Tag Archives: flowers

Jul6

Watercolor Pansies

Posted on July 6, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Hello!! My mom and I really enjoy watercolor painting and it is such a fun and different medium of art to work with. With all of the craziness going on in both of our lives, we haven’t been able to paint as often as we would like. In fact, the last time we painted together was back in March! During that painting session, I tried my hand at pansies and was pretty pleased with the outcome as I had never tried it before.

This past week, we finally got to paint together and I decided to pick up where I left off with pansies. I wasn’t as happy as I was with the ones you’re about to see as the previous effort. However, I hadn’t painted in months and we all have to start (again) somewhere! Check out the image I was trying to pull from and my attempts:

After sketching out a basic outline for each flower, I began painting the top right pansy. Obviously, it was a bit of a bust and my mistake was being impatient AF. I gave no time for literally anything to sit and the blob flower became a muddled mess. I was feeling frustrated because my previous pansies were not the best but certainly not the worst and this one just sucked lol. So, I had to regroup, take a breath, and remember that patience is a virtue in life and especially with watercolor!

For the following flowers, I tried really hard to take my time and use the paints and water to my advantage. I also channeled the advice from a previous watercolor teacher to use areas of no paint within what you are working on too. The next flower I attempted was the one in the bottom left and I still wasn’t feeling it, but it was getting closer. Then, I had a brain blast and remembered how I did my original pansies!

The first time I painted pansies, I did a rough outline and then started in the middle. I began with the yellow center and line detailing and waited for it to dry. Then, I applied a light wash of paint, blotted it, and moved onto the next color. I used my original method for the middle right pansy and was much happier with how it turned out. There was even some areas of white to accent the red and orange too. That was much more like it and I ended my painting session feeling satisfied with the top left, two middle, and bottom right pansies.

I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t slightly disappointed with how my pansies turned out. But, I reminded myself that it was a great first go after an over three month long hiatus. After I shook away the blahs, I felt motivated to paint more so I never have to restart my progress again. I can’t wait for my next painting session with my mom!

What helps motivate you after a disappointment? Have you tried any new artistic ventures recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul5

Homemade Rose Oil

Posted on July 5, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!!!! Way back in the day, I used to really enjoy making homemade bath and body care like scrubs, shower gels, and lip balms. It has been SO long since I have done that but it was always a blast! This past week, I decided to revisit one of my old hobbies by making some rose oil with petals from a gorgeous bouquet at my mom and dad’s house. It was insanely easy and, even though I wasn’t too fond of the smell, it was an amazing addition to my bubble bath. No thanks to the bath fizzy from Bath & Body Works that you all read about yesterday! Let’s get to it:

Step By Step:

I made my rose oil by following directions from a surprising source – an article posted by HGTV! Directions for making rose water were also included and I might try that next with the remaining flowers from the bouquet I used. A rose oil concoction went a little something like this:

Step One: Tear or shred your petals. For mine, I took several at a time and tore them in half.

Step Two: Pour a cup of oil into a jar with the petals. Jojoba and grapeseed oil were recommended, but I didn’t have any. However, they mentioned that olive oil would work well too so that is what I used.

Step Three: Bring a few inches of water to a raging boil and remove from heat. Place your jar of oil and petals in afterwards until the water cools.

Step Four: Place your jar in front of a sunny window and let it sit for 24 hours.

Step Five: The next day, remove your petals from the jar and squeeze out all of the oil you can from them. To do this, I started pouring the oil with the lid slightly on into another jar. Once a majority of the oil was removed, I used a spoon to press the petals and store the excess.

Easy peasy, right?! Making homemade rose oil was a quick and fun project and I was really pleased with the results. I poured some of my rose oil in the bath tub and it was so lux and lovely. Yes, it was a freaking pain to clean up the oil slick tub after my soak. BUT my skin felt fantastic and it still does several days later. I have noticed a huge difference in the softness of my skin and it feels nourished and healthy. I can’t wait to use it again during my next bath time self care sesh!

Concocting your own rose oil is a wonderful way to bring a second life to roses from your garden or a bouquet. Once again, you can view the directions that I followed here. Tune in tomorrow on lifewithlilred for more flowery vibes as we take a look at my first watercolor painting I have done in a minute!

What is your favorite flower? Do you like to make any crafts or bath and body care with flowers? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May17

May Flowers

Posted on May 17, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! This past week when I got to my parents’ house after work, I found my dad in the backyard preparing his raised planters for spring flowers. It was a gorgeous day outside and it was going to rain that night, making for the perfect conditions to plant. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bask in the sunshine and spend some quality time with my dad and even though I was dog tired, I offered my assistance which he happily accepted. We spent a glorious hour or so together creating beauty and I am so pleased with our handiwork. Check it out:

Ever since I can remember, my dad has been an avid gardener and all spring, summer, and fall long you can catch him outside tending to the yard. During the warm months, we enjoy the bounty of his vegetable garden and the bouquets he makes weekly for my mom. Not only does he have two green thumbs, but he is also a very gifted flower arranger and his bouquets are stunning. Last year, his veggie garden went into overdrive with hauls so big we simply didn’t know what to do with everything. So, he decided flowers were the way to go this summer since all of our lives are crazy at this current juncture.

When I was younger, I loved to help in the garden and as I grew up, I tried to help as much as I could with planting and upkeep. It had been a while since I gardened and I forgot how much fun it was! Seriously, all of it was a blast from donning ridiculous gardening gloves, handling the delicate flowers, and cleaning up the dirt that got on us with the garden hose. And, of course, doing it all side by side with my dad. For the past few months, the time we have spent together is almost always driving to the Cleveland Clinic, so it was SO awesome to be able to do something with him for the joy of it.

Our garden day was the first time I had spent a considerable amount of time outside in so long. It only recently got nice out in Ohio and the previous weather had been absolute garbage. Being outside, soaking up the sun, and making something grow was just what I needed. Once we returned inside, I wanted to go back out again to plant more and I found myself thinking that I would like more house plants when I got to my apartment. I might just have a green thumb yet!

My dad has now started to plan his garden projects with my help in mind and I am more than up for the task. In fact, we will be planting flower seeds later this week. I can’t wait! 🙂

What is your favorite outdoor activity? What do you and your parents do to spend quality time together? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr3

Finally, Flowers!

Posted on April 3, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! Spring and autumn are the seasons when your favorite Lil Red blogger thrives. I live for not too hot/not too cold weather as I don’t do well in extreme summer temps and I am a huge freeze baby come winter! While I love the weather that comes with spring and fall, I love the way the world looks even more; Blooming flowers and trees coming back to life and leaves changing colors and Halloween decor. While driving this past week, I have noticed lots of pretty spring flowers popping up. And, finally on Friday, flowers were in my parents’ yard too. It made me so happy!

After a winter that felt like an eternity due to crap weather and a massive amount of stress, these past few days of true springtime have hit different and in the best way. Although it has been technically spring on the calendar, I don’t consider it to be spring until the weather and the outside world reflects it. Seeing the sun and feeling its warmth, brisk winds, and new life growing all around has been so invigorating and healing. While everything still isn’t awesome in my world, it makes it a bit easier to go about the day with a newfound pep in my step.

I look forward to seeing flowers in my parents’ yard every year because it is a perfect reminder of better times ahead. It’s hard not to smile and feel hopeful when tiny blooms and bursts of color are making their way onto the scene. It is also a great time to reflect on how flowers grow. Despite heavy rainfalls, grey days, and unstable temperatures, flowers still grow and turn into something beautiful when they open up towards the sun. It’s a great metaphor to help myself remember that when things absolutely suck, there is still going to be a light at the end of the tunnel. ❤

I have been waiting for springtime basically since winter began and all I have to say is: Bring it on. Here’s to warm days, birds chirping, and flowers blooming everywhere!

What is your favorite flower? What is your favorite part about the spring? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar20

Watercolor Flowers

Posted on March 20, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! My mom, sister, and I learned the joys of watercolor painting after taking a class together last July. It was so much fun and it inspired my mom and I to take it up as a hobby. I even treated all of us to an at home class last month as an early birthday gift for my mom! During our at home class, our wonderful teacher conducted a painting session on roses and I am so proud of my mom for her dedication to practicing watercolor in her downtime. This past week, I was finally able to paint with her during a visit and decided to see what I could remember of painting roses. I also tried my hand at pansies! Check it out:

I like to fancy myself as a creative person in terms of writing, fashion, and figure skating. However, I have never considered myself an artistic person until trying watercolor painting; I can barely draw a stick figure! Quitting my day job for a career in painting is not in my future, but I feel proud of myself whenever I paint anything and it doesn’t turn out awful. At the end of the day, I am trying something new and enjoying myself and that’s the most important thing.

A month had gone by since learning how to paint roses and while I definitely need a refresher, I felt pretty good about the two I made on the first page. The red one is my favorite! In fact, I was having so much fun painting with my mom that I wanted to try something completely new: Pansies. Pansies are one of my favorite flowers and they always remind me of my grandma, who would tend to beautiful window boxes filled with them. The variety of colors and delicate petals speak to me and I know that spring has officially sprung when I start to see them at stores!

To start, I tried to paint a pansy from memory and that didn’t go too hot. A reference picture was a must and I found some great drawings of pansies that were most helpful for my next attempts. Although none of the paintings I tried on the second page look perfectly pansy, I could kind of see it. I also felt like I got a decent grasp on what must be done to improve for next time and that’s good enough for me! I am especially pleased with the one in the top right as well as the flower directly below it. While I love taking watercolor classes, it was an extra feather in my cap to try something brand new all by myself!

I can’t wait to paint again with my mom and am looking forward to giving pansies another go. Practice makes perfect, amiright?!

What is your favorite medium of art to work with? In what ways are you creative or artistic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan18

Feeling Flowery OOTD

Posted on January 18, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! I wanted to get one more outfit in before my hair changes again so Johnny and I took pictures this past weekend. And, if the location looks familiar: It should! We went to the same brick wall (That is also a bathroom at a local park lol) featured in my It’s Not Just A Phase OOTD. Hey, you’ve got to work with what you’ve got sometimes! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Zip Up Top: Jaase, TJMaxx
Black Skinny Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters
Flower Headband: Claire’s
Thigh High Boots: Candie’s, Kohl’s

I don’t know about all of you but I am So. Freaking. Sick. of dressing for winter. Don’t get me wrong, I love cold weather clothing and accessories. However, I am bored with wearing skinny jeans constantly! I miss skirts and dresses so very much and while I have a passion for fashion, I am just not passionate enough to brave the cold with bare legs lol. It was less than thirty degrees out when we took these pictures and I was freezing my nads off in what I had on!

Winter essentially eliminates your options other than pants and that bores me. Therefore, bold patterns and colors are a must during the cold months to incorporate some excitement back into your fits. Because my pants were already chosen for me thanks to the weather, I decided to go with my Jaase zip up top on top. This little number is an oldie but goodie from TJMaxx and I think it is so cool. The unique shape and puff sleeves paired with the white flowers against a cornflower blue base creates a top that I have never seen anything like before. Granted, it’s definitely not warm enough to be worn on its own but it makes for an amazing option during the spring.

I view patterns as an accessory in themselves and didn’t want to bog down a top as loud as the Jaase one with too many extras. The day of taking these pictures, my hair didn’t want to cooperate at all so a headband was in order. Luckily, I had just the one in mind from Claire’s. The blue of the headband is almost an identical match to the top and I liked the pop of red in the embroidery. The headband also bumped up the back of my hair to add some volume and more visual interest to the look.

For earrings, I chose a pair that Johnny’s mom got me that you can’t see too well. They are a small dangly pair of steel blue rectangles with copper flowers and were right on target with the floral theme that I was working with. Since I already had the headband on, I didn’t want earrings that were too big or blingy and these added a little touch of movement without looking cluttered around my face.

Finally, it was time for shoes and I went with my thigh high boots by Candie’s. These are, quite possibly, one of my favorite boots in my entire collection. They are so sleek and sexy and guarantee mile long legs. They blend in perfectly with my black skinnies to give a boost in height without breaking up the silhouette of the outfit. Since the focal point of this look was the Jaase top, I didn’t want to take away from it with bolder heels so the Candie’s pair was just what I needed to complete the look!

When it comes to adding some spice to outfits during the winter, you need to get creative. You could consider transforming your clothing items into stunning pieces made possible by the art of embroidery. Delicate stitches and intricate designs can elevate the beauty of any attire. From elegant dresses to classic blouses, the possibilities are endless. Imagine a dainty lace collar adorned with blooming flowers or a bold statement jacket embroidered with intricate patterns. Floriani, known for its high-quality embroidery threads, adds a touch of excellence to each stitch, ensuring the final result is nothing short of breathtaking. Embrace the charm of the past while adding a personal touch with the magic of embroidery.

Although this isn’t one of my most exciting looks, I still really like this Feeling Flowery OOTD. Keep it posted for bloopers from this fit as well as new outfits coming soon with brand new hair!

What is your favorite season to dress for? How do you spice up cold weather outfits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep8

4 Ways To Improve Your Garden Right Now

Posted on September 8, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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A lot of people have the idea that gardens are only for the summer, but your home should be beautiful throughout all times of the year. If you are looking for ways to make improvements to your garden or yard, then look no further. We’ll discuss some ideas to get you started in this post:

Put up a fence:

If you’re going to enjoy your garden more, a little privacy can go a long way. Many gardens have short fences or old fences that make them look worn down. While there’s nothing wrong with a little wear and tear, it’s good to make sure you’re happy with what you’ve got. If you would like to install a new fence, you can start by looking into this Flawless Post Hole website. Having some privacy makes it much easier to feel at home in your own garden, and it’s a great way to start things off.

Take better care of your plants:

If gardening isn’t your thing, then the chances are that it looks pretty baron. Flowers are generally going to have a hard time growing healthily if you don’t water them enough or take proper care of them. A flourishing garden needs an attentive gardener to take care of it, which is where the effort comes in. Learning to take better care of what you have, as well as looking into more plants for your garden is important if you want a beautiful environment to spend time in.

Some yards are not conducive to gardening and if this is the case for you, a section of potted plants could be a great alternative. Pots of lush flowers, towering tomato plants, fresh herbs, and ferns can turn your yard into an oasis. You can use steel plant supports to arrange them however you see fit but a good rule of thumb is to use different heights so they are not all on the same level. You could also use hanging supports as well for beautiful flower baskets.

Consider a greenhouse:

If gardening is something you’ve always wanted to give a try, and are looking for more things to fill your garden with – look into the benefits of greenhouses. Greenhouses take up quite a bit of space, but if you invest in the right one, it can really add to the scene. Your greenhouse will provide you with a safe and weatherproof atmosphere to tend to your plants. No matter what you want to grow, you’ll know that they’re safe inside the greenhouse. They’re a gardener’s best friend and are great for growing plants that would usually have a hard time in your climate.

Install a pond:

Inviting nature into your garden can be quite difficult, but a pond can be a good place to start. So long as you’re willing to maintain it, your pond can be home to fish, frogs, and other wildlife that enjoys being near water. You might find that installing a pond attracts all kinds of wildlife to your garden. You’ll have to make sure to clean it through regular pond management and keep your fish fed if you don’t want it to stagnate, though.

Turn your backyard into a paradise with the tips above and you will enjoy spending time in your garden all year round!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Aug23

How To Change Your Garden Layout In 8 Easy Steps

Posted on August 23, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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How To Change Your Garden Layout In 8 Easy Steps

Your garden is your own little piece of paradise. It’s a place where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors, surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. But after a while, you may start to feel like your garden is a bit lackluster. If you’re looking for a change, there’s no need to wait until springtime to do it. With a little planning, you can easily change up your garden layout in just a few easy steps:

1. Decide what you want to change:

The first step in changing your garden layout is deciding what exactly you want to change. Do you want to add more color? Or are you looking for a more functional space? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can start planning your new layout. Consider Dumpster Rental to get rid of any debris you may accumulate.

2. Sketch out your ideas:

Once you have a general idea of what you want to do, it’s time to start sketching out your ideas. Get a piece of paper and a pencil and start drawing. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect – this is just for planning purposes. Once you have a basic idea of your new layout, you can start refining it.

3. Choose your plants:

One of the most important aspects of any garden is the plants. Carefully choose the types of plants that you want to include in your garden. Consider things like sunlight and water needs, as well as their growth habits. You’ll also want to think about how the plants will look when they’re in bloom.

4. Place your plants:

After you’ve chosen your plants, it’s time to start placing them in your new garden layout. Again, sketching things out first can be helpful. Once you have a general idea of where you want to put each plant, you can start digging holes and planting them. If you have pets, remember to keep in mind that they may want to rearrange your plants after you’ve placed them!

5. Add some mulch:

Mulch is a great way to add nutrients to your soil and help your plants retain moisture. It can also give your garden a polished look. When you’re adding mulch, be sure to use a layer that’s two or three inches thick.

6. Water regularly:

One of the most important things you can do for your garden is to water it regularly. Depending on the type of plants you have, you may need to water daily or just a few times a week. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure it’s not already moist.

7. Fertilize as needed:

Fertilizing your garden is important to help your plants stay healthy and thrive. However, you don’t want to overdo it. Apply fertilizer according to the package directions and be sure not to use more than recommended.

Unsplash Image

8. Enjoy your new garden:

After you’ve finished all of these steps, sit back and enjoy your new garden layout. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can easily transform your space into something you’re proud of.

Changing your garden layout is a great way to give your space a fresh look. By following these eight easy steps, you can achieve the results you want in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your new garden today!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jul27

A Stroll In The Garden OOTD

Posted on July 27, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone!! After a most fruitful TJMaxx haul, I was so ready to take all of the pictures with my new duds. I also had the perfect setting in mind – my dad’s garden! Come summer, it is absolutely glorious and filled with delicious veggies and stunning blooms. There is nothing better than taking a leisurely stroll and taking in all of the beauty or running around with my niece on the lush lawn…. And taking pictures, of course! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Crochet top: Rebellion Again, TJMaxx
Floral pants: Nicole Miller, TJMaxx
Embroidered heel platforms: Bamboo, TJMaxx

This is an OOTD that I love very much and I think it is just so fun and unique. I have nothing like the Rebellion Again top or Nicole Miller pants in my vast wardrobe, which made it an exciting look to wear since it’s far from the norm. I felt so lucky during my haul because there was only one pair of the pants in the store and doubly lucky because I found the perfect top to go with it!

What I like about this outfit is that the styling spoke for itself. It was also planned well ahead of time in the TJMaxx dressing room so not a lot of thought went into it the day I took pictures. Each piece felt like an accessory in its own way – the embroidered heels of the platforms, bold floral pattern on the pants, and intricate crochet work on the top. So, it really didn’t need much in terms of actual jewelry and I kept it simple with a few of my favorite bangle bracelets.

Normally, I like to start from the top down when building an outfit. In this case, however, I started from the middle with the pants. While I could have pulled from a color in the floral pattern for the top, I decided that I wanted to go with a neutral to really make it pop. The cream Rebellion Again tank was the ideal choice and it was exactly what I had pictured. I thought it looked fabulous against the grey/blue base of the pants and the floral crochet pattern complimented them so well too.

For shoes, my Bamboo platforms were an obvious choice. The denim color is a neutral too and it meshed seamlessly with the blue undertones in the base of the pants. The floral embroidery on the heel also tied together with the same motif in the other pieces of this outfit. Not to mention that it has cream, pale blue, and yellow flowers featured on the heel so it matched even better than I originally thought.

My Stroll In The Garden OOTD is going to be such a delightful look for a date day exploring downtown Cuyahoga Falls or a botanical garden. Now, the trick is going to be to find more tops to go with the pants lol. I guess I’ll need another shopping trip soon! 😀

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

PS: Tune in tomorrow for bonus pictures from this shoot!

Jun16

Birthday Bouquet

Posted on June 16, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! After a glorious month and a half or so with a lighter work schedule, I am back into the swing of things and have taken on two new families in the past month. The down time was much needed so I could pack up the old apartment and unpack in our new one because Johnny was working SO much overtime. Not to mention that a break was just what I needed for my own mental health.

For the first time in years last week, I worked on my birthday. Of course, I could have taken the day off but I was so eager to start with one of my new families that I couldn’t stand to wait one more day! This was a really cool change of pace for me and it felt good to be excited for work days. On Tuesday, I was surprised by receiving a gorgeous bouquet and birthday donuts from my new family. It was the nicest thing!!

^^^ Lol, I didn’t have a vase so I had to resort to using a water bottle SMH!

I don’t know about you, but I love to get flowers. They are such a lovely way to let someone know that you were thinking of them. I can’t help but to smile every time that I look at my birthday bouquet and the flowers still look as beautiful as the day I brought them home. The “vase” might not do the bouquet justice but, hey, you work with what you’ve got!

I learned the merit of receiving flowers from an early age. My dad always makes my mom the prettiest wildflower bouquets from his garden and will expertly arrange store bought flowers during the cold months. Seeing his arrangements on the kitchen table never failed to make me happy and it added the perfect touch of sunshine to the day.

I was so touched by this kind gesture from my new family and will have that reminder every day now. Because you all know that I love me some dried flowers too! ❤

What is your favorite flower? How do you show a loved one that you care? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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