Tag Archives: haul

Apr19

Random 5 Below Finds

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Random 5 Below Finds

Hi there! Johnny and I delight in being the fun aunt and uncle and love spending time with our nieces. This past weekend we took our middle niece out for a special morning before meeting up with her big sis, mama, and their Uncle Andrew to see the new Mario movie. Our little was so sad she couldn’t join us for her sister’s birthday treat day and we promised to take her on a solo outing ASAP. Before the movie we shopped till we dropped at 5 Below, visited the animals at Petsmart, and went to Mickey D’s for lunch and Play Place time. It was a blast!

At 5 Below we let her pick out anything and everything and got some treats for ourselves and her sisters too. It was a full fledged shopping spree! As you all know, I loves me some 5 Below and just couldn’t say no to the following:

I saw the freaking hilarious Pitbull shirt the last time I was at 5 Below with a client. I was going to purchase it but they only had extra larges at the time. Am I a huge Pitbull fan? Isn’t everyone secretly? Lol I will be the first to admit that he has some straight BANGERS! During this shopping trip I was so happy to see that the sizes were restocked and I just had to get it. How could I not when it was only five bucks?! Mr. 305 happens to be coming to my neck of the woods in September and I am SO trying to go. I already know exactly what top I’ll be wearing! 😀

And, of course, the K-Pop Demon Hunters sticker went into the cart immediately to decorate my laptop with. My nieces love that movie so much and I do too! We are always listening to the soundtrack together and singing and dancing like crazy. It’s just pure joy and I honestly tear up every time I hear Golden because it makes me think of them. I adore the Huntrix girls and now I get to see them every morning when I work from home. This was the very last K-Pop Demon Hunters sticker on the shelves so we visited 5 Below at the perfect time. Great success!

These Random 5 Below Finds featured two very different musicians for sure. Future Mr. Worldwide/Huntrix collab? I think YES!

What is your favorite song from K-Pop Demon Hunters? How about Pitbull (lol)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr15

New Democracy Blouse

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New Democracy Blouse

Hello! Although I am not a huge fan of dressing for summer, I absolutely love dressing for spring. Spring weather is just the best because it’s not too hot or too cold so you don’t have to commit to bundling up or rocking shorts every day. I always enjoy updating my spring wardrobe with a few new pieces as blouses, cool slacks, and light jackets can be utilized across multiple seasons. During my last shopping trip to TJMaxx, I wasn’t sure what I needed to freshen up my outfits for spring. That was okay, though, because TJs told me what I needed. Like this new blouse by Democracy that I am obsessed with. Also, don’t mind the wrinkles – it needs ironed so badly!!

Like the pants you saw yesterday, I wasn’t sure what to think when I saw this top. It didn’t blow me away but I didn’t outright hate it. It was somewhere in between. However, the pale butterscotch color reminded me so much of my grandma. Anything yellow was her favorite! I, too, adore wearing yellow and it’s like a hug from her when I do so. So, into the cart it went! I genuinely wasn’t expecting this blouse to come home with me because I had several other tops to try on. To my surprise, none of them did anything for me while this little Democracy number was doing the most.

This top is such a light, breezy material which I love for spring and summer. What I don’t like, though, is when gauzy fabrics are too billowy and hide my figure. That is not the case with this top in the slightest. Despite the movement that the material provides, it fits close to the body while still allowing for a little wiggle room. And, of course, I can’t get enough of that embroidery and the rouching on the neckline and cuffs. You all know I am a sucker for anything embroidered! I can see myself sporting this top with a sweet pair of denim shorts for play and tucked into flouncy skirts for a date night look. Stay tuned for a brand new OOTD featuring this pretty little something soon!

With that, I think that my wardrobe is perfectly updated for spring. Until the next time I go to TJMaxx, anyways… !!!

What is your favorite color to wear? Is there a color that makes you think of a loved one? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr14

New Oat New York Jeans

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New Oat New York Jeans

Hi! This past Tuesday my mom and I had a fabulous shopping trip to TJMaxx to scope out some prezzies for my birthday girl sister. And, of course, I had to scope out some treats for myself too! Spring has officially sprung at TJs and I was hoping to find a few new pieces to shake up my warm weather wardrobe. It’s always nice to have a couple of new things when the seasons change! I walked away with a gorgeous top and a funky pair of pantaloons by Oat New York. I am just as shocked as you are that these are not black skinny jeans! Take a look:

When I first saw these jeans on display, I couldn’t decide if I loved them or hated them. And, honestly, that is exactly what I like lol. If they don’t work then it’s no harm no foul. If they do, however, then I walk away with a totally unique item that other people might have passed by. When it comes to shopping, I say try on everything so into the cart they went. I wasn’t married to these bad boys either way but, I’m not going to lie, I was hoping they would work. They are so different from anything I own and I love introducing that variety into my OOTDs.

My hopes and dreams were answered when I tried these jeans on because they are everything! The fit is so exciting to me as they clearly balloon down the legs and taper at the ankle. There is nothing skinny about them and, I daresay, it felt good to branch out! And, of course, how cute are those embroidered flowers going down both legs? I am a sucker for anything embroidered and have many a top with my favorite details but no pants! As these jeans are such an exaggerated wide leg fit, my vision is to pair it with an itty bitty tank top to create a silhouette that makes the eyes dance. I can’t wait to rock them so stay tuned for a brand new OOTD coming soon!

Stick around for more from my TJMaxx trip – there may or may not be some marked down bunny decor too. Love that post Easter shopping! 😀

Are you giving your wardrobe an update for spring? What is your favorite season to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb15

5 Below Clothing Haul

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5 Below Clothing Haul

Howdy! You all know I ball on a budget and absolutely live for 5 Below. As an avid fan of giving myself and gifting others little treats, it is a one stop shop to have some fun and find a perfect pick me up. I wanted to snag some V-Day gifts for my littlest valentines and decided that 5B was the move. Everything at the grocery store was SO expensive – a small box of chocolates and palm sized plush was over twelve dollars so I was delighted to find some small V-Day prezzies for a steal price at 5 Below. I also couldn’t resist a couple of purchases for myself as they just dropped some of the most adorable clothes ever. I considered it a “way to go, me” surprise for starting a new job! Take a look:

Serious question – who doesn’t love Winnie the Pooh?! I know I sure do! As soon as I walked in the store, I saw a spring display being created that was filled with Winnie the Pooh accessories, clothing, and collectables. The darling hoodie and pajama shorts were front and center and it went into my cart without a second thought. The Berry Sweet motif on the hoodie against that pale blue was too sweet to pass up. It was also only fifteen dollars and I don’t think I would find a better price for something like this at any other store. I’m unsure as to if it was meant to be worn with the pajama bottoms but it is way too cute to just wear to bed and I can’t wait to break it out in the spring. Speaking of the pajama bottoms, the uber soft fleece short shorts from 5B can’t be beat. I have a pair in a Halloween pattern and they are my freaking favorites. I always meant to buy another pair or two for bed and was so happy to add the Winnie the Pooh one to my lineup. Once again, the price was just right at seven dollars!

Last but certainly not least in my celebratory haul was a K-Pop Demon Hunters cropped tee. My lil nieces are Huntrix girls through and through and it was so special to watch the movie together. I loved every minute of it! The graphics, the story, and the amazing music all made for such an incredible experience. I live for our dance parties to the soundtrack and I may or may not cry every time I hear “Golden” on the radio. I seriously can’t help myself because I instantly get flooded with the happiest memories and it’s just a beautiful song. I knew my girl squad would get a kick out of seeing their TT in a shirt featuring their favorite gals and cannot wait to show them. Luckily, all three of them know that TT forever has dibs on being Mira. Classic Lil Red lolol. ❤

I got to spoil my nieces and myself during this shopping trip and it was a GREAT SUCCESS. I’ll be so eager to bust out my new hoodie and T as soon as spring hurries up and gets here!

What is your favorite song from K-Pop Demon Hunters? What is one of the best things you have found at 5 Below? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan28

Urban Decay Face Bond Luminizer In Silver Lake Review

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Urban Decay Face Bond Luminizer In Silver Lake Review

Hello! Isn’t it the worst when you run out of a bunch of expensive things at the same time? That was very much the case for me this past weekend and I needed to make a trip to Sephora to rectify it. After fixing my face with an MOTD, I was completely out of my beloved Better Than Sex mascara as well as my favorite highlighter. I was also on the hunt for a replacement for one of my makeup staples – the radiance beads from The Body Shop that I loved so very much but are no longer available. Thanks to the help of an excellent employee, I found everything I needed and am so amped to use two new to me products. You can peep a review of the Rare Beauty highlighter soon but today we are going to chat about the fabulous Face Bond Luminizer in Swan Lake by Urban Decay:

^^^ I also got a few samples of luminizers by Fenty too. We’ll review those soon!

Visit my TikTok for the full video!

I am not a makeup girl whatsoever. I like what I like, I get it on repeat, and that’s that. At Sephora, I was really hoping to find an exact match to the radiance beads I have used for forever. Unfortunately, they didn’t have anything remotely similar so I had to venture into the world of liquid makeup for the very first time. I don’t use concealer or foundation and even just a liquid luminizer was outside of my comfort zone. However, after trying the Urban Decay Face Bond Luminizer more extensively at home, I am pleased to report that it really is the perfect dupe to my favorite fallen product.

The Silver Lake luminizer is oh so pretty and provided exactly what my radiance beads did. It gave an overall glitter and glow. The only difference is that I applied it with my hands rather than a blush brush! A dime sized dollop allowed for full face and neck coverage and it was so lightweight that I genuinely forgot it was even on. That was a huge plus as I never want my makeup to look heavy and that can sometimes be the case with liquid makeup. This luminizer can be worn on its own or to complete the rest of your MOTD. It was a bit pricey at thirty-four dollars so I don’t think I will be wearing it as a stand alone often. Although I wouldn’t say no to it when I am looking (And feeling!) extra tired in the morning for a little radiance pick me up. Highly recommend!

This may not seem like a big purchase but it was very exciting for me. It’s always fun to try something new and I am beyond happy to have found the best possible replacement to my radiance beads!

What is your favorite brand of makeup? Do you shop Sephora often? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan25

TJMaxx Haul

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TJMaxx Haul

Hello! Nothing pleases me more than a good TJMaxx haul and the one I had with my Christmas gift cards was one of the best ones in recent memory. Normally when I am shopping at TJs, I let the store tell me what I need because you never know what you are going to get. This time around, however, I had a shopping list of what I would like to find and was able to completely check it off. A new Valentine’s Day piece of clothing? Check! New purse? Check. Black skinnies? Checkeroo. Skin care restock? Check, check, double check! Take a look at the rest of my haul:

As you all know, basically all I wear is black skinny jeans lol. They are just the perfect pantaloons and my Johnny concurs as that’s all he wears too! We are a match made in heaven. While black skinnies are perfect in every way, they fade and that is not okay with me. I need jet black, baby, and usually purchase one new pair per year. The past few times I have needed new jeans at TJs, I was lucky because I found some pairs of 1822 Denim which is the brand I normally wear. I couldn’t find any pairs of this brand during my shopping and ended up with a pair from Gap, instead. It was actually a nice change of pace! They fit like a glove and were less than half the original price. I have had one pair of Gap jeans in the past and I liked them a lot so it’s cool to revisit an old fave at the right price!

While it was great to find some new clothes and a purse, the most important thing on my shopping list was skin care. I like to follow the rule of threes when I purchase my beauty products. That way, I don’t have to go to the store monthly for more. I was so happy to find a huge bottle of my go to micellar water as well as a few moisturizers and a serum. I have never tried the Supergoop! brand and I’m looking forward to it! The best find, though, was the ValJean Labs cleanser – there was only one and it was tucked away. Their hydrating foaming cleanser was one of my most favorite products and I can’t wait to try the deep cleansing version. If you are on the hunt for a new cleanser, I truly can’t recommend this brand enough. Their scrubs are fabulous too. 😀

Thanks to this haul, I am good to go for the rest of winter. Although, let’s be real, you know I already can’t wait for a spring refresh shopping trip! 🙂

Do you update your wardrobe seasonally? What are some of your springtime staples? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan22

It’s In The Bag: Antik Kraft Saddlebag Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Antik Kraft Saddlebag Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of It’s In The Bag! I so loved going on a TJMaxx trip with my mom and had grand plans for my Christmas gift cards. 1) A skin care restock. 2) A new piece of Valentine’s Day clothing. 3) A new pair of black skinnies. And 4) A new purse if the gift card could cover it. I am pleased to report that I achieved all of these goals with EXACT CHANGE. Peep this girl math… The amount left over for me to pay was $18.01. As luck would have it, the cash in my purse totaled to eighteen dollars and lots of change for good measure. It was freaking awesome and I just had to share. ANYWHO, let’s take a look at this bag, baby!

I haven’t bought a purse for myself since 2019. Yes, you read that right – seven years of no new purses. However, I never felt the need to buy more because I have so many and always prefer to spend my moolah on clothes and shoes. My tune definitely changed in the past few months, though! During the fall, TJMaxx had a gorgeous black purse that was embossed with skulls. I was obsessed but couldn’t justify the eighty dollar price tag. So, I waited for it to go on sale but someone with great taste snatched it up in the meantime. As much as I wanted it, it was no harm no foul and I vowed to eventually find a purse at a price point I was more comfortable with. I sure did with this little number by Antik Kraft for thirty-five dollars! That was much more like it. 😀

When I made my first round through the purse department, I noticed the same bag by Antik Kraft in a rich camel hue. It was pretty, but I am an All Black Everything girl through and through and thought to myself how much better it would be if it were black lol. As luck would have it, black was the other color option available and it was perfect. The saddlebag shape is just so cool and I do not have a purse in my collection that even remotely mimics that style. The oversized stitching on the strap is everything and the size of the purse in general is ideal. It’s big enough to hold all of my belongings without being so big that I can’t find anything. Despite this purse’s simplicity, it still manages to invoke an edgy vibe and it just had to come home with me. I swapped purses as soon as I got home and feel like a star with it slung over my shoulder!

Although I never ended up with the skull adorned bag of my dreams, this Antik Kraft saddlebag will do just fine. Even better, actually, because the price was right!

How often do you swap out your purses? What is your favorite accessory to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan20

Very Truly Yours Valentine’s Day Sweater

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Very Truly Yours Valentine’s Day Sweater

Hello! I have a nice long break between shifts on Tuesdays. During that time, I like to read or work on the computer. If I have nothing to do, I use that time to shop because I am right in a plaza with a TJMaxx. It’s a gift. Speaking of gifts, my mom joined me this past Tuesday on a shopping trip and we had the best time! I had Christmas gift cards and TJMaxx rewards burning a hole in my pocket and I planned on restocking the skin care I needed and purchasing treats for myself with the remainder. I did exactly that and ended up with this gorgeous little number for Valentine’s Day by Very Truly Yours. Check it out:

As soon as we walked into TJs, this sweater was the first thing I saw and it was love at first sight. It is just the sweetest! The baby pink color, the argyle style diamonds, white embroidered hearts, and heart buttons put me in Valentine’s Day heaven. This sweater fits snugly without being tight, is soft as can be, and literally gave me heart eyes! Although V-Day is a while away, I plan on busting it out this weekend as Johnny and I are going on a date to Playhouse Square to see Stereophonic. Hey, it’s never too early to give some Valentine’s Day OOTD inspo on the ol’ blog!

Even before trying this sweater on, visions of what I could wear with it swirled through my head at a rapid pace. What I decided on is a Bratz doll inspired look that I am so excited for all of you to see. I’m thinking a white pleated mini skirt, thigh high tights, and a funky pair of pink platforms. Bratz doll style is all about girly clothes with a sassy twist and I hate to toot my own horn but I think this outfit is going to fit that to the T. Keep it posted on lifewithlilred for a review of the show and exclusive OOTD pics. Can’t wait? Follow me on TikTok for an early peek at an outfit video coming soon. ❤

I had such a fabulous time shopping with my mom and had a great haul to boot. Lots more fashion fun is on the way!

What is a perfect Valentine’s Day date for you? Were you a Barbie or Bratz girl? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan14

Little Christmas Haul

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Little Christmas Haul

Hi! We celebrated with Johnny’s family on Christmas Day and had the most wonderful time. Unfortunately, his aunt couldn’t attend and it just wasn’t the same without her. We were so happy that she was in town this past week and finally got to have our “Little Christmas” get together. It’s basically the same thing as Christmas but we ordered Chinese food lol. It was amazing to be all together again for our bonus celebration and it certainly felt Christmas-y despite it being January eighth! Check out my very last holiday haul:

Johnny and I were so generously gifted with lots of goodies and he received something really cool! My husband is a history buff and his aunt gave him her freshman year of high school American History text book. It was complete with her notes and highlighted sections and he has already enjoyed flipping through the pages of yesteryear. As a gift for both of us, we got the absolutely adorable Rudolph hot cocoa set. Seriously, how cute is that? We just love those mugs and although we are not big hot chocolate drinkers, our nieces can’t get enough of it. We are so excited to have them over for one of their favorite treats but in different mugs lol. I would be so sad if one of them broke because did I mention holy cuteness?! 😀

One gift we all had to laugh at was the Wicked slippers. I have never seen Wicked and I have zero desire to do so. When I opened the box, however, I genuinely thought the Ws were cacti and I could definitely get down with that! It wasn’t until further inspection that I realized what they were but I’m still going with cacti and they look comfy as can be. I am also delighted to have some more cozy pairs of boot socks because ankle socks during the winter is for the birds. I am SO sick of them sliding off so I have a double dose of treats for my feet. 🙂

Last but not least is the pretty as a picture picture frame, candle, and picture keeper. How sweet is that frame? I think it will be the perfect one to house a snapshot of me and my three nieces! ❤ I also adore being gifted with candles because I never buy them for myself. I have been loving burning the one my bestie got me for Christmas so this will be great to have on standby. And, finally, I have no idea what the picture keeper is or how to use it. BUT, if it gives us a space to free up the rapidly dwindling storage on our phones from OOTD shoots then we needed it like yesterday!!

We have been looking forward to Little Christmas since Christmas and now it’s officially a wrap on our holiday season. What a fantastic one it was!

Are you a Wicked fan? What is your favorite kind of cozy clothing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan12

Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale Haul

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Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale Haul

Hello! As soon as I woke up on the day after Christmas, I headed straight to my laptop to shop the Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale. There is nothing better than getting the products that I always use for dirt cheap and I had a massive restock of my foaming hand soaps and wallflower plugins. It couldn’t have come at a moment too soon because I was running very low! After my shopping spree I ended up with seventeen products for sixty dollars making each item about three dollars and fifty cents. You just can’t beat that! Check it out and let’s discuss the scents that are new to me:

Would I Buy Again?

Peppermint Bark Truffle: YES!!!!!!!!!!

Cereal Milk Soft Serve: NO

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Cookie: MAYBE

Grape Spritz: YES

Why/Why Not?

Peppermint Bark Truffle: Out of the Milk X B&BW collabs that I have tried, the Peppermint Bark Truffle is the absolute best. If you are a fan of chocolate and peppermint, then this is the scent for you because that is exactly what it smells like. I freaking love any kind of peppermint scent and this pairing with the dark chocolate is *chef’s kiss*. Peppermint Bark Truffle literally smells good enough to eat and I wish that I bought more of it. Highly recommend!

Cereal Milk Soft Serve: The fragrance notes of Cereal Milk Soft Serve include “Soft ice cream, golden cornflakes, and frosted sugar”. In theory, this sounds delightful. In practice is a whole different story. This scent smells like a bowl of cereal that has been sitting out for an hour and I just can’t. B&BW has tried their hand at cereal themed scents before and this is one of the rare occasions where they fail epically. However, if you are into smelling like old milk then go for it, I guess? Lol.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Cookie: This scent is just okay for me and I would only buy it again as a last resort. The fragrance notes of “Toasted pretzel, cinnamon dusting, and sugared vanilla” are nice but it’s just a bit too subtle for me. I like my smell goods to pack a punch! On the bright side, the Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Cookie really does smell like the description and is still infinitely better than the milk one!

Grape Spritz: Where my grape soda fans at?! While I love an orange soda, grape reigns supreme in my world and I am all about Grape Spritz. With notes of “Bubbly white grape juice, peach nectar, and orange zest” this fizzy scent smells exactly like a freshly poured grape soda. It is bold, bright, and provides a pop of sweet summertime in the winter. After a few dud scents, this was much more like it because I am so there for it. 😀

During the winter Semi Annual Sale I like to stock up on my go to seasonal scents like Vanilla Bean Noel and Twisted Peppermint. For good or bad, it’s always fun to try a few new fragrances though!

Did you shop the Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Sale? How did you make out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah