Tag Archives: house

Oct23

Sweet Surprises: Spooky Decor Edition

Posted on October 23, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Hello!! Whenever Johnny and I are running errands individually, we always seem to come home with a little treat for each other without fail. This has especially rang true throughout late September and the entire month of October because it is spooky season, baby! In our bigger apartment, it has been impossible to say no to all kinds of Halloween decor to deck our place out in. Thanks to Johnny stopping into Walgreen’s, we now have these new additions to our collection:

Halloween is a state of mind and Johnny and I live in that mindset year round. Constantly watching scary movies, wearing spooky sweaters, and having a huge decor collection also really helps the cause! We have been living our best lives this October between date days, movie marathons, and all of the Halloween shopping. I suspect we will also be living our best lives in early November when all of the candy and decorations are on sale! 😀

It has been a rough few weeks in Lil Red’s world and Johnny always knows how to cheer me up. Sometimes it’s just turning on one of my favorite shows or, in this case, returning home with some surprises! We have yet to hang up the Prisoner Of Azkaban wiggle picture but I literally gasped when I saw the skeleton couple on their boat. The best part? It lights up! Its new home is on top of one of our book shelves and it makes a perfect little nightlight now that it is getting so dark early in the evening. I think the resemblance of me and Johnny is uncanny. ❤

As Halloween draws closer, it is becoming impossible to contain the excitement! Keep it posted on lifewithlilred for more scary good content including some must see horror flicks and my plans for the ultimate movie night on Halloween weekend!

What is your favorite holiday to decorate for? What is your favorite store to shop at for seasonal decor? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct15

How To Adjust To Life In A New Country

Posted on October 15, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Moving to a new country can be an exciting but daunting experience. There are so many things to think about, from finding a place to live and getting a job, to learning the language and customs. It can be difficult to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to adjust to life in a new country:

Learn the Language:

One of the most important things you can do when moving to a new country is to learn the language. This will make it much easier to get by on a day to day basis. It will also help you make friends and build a support network. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online like Bueno Spanish and in your local community. Many countries also offer language classes for immigrants.

Find a Place to Live:

Another big task when moving to a new country is finding somewhere to live. If you’re moving alone, you might want to consider renting an apartment or room in a shared house. This can be a great way to meet people and get settled into your new home. If you’re moving with family or friends, you’ll need to find somewhere that has enough space for everyone. Start by looking online and asking people you know if they have any recommendations.

Get a Job:

If you’re moving to a new country for work, then you’ll need to sort out your employment situation before you go. But even if you’re not moving for work, it’s still a good idea to get a job as soon as possible after arriving in your new home. This will help you meet people and make some extra money. Check out job websites and classified ads online or ask people you know if they know of any openings in their companies.

Get Registered:

You’ll also want to ensure that you can get yourself registered in the new country for anything you need. This means having the necessary documents readily available. Where possible, register yourself as a resident with the local authorities. This will help you get access to things like healthcare and other government services. Even look out for things like a Spanish speaking dentist or doctor so you can feel supported while adjusting to the new language and culture.

Make Friends:

One way to meet people abroad or in your own community is to join a club or take a class. This can be a great way to meet people with similar interests. Another option is to volunteer in your community so you can give back and also meet like-minded people. Finally, don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with people you meet in everyday life. Whether you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or getting your morning coffee, taking the initiative to chat with those around you can help you make new friends in no time.

Moving in your own community can be difficult let alone a brand new country. Follow the tips above to help the process go as smooth as possible!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Oct13

Revamp Your Laundry Room

Posted on October 13, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Standard

The laundry room is, easily, one of the most forgotten rooms in the home even though it serves such an important purpose. Often tucked away in the basement or a “junk room” the washer and dryer tend to go unnoticed and unappreciated despite using it almost every day. But, it doesn’t have to be that way! Turn doing the laundry into your favorite chore with these simple fixes:

Evaluate The Space:

First things first, let’s do a quick check on your appliances. Take a look at your washer and inspect your dryer and avoid potential dangers. All good? Perfect! Now, does your laundry room have the space for some additional shelving and maybe a small table to assist with folding? If so, you are well set! If not, you could designate a different area in your home for folding and placing your freshly laundered clothes. This leads us to our next point…

Shelving Or Cubby Shelves:

Standard shelving units in your laundry room or elsewhere are fantastic. This is ideal for storing your detergent, stain remover, laundry bins, and dryer sheets. However, a cubby shelving unit might be just what you need if you want some extra assistance with the chore. Once the laundry is folded, you could place each piece in the cubby for your partner or children. Then, it is up to them to put it away themselves. Don’t forget that your laundry room can also be used to house shoes with a door fixture or other odds and ends like cleaning supplies!

Add Some Fun:

Time and time again, I hear that doing laundry is a least favorite chore. You can change this, though! There are all kinds of things that you can do to add a touch of fun to your laundry space. Bring in a radio and listen to your favorite songs, add some essential oil to a diffuser and enjoy some aromatherapy, or paint the walls a peppy shade. No one loves doing housework but you can make it tolerable, at the very least!

Hone Your Craft:

Maybe, you don’t like doing the laundry because your folding skills aren’t quite up to snuff. That’s okay! Purchasing folding boards can give you perfectly folded T’s in no time. A clutter free table can also be very helpful. And, if all else fails: Have a lot of clothing hangers handy to just hang things up – no wrinkles required!

Give your washer and dryer the space that they deserve with the tips above. Who knows? You might just love doing laundry yet!

Oct13

Repairs That Can’t Wait

Posted on October 13, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Standard

If you look around your home, there are sure to be some issues that could use a little attention. Squeaky doors, threadbare carpets, or an unsteady shelf are annoyances but not necessarily things that need an immediate solution. On the other hand, there are some problems that you shouldn’t wait to fix. We’re talking appliances and fixtures in the home that can prevent you from living your normal life. Let’s discuss further:

Appliances:

Broken appliances are the first thing that comes to mind when you think of things that could alter your normal routine. A washer or dryer on the fritz means a trip to the laundromat. Broken refrigerator? Say goodbye to all of your perishable food. And, of course, a nonfunctional oven means spending additional money on takeout. These are all issues that need to be repaired ASAP as the longer you hold off could lead to even more costly repairs or become a safety hazard.

In the instance of a broken appliance, it is so important to call in the professionals. You also want someone who specializes specifically in your problem, say for common stove issues and solutions. If you have a newer appliance that is malfunctioning, the repairs might be covered under a warranty if you purchased one so do check on that to help save money.

Weather Related Issues:

It is never a good thing when the weather outside is coming into your home. This means drafty doors, cracks in the walls, or leaks and breakages in the roof. Not only can this invite pests into your home but it can also be a major health and safety hazard for you and your family. An out of shape roof or leaks can cause mold and damp, which can exacerbate issues like asthma. Drafts and cracks can also make for bitter temperatures inside your home come winter. These are all problems that should be prioritized for everyone’s well being.

Heating/Air Conditioning:

A too hot or too cold home is just downright unpleasant and could mean that something is wrong with your HVAC system. The solution might be as simple as a tune up or a few replacement parts or it could be a complete overhaul of your system entirely. Remember, it is best to have a professional check on this annually for the comfort and safety it provides. You can find an expert by entering a search for “HVAC contractor in Tampa, FL” or your local area. Stifling temps indoors in the summer can lead to someone overheating while too cold in the winter can cause flooding and frozen pipes. A freshly repaired HVAC system will keep your home just right all year round.

When you are considering repairs, priority number one should always be if the problem is effecting your family’s comfort and safety. If it is, then it is time to call a professional!

Oct13

Safe Haven: Improve Your Home’s Security

Posted on October 13, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Safe Haven: Improve Your Home’s Security

Your home should be your ultimate safe haven and it can be scary when it doesn’t always feel that way. Whether your place needs extra protection or you simply could benefit from the peace of mind, there is a fix for whatever you need! Let’s look at a few ways to improve your home’s security so you can feel perfectly safe and sound:

Meet The Neighbors:

Socializing can, admittedly, be a pain. However, knowing your neighbors is a free way to have an extra set of eyes on your home. And, who knows? You might just make a friend! A neighbor who you’re on friendly terms with will be able to keep an eye on your house while you’re on vacation or simply pick up a package while you’re at work all day. Regardless, it can only help!

Outdoor Property:

It makes sense that your belongings indoors are easier to protect than the things outside of your home. This goes for cars, outdoor furniture, and gardening equipment. To rectify this, you can protect the Range Rover with an anti theft system and the same goes for any other type of car. You can also install motion lights on your property, which is a great deterrent for an uninvited guest.

Privacy Hedges:

Whether you want extra protection or simply some beauty is your call! Privacy hedges can come in all shapes and forms from huge hydrangeas and rhododendrons to tall grass and trees. Either way, it’s going to be pretty and keep your windows or outdoor seating areas out of the line of sight of people who pass by. Hello, most beautiful house on the block!

Make Necessary Repairs:

Flimsy doors, windows, and locks are an open invitation into your home. For your replacement fixtures, think strong and durable. While you don’t need to turn your home into a bank vault, a little extra oomph in the sturdiness department will certainly go a long way. Don’t forget a camera doorbell when you are revamping your front door for an additional peace of mind.

Better home security doesn’t always mean spending a fortune on cameras and systems. Sometimes, it just means planting some large growing flowers or getting to know the people who live next door to sleep easier at night!

Oct8

Top Tips For Renovating Your House On a Budget

Posted on October 8, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Top Tips For Renovating Your House On a Budget

Research reveals that home remodeling searches have more than doubled, especially between 2020 and 2021. Renovating your home can be exciting, but it also requires a lot of planning to make it successful. One major challenge during house renovations is how to make changes while staying within budget. Let’s explore some ideas of how to achieve your renovation goals while being budget friendly:

Have a plan:

One of the most crucial things you’ll need to do to keep renovation costs low is to have a well thought out strategy and follow it as closely as possible. It’s best to draw up a budget before you start renovating to give you an idea of the items you need to prioritize. Doing this will also guide you in comparing prices before you buy any materials for the renovations so you can identify the ones that work best for you. If your budget is stretched thin, you can choose to do the renovations gradually instead of doing everything at once.

Planning will also help you set realistic timelines to achieve your renovation plans. It will also help you prepare for unforeseen circumstances that may delay your project, such as unavailability of materials, longer time to finish a particular aspect of the renovations, and so on.

Research:

Researching is necessary for the renovation of your home. It will inform your decision on the items you need for your project. Conducting thorough research will also help you know if you’ll need to bring any professionals on board to assist you and identify the best options available. If you’re in or around the Putnam County area and need to replace some doors and windows in your home, you can start preparing for it by researching here.

Get creative with your exterior:

You can think about adding a few touches to your exterior to make it more inviting without breaking the bank. You can do this by repainting your door or replacing the doorknobs and hinges. You may also consider exploring colors that complement your home’s interior for maximum effect. Small changes can make a world of difference!

^^^ Pexels Image

Explore DIY tricks:

Home renovations can provide the perfect opportunity to test your DIY skills. To save money, you can consider performing less demanding tasks yourself, like painting the walls. Apart from that, doing the work yourself gives you the chance to be hands on in making your renovation dream a reality, leading to a sense of fulfillment. So, why not challenge yourself and identify which aspects of the renovation you can do? Remember to be safety conscious by wearing the right safety gear and reading instructions to prevent injuries.

The above tips will make your renovations as rewarding as possible without taking a huge toll on your finances. Enjoy your dream home!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct7

So Luxe: Hotel Vibes In Your Own Home

Posted on October 7, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Standard

There are a lot of reasons why you might want to make your home look more like a hotel. Hotels have this feeling of luxury and comfort, which is likely to be something that you would appreciate in your home too. So if you’re wondering how to make this a reality for your home, how are you going to achieve that? Let’s find out:

Deep Clean All Surfaces:

One thing that hotels do a lot is thoroughly deep clean every surface that you can see, as well as those you can’t. This requires hard work and constant diligence, but it is the kind of thing that you should think about doing if you are going to make your home more hotel-like. There are many surfaces that you need to think about here, including all of the counters and tabletops, and these should definitely be cleaned on a regular basis if possible. You should also make sure to get some professional carpet cleaning carried out occasionally and consider doing the same for all the upholstery too.

^^^ Pexels Image

Upgrade Your Lighting:

For your home to be more like a hotel, you will want to opt for show-stopping lighting which is at once sophisticated and elegant, as that is going to produce the right vibe every time. You should also consider some soft and gentle lighting for focal areas in rooms, as you might find in hotel rooms. This lends a certain calmness to rooms that are all about relaxing. Good lighting can really make a world of difference.

Use Symmetry:

If you look at the room layouts of many of the best hotels, you will notice that there is often a definite symmetry to them. This doesn’t have to be an absolute rule all of the time. However, if you do make some use of symmetry in a clever way, you are going to find that your home looks a lot more like a hotel and much more interesting and stylish for it too.

There is also something to be said for a little tasteful asymmetry, and if you can marry these two together in the right way you might be surprised at how much it can work. You can achieve both of these ends by simply moving furniture around or remodeling a room if you are keen to make a huge difference.

^^^ Pexels Image

Be Wary Of Clutter:

A hotel would not have any clutter whatsoever so it might be time for an overhaul of unneeded items in your home. This is especially great to do during changes in the season to give your home a breath of freshness. Make use of clever storage options for things that can’t be parted with and donate and recycle the rest. And, do try to keep the clutter from returning!

The Bed:

Finally, remember that the most important thing of all for a hotel is the bed. The more comfortable and luxurious this is, the better. Treat yourself to a good quality bed frame and mattress. Don’t forget some great linen, throw pillows, and plush blankets too. This alone is going to make your home a lot more luxurious in no time at all.

Who needs a five star hotel when you can have a five star home, instead? No room key required!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct1

Mini Halloween Haul

Posted on October 1, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hello! It is spooky season all year long in mine and Johnny’s world and the decor in our apartment reflects this. We love all things horror and true crime and Halloween is the happiest time of the year for us. Now that we are settled comfortably in our new apartment, we really wanted to upgrade our spooky decor since we have so much more additional space.

After a wildly successful haul at Marc’s, a discount store in my neck of the woods, I was itching to go back. I got all kinds of cool Halloween goodies and the best part was seeing the same items I purchased at Walgreen’s for triple the cost. The haul below costed me a whole ten bucks at Marc’s and from the Akron Zoo when I went with my nieces and sister. You can peep the OOTD from our outing tomorrow! Now, let’s take a look-see at my new Halloween treats – no tricks necessary!

^^^ The little ghost and pumpkin are from the zoo, the rest is from Marc’s.

My Johnny has a huge collection of Halloween themed socks and he actually just bought a ton more from TJMaxx when we went last week. I was so proud! I’d be a liar if I said that I wasn’t a tad jealous so I was so happy to find some socks of my own at Marc’s. They are also the same brand of the Frankenstein socks that Johnny surprised me with last year and that I’m currently wearing right now! While my collection will never achieve Johnny level, it’s a pretty good start. 😀

The skull candles were a whopping two for a dollar and I am obsessed with them. 1) Talk about a STEAL and 2) they will be perfect for our scary movie marathons every weekend! The piece de resistance of my haul, however, is the skeleton hand candle holder. This costed me two dollars and I couldn’t believe my good luck. It reminded me so much of this year’s Bath & Body Works Halloween line and probably would have been selling for twenty or more bucks from there. Talk about an amazing find!

And, finally, who knew you could find some Halloween cuteness at the zoo?! At the Akron Zoo, you have to exit through the gift shop and it’s a total money trap lol. I love spoiling my nieces with a new stuffed animal every time we go, though, so what can ya do except buy a treat for yourself too! Every year, Johnny and I work on instilling a love of Halloween in our oldest niece, Val. It’s definitely working and she picked out the pumpkin for herself. She also plays with the decorations on our spooky shelf whenever she comes over. Proud aunt and uncle alert!! ❤

Not bad for a ten dollar haul, right? Mine and Johnny’s apartment is filling up nicely with Halloween decor and it is what we have always wanted. A local discount store with the coolest spooky treats is really helping the cause!

What is your favorite discount store? Do you have your Halloween decorations out yet? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep20

Fun Ways To Personalize Your Home

Posted on September 20, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Standard

If you do not want your home to be like every other one on the block, then there are lots of things you can do to make it more interesting than the average home in your neighborhood. Have some fun with these ideas that people will be sure to take notice of:

Paint the exterior doors:

Painting the exterior doors in a unique color is a good way to really put your stamp on your property and show the world that you are unique. A fuchsia door or an orange porch might not be the norm, but if it’s what you love, then why not go for it?! It will be worth it if it makes you smile and is something that your neighbors will take joy in too.

Create a mosaic:

One of the more unusual things you can do to personalize your home is to create a mosaic either on a wall or floor indoors or to the exterior of your property. You can buy ready made mosaic wall art or make your own and it is a great way to tell your own personal story in an artistic way that is likely to add value to your property too. Decorative and unique, it will look great, add meaning, and impress potential future buyers all in one fell swoop.

Make your own soft furnishings:

A fun way to personalize your property is by making your own soft furnishings such as cushions, quilts, and blankets. Having things that you have made yourself in your home is a really good way of making it feel more like yours. If you are looking for something really special, then why not use transfers to put your own photographs onto cushions and throws? It’s a unique way to display them, and will ensure that no one else has the same decor as you.

^^^ Pexels Image

Use washi tape:

Washi tape is basically decorative tape that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. It can be used to decorate your home in a cute, non-permanent way, and because there are so many designs available, it is an easy way of making your home more personal to you. For example, if you love floral designs, you can line your shelves with poppy print washi tape or if you love gold, you can create gild frames around light switches and other fixtures. It will also only cost you a few dollars to do so!

Buy your favorite flowers:

Buying your favorite flowers, whether they be roses, geraniums, or lilies, and displaying them in every room of your home is an easy and uplifting way to make your property more personal to you. Nothing is better than the scent of fresh cut flowers in your home!

Personalizing your property is a fun way to make it more your own, stand out more, and adds value to potential buyers, so why not try out some of the ideas above today?

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep14

Marc’s Halloween Haul

Posted on September 14, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hello! In my neck of the woods, there is a discount store called Marc’s that offers everything from food and clothing to toys and home goods. This past week, they also had a ton of Halloween goodies that I just had to snag for the apartment. Everything was SO cute and also way cheaper than anything you would find at TJMaxx and Walmart. Take a look:

It is Halloween year round in mine and Johnny’s home and our decor includes skeletons, pumpkins, ghosts, ghouls, and a Jason Voorhees cardboard cutout lol. Our neighbor gave us this life size likeness and it still freaks me out sometimes! I have taken it upon myself to freshen up our Halloween stock pile this year and just couldn’t say no to the above purchases – especially considering I got all of them for under twenty-five dollars. 😀

I am particularly partial to the glittery hanging skeleton with the bow tie and Johnny loves the skeleton and scepter statue. Our niece, Valerie, always wants to play with our ghost figurines when she comes over so I think she will be a huge fan of the “BOO” ghost statue! As soon as I brought this haul home, it was like a kid in a candy store and Johnny added them to our spooky shelves throughout the apartment. SO. Precious!

While chain stores might have a bigger selection of Halloween goodies, don’t write off the discount stores. I have never seen anything like my purchases at Marc’s elsewhere so you are sure to find some very unique pieces if you know where to look. Now, is it Halloween yet?!

Where is your favorite place to shop for seasonal decor? How do you decorate for Halloween? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

	Simon on V-Day Bratz Doll OOTD
	lifewithlilred on V-Day Bratz Doll OOTD
	Simon on V-Day Bratz Doll OOTD
	lifewithlilred on V-Day Bratz Doll OOTD
	Chantel Keona on V-Day Bratz Doll OOTD