Tag Archives: lifewithlilred

Jun28

Movie Maven: A Lil Red Guide To Film Festival Etiquette

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Movie Maven: A Lil Red Guide To Film Festival Etiquette

Hello everyone and happy Hump Day! Summer brings about a variety of activities that some people spend the whole year looking forward to. Vacations, concerts, baseball games, and film festivals. I am sure that most of you already know that I am an avid movie lover. Of course, my favorite genre is horror by far but I love it all. Psychological thrillers, foreign films, comedies, rom-coms, the occasional Western, action, documentaries – you name it. The world of film is an all inclusive, creative, free for all with something for everyone, which is what makes it so beautiful.

Asking me about my favorite films always results in a five minute babble of my “I could watch this every day and not get bored” flicks. Every movie that you watch has the potential to become your new favorite and that’s what makes going out to the cinema, renting from the RedBox, and attending film festivals so exciting. You are twenty minutes in previews away with entering a new world for an hour or two. And even if the flick was the worst thing ever, you still got to eat popcorn and candy for the duration of the film. It’s a win/win for everyone.

A night at the movies is fun – but could you imagine a day at a film festival? A day devoted entirely to the up and coming films for the year? Talk about heaven! And another cool part about attending a film festival? The traveling! July 19th through the 22nd is the Anthem Film Festival in Las Vegas. And the movies that are seen in Vegas are sure to not stay there for long! Be sure to check out Vegas.com for the best hotel and flight packages for your stay and then let’s talk some film festival pro tips:

Be A Social Butterfly!

You already have one thing in common with literally every single person at the festival – a love for film. This sounds like the perfect icebreaker to me! Chat it up with anyone and everyone after the credits have rolled because you never know who you’re going to meet. From directors and actors to behind the scenes workers and industry professionals, a film festival is the best place to network if you are interested in any aspect of the vast world of cinema. Get your business cards ready and spread your wings, you beautiful and capable butterfly.

Dress To Impress:

You know how I said that you never know who you’re going to meet at a film festival? If not, let me repeat it: YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU’RE GOING TO MEET AT A FILM FESTIVAL!!! Dressing to impress is absolutely crucial for this reason. During the day, you can get away with a comfy cool look – an oversized button down, skinny jeans, and ankle booties are a great start. And don’t forget to bring a cardi for those chilly showing rooms!

The evening is a different story, though. Let your night time look transform you just as if you were walking the red carpet at a major premiere (Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the point!). Wear your best LBD and a killer pair of heels and then top it off with a bold red lip and a bejeweled clutch. And remember, it’s all about confidence and class with a heaping helping of personality when you’re strutting your stuff in your evening attire, honey.

Take Notes:

Having a notepad and a pen on you is a must. Keeping track of the films that you saw during your whirlwind of a day is vastly important when it comes to networking and the post film Q & A sessions. Write down your likes and dislikes, questions that you had throughout the screening, and important themes that you picked up on during the movie. All of your thoughts will make excellent conversation starters at the refreshment stand or while hanging around for the next film to start. Not only that, but surely you will want to remember such an exciting day, anyways, and jotting down notes throughout your experience is a great way to keep your memories fresh.

Tearjerker Tissues:

Alright, let’s get one thing straight: Literally no one wants to hear you with the sniffles after ugly crying when the handsome lead bites the dust, Linda. Do us all a favor and bring a travel tissue packet. THANKS!! (This goes for everyone – not just Linda!!)

A Good Attitude:

Are you going to love every film that you see? No. But raving negativity after the film ends is certainly frowned upon in such an esteemed setting. Differing opinions are fine, but voice your love or distaste appropriately. The movie that you hated could be the favorite film of the person sitting beside you. An appreciation for film in general and the time, money, and talent that’s involved in that world goes a long way during your chats in line at the ladies, the refreshment booth, or the post film Q & A. Remember that you’re in a professional environment and showing respect is always going to be a do as you go about your day at the festival.
If you’ve never attended a film festival before, the Anthem Film Festival in Las Vegas is a great place to start! What are your film festival do’s and don’ts? What are a few of your favorite flicks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Featured Image By: JoeyBLS Photography
Jun27

Bath Bomb Blitz

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Bath Bomb Blitz

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday. Okay, so Lil Red Fun Fact: Before Saturday, I never have used a bath bomb. “But Sarah, how is that possible,” you might ask? Because nowhere near me sells them, that’s why!! The closest Lush to yours truly is about 45 minutes away and I’m not going to drive all the way out there for some bath products. But, believe me ladies, I see you with your bath bomb posts and I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that I was jealous AF. That’s why I was SO excited when TJMaxx had bath bombs available in their beauty section like THIS ONE:

As you all know, I am obsessed with all things charcoal. Body washes, facial cleansers, scrubs, masks, I love it all. I don’t have “problem” skin, which is what most people associate charcoal products with. BUT feeling squeaky clean is really important to me as a beauty enthusiast and a pretty hardcore germophobe, and nothing makes me feel that way quite like charcoal goodies. That’s why I was really excited when I saw this here charcoal bath bomb by Aromafields because I didn’t even know that that was a thing! But everything is a thing so I guess a charcoal infused bath bomb isn’t as crazy as it sounds!! Okay, whatever, I know I’m rambling so just look at the water, will ya?

#allblackeverything

Okay, if you’re not a long term emo kid like myself, you might be slightly disturbed by my pitch black bath water. But, rest assured, I had the time of my life. Splish splash, Lil Red was taking a bath and it was AMAZING. The water smelled minty cool and easing myself into a tub filled to the brim with black water is the stuff straight out of my emo fantasies. So, yeah, this bath bomb was totes worth the four buck price tag.

Literal tiny beads of charcoal floated in the water that you could scoop up with your hands and rub on your skin. It was seriously like having a face mask for your whole body. My skin felt tingly and cleansed. AND taking a soak in my bathtub filled with black water that looked like the perfect setting for an AFI music video was simply magical, to say the least. :*)

My ONLY complaint about this Aromafields bath bomb was that it was a real pain in my kiester to clean up once the water drained. There was a charcoal film covering the entire bath tub that I legit had to scrub to remove. It wasn’t a “let me wipe the tub really quick” affair but more like a “I need elbow grease that only a carnival strong man can provide” to remove this stain. Your girl put in work, honey. And a word to the wise is to use a towel that you aren’t fond of while cleaning your tub because mine looked like I took it to the underside of my WHIP when I was through. And something tells me that the belly of the Little Red Love Machine would STILL have given me a cleaner towel than the bath bomb residue did. SMH!!!!

This was my first bath bomb experience, so I have nothing else to base my judgements off of, but I really enjoyed myself! I’m excited to try the chocolate scented bath bomb as seen in my featured image photo next and will be sure to let all of you know how it goes! Where do you get your bath bombs from? Is Lush worth the hype? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun26

Monday Update: TJMaxx Haul Edition

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Monday Update: TJMaxx Haul Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday!! I hope that everyone had a super fun and fabulous weekend! So these past few days, I was a little naughty and went way too hard at TJMaxx. As you guys know, that store is my number one fave. It seems like I never fail to find something that I love there. Whether it be new shoes, beauty products, clothes, or purses, TJ’s always treats me just right! This week, we’ll take an in depth look at my haul (Because, believe me, there’s a lot!) starting with this sassy little skirt that I got for a whole EIGHT DOLLARS. Check it out:

skirtskirt1

This fun jean skirt is Buffalo by David Bitton brand and the original price tag had it marked at seventy dollars. And once again, I GOT IT FOR EIGHT! I’ve been on the hunt for a cute jean dress or skirt for a while now but have never found anything that spoke to me on a spiritual level. This skirt is flattering, flirty, and totally fabulous and my only regret is that I didn’t find it sooner.

I love that this dark denim skirt features a zipper down the front instead of the normal buttons that have been littering the stores lately. The fit and flare shape is just right in providing a curve hugging silhouette while still offering a light touch of girly sweetness from the flared bottom. The golden stitching throughout the skirt also adds some extra pizzazz, which makes this little number feel fresh out of the 70’s. Freaking obsessed.

There is nothing better than purchasing a darling new piece to add to your wardrobe for under ten dollars. And knowing that I saved sixty-two smackers on this skirt makes the find even sweeter. I can’t wait to pair this high waisted number with crop tops, tucked in button downs, and a jean jacket for a sassy update on the Denim Tuxedo. And, of course, platform heels with this retro baby is a must!

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: TJMaxx Haul Edition! Spend your week here at lifewithlilred while I talk beauty and fashion compliments of my favorite store! Who else is totally TJ’s obsessed? What is your favorite store to shop at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun25

New Tarte Lip Paint

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New Tarte Lip Paint

Hiii everyone and happy Sunday! For my birthday, I got a free Tarte blush and mini lip paint from Sephora for my birthday and I am obsessed. Both shades are simply gorgeous and I love using each of them. But that lip paint? It is something else, I tell ya! That stuff doesn’t budge. It is seriously the best food proof, kiss proof, fool proof lip product that I have ever used. Don’t get me wrong, the blushy nude shade that I got for my birthday is to die for but getting it in red was a necessity at this point.

Despite not being the biggest makeup girl in the world, I went to Sephora yesterday and was so happy to get the last tube available in the Tarte lip paint that I wanted. Although I hate the name of the color, “Bae”, it really is pretty. Take a look and see for yourself:

sephora1sephora2sephora3

❤ ❤ ❤

What I love about this shade, is that it is a pure red. With my skin tone, hair, and personal style, the true reds are the only shades that I feel “work” for me. Reds with orange-y tones look clown-like on me and the deeper, more ox-blood reds look super goth girl on me. Neither of which are the look that I’m going for! No, I just want a simple and elegant red lip.

I have many beautiful variations of a true red lippie in plenty of reputable brands – NYX, Loreal, and Urban Decay. So, obviously, this latest purchase wasn’t something that I truly needed. But, my god, I really wanted it. To have a lipstick that you literally don’t have to worry about reapplying is a godsend for any lippie lover. Having just that little taste of what could be with my birthday freebie gave me an insatiable craving for more and I am insanely happy with my purchase.

I went out to lunch with my sister and her boyfriend while wearing my birthday shade and after finishing a big meal, my sister asked me if I reapplied my lippie. Nope, it just literally didn’t move the entire time I was stuffing my face. That’s how you know you have an effective lipstick, darling!

So there you have it, my New Tarte Lip Paint! What is your favorite makeup brand to shop at Sephora? Who else is obsessed with Tarte? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun24

Have Some Pictures!

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Have Some Pictures!

Hi everyone and happy weekend!! So at the AFI concert, amidst taking pictures and videos, the worst thing possible happened. The “Cannot take photo. Storage is full.” or whatever message popped up. It sucked. To avoid this unfortunate happenstance again during my next picture taking event, I guess it’s time to start deleting unneeded pictures from my iPod. But, damnit, I need them all! What I don’t need, however, IS AN APP FOR THE STOCK MARKET!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyways, here’s some mirror pics of yours truly because I was really feeling my outfit those days:

mee1mee2

#feelingmyself (lol)

The above image was a summer fun ensemble while the bottom was a business cashe work attire get up. Normally, I’m not one for the mirror pics, but on those given occasions it just had to happen! AYYY!

How do you manage your iPod/Phone storage space? What are your plans this weekend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun23

Adulting Essentials

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Adulting Essentials
Hello everyone and TGIF! I hope all of you are having a fabulous day so far and have a bright and exciting weekend to look forward to. If there’s one thing that I know as a twenty-something, it’s that I constantly feel under-prepared. Everything up until the late teens and early twenties was great, right? A la-di-da world where the only thing that you needed to worry about was what to wear to school and your hours at your weekend job. Fast forward to the ripe age of 23. Freshly graduated from college, moving out of your dorm to your own apartment, and (sort of) ready to take on the world. This is basically what your teenage self has been dreaming about since forever. So why does it feel so stressful?!

The life of a twenty-something is a bumbling and haphazard mess 90% of the time. Job hunting, grad school, moving out of chez mom and dad. You’re stretched thin in all directions and all you want is some literal direction in your so called life. As the baby of the family, I’ve watched three older siblings do the growing up thing. And now, as the 23 year old baby of the family, I guess I have to do the whole growing up thing myself. Gross.

So what comes with growing up? A big girl job, your own place, squeezing some time in for fun between binge eating or binge studying – that all sounds about right. For a big girl job you’re armed with your education or experience. For having some fun, you have your high school or college BFFs to schedule a GNO with. But your own place? A place that you need to pay rent for, furnish, AND do your own laundry in? Well, you’re gonna need a few things:

1) Stationary: From calendars and notebooks to highlighters, agendas, fountain pens, and business cards, stationary supplies are a total must. You know how the life of a twenty-something is a bumbling, haphazard mess 90% of the time? That, my dear readers, is what the planner is for. The calendar, the to do list, the agenda – whatever you call it, is a twenty-something essential. Doctors appointments? Job interview? Date night with the SO? Drinks with the girls? Yeah, there’s a planner for that. Hang your calendar with pride wherever you can see it and take a stab at sitting down with a glass of wine and organizing your week. You will be amazed at how your days will open up once you begin utilizing the free space that you have in between work till four and cardio at 7 on Monday and Wednesday.

2) The Perfect Mattress: The first thing that my sister did when she moved into her own apartment was buy herself a queen sized bed. Okay, girl. I see you. Now, I don’t usually say this, but she had the right idea. There is nothing better than tucking into bed with a good book and Enya on your iPod after a long day. Get comfy cozy in your boyfriend’s shirt, throw on an overnight face mask, and snuggle up on your new mattress compliments of Casper. Breathable, lush, plush, springy, and supportive, you’ll be traveling to the land of nod in no time as soon as you get curled up on the mattress of your dreams. Just make sure to put mattress shopping with Casper on your to do list before dozing off tonight! 😉

3) Business Casual Wardrobe: This isn’t necessarily an apartment essential as much as it is a life essential. I think that it is so important for twenty-somethings to begin investing in business casual wardrobe staples. Whether your ideal job setting is laid back or totally formal, you still need something to wear to the interview, right? Start supplying your closet with sharp, chic pieces that scream “boss lady” as soon as you walk in the door. I’m talking pencil skirts, crisp button downs, trench coats, blazers, cardigans, and a smart pair of trousers.

When I began shopping for my job with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (which is about as business cashe as it gets), I gradually began making an effort to instill a more professional feel into my wardrobe. I hit up stores like Loft and Express for clothes that were unquestionably cute, but still looked put together and work place appropriate. Look for simple, well tailored pieces and let your accessories or a funky patterned cardi showcase your personality. There is no rule stating that business casual means boring!

4) Culinary Cool: One of the things that comes with moving out is not having a delicious meal prepped for you every day by the rents. I, personally, am a firm believer that everyone should have a basic understanding of cooking and finding your way around a kitchen. Unfortunately, not everyone shares this mindset with me, so cooking on your own might be a rude awakening to burnt pizzas or blowing a fortune on takeout every night.

BUT IT’S OKAY!! I promise. I absolutely love cooking and baking and my golden rule is that if you can read, you can cook. Go to the library or bookstore, snag some cook books (even if it is Making Eggs For Dummies!), and practice. Hit up your local Aldi’s or Save A Lot for ingredients, follow the directions, and you’ll have a meal that you made all by yourself in no time. I swear that it is not as daunting as it might seem and, within time, you might find yourself actually enjoying your meal preparations in your kitchen.

But, of course, you can’t cook without the proper tools. You don’t need to go overboard, but do invest in some quality but not too costly gear to help you out. Spatulas, measuring spoons and cups, mixing bowls, and a sheet pan for your pizza rolls will go a long way. And, like any well stocked arsenal, it doesn’t become that way over night. Pick up odds and ends for your kitchen every so often when you’re out and about and you’ll have all of the necessities before you know it.

5) TREAT YOSELF: Adulting can sometimes really suck. Like a lot. Believe me, I get it. Full time job, college, bills? It’s like a whirlwind of misery. That is why I am all about incorporating a TREAT YOSELF attitude into my adult lifestyle. Seriously. Get out, have some fun, and let the destressing begin. This can range from going out to get your nails done after a long week in the office to buying that sassy dress from Target because it hugged your curves in all of the right places. Do things that make you feel good (within reason). Buy things that make you feel good (within your budget), and you’ll find yourself breezing through adulthood like the boss lady that you are. YOU GO, GIRL!
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Adulting can be unquestionably overwhelming, but you’ll be just fine with the right Essentials! What are your adulting must haves? How do you destress after a long day of being a grown up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Featured Image By: ZootScoop
Jun17

Vlogger Spotlight

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Vlogger Spotlight

Hi everyone and happy Saturday! So yesterday I mentioned that lifewithlilred is a platform for all voices, which is why I thought that there was no greater time than the present to talk about my darling friend, Matthew. I admire YouTubers so much because I am such a word girl that I could never picture myself making videos and really putting myself out there. That’s why when Matthew of the YouTube channel Casually Matthew hit me up about possibly being on my page, I couldn’t say no.

Matthew sent me over a video that he worked very hard on and is particularly proud of about how to create a minimalist wardrobe. And, like I said, anything video related impresses me so, of course, I was more than willing to share his video on my page! Take a look:

Thanks again to Matthew for not being shy and getting in touch! It’s always nice to gain new friends in the blogging/vlogging world! Do you prefer written words or videos? What is your advice for people just starting out in the vlogging world? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun16

Exciting News!!

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Exciting News!!

Helloooo everyone and TGIF! So earlier this week, I got contacted by one of my former teachers inquiring about a consultation with yours truly for her humor based memoir. We had our first meeting today and it went absolutely swimmingly. I will be helping her out as far as editing/prompting/and adding on goes and it’s such a joy to learn more about someone who I considered one of my “favorites” in high school.

Because lifewithlilred is a platform for all voices, not just mine, some excerpts from her short stories will be featured on my page for your viewing pleasure. Feedback is an important part of the writing process, so it only makes sense to showcase her work to my darling readers so we can hear all of your thoughts! I am SO excited for what promises to be a fantastic partnership and am looking forward to sharing some of the works in progress with all of you! ❤

Who else has some exciting news to share? What are you up to this weekend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun12

Monday Update: HELLLLP Edition

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Monday Update: HELLLLP Edition

Hellooooooooooooooo everyone and happy Monday! I hope that everyone had a super fabulous weekend! Okay, so I’m gonna keep it real with you guys: I NEED HELP. I am really trying to get more likes on lifewithlilred’s Facebook page and I would be so incredibly happy and thankful if all of you could click the like button! And, of course, I’ll help you right back. If you have a Facebook page for your blog, comment me the link and I’ll send a like your way. If not, I’ll follow your blog, instead!

I promise you all that I don’t spam my Facebook page with constant posts, either. In fact, I got a notification from Facebook today saying that I wasn’t posting enough! So click that like button, leave me a comment saying if you want me to like your FB page or follow your blog, and I will happily oblige! Much love. -Sarah

THANKS!!!!!!!!! ❤

^^^ #obnoxious

Jun7

Happy 23rd Birthday To Me!

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Happy 23rd Birthday To Me!

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day but more importantly – HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!! Today is my 23rd birthday, and I’m going to be honest with you: I am so not excited about it. Guyyyys. I feel old. *Let the eye rolling commence*. But seriously, 22 was a good year and I’m not happy about it being over. 23? Oy. That’s half way to 25, which is half way to 30, which makes my heart hurt to think about!

Do I sound like I’m complaining? I swear – it’s not just me! I’ve heard this thought process from SO many of my friends who were super stoked on 21 and 22 and then had the proceeding birthdays feel totally lackluster. So there. BUT, despite not being thrilled about adding another year under my belt, I do love birthdays! Wait…what?

Lol, yeah I love birthdays. The presents, the dinners and drinks out with friends, the overflow of birthday well wishes on Facebook. I love it all! It’s just the aging part that I freaking despise! Honestly, I’m one of those people who celebrate for the entire month and starts saying “it’s my birthday” a week or so before my actual birthday. But, come on. Who doesn’t love having the attention on them from family and friends? And, this year, I really need to embrace the fun side of birthdays to keep me from feeling down about turning the big 2-3. Smh.

So, Happy 23rd Birthday To Me – I guess. -__- I look forward to telling all of you about my birthday celebrations as the month goes on! How did you celebrate your last birthday? What is one of your favorite birthday memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah