Tag Archives: confidence

May3

Jumpsuit Jams OOTD Bloopers

Posted on May 3, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Jumpsuit Jams OOTD! I fell off the horse last week and did not have the time to squeeze an OOTD shoot in so, to make up for it, I styled two brand new looks for all of you – as a treat. 🙂 Two new outfits means two new sets of bloopers and, I must say, I don’t think I have ever looked better lol! Check it out and then we’re going to have a chat on a minor thing featured in each of these pictures that can be majorly annoying. Can you guess what it is? Let’s get started:

Just gracing my neighbors with my presence as pretend mayor of Timber Top

My “aw, shucks” face

Look out! Sassy lady on the prowl!

I feel like I thought I was working it SO hard in this picture, but I just look stoned lol

Please tell me I’m not the only one who thinks of the Princess Diaries whenever your foot pops up

I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hustling to get my phone to shoot the next look – check it out tomorrow! 😀

Did you guess what annoying thing I was talking about is? No, it wasn’t my face lol but a little something known as “axillary fat”. You know, that pouch type thing that just kind of hangs out in the armpit region? Although it is not a big deal for most people, it can be a huge issue for some and I despised these pockets when I was in the throws of an eating disorder. So much so that I simply refused to wear any type of top or dress that would make them visible. Any tank or spaghetti strap top had to be high cut in the armpit so it would cover them up and I guess I didn’t notice until this shoot that I was still dressing with that frame of mind.

I have been eating disorder free for over half a decade now and my self confidence is in a really good place. In fact, I didn’t even notice that this “boob fat” or whatever you want to call it was visible when trying my jumpsuit on at TJMaxx. It wasn’t until looking at the pictures afterwards that I saw it in almost every shot. Back in the day, I would probably have never worn this jumpsuit let alone take pictures in it! However, rather than deleting every picture from this shoot, I decided that I looked awesome anyways and that felt great!

Insecurities are annoying. They just are and they have the potential to fester into something that prevents you from doing what you want to do or wearing what you want to wear. It took a long time for me to realize that I was shopping and styling with my insecurities still in mind – I just realized it as I started writing this! But, what if we all just said “who cares” and dressed the way we wanted without nagging thoughts? Pardon my French, but my literal thought when I saw something that made me insecure on full display was “fuck it” haha. I had an eating disorder, I work out every day and my axillary fat still exists. I can’t do anything about it so… fuck it!

I know better than anyone how scary it is to face the things that make you feel bad and I feel proud that I finally felt the nonchalance that I have been trying for forever to achieve. It might seem hard and it will be hard, but sometimes the best thing to do is confront your insecurities head on. Whether it be leaving the house with a fresh face, wearing that crop top that you feel shy about, or whatever it is – I know that you can do it because I just learned how to do it too. Yes, it might take some time, but it’s always a good thing to face your fears late than never. And, I promise – you look AMAZING! ❤

What makes you feel insecure? What helped you get over those insecurities? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar17

Peek A Boo Pop OOTD Bloopers

Posted on March 17, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Peek A Boo Pop OOTD! Although my best face isn’t forward in the pictures you’re about to see, it is definitely my funniest lol. Saturday is mine and Johnny’s designated picture day and these past two outfits have been pretty casual because tired! So much so that we didn’t even venture out to find a good brick wall and just took pictures at our apartment. But, hey, you do what you can and our streak of Saturday OOTD shoots is still going strong! Let’s take a look at the pictures that didn’t make the first cut and, if we’re all being honest with each other, probably wouldn’t make any cut:

I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lol, I have no idea what caught my attention in this picture but it clearly took me by surprise

Sending a friendly howdy doo to the haters haha

Beep beep! Sassy lady coming through!!!

Just out here oozing sex appeal and charisma 😉

Not sure what face this is but remind me to never make it again!

Looking nice and terrifying for all of you xoxo ❤

One of the better pictures of me retrieving my phone from the clutches of my husband

My Peek A Boo Pop OOTD was my first time breaking out a crop top since this past summer and it was an interesting experience. Bodies change. During the warm weather, I am extremely active and love to run with the family dog and play outside with one of my clients. I can’t wait for us to hit the pickle ball courts again! During the winter, however, is a completely different story. I am a gigantic freeze baby and it’s not surprising when I gain some hibernation weight as I trade outdoor activities for binge watching marathons!

When I first put my Target crop top on, I was most definitely not feeling myself because my body looked different in it. I was thrilled to button up my button down and vowed to myself that I wouldn’t take crop top pictures if I was still ambivalent. But where is the fun in that? As Johnny and I proceeded with our day, I reminded myself that I planned this OOTD for a reason; to show a cold weather look that could be modified for summer. I also kept telling myself like a mantra that bodies change.

By the time it was picture time, I had hyped myself up enough that I didn’t even care when we got around to crop top pics. So what if my tummy isn’t as toned as I’d like it to be? Once again, bodies change and they can change again. While I originally thought I’d feel self conscious, I felt more confident than anything. There was a time when I would have fought my body tooth and nail over weight gain but that is the old me. Regardless of if I added on a few pounds this winter, it is still my body and I deserve to feel proud of it. And, in that moment, I was.

If you ever feel like you can’t wear something due to changes in your own body, then my best advice is to wear it anyways and rock it. It might be uncomfortable at first, but I know firsthand that it gets way easier and I know that you can do it too! ❤

What is something you are self conscious about? What makes you feel confident anyways? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb28

4 Easy Ways To Get More Confident

Posted on February 28, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Self-confidence is a powerful asset that can immensely impact your life. It helps you reach your objectives and feel secure in everything you do. If you want to boost your self-confidence, there are countless ways to go about it. These suggestions will help boost your spirits and enable you to realize your aspirations:

See your dentist to fix oral issues:

Having your dentist address oral issues can have a lasting effect on your well-being. It saves time, money, and hassle in the long run and may protect you against severe conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Beyond the apparent teeth cleaning and checkup, your dentist may offer recommendations to improve your smile or suggest a cosmetic treatment that could boost self-esteem and confidence. Visiting a dental center such as Wahroonga Dental can help you to correct common dental issues with cosmetic treatments, including having braces fitted, dental crowns, teeth whitened, and more.

Dress for confidence:

Dressing to impress can boost your confidence and enhance how you feel and interact with others. Dressing in bright colors and styles that flatter your figure can also boost self-confidence. A red skirt or top is especially great for those wanting to radiate power and confidence. If you have a favorite dress or suit that makes you feel amazing, wear it often. Doing so will help you remember why you chose it and how it made you think, which in turn can boost your confidence levels. To feel confident in your clothing, select pieces you enjoy wearing in colors and styles that also fit well. The better fitting your clothing is, the better you will feel.

Fake it till you make it:

Just because you don’t particularly feel confident doesn’t mean that others should be aware of that. The fake it till you make it mindset can help you to push through times of doubt and uncertainty when you need to be confident. It can be as simple as making eye contact with others to give off an air of confidence or standing up tall and maintaining your posture throughout a presentation. Eventually, you will find that the more you fake being confident, the less you will need to do so.

Emulate others who are confident:

One of the best ways to increase your self-assurance is by studying those who possess it. Pay attention to how confident individuals interact with one another, their work habits, and how they dress for success. This type of role modeling can give you invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed in any area of life.

Another excellent idea is to step outside your comfort zone and try something different. For instance, volunteer for a community service project or enroll in a training course that could benefit your career! It’s a great way to build confidence and you might even land your dream job. Plus, this exercise will make you think on your feet and feel like an experienced leader quickly.

Over 85% of Americans report having low self-confidence, and improving this even a little bit can greatly benefit your overall mental health. These tips can go a long way to getting you started on boosting your confidence!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan27

Take The Compliment

Posted on January 27, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! One thing that I have always struggled with is receiving compliments and I’m sure that I am not the only one who has similar sentiments. When I was at my lowest, I genuinely couldn’t understand why anyone would want to compliment me and all it did was make me paranoid and even more miserable. It’s hard accepting compliments when you don’t feel worthy of getting them in the first place! It’s also so easy to deflect a compliment and just turn it around to the other person, instead. IE: “You look great”. “No, you look great”.

For several years, I was never able to simply say “thank you” for a compliment and it took a lot of mental health work on my part to get to that point. After coming to terms with my own problems and gaining some self esteem, I realized that I have improved tenfold in my compliment accepting abilities. It actually didn’t really click until I saw these two pictures taken at Playhouse Square this past weekend:

^^^ When snapping some pics before seeing Beetlejuice, someone told me they liked my outfit mid-pose and the second picture is of me being ecstatic about it!

As I was scrolling through photos of my night on the town, these two pictures really stuck out to me. As I sat and mused, I wondered what the second picture would have looked like if I was back to my depression days. Chances are, I wouldn’t have had a huge smile – rather, a look of confusion as if someone was trying to play a joke. Recognizing that and being able to see it so plainly in front of me made me feel proud of my own personal growths.

lifewithlilred played a big role in helping me muster up some confidence about myself in general and my appearance. Through OOTDs, I was able to develop my sense of style and writing about my issues in early posts assisted in sorting out my emotions and learning from them. And, while saying “thank you” for a compliment online isn’t the same as in real life, it was a great first start. Having people comment specifically on my page was a turning point and I was able to see the compliments for what they really were – something nice.

As I began testing my new skills in public, it began getting easier and easier to say “thank you” to the point where I didn’t even have to think about it anymore. I also loved how much more genuine it felt to give a person an actual compliment back instead of just replying with an Uno Reverse card lol. It wasn’t until seeing the pictures above that I put some thought into it and saw what a major improvement has been made. 🙂

If you can relate to this post, my best advice is to Take The Compliment when you receive one. It might be really hard at first but just saying “thank you” is a small step in making some big changes!

What is something that you struggle with? Is it hard for you to accept compliments? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec5

Build Your Skill Set & Better Your Career

Posted on December 5, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Build Your Skill Set & Better Your Career

It’s always a good idea to diversify your skills. When you’re well-rounded, you’re able to take on any challenge that comes your way. Let’s discuss five ways diversifying your skills can benefit your life and career:

Make Yourself More Marketable:

One of the top benefits of diversifying your skills is that you’ll become more marketable to potential employers. Expanding your skill set shows that you are a well-rounded and versatile candidate. Having a wide range of skills gives you an advantage over other applicants because it shows that you’re able to handle different types of tasks and responsibilities. Plus, having a diverse skill set makes you more valuable to potential employers because it gives you the ability to take on various projects and roles.

Stay Up-To-Date With The Latest Trends:

Another benefit of diversifying your skills is that you’ll stay up-to-date with the latest trends. As technology and trends in your industry change, it’s essential to stay on top of the latest developments. This will help ensure that you’re able to keep up with what your competitors are doing and deliver high-quality products or services. Additionally, it can be beneficial to learn new skills so that you can take advantage of these changes and grow your business.

Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills:

When you diversify your skills, you’ll improve your problem-solving skills. Learning new things gives you more tools to tackle any issues that may arise. And being able to solve problems quickly and effectively is essential for success in today’s fast-paced world. This is exactly what Alex Graveley did. He noticed a large market gap and decided that instead of being part of the problem, he would be part of the solution. Therefore, problem-solving skills are essential for entrepreneurs and people in any field, so diversify your skills to stay ahead of the competition!

Enhance Your Career Opportunities:

By diversifying your skills, you’ll have more career opportunities. Being well-rounded allows you to take on a wide range of roles or projects within your field. This will help you stay engaged in your work and advance your career. Additionally, it can be beneficial to diversify your skills so that you have various options when it comes to job hunting or searching for new opportunities.

Increase Your Confidence:

Lastly, one of the biggest benefits of diversifying your skills is that it can help increase your confidence. When you learn new things, it gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps boost your self-esteem. And having high levels of confidence can be crucial for success in both your career and personal life.

If you’re looking for ways to enhance your professional or personal life, be sure to continue diversifying your skills and learning new things!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug3

Country Concert OOTD Bonus Pics

Posted on August 3, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to some bonus pics from my Country Concert OOTD! Although we didn’t end up going to said country concert of Willie Nelson, I got tons of pictures that I love to show for it so I guess it all worked out lol. This OOTD was a blast to style and even more fun to wear! My inner Dolly Parton was able to burst free and I felt like a total country diva. Take a look at some bonus pics so good that they should be outlawed (See what I did there?!):

Wearing this outfit was very interesting to me because it is not even close to my usual personal style at all. I’m sure all of you can agree! However, it was a true testament to the confidence that a great outfit can give – regardless of of it’s something that you would normally wear or not. When I first put this OOTD on, I admit that I was slightly self conscious. Then, I began playing with the fringe and dancing around in the mirror and I was transformed!

What has always drawn me to fashion is that it gives you the opportunity to be whoever you want on any given day. My standard look is a combination of glam rock and punk but who says that I can’t be a country superstar or a posh theater goer? When you dress the part and have the confidence to pull it off is when you can start having real fun with styling without limiting yourself to your signature style.

I can honestly say that this is an outfit that I would wear again without the catch of attending a country show. Is it a bit much? Absolutely. But, so am I so what difference does it make? I felt AMAZING in this OOTD and that’s all that matters to me. So, if you have a look that you’re on the fence about but feel good in: Wear it anyway!! It will be an excellent practice in your own self confidence and you’ll end up feeling glad that you took the risk.

Tomorrow, tune in for a new watercolor painting project. Then, it will be on to bloopers from this look and a couple’s photo shoot! See you then! ❤

How would you describe your personal style? What makes you feel confident? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug2

4 Ways To Quickly Boost Your Confidence

Posted on August 2, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Feeling confident is key to success in any area of life. When you feel good about yourself, it shows in your actions and the way you interact with others. If you’re looking for a quick confidence boost, try some of these methods:

Stand up straight and tall:

The first step to looking and feeling more confident is your posture. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your head held high. This will make you look and feel more powerful, which in turn will boost your confidence. If you’re not used to good posture, it may take some practice to get into the habit of standing and sitting up straight. But once you do, you’ll notice a difference in the way you feel about yourself.

Smile!

Smiling is another great way to boost your confidence. It makes you look friendly and approachable, two qualities that will help you feel more confident in social situations. If you’re not used to smiling, it may take some extra thought at first. But once you do, you won’t be able to stop. There is always something to smile about!

If you feel like your smile could use some work, consider visiting a Dentist. A professional cleaning and whitening can do wonders for your self esteem. Dentists can also help with other confidence boosting treatments, such as straightening your teeth or fixing minor imperfections. If you’re considering any type of cosmetic dental work, be sure to consult with a reputable dentist who has experience performing the procedure you’re interested in.

Make eye contact with people:

Making eye contact is a great way to show confidence. It shows that you’re interested in what the other person has to say and that you believe in what you’re saying yourself. If you’re not used to making eye contact, it may feel awkward at first. But the more you practice, the easier it will become. In addition to making eye contact, be sure to speak slowly and clearly when you can. Speaking too quickly can make you seem nervous or unsure of yourself. But speaking slowly and clearly will help you come across as confident and in control.

Dress for success:

What you wear can also impact your confidence. If you dress in clothes that make you feel good about yourself, it will show in your demeanor. So be sure to choose clothes that fit well and are comfortable to wear. You should also avoid wearing clothes that make you feel self-conscious. There is no point in that and it will show as you fidget and pull at your clothes throughout the day. When you look good, you’ll feel good – and your confidence will reflect that.

With a little practice at these four suggestions, you’ll be feeling more confident in no time! Why not give it a try?

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug1

Namesake Watercolor Project

Posted on August 1, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! I enjoyed the watercolor painting class that I took so much that I just had to buy some supplies to paint during my free time at home. Although my leisure time is scarce during the week, I have managed to do two projects that I am really proud of. I created a likeness of myself and Johnny and also painted a dedication to my namesake this past week:

The Lil Red nickname originally stemmed from a coworker when I worked retail thanks to my signature red hair and lipstick. At the cash register, he would ask if Lil Red helped the customer out and they always knew who he was talking about! I have had this project in mind to feature my blog’s tagline and a red lippie tube since the class I took and I love how it turned out. 😀

Because of the constantly changing color of my hair, it has been a while since I was able to wear a pure red lipstick. I miss it terribly but I still think that it is the epitome of chic. A bold red lip screams confidence, even if you aren’t really feeling yourself that day. A quick swipe of red lipstick can completely change a simple jeans and T outfit or enhance a date night look. This never fails to amaze me and is a true testament to the power of makeup.

It sounds silly but I honestly feel like my red lipstick helped shape me into the person that I am today. It gave me a confidence boost when I had none as well as inspiration when I created my blog. During my next tap out tattoo session, I plan on getting a red lipstick tube somewhere on my arm. For now, however, a painting will just have to do. I wonder what I’ll come up with to paint next!

What do you consider a signature part of your style? What is your favorite lipstick shade? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun29

Tips For Boosting Your Creative Confidence

Posted on June 29, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Tips For Boosting Your Creative Confidence

Do you often feel like you’re not good enough? Do you feel like your work is never good enough? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with feelings of self doubt and insecurity when it comes to their creative work. However, there are things that you can do to boost your confidence and improve your creative output. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for boosting your creative confidence:

Believe In Yourself:

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember that you are the only one who can control your self belief. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Remember that you can do great things and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Think about how you’ve come this far and all of the things you’ve achieved.

Believing in yourself is the first and most important step to taking control of your creative confidence. You are the only one who can make yourself believe that you are good enough and that your work is worth putting out there. So, start by convincing yourself that you can do it!

Be prepared:

One of the best ways to boost your confidence is to be prepared. It will show in your work if you know what you’re doing and you’re confident in your abilities. Make sure that you take the time to research and plan before you start working on a project. This way, you’ll have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and you’ll be less likely to second guess yourself.

Take Risks:

To grow and improve, you need to be willing to take risks. You’ll never progress if you’re too afraid to try new things or step outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes, the best way to learn is by trial and error. The risks that work will create a significant confidence boost that you can carry into future projects. Experimentation will help you learn and expand your creative intuition. A good example of this is Michael Treco, who does various art exhibits following his intuition.

Maintain A High Level Of Output:

You can’t be confident in your work if you’re not producing any! One of the best ways to boost your creative confidence is to maintain a high output level. Make sure that you’re regularly creating new work and don’t be afraid to share it with the world. The more you create, the more confident you’ll become in your abilities.

Confidence in your own creative ability takes time to nurture and that’s okay. Use the tips above to help jump start the process so you can be your best creative self.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr19

Spring Skirt Savvy OOTD Bonus Pictures

Posted on April 19, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy everyone and welcome to some bonus pictures from my Spring Skirt Savvy OOTD! Tomorrow, tune in for a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club and then we will be taking a look at the numerous bloopers from my shoot. Thanks to Johnny’s rapid fire picture taking, there was an equal amount of bloopers as there were winners lol. Now, let’s peep the ones that made the cut:

Although I don’t get to take OOTD pictures as often as I would like, it is still one of my most favorite things to do for lifewithlilred. While I would have loved to go to a more scenic location to shoot for my Spring Skirt Savvy OOTD, the parking lot of my apartment worked just fine! I have actually always wanted to take pictures with my car because it is one of my most prized possessions. And, luckily for me, it rained the night before so the Little Red Love Machine was nice and clean. 😀

There is nothing that boosts my confidence quite like a good outfit and getting in front of the camera to capture it. When I was younger and America’s Next Top Model was the most popular thing on planet Earth, I always dreamed of being on that show. And, thanks to the ol’ blog, I can make those dreams come true even if it is just in front of my apartment haha.

While I will never work with Vogue level photographers, that’s okay because I have Johnny and that’s even better. He is seriously the best blog husband ever and puts up with my OOTD shoot antics like a champ. “Just a few more” is my mantra when he takes my pictures and he always obliges, which truly warms my cold bitter heart. I am a very lucky gal! ❤

My cure all for when I’m feeling down is getting dolled up and snapping some pics. Even if you are a bit camera shy, I encourage everyone to get their pictures taken when the mood suits. I think you’ll have some fun! 🙂

Do you prefer to take pictures or be in front of the camera? What makes you feel confident? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

	New Hair Sneak Peek… on Summer Sass OOTD
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	New Hair Sneak Peek… on Wedding Pictures!!
	New Hair Sneak Peek… on Happy 29th Birthday To Me…
	lifewithlilred on Happy 29th Birthday To Me…