Tag Archives: lifestyle

May24

Just Something Nice :)

Posted on May 24, 2020 by lifewithlilred

HELLO! So, this quarantine has been lots of fun… I mean not the quarantine itself, everything kind of sucks. But, hanging out with my boyfriend at home when I’m done at work has been a hoot. Johnny and I have binge watched series after series and played countless hours of Animal Crossing to help us pass the time and, although it’s boring, I wouldn’t want to be quarantined with anyone else. :*)

One of my favorite nice Johnny stories that I never shared was from after I attended a wine and paint night with my best friend and some of the bridal party for her upcoming wedding. I came home with my tail between my legs because I thought my painting turned out like BOO BOO:

But, the first thing Johnny said when he saw my painting was that he liked it and it looked like a Christmas card. Now, I have the painting proudly displayed in the living room. He always knows how to turn something I see negatively into a positive which I suck at doing and I always feel happy when I look at my masterpiece now.

Another thing that never fails to put a smile on my face is when I notice that Johnny has put my little artist’s wooden body model into a different position:

^^^ It’s the little things, right?! 😅

Although things are far from awesome right now, I get to spend my excess free time safely tucked away in our goofy apartment world and I am so thankful for that. Especially when such fun surprises are scattered about if you know where to look! 🙂

Who has helped make this time in quarantine more tolerable for you? What is a silly tradition between you and someone your close with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May23

Just Saying Hi!

Posted on May 23, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! We’ve made it through another week and I, for one, am stoked on it because I am taking a few days off next week! Oh yes, I most certainly am. These are the first few days off I’ve had since all of the coronavirus craziness came into play and I am going to savor every minute of it. Needless to say, I’m just a bit excited! 😀

This post is nothing special, it’s just me dropping by to say hello and to remind all of you to take care of yourselves. And, if that means taking a few days off to improve your mental or physical health, then go for it. Or, you can always kill some time by guest posting on lifewithlilred, which you can email me about at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com.

What is everyone up to this weekend? Anything exciting? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May22

Positive Changes In Quarantine

Posted on May 22, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Although different businesses are beginning to open in Ohio, my boyfriend and I plan on staying in until we are comfortable going back out. At least once per day, whether I’m at home or at work, being bored is acknowledged. And, yes, it’s a boring time. But, I’ve made some positive changes that I’m proud of during this time indoors so it can’t be all bad, right?

… It’s still pretty bad. But I am happy about the following:

Preparing Food At Home:

My boyfriend, Johnny, and I have been eating at home like nobody’s business. Which is a vast improvement health wise and financially to when we were eating out once or twice a week. Of course, we still treat ourselves to Taco Bell every now and then but we have been doing much better about going grocery shopping, preparing meals, and eating leftovers. I could get used to this!

Worthwhile Hobbies:

At the beginning of the quarantine, you couldn’t visit any webpage without being encouraged to take up a new hobby. And, as redundant as that was, it’s true. During my time at home, I have been practicing all of my languages (French, Czech, German, Spanish, and Italian) and I have also began learning American Sign Language. Not only that, but I have read a few books and wrote a ton.

I have enjoyed being able to practice all of my favorite hobbies as well as picking up a new one and it has made my time in quarantine much more pleasant. Although I am normally pretty good at practicing at least a few times a week, I would like to continue moving with the huge amount of momentum I have gained within the past month.

More Regular Sleep:

During the quarantine, I have gotten myself on a pretty solid sleeping schedule that I am very happy with. My new “bed time” of about ten thirty and then waking up for work at seven has made my body feel so much more… regular. Lol, seriously. I feel well rested, I can wake up for work without hitting the snooze, and I have been falling asleep more quickly. I definitely think that I can keep up with that!

More Financially Responsible:

Although I have succumbed to a few online shopping purchases, I have to say, I have been so much more financially responsible since this quarantine. Of course, there’s nowhere to go to spend money BUT I think all of this time off from impulse buys and drinks at the bar is going to make me think twice about how easily I spend money sometimes. Is it the most fun change? No. But, learning how to say no to things isn’t such a bad thing, either!

Yes, the quarantine is boring. However, there are silver linings to the situation everywhere if you know how to look!

Have you made any positive changes in quarantine? How do you feel about stay at home orders being lifted? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May21

How To Live A Healthier And Happier Life

Posted on May 21, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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How To Live A Healthier And Happier Life

If you have been trying to change your life around and live a healthier and happier one, then it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. It can be tricky to take the first step, so read on to find out what you can do to begin improving your life today:

Visiting a recovery center:

If you have been struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, taking a step towards a Renaissance Recovery Center Outpatient Treatment can be very scary. But, seeking treatment is a significant first step to transforming your life. They can find you a program and a routine that works for you and your needs taking note of any commitments you have, such as work, school, and other priorities that you need to work around.

No matter what your struggle is, these centers are here to help you shape your life into a healthier, happier, fuller one. When deciding on a center, choose one that will best suit your needs. Do you prefer to stay at the center or would you rather it be an outpatient program similar to the alcohol rehab near Overland Park? Do the counselors have a personality that meshes well with yours? You want to set yourself up for the best chance of success.

Should a recovery center be something you are interested in going to, it is a good idea to take a tour of several different options to find the best fit for you. This is a big change and it’s so important that you feel fully comfortable where you are and their services are applicable to your needs. To begin scheduling tours, simply enter a search for “90-day addiction treatment program in south carolina” (or your local area) and research your options. A recovery center that is an excellent fit for you will increase your chances of a better life upon graduation.

Taking up a hobby:

With hundreds of various hobbies and activities around, there is something for everyone. Whether it’s something such as cycling and running to pot throwing and tennis, these are all hobbies that can be done in your spare time. This is a great time to clear your mind while releasing any stress and worries. If you are looking for a small hobby that can be done within the home, then try an adult coloring, writing, and meditation – which can all help calm your body.

Looking after your body:

Taking exercise classes can be nerve-racking and cause anxiety with many people, but it can relieve a lot of stress while making you overall happier and healthier. While there are many exercise classes for you to take, you can also complete courses at home, whether it is on a video call or guidance through a YouTube video. There are many options you can choose from, such as yoga, HIIT, spin classes, and cardio to boost your fitness levels and have a healthy heart.

Gratitude and journaling:

A popular way to release any negative energy is to replace these thoughts with things that you love and cherish. Starting every morning, write three things that you are grateful for, something that would make today better, three things you love, and a quote to boost your confidence and to encourage each day to start in the best way.

Hopefully, with this guide, you will be able to take those first steps to living a healthier and happier life. Will it be easy? Nothing good ever is! But, it’s up to you to give it your best shot. Good luck!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May19

Have Some More Writing Prompts!

Posted on May 19, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hey! Has the coronavirus quarantine put a cramp in your blog’s style? Ugh, I get it because SAME. The coronavirus has put a cramp in my literal style because my life revolves around comfort clothes right now and I thought I would never live to see the day for that to happen. Lol, it also makes creating daily content for my page exceedingly difficult.

More so than I imagined, actually, and I felt like I was really in a slump. It was a hard adjustment to find inspiration in the walls of my apartment but I think that I am just about there and I want all of you to be too. I recently offered some writing prompts on lifewithlilred and I’m here today to help the writer’s block even further with the following:

Have you taken any interesting online classes while quarantined?
Do you ever feel like you were born in the wrong decade? Which era do you most relate to?
Do you know anyone local making face masks? It’s always nice to drop their info!
Speaking of, supporting all of your favorite local businesses and artists with online nods is a great way to help your community!
Are there any foods that you absolutely refuse to try?
Have you been managing to have any fun while quarantined? How?
Did you have any blog posts that got put on hold until it’s safe to achieve? What were they like?
How about any other exciting events or trips that got cancelled? It’s okay to be upset about it. (I still have yet to meet my six month old nephew, which sucks!)
How have you been staying in touch with your friends? Scheduled happy hours or trivia nights, perhaps?

I am looking forward to going out and doing the things that I enjoy safely. Unfortunately, I don’t know when that will be. But, in the meantime, it’s so nice to have lifewithlilred to keep me occupied and I love being able to interact with all of you so keep those comments coming. Happy writing! Much love. -Sarah

Apr3

Self-Isolation Recommendations

Posted on April 3, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! With self-isolation still going strong and cabin fever officially setting in, I thought I would post about my recommendations to keep your day running as normally as possible – especially if you are working from home or not working right now. I am so thankful that I can still work but it is pretty boring because it’s not like I can take my clients anywhere!

I definitely have been feeling antsy lately because I just want to DO something. But, these little tricks have helped me keep some ounce of sanity during this lock down:

Get ready in the morning:

Towards the beginning of the stay at home order, I pretty much gave up on my morning hair and makeup routine and that was a big mistake. Wearing comfy clothes and a fresh face all day gave me zero motivation and it almost felt like an excuse to have a “lazy” day. So now, even if I am just staying home or hanging at a client’s house for the day, I get myself ready – even if it’s not my full routine. I still feel put together, a lot better, and it adds a renewed pep to my step.

Follow a routine:

Things feel so chaotic right now and when you have ample free time to fill with nothing to do it can be quite overwhelming. Routines always make me feel more at ease and it keeps my day running smoothly without the awkward pause of figuring out what to do next. Plan out what you intend to do for the day every morning while you’re getting yourself ready and see your day improve.

Set up a place to work:

If you are working from home right now, set up a place to work that isn’t the couch! We all know how easy it is to set the laptop aside and turn the TV on and that shouldn’t be a constant mental battle while you’re doing your job. Clean off a cluttered desk or work at your kitchen table and try to follow your normal work schedule as closely as you can – lunch and coffee breaks too!

Cook your meals:

I have had takeout a few times in self-isolation but I have been doing my best to cook the meals that I eat at my apartment. It feels good to see and taste something that you made and that can be a real high point of the day – not to mention all of the money you’ll save! Get creative with new recipes or make old favorites. And, no matter how your meal turns out, at least you killed some time. 😉

Don’t be a night owl:

I notice that it’s been harder for me to go to bed at night because I have so much extra energy that I haven’t done anything with all day. I understand completely how difficult it is to not give into the night owl temptation but I promise it won’t be worth it when you go back to work with a totally thrown off schedule.

If you’re having difficulty falling asleep, try going for a walk or working out an hour or so before you go to bed. You could also take a bath or read a book – whatever will help you relax and keep to your normal bed time as much as possible.

Although self-isolation is difficult, it is the best thing right now to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Use the tips above and keep your day running as normally as you can!

How have you been adjusting to self-isolation? What do you do to keep yourself from getting cabin fever? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr2

Be My Friend!

Posted on April 2, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! With the stay in order in Ohio still going strong, I definitely have been spending more than the average amount of time on social media. So, I figured it was a great time to remind all of you that you are more than welcome to friend me on Facebook at: Sarah Mushenheim. Just send me a message so I know who you are and I’ll accept your friend request so you can see all of the dope memes I’ve been sharing. 😉

And, in case you don’t know what I look like, this is my profile picture:

Catch ya on The Book! 💃

Mar30

Smile! Spring Flowers Are Blooming

Posted on March 30, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Although times are crazy and the norm is now staying hunkered down to help ease the coronavirus, it’s important to find joy in nature more than ever. I, myself, take delight in seeing the blooms of spring flowers poking up from the ground and a few crocuses have made their guest appearance in my parent’s yard. I was so tickled to see the sweet, small flowers in yellow, purple, and white that I just had to snap some pics:

When I see a tiny flower’s presence among all of the dead leaves and dry grass, it instantly fills me with hope. One little bloom struggled to get enough sunshine, rain, and nutrition to sprout up and say hello but it pulled through and now looks so beautiful. One little pop of colorful flowers makes me instantly feel like spring is here and that makes me happy.

The winter blues have went away and now it’s time for sunshine, rainbows, and all of the glory that comes with spring. Despite the unease that we all feel right now in the midst of the coronavirus, be sure to take notice of all of the exciting things happening in nature the next time you take a walk. I’m sure it will quickly put a fresh spring in your step!

What is your favorite part about spring? What flowers are blooming in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar24

Passing Time In Self-Isolation Pt. 2

Posted on March 24, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Crazy times, amiright? And, amid all of this craziness, it is so important to keep yourselves safe and healthy. This means limiting your time in public as much as possible. And, you know what? That’s fine by me! I have been having the best time hunkered down with Johnny (my boyfriend) playing Rock Band, watching Band Of Brothers, and indulging in our new obsession of Magic The Gathering. As much as I enjoy an evening at the bar, a quiet evening in is definitely what I prefer.

I had to laugh at a meme that said something like “when you realize your normal lifestyle is considered a quarantine” because that holds quite a bit of accuracy to me! But, if you’re still struggling to find ways to keep yourself occupied, allow me to suggest the following:

Learn Something New:

Sure, you could spend your time in self-isolation binging TV… And, believe you me, I’ve had my fair share of America’s Next Top Model marathons. But, you could also use this time to learn something new. Take a virtual tour of a museum, which is now being offered through a lot of establishments. Try your hand at a new language. Give a craft on Pinterest a shot. You’ll be amazed at where you end up once the self-isolation recommendation has lifted if you chip away at a new skill every day.

Cook A Great Meal:

I am so thankful that I went grocery shopping a week before all of the closings started happening because my pantry is fully stocked. And, since going out for dinner isn’t possible right now, I have enjoyed cooking in my kitchen every day. I love making breakfast over the weekend for my boyfriend and revel in when I can have dinner ready for him when he gets home. It is never not satisfying to me to lay out a meal that I made.

Open up a recipe book and give a few new ones a go, cook an old favorite, or bake and decorate a cake. An afternoon helping mom or dad bake cookies always goes down well for the little ones, too!

Exercise:

Unfortunately, all of the skating rinks in my neck of the woods are closed so I cannot have my weekly skate sesh. This sucks but it also doesn’t mean that I can’t still be active, which is so crucial when you’re stuck at home and being more sedentary. Do some crunches during your TV time or lift some weights. And, although community hangs are frowned upon – going out for a brisk hike or walk around the neighborhood isn’t.

Rearrange/Redecorate:

If you’re beginning to feel the effects of cabin fever, try rearranging your home or the room that you spend the most time in. Switching out knick knacks, changing the position of the couch, or reorganizing your book or movie shelves can breathe a whole new life into a space. And, if you’re on the hunt for something brand new, order online and make sure you love it since you’re going to be seeing a lot of it for a while. 😉

Although things feel scary right now don’t let it get in the way of enjoying yourself as you try out the ideas above!

How has the coronavirus effected you? What have you been doing to stay occupied? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar21

Fairy Hair Pt. 2

Posted on March 21, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! During my family vacation to North Carolina this past summer, I noticed a boutique offering “fairy hair” AKA hair tinsel. I was so charmed by the adorable name and the variety of colors of the tinsel that I just had to get some put in. I was absolutely obsessed and they added such a sweet, girly touch of fun to my locks.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and eventually the strands fell out. I simply refused to live without them, however, and ordered a hair tinsel kit off of Amazon identical to the one that the boutique in North Carolina had. I knew my hair stylist could do the fairy hair that I so desperately craved and she worked her magic the last time I got my hair cut.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and eventually the strands fell out. SO I GOT MORE PUT BACK IN LAST WEEK! Check it out:

As per ushe, my stylist, Anna, knocked it out of the park. In fact, this time it is even better because she worked on her tinsel knotting technique and I have only had two fatalities thus far. Anna expertly layered the different hues of tinsel that showed up the best in my choppy new do and within a half hour or so my fairy hair was complete.

I was so happy with how my hair bling turned out and the compliments literally don’t stop, which is a major ego booster! I remember when fairy hair was a thing several years ago and I loved it then and I am still just as in love now. My next goal, you may ask? Bringing back hair feathers! Hopefully there will be a kit for that on Amazon… 😀

How do you like to spice up your hair style? Do you plan on getting your hair cut for the warm weather? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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