Tag Archives: hump day

Mar22

Beauty And The Beast Review

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Beauty And The Beast Review

Hiii everyone and happy Hump Day! Yesterday night was a fun one because my older sister, Kristen, treated me and my mom to a night at the movies to see Beauty And The Beast for my mom’s birthday. I have to admit, I was semi ambivalent because I had heard some amazing reviews, some horrible reviews, but mostly very average reviews about the film. But the remake of Beauty And The Beast made me eat my words five minutes in because I absolutely LOVED it. It wasn’t just me, though. My mom, sister, and what felt like the entire audience seemed to be in agreement that this film was really special. Let’s discuss:

What I loved about this remake was that they stayed true to the original cartoon and then enhanced it appropriately. With these improvements, we gained further insight into the backstory of Belle, the Beast, and the castle’s inhabitants. Some people on my Facebook newsfeed deemed these additions “pointless” but I thought that they were brilliant. Why would a classic film be remade at all if there were no changes made to it? If it was a literal live action play by play of the cartoon, I would rather watch the original any day.

Now, let’s all be honest with ourselves here. We all know that that was not Emma Watson singing. The autotune was strong for her – so strong that it sounded exactly like the singing in the cartoon version. I ain’t mad at it. Only a little! Another teeeeny tiny bone that I have to pick is that the British accents seemed incredibly out of place because they are in France, after all. I would have loved to have had the entire film done with really good French accents, but we can’t always get what we want. And, finally: WHY WAS BELLE’S SKIRT TUCKED IN ON ONE SIDE?! IT DROVE ME FREAKING CRAZYYYYY!

Okay. I’m glad I got that off my chest.

But really, though. It was a hell of a remake. It really was. And that’s saying something coming from me because Beauty And The Beast is easily one of my favorite Disney movies. I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed myself immensely. The cast was so strong and complimented each other so well, which made each scene in the movie flow perfectly. I wanted more. I was honestly sad when it was over! The little tastes of the retelling of such a beautiful tale left me ravenous and if a sequel were for some reason announced I would probably cry from happiness.

It’s crazy, because when you’re a kid, you don’t really think about how intense Disney films are. It’s only when you’re older that you can look at the film and be like “wow, that’s kind of fucked up”. I mean, there’s an entire song in Beauty And The Beast dedicated to killing the Beast. And don’t even get me started on the turmoil that Maurice goes through upon returning to the village after Belle stays as the captive. Of course, the cartoons are sad. But there was something about seeing this remake after not having seen the original in so long that made me weep like a baby. The characters were so easy to connect to so all you wanted was the very best for them. And for Gaston to jump off of a freaking cliff!!

Speaking of, I loved, loved, loved to hate Gaston with every ounce of my being! He was so bad and so good and I was so pleased with the “Gaston” number in the bar because that’s weirdly my favorite song. And, I thought Monsieur LeFou was perfect. The combination of Gaston’s meatheaded nature and LeFou’s sass for days was definitely a fun twist. And LeFou is obviously better at seeing the good (or lack thereof!) in people for crushing on a total asshole!

All in all, I’m rating this movie with a ten to the ten, ten, ten. Despite me being nitpicky, I had a fantastic time at the movies last night and would happily go see Beauty And The Beast for a second time!

(And, as always, I have no rights to this trailer or featured image.)

So there you have it, my Beauty And The Beast Review! What did everyone else think of this movie? Which Disney flick do you hope is remade next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Disney UK

Mar22

Essential Accessories For a Sizzling Spring/Summer Wardrobe

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Essential Accessories For a Sizzling Spring/Summer Wardrobe

Spring has arrived and soon we’ll be basking in the glory of blue skies and warm climes. If you’re starting to think about your new season wardrobe, don’t get too carried away with expensive clothing because this season is all about the accessories. With the right accessories, you can ensure that you’re right on trend with every look without buying a different outfit for every occasion. If you’re after a sizzling spring/summer 2017 wardrobe, here are the accessories you need now:

The Embroidered Bag: Embroidery is massive this season and if you don’t want to walk around in patched up jeans or floaty folk tops, an embroidered bag is the perfect addition to your closet. You’ll find every style out there so you can choose from embroidered fringed backpacks or cross-body bags for festivals or patterned clutches for a chic evening look. Florals are hugely popular, but you’ll also find swirls, exotic birds, beads, and jewels. For a fun take on this trend, look out for bags emblazoned with customized patches or slogans for a cheeky wardrobe staple.

The Platform Shoe: A firm favorite in the 80’s and 90’s, the platform is back with a vengeance for spring/summer. Many designers mixed chunky soles with ultra-feminine touches on the runways to create an eclectic, fun vibe. Think sturdy heeled sandals teamed with frilly ankle socks and flatform sliders paired with skater dresses. The beauty of the platform is that you can add height without committing to walking around in stilettos all day. Platforms tend to be comfier and they’re usually easier to walk in. And did I mention that they are a Lil Red Favorite?!

sizzleHello, 90s fab!

The Earrings: This season is all about going large with your earrings and embracing the trend of mixing, rather than matching. On the catwalks, models were spotted with dramatic, hanging gems and masculine ear cuffs, which were embellished with a series of different studs and rings. This year, anything goes, so don’t be afraid to wear two different pieces or even just a single earring on its own. You can go girly with stylish chandelier earrings or keep it cool with a tragus ring or multiple studs.

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SO. Cute!

Rose Gold: Rose gold has been around for a while, but in the warmer months, it really comes into its own. This shade flatters everyone and it suits all ages. It also complements spring pastels brilliantly. Add a rose gold pendant necklace to a ruffled blouse and a pleated midi skirt for a beautifully feminine smart cashe look or team a tailored blazer, skinny jeans, and a silk cami with a statement watch for the perfect Friday night drinks outfit. If you’re looking for styling tips, have a look through some magazines, check out what your favorite celebrities are wearing, and have a browse online at sites like Frost NYC. With rose gold, you can be as playful or as formal as you like and your accessories will totally make the outfit. Dress up simple basics or vary your look by swapping between statement earrings, classic watches, bangles, and Bohemian stacking rings.

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 Love pocket watches!

The Miniature Bag: Gone are the days of hauling your entire collection of possessions around with you in an oversized hobo or tote bag. This season, it’s all about scaling things down and carrying the bare minimum with you. Miniature bags are a cute addition to both smart and casual looks and you’ll find a variety of options to suit your style and the occasion for which you’re dressing. Go for a tiny but incredibly sophisticated box clutch for an evening out or keep things casual with a mini backpack or even a bijou shoulder bag for a trip to the outdoor shopping centers.

Dramatic shades: If you’re a perennial aviator wearer, it’s time to step up your shade game and try out some different styles and shapes. This season is all about making a dramatic entrance and letting your sunglasses do the talking. Think oversized hexagonal frames, bold colors, and cat’s eye glasses for a bold “look at me but don’t look at me” look.

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 MeeeOW!

Spring is officially here so it’s time to crack open the boxes full of skirts, dresses, and tees and start thinking about how to incorporate them into your wardrobe. When a new season arrives, it’s tempting to buy a load of new clothes but you don’t have to go crazy to make sure that you’re on trend. Using accessories is a great way to create stylish looks without spending a fortune on new outfits. This season, embrace the new trends and have fun putting different looks together. Make a statement with some eye-catching shades or some dramatic earrings or keep things simple with elegant rose gold touches or a chic miniature clutch. No matter how you style for spring, let your accessories make a splash and head outdoors to show off your warm weather looks!

Mar15

Bath & Body Works March Freebie

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Bath & Body Works March Freebie

Hiii everyone and happy Hump Day! Yesterday I made a quick stop into Bath & Body Works to grab my March freebie, a travel sized French Lavender & Honey shower gel. I’m trying to stock up on travel sized necessities like body wash and lotion for when I eventually make it out to Europe because every little bit helps! And as you guys know, I freaking love this scent. Check it out:

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So since we’re all aware of the deliciousness that is French Lavender & Honey, I would like to announce a future giveaway, instead. March is all about the launch of lifewithlilred’s perfume line, Ruby Tulip. But, come April, I would love to do a giveaway of four to five travel sized Bath & Body Works goodies. It will be a lovely variety of different scents to test out for yourself or you could do the Sarah technique and add them on to birthday presents for friends or family. Either way, a giveaway is on the horizon so be on the lookout!

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? Who plans on participating in lifewithlilred’s first giveaway? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar15

If You Think Your Job Is Hard, Try Being A Manager

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If You Think Your Job Is Hard, Try Being A Manager

Managers have got a difficult job. They don’t just have to master job roles themselves, understanding them inside out. They also have to be able to manage people. Being a first-time manager can be daunting. But being a great manager is a little bit like being a great marketer: you pick up so many people-managing skills throughout life that the work itself can feel surprisingly natural. Becoming a manager will endow you with all sorts of new skills, like being a better motivator, coach, and communicator. Here are some tips to help you thrive in your first management job:

Be The Example: Companies go through good times and bad times. And when times are bad, people need somebody that they can look up to: a role model. As a manager, being the role model is your job. You’re the person who has to be able to handle any adversity that gets thrown the company’s way and stand up for employees in the process. Perseverance is all part of the job and an essential ingredient for motivating your team to rectify the situation. The more you demonstrate proper behaviors, the more your team will respect you and follow your lead.

Understand The Basics: As a manager, you need to learn the basics, not only of your own business’s operation but also what constitutes a compliant working environment. Companies have a duty of care towards their staff, according to Ellis Whittam, and managers are the people who carry that duty out. It’s their responsibility to make sure that employees are safe while they’re at work and that they’re treated fairly according to the law. As a manager, you need to know the rights of the company as well as the rights of the individual members of your team. You’ll have to conduct yourself within those rights, especially when it comes to things like dismissals and complaints.

Understand The Magic Of Delegation: What is the purpose of managers? Some would say that it is purely to facilitate work: to provide workers with the directions and incentives that they need to carry out tasks. Managers need to understand that they can’t be everywhere at the same time. At some point, they need to delegate responsibility to other members of their team. Not only will this stop you from going mad but it will also help other people develop their skills and create a path to a better career.

When delegating to somebody, make sure that you stress how important it is for their personal development. Talk to them about how it’s an opportunity for them to progress in their role and make more money in the future. The more ownership that they have in their new position, the better job they’ll do.

manager1

Delegation Partayyy

Accept That Relationships Must Change: The relationship between managers and workers is probably going to be a little different than what you’re used to. If you’ve been promoted, you may now be the boss of people who were once your peers. It’s important to understand that your relationships have changed and you need to be transparent about that. It might be awkward, but when handled properly, hard feelings are typically avoided.

Featured Image By: Pexels

 

Mar1

Accessory Story: Sparkling Snakes Edition

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Accessory Story: Sparkling Snakes Edition

Hellooo everyone and happy Hump Day! I hope all of you are having a wonderful week so far and are looking forward to an exciting weekend ahead. When it comes to fashion, Lil Red loves it all. Beauty, makeup, clothes, shoes, purses, hats, and of course – jewelry. I have quite a staggering jewelry collection that I am just now beginning to appreciate. I’ve grown to love layering necklaces, throwing rings on multiple fingers, and stacking bracelets and bangles on my arms. This Accessory Story is an ode to two of my personal favorite pieces – my Sparkling Snake arm cuffs. Take a look:

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One of these bracelets is Betsey Johnson and one of these pieces is from the gift shop at the Akron Zoo. Can you guess which is which? Lol, don’t worry – I’ll tell you! The gold snake with the pink toned gems is a Betsey Johnson cuff that my mom gave me a few Christmases ago and the blue gem snake is from the zoo (which sounds so weird saying!). I am an avid lover of all of the fun, quirky, sassiness that is Betsey Johnson so my mom was spot on in gifting me with this cuff. I actually think she might have gotten me the bracelet from the zoo, as well, as a birthday present. So shout out to my beloved mama AGAIN!

When it comes to jewelry, I don’t do subtle and soft. I want loud, in your face pieces that really make a statement. And, honestly, what better way is there to make a cool, glam rock impression than a couple of gem stoned snakes coiled around your arm? I normally like to wear one snake for each arm and love breaking them out in the summer time when they can be fully appreciated thanks to tanks, tees, and crop tops. Not only that, but in the intense summer sun, you can only imagine how gorgeously these cuffs glisten!

So, how did my mom land on gifting me with snake themed bracelets? Do I like snakes? Not particularly. I don’t dislike any animal but it’s not like I’m going to go out of my way to get a pet snake any time soon! And also – HOW DO THEY PEE?! I wish that I could say that jokingly but I REALLY WANT TO KNOW!! But I digress. I actually think I pointed out the zoo snake bracelet to my mom and told her how much I liked it. Then, it must have been the same year that she gifted me with the Betsey Johnson one at Christmas because she had to have remembered how much I liked my birthday prezzie. Oh, mom! What a darling, perfect gal! ❤

So there you have it, my latest Accessory Story: Sparkling Snakes Edition! Does anyone else own any animal themed jewelry? Where is the strangest place that you have ever bought jewelry from? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb1

Mystery Blogger Award

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Mystery Blogger Award

Another award?! Ahhhh! Thank you so much to the darling Juli for nominating me for the Mystery Blogger Award. What a fabulous surprise to wake up to two awards this morning! Juli’s page at Blonde’s Tea is a wonderful blog to get lost in so definitely take a look and give her some love. And also, shout out to Enigma who is the creator of this award! OKAY, let’s see 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.

Three Facts About Me:

  1.  Whenever I am working on the ol’ blog, my sweet little pup named Ollie always sits at my feet and it’s basically the cutest thing ever. My other dog, Gem, could care less.
  2.  I really would love to get a pet dwarf rabbit named Floppy. The only requirements is that it’s a female and that she’s black like my soul.
  3.  Taco Bell and getting my nails done are my two vices. I couldn’t live without my acrylics and my burritos! ❤

Q & A:

Favorite place you’ve visited?

Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. I’ve been there twice and constantly think about going there again! Harry Potter World is my favorite place to be!

A place you’d love to visit?

Europe, Europe, and oh yeah – Europe.

Your dream job?

It sounds silly, but I would love to be a fashion model! Ugh, the clothes, the lifestyle, everything about it just sounds like a dream to me.

If you could have 3 wishes, what would you wish? (more or infinite wishes is not an answer)

If I told you, my wishes wouldn’t come true.

Something you can’t live without?

My beloved car!! I work multiple jobs which all consist of driving so I would be nowhere (literally) without the Little Red Love Machine.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. Would you rather wear the same outfit for two weeks or no makeup for a month?
  2.  What is something that you have accomplished that you are proud of?
  3.  What is your favorite junk food to snack on?
  4.  How long have you been blogging?
  5.  If you had a gift card filled with one thousand dollars, what are some things that you would buy with it?

Thank you so much again to the darling Juli for the nomination! You’re a doll! How would you answer some of Juli’s questions? How about mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb1

One Lovely Blog Award #4

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One Lovely Blog Award #4

Heyy everyone and happy Hump Day! Oh my goodness! So many awards, so little time – but thankfully, I freaking love doing these posts so it’s time well spent. Super special thanks to one of my darling friends, Jackie, for nominating me for my fourth One Lovely Blog Award. Miss Jackie is going to be one of my featured bloggers for my Think Spring series so be on the lookout for her in the next couple of weeks but, until then, check out her page here! Okay, let’s get to the rules:

The Rules:

  • Thank the person that nominated you and leave a link to their blog
  • Post about the award
  • Share seven facts about yourself
  • Nominate at most 15 people
  • Tell your nominees the good news

Seven Facts About Me:

  1. I love to read and am currently on my seventh book of 2017 already – All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy.
  2. I have a weakness for getting hooked on different television series. I’ve rewatched Orange Is The New Black and Wentworth three times each and have grown increasingly fond of Face Off again on SyFy.
  3.  I coach figure skating for the Special Olympics and will be enjoying the banquet party to celebrate tonight. And soon, I will start coaching my friend, Dana’s, little girl so that will be fun!
  4.  I love all things food as long as it doesn’t have meat in it because I am a strict vegetarian. I love to cook, bake, and EAT!
  5.  My current favorite adult beverage is the Moscow Mule – I’m obsessed!
  6.  I am dedicated to improving my French speaking skills for when I eventually go to Paris and have been listening to French tapes in my car for the past year.
  7.  I have four tattoos and eight piercings and am always thinking about getting more! It’s a curse!

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

Thank you so much again to Jackie for the nomination! You’re the best! What is one fun fact about yourself? How do you shake away the midweek blahs? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan11

Exciting News!!

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Exciting News!!

Hey everyone and happy Hump Day! I have some very exciting news for my Think Spring Guest Bloggers Series that I just couldn’t wait to share. As you guys know, my friend Angela (who I wrote about yesterday) has a delightful little Etsy shop dedicated to homemade bath and body care goodies. And because Miss Angie and I are in cahoots with each other, I ran an idea by her to get her crafty self to participate in my series. So, I am very excited to share with you guys that as a Lil Red Exclusive, Angela will be creating a signature spring scent special for my readers as a part of the series.

The product will launch on her Etsy shop as well as through an article on lifewithlilred during the series. I am also hoping that we might be able to employ a special discount available to my readers! I am SO excited to see what Angela comes up with but I also want to hear your input, too. What scents do you think are perfect for spring? What is your favorite bath and body care item to treat yourself with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: If you’re interested in participating in the guest bloggers series, shoot me an email at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com !

Dec28

Post Christmas Shopping

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Post Christmas Shopping

Hi everyone and happy hump day! I hope all of you are having a fabulous week so far. The day after Christmas, my mom and I ventured to the mall to make some returns and do a little shopping. It was actually not as crazy as I expected it to be and thanks to some gift cards and holiday cash, I was able to add two fun new things to my wardrobe. Take a look and let’s discuss:

f21loft4

The Haul:

  • Forever 21 cropped rainbow sweater
  • Loft velvet skinny jeans

F21 Sweater: I lucked out this Christmas and ended up getting some gift cards to Forever 21 which is easily one of my favorite stores. I think that this sweater is the cutest and it was only twenty dollars which, in my opinion, was a steal. My mom and I went shopping at just the right time because I snagged the only small that was left among a bunch of larges! GREAT SUCCESS. I am actually wearing my new sweater along with my velvet skinnies from Loft at this very moment and it looks adorable! Pictures will definitely be up some time this week so stay tuned! 🙂

Loft Jeans: First of all, Loft literally has the best skinny jeans that I have ever worn, so I was so happy to score another pair that was marked all the way down to twenty-seven bucks from seventy! Second of all, I have had a love/hate relationship with the velvet trend that has been so popular as of late. I love some of the velveteen pieces that I’ve seen but I hate that none of them speak to me on a personal level! But, black velvet skinnies are definitely something that I can do since you guys all know that black skinnies are all I wear. Not only is the fit of the Loft skinny jeans superb but the velvet adds a fun new texture to every outfit and I am loving them with my Forever 21 rainbow sweater! ❤

After a tiny post Christmas shopping haul, it’s now time to save my money and store away my Forever 21 gift cards until spring to add to my warm weather wardrobe. However, this is going to be SO HARD considering my email inbox is legitimately overflowing with sale notifications from all of my favorite stores! GET BEHIND ME, SATAN!!

So there you have it, my Post Christmas Shopping! Has anyone scored some amazing after holiday deals? Where is the best place to get the best price after the holiday season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec14

TJMaxx Graduation Shopping Spree

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TJMaxx Graduation Shopping Spree

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! This is my college graduation week, so last Friday I decided to go on an online TJMaxx Shopping Spree to celebrate. Like a woman possessed, I rampaged the website just as I would do in store and wound up with a new coat, two pairs of shoes, and a face wash from my new favorite beauty brand. I am seriously in love with everything and seriously impressed with the shipping compliments of TJs. Take a look at my haul and let’s discuss:

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The Haul:

  • L.A.M.B. metallic booties
  • YOKI denim booties
  • June & Hudson jacket
  • Destiny Boutique face wash

L.A.M.B. Booties: Okay, so usually I am so not one to go gaga over designers but I seriously love Gwen Stefani’s line. Honestly, I just love all things Gwen Stefani period. Her style and confidence inspires me so I was so happy to finally be able to find something from her line at a price that I could actually afford (As opposed to my usual lusting over her brand from afar).

These shoes are so beautiful to me. I have been looking for metallic shoes for a while and these go above and beyond what I was imagining. Not to mention that these babies utilize my favorite pattern – snakeskin! I can’t wait to wear these year round with EVERYTHING. Dresses, skirts, shorts, BLACK SKINNY JEANS…because they are all I wear, you know.

**And did you guys notice the black, draw string bag in the picture? That came FO FREE in the shoe box! Score!!

YOKI Booties: THESE BOOTIES ARE SO CUTE!! As soon as I saw these, they went straight in my shopping cart. These funky little things look like something off of ModCloth and I got them for a mere fraction of the price – twenty-five dollars – which I thought was such a steal. These shoes are just pure fun. I love the patchwork, I love the style of the shoe, and for once I love the color of denim! I own nothing like these or the pair above, for that matter, and I am just so #blessed to be able to open my wardrobe up to them. :*)

June & Hudson Coat: Oh, come on. This thing is fun. I scored this fuzzy little number for a whole twenty dollars and you’re not going to not by a jacket at that price! Lately, I have been obsessed with all things fur and fuzz so this jacket seemed like a perfect addition to my collection. I think that this coat is ridiculous and glam and in your face. I cannot wait to wear it with a bright red lip, slicked back hair, and black lace up heels. Hello, perfect night out outfit.

Destiny Boutique Cleanser: I am currently using my charcoal beauty bar by Destiny Boutique and it is literally the best thing that has happened to my skin care routine in years. So, obviously, when I saw that TJMaxx had the liquid cleanser by my new favorite brand in stock, I had to snag it. It will take me a while to get to using it because I have a few face washes next in line but I am so looking forward to when I can break it out!

I have never purchased anything from TJMaxx’s website before and I gotta tell you guys – I was so impressed with their shipping. The box was filled with bubble wrap and you could really tell that everything was handled with care. My jacket came hung in a clear, plastic bag which I thought was a nice touch. Aside from a few bumps and bruises, the shoe boxes looked fresh and crisp.

And, most importantly, the handling of my cleanser was superb. The face wash was packed in an individual zip lock bag and there was tape around the bottle to prevent it from opening on accident. I have purchased a lot of skin care online in my day and I have never seen any company do that before with their shipping. I thought that it was amazing and I really appreciated the fact that the people handling shipping seemed to care about the products arriving to you in excellent condition. A++!!

My first online shopping experience with TJMaxx was phenomenal and I would obviously do it again in a heartbeat. However, nothing beats my in store TJs trips with my mom! But, it is reassuring to know that the store boasts an awesome website for when my mom and I might not be able to make it to the store or if we end a shopping trip empty handed…or for when I need a dose of something pretty or a splurging sesh ASAP! 🙂

My TJMaxx Graduation Shopping Spree was pure perfection and I was so happy to be able to treat myself for such an exciting occasion! What is your favorite site for online shopping? What store has the best holiday sales right now? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah