Tag Archives: fun

Oct26

AnkhorRed’s First Annual Bloggers Conference Highlights

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AnkhorRed’s First Annual Bloggers Conference Highlights

Hi everyone and happy Thursday! Today, we are going to discuss three of my favorite things from Lil Red’s trip to the Big City for my bloggers conference with Kate from Ankhor You. Obviously, I could go on for literal days on end about the BC, but I don’t want to give you guys FOMO on what was an amazing trip! I know, I know, I’m far too kind. Anywho, let’s get started:

1) The time spent with Kate:

Honestly, it really didn’t matter where Kate and I had our bloggers conference, because I’m confident that we could make any location fun. Cemeteries, dollar stores, the middle of nowhere – but given these options, I’m glad that we were in NYC! If you think that Kate is the coolest, sweetest, most fashionable girl on the planet based on her blog, just wait until you meet her in real life… BECAUSE SHE IS!!!!!!

Kate was always someone that I was impressed by and admired before I met her, but our BC just solidified that for me even more. Not only is she as genuine and kind as she is via her blog, text, and FaceTime in person but she really is a modern day Renaissance woman, as she describes herself on her page. As a writer/skater/yoga instructor/amazing human/fashionista, she takes Manhattan by storm, and does it all while walking literal miles per day in the fiercest outfits you’ll ever see.

Kate is a person who follows her dreams and achieves them in her own way and I think that everyone can take a note from that. From binging on Harry Potter to walking down Fifth Avenue and eating hella food, being with Kate was everything that I hoped it would be AND MORE. And you better believe I miss her like crazy!

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^^^ SHE’S ALSO SO PRETTY OMGGGGGG!

2) Skating at Rockefeller Center:

As I mentioned yesterday, Kate and I are both former skater girls, which is how we initially bonded. Then, upon talking further, we realized that we are basically the same person, lol good times. Anyways, I knew that after reminiscing with her constantly about skating, that going together during our BC was a necessity. Although the TWENTY-FIVE DOLLAR ADMISSION into Rockefeller was steep and, sadly, it is nowhere near as big as it is on TV and film, we had a blast.

It was so much fun to be able to skate around the rink and (cautiously) make our way into the center to do a few tricks when it was safe for us to do so. I love going skating with my friends and family, and even though I was so far away from Ohio, I felt right at home with Kate on the rink. It was so special to be able to share the ice with someone who genuinely appreciates it as much as I do. I’m looking forward to skating with Kate again hopefully soon, but maybe next time we’ll be in Ohio where admission onto the ice is free or way cheaper!

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3) Eating (literally) all the food:

Sigh. I go to NYC and instead of writing about sightseeing or all of the amazing places that we went to, I choose to write about food. But I like to eat, SUE ME FOR IT. Kate took me to all of her favorite places like Maison Kayser, Le Pain, BareBurger, and Bonjour Crepes & Wine. For four days in a row, we ate like queens and, although my wallet and waistband weren’t thanking me, my heart and stomach definitely were. #fatandhappy

Going to New York and experiencing all of the different options to eat at was incredible, albeit a little overwhelming! In Akron, Ohio, we do have some specialty restaurants, but for the most part, we have a lot of chain dining. Think, Applebee’s, the Olive Garden, TGIFridays, etc. Being in a location where literally every restaurant is a specialty one was insane! I’m so happy that Kate gave me options of places that she knew that I would like, because we probably would have spent a majority of our bloggers conference waiting for me to pick a place to eat!! I miss Kate like crazy, but I would be a liar if I didn’t say that I miss all of the food, too! 😉

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So there you have it, my highlights from AnkhorRed’s First Annual Bloggers Conference! And let it be known that I LOVE YOU, KATE!!!! What is one of your favorite things to do in New York City? What places are on your travel bucket list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct25

Bright Ideas To Spruce Up A Gloomy Home

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Bright Ideas To Spruce Up A Gloomy Home

When summer is put behind us, it’s tempting to revert to dark, deep colors. Mustard yellows and soft browns are autumnal and reflect the changing leaves outside. However, if one goes too far with a deep color palette, a gloomy home can be created, which is somewhat depressing. Remember that the sun sets far earlier and that there is less sunlight during the autumn and winter months. Exploiting light to combat this is never as important as it is now and in the months to come.

Don’t fret, though, because sprucing up a gloomy house is by no means impossible. In fact, with the following tips, it’s pretty easy!

Paint It White:

The Rolling Stones are a fan of painting things black, but they’re rock stars and allowed to be miserable. The average person can’t pull off their attitude without a guitar in hand. So, as a rule, it’s better to use white when brightening up a home. The reason for this is the sheen. All paint is glossy, yet white has an extra shine, which gives it an added edge. Even lighter colors can’t compete because they are softer and not as bright. It’s okay to use non-autumnal colors. Use white as the foundation, and then you can accessorize the rest of the house with darker tones.

Glass Paneled Doors:

Removing blockages from the windows and using power light bulbs are simple fixes. Still, the light may not travel well from one room to another. The reason, quite simply, is the blockages within the rooms. Doors are a prime example because they are big and bulky. As soon as the light hits the wood or PVC, it will bounce elsewhere. With panels, the rays will travel straight through unimpeded and into the next area of the house. The doors don’t have to be paneled from head to toe because it’s overkill. Just install them halfway up the wood for excellent results.

Make It Fun:

You didn’t think to brighten up a home was all about light, did you? No, the right light settings are crucial but not the end of the line. To make a house less gloomy, it needs to be a place that you enjoy. Whether it’s relaxing or bright and poppy, there should be a stylish and practical nature throughout the property. Relaxing is easy, so let’s focus on having fun. If there is space, turn an empty bedroom into a games room. The best billiard tables can provide you with hours of entertainment. Make sure you get a mini fridge and an awesome speaker system, too! Finally, make sure that the house is accessible. Nothing is more annoying than struggling to move in your own home. Clear away the clutter and the boxes and watch the space and light flow better than ever.

Keep It The Same:

The above are useful tips if a gloomy house is a problem. But what if you love your house the way it is?! Keep everything the same if your home looks perfect. For one thing, it should be a reflection of your family’s likes and dislikes. Secondly, some people are winter people, as in they love this time of year. In that case, embrace the dark afternoons and freezing cold temperatures! Pull a Mick Jagger and Paint It Black and light some candles for a spooky chic atmosphere. Go all out, because nothing is cooler than a house that is completely and utterly you.

A murky home is not always doom and gloom. But if you do want to brighten things up, follow the above steps and let the sunshine in!

Featured Image By: PxHere

Oct25

AnkhorRed’s First Annual Bloggers Conference

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AnkhorRed’s First Annual Bloggers Conference

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! As you all know, Lil Red visited the Big City this month to visit my blogging (and real life) BFF, Kate, from Ankhor You. After literal months of constant texting and FaceTiming, we decided to take the next “big step” in our friendship and finally meet each other!

In case you didn’t know, Kate and I are both former figure skaters, so we planned our get together for October, when the rinks in New York are open. Kate jokingly called our hang out a “bloggers conference” and it was so funny and appropriate that it stuck. After what seemed like months of waiting…because it was quite literally months of waiting…October rolled around and the BC was a go! I Greyhounded myself to Manhattan (A ten hour ride!) and was greeted by Kate at the gate.

Saying that our first “real life” meeting was surreal is a true understatement. Yes, we talk every day and yes, we FaceTime almost weekly but talking via phone is never the same as meeting in real life. Anyone on CatFish can attest to that! But our initial meeting went exactly how I hoped it would go – with a big hug and infinite high pitched “eeeeeeee’s”. Although, I could do without the fact that I needed to go to the Port Authority bathroom immediately after and that I was blind as a bat because I accidentally fell asleep on the bus in my one a day contacts and had to take them out. Smh.

ANYWAYS, spending four days in NY and staying in Kate’s “doll house” apartment was magnificent, to say the least. The days were long and filled with walking, in heels no less! But the company was fantastic, the laughter was nonstop, and, as if things couldn’t get any better, a Harry Potter marathon on TV was there to greet us every evening.

Tomorrow, I will discuss some of my favorite highlights of my trip and some more NYC fun with one of my favorite people on the planet! Where is your favorite place to travel to? What is your preferred method of travel? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Oct23

Monday Update: The Fall Tag Edition

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Monday Update: The Fall Tag Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday! Last week, my darling friend from Absolutely Blush nominated lifewithlilred for its first Fall Tag. Out of all of the fantastic awards that my page has so graciously been nominated for, this one is probably my favorite because I love and live for all things fall. Please make sure to check out the fabulous fun that is Absolutely Blush and let’s get to the tag rules:

The Rules:

  •  Put the badge and rules in your post.
  • Answer the tag questions.
  • Tag at least 5 other bloggers to join in the fun!

Q & A:

What’s your favorite fall outfit? Mmmm, let’s see. I can’t say that I have a favorite outfit in particular but I would have to say that my favorite piece of fall clothing would definitely have to be peacoats. I’m obsessed with my newest peacoat purchase from Target – it’s perfect!

What is fall weather like where you live? I am located in Akron, Ohio which is about forty minutes from Cleveland. Right now, it feels way too warm here to be fall. Usually in the good ol’ AK-Rowdy we enjoy brisk temperatures in the 50’s and low 60’s, which is perfect for putting on a big, chunky sweater and hiking in one of our gorgeous Metro Parks.

What’s your favorite drink to have during the fall? Every once in a while I like to treat myself to the yummy Caramel Apple Spice from Starbucks. However, I definitely enjoy hot coffee more during the cooler weather so I usually will just make myself a pot while I’m working and sip away.

What’s your favorite fall scented candle? I’m not a huge candle girl but I do love vanilla scented candles year round, even though that’s not really a fall scent!

What are your favorite fall activities? I love going to haunted houses, watching scary movies, and going for hikes. Apple picking and corn mazes are a plus, too!

What is one of your favorite fall memories? My family and our two pups went apple picking in Asheville, North Carolina last year and it was so much fun! The orchard was huge, the scenery was breathtaking, and the apples were delicious.

What are some fall movies that you enjoy? All of the Saw movies, the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Ils, Sinister one and two, and The Conjuring. If it’s a scary movie, then chances are I love it!

What is your favorite fall treat? A great big caramel apple with peanuts! Yum!

If you celebrate Halloween, what is your favorite costume that you have worn? I can’t say that I really have a favorite, because I normally don’t dress up. When I was little, I was a generic, bought at the drug store princess for five years in a row – so clearly my younger self loved that!

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: The Fall Tag Edition! Many thanks again to Absolutely Blush for my nomination! How would you answer any of these tag questions? What is your favorite season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct14

Let The Halloween Heaven Guest Bloggers Series COMMENCE!

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Let The Halloween Heaven Guest Bloggers Series COMMENCE!

Hello everyone and happy weekend!! Tomorrow begins lifewithlilred’s Halloween Heaven guest bloggers series and I, for one, am really freaking excited. I have a bunch of incredibly cool posts to share with you brought to you by some of the best makeup artists, photographers, chefs, and writers that I know.

This guest bloggers series is going to be a fun change of pace from the fashion based series (Which I’ve loved!) that have graced lifewithlilred in the past. The Halloween Heaven posts that will launch tomorrow are all made by brand new (and one returning) guest bloggers on my page and I am so thrilled to share their talent with all of you.

I hope that you all are ready for some Halloween themed fun on lifewithlilred! I SURE AM. What was your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve worn? What is something that you enjoy doing during this spooky time of the year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct10

Walgreens Freebie Bag

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Walgreens Freebie Bag

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! I’ve been frequenting Walgreens a few times within the past few months because they are the only store in my area that still carries my beloved Vidal Sassoon hair dye. Normally, when I stop in the store, I just take the lot of how ever many boxes of the Runway Red color that they have so that I’ll have a healthy amount on back stock if, god forbid, anything happens to the Vidal Sassoon London Luxe collection.

When I went into the store over the weekend, I was treated to a beauty goodie bag full of amazing coupons and samples just for buying what I was going to purchase, anyway. Not only that, but because I have their reward card, I got five dollars added on to it for my next hair dye purchase. Clearly, I picked the right day to restock my hair dye! Take a look at the spoils of my goodie bag:

freeeee

When the cashier handed me the bag, it was literally filled to the brim with freebies. I was so curious as to what was in it that I couldn’t wait till I was home to open it, so I sat in my car and was blown away at the contents of the bag, which included:

  • Crest Whitening Therapy tooth paste
  • Olay retinal eye cream
  • CeraVe complexion bar
  • Aveeno lotion
  • Jergens lotion
  • Pocket mirror
  • FAT stack of coupons
  • Lotion samples
  • Whitening strips
  • 3 packets of various shampoos and conditioners
  • Moisturizer samples
  • Hair, skin, and nails gummie samples
  • And more!

I had a blast showing off the contents of my bag at home and dividing up the booty to my family, since there were quite a few things that I don’t use. I’ve never been “anti Walgreens” but this amazing freebie surprise definitely makes me feel more inclined to shop there more often. Now, if only Target and TJMaxx would start giving away goodie bags like this! #wishfulthinking

So there you have it, my Walgreens Freebie Bag! What would you like to try from the goodie bag that I received? Which store gives away the best freebies and coupons? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Walgreens

Oct9

If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Mules Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Mules Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. So we all have those certain trends that we love to hate/hate to love/yada yada yada. For me, that trend is the mule. Don’t get me wrong, I love the first pair of Matisse mules that I bought and I think that some mules can be totally gorgeous. But, as a heel girl through and through, it’s a rarity that I can put my best feet forward in flats.

Obviously, a heeled mule would be ideal BUT THEY ALL LOOK LIKE CLOGS and I hate those. Lol, it’s not even a mule – it’s a straight up clog. I’ve thought a lot about this style of shoe and realized that what I need is the slipper shape of the top of the mule with a heel tacked onto the back for good measure. Preferably, a heel that’s not made of hard rubber, which makes the shoe look like a pair of clodhoppers if I’ve ever seen them.

I’ve clearly put a lot of energy into imagining the ideal shape for a heeled mule, but have had no luck in finding the pair that was “just right”. So, can you believe my surprise when I found the seemingly perfect pair of Betsey Johnson HEELED MULES while browsing on TJMaxx’s website?! Swoon. Take a look and let’s discuss:

mules1mules2

So, yeah. You can see that these babies above are exactly what I wanted. These shoes are literally a mule with a heel thrown on for funsies. These Betsey beauties are just darling. Mules definitely have the potential to look like shoes for the (very fashionable) elderly, but not these. The black and white striped heel in contrast with the vibrant yellow flowers screams whimsical tea party. These mules are youthful, sassy, and perfect for a twenty-something who considers a night on the town to consist of strutting down the aisles of Target and TJMaxx.

The best part of Betsey Johnson clothing and accessories are the adorable surprises that are in the details. The center of the flowers on my mules are actual metal, beaded, and jeweled brooches – not just some lame-o craft store find tacked smack dab in the middle. All of these hidden delights just show how much joy that Betsey has in creating her brand and why she will always be one of my favorite designers.

These shoes were made for everything from ambling through daily errands to a boozy bar crawl with the girls on a Saturday night. Somehow, Betsey Johnson knew that I was in desperate need of mules just like my new pair, so she snapped her fingers and put these on the market. Love, love, freaking LOVE.

So there you have it, the newest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Mules Edition! What is a trend that you love to hate? Do you prefer flats or heels? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct8

Liebster Award #12

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Liebster Award #12

Hello everyone and happy Sunday! This past week, lifewithlilred was nominated for its 12th Liebster Award by my sweet friend, Aishwarya, at Eclipsed Words. Aishwarya is an extremely talented blogger and her page is absolutely fantastic so do be sure to check it out and give it some love! Now let’s get on to the rules:

The Rules:

  • Answer the 11 questions given to you.
  • Share 11 facts about yourself.
  • Nominate between 5 to 11 other bloggers.
  • Ask your nominees 11 questions.

Fun Facts:

  1. I’m pretty much out of fun facts about myself at this point.
  2. I am freaking STARVING as I write this.
  3. I’m currently dog sitting and both pups look like little potatoes with legs. It’s a hoot!
  4. Taco Bell gives my life purpose.
  5. My family jokes that I have a tapeworm because I’m literally always hungry.
  6. My favorite TV shows are Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Naked & Afraid, Botched, and My 600 Lb. Life.
  7. If you ever saw me driving in my car, it would probably look like I’m talking to myself because I listen to French tapes while I’m driving.
  8. I’m already looking forward to eating Thanksgiving food, lolol.
  9. Obviously, food plays a very important roll in my life.
  10. I love to read and just finished a book called Ginny Moon. It was alright.
  11. I am a Diet Coke fiend!!! It’s my absolute favorite pop and I could legit drink it all day.

Q & A:

What are your favorite smells? I love vanilla, apple, and anything citrus-y.

What do you do when you’re stressed? Read, listen to music, watch a movie. Pretty much what everyone else does, lol.

What is your favorite season and why? I LOVE THE FALL. Autumn all day every day. I love the weather, the activities, the leaves changing, and the clothes!

Is there anything you regret from your childhood? I’m not comfortable answering that.

Early bird or night owl? Early bird, for sure. I kid you not, I go to bed at like nine o’clock every night, hahaha.

What is your biggest time-wasting habit? Mmm…This is an obvious one but I can definitely kill some time on Facebook!

What’s one thing you want to master? I want to perfect my French speaking skills. I also want to start learning American Sign Language.

What have you never tried but want to? I would love to be able to travel more. Aside from Canada, I’ve never been out of the United States.

What’s your biggest fear? Too many to list here!

Describe the most precious thing in your room. Lol, also not comfortable answering this one, either.

What do you want the old you to look back on and remember fondly? That I’m a decent person and am kind to whomever I meet. And that I have a wonderful sense of style. Ayyyy.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. Really good makeup or really good skin care?
  2. Do you have a favorite vacation that you’ve been on?
  3. Is there a certain type of landscape that you prefer (Beach, mountains, etc.)?
  4. What is something that you admire about your best friend?
  5. What was your favorite childhood toy?
  6. Favorite junk food?
  7. Describe a perfect date night.
  8. What is your dream job?
  9. Who is your celebrity crush?
  10. Best concert you ever went to?
  11. Are you going to dress up for Halloween? If so, as what?

Thank you so much again to Aishwarya for lifewithlilred’s twelfth Liebster Award nomination! How would you answer some of the questions that Aishwarya asked her nominees? How about my questions for mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct6

Mission: Impossible (Friend To Buy A Gift For!)

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Mission: Impossible (Friend To Buy A Gift For!)

We all have that one person, whether it’s your best friend, a sibling, or significant other, there’s always someone who is just excruciatingly difficult to buy gifts for. With Christmas just around the corner, now comes a return of those anxieties, you want to be a good and thoughtful friend/family member/partner, but you have no idea where to begin. So what is the best way to buy a gift for someone who is impossible to buy for? Let’s try and think outside the (gift) box:

A Gift Card Or A Certificate:

This doesn’t exactly scream “well thought out”, but it’s a worthy compromise if you need to buy something for someone who has either got everything or they just haven’t given any hints. A gift card can seem like a cheap gift, especially since you have to tell them how much is on the card! In this respect, maybe you want to give them a gift card that is in conjunction with a few other gifts, such as a dinner out, movie tickets, or maybe a donation to charity, all wrapped up in a bright envelope.

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Who doesn’t love a gift card?!

Buy An Experience:

If you struggle to buy someone a physical gift, why don’t you buy them something that is going to stick in their mind for years to come? An experience is so much more than the typical presents that we buy for everyone. Maybe you want to plan a fun day trip or there’s a concert coming up by one of their favorite bands. At least with an experience, it shows that you put a lot of thought into what they like. And even if you haven’t had the opportunity to put much thought into it, the experience alone is so different from what they normally get as a present, that they will be totally psyched.

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 I want that trip!

Go For The Practical Option:

While this may not be the most earth-shattering of gifts, if you’ve noticed that their curling tongs have broken recently or their coffee machine is on the fritz, then you can buy them a new and improved model. It’s always difficult with these types of items to pick the best one, but there are sites that you can look at to get some reviews, such as top9rated.com, to get some opinions of the best items on the market. With a practical gift, it shows that you pay attention to them and have made a valiant effort to make life a bit easier for them.

Practical gifts also don’t need to be boring as there are so many different customizable options. You could have a T-shirt made with a picture of your giftee’s favorite band. How about a travel bag with their initials embroidered? If your giftee is your favorite person to go on a coffee date with, they will love this “I wish you lived next door” mug. Whatever you choose, the person receiving the gift will think about you every time they use it!

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 Pixabay Image

A Subscription Service:

We usually think of a gift as a one-off, but with a subscription service, you can pay for something that they will enjoy the whole year round. Something like netflix.com will always be handy if they travel around a lot and end up getting bored easily. Or maybe they are work out addicts, so you could pay their subscription to the gym for a year. It’s always a nice thing to buy a gift that is part of their lifestyle so that they can think of you every time they use it!

Buying gifts for a loved one should be fun, not stressful. Take some time to sit down, have a think, and figure out the perfect gifts for your BFF/SO/siblings this holiday season.

Oct2

Monday Update: Marilyn Manson Concert Edition

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Monday Update: Marilyn Manson Concert Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday! This past Friday my sister, Kristen, and I trekked to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (About a two hour drive.) to see Marilyn Manson in concert for his Heaven Upside Down tour at Stage AE. After literal months of anticipation for this show, it was finally the night and the performance definitely didn’t disappoint. ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THAT WE WERE RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE STAGE!! Take a look at some low quality iPod pictures and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Lol, I love that last picture. “Ayyy”.

First of all, Stage AE was an absolutely excellent venue. It seemed like no matter where you stood in the crowd, your visibility of the stage was average at a minimum and amazing at the max. Kristen and I began our concert experience with an okay viewing for the opener (Alice Glass, who I’m not even going to talk about because she sucked.), and ended our night in front of the stage.

How, you might ask?

Well, it’s not like the crowd was intensely rowdy throughout the show. Some fights definitely did break out but nothing “major”, and some people just weren’t comfortable with it (understandably) and opted to get away from the vicinity of the mosh pit. So as soon as people left the area for safety purposes, drinks, or what have you, Kristen and I would make our way forward until we had a view of Marilyn Manson at all times during the concert.

And speaking of the concert…

It. was. AMAZING. Manson is nearing fifty years of age, and I told Kristen on our way home that this is probably the best we’re going to see of him since he isn’t getting any younger. There was no on stage self harm, no crazy gimmicks with girls, minimal audience banter, and not even an inkling of violence. This show was everything that his performances weren’t when the band was just starting out, but that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t a lot of fun.

The Heaven Upside Down tour didn’t seem so much of a celebration of his new album of the same name, rather, an ode to some old school Marilyn Manson hits that even people who don’t even like Manson love. We’re talking The Dope Show, Lunchbox, mOBSCENE, This Is The New Shit, No Reflection, Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), and The Beautiful People.

Marilyn Manson played four songs off of Heaven Upside Down and opened the show with the album opener of Revelation #12. He then peppered KILL4ME, WE KNOW WHERE YOU FUCKING LIVE, and SAY10 into the set list. The rest of the show was filled with Deep Six (I’m disappointed that more songs from The Pale Emperor weren’t played.) and Tourniquet, which is another old love. (Manson then encored with Coma White but, alas, Kristen and I had to make the two hour drive home so that she could work early in the morning.)

^^^ Obviously the set list rocked…

And the performance that came along with it was just as good. The lighting, the different costumes Manson donned, his gorgeous speaking/singing/screaming voice – it all worked so well. I mean, a front row view doesn’t hurt, but it was a damn good show. Fans that were able to see Marilyn Manson in the beginning might think that he is slowing down (Unfortunately, I was a toddler so until time travel is invented, I will never know what his early shows were like first hand.), but, to me, he is just getting started.

Marilyn Manson dragged his last album, The Pale Emperor, through some gritty, rough blues influence and it came as a triumphant, different comeback. Yes, some tracks off of Heaven Upside Down does sound like classic Manson (KILL4ME and WE KNOW WHERE YOU FUCKING LIVE, anyone?) but that doesn’t mean that the whole album will, and I’m looking forward to exploring it in its entirety when it comes out on October 6th.

Marilyn Manson is at a stage of experimentation that is working in his favor – from his art, acting, and playing with new and unique sounds – everything seems to be a success. I expect Heaven Upside Down to reflect these gutsy changes and the fact that he is soon going to be a half a century in age. Friday’s concert brought us some old school fun mixed with new favorites, but it seems like the party is raging on just fine for Manson in a way that’s not only, dare I say, age appropriate, but totally fucking cool.

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: Marilyn Manson Concert Edition! What was the last concert that you attended? How do you feel about Marilyn Manson? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah