Tag Archives: family

Polka Dots, Please OOTD

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Polka Dots, Please OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today, we’re going to be taking a look at some pics from my look while celebrating Easter with the in laws. And, as always, stay tuned for bonus shots and a plethora of bloopers from the shoot! Johnny and I had a lovely Easter weekend and I hope that all of you did too. 🙂 Now, let’s get to it:

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Who? What? Wear?

Nothing says “celebrate spring” like some polka dots and floral prints! While I would have loved to sport a cute little sundress for Easter, it was frickin freezing and it was gonna be a no from me. Instead, I went with the springiest cold weather option I had, which was my polka dot maxi skirt by Eva Franco. This choice was, obviously, a yes from me!

I remember lusting over my Eva Franco number for months on TJMaxx’s website and snagged it on clearance. It was the steal of a lifetime but I never broke it out as often as I imagined so I’m glad it got its moment in the sun… or lack thereof. This skirt is so festive and fun and the bright dots gave a perfect pop of spring without going the floral route.

As you all know, I am a huge fan of making a skirt and top combo look like a dress. To achieve this and add some extra warmth, I went with my Loft unicorn sweater. This was a Christmas gift from my mom and I love it so much. Also note how the blue stitching matches to the T with the blue polka dots! 😀

Since navy is a neutral and the skirt and sweater paired so well together, this gave me the opportunity to have some fun with the shoes. I will be the first to admit that these Elle pumps are, easily, the least comfortable pair of shoes that I own. I have some crazy pairs in my collection and none of them bother me except for these pumps.

My Elle pumps pinch, they hurt, and are so uncomfortable to walk in but I will do anything in the name of FASHION. In fact, one time I made the grave mistake of wearing these to the mall and I had to stuff them full of loose Taco Bell receipts from my purse to keep the blisters from getting worse. But, that’s neither here nor there and since I literally was just walking into my in law’s home, it was a risk I was willing to take. I think it paid off!

Finally, for accessories, I topped this OOTD off with my absolute favorite necklace – my grandma’s pearls. Although there was a lot happening in my look, it didn’t feel complete until I put my necklace on. Pearls are so elegant and I believe that they are an ideal neutral when it comes to jewelry. They don’t distract from the overall outfit but enhance and I love how they tied this OOTD together.

Other than the wicked uncomfortable heels that I absolutely refuse to get rid of, I felt like Spring Fling Queen in my Polka Dots, Please OOTD! Now, can actual spring weather happen now or…?

How did you celebrate Easter? What is your favorite gemstone? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dinner Time!

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Dinner Time!

Hello! Something that brings me great joy is cooking and I love making delicious meals for Johnny and our friends and family. This past week, my sister and niece joined us for dinner and it was an absolute delight. I texted her a list of options that I could make and she chose lemon pasta. I was excited because I have had that saved on my Pinterest for forever and really wanted to make it!

I prepared the pasta dish with garlic bread and salad and it was a raging success. I also made air fried Oreos for dessert. These pictures are actually of leftovers because I was so hungry I forgot to snap some pics when it was fresh lol:

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You can view the entire recipe for lemon pasta at Contentedness Cooking!

The lemon pasta was an ultra easy and super tasty dish that I most definitely plan on making again. It is nice and light and will make for a perfect meal on a warm spring or summer day. It also tasted great leftover too and was even more lemony after it had time to sit.

When cooking a new recipe, I tend to follow it pretty closely. Then, I add my own variations if I like it enough to make again. The only thing I did differently when making the lemon pasta was use way more garlic than what was called for because we all know that three cloves is simply not enough! The taste of this dish was so yummy but we all agreed that it could use something extra. The next time I make it, I plan on adding the following:

  • Feta cheese
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Spinach
  • Fresh parsley
  • Pine nuts

Any type of pasta is my favorite food and this recipe is one that will be enjoyed by anyone who shares my sentiments. It is really good as is but if the recipe looks a little too bland for you, adding extra veggies or herbs will help to kick things up a notch (In the eternal words of Emeril Lagasse)!

Have you tried any new recipes lately? How did they turn out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Summer Activities Perfect For Animal Lovers

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Summer Activities Perfect For Animal Lovers

When the weather gets warm, it is the perfect opportunity to try something new! If you are an animal lover and ready for some fun activities to get you outside, try some of these:

Start with Horse Riding:

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love horses. Their size makes them intimidating, but they are among the most gentle creatures. Almost any animal lover would enjoy being around horses, and riding them is one of the most leisurely hobbies you can do. You don’t need to become a bet on Kentucky Derby 2022 by fast riding! You can enjoy the company of a horse in many ways. You can gently ride horses on rural trails or help at the stables until you are confident enough to begin riding. Many stables welcome new visitors with a genuine interest.

If you are an especially skilled horseback rider, merely trotting about might not be enough for the thrill you seek. Should this be the case for you, there are amazing options that can prove to be a once in a lifetime adventure. You can check out these riding safaris for an experience to ride on horseback in incredible locations with sights of scenery and animals you will simply have to see to believe. What a ride!

How About Some Baby Feeding?

It’s spring, and you know what that means. Baby animals! Is there anything cuter than a newborn lamb or a slowly emerging hedgehog? While you might be hard pushed to find a lamb out near your city center apartment, you can see them if you volunteer. With so many new baby animals in spring, it’s a hectic time for people involved in animal welfare. From farmers to dog and cat charities, they all need your help. No charity will turn down free support if you are passionate about animals.

Bird Watching:

Bird watching is a trendy hobby. In the UK alone, over 3 million people per year spend their spare time with binoculars in hand, waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite species of winged creatures. And the great news is that it is a very cheap hobby to pursue. All you really need is something to watch with, which you can get second-hand, and time. This makes bird watching the perfect hobby to start as the summer holidays approach and you might have more time off work or school.

Make Better Use of Your Phone with Pet Photography:

Smartphone cameras are excellent these days. Newer models, like Google’s phones, are even comparable to expensive DSLR cameras. In short, you can take professional looking photos with your phone camera. However, you will need to learn photographic principles first. But when you get good at it, you can take pictures of your pets, your friend’s pets, and even strangers. If you are good enough, the word might get around, and you could make some extra money. Everyone wants the perfect pics of their furry friends for their Insta account, right?

BONUS: Animal Hobbies that Can Make Money:

Pet photography is a great idea that will get you close to animals and make some money on the side. But it’s not the only one. Here are some animal hobbies that can make you some money:

  • Dog walking requires no training.
  • Grooming requires some training.
  • Pet transportation requires only a driving license.
  • Homemade pet accessories are great if you are crafty.
  • Blogging about animals can turn into a great online business.

Some of these hobbies are skill-dependent, but you can make extra money with any. Dog walking, for instance, requires no formal training. Just an affinity for dogs and super strong legs.

Beekeeping:

If you love insects, then beekeeping is a great way to study and learn about nature’s greatest allies. In addition, you get to keep the honey and you could even sell it for a profit. Just be aware that you will get stung. A lot. But once you become proficient at beekeeping, you can make a career out of it later. And your contribution will make a difference to the dying bee population.

Take a Dip in the Ocean:

You might be more interested in what lies beneath the ocean surface. If you love fish and marine life, summer is a great time to get into water related animal hobbies like snorkeling. The underwater world is quite spectacular and different from what you experience on dry land. Snorkeling could also lead to a developed recreation like deep-sea diving, where you can see amazing things and make it a career. You can make this hobby into a job by diving for treasure, documenting sea life, monitoring marine activity, or selling videos and photos.

Gardening:

Gardening has a massive impact on the animal world. The way you garden and landscape can either destroy habitats or improve them. You can make your garden a veritable paradise for local animals with proper landscaping methods. For example, suppose you live near a wooded area. In that case, you can encourage animals like rabbits, foxes, and deer onto your land by providing what they typically seek out. Create a wildlife window at home and watch as animals roam your property.

Consider Building a Farm Yard:

Of course, the ultimate hobby for animal lovers is to keep farmyard animals and livestock. However, you will need the land to do this. For instance, chickens alone need ten square feet each to be healthy. You can’t expect them to stay in the coop all day. If you are lucky enough to have land available, this is a rewarding hobby. You will get to look after animals every day and help raise their young. You significantly reduce our dependence on external food sources, lower your carbon footprint, and make your home more sustainable.

Animals and a love of the outdoors typically go hand in hand. Try one of these hobbies and enjoy yourself this summer!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Here I Am!

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Here I Am!

Hello everyone! It has been a minute since a new OOTD post because your girl needs her hair done! Thankfully, that problem will be solved soon and I can’t wait to show you all some perfectly spring OOTDs ASAP. In the meantime, here are some pics of yours truly and some of my favorite people to tide you over until then:

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^^^ Can you spy one of my new tattoos?! 🙂

This past Sunday, we celebrated our darling niece’s third birthday a bit late because the weather has been wet and cold here. What was originally a party at a park turned into a get together at my sister and her partner’s house and, of course, Johnny and I had to step out in our best. This also meant all of the car selfies as well as pictures of me and Johnny when he refuses to just smile for the camera! *Massive eye roll* lol.

Our Val Gal’s party was a great success and it was so nice to see old friends and meet new ones. Johnny also finally got to meet some of my extended family who I haven’t seen in forever, which was awesome. We were surrounded by good company, good food, and lots of love and it’s safe to say that three year old Val knows how to throw a rager! 😀

Be sure to keep it posted on lifewithlilred for brand new OOTDs, book club reviews, Johnny’s unsmiling face, and all of the usual shenanigans this month. ❤

What do you like to do when your family gets together? Are you a smiling or silly face making selfie taker? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Birthday, Sister!!

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Happy Birthday, Sister!!

Hello everyone! Today is a happy wonderful day because it is my big sister, Kristen’s, birthday! Beginning in March until June, it is a whirlwind of birthdays in my family. It starts with my niece, then my mom, dad, sister, brother, and in June Johnny and I celebrate our birthdays and wedding anniversary, then it wraps up with my blogging bestie. It is such a fun time full of presents, get togethers, and dinners and I can’t wait to celebrate Kristen’s big day together!

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Kristen is the best sister and friend a gal could ever ask for and I am so lucky to be related to her! She is an amazing mom, dog and cat mom, and human being and every time hanging out with her is the best time. I love our trips to Taco Bell, getting ice cream, and adventures at the park with her darling daughter. I can’t wait for summertime so we can all go swimming at my apartment complex again. And, yes, having Johnny pick us up TBell once we’re done at the pool. 🙂

My sister is so kind and it really shows in her parenting and love for caring for rescue animals. Her two cats and three dogs have all been given a second lease on life because of her. As little sis, I’m sure there are plenty of instances of me driving Kristen crazy, especially when I constantly send her Bitmojis but I just can’t help myself lol. I miss her as soon as either of us go home and I am always asking her if Johnny and I can live with her family! 😀

Sisters are built in best friends and I hit the jackpot with mine. ❤

I love you, Kristen!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

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Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

Hello everyone! Today is a happy wonderful day because it’s my dad’s birthday!! Although he hates celebrating his big day – I sure don’t and it will always be blog worthy in my world. ❤ My dad is the best, funniest, kindest man on the planet and he sure is handsome too. He deserves to be celebrated every day and I am so lucky to be his daughter!

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My dad is a gardening expert, a friend to all of the little woodland animals, and is a vacation planning extraordinaire. He is always cracking a joke and I am constantly in stitches in his company. One of my favorites has to be before I got married and informed him that I just had one last appointment to get my tattoos touched up before the big day. Without missing a beat, he replied with “How about getting some of them removed?” Lol, what a card!

I love my dad’s relationship with my mom and he is such a doting father and grandpa too. Whenever my parents are out shopping, he is constantly on the lookout for new toys and books for my niece! It is so sweet to watch them together. I truly couldn’t ask for a better dad and even though he’s probably annoyed at this post, I think he’ll secretly like it anyways. ❤ 😀

I love you, Dad!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!

Creating A Healthy & Active Lifestyle For Your Family

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Creating A Healthy & Active Lifestyle For Your Family

One of the most important things you can do for your family is foster a healthy and active lifestyle. This means making sure that everyone in the family has opportunities to be physically active and eat nutritious foods. It can be tough to make changes in your routine, but you can create healthy habits for your whole family with a bit of effort! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for getting started:

Make physical activity a priority:

One of the best ways to get your family healthy is to prioritize physical activity. This means setting aside time each day for everyone to be active. You can go for walks, play tag, ride bikes, get active in your Feelnets, or do any other activity that gets everyone moving. If you make being active a regular part of your routine, it will become easier and more fun for your family over time. In addition to scheduled activities, try to be active as a family whenever possible. Take walks after dinner, play in the park, or go swimming. These spontaneous moments of activity will help get everyone moving and have some fun together!

Choose healthy foods:

Another vital part of fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for your family is choosing healthy foods. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It can be tough to switch to healthier eating habits, but with time and effort, you can do it! One way to make things easier is to plan out your meals ahead of time. This will help you stay on track and ensure you have all of the ingredients you need for nutritious recipes.

Another great way to get your family excited about healthy eating is to involve them in cooking. Let them choose which fruits or vegetables they want to include in a meal or give them their kitchen tasks (such as chopping vegetables). By making healthy eating fun and interactive, you can encourage your family to make healthy choices when it comes to food.

Be a role model:

As parents, it is so important to be a good role model. This means setting a good example for your kids by being active and eating healthy yourself. If you make physical activity and healthy eating a part of your everyday life, your kids will likely follow suit. It’s also essential to be optimistic about being active and healthy. Avoid making comments like “I don’t have time to work out” or “I hate vegetables”. Instead, try to focus on the positives of being active and eating well. For example, say things like “I feel energized after I work out” or “I love how fresh fruits and vegetables make me feel”. By setting a positive example and emphasizing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, you can help your family live a healthier life.

Getting started with the tips above will make it easier than ever to create lasting healthy habits for your family!

Featured Image By: Alexandr Podvalny

Types Of Childcare Settings And What They Offer

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Types Of Childcare Settings And What They Offer

In the US and many other countries, there are three main stages of education. However, children in the states can attend daycare settings from the age of just six weeks old. This can be quite common if the parents have to go back to work and there is nobody to look after the child.

It is important that you view childcare settings before sending your child to ensure they are safe and secure. Take notice of small things such as the classroom furniture being used and how the staff interact with the children. If you are unsure of when your child can attend school, then here is a list of ones available that may be suitable for you and your child:

Early Childcare:

Daycare centers can usually accept children from as young as 12 weeks of age until the age of 5. They will provide structured care and follow your set routine until the child is around a year. Once your child is over a year they will move to a different class within the daycare center. This is when they will start to follow the daycare’s routine relating to meal times and sleep times. However, you still get a say in how long your child naps for. These programs help ease the transition into preschool for your little ones. It might seem far off but it is never too early to start thinking about it. To begin researching preschools, simply enter a search for “preschool programs near me in Fallston, MD” (or your local area). Then you can adhere to enrollment guidelines way ahead of time.

If you want your child cared for in their own home, then look at hiring a nanny or an au pair. This can start and finish at any age and doesn’t have a cut off point when they start attending school. You can even hire before and after school nannies if you need to start work early or finish late. You might find that in home childcare is cheaper than what you would pay at a daycare. Enter a search for “how much does an au pair cost” and compare with your local childcare center to determine your best option financially.

K-12:

Once your child reaches legal school age, this will differ from state to state but is usually around the age of five that they will attend formal school. This is a legal requirement, however, you are well within your rights to home school if this fits in with your lifestyle.

Your child will be in elementary school from the ages of 5 to around 10, although some do go from the ages of 6 to 12. Be sure to check what your school is so you know how long your child will attend for. Here they will learn all the basics in the world of math, geography, English, history, art, physical education, and science.

Once your child reaches the age of around 11 they will attend a middle school, such as this college prep middle school, which goes up to the age of 13 and is where your child will learn more in depth about the previously mentioned subjects. This is such an important time for your child educationally, so you will want to make sure that you find them the best school possible in your area where they will be well-supported in both their learning and development This well surely set them on a good path for when your child is 13/14 and will start high school.

Finally, from the ages of 14 to 18 your child will attend high school. This is the most important and your child will be closely monitored with exams and internal markings to ensure they are on the right track for success after their education is complete.

Setting your child up for success in school from the jump starts when they’re young so it’s always important to plan ahead when it comes to their education!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Simple Ways To Support Your School Aged Child

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Simple Ways To Support Your School Aged Child

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to support your child as they make their way through school. The years fly by quickly and, before you know it, they will be graduating and moving on to college or the workforce. You can do many things to support them throughout their school years, including the following:

Make sure they get a good night’s sleep:

This is crucial for their success in school. Most kids need around eight hours of sleep per night but it can vary depending on their age and individual needs. If your child is struggling to get enough sleep, try setting a regular bedtime and enforcing it as much as possible. You may also want to limit screen time before bed, especially if it is causing them to have trouble falling asleep. It’s also essential to make sure your child has a healthy diet and exercises regularly – both of which can help them get the rest they need.

Help them stay organized:

One of the biggest challenges for students is staying organized and on top of their work. This is where parents can help out. Give your child a place to study, do their homework, and provide them with enough storage space for their school supplies. You can also help them develop good habits when researching and completing assignments. For example, you can encourage them to start working on their homework as soon as they get home from school, rather than waiting until the last minute.

Find a tutor if they struggle in a subject:

If your child is struggling in a particular subject, it’s essential to get them help as soon as possible. A tutor can provide them with one-on-one instruction and help them catch up on the material they are struggling with. There are many different types of tutors like a Maths Tutor available so you should be able to find one that fits your budget and meets your child’s needs. Many schools also offer tutoring services for free or at a discounted price, but sometimes professional tutors can show the time and effort other individuals can’t.

Help them stay positive:

It can be challenging for kids to deal with stress and anxiety during their school years. This is where parents can step in and help out. Make sure your child knows that it’s okay to feel stressed sometimes but that they should always try to stay positive and focus on the good things. You can also encourage them to exercise, spend time with friends, and get plenty of rest – all of which can help them healthily deal with stress.

There are many things parents can do to support their children throughout their school years. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help them achieve success in all of their classes and stay positive!

Featured Image By: Karolina Grabowska

Protecting Your Home During Extreme Weather Events

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Protecting Your Home During Extreme Weather Events

With extreme weather events and stormy weather becoming more frequent than ever, there’s never been a better time to start protecting your home against the effects of the elements. Your property could experience severe and potentially irreparable damage during a particularly bad storm, leaving you in a tricky position both physically and financially.

Taking the opportunity to protect your investment by utilizing a few additional adaptations can be of real benefit, helping you to keep your home safe for the foreseeable future. Let’s get started:

Preventing Fires:

When the temperature soars to unimaginable levels outside, you need to take the appropriate steps to prevent fires inside your home. Global warming is having a disastrous effect on the state of the elements, and this has already led to a number of different wildfires and other fire related incidents that can cost lives in the worst case scenario. If you live in a forest or grassland location during the height of the summer, then you always need to be vigilant about the risks that could strike at any time.

One of the best ways to prevent fires is by installing fire protection, as having your own dedicated sprinkler system will keep the raging flames away from your property. Purchasing things like foam fire extinguishers and fire retardant blankets can also help to keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire. Minimizing the temperature in your home can help to reduce the likelihood of a fire, so it can be of benefit to install some kind of air conditioning unit to maintain a cool and calm atmosphere despite the intense heat outside.

Preventing Floods:

The next biggest threat that your family home can face is flooding. With ice caps melting, enormous waves crashing onto the shore, and some of the heaviest rainfalls on record, the past 5-10 years has been chaos for flooding. All over the globe, towns, cities, and villages have been struck by flooding, taking many lives with it.

Investing in a healthy stock of sandbags is one of the best ways to start as they can be used to block the flow of water underneath doorways to maintain the sanctity of your home. Additionally, investing in a basement sump pump can assist you considerably during a flood because it can help to remove the water and manage the level to minimize the damage.

Protecting your family home during extreme weather events is a priority and the simple steps above can really help!

Featured Image By: Pexels