Tag Archives: lifewithlilred

Sep16

Four Year Blogiversary?!

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Four Year Blogiversary?!

HOLY MOLEY!!!! According to WordPress, I have had lifewithlilred up and running for four years as of the thirteenth of September and I had no idea! It feels like just yesterday that I started my blog as I prepared to start college and, now, here we are four years later and still going strong. I am so proud of my dedication to keeping my page afloat for four whole years. That’s almost a half a decade of fabulousness and I’m so thankful for having such a wonderful group of readers to share that with.

Blogging can sometimes be a thankless job, but the friends that I have made and the businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with make it all worthwhile. There is nothing like a blogiversary to give you a swift kick in the booty to keep up the good work and my motivation is sky high right now. Here’s to another four years of lifewithlilred and I’m looking forward to sharing it with all of you! Much love. -Sarah

Sep14

Blog Maintenance Tips & Tricks

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Blog Maintenance Tips & Tricks

Hiii everyone and TGIF! While I was sick AF a few weeks ago, I found myself worrying a lot about my blog, because I was not well enough to take care of daily maintenance. But, upon returning back to a healthy state of being, I found that I didn’t have anything to worry about, because I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Daily blog maintenance is so important, even when you can’t do it daily. How is that possible? I’m going to show you how:

Prewrite, Please:

You might notice on lifewithlilred that all of my posts are published at midnight every night. That’s compliments of prewriting. At one time, I normally have three to four posts scheduled so that I don’t have to worry about three to four days of writing. That’s why, when I was sick, I could breathe a sigh of relief because I had articles on backstock being published every day. This is the perfect solution for those who don’t have the time to write daily, but might have a free evening to knock out several posts in one sitting.

But, where do you get ideas for multiple posts at once? So glad you asked, because this leads me to my next tip:

Take Notes:

This sounds so basic, I know. But, damnit, if it isn’t the most valuable tip on here. How do I get so many things to prewrite about? Because I take notes on anything and everything for inspiration for future posts. Even if I just need a reminder to write about something the following day, I make note of it, because god knows how easy it is to forget an important memo in one days’ time. My notes range from writing about a new pair of shoes that I just bought to taking pictures next time I go on a hike in one of Ohio’s amazing Metro Parks. Reviewing my notes gives me ample inspo to create daily posts, which is something that is important to me for lifewithlilred.

Create Goals:

This ties into the last sentence of Taking Notes. Creating goals for yourself and things that are important to you for your page definitely can help keep you on track. What’s important to you for your page might be different than anyone else, but that’s part of what makes your blog unique. My goals for my page are to maintain daily posts and to log on at least once per day to interact with my readers in the comments. Once you identify what is important to you when it comes to blogging, every thing else just falls into place.

What are some of your goals for your page? What are some of your tips and tricks when it comes to blogging? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep13

Sunshine Blogger Award #7

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Sunshine Blogger Award #7

Hello!! This past weekend, I was so excited for lifewithlilred to be nominated for its seventh Sunshine Blogger Award by my friend, Tiffy, at The Life Of Tiffy. Tiffy runs a wonderful lifestyle blog that covers everything from product reviews and fitness to everything in between. It’s a real treat, so do be sure to check it out and give it some love! Now, on to the rules for this award:

The Rules:

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you in the post and link to their blog
  • Answer the 11 questions asked of you
  • List the rules and include the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post
  • Write a new list of 11 questions for your nominees
  • Nominate 11 bloggers for the Sunshine Blogger Award

Q & A:

If you could not blog, what would you do? I guess if I was technologically challenged, I would journal. I kept a journal all throughout high school until the time I was twenty or so. If lifewithlilred didn’t exist, it would be back to the ol’ pen and paper.

Dream holiday destination and why? Paris! Because shopping, finally putting speaking French to good use, and getting lost in the city.

You’re on a desert island. What three things would you have with you? I feel like people normally go with the obvious things like a boat or a cell phone. So, I’m going to go with more minimal and say a lighter to start a fire, a pot to boil water, and a supply of vegetarian friendly food so I don’t have to hurt an animal.

Cats or dogs? Or neither? Dogs! Dogs, dogs, dogs. But, my sister and her boyfriend and my boyfriend both have cats and they’re not the worst thing ever. 😉

Favorite way for you to destress after a long day? Taking a bath with a Lush bath bomb and watching a movie before going to bed early.

Favorite thing to do on a first date? Coffee dates are always good!

The one product I could not live without is… A really good moisturizer. Skin care always comes first for me.

Who is your inspiration in life? Basically everyone who I choose to interact with inspires me in some way shape or form.

You find out your grandmother has a secret fortune, and you inherit a large sum of money. First thing you would do? Find good homes for all of the animals in shelters.

Who would you form a band with? 4 extra members max. Jack White, Marilyn Manson, and Bono.

Favorite Disney film, classic and modern? Beauty & The Beast and then I’m not really sure of the modern ones because I’ve never watched them.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. Describe a perfect day off from work.
  2. Do you have any traditions that are special to your family?
  3. What is your favorite board game?
  4. What was your favorite childhood toy?
  5. What is your go to accessory?
  6. What are your favorite things to do in the fall?
  7. Text messages or phone calls?
  8. Do you have any hidden or weird talents?
  9. Who is a celebrity that you can’t stand?
  10. What are your goals for your blog?
  11. Who do you go to when you need advice?

Thank you so much again to Tiffy for nominating lifewithlilred for its seventh Sunshine Blogger Award! How would you answer some of the questions that Tiffy has for her nominees? How about some of the questions that I have for mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep2

Mystery Blogger Award #9

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Mystery Blogger Award #9

Hello! Upon returning back to lifewithlilred after my hiatus from the flu, I saw that the adorable Hunida from Hunida’s Blog nominated my page for its ninth Mystery Blogger Award. This was such a sweet surprise, especially since I’ve been feeling so shitty! Hunida is such a doll and I love chit chatting with her. Her page is a real treat, too, so be sure to check it out! Now, let’s get on to the rules for this award:

The Rules:

  • Thank whoever nominated you & include a link to their blog
  • Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
  • Answer the questions from the person who nominated you
  • Nominate 5-10 bloggers
  • Ask your nominees 5 questions of your own [with a choice of one weird or funny one]
  • Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog

Fun Facts:

  1. I used to say that I’d prefer to have the flu over a cold because usually the flu goes away more quickly, while a cold lingers on for forever. But, after my week of literal hell, I’ll take a cold on any day!
  2. The only bonus of being sick is that I do feel a little skinnier, so it’s never too late to get your bikini body. 😀 lololol
  3. Speaking of bikinis, why in SAM HILL did Victoria’s Secret stop selling them?! Now I have nowhere to buy a bikini even if I wanted to. I call bullshit.

Q & A:

My weird question: Do you eat ketchup with your eggs? It depends. If I’m eating just eggs and toast, then no. BUT, if I’m eating hashbrowns and eggs, then yes. Ketchup is a must for hashbrowns and if it gets on my eggs, then so be it. lol

What’s hanging up on the walls in your bedroom? In the bedroom I sleep in, AKA my sister’s old room before she moved out, there’s literally nothing on the walls. But, in my room with all of my stuff in it, I have pictures from magazines completely covering the walls. It looks awesome.

What do you keep on your nightstand every night? A bottle of water, my medicine to take in the morning, and my Kindle.

What is your favorite magazine to flip through? I’m a sucker for browsing through the celebrity rags like People and Us Weekly, but my favorite magazine to actually read is Rolling Stone.

Do you prefer gold or silver wedding bands for men? I never really thought about it, but silver.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. *Silly Question* Would you rather walk around with a wad of bubble gum on your shoe for the day or walk into an important meeting with toilet paper on your shoe?
  2. What is your least favorite day of the week?
  3. What is your favorite thing that you have done this summer?
  4. What was the last concert you went to?
  5. What is your favorite summer time treat?

Thank you so much again to Hunida for lifewithlilred’s ninth Mystery Blogger Award nomination! Let’s get to number ten soon! How would you answer some of Hunida’s questions for her nominees? How about some of my questions for mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep1

Weekend Update: Sick AF Edition

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Weekend Update: Sick AF Edition

Hiii everyone and happy weekend! You might have noticed that I haven’t been very active on my page this past week, even though I had posts publishing, cause pre-writing. And, that is because I came down with a really nasty bout of the flu. It. Was. Awful. What started out as an earache on Tuesday morning led to full blown incapacity by the early afternoon and I was completely down for the count.

We’re talking a fever that reached to 103 at its peak, a sore throat, an earache, chills, sweats, soreness all over, and not a snowball chance in hell of being able to eat anything. I would sweat so badly at night, that I’d wake up and see red all over my sheets because it made my hair color bleed! I am writing this post on Friday afternoon and am just now feeling semi-normal, even though the morning was really rough.

Because of my mom’s ongoing health struggles, I had to be quarantined to my bedroom for three days. This sucked on ice, because my room doesn’t have a TV! But, I was honestly so out of it that it didn’t even matter. Everything that I tried to do from taking a sip of water to swallowing much needed medicine caused me so much pain that there were points when I just started crying. It was totally and completely miserable.

But, after what felt like an eternity, I am finally back on the blogosphere and all I gotta say is thank gawd for pre-writing! I was so pleased when I discovered that all of my days away were covered because I had totally forgot! And, of course, I am so glad to be feeling better and back with all of you here on lifewithlilred. ❤

Aug27

Cooling Down

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Cooling Down

Heyyy! With August coming to an end, the weather in good ol’ Northeast Ohio is finally cooling down. So much so, that I got to break out one of my faux leather jackets and be able to wear it comfortably. Needless to say, I was really FEELING MYSELF and taking selfies was a must. And, obviously sharing them with all of you is a must too! Take a look:

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Once cardigan and light jacket weather ensues, I instantly feel happy. Fall weather is my favorite type of weather and I love dressing for it. I can style a mean autumn outfit, and walking around during the day knowing that I look my best is a surefire way to keep my confidence high no matter what I have in store. I can tell in the pictures above that I was feeling great, and I’m looking forward to more fall days to keep that streak going!

What is your favorite season to dress for? What is an outfit that makes you feel confident? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

All Autumn Everything Guest Bloggers Series

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All Autumn Everything Guest Bloggers Series

Hello everyone and happy weekend! With the fall season fast approaching, it seems like the perfect time to make a call for action for lifewithlilred’s All Autumn Everything Guest Bloggers Series! All are welcome to participate in this autumn extravaganza and if you are interested in being featured on my page, then please contact me at sarah.mush6794@gmail.com with your information and your topic ideas for a post.

These guest posts can range from fall fashion and favorite cold weather recipes to DIY crafts and autumn inspired eye makeup. I am not picky, so feel free to bring me any and all ideas and I can’t wait to hear from all of you soon! Much love. -Sarah

Aug1

Liebster Award #18

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Liebster Award #18

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! Today, we are going to have some fun going over lifewithlilred’s eighteenth Liebster Award, which I was so kindly nominated for by my friend, Beth, over at World Of Beth. This beautiful gal runs a lovely page filled with stories of delicious food and amazing travel along with some really good notes on health and wellness. Beth’s page is a treat, so do be sure to check it out ASAFP! Now, let’s get on to the rules for this award:

The Rules:

  • Acknowledge the blog that gave it to you and display the award.
  • Answer the 11 questions that the blogger gives you.
  • Give 11 random facts about yourself.
  • Nominate 11 blogs and notify them of their nomination.
  • Give these blogs 11 questions to answer.

Q & A:

Who is your favorite Disney character? The Little Mermaid. 🙂

If you could find out one mystery what would it be? I have no idea!

What is your favorite type of cake? All vanilla everything and I love cheesecake.

If you were Prime Minister what rule would you make? No comment. Spoken like a true person who doesn’t talk politics on their page, lol. :’D

What is your most prized possession? My pearls from my grandma.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Harry Potter!

If there were only two seasons which ones would you pick? Fall and spring. Both are not too hot and not too cold, which is ideal for me.

Do you think we are the only ones to exist in the universe? Nope. The universe is huge and there are many locations left on earth and in space that have yet to be explored. Who’s to say that there might not be some different form of life in our uncharted territories and galaxies?

What are your main goals right now? To settle into my new apartment comfortably.

If you could meet any famous person dead or alive who would it be? Marilyn Manson.

Sweet or Savory? Ooooooh…. Savory, I think!

Fun Facts:

  1. Since everyone seemed shocked when I revealed my height a few posts ago: Yes, I am only 5’1!
  2. I am always down to eat Taco Bell, Chipotle, or Moe’s.
  3. The last movie I saw in theaters was Jurassic World last month. It was pretty good!
  4. I hate the summer time and I can’t wait for fall weather to begin.
  5. I have been on a HUGE Madonna kick lately and I have no idea where this stemmed from.
  6. I have a slight addiction to shopping at TJMaxx, which I blame on my mom and grandma, because we always used to go there when I was little.
  7. Wine spritzers have been my drink of choice lately. So light and summery!
  8. I love taking baths and pampering myself. I can’t wait to go to Lush hopefully sooner than later so that I can restock all of my favorite goodies.
  9. I feel like I eat more pasta than what’s normal for the average human. Lol, carbs are my weakness.
  10. I usually spend my Sundays wearing no makeup and catching up on blogging or my shows on TLC. Guess which one I’m doing right now? 😉
  11. My favorite summer treat is Honey flavored ice cream from Country Maid in Ohio. It is so delicious and sweet and I want to eat it constantly!

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. What is your favorite thing that you have done this summer?
  2. What is your favorite type of weather?
  3. Who is a celebrity that you can’t stand?
  4. What is one of your guilty pleasures?
  5. Do you take pictures on your phone or with a camera?
  6. What is your favorite form of social media?
  7. Other than blogging, what is your preferred hobby?
  8. What was the last series that you binge watched?
  9. What book is on your night stand right now?
  10. Describe a perfect day out.
  11. What is your favorite flower?

Many thanks again to Beth for lifewithlilred’s eighteenth Liebster Award nomination! How would you answer some of the questions that Beth had for her nominees? How about some of my questions for mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul31

See Ya, July

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See Ya, July

Hello everyone! Today is the last day of another wonderful month here on lifewithlilred and I just wanted to thank all of you for spending it with me. I also wanted to give all of you the heads up that a fall themed guest bloggers series is coming up soon. YOU KNOW WHY?! Well, obviously because I love all autumn everything. AND, because I’ll need some extra help around the blog when I move into my apartment at the end of August or early September!!

This is all very exciting and it also means that we’re going to be delving deeper into home decor and how to create your dream space on a budget! Here’s to another fun, fashion, and beauty filled month on lifewithlilred, and I’ll see you all in August! Much love. -Sarah

Jul9

Summer Fun Q & A

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Summer Fun Q & A

Hello everyone and happy Monday! Can you believe we’re already one week into July?? Summer has really been in full swing lately, especially with scorching temperatures and summer holiday celebrations. So, now it’s time to recap the season so far with a little Q & A that I concocted! Feel free to spread the fun on your page, too! Let’s get to it:

Q & A:

What is the most summer-like activity that you have done so far? I have been on many a hikes in Ohio’s wonderful Metro Parks and I’ve also gone swimming in one of the lovely lakes that they offer. That was a lot of fun, minus the sunburn!

What is the hottest that it has been in your neck of the woods? It was 96 degrees a few days ago in the A-K-Rowdy, but it had a “it feels like” temperature of 109! Gross.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Mint chocolate chip, but it has to be the green kind!!

What is your favorite beverage to cool off with? I love the Very Berry Hibiscus refreshers from Starbucks but, if we’re talking alcohol, then I love me a Moscow Mule so very, very much.

What is the perfect temperature for a summer day? I friggen HATE the heat, so I would be really happy with a day in the low 70s.

What are you still looking forward to this summer? My family’s North Carolina vacation, even though it isn’t until October. 😦 😦 😦

What would your ideal summer day look like? Sleeping in past seven o’clock, hitting up my favorite outdoor shopping mall called Crocker Park, and enjoying dinner and drinks in the air conditioning!

What is your favorite thing about summer time? My birthday! I turned 24 on June 7th and I always have loved having a summer birthday. There is nothing better than getting drinks on the patio of my favorite bar during an early summer evening to celebrate.

Does the way you eat or drink change during the summer? I would say somewhat. I definitely prefer cold teas over my normal water when it’s hot out. I also think that I enjoy lighter foods like salads and flatbreads more in the summer. Because I don’t like the heat, I’m really just looking for my food and drinks to make me feel refreshed!

What happens when you get too much sun? Pardon my French, but I burn like a motherfucker. I burn, and I burn, and I burn some more. But, now I have a secret weapon up my sleeve: Aloe Vera. That stuff is the best, and I can’t believe that I haven’t used it sooner. It literally got rid of my sunburn after applying it three times a day for TWO DAYS! So amazing!

How would you answer some of the above questions? What are some of your summer time questions for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah