Tag Archives: inspiration

Jul19

Lil Red’s Book Club: The Burning Side By Sarah Damoff Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: The Burning Side By Sarah Damoff Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we are going to be discussing a novel by Sarah Damoff called The Burning Side. It has been a while since my last book club review as I have been addicted to playing Pokopia! However, when I managed to peel myself away I was able to finish The Burning Side in three sittings. This sentimental read was quite short at three hundred and twenty pages but it definitely packed a punch right in the feels. Before we begin, I will be placing a trigger warning on The Burning Side for Alzheimer’s, a house fire, and loss of a child. You ready? Let’s get to it:

Despite their two beautiful children, April and Leo’s marriage has been on the rocks for a long time. After having both children, April suffered from postpartum depression and Leo began to pull away. He spent less time at home, countless hours at work, and left April to her own devices. In her loneliness, April made a bad decision and that was the straw that broke the marriage’s back. As April prepares dinner, Leo tells her he wants a divorce. In her shock, April forgets to turn the oven off and hours later their home burns to the ground.

Homeless and on the verge of divorce, April, Leo, and their kids move in with April’s parents, Deb and Billy. It will be a full house as her two siblings, Josie and Cameron will be there too. Although the situation is grim, everyone loves spending time at Deb and Billy’s and their marriage looks picture perfect from the outside. But, like April and Leo’s marriage, Billy is deteriorating too. He has recently been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and the disease is progressing rapidly. In April’s childhood home, everyone begins adjusting to their new normal of a marriage falling apart, an increasingly confused father, and what moving forward looks like in the wakes of tragedy.

As the days pass, April and Leo speak minimally and focus their attention on salvaging anything from the remains of their home. What April wants to salvage the most is their marriage but Leo is just not there yet and the divorce will proceed. At the home front, Billy has been getting lost and and confusing his grandchildren for his own kids. As their worlds continue to crash down, a chance encounter and a difficult decision could be what is needed to get everyone back on a steady course. What will become of Deb and Billy? And will April and Leo be able to heal the rift that has broken their marriage apart? Read The Burning Side to find out!

The Burning Side was a lot different than the dishy thrillers I normally read but I liked it a lot and it was a nice change of pace. This book focused on themes of family, sacrifice, and coming together during hardships all wrapped into a riveting story line that kept me invested until the very end. And that ending? Wow! Although some of the subject matter in The Burning Side was heartbreaking to read, it was uplifting to see April, her soon to be ex husband, and entire family trying to handle things in the best way they know how. And, ultimately, growing through changing approaches and perspectives.

While The Burning Side primarily focused on Leo and April’s points of view, it also shifted from time to time to Deb. It was SO sad to experience her agony of watching Billy fade and the way she handled it was inspiring. In her sorrow, she was still able to turn this massive blow into something beautiful by creating new memories and gently brushing off Billy’s bouts of confusion. It was such a testament to true love and was able to open the eyes of everyone in the family about what’s really important. Because, at the end of the day, if you have each other – you have it all.

I am going to rate The Burning Side with an eight out of ten stars. This was a palette cleanser read that was most enjoyable and refreshing. I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t ready for another dishy thriller, though!

What are you currently reading? What should I read next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul13

Giddy Up OOTD

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Giddy Up OOTD

Howdy, y’all! I am the extra aunt and love going all out for my nieces to make every time we are together extra special. So, when my brother, Johnny, and I took them to see Toy Story 5 I just had to dress the part! Jessie is my absolute favorite Toy Story character and I used her as my inspo to create a rootin’ tootin’ OOTD to hit the theater in. The girls were obsessed and, honestly, so was I! This was a look pieced together with the help of 5 Below and a little shopping trip in Johnny’s closet and I just love how it turned out. 🙂 Take a look:

Who? What? Wear?

Fringe Button Down: This is Johnny’s shirt and LOL at the brand name – Rock n’ Roll Cowgirl!!!!

Crop Top: 5 Below

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Heeled Cowgirl Boots: These were purchased forever ago from Target

Accessories? Ha, it was so hot that day I guess I forgot to even bother putting on earrings SMH

This OOTD began with two trips to 5 Below to shop their Toy Story collection. At the one nearest to me, I was so disappointed to see that all of their Jessie themed clothing was sold out and promptly kicked myself in the booty for not making the purchase sooner. Blessedly, the following day I was close to another 5 Below that is definitely not as good as my first stop but I now eat my words because they had one Jessie crop top and hoodie left and they were both in my size. SCORE! I snagged them off of the rack so quickly my head spun and couldn’t have been happier because holy cuteness! This crop is too adorable with the “Hey there, y’all” text and a picture of the sweetest sheriff’s face on it. I am most fond of the 5 Below crop tops because they fit like a glove and you just can’t beat the five buck price. Could you imagine what a top like this would cost at Disney World?!

With my crop top selected, the OOTD essentially built itself from there because I knew exactly what had to be done. Pairing it with jean shorts was the obvious move because crisp, blue denim is synonymous with the Western aesthetic. However, this just wasn’t enough and browsing through Johnny’s button down collection came next. It was a short shopping trip because his Rock n’ Roll Cowgirl shirt literally screamed out at me. How fun is that fringe?! The silky material, floral print, and dancing fringe turned the simple crop and shorts into a full blown vibe and all that was left to do was accessorize… kind of.

In the shoe department, I chose a pair of heeled cowgirl boots that came from Target at least fifteen years ago. Pretend you didn’t read that as I just aged myself SO hard! But, hey, they still hold up and I love the multiple ankle straps and sunset colored material going up the calves. The yellow in them also paired perfectly with the button down! As for earrings, I straight up forgot about them lol. It has been crazy hot in my neck of the woods and I was so focused on taking pictures and TikTok videos before I sweated my face off that earrings were the last thing on my mind. It’s actually a-okay, though, because Jessie doesn’t wear earrings so it ended up all working out. With that, I was ready to cool off in the movie theater with my bestie squad and have a blast!

This Giddy Up OOTD turned out exactly how I wanted it to and the reaction I got was the affirmation that I am the coolest cowgirl/aunt EVER! Lol stay tuned for the Blooper Reel!

Have you worn a themed outfit recently? What was the occasion? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul5

Lil Red’s Book Club: Remarkably Bright Creatures By Shelby Van Pelt Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Remarkably Bright Creatures By Shelby Van Pelt Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! In a spoiler free setting, as always, we will be discussing a delightfully charming read by Shelby Van Pelt called Remarkably Bright Creatures. After reading an incredibly disappointing installment to the Stillhouse Lake series, I decided to give it a rest and move onto something new. My mom had just finished reading Remarkably Bright Creatures and watching the movie and I thought that it would be a nice palette cleanser. It most definitely was and I enjoyed it so much! Before we begin, I will be placing a trigger warning on Remarkably Bright Creatures for loss of a child and addiction. You ready? Let’s go!

Tova is a no nonsense seventy year old woman who has had a life filled with loss. Her solitary days are spent completing her rigid routines and then it is off to the Sowell Bay Aquarium for the evening where she works as a custodian. Tova deeply enjoys the work of restoring the aquarium to a perfect state of cleanliness every night and being surrounded by the sea creatures. Every night at the aquarium is the same as the last until her normal routine flips on its head. The aquarium’s Giant Pacific Octopus, Marcellus, has made a jail break from his enclosure and found himself tangled in electric cords. Tova saves him and a very unique friendship is formed. A friendship that will change her perspective and bring closure to the tragedies that she can’t move past.

Cameron is thirty years old and has lived his life permanently down on his luck. His mother abandoned him when he was young with no inkling as to who his father is and his aunt turned into his guardian. From there, his life seems to serve no purpose and he has no motivation to improve it. He is promptly fired from every menial job he acquires, his band broke up, and all of his friends are getting married and having babies. Something drastic needs to happen, but what?

After begrudgingly refiling through some of his mom’s old high school mementos, Cameron stumbles upon a photo of her and a young man as well as a class ring engraved with unfamiliar initials. This person has to be his father and he is going to track him down, make him explain himself, and demand eighteen years worth of unpaid child support. His findings lead him to Sowell Bay, a long haul from his own home. When he reaches his destination, he learns that his potential dad is much harder to meet with than anticipated. The promise of all of that cash makes him stick around and he eventually lands a job at the Sowell Bay Aquarium too.

Through Tova and Cameron’s employment, an unlikely friendship is struck. Cameron thinks Tova is a little weird because of her affection for the octopus, Marcellus. In fact, it almost seems like they communicate with each other and Cameron just can’t wrap his head around it. That’s okay, though, because while Cameron thinks Tova is weird, she thinks he can’t clean properly to save his own life. Little do both of these people know, Marcellus is aware of something that will change both of their lives for the better. All he has to do is make them realize it. What could this secret be? Read Remarkably Bright Creatures to find out!

Reading Remarkably Bright Creatures was a gift. This book was hilarious, heartwarming, and so tenderly written by Shelby Van Pelt. I could tell that every single word was crafted with such care and it reminded me a lot of the writing style of Fredrik Backman who wrote A Man Called Ove and My Friends. This is a style that I really respond to and I fell for Remarkably Bright Creatures hook, line, and sinker. Van Pelt’s expert writing made it feel like I knew every character personally and what a remarkable cast it was as it went round Robin between Tova, Cameron, and Marcellus. It was such an interesting change of pace to read from the perspective of Marcellus – my favorite!

For all of the sadness that plagued the characters in this book, there was still so much joy to be found. The joy of new acquaintances, breaking free from strict routines, and the cast learning that they are stronger than they ever gave themselves credit for. It was so exciting to read about Tova coming out of her shell, Cameron growing out of his man child status, and Marcellus ingeniously moving the plot along. Remarkably Bright Creatures is a testament to the beauty that can be found in life if you know where to look. It might just be under the statue of a sea lion. 🙂

I am going to award Remarkably Bright Creatures with the coveted ten out of ten stars. This was a beautiful read that will captivate and inspire and I can’t wait to watch the movie!

Did you read Remarkably Bright Creatures or watch the movie? What did you think of it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr8

Happy Birthday, Sister!!

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Happy Birthday, Sister!!

Hello everyone!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my big sister, Kristen’s, birthday! Kristen is my bestie pal and I am still overjoyed at the fact that we got to have so much quality time together in New Orleans this past month. Our mini vacation turned us into teenagers again and it was, honestly, magical. We had slumber parties, sipped on drinks, shared delicious meals, and got to explore a brand new city side by side. Our trip was nonstop laughter and fun and I think it brought us even closer together. It has warmed my heart so much that we have been texting way more often since our return home! Maybe next year we could do another getaway for both of our birthdays but it will be so great to celebrate her here on her big day and every day. ❤

Kristen inspires me to no end and I genuinely don’t understand how she is still standing at the end of each day. She is a proud mom of three precious girls, two cats, and two dogs – I’m exhausted after a few hours at her place and she makes it look so easy. It is anything but and I couldn’t be more proud of her and all she has accomplished. Kristen is one of the strongest people I have ever met and I do not say that lightly. She has endured countless hardships and emerged victorious on the other side to create a beautiful life for herself. She is so steadfast and determined but greets any and all situations with kindness – a further testament to her fortitude.

It is so special to have a big sister as incredible as mine and it’s even better that we’re best friends too. We might not have always acted like it lol but we really are thick as thieves! From childhood to teenage years, I remember wishing that I could be just like her and I’m sure it was easy to get fed up with her constant shadow. Even when we had our tiffs, however, we both knew that I would never be far from under her wings five minutes later. It was so fun to return back to that sisterly bickering but loving every minute of it during our travels and I can’t wait to make more memories together. We have plans for a sister slumber party soon and I can’t wait! ❤

To my best friend and best big sis – Happy Birthday!

I love you, Kristen!!!!! ❤

Feb20

How To Stop Stressing Over Your Age

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How To Stop Stressing Over Your Age

Getting older is something that happens to everyone. In fact, it’s a sign that you’ve been successful. Once you reach the age of 50, 60, 70 or beyond you have survived a long time in an otherwise difficult world. But people have many problems when it comes to their age. They often look at it the wrong way. If you’re somebody who’s stressing about their age and worried about getting older then this post is for you. We are going to look at some strategies you can use to reduce the stress you feel and really enjoy your life day to day:

Reframe aging as a privilege:

The first thing to do is to reframe aging as a privilege. This was something that we hinted at in the introduction. Instead of seeing birthdays as the next stage in the inevitable march through life, you can look at them more as success stories or milestones. Getting to a specific age is actually quite an achievement, especially once you start getting into the higher numbers. If you can reframe how you look at the situation, then you can totally control how you feel about it.

Focus on the things you can control:

Another thing you can do is stop pretending that aging is something you can control. You can’t actually map and manage the time passing on the calendar, but you can intervene in your lifestyle to change how you feel and function. Many people forget all about aging once they improve their exercise routine, stress management, nutrition, sleep, and skincare. Combining all of these factors often slows down the aging process significantly. It can also change the nature of the aging process so that it doesn’t lead to chronic disease and dysfunction.

^^^ Unsplash Image

Get the treatment you need:

Sometimes, feeling less stressed about the aging process is simply getting the treatment that you need. For example, if you have hearing loss, go to the audiologist and ask for hearing aids. Similarly, if you struggle to walk or you have physiological problems, you can get a trainer to improve muscle strength. You should find that once you’ve got this treatment, it has a meaningful and lasting effect on your life. It makes a profound difference to how you approach things.

Practice being present or mindful:

Worrying about aging also often means worrying about the future. Therefore, it’s a good idea to practice being present or mindful. Many people get to a certain age and wonder why their lives aren’t turning out the way they wanted them to. They stress about the things that they should have done differently in the past. Being present is the best way to counter this sort of thought process. If you can focus on what you’re doing now, you often discover that your life is much better than what you thought.

So there you have it – some of the things you can do to stop stressing about the ageing process. Looking at the positives and accepting what’s happening is often the best approach!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Feb19

4 Ways Investing In A Boat Can Seriously Enhance Your Summer

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4 Ways Investing In A Boat Can Seriously Enhance Your Summer

Let’s think of the ideal summer’s day. You’re probably outside somewhere, surrounded by nature with your friends and family. You spend the day jumping in and out of a cooling body of water, and wrap up the evening with a delicious meal.

That is an idyllic day that sounds like a dream, but actually, if you live near a lake, then it might be more within reach than you think. If you have a boat, then all of those things could be on the table, and not just on one day, but all summer long. 

Still not convinced that a boat is right for you? We’ve put together a list of just some of the ways that buying a boat can be a game-changer for how you experience the summer months:

It Gives You Easy Access To a Good Time:

The summer months can be fun, but it doesn’t happen automatically. On a sunny day, you still have to make something happen. A boat provides an easy and convenient way to make sure that you and your family have a day to remember. Most people have to go on vacation to make the most of the summer months — if you have a boat, then you’ll have a vacation-worthy experience readily available all summer long. 

It Provides Plenty of Water-Based Fun:

It can be fun to simply spend time out on the water, but you can also use your boat to engage in water-based hobbies. While most boats are multipurpose, some are designed with a particular activity in mind. Remember how we mentioned at the beginning of the article about eating a delicious meal? Then take a look at Smoker Craft boats, which are excellent for fishing in both shallow backwaters and large lakes. If you’re looking for a boat that’s fun for the family, then a wake boat can be a great option — these high-speed boats are awesome for wakesurfing and wakeboarding, among other watersports. 

It’s a Great Hangout Spot:

Having a boat might just make you the most popular person in town. The reason? Everyone loves spending a hot summer’s evening on a boat! They’re great for socializing; all you need to do is pack some snacks and drinks, head out onto the water, and simply enjoy being together in a beautiful environment. If you’re looking for a way to bring your loved ones together this summer, then a boat will more than do the trick — and not just this summer, but for many years to come.

It Brings Adventure:

Many of us are infused with the spirit of adventure when summer rolls around. Normally, that means taking a vacation somewhere. When you have a boat, you’ll have adventure right on your doorstep. Boats allow you to explore during the hot summer months when the days are long. Maybe you’ll discover a hidden gem of a beach, find fun caves to trek through, or discover that you can easily reach the next town over by taking a shortcut over the water. 

Make a huge splash this summer with a brand new boat. Adventure awaits!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb19

Sunny Days Ahead

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Sunny Days Ahead

Hello! Is it just me or has this winter left a lot to be desired? January felt like it was five months long and February was particularly rough due to the passing of our beloved neighbor. I feel so mentally and physically drained. However, I did perk up this morning when I checked the weather because guess what?! It is going to be almost sixty degrees in Akron, Ohio and that sounds like just what the doctor ordered. It’s amazing what a bit of warmth and sunshine can do to boost your mood and it had me thinking of all of the things I can’t wait to do in the spring. Like the following:

Spring Hiking Spree:

My brother and I are avid hikers and it is our go to activity as soon as the weather warms up. During the winter, we hit the gym for our workouts but in the spring you can always catch us on the trails! The metro parks in our neck of the woods offers a fall and spring hiking spree and we can’t wait to participate in both of them. This will be our second year of completing the spring spree and the third year for the fall. It’s hard not to feel good when you’re immersed in nature, taking a leisurely stroll, and enjoying great company. Bring it on!

Planting Flowers:

My dad has two green thumbs and I love to help him plant flowers in the garden as soon as the appropriate weather strikes. Whether we are scattering seeds in the wildflower patch, making arrangements in raised planters, or simply cleaning up the debris from the winter – it is fun because we’re together! It’s exciting to start a project and watch it grow and come to life. The best of all is when I show up at my mom and dad’s and see the beautiful bouquets he creates from our handiwork as a greeting on the kitchen table. ❤

Warm Weather Clothing:

As much as I adore breaking out my coats, heavy sweaters, and winter accessories for OOTDs, I am SO over it lol. What started out as a mild winter went into a stretch of frigid days and lots of snow in mid January. I wouldn’t say I’m a huge fan of summer but I have been begging for it since then! It is going to be so glorious to step outside in shorts and a T-shirt for work or flouncy sundresses for a weekend date with my main squeeze. Seventy degrees and sunny is my ideal temperature but if it were a hundred degrees tomorrow you would not find me complaining. I don’t do well in really hot weather but trust and believe I would be basking in it like a lizard lol.

Playing Outside:

Johnny and I have three sweet nieces who live nearby and there is nothing better than playing outside all together. I revel in unleashing my inner child with my favorite old hobbies of blowing bubbles, picking flowers, drawing with chalk, and running around the yard like crazy people. Whether we are hitting up the park or staying close to home, the piece de resistance is a frozen treat or something cold to drink afterwards. The cool down is wonderful until it’s back outdoors for more warm weather activities! I am particularly excited to go bunny watching with them in my parents’ yard because there are always a bunch come springtime. ❤

Reading Outside:

As you all know, reading is one of my most treasured hobbies and it is such a simple pleasure to be able to read outside. When it’s nice out, I love to sit on our little patio at the apartment with a glass of lemonade and a good book. Feeling the sunshine on my face as I get lost in a story just makes the whole world disappear and it’s so damn nice to check out for a little while. As much as I love curling up on the couch with whatever book I’m working on, I plan on taking the majority of my reading outdoors whenever the weather is ready!

After a crummy few months, I just know that there are Sunny Days Ahead and I have been chomping at the bit since yesterday!

What is your favorite springtime activity? What are you looking forward to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan27

V-Day Bratz Doll OOTD

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V-Day Bratz Doll OOTD

Hello! Last weekend I got all dolled up to see Stereophonic at Playhouse Square with my main squeeze. Although the show sucked eggs, the OOTD was on point! Speaking of dolled up, I was very inspired by Bratz dolls when I styled this look. Bratz were my favorite dolls to play with when I was little and their trendy fashion inspired me then and now. I told Johnny about my outfit inspo and he said he was feeling Sabrina Carpenter over Bratz to which I replied “same thing”. It’s so true! Take a look at this Bratz/Sabrina Carpenter fit and let’s discuss:

Who? What? Wear?

Heart Sweater: Very Truly Yours, TJMaxx

Tennis Skirt: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Platforms: Sugar Thrillz, Dolls Kill

The brooch earrings were purchased forever ago from PacSun!

I purchased the absolutely darling Very Truly Yours sweater during my last shopping trip at TJMaxx. It was the first thing I saw when I walked into the store and I had a vision of an outfit a la That’s So Raven. In my head, I pictured the look you see above to the T and I just had to have that sweater to see it through. I was hoping to find a Valentine’s Day piece of clothing to wear to my Playhouse Square outing and what I found was pure candy hearts perfection. This sweater is so soft, sweet as can be, and is chock full of adorable details. I love the argyle diamonds, the piping on the collar, and those heart shaped buttons! My new sweater felt very Chloe from the Bratz collection and I definitely see where Johnny was coming from on the Sabrina Carpenter front. She is Chloe to the T!

I paired my sweater with a sassy little tennis skirt by Kyodan. While this is an athletic brand, they serve fashion while serving tennis and I can’t get enough of their skorts. They provide flounce sans any fear of a wardrobe malfunction and it was a gift that kept on giving as we hiked our way up to the balcony at the theater lol. I adore a pleated skirt as they are so girly and it kept with the ultra feminine vibes of the sweater. Although I was freezing my nads off even with the knee high socks, it was so worth it. 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I opted for a gorgeous pair of platforms by Sugar Thrillz. The baby pink of the heels was an excellent match to the sweater while the pop of plaid added some funky fun. And, of course, the heart accents going across the shoe added to the Valentine’s Day flare. In the earrings department, I went for a pair of brooch style studs with a red rose in the middle. Roses are a classic V-Day gift and I said “make it fashion”! With that, I was off to see a terrible show with my honey as an early Love Day date. ❤

Is it Bratz or Sabrina Carpenter? I say both. I love my dolls and my beloved Miss Carpenter just as much as I love this look!

What is your favorite Sabrina Carpenter song? Which Bratz doll was your favorite? 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

Dec26

My New Year’s Resolutions

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My New Year’s Resolutions

Howdy! 2026 is right around the corner? Are you ready for a brand new year? Have you made your resolutions and are they actually ones that you can keep? I have never been one to set extreme goals for the new year. Rather, I turn to small achievable tasks that are easy to keep while still making positive changes. What’s the point of a New Year’s Resolution if you’re going to bail out after one month! Here are my little goals for 2026 and maybe they will help inspire you too:

Replace Screen Time:

The past few months I have felt like I have been on my phone constantly and I don’t like it! Whether it is scrolling aimlessly on Facebook, playing on apps, or shooting off texts I have turned into a phoneaholic and now that I recognize it – I can do something about it! I plan on replacing at least some of my screen time with reading a chapter or two of a book instead. Rather than participate in brain rot, I can tuck into a good book and share even more Lil Red’s Book Clubs. Talk about a win/win and a simple but effective resolution!

Keep Moving:

It is SO easy to get home from work, sit down on the couch, and not move until bedtime. Especially in the frigid winter months! This has been my MO and I think it could benefit from some changes. I have no plans on sacrificing my TV time but modifying it because who says you have to watch it sitting down? Completing a small workout or even just walking in place while your shows play can boost your health and mood, increase your energy, and provide a better night’s sleep. This is a particularly positive improvement for me as I love to hike when it’s warm out but hibernate all winter long. Even fifteen or so minutes of movement after work can make a big difference and I can do it from the comfort and warmth of my home!

Mental Boost:

I am my toughest critic and I have always been that way. I find it difficult to speak to myself positively even when I know I am doing great and that is no way to live. Engaging in kind self talk is a goal that I really have to put my mind to literally and metaphorically because I’m just not used to it. However, I do need to pat myself on the back more often and that starts now. Instead of focusing on every little thing I might have done wrong, I need to remind myself that I did the best I could and that is good enough.

A New Job?!

I am potentially starting a new job in January and will obvi be filling all of you in on that as soon as I can. My biggest goal? To absolutely CRUSH it!! I have felt the desire for change for a while now and a fateful email opened up the potential for it. Just the thought of a brand new adventure is exciting and I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed. A new job is a totally different change of pace and all I can do is put my best foot forward and rock it. Hey, that sounds like positive self talk to me!

These New Year’s Resolutions may not seem like much but they are to me. These goals are meaningful because I know I need to work on them and I know that I will succeed! 🙂

Do you have any resolutions for 2026? What is a positive change you made recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah