry on top. I am very excited to test out my new makeup from Nars and Anastasia Beverly Hills because I have never used anything by either brand before. Be sure to keep it posted on lifewithlilred for some swatch posts soon!

Not only did I get some new makeup but I also was gifted with some pretty copper mugs to make Moscow Mules with – my favorite. As always, the Chipotle gift card will serve me well because that is also one of my favorites. It isn’t quite Taco Bell but it still holds a special place in my heart. ❤

The crowning jewel of my gifts from my sis and her family is definitely the handmade mustard yellow beanie from Discounted Dreams. It is a small business run by one of our friends who is pretty incredible with some needles and yarn. I have already worn my gift several times and it is nice and warm – not to mention one of my favorite colors too!

My long weekend with my whole family was the best gift in the entire world but I sure love my presents from my big sis. Keep tuning into lifewithlilred for more about Oglebay, a brand new OOTD, makeup swatches, and haulidays!

How did your family celebrate the holiday season? Have you ever been to Oglebay before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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