Tag Archives: gifts

Jun14

Birthday Fun!

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Birthday Fun!

Hellooooo!! My June 7th birthday came and went and I am now twenty-five years of age. How about that! I had a wonderful birthday weekend and the celebrations are not over, as I have belated tom foolery scheduled with some of my girlfriends. During my birthday weekend, I enjoyed eleven hours of being tattooed, a subpar Mexican dinner with my family, and a lovely hang out with my boyfriend. Despite the Margaritas being weak AF and my dinner being cold, it was a definite success!

I received many beautiful gifts from everyone who celebrated with me. But, what I’m most excited about is the tickets that I got from my parents to see The Raconteurs at Stage AE in Pittsburgh this August. This will be my second time seeing Jack White in the past two years and they are playing at one of my favorite venues so, needless to say, I am beyond excited. 😀 #bestgiftever

Although I am not thrilled about being twenty-five, I had a great time quietly celebrating my birthday and thank you to everyone for the well wishes, which made my day even more special! ❤

How did you celebrate your birthday this year? How did you celebrate your twenty-fifth birthday? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun13

If The Shoe Fits: Dolce Vita Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Dolce Vita Edition

Hiii everyone and welcome to a new edition of If The Shoe Fits! Today, we’re going to be discussing a gorgeous pair of faux snakeskin stiletto mules by Dolce Vita that my mom got me for my birthday. I have grown increasingly fond of cheetah print over the past year or so but snakeskin has always been my preferred animal print. I think that it is so chic, edgy, and sexy and I am especially drawn to it when it comes to accessories like purses and shoes. So, when my mom offered me this pair that she saw on TJMaxx’s website for my birthday, I was, obviously, all about it. Take a look:

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As we all know, Lil Red is a shoe girl through and through. So, it may come as a surprise to some that I only have about two pairs of heels with a stiletto on them. I have always liked the chunky wedge or platform style heels and have never been too impressed with stilettos on me. I think this might be because I have very muscular legs from figure skating so the thicker heels go better with my body type.

But, I just couldn’t say no to these Dolce Vita beauties! My new mules use my favorite snakeskin hue of grey, black, and taupe and I really do love the shape of them. The pointed toe, skinny heel, and almost full foot coverage. Ugh, forget about it! These mules are going to look SO fierce with jet black skinnies and a cardi during a warmer fall day and I am one hundred percent there for it!

What is your favorite animal print? How would you style these mules? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun10

Bath Bomb Blitz: Unknown From Lush Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Unknown From Lush Edition

Howdy! I have made many wonderful friends thanks to lifewithlilred but there’s one lovely lady who holds a very special place in my heart and that’s Kate from Live In The Nautical. A fiery, intelligent beauty with a passion for travel and style, Kate is literally the coolest and it has been such a joy to be her friend. No matter if we talk every day or if it’s been a month, we always seem to pick up right where we left off, which I think is a major testament to our friendship.

Everything about Kate is amazing but her thoughtfulness is what I love the most about her. It always seems like she just knows when I need a little pick me up. For example, when I was in absolute agony from my surgery in December, I receive a Christmas present from her in the mail. And, recently, when we were very close to putting our dog down, a birthday prezzie from my Gemini Twin shows up. Talk about blogging BFF telepathy!

Kate knows that goodies from Lush are the way to my heart and I always feel so spoiled when I get to enjoy a bath bomb from there because I don’t use their products often at all. Recently, I used the little number seen below who’s name I am not sure of because it wasn’t on the website. So, we’ll just go with “Unknown” for now, lol. Check it out:

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Aside from my bath tub at my apartment having a mind of its own and draining whenever it feels like, Unknown was a very pleasant bath bomb experience. It didn’t have much of a smell but it put on a jolly good show of shamrock green and white spirals. It also took a long time to fizz out – at least five minutes, which is always a plus.

When Unknown first started fizzing, I thought it was going to be a jelly bomb because of the thicker green bubble stuff happening. But, that wasn’t the case, which was a little disappointing because I do love me a good jelly bomb. Despite that, I still felt insanely hydrated upon exiting the tub once I finished shaving and I think that’s my favorite part. I always put lotion on post shave but I probably don’t even need to when using the ultra moisturizing Lush bath bombs!

Overall, I’d rate Unknown with a five out of ten. It wasn’t my favorite but it certainly wasn’t the worst, either, and I wouldn’t be mad about using it again.

What is your favorite Lush product? Who is your blogging BFF? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May18

Super Cool Planter

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Super Cool Planter

Hi! As you all know, my dad is an expert gardener so that makes gift giving very easy for him. For his birthday this past month, I got him this awesome stackable planter set from Amazon. Since it has warmed up significantly in Ohio since April, he finally got around to getting the planter set up with strawberries and flowers and it looks great! Take a look:

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I was so happy to come home on Mother’s Day and see the planter out on the deck in its full glory. It also made me smile to see the garden gnome planter that I got for him last year with a potted plant in his little knapsack. Seeing the splendor of my dad’s hard work never ceases to amaze me and it’s always so cool to see the projects that he tends to so lovingly take full bloom!

What is your favorite plant or flower? Who else is a fan of gardening? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar6

Mini Zen Garden

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Mini Zen Garden

Howdy! This past Christmas, one of the things that I gifted for my dad was a mini zen garden that I found at Five Below – of all places! My dad loves zen inspired decor and I truly think that he is in his happy place when he tends to his beautiful garden. So, I figured a little zen garden to cultivate would be a perfect add on gift for him. And, because I try to find my inner peace through meditation, I have enjoyed caring for our tiny garden, too. Check it out:

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The zen garden from Five Below came with all of the tokens seen above to create your own scene of peace and I thought that it was an amazing find. I don’t change the layout of the garden too often – maybe once a week. But, I always love when I see the location of the figurines moved because that means my dad has been enjoying it, too. He keeps the zen garden by his Laughing Buddha statue that he got in Thailand and all of it ties in with his super chill personality.

I was so happy with how much my dad liked his gift when he opened it on Christmas and I am even more thrilled that we can both use it and make a little peace together. ❤

What is your favorite discount store find? How do you try and get into a zen state of mind? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar5

Bubble Bar Blitz: Lush’s Yog Nog Yule Log Edition

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Bubble Bar Blitz: Lush’s Yog Nog Yule Log Edition

Hiii! A few days ago I finally finished up the Lush products I got for Christmas by using the tongue twister Yog Nog Yule Log bubble bar. I have never used a bubble bar from Lush before so it probably would have helped to read the instructions of how to use it online. Long story short, my bar didn’t bubble. But, I don’t think it would have even if I used it properly and crumbled it under the running water, because this bar was so compact with what I’m assuming was Shea or cocoa butter. At the very least, it might have foamed.

But, the beauty of the bubble bars is that they are reusable so I can try again next time! High five! Take a look at some pics of my first experience and let’s discuss:

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First things first, let’s address the color of my bath water lol. After giving my body a pre-shave rub down with the bubble bar, it straight up turned the water yellow. This is, admittedly, pretty gross. But, the bubble bar was so soothing and moisturizing that I don’t even care. My skin has been so dry lately because it’s been really windy and damp in the 330. It’s the type of weather that just eats right through you and my skin has suffered big time.

The Yog Nog Yule Log bar felt so good on my chapped skin and it gave me an even smoother shave than when I use my go to exfoliaters from The Body Shop. Yes, it would have been nice to have a genuine bubble bath. But, the on the skin contact was just what I needed to get some hydration back so no harm no foul. Here’s to luscious bubbles or foam next time!

What are your thoughts on the Lush bubble bars? What is your favorite Lush product? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar3

My Favorite Thank You Gift

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My Favorite Thank You Gift

Hiiii! Sending out thank you gifts has become a snap thanks to the almighty Amazon and it is one of my favorite things to do. Of course, it’s always great to verbally tell someone that you appreciate them and I try to do that often. But, when someone goes the extra mile or you just want to thank them for being a wonderful friend, I think that a little extra something something is needed.

I have always loved Willow Tree figurines and have been gifting them for holidays and as thank you’s for years. My dad used to work in a religious gift store and they were sold there and I can remember seeing them for the first time when I was way young and thinking they were beautiful. In fact, we have quite a few at home that I’ve gifted to my mom:

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^^^ Lol, never mind the dust!

What I love about these figurines is that they really invoke whatever feeling that they portray. The item, animal, or even a person being held by the willow figure is usually what’s in color, so it pops against the cool taupe palette. I don’t know about you guys, but nothing makes me think of love more than a big red heart!

There are Willow Tree figures (Or keepsake boxes like the one seen above.) for birthdays, losses, babies being born, marriages, friendship, family, and basically anything that you can think of. I think that these figurines are such a lovely way to show someone that you’re thinking of them. I know that I would love to receive one as a gift and that is why I enjoy giving them so much. And, the fact that Amazon has them available to purchase makes that process so much easier. 😀

What do you love to give as a thank you gift? How do you show appreciation for your friends? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb19

Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Cheery Christmas Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Cheery Christmas Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to a new edition of Bath Bomb Blitz! Thanks to an early evening at work, I got to enjoy using the Cheery Christmas bath bomb from Lush. Yes, I did get it as a Christmas present. But, hey, it’s better using it late than never! And, I happened to use this bath bomb the night before Valentine’s Day so the pink color was pretty and appropriate! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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When it comes to the show that Cheery Christmas put on, I was fairly underwhelmed. I really like the bath bombs that completely change the color of the water. And, with a pink bath bomb you never know what you’re going to get. In my experience, they normally tend to change the water to this light pinky/purple shade, which is nice, but definitely not my cup of tea.

However, I did enjoy the snowflake motif that was evident in the water. The bubbles that branched out took on this transparent, snowflake style shape and that was cool. I also liked that halfway through the bath bomb fizzing, a baby blue core was revealed. Despite being smaller than the usual bath bombs from Lush, Cheery Christmas took a LONG time to fizz out completely, which I liked and I didn’t. I like when a bath bomb takes a while to dissolve when a fun show is put on. But, sadly, this bath bomb didn’t really do much so all it did was turn my bath water tepid by the time it was over. Whomp whomp. -__-

Overall, I would give Cheery Christmas a five out of ten. It makes for a good gift because of the cold weather theme. But, it was not my favorite because I like really dark bath bombs that make the water a totally different color. I don’t recommend this bath bomb, but I don’t not recommend it, either!

What is your favorite color of bath bomb to use? What is your favorite Lush product to use? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb5

Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Shoot For The Stars Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Shoot For The Stars Edition

Hiii everyone! Today, we are going to discuss one of the bath bombs from Lush that I got from the darling Kate of Live In The Nautical for Christmas. I know, I know it’s over a month after the holiday but, I was incapacitated for most of December and the first week of January and the rest of that month was spent trying to catch up on missed work. So, a long soak in the tub with a Lush bath bomb was just what the doctor ordered now that I feel like I can finally relax a little. Take a look at Shoot For The Stars:

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Shoot For The Stars has easily been one of the best bath bombs that I’ve used in a long time. First of all, it smelled amazing. I caught wonderful whiffs of creamy vanilla, which is one of my favorite scents, and being enveloped in that during a soak felt so lush! And, more importantly, the color show that the bath bomb put on was pretty spectacular, too!

As you can see from the first picture of Shoot For The Stars in the water, is that it got to work as soon as it was in the tub. It rocketed all about, leaving behind gorgeous azure blue in its path, along with shooting star trails of gold glitter. It took a solid two plus minutes for the bath bomb to fizz out but, that was not the end of it.

The most fun part about Shoot For The Stars is that the four glitter stars embedded in the bomb became detached. Instead of letting them dissolve, I took them in my hands and rubbed them over my body. It left my skin glowing in golden sparkle and it matched my new metallic face mask perfectly!

The stars had me feeling like I just applied lotion – they were so insanely hydrating. #smallbutmighty And, the bath water was so nourishing for my skin, too. I love using the Lush bath bombs for that reason alone. I shave when I’m taking a bath and I get out of the tub feeling like I put body butter on. There is nothing better.

I would definitely use Shoot For The Stars again and give it an eight out of ten. Highly recommend!

What is your favorite bath bomb from Lush? What are some of your other favorite Lush products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan11

Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s World’s Smallest Disco Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s World’s Smallest Disco Edition

Hi! This past weekend, I enjoyed a nice, relaxing soak with the World’s Smallest Disco bath bomb from Lush. This was a treat from my sister’s Christmas gifts to me, and, despite a difficult clean up, this bath bomb was a lot of fun. With a name like World’s Smallest Disco, how could it be anything but a total blast?! Check out some pics and let’s discuss:

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It should come as no surprise that I love bath bombs that turn the water either black or really dark blue, so World’s Smallest Disco was the tops for that matter. It transformed the water into a gorgeous, inky blue with tiny galaxies of glitter floating throughout the water. So. Pretty!

So pretty, in fact, that I talked about that first instead of the neon pink, yellow, green, orange, and blue polka dots that erupted from the bath bomb, fizzing out like shooting stars. They also took longer to dissolve than the grey portion of the bath bomb, so the little disco lights stayed in the tub with you until they went away themselves. This product had great movement and it moved itself from one end of the bath tub to the other, leaving bright streams of color throughout the water. It was a spectacular light show and definitely felt like a dance party happening before my eyes.

World’s Smallest Disco also smelled really good, too. Nice and citrusy. It left my skin feeling soft and hydrated after shaving and I loved soaking in the midnight sky bath water. But, this bath bomb was a pain in the ass to clean up. Obviously, the darker colored bath bombs stain the tub in a much more noticeable way than a lighter hue and stain my bath tub, it did. So much so, that the Turtle jelly bomb that I just used was infinitely easier to clean than World’s Smallest Disco. Annoying, yes. But, I still would use this bath bomb again and give it a seven out of ten.

What is your favorite bath product to use? Which store offers the best bath time goodies? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah