Tag Archives: fun

Oct1

Liebster Award #11

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Liebster Award #11

Hi everyone and happy Sunday!! I am so happy to say that lifewithlilred was nominated for its eleventh Liebster Award by my friend, Trix, at The Confessions Of A Cosmetics Addict. Trix’s blog is fairly new but it is already filled with excellent posts so do be sure to check it out. I so enjoy chatting with Trix’s lovely self and I know that all of you will join me in welcoming her to the blogosphere! Now, let’s get on to the award rules:

The Rules:

  • Thank the blogger that nominated you!
  • Answer 11 questions from the blogger that nominated you.
  • Nominate 11 blogs.
  • Ask the bloggers 11 questions.

Q & A:

Do you collect anything? If so, what? Shoes, shoes, shoes. I have over fifty pairs and I just might have bought some more on “accident”. Whoops!

If a film was made of your life, which famous actor/actress would you have play the part of you and why? Mmm, probably Helena Bonham Carter, because she’s quirky and unique enough to embrace the weirdness that is Lil Red. And, not to mention, that she’s drop dead gorgeous!!

What do you consider to be your best quality? My charming personality and staggering good looks. 😉 😉 😉

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? Honestly, nothing. I like myself and am proud of myself. If I was asked that question a few years ago, I would have replied with “everything”. But hard work goes a long way, and I’m finally okay with myself after twenty-three years.

How do you prefer to spend your spare time? Writing, hanging out with my loved ones, EATING, shopping, reading, and watching movies.

What are your favorite makeup brands and why? I love NYX because they have the best matte lipsticks and I’m definitely a CoverGirl at heart, as well.

Recommend a favorite book and/or film and tell me why you recommend it. I recommend Pan’s Labyrinth to everyone. I love the work of the director, Guillermo Del Toro, and I think this film is him at his best. Pan’s Labyrinth really is an adult fairy tale and I could watch it every day and never grow tired of it.

Where would you most like to visit and why? France, so I can practice speaking French with the locals. And, of course, for the amazing scenery, food, and shopping!

What’s your favorite food? TACO BELL.

What’s you’re favorite drink? Coffee, I’m a Diet Coke fiend, and as far as alcohol goes, I love moscato, champagne, and the strawberry lemon drop martinis that my favorite bar serves.

What would your super power be? I would love to know every language ever. That would be amazing.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. Phone calls or text messages?
  2. Favorite form of social media?
  3. How would you spend a perfect day off?
  4. Who is someone that you admire?
  5. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
  6. What is something that you are proud of?
  7. Do you have any weird or hidden talents?
  8. What is one of your guilty pleasures?
  9. Last show that you binge watched?
  10. What was your favorite childhood toy?
  11. Favorite ice cream flavor?

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

Sep30

Last Call For Mini Halloween Series Guest Bloggers

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Last Call For Mini Halloween Series Guest Bloggers

Hellooo everyone and happy weekend! I am still looking for a few more guest bloggers for my mini Halloween series while I am away for a couple of days in October. If you are interested in sharing some spook-tastic fun with my readers in a Halloween themed post of your choice, then please email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com !! THANKS! ❤

Also, be sure to tune in tomorrow so that we can talk shop about the Marilyn Manson concert yesterday! Woooooooooooooooooo! Much love. -Sarah

Sep27

Mystery Blogger Award #6

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Mystery Blogger Award #6

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! Lifewithlilred’s sixth Mystery Blogger Award is compliments of my friend, Veena, over at Venting Thoughts. Veena’s page covers many different topics from fashion and beauty to lifestyle and personal thoughts, so you are sure to find something just for you on her page. Please be sure to take a look! Now, let’s get to the rules:

The Rules:

  • Feature the award logo/image on your post.
  • List the rules.
  • Thank the blogger that nominated you.
  • Tell the readers 3 things about yourself.
  • Mention the creator of the award and provide a link, as well.
  • Answer the questions provided.
  • Nominate 10-20 bloggers and notify them by commenting on their blog.
  • Ask the nominees 5 questions of your choice with one weird/funny question.
  • Share and link to your best post(s).

Fun Facts:

  1. I am really interested in buying a wig because I have a difficult time growing my long-short hair out. It would be nice to have the option for long hair, because I know that it’s not going to grow well naturally. Believe me, I’ve tried!
  2. I have always loved to write and have tons of filled up journals in my closet from when I was in high school.
  3. I’m seeing Marilyn Manson in concert on Friday and I’m so freaking hyped!!

Q & A:

What was that one thing that inspired you to start your blog? Enough people told me to! And I thought that it would be nice to have a unique creative outlet.

What is your favorite fast food place and what do you like the most about it? TACO BELL. I am a dedicated vegetarian and the fact that you can get beans instead of meat on the food there literally opens up the entire menu to me – which never happens at fast food places. It’s amazing to be able to get whatever I want, instead of having to settle for French fries because it’s legit all I can get at other restaurants.

Any life hack that you would like to give other bloggers? Lol, not really. In case all of you haven’t noticed by now, I just make things up as I go along!

Do you prefer book or movies? And which is your favorite? Books! I have many favorites but for the sake of time, I’ll list three: The Little Prince, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time, and Gentlemen & Players.

Now for the fun part. If you were to be the president of your country for a day, what would you do? Because I don’t care to share my political views on here, I’m going to say that I would find a home for every person or animal that needs one.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. What is something (Other than blogging!) that you’re good at?
  2. What is your spirit animal?
  3. Who is your celebrity crush?
  4. Favorite ice cream flavor?
  5. Would you rather chew five pieces of gum that was stuck under a desk or get locked in a portapotty for two hours?

My Best Post:

I don’t have one, I like them all!

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

PS: Okoto Enigma is the creator of the Mystery Blogger Award!

Sep26

Mystery Blogger Award #5

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Mystery Blogger Award #5

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! Last week, lifewithlilred was nominated for its fifth and sixth Mystery Blogger Award in one day – it was such a fabulous surprise! This post is compliments of the beautiful and freaking hilarious Katie Rose of Katie Rose Loves. She is so darling and her blog is filled with wonderful thoughts so definitely check it out and give it some love. Now, let’s get to the rules:

The Rules:

  • Display the award logo on your blog.
  • List the rules.
  • Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
  • Mention the creator of the award and provide a link, as well.
  • Tell your readers three things about yourself.
  • Answer five questions from the nominee.
  • Nominate anywhere from ten to twenty bloggers.
  • Notify the bloggers by leaving a comment on their blog.
  • Ask your nominees any five questions of your choice, including one weird or funny question.
  • Share the link to your best post.

Fun Facts:

  1. I only wash my hair one time a month when I am redyeing it.
  2. My two rescue pups, Gem and Ollie, are going to be Despicable Me minions for Halloween!!!!!
  3. I am so not a night owl and legit go to bed around nine every night.

Q & A:

What’s your favorite selfie of yourselves? Get those pics out! Uhmmm, probably this one. It’s very loved on Facebook and my sister’s photo bomb is a nice touch!

selfieeee1
What is the best compliment you have ever received? That I’m a good person! It’s always nice to receive compliments about your clothes or appearance, but that doesn’t really mean much if you’re a cold hearted gremlin.
Would you lick a poo for £1, 000, 000? Wtf? I mean… What does that translate to in American dollars?? Lololol.
What’s your all-time favorite beauty product? NYX’s matte lipstick in Pure Red and Vidal Sassoon’s Runway Red hair dye from their London Luxe collection.
Who is your favorite beauty vlogger on YouTube? I don’t have one. I don’t really watch YouTube videos.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. Is there a food or drink that you associate a happy memory with?
  2. How do you like to pamper yourself?
  3. What was the last movie you saw in theaters?
  4. What is something that you are looking forward to?
  5. On a scale of one to ten how similar do you think you are to Kanye West? (Ten being the most and one being the least.)

My Best Post:

I don’t have one, I like them all!

Thank you so much again to Katie Rose for my fifth Mystery Blogger Award nomination and congrats to my nominees! How would you answer some of the questions that my nominator had for me? How about some of the questions that I had for my nominees? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: Okoto Enigma is the creator of the Mystery Blog Award!

Sep25

Monday Update: Fall Fun Edition

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Monday Update: Fall Fun Edition

Hello everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. The fall season is officially among us and I, for one, could not be happier. Actually, that’s a lie, I could be happier BECAUSE IT’S BEEN NINETY DEGREES IN OHIO FOR THE PAST WEEK!!!! All of you know by now that I live for the fall and this heat wave is simply unacceptable. So now instead of participating in all of my favorite fall activities listed below, I will simply have to daydream about it until it cools down to autumnal temperatures. Let’s discuss some of my fave fall outings:

  1. Apple Picking: There are TONS of gorgeous orchards in Ohio filled with trees that are spilling over with crisp, fresh apples. I love going to orchards with my family, friends, or on a date and then making something delicious afterwards with the bounty like an apple pie or crisp. So fun and so yum.
  2. Haunted Houses: Ohio also has quite a few haunted houses that I’m always keen on visiting. Being a horror junkie, going to a haunted house during a chilly, pitch black fall night is one of my favorite things to do. I went to the Factory Of Terror last year and would love to go there again and definitely would like to make it to the 7 Floors Of Hell, too!
  3. Fall Cooking: Lil Red loves to cook all of the vegetarian delights, but I especially love making (and eating) fall comfort food. Soups, stews, breads, and huge dishes of mac n’ cheese are just a few of my go to meals. And the fall sweets aren’t so bad, either! Cinnamon rolls, pies, crisps, and cobblers?! Yes, please. Fall food is so hearty, rich, and flavorful, and it makes sitting down for every meal such a joy.
  4. Fall Shopping: This list of fall favorites wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t talk shopping at least a little bit! Can you say boots and peacoats?! I LOVE IT!! I’m pretty well flush for fall clothing, considering it makes up about 75% of my wardrobe but that never seems to stop me from buying all the booties and oversized sweaters. It’s a curse!
  5. Perfect Weather: Although the heat in Ohio is destroying my favored fall weather, I live for the mid 50s and 60s temps that fall usually brings. I love being that slightest bit chilly. The bite that the fall air blows around, which reddens the cheeks and leaves your hands tucked in your pockets is always what I prefer to scorching summers. One of my favorite things to do during a brisk fall day is throwing on a thick sweater and combat boots and exploring one of the many beautiful Metro Parks in Ohio.

Here’s to hoping that the weather in my neck of the woods makes a drastic change so that I can start enjoying some of my fall favorites soon!

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: Fall Fun Edition! What are some of your favorite fall activities? 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

Sep24

Moving Past Open Mics With Your Indie Band

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Moving Past Open Mics With Your Indie Band

Sure, there are people out there who are going to tell you that now is the time to be a musician for the simple fact that there are more avenues than ever to explore. But just because there are a lot more ways to get heard does not mean that it is easier. In fact, being an indie band now is probably harder than ever before for the simple fact that there are so many options. Playing yet another gig at yet another tavern hidden way off the beaten track, the kind of place that makes you pay for your own water is not exactly a great way of making it. Don’t believe us, just look at your band’s communal wallet.

However, just because you’re broke and living at your bass player’s mom’s house does not mean that you should give up the dream. That is because you can still make it and live out your dream of touring some far-off country where fans chant your name in their adorable local accents. It is just about following the rules and knowing how to maximize your chances.

Of course, telling you that and then skipping town would hardly be rock n’ roll of us. So, to help you start living the dream and escape your bass player’s mom’s house (No offense, Barbara.), we have pulled together a list of insider tips and tricks. Check it out:

  1. Get To Know Your Fans Like The Back of Your Hand:

Pennies are short and, for some reason, no record labels seem to hang around open mic night’s held in Big Dave’s Garage (lol.). Basically, there is no sign of an advance floating your way just yet, which means your fans are your biggest financial life jacket. That is why you need to make sure that you are giving your fans something for their loyalty and love. Get to know the names of those guys and girls that are always in the front row. Give your fans a way of listening to exclusive music or interviews by creating a band website and then sharing this sort of content there. Share video recordings of acoustic sessions and behind the scenes banter on your social media pages and make sure that you are replying to any comments or messages that float your way. We used the life jacket analogy for a reason because, in the same way, you need to inflate your life jacket by blowing air into it, you need to give your fans something in return for being so awesome.

bandd1

 Party over hereeee!

  1. Play Your Strengths As Well As Your Guitar:

Every band has their own strengths, so make sure that you are aware of what yours are and then play to them in every way possible. Just being great songwriters with above average talent and the technical know-how when it comes to uploading your music onto Soundcloud, Youtube, Spotify or whatever else isn’t enough. You need to find other ways to shove your musical abilities into the realms of greatness, and that requires a little bit of magic (aka creativity). If you’re a band that offers more stage presence than the lovechild of Katy Perry and Bruno Mars, then try and play as many live gigs as possible, and maybe even consider getting a residency somewhere. Not only will you get paid, but you will see your star start to rise as more and more people see you. It could be that your sense of humor is your secret weapon, in which case document this and share it, get interviews with niche magazines and little radio stations, and then let this personality of yours show in your music videos. OK Go became famous for their viral worthy music videos, which means that it is totally possible to emulate this approach to success.

bandd2

 A cool band name is a must!

  1. Grab People By The Eyes And Ears:

Having a sound that people recognize is one of the most important factors when it comes to carving out some Top Of The Pops like success. But so is having the right visual branding, too. That is why it is worth spending a little bit of time and money (Presumably borrowed from your parents. Barbara, we’re looking at you.) on a graphic designer. This branding of yours is going to be stamped across all of your promotional material – Facebook page profile pictures, website homepage, Instagram, flyers, album covers, t-shirts, USB drives, and pub mic-night posters – and will help establish your place in the industry. Think about some of the greatest and most famous bands to ever walk the boards of the biggest venues. The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Run DMC, Daft Punk. All of these legends created a visual identity so powerful that just their shadows would halt you in your tracks. Basically, get your branding right and you’ll have people want to sport your promotional products, whether t-shirts or posters, and that will spread the good word faster than the flu.

  1. Forget All About A Record Deal. Period.

No one from a record deal is going to turn up at one of your small gigs – or your bass player’s mom’s house (No offense, Barbara.) and hand you the golden ticket that is a record deal. That just isn’t going to happen, nor should you want that to happen. The hard work is there to be enjoyed, used in your music, and make you successful. Most importantly, though, you need to understand that no record label has a secret recipe that guarantees success. They just don’t. Instead, they pick up talent based on their independent success; so they will pick you up based on your independent success. That is what you want. You want to use this as a bargaining chip should the day ever come where labels start to notice you instead of getting snapped up early and dropped or, worse, hung out to dry. Concentrate on what you are doing, focus on your trade and doing your own thing; that is what will lead to success – not trying to chase the money and the labels.

Being in a band is cool. Finding success in something you love is cooler. Prepare for a lot of hard work and with just a little bit of luck, you won’t be crashing on Barbara’s couch for much longer.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep22

Woot Woot!

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Woot Woot!

Hey everyone and happy Friday!! It’s a big friggen FIESTA up in here because guess what I did yesterday?! YES, I did eat Taco Bell. BUT that’s not all…

I PURCHASED MY GREYHOUND BUS TICKET TO SEE KATE FROM ANKHOR YOU IN OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!!

The Bloggers Conference is officially on AF and I’m so excited I can hardly contain myself. Because I ball on a budget, I am saving over one hundred dollars by enduring the nine hour bus ride to Manhattan from Cleveland instead of flying. Of course flying is more convenient and obviously less time consuming but I now have one hundred dollars more for New York shopping money, instead! I’ll take it!

Lil Red has never been to NYC before so, needless to say, I am very excited. Kate and I are about to be two bad mamma jammas taking the city by storm. By storm, I tell ya! We have SO MANY ACTIVITIES planned as well as tons of photo shoots so keep your eyes peeled for many a collaborative post by yours truly and Ankhor You!

And, of course, I am still looking for Halloween themed guest posts for while I am away, so if you are interested in being on lifewithlilred and you can have a post ready by October 10th, then please email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com 🙂

What are some must see sights in New York? What themes should Kate and I do for some Bloggers Conference 2017 photo shoots? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Giphy

Sep21

5 Golden Rules For Freshman College Students

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5 Golden Rules For Freshman College Students

It’s that time of year when thousands of fresh-faced, wide-eyed students find themselves in an unfamiliar environment: a college campus. For the best part of the first few weeks, this will have been nothing but one dizzying blur of names, new buildings, streets, and fiddling with a laundry machine to get the blasted thing to work. Now that the whirlwind has passed, it’s time to start getting serious (Well, a little). Below, we take a look at those five golden rules which will ensure that your college experience is as awesome as you are.:

Get Your Money Sorted:

Sorry people, we hate to break it to you, but you’re broke. Maybe not totally broke, but you’re not exactly flush for cash and, as such, you’re going to spend more time than you’d like counting pennies and familiarizing yourself with the less quality toilet paper. To avoid financial problems later on down the line, create a budget. It’s simple: after rent, and other important things have been subtracted, divide all of the money that you have by the number of months it needs to last. Then, do as Charles Dickens did and use only the amount of money you’re able to spend every day. Easy-ish!

Learn To Fit Everything In:

Now, let’s see. You have classes, assignments, activities, social groups, sports games, and TV shows to catch up on. Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? That’s because it is. You won’t be able to do everything unless you’re taking steps to make sure that your body can handle it. Keep a can of Monster Energy nearby during studying and classes to be at your peak level of focus. Learn how to say no to social invitations and, if you’re going to skip anything, then make it the sports game, not class!

Don’t Forget The Homies:

You’ve emerged as a beautiful butterfly on campus, but remember those days when you were just a caterpillar? That world still exists, and you’d be foolish to turn your back on it just because you have new and exciting things to occupy your time with. Your friends and family back home will continue to be the best support network you have, even if they’re hundreds of miles away. Try to visit as often as you can, and make sure that not too much time is passing in between phone calls.

Try New Things:

It sounds like a cliche, but there will never be a better opportunity to try as many new things as you wish in college. See something that you’re even vaguely interested in? Try it. What’s the worst that can happen? A half hour wasted at a club which you thought would be fascinating? You might just stumble upon something you love.

Don’t Worry So Much:

There’s a lot of pressure and anxiety present in first-year students, but if we could plead with you to do just one thing, it would be: don’t worry so much. Remember that no one really knows what they’re doing, so act like you have confidence and hey, you probably will! Now have fun!

Freshman year at college can be a blast, if you let it be. Of course, keep your grades up and study hard – but you have a whole new world to explore on campus. Now get to it!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep21

How Well Do You Know Lil Red?

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How Well Do You Know Lil Red?

Hey everyone and happy Thursday! Lifewithlilred has now been floating around in cyber space for over THREE YEARS now, which is crazy. That means it’s been over three years of almost daily publishing, which means that you guys should know me pretty well by now, right?

WE’RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT:

*Cue the intense music*

In today’s edition of How Well Do You Know Lil Red?, I will be asking eight questions of increasing difficulty. The answers will be posted tomorrow as well as a link to the page of whoever answered the most questions correctly first!

HERE WE GO:

  1. True or False: Lil Red is a vegetarian.
  2. What store do I constantly post about shopping at?
  3. What is my favorite genre of books/movies?
  4. Do I prefer sweet or sour candy?
  5. What type of job did I work before starting college?
  6. Where did I earn my Associate Of Arts degree from?
  7. What kind of animal is my dream pet?
  8. What brand of lipstick do I use?

Lil Red Pro Tip: Need help? The Awards category on my page is a great place to start to find the answers!

How Well Do You Know Lil Red? How well do you think your readers know you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep20

Mini Halloween Guest Bloggers Series, Anyone?

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Mini Halloween Guest Bloggers Series, Anyone?

Hello, hello one and all and happy Hump Day! So as you all know, I am venturing to the Big City to hang out with one of my BFFs, Kate, from Ankhor You in mid October. We are both ecstatic to finally be hanging out for our “Bloggers Conference” after literal MONTHS of non stop texting and almost weekly FaceTime dates. It’s going to be a blast and once I return to Ohio, we will be spamming our blogs with tons of collaborative fun.

However, while I’m away, I would love to host a mini guest bloggers series on my page so that I can fully enjoy my vaca with the knowledge that lifewithlilred is in good hands. And what better way to do that than by inviting my blogging friends to celebrate Halloween with my readers?!

I absolutely LOVE Halloween. A little known fun fact about Lil Red is that my first job was working as an actor in a haunted house for two years. With that being said, I love the horror genre, I obviously live for haunted houses, and there is nothing better than attending a boozy costume party.

For this guest bloggers series, I want it all. Your best costume ideas (store bought or DIY), a funny or scary Halloween experience, your favorite Halloween treats (or tricks!), and how to guides on applying the perfect costume makeup.

Because this is a mini series, I am going to need five posts, but am willing to increase it by a few depending on the response. So, if you are interested in turning lifewithlilred into Halloween Heaven, please email me at sarah.mush6794@gmail.com with your post ideas! THANKS!!!! -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pinterest