Tag Archives: cozy

May12

Tips & Tricks To Make The Most Of A Small Home

Posted on by
Standard
Tips & Tricks To Make The Most Of A Small Home

Are you ready to embrace the cozy and charming lifestyle of small space living? Downsizing to a smaller home can be a liberating experience, allowing you to simplify your life and focus on what truly matters. However, moving to a smaller home can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re used to a larger living space. That’s why we’re here to share some creative tips and tricks for making the most of your new home:

Get Rid Of Clutter:

Decluttering is an art form when it comes to small space living. The key to success is to get rid of anything that you don’t absolutely need – this includes clothes, books, furniture, and knick knacks. So what should you do with all of these things? You can either donate them to the less fortunate, plan a garage sale, or hire Junk removal to take them away for you.

Invest In Unique Storage Solutions:

Living in a smaller home requires thinking outside of the box when it comes to storage. One idea is to buy a bookshelf that also serves as a room divider or use floating shelves to free up floor space. Another option is to use an ottoman or bench that provides seating and storage space.

Maximize Wall Space:

Take advantage of vertical space! There is no need for a blank white wall. Hang artwork, use peg boards for kitchen utensils or tools, and even turn your spare wall space into a mini library. Storage options can truly start from the ground up.

Utilize Multi-Functional Furniture:

Multi-functional furniture is like having a mini-transformer in your home. It can turn into something entirely different with just the flick of a switch. This type of furniture is great for small spaces because it gives you more bang for your buck and helps save space. Examples of multi-functional furniture include a foldaway bed or a Murphy’s desk.

Play With Natural Light:

The sun is your best friend when it comes to making small spaces look bigger. Let as much natural light in as possible by taking advantage of large windows and skylights, and opt for lighter colors on your walls.

Don’t Forget The Outdoor Space:

No matter how small of a space you have, make sure to take advantage of the great outdoors. You can use your patio or balcony for extra seating and storage or to grow a small potted garden with herbs and vegetables.

With these tips and tricks, you will find yourself falling in love with your cozy new home. All it takes is a bit of creativity!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Advertisement
Mar23

Oh So Cozy OOTD

Posted on by
Standard
Oh So Cozy OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred!! Although the weather has warmed up significantly this week, spring was still nowhere to be found over the weekend. It was SO cold with lots of snow flurries so I knew that I would have to dress warmly, despite shorts weather being on my mind heavily. For hopefully one of the last times until fall, I went shopping in the cold weather department of my wardrobe and this is what I came up with:

image_50429697(4)image_50421249(8)image_50380801(1)image_50438913(4)image_50380801(2)image_50444545(2)image_50385665(2)

Who? What? Wear?

Knit Poncho: Loft

Chartreuse Sweater: For The Republic, TJMaxx

Coated Skinny Jeans: Seven Jeans, TJMaxx

Platform Boots: Forever 21

Pendant Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Creating weekly OOTDs for lifewithlilred was my goal for 2023 and I have been crushing it so far. At first, selecting outfits was a simple feat because I have so many clothes that haven’t been featured on OOTD posts before. However, it definitely got more challenging as time went on and new to all of you pieces dwindled. This meant that I had to begin getting even more creative with my choices to breathe new life into older clothes and things that you have seen before. Thankfully, Lil Red never shies away from a challenge and I have been having a blast with it. I love what I came up with this past weekend!

Due to the weather, I was limited to fall and winter clothes and that really narrowed down the outfit building process. I played around with different sweaters, wraps, and button downs but was left feeling bored. So, I decided to clear my tunnel vision and explore options that I might have vetoed in the past for OOTD posts by deeming them “too old”. Afterwards, the inspiration came and I knew I was on the right track as soon as my eyes landed on my knit poncho from Loft.

This poncho is an oldie but goodie and is about seven years old. I got it on a family vacation while outlet shopping with my mom, but never wore it as much as I originally thought. Now, I am kicking myself in the butt for it because it’s so great! The shape is, honestly, perfect and is more form fitting than any poncho I have ever seen in stores since. I like this because something cozy doesn’t always have to mean oversized and the thick cable knit still left me plenty warm.

Because the Loft poncho fits more snugly, I had to be careful about what I chose to wear underneath it. Anything too bulky would make me look like a marshmallow and I really didn’t want to lose the poncho’s close to my body shape. My solution was to pair it with one of my favorite sweaters by For The Republic. It is super light with not too much wiggle room in the torso and bell sleeves. It was an ideal combination because the poncho laid so nicely over top of it but the flowy sleeves were exposed and added lots of movement. Also, I can’t get enough of the striking chartreuse shade – one of my favorite colors to wear.

For the jeans, I went with my pair by Seven Jeans to add some variety in the texture department. With cozy knitwear featured on top, I wanted the coated snakeskin patterned skinnies to liven things up. I loved the way that the sheen in the pants played against the more matte hues on top and it added much more visual interest than a regular old pair of jeans. One of my goals when styling outfits is to create looks that makes the eyes dance; incorporating different textures is one of the best ways to do this.

With the base of my outfit settled, it was time for shoes and accessories. For shoes, I wore my Forever 21 platforms to create a long leg line with the skinny jeans. The flame detailing on the back of the heel also added a fun pop of color to a minimal palette. For accessories, I didn’t want to wear dangly earrings as I wanted my neck exposed since almost all of me was covered up. The blank canvas of the poncho, however, was begging for a necklace! To complete the look, I put on a long gold pendant by Urban Outfitters and I was out the door!

My Oh So Cozy OOTD kept me snug as a bug and totally feeling myself all day. It was also a fantastic reminder to explore every single option in my wardrobe because, apparently, that’s where the magic happens. Keep it posted for the blooper reel tomorrow!

How old is the oldest thing in your closet? At what temperature do you start wearing spring clothes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec12

Stay Warm At Home With These Winter Tips

Posted on by
Standard
Stay Warm At Home With These Winter Tips

A warm, cozy environment in your home will turn it into the place to be this winter. And, this is what we should strive for, considering the amount of time spent indoors when the weather takes a turn. Turn your house into the ultimate oasis from the cold with these tips:

Test Your Heating System:

One of the most important steps to a warm home is to test your heating system. Your boiler will provide you with both heating that warms your property, as well as hot water that you use inside your shower, bath, and sinks. Experiencing any kind of fault with your boiler when the cold weather is in full swing will certainly impact on your health and happiness. No one wants to have a cold shower during the winter, nor would you want to be able to see your breath while you relax around your home, so test your heating system before it’s too late! There are lots of different experts that you can get in touch with to come out and test your heating system, including residential hvac repair and installation services. With any luck, if a fault or problem is found while they test your heating system, then they should be able to fix it then and there with whatever expertise and tools that they have on them.

Stock Up Your Cupboards:

The last thing you’re going to want to be doing when it’s icy, snowy, and treacherous outside is traveling back and forth to the shop to get basics, as you could be putting yourself in danger each time. Instead, it’s much more efficient and a lot safer for you to stock up your cupboards with one large trip before the cold winter weather makes itself known. Head to your local grocery store and buy lots of different food items, including canned food, dried, preserved, and frozen food. These have a much longer shelf life, staying fresh and edible for weeks or even months on end. It’s also going to be helpful for you to stock up on a few other household essentials, such as cleaning products, hygiene products, and flashlights and candles that you can use if your power goes out. If you’re not sure about what items you should be filling your cupboards with then do not fret, as there are so many different resources online that you can utilize as inspiration.

Wrapping Up Warm:

Take the opportunity to dress yourself in some of the warmest clothing that you can find. You’ll be amazed at the difference your outfit can make to your body temperature and how warm you feel. One of the best investments that you can make is a dressing gown or other similar housecoat, as these feature selling points such as a soft yet thick material for ultimate warmth, along with a knee or even ankle length to make sure none of your body falls victim to the cold. You should also treat yourself to some fluffy pajamas and a few pairs of bed socks too, especially if you have a lot of hard flooring in your home. Tiles and wood can feel like ice beneath your feet when you don’t wear the right socks, so search for a cozy pair that can keep your toes nice and toasty!

With extreme weather events becoming more and more common, it would seem that severe winter conditions are slowly but surely evolving into the new normal. Knowing how to protect yourself and your family throughout the harsh winter months doesn’t have to be difficult. Get started with these steps and you can stay as warm and cozy as ever inside your home!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul29

Make Your Home More Comfortable With These Improvements

Posted on by
Standard
Make Your Home More Comfortable With These Improvements

After a while, your home could use a little upgrade in the comfort department. As time goes on things get old and need repair or something new comes out that you know you have to have. If you feel your home needs a boost in comfort, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Get a New Couch:

Couches are the ultimate in comfort. You are going to want to sit on them, sleep on them, lay on them, and have guests stay on them. After a while, they can lose their high level of comfort. Do yourself a favor and get a new couch.

You can visit stores like Ashley Home Furniture or any other affordable furniture store and find an amazing couch that is fluffy, soft, and reclines. Newer couches come with zero gravity reclining to take the pressure off of your back and make you feel as relaxed as possible.

Get Central Air and Heating:

A great way to up the comfort level of your home is to get central air and heating. This eliminates having to have wall or window units that only heat and cool certain rooms. With a central air system, you can evenly heat and cool your entire home.

A reputable company like Eggert Cooling and Heating knows exactly what your home needs to be at the perfect temperature at all times. It’s affordable and one of the best things you can do for your home.

Repaint Your Rooms:

Changing up the color of your rooms can really set a comfortable mood. Choosing soothing colors matched with the right color furniture will put you at ease while you are watching TV, going to sleep, or sitting in your favorite spot to read or relax.

Visit your local paint store and choose colors that speak to you and are universally regarded as soothing like some grays, browns, or blues. Let all parts of your home set the tone that will make you and your guests feel nice and cozy.

Improve Your Lighting:

When you can set the room with the right lighting, comfort will abound. The first thing to do is put your lights on dimmers. Dimmers will give you full control over the strength of the light and you can set it to be at the perfect level so you will feel chill at all times. Next, pick the right kind of lighting for your room. Some people enjoy indirect recessed lighting, while others choose to work with lamps or track lighting. Whatever your choice, the right lighting will set the right mood.

There are several other things you can do from blankets to carpeting and window treatments that will help set a great vibe in your home. As you improve upon one thing, you will discover something else that you can do and before long your entire home will be the epitome of comfort!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar19

7 Tips For A Comfy Cozy Home

Posted on by
Standard
7 Tips For A Comfy Cozy Home

Your home should be a place where you can relax and be yourself, a place where you can kick off your shoes and put your feet up. If you’re looking for ways to make your home feel more, well, homelike – look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss seven ways to make your home more comfortable and inviting:

1. Get Some Greenery:

Adding plants to your home can make it feel more alive. One of the easiest ways to add a touch of homeyness to your abode is to bring in some green friends. Not only do plants add a splash of color and life to any room, but they also help purify the air. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry, there are plenty of low-maintenance options out there, like succulents or snake plants. Or if you want something with a bit more personality, try a fiddle leaf fig tree!

2. Give Your Space Some Character:

One of the quickest ways to make your home feel more inviting is by adding some character to the space. If you want to infuse your space with a sense of homeyness, it’s important to decorate it with stylish items. Another way to add character is through art; whether it’s paintings, posters, or even funky knick knacks, filling your walls and shelves with things that add color will give your place that cozy feeling.

3. Bring In More Light:

Sunlight has been shown to have many benefits, from improving your mood to boosting your immune system. So it’s no surprise that one of the best ways to make your home feel homier is to let in as much natural light as possible. If you don’t have a lot of windows, consider a few new window installations, ones that are bigger than your current ones. You can also rearrange your furniture to make better use of the light coming in from your windows. And during the daytime, take advantage of that beautiful sunshine and open up those curtains!

4. Make It Smell Good:

The power of scent is often underestimated, but it can actually have a profound effect on your mood and emotions. So if you want to make your home feel more inviting and homey, focus on making it smell good. There are a few ways to do this; you can diffuse essential oils, bake some cookies, or light a scented candle. But be careful not to go overboard; you don’t want your home smelling like a department store! Instead, a few strategically placed candles or diffusers should do the trick in making your place smell delightful.

5. Get Cozy:

One of the best ways to make your home feel more homey is to make it feel cozy. And one of the best ways to do that is with blankets! Having a few different blankets around the house that you can snuggle up with is sure to make your place feel more inviting. You can also add in some throw pillows for an extra touch of comfort. And if you really want to get cozy, invest in an electric fireplace! Nothing says “home sweet home” like cuddling up by the fire with a good book and a cup of tea.

6. Play Some Music:

Whether you prefer classical music or something a little more upbeat, playing some tunes in your home is sure to make it feel like the place to be. If you have trouble finding music you like, there are plenty of streaming services with millions of songs to choose from. Or you could even create your own playlist with all of your favorite jams.

7. Make It Personal:

Your home should be a reflection of you and your personality. Hang up some photos of your loved ones or display some of your favorite art pieces. You can also add personal touches to your furniture and decor choices. If you have any hobbies, find ways to incorporate them into your space as well. For example, if you love to read, consider adding a cozy reading nook somewhere in your home.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to making your home feel more like yours. But these seven tips are a great place to start!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb21

The Essential Elements Of A Rustic Style Home

Posted on by
Standard
The Essential Elements Of A Rustic Style Home

If you’re someone who wants to live in a rustic, country style home, you’re not alone. They’re incredibly popular, particularly among people looking to add warmth and coziness to their interiors. But what are the elements of design that actually make a country style home what it is? A little bit of this, that, and the following:

Weathered Wood:

Step into practically any rustic style home and you’ll find delightful weathered wood all over the place. The purpose of this is to make the interiors look and feel natural. Weathered wood provides a fundamental aesthetic that helps to ground the space and make it look more in keeping with the theme.

Subtle Use Of Colors:

In the past, owners of country style homes weren’t interested in putting on a display or indulging in ostentation. Instead, they made subtle use of color where they could, particularly in the kitchen and living spaces. Yellow, red, green, and white are all popular, but none of them ever stood out by themselves. Instead, they all blended naturally into a seamless whole which was immediately recognizable.

Shutters:

Rustic properties also make heavy use of plantation shutters. These beautiful window dressings made properties look more robust, plus give owners more options over the level of light coming in through their windows. While some shutters are purely for display, many modern country home concepts still use working models that swing back and forth like casement windows.

Florals And Nature For The Interiors:

Country style homes take a lot of their inspiration from the 1950s and 60s when floral patterns and prints were at the height of their popularity. Bedding, wallpaper, and upholstery all featured intricate designs. Added to this were often real flowers from the ranch or the yard. Owners would frequently bring flowers they found on their land into their interiors and keep them in vases for a touch of beautiful color.

Vintage Pieces:

Country homes should have a rustic appearance both inside and out. To make the interiors look more retro, experiment with vintage pieces. For instance, you might install an old style cooker in the kitchen or use a white painted metal bucket to hold your eggs. You could even include some classic signage as decoration. To find vintage pieces, go to your local antique center. You’ll find dozens of items that perfectly complement the country era.

Distressed Paint:

If you’re looking for a quick way to make your home look and feel more country, use distressed paint. It helps to make your home look lived in, and, in many cases, adds buckets of charm.

rustic1

Unsplash Image

Add Shiplap:

Lastly, you can make your home look more vintage and rustic by adding shiplap to your interiors. Overlapping panels of wood make amazing accent walls, especially when decorated with your favorite photos and wall art.

Rustic country homes are all about bringing cozy and welcoming vibes to your place. It’s such a fun style too and has plenty of opportunities to bring out your playful side in your decor!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Dec22

TJMaxx Haul: Moon & Madison Star Bright Cardigan Edition

Posted on by
Standard
TJMaxx Haul: Moon & Madison Star Bright Cardigan Edition

Hello! One of my favorite pieces of clothing in the whole world other than a good jacket or blazer is a nice, comfy cardigan. I love just being able to throw one on and head to work while giving the appearance that I *somewhat* got ready for my day lol. Not to mention that I am usually cold all of the time so an extra layer always comes in handy!

During my online shopping with TJMaxx, I purchased two new cardis that I couldn’t say no to. Did I need them? Not necessarily. But did I want them? REAL BAD. Today, we’ll be discussing an adorable Moon & Madison cardi and tomorrow we’ll take a look at one by Lucky Brand – which happens to be one of my favorite brands! Let’s get to it:

image_67197697image_67205889image_50408705(1)image_67238913

As soon as I saw this cardigan, I knew that it was going into my shopping cart. The dusty mauve color, star pattern, POCKETS (!!!), and teddy bear soft material made this Moon & Madison number a must have. I absolutely could not wait for it to arrive in the mail because I just wanted to wrap myself in it. It was as cozy, comfy, and soft as I imagined it to be and I have a feeling that I will be wearing it constantly.

When it comes to cardigans, I love oversized ones because you can’t go wrong with pairing it with super skinny jeans and ankle booties and walking out the door. My new Moon & Madison cardi is one that you could wear in spring, fall, and winter and I can also picture myself wearing this over a dress and tights for a special occasion or date night.

Prior to having red, pink, and violet hair, colors in the purple family never looked good on me. However, my new hair opened up a whole new color palette for me to experiment with – purple being one of them! Now, I am always scoping out lavender, mauve, and violet clothing so, of course, my Moon & Madison cardigan spoke to me. The mauve hue looks just right with my funky colored hair and I am already itching for more clothes in a similar color! 😀

As winter drags on, I will be beating the cold weather in the ultimate comfy cozy cardigan! Tune in tomorrow to continue the cardi party with my new Lucky Brand number. ❤

What does your favorite cardigan look like? What are your favorite colors to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov18

Creating A Perfect Nursery

Posted on by
Standard
Creating A Perfect Nursery

Once you have a child, you will spend the rest of your life doing what is best for them. The home decor and layout is one area where this certainly rings true. This mindset will be present in virtually every part of the home, including the backyard. Thankfully, many of the rooms only need minor adjustments until your child is up on their feet. For now, though, the main goal is to master the nursery. Here are some simple steps to help you do it in style:

Build around the bed:

The clue is in the title, the bedroom is a room that is primarily a place to sleep. While your son or daughter will spend the first few months in your room, they will soon outgrow the Moses basket. Finding a suitable crib at Foryourlittleone establishes a solid platform to build upon. It is the most important item in the bedroom or nursery. When you get this aspect right, it should provide guidance for all other elements. A baby will spend anywhere up to fourteen hours of the day sleeping so you want their crib to be just right!

Get a nursing chair:

Whether it’s an armchair, a rocking chair, or a small sofa is up to you. One way or another, though, you will benefit from having a seat for the night feeds or when your child wakes up in the night. Moving your tot too far may increase their alertness and make it harder for them to drift back to sleep. So, it is a purchase that will deliver benefits for parents and children alike.

When the nursing chair aesthetically matches the cot or the other room surroundings, it becomes a big part of the decor. In later years, it can move to the office or living room.

nurse1

Pixabay Image

Focus on warmth:

Maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for your child is vital for promoting healthy sleep. Aside from checking your central heating, you will want to ensure that the flooring choices are suitable. Experts at a Carpetwarehouse can help you find the thick solution that will keep the warmth in while also boosting the looks. The right choice of window coverings should avoid unnecessary heat loss too.

Conversely, you’ll need to keep the room cool in the summer. A good aircon system should be supported by big windows and/or an uncluttered design.

Have space:

Uncluttered designs aren’t only useful for maintaining a good temperature. It also provides your child with a place to play. Even when introducing them to tummy time, enjoying these activities in the bedroom can boost their bond with it. As they get older, there needs to be enough room for playing with toys and games. Many parents are surprised by the amount of storage that’s required as their child reaches their toddler years. Planning ahead with shelving and storage solutions is highly advised.

Keep your newborn comfy as can be in their nursery with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Sep22

Must Haves For Your Bedroom

Posted on by
Standard
Must Haves For Your Bedroom

After another long year in the pandemic lifestyle, it’s safe to say that everyone is going to want to hibernate this winter. And, where better to retreat than to your bedroom? Your bedroom should be your ultimate safe haven where you are cocooned in comfort and free to relax and be your best self. For the best in comfy cozy, consider the following in your bedroom:

Plush Bedding:

The best place to start in the bedroom is, of course, with the bed! After shopping for quality bedroom furniture for sale like your mattress and bed frame, it is time to dress the bed with comfortable and soft bedding. You can’t go wrong with light cotton sheets in the summer but during the winter, its best to adorn your bed with warm and toasty flannel or fleece.

Don’t forget comfy pillows both for sleeping and decoration. You might even want to consider a statement piece like a velvet headboard for an over the top luxury feel. That will make your queen sized bed truly fit for royalty!

Items That Sooth:

One of the first things that I bought for my bedroom in my apartment was a Himalayan Salt Lamp and I just love it! It provides the perfect glow to help you relax or set the mood for a scary movie night. Fairy lights or even sphere lights that look like the moon are also great options.

Your bedroom should have items that comfort rather than stimulate you and this can come in all shapes and forms. Think sound machines, your favorite plushie, or a photo album with pictures of your family. The bedroom is where people tend to go when they want to spend some peaceful time with themselves so save your bold pieces like loud artwork or unique patterns for the living room, instead.

Book Nook:

I don’t know about all of you, but reading before bed is one of my favorite parts of my nighttime routine. If you feel similarly, why not create a book nook in your bedroom? Stock a small bookshelf with your favorites or must reads from the library so you always have some reading material handy. A chaise lounge by a window would also be a nice touch. Cue the rain (outdoors or on a sound machine) for the ultimate reading space.

Create Calmness:

Testing out lavender or chamomile products before going to bed is always a good idea! You can sip on chamomile tea while taking a nice hot bath and crawl into bed with a cozy robe and a magazine. Or, how about some lavender scented lotion and pillow spray to help you drift off into the land of nod? Pampering yourself can be so soothing and will help put you in the right state of mind for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Think calm, soft, and soothing and you will have a bedroom fit for the royalty that you are for the most relaxing winter ever!

Sep21

Prepping Your Home For Winter

Posted on by
Standard
Prepping Your Home For Winter

When the cold weather comes around, there is nothing better than cozying up on the couch with a good book or your favorite show while the snow falls. However, there is much to be done to prepare your home for winter before you can sit back and enjoy. Let’s discuss a few key things that must be done so you can stay warm, comfortable, and safe all winter long:

Check Your Heating System:

Right now is the best time to have a routine maintenance check on your heating system. The longer you wait, the more booked up your local professionals are going to be and you want to make sure your heating is in check well before the super cold weather hits. Schedule a check up ASAP so that any potential problems can be solved quickly and you and your family can stay nice and toasty this winter.

Make Roof Repairs:

One of the most critical things that you can do is get roof rejuvenation before winter. If you are handy, you can examine your roof yourself and check for leaks, cracks, and weak spots. If not, that’s okay too and you can hire a professional team to get everything back in order. You could have the best heating system in the world but that means nothing when all of that glorious warm air is escaping through your rooftop!

Pest Control:

Just as we want to retreat into the warmth when the cold weather strikes, animals do too. There are countless DIY projects that you can undertake to keep your home pest free this winter. Start by looking for entry points in and around your house that little critters can get in through and patch them up accordingly. Mice can squeeze through even the smallest spaces so you must look things over with a fine toothed comb. And, as always, if you are unsure of anything, it is best to call in the local professionals so you can rest easily and safely this winter.

All Of The Extras:

The bitter cold and snow is enough to keep anyone inside during the wintertime so make sure you have plenty to do in your home to keep you occupied! Games, books, streaming services, and literally all of the soup recipes can go a long way on a snow day!

Prepare your home for the winter now so you can hibernate with the best of them until spring!