Tag Archives: fun

Mar16

True Destiny Flower Power Top

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True Destiny Flower Power Top

Hi everyone! I don’t know about ya’ll, but I am ready for spring! It has been snowing on and off again in Ohio, so I have still been bundled up in my winter’s best. But, that doesn’t mean that I can’t think about warmer weather constantly and do some spring shopping! Who needs spring cleaning, anyways?!

To get myself ready for warmer weather and spring flowers, I indulged in this gorgeous, retro inspired True Destiny top from TJMaxx. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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I am so obsessed with this top. The colors, the structured torso counterbalanced with larger than life balloon sleeves, and a tie neck back to top it all off. I can’t handle the cuteness. The bright colored flowers bouncing against a bleach white base make me so happy and it takes spring florals to a whole new and unique level. It is truly a mod, flower power top to the max and I’ve already worn it three times this week!

Since it’s been so cold, I’ve only been pairing this shirt with my black skinnies. But, come warmer weather, I am so excited to wear this True Destiny top with a sweet pair of dark denim shorts and my heeled floral sneakers for a fun and sunshiney OOTD.

How would you style this top? What is one of your favorite patterns to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar14

Party Inspo For The Best Birthday Bash!

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Party Inspo For The Best Birthday Bash!

One of the best things that you can do in any year is to plan a party. Let’s face it, it may be a stressful time during the organization process, but the actual party always comes off beautifully, and your kids end up so happy, so the stressful bit is worth it! If you’re a standard Pinterest parent, then you’ll already have the app downloaded with several boards full of ideas for your next event.

Planning a party has a lot of different components, but the main thing to start with is the theme. You can’t hope to build the right party if you don’t have the right theme. Discuss with the birthday child what they would like, but if you have been told to surprise them, then you’ll need a little help. Check out our amazing party inspo below, then click on over to Pinterest to start building the right board. Don’t worry, all of these options work for both a birthday boy and a birthday girl!

Magic:

Who doesn’t love a magic party?! Think about it, you could hire in a magician to entertain the children, offer fancy dress options for magical beings, and you could even serve a cake like this, where a bunny is popping out of a top hat. Make sure that you include glitter pots in the party bags, along with fuzzy bunny ears, and a wand of their very own.

One important aspect that should not be overlooked is the magician’s stage. It should have a dramatic impact and their magic show should stand out. Consider getting a rainbow balloon arch over a small platform, to make it feel like a real magic show. Another consideration is to plan the party with the magician to discuss how to make it as interactive as possible; this way, all the kids will be super excited and feel included in the festivities.

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I want him at my next party!

Art:

An artsy party is a craft lovers dream. It can be a messy theme, but it’s one that is going to entertain kids for ages and they won’t forget it. Make this one a summer party, and you could pin large pieces of cardboard to the washing line and get the kids to flick paint on them in neon colors. Make biscuit palettes with icing paint to finish the look.

Sports:

Having a sports mad child makes for a very easy party theme. You can get USA baseball bats here as a birthday gift, and when it comes to the party treats, why not specify a baseball theme with baseball cake pops? Gift bags will also be easy peasy, as you can make them personalized to the sport of choice.

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Yum!

Circus:

You can go as big as you like with a circus theme; so if you’ve got the cash, you can definitely pull out all of the fun fair stops. You could go a little more moderate by hiring a clown or balloon animal maker and you could serve up hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy during the party, with an amazing circus tent cake to blow everyone away.

Your birthday party theme is going to be individual for your child, but you can really go all out with the effort that you put into it. Make sure that you give plenty of notice to your guests so that they can be there to enjoy the day. Party planning is so much fun, and it’s time to begin!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Mar7

Date Ideas For When Spring Has Sprung

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Date Ideas For When Spring Has Sprung

Spring is a time for new starts and bidding goodbye to the horrible winter months. Finally, it’s time for long, flowy dresses, and making the most of springtime with your SO. What are the ways to make the most of this wonderful weather, and all of the exciting events coming up? It’s time to take the initiative with your social calendar, so let’s give you some ideas for quality couple time:

Go On A Picnic:

This really is the first port of call. You’ve got to get out and enjoy the lovely weather, especially if it might turn into April showers. Having an outdoor picnic gives you the opportunity to kick back, relax, and have some quality time with your other half. It’s also great in spring before the summer months come by, and with it, all of the annoying summer insects.

Picnics are so fun because you can plan a menu to make or get takeout from your favorite restaurant. I had a friend who would get takeout from her and her partner’s go to places, they would eat outdoors, and enjoy a walk afterwards. Perhaps you’ll have sammies on an afternoon outing or something more decadent for an evening meal. A candlelit Indian meal outdoors is as simple as entering a search for “indian restaurant cambridge uk” (or your local area). However you go about it, picnics are a great date!

A Sporting Event:

While you might consider sports to be the height of tedium, you will earn extra brownie points with your boo if you present them with some sports tickets to their favorite event. And besides, if you go and experience a baseball game on a mild spring evening, you don’t even have to pay attention to the game to enjoy the ambiance.

A Romantic Night Time Meal:

Either head to your local restaurant and book a table outside or go for a wonderful romantic rooftop dining experience. Enjoying the spring months while sipping on a glass of Chardonnay with your favorite pizza is one of life’s little pleasures. And it’s even better when you’ve got your significant other to share it with. If you are in the mood to shake things up, go to a restaurant that specializes in cuisine that you have never tried before. Perhaps a Turkish restaurant like The Mantl? Or maybe an Indian buffet to sample a bit of everything? It’s always fun to try something new on a date night!

Head To A Concert:

Check your local venues for the latest artists making an appearance near you. The big stadium events are also slowly coming up, with artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and seasoned pros the Rolling Stones all embarking on open-air tours. That time of evening when the main act is taking the stage, the weather’s nice and cool, and thousands of people are having a great time, you can’t help but get caught up in the vibe. And there’s plenty of opportunities for perfect selfies with your SO!

Go For A Walk:

Who’d have thought it, in this day and age you could go for a walk?! Yes, you don’t need to spend money to have a great time with your partner. The spring months are the perfect opportunity to get your rambling shoes on and go exploring. And before the unbearable temperatures of the summer come, you can get plenty of beneficial exercise outdoors, and explore your surroundings with the one you love. Even if you aren’t particularly inclined towards nature, getting out for a nice walk is always going to help bring you and your partner closer together.

The springtime is one of the most perfect parts of the year. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and everything is now gearing up for a fantastic summer. So, as spring has sprung, get yourself outdoors, don’t worry about spring cleaning for now!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar1

Versatile Blogger Award #3

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Versatile Blogger Award #3

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful week on lifewithlilred! Yours truly just got nominated for my third Versatile Blogger Award by my sweet friend over at Liss Journal. Thank you SO much for the nomination, darling! Do be sure to peep through the window into this blogger’s world, because her page definitely does not disappoint. Here are the rules for this award:

The Rules:

  • Show the award on my blog.
  • Thank the person who nominated me.
  • Share 7 things about myself.
  • Nominate 10 blogs.

Fun Facts:

  1. My favorite thing in the world is shopping! TJMaxx is my jam, and I feel like I end up there at least every other weekend with my beloved mama. It’s a curse!
  2. I love doing these blogging awards, so many thanks to those who continue to nominate lifewithlilred for them. It means a lot. ❤
  3. I have enjoyed three movies from this year’s Oscar season including I, Tonya, The Shape Of Water, and Three Billboards On The Side Of Ebbing, Missouri. All of them were fantastic and I look forward to seeing some of the other nominees soon.
  4. Speaking of the Oscars – it is my favorite award show to watch. I love movies and getting new ideas for films to watch.
  5. And speaking of movies – I love scary ones. I am hoping to see the remake of The Strangers in theaters when it comes out on March 9th.
  6. I have tons of favorite TV shoes including Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Wentworth, My 600 Lb. Life, Botched, Hoarders, Intervention, and Orange Is The New Black. I could continue naming more, though!
  7. I love, love, love sour candy – Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, Shockers, etc. Sour candy is the best to eat while watching movies and really at any time.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

Again, extra special shout out to Liss Journal for the nomination! What are some fun facts about yourself? How important is versatility on a blog? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb28

Duolingo Obsessed!!

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Duolingo Obsessed!!

Hey everyone and happy Hump Day! Okay, so on a recent post that I made talking about how I enjoy learning new languages, I got so much positive feedback and some great tips. Thanks for that, by the way! Many of you mentioned the Duolingo app in your comments, and I decided to give it a go and I am in LOVE!!

Normally, when I’m learning a new language, I just like doing the tapes in my car and practicing on my own. I had heard of the Duolingo app before but never thought of giving it a try until it got such positive reviews from my readers. I am SO thankful for that, because I am enjoying it so much!! I’m working my way through the French lessons as a fun refresher and then I plan on starting Spanish within the next month.

I just can’t emphasize enough how pleased I am that you guys shared such positivity for the app with me, because I’m bullheaded enough that I would have just kept trudging through doing things my own way without it. Learning a new language is such an amazing workout for your brain and if you are interested in a great mental workout, then Duolingo is the way to go. I can now join the rave reviewers, because within a handful of days, I have become obsessed!!

How do you practice a new language? Are there any other handy language apps that you like to use? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: MUO

Feb27

Beauty Tag #2

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Beauty Tag #2

Helloooo! This weekend, lifewithlilred was nominated for its second Beauty Tag by my sweet friend, Claudia, over at New Life – Fresh You. I love Claudia’s page and I’m sure that all of you will too, so do be sure to check it out! Here we go:

Q & A:

1. Do you remember your first makeup item?

It’s not exactly a makeup but I had hella LipSmackers chapstick in my youth.

2. Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one that fits your specifications?

I am obsessed with Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. It’s the jam.

3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from a foundation?

I don’t wear foundation. I never have.

4. Favorite high end brand?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a favorite, because I don’t wear a lot of high end products.

5. What cosmetics brands have you always wanted to try but still haven’t?

None that I can think of.

6. Favorite drugstore brand?

NYX!!

7. Do you wear false lashes?

No, I’ve actually never tried them, either. They seem like such a pain to get on!!

8. Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without?

Nope, I feel pretty okay about leaving the house with a fresh face.

9. What is your most cherished beauty product?

My favorite NYX red lipstick.

10. How often do you shop for makeup? Do you like to pick up an item here and there, or get lots of goodies at once?

I pick up things as I need them, so maybe once every few months.

11. Do you have a “beauty budget” or do you spend freely?

I spend freely. I don’t spend money unless I’m comfortable paying for whatever it is, though.

12. Do you utilize coupons, reward cards, and sales when you shop for cosmetics?

HELL YEAH! I’m all about saving money, so I love utilizing anything that can help me do that.

13. What type of product do you buy the most of?

I feel like I purchase skin care more regularly than makeup, so I’m going to say moisturizer.

14. Is there a brand you absolutely can’t stand?

Not that I can think of.

15. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics, like parabens or sulfates?

As long as the product is cruelty free, then I’m good.

16. Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup?

Target, lol.

17. Do you like trying new skin care products or do you keep a certain routine?

I do have my staple skin care products that I will use for all eternity, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t like experimenting if I find a good deal or something new that I’d like to try.

18. Favorite bath and body brand?

The Body Shop.

19. If you could only buy from one brand, which brand would you choose?

The Body Shop, for sure. They’re a one stop shop and I use a lot of their products, anyway.

20. What brand do you think has the best packaging?

Hmm… I really don’t know.

21. Which celebrity always has great makeup?

It’s hard to say, because I don’t really pay attention.

22. Do you belong to any online makeup communities?

No.

23. Favorite beauty gurus:

I deeply admire the makeup skills behind the local drag queens in my neck of the woods.

24. Do you like multi-functional products like lip and cheek stains?

No. I’d prefer separate items.

25. Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I used to be, but not too much any more. Only if I’m really tired am I clumsy. Today, for example, I accidentally spilled one of my facial oils in a sleepy stupor. I was so pissed!

26. Do you use makeup base/primer for the eyes?

Nope. The less products that I use, the better.

27. How many hair products do you use on a typical day?

I only wash my hair once a month, when I’m redyeing it. I wouldn’t even call it washing, because I just condition it with the product that comes in the box kit. So I don’t own any shampoo or conditioner. However, when I’m straightening my hair I do use heat protecting spray and styling oil.

28. What do you apply first, concealer or foundation?

Neither, because I don’t use them.

29. Would you ever consider taking makeup classes?

Nah.

30. What do you love about makeup?

I love that it showcases the personality behind the person wearing it.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

Thank you so much again to Claudia for my Beauty Tag nomination – this was so fun! How would you answer some of these questions? Which beauty products could you never live without? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb26

Liebster Award #16

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Liebster Award #16

Hello everyone!! Lifewithlilred was recently nominated for its sixteenth Liebster Award by my sweet friends, Soumi and Mukulesh, the darling husband and wife duo of MuMi’s Fun Life. Their blog is such a delight and is filled with a wide array of topics that are sure to please everyone. Thank you so much, love birds!! ❤ Now, let’s get on to the rules for the award:

The Rules:

  • Create a post in your blog about this Award and spread the news.
  • Acknowledge the person who nominated you in the same post. Also let the person know your opinion about his/her own blog.
  • Answer the questions given to you by the person who nominated you.
  • Choose at least 5 (maximum 10) bloggers whom you enjoy reading and want to nominate.
  • Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
  • Notify your nominees that you nominated them. Also paste your post link in the notification so that they can follow the required steps.

Q & A:

What do you think is the most important quality a blogger should have? I think that bloggers should be personable and have a good sense of humor.

If you can choose only one person and one essential item to travel the world, what will you choose? My sister and my wallet.

Which do you prefer – a self planned trip or a travel package of a tour operator? Why? A little bit of both. It’s fun to do things on your own and be spontaneous but having a set in stone plan is nice, too.

What do you think is the most versatile vegetable which you can use in any dish? Onions and garlic. You can never have too much garlic! Vampires beware!!

What do you think is more important to enhance your beauty – a good fashion sense or good makeup skills? Good fashion sense – I think that it showcases ones personality more.

What inspires you more – a biography of a great person or a heart warming fiction? I’m more fond of fiction. I haven’t read too many biographies.

What do you think is more important to you as a blogger – satisfaction of a creator/appreciation from your readers? Satisfaction as a creator, definitely. I take a lot of pride in my work and it feels good. Appreciation from my readers is just an amazing added bonus!

What do you prefer more on a special occasion – fine dining at a luxurious restaurant or a candle lit dinner at home? Why? Both are nice! It’s fun to get glammed up and go out on the town, but it’s just as great cooking at home with your family.

If you win the lottery some day what will you choose – fulfill your own dream or help any of your loved ones fulfill his/her dream? You can only choose one not both. Oh dang… I’d say, help a loved one because my family definitely has a vested interest in wanting all dogs to have a good home so it would be like my dream, too!

Which one do you think is an absolutely essential home decor – small live pot plants or photo collage frames? We have a lot of potted plants at home so yes, I think greenery is a must.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. What is the weather like in your neck of the woods today?
  2. What has been your favorite part of 2018 so far?
  3. Who is one of your role models?
  4. What is the last movie that you saw in theaters?
  5. What are some of the qualities that you look for in a friend?
  6. Last book that you read?
  7. What is one of your guilty pleasures?
  8. Favorite sweet treat?
  9. Favorite store to shop at?
  10. What was your favorite childhood toy?

Thank you so much again to Soumi and Mukulesh of MuMi’s Fun Life for the nomination! I loved answering your questions! How would you answer some of my nominator’s questions for me? How about some of my questions for my nominees? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb15

February Jams

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February Jams

Howdy! Did you know that singing in the car or shower is a great stress reliever? That’s what my therapist told me and, damnit, it’s true. Nothing makes me feel better than playing my music really loud in the car and singing along with my favorite songs. Including some of the following:

(And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos!)

This month, I had to give credit where credit is due because Justin Timberlake’s halftime show at the Super Bowl was just to die for. No one can deny how much talent that that man has and his nod to Prince was a much appreciated touch during his performance. I also have fallen back in love again with Sufjan Stevens, thanks to his song “Tonya Harding”, which was perfect to listen to after seeing I, Tonya which was absolutely fabulous.

And, of course, I had to celebrate some new tunes by the love of my life, Jack White, from his upcoming album Boarding House Reach. What a guy, what a guy, what a heck of a guy! ❤

What have you been listening to this month? How did you feel about the Super Bowl halftime show? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb14

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

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Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Helloooo everyone and Happy Valentine’s Day! I just wanted to write a quick post to tell everyone to enjoy their day no matter how they spend it. For some people, V-Day sucks. For others, it’s the most awaited day of the year. So whether you’re with your significant other, best friends, or riding solo – try to make today your best day yet! After all, it’s just like any other day, except slightly more romantic.

Regardless of how you go about your day today, just remember that you are all my Valentines and I freaking love all of you!!

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How are you spending Valentine’s Day today? What is your best or worst V-Day memory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb10

New Love Notes Cropped Button Down

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New Love Notes Cropped Button Down

Heyyyyyyy. One style of top that I have grown increasingly fond of as of late is the button down. I LOVE them and have began to accumulate quite the collection. And, my love grows even more specific, because I always seem to be drawn to blue, vertical striped button downs – like this cropped cutie by Love Notes seen below:

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  • TJMaxx Price: $13

I really freaking like this shirt and, yes, it does look fabulous underneath the sleeveless hoodie that I wrote about yesterday! This top reminds me a lot of clothing from Zara and getting it for a fraction of what it would have costed there makes it an even sweeter buy. My new Love Notes lovely shows what looks like geese in different stages of flight and it’s just a cool pattern to have over the blue stripes.

Not only is the pattern of this top unique, but so is the style of it because it’s cropped. I am so looking forward to pairing this with black shorts this summer and maybe even during the spring with tights underneath for a quirky fun look. Everything about this top is a score for me and you definitely can’t beat a thirteen dollar price tag!

What is your favorite style of top? Who else is an avid fan of the button down? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah