Tag Archives: love

Feb18

New Slate Grey & Denim Blue Nails

Posted on February 18, 2021 by lifewithlilred

Hello! For Valentine’s Day, I just had to treat myself to a fill for my talons even though it was a bit earlier than my four week mark between appointments. I had an insanely busy week and the fact that I could get pampered at the end of it definitely helped get me through the long work days. My go to girl at Elysian Nails was unavailable, however, another of my favorite techs was able to fit me in and it was so nice to catch up. She also did a fabulous job on my claws! Check it out:

Normally, it takes me a fairly long time to pick out the perfect color combination for my nails. This time, though, I walked up to the polish station and my eyes immediately locked on a bottle of rich denim blue by OPI. I was in love and decided to go with a slate grey because of its blue undertones to enhance the beautiful blue even more. I am particularly fond of the shade of slate grey that I picked out and have used similar colors before but this one is definitely my favorite! I also love the fact that, in certain lighting, the denim blue looks black – it’s like having two different polish colors in one. 😀

I knew I was in good hands with my nail tech and we spent my entire time at the salon gabbing away about quarantine life, our favorite TV shows, and the traditions of Lunar New Year, which my tech was kind enough to teach me about. I also happened to get my fill on my favorite day at Elysian Nails: Throwback Thursday! They play the best hits of the late 90s and early 2000s all day and every time a new song would come on, we would both reminisce on how it was our jam. And apparently still is now!

Elysian Nails is, hands down, the best salon that I have ever been to. The nail techs are so incredibly talented and I enjoy getting to know each of them. The atmosphere created in the salon is not only fun with the great music and constant chit chat but I also feel safe when I go there because of their dedication to following COVID-19 regulations and then some. Whenever I go there, I not only get to be pampered like a queen but I get to see all of the techs and the owners who I am lucky enough to consider friends now. ❤

What is your nail salon like? What color of nail polish are you rocking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb16

Daily Dose Of Cuteness

Posted on February 16, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! I don’t know about you guys, but there is never a time for me when I don’t want to see pictures of someone’s pets. Dogs, cats, rabbits, lizards, fish – I don’t care what it is, I want the 411. Their names, funny stories, which rescue organization they came from, the list goes on! My life would not be the same without my family’s sweet rescue dogs, a tiny Terrier mix named Ollie and a Golden Retriever named Archie. They are both very good boys… Actually, they’re the best and here they are:

My family will always be eternally grateful to the rescue organizations, Canine Lifeline and One Of A Kind Pets, for giving us the opportunity to care for both of our boys. Ollie is our more mellow of the two, who loves napping, playing with squeaker toys, and stepping out in his finest bandanas! On the other hand, we have Archie, our rambunctious puppy who is a HUGE lover of playing, kisses, and chewing all of the things! Both of our pups have such unique personalities that are so different from each other, but they get along just fine. 🙂

In my household, we are passionate about animal rescue and are so thankful to all of the amazing organizations for their hard work that saves countless lives. Nothing makes me happier than playing tug of war with Archie or snuggling up with little Ollie while he snoozes. The connection between a pet and its owner is so therapeutic as it is such a pure form of love and I am so over the moon about both of our angels.

Ollie and Archie send a virtual tail wag your way with the hopes that their precious pics puts a smile on your face today! ❤

What kind of pets do you have? What is your favorite animal? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan31

New Hair Selfies

Posted on January 31, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! I am so in love with my new hair compliments of my brilliant stylist and Pulp Riot colors in Fireball and Blush. Saying I feel pretty in pink is a severe understatement because I have been feeling my damn self ever since I left the salon! So much so, that I just had to have a little selfie shoot to show off my new do. Check it out:

Every time I see my hair in the mirror or pictures, I am always blown away at not only the brightness of the colors in my hair but how shiny and healthy it looks too. I am so thankful to my stylist because that is not an easy feat, especially considering how much we had to bleach my hair to get the colors just right. She truly is a hair magician but I value her friendship so much more and it delights me to reminisce about how much fun we have during all of my trips to the salon.

The color is beautiful, yes, and the haircut is phenomenal too! It has so much movement and I find myself constantly running my hands through my hair in mild disbelief that it’s actually mine. You can’t rock candy colored hair without a super fun cut and the combination of the two together gives me the ultimate Hayley Williams of Paramore vibes. Actually, it gives me all of the Lil Red vibes because my new hair is one hundred and fifty million percent me. ❤

How do you rock candy colors? Are you considering doing something different to your hair? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan28

New Hair, Who Dis?

Posted on January 28, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! I have been hinting at a big change to my hair for a while now and I finally was able to see my stylist after over three months of going without. I don’t even want to talk about how bad my roots were but I do want to talk about how freaking amazing my Strawberry Shortcake inspired hair turned out! Thanks to Pulp Riot’s red in Fireball and pink in Blush, all of my candy dreams have come true and I am in absolute love. Check it out:

Don’t get me wrong, I was feeling myself with my Pulp Riot red and yellow hair but this bubblegum pink with the fiery red just hits different. I feel like a fairy princess/cartoon character/super model all in one and, let me tell you, there is nothing better! Between the bleaching process to get the yellow out and my roots lightened as well as having to redye some yellow patches where the dye didn’t stick, I was at the salon for close to six hours and it was worth every single minute and then some.

I used to pride myself on my red boxed color but after several months of having Pulp Riot dyed hair, I refuse to use anything different. The cool thing about Pulp Riot color, other than the fact that it smells like Sweet Tarts, is that the dye is the exact same color out of the bottle that it ends up as on your hair. As soon as my stylist began applying the blush and red, I already had a solid idea of what my results would be and I just couldn’t wait for the color to sit!

I have envied bright, candy colored hair for years and I am so thrilled with how my take on it turned out. My hair is exactly how I pictured it and I can’t thank my brilliant stylist enough for executing it to perfection. We already have the color to replace the pink this summer picked out but I will definitely be enjoying my Strawberry Shortcake hair to the fullest until then. Make sure you keep it posted for new hair selfies coming soon! ❤

What is your dream hair color? How do you rock candy colors on your hair or clothing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan27

At Home Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Posted on January 27, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! Valentine’s Day is, hands down, the most romantic day of the year for couples and if we weren’t in the midst of a pandemic, then I’m sure all of the restaurants and cocktail bars would be jam packed full of love birds celebrating. V-Day is going to be different this year, as staying at home is the best option for everyone right now. But, that doesn’t mean that you still can’t have a romantic evening in! Try the following for a fun and totally safe Valentine’s Day from home:

Clear the floor:

If you and your SO love to dance, then clear out a big section of floor space to create your own at home dance floor. Make a playlist with all of your favorite songs and a few ballads, of course, and dance the night away. Don’t forget to light some candles and dim the lights for an even more romantic atmosphere!

Cocktail hour:

On Valentine’s Days past, you and your partner might have enjoyed a cocktail hour at your favorite local bar. So bring the bar home! Get all of the fixings for both of your go to drinks and play bartender for each other. And don’t forget some light snacks so it doesn’t all go straight to your head! Pop on a rom com while you sip your drinks and it will be even better than being at the movie theater!

Plant some flowers:

Who needs a bouquet when you can plant some potted flowers for your house together? Pick out a packet of seeds, a beautiful terracotta pot, and soil and get your hands dirty. Watching your flowers grow together will be a sweet reminder of how your own love blossomed and you will be able to enjoy them for much longer than a bouquet that will wither within the week.

Should you not have a green thumb, a flower delivery is sure to make your partner’s day. Companies like Daily Blooms delivering flowers throughout QLD (or a similar business in your local area) will bring a stunning bouquet straight to your door. You can have it customized with your significant other’s favorite flowers and a pretty vase to display in your home. Once the bouquet begins to wither, you could even press the flowers as a keepsake of your Valentine’s Day together.

Sweet treats:

If you and your partner both have a sweet tooth, then try your hands at making and decorating some delicious desserts. From cookies and chocolates to cake, cupcakes, cake pops, and chocolate covered fruit, you will have plenty of options to pick from. Or, if you want to make a day of it, you can bake a little bit of everything! So sweet and so fun too. 🙂

Dinner dress up:

After you’re done preparing dinner or waiting for your take out to arrive, head to your closet and you can both style an outfit for each other to wear during the meal. This will be really fun if you two have an eye for fashion and you will each get to see what your partner thinks you look best in. And, yes, sweat pants and pajamas are both viable options!

In my opinion, creating your own special memories at home seems even more intimate and romantic than a dinner out. Who needs a traditional Valentine’s Day, anyways? ❤

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? What is your favorite V-Day memory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan19

New Hot & Light Pink Nails

Posted on January 19, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! I live for my monthly nail appointments as they get me out of the house for an hour or so in a place that I feel safe. I was especially looking forward to this past appointment because the last time I got my nails done, one of the new techs at Elysian Nails did my fill and I enjoyed her company so much! I requested to have her do my nails again this time around because she did such a great job and she was really easy and fun to talk to. I am just as impressed this time around and I love how my nails turned out:

Normally, I have a good idea of what colors I want my nails to be painted before I go to the salon but I legit had no clue this time. I spent a good amount of time at the nail polish wall selecting one color, deciding against it, and putting it back. My eyes finally locked on the punchy hot pink and I decided that I could work with it because it would be a pretty pop of color against the gloomy weather outside. Once I knew I was going with the hot pink, I thought that a pale seashell pink would balance things out nicely and went for it.

At first I wasn’t too sure about this color combination but, after a few hours, it grew on me and I really like it! It’s Valentine’s Day appropriate without being an overly themed palette and, although darker colors will always have my heart, it’s nice to explore a totally different shade like pink. I can’t tell you guys how I’m getting my hair done yet, as it’s a surprise but these nails are also going to look amazing with my new do… Just wait for it!

I love going to Elysian Nails because not only did my nails turn out beautifully but whenever I leave the salon, I feel nothing short of a million bucks. I love being able to socialize with the wonderful techs there and the owners have been amazing at helping everyone feel safe with the proper precautions and then some. In fact, as soon as I leave, I’m already itching to go back. ❤

What color of nail polish are you wearing? Which colors should I get my nails done next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan13

Holiday Haul: Gift To Myself Edition

Posted on January 13, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! It would not be the holiday season without purchasing a little post Christmas prezzie for myself so, armed with gift cards to TJMaxx so generously gifted to me, I began to online shop. Well… I actually wouldn’t call this “shopping” because, for once, I knew exactly what I wanted when I went on TJ’s website instead of searching for what I didn’t know I needed.

I have had my eye on a beautiful skull adorned cashmere sweater by 360 Cashmere for the past several months now but it was too expensive for me to justify buying it. Then, as a Christmas miracle, it got marked down and I said “I think I can swing that”! My new sweater is totally me and I am so happy with my purchase. Merry late Christmas to myself! Check it out:

The first time I saw this sweater all of those months ago, I fell in love. I absolutely adore skull prints on clothing, which just goes to show that some people never outgrow their emo phase lol. I have also never owned anything cashmere before and the mere idea of wearing it felt luxurious. I was so eager to finally try this sweater on and I felt just as posh and cozy as I imagined – if not MORE!

My skull sweater is as soft as puppy fur and it doesn’t feel too hot, either, which is something that I was worried about. The oversized shape also allows the fabric to breathe for maximum comfort. Despite loving the style of slouchy sweaters, I actually can’t say that I own one and not for lack of trying. I have never found one that was just right until now, I suppose. 🙂

From the charcoal grey palette to a V neck line that isn’t plunging and my favorite pattern, this sweater checks all of my boxes. I can’t wait to wear it with jet black super skinny jeans and tall boots but I can also picture myself pairing it with a long skirt, similar to my OOTD this past Christmas. Now, if only things were safe so I could break this bad boy out for a game night with Johnny and our friends.

My holiday haul ended with a special gift from me to me and I know that I will get great use of it. I’m also proud of myself for waiting for my sweater to get marked down because it showed self restraint that I didn’t know I was capable of, haha!

Did you treat yourself to anything this past holiday season? What is your favorite gift that you received in your holiday haul? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan8

Holiday Haul: Second Family Edition

Posted on January 8, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello and welcome to the final Holiday Haul post from this past Christmas! I am so in love with everything that I received and I am already putting all of my gifts to great use. I have had such fun finding special homes for my presents, testing out products, and basically living in my new robe and slippers when I am at my apartment! This Christmas was a bright light at the end of the tunnel of an awful year and I look back on it fondly. I also can’t help but smile every time I see these sweet gifts from those who I consider my “second family”. Check it out:

In case you can’t tell, Johnny and I are HUGE fans of the Harry Potter books and movies so we just feel spoiled rotten with these gifts. Like Johnny’s parents, my second family had the thoughtful idea to gift us with ornaments for our tree next year and I am so happy with how our collection is already shaping up. Johnny and I are both particularly fond of the one with Harry on his broom. His lil face and scar are just so cute!

During this pandemic, I have enjoyed working on puzzles at my parent’s house and with all of my clients. Unfortunately, Johnny and I just have no space in our apartment to work on a puzzle so I can’t wait until we move somewhere bigger. One of my first orders of business will be placing a small table in the game room we would like to set up so I can get my puzzle on. I think I will start with the one I was gifted with this Christmas first. 🙂

The piece de resistance of this haul was definitely the Hagrid’s Hut LEGO set. Johnny and I made quick work of it the day after I brought these presents home and it turned out SO cool. We haven’t gotten a new Harry Potter LEGO set in forever and Hagrid’s Hut has been on my list for quite some time as I would like to expand the Hogwarts grounds. Johnny and I are planning on getting the Quidditch Pitch, the Whomping Willow, and the Divination Tower sets throughout this year to keep growing our LEGO world. For pics of the completed Hagrid’s Hut set, be sure to tune in tomorrow!

My second family knows me like the back of their hands and Johnny and I could not be more thankful for these amazing Harry Potter themed gifts! I can’t wait to celebrate Christmas more traditionally with them next year and feel so grateful to have such wonderful friends looking out for me. ❤

Have you built a LEGO set recently? Which one? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan6

Holiday Haul: Boyfriend’s Family Edition

Posted on January 6, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Holiday Haul: Boyfriend’s Family Edition

Hello! The day after Christmas, Johnny and I visited his parents and it was so nice. Due to COVID, I have not seen them in forever and I was really happy to safely spend time with them. We opened gifts, caught up, and watched National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation as per their family tradition. I feel lucky that this was my second viewing with them and I can’t wait for many more. Johnny and I were gifted with such beautiful presents and I am so tickled that they even got me a stocking for their mantel! Check it out:

^^^ The adorable “Our First Pandemic” ornament is from Johnny! 🙂

I love all of the gifts from Johnny’s parents so much and I love that many of them are from local businesses in our area even more. The unique earrings came from a local boutique as well as the bar soap and delicious smelling Gingerbread Caramel lotion, which was from Hope Soap. They have a store in downtown Cuyahoga Falls and I have always wanted to check it out so I’m really eager to try their products. And, don’t even get me started on the popcorn from Amaize because it is the BEST. Johnny and I were gifted with a huge sampler of their different flavors last year on our birthdays and we made very quick work of it!

Johnny’s parents also gave us several different ornaments, which was so thoughtful because despite not having a Christmas tree in our apartment this year, we will definitely want one for next Christmas when we are in a bigger place. It will be so much fun to collect ornaments for our own tree and we already have a nice start! I particularly love the middle ornament in the picture above – it is so pretty. 🙂

Being able to spend time with Johnny’s family was the best gift of all. I miss them so and I can’t wait until things are significantly less crazy so we can see them more often. ❤

Do you have an ornament collection? What is your favorite ornament or holiday decoration? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan5

Holiday Haul: Sister & Family Edition

Posted on January 5, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! My sister, Kristen, her SO, Ramon, and sweet daughter, Valerie, are my best friends and I love being their fourth wheel more than anything. Being able to share so many holidays with Kristen and Ramon and now their daughter is always going to be special to me and this past Christmas was no exception. Miss Val made out like an adorable little bandit this Christmas and she was even able to unwrap some of her own gifts this year! Her “TT” had quite the haul herself, though, and I am so excited about the gifts I received from Val and her amazing parents. Check it out:

Kristen texted me earlier in December asking me what I would like for Christmas and I told her that some new face masks to try out would be much appreciated. She took this idea and ran with it, gifting me two face masks by Formula 10.0.6. I am eager to test both masks out – particularly the self-warming clay mask. I used to get a self-warming mask from The Body Shop back in the day and it was one of my favorites. Speaking of favorites, I also got an awesome GUDETAMA lip balm and he is my favorite, lazy egg in the whole world. Don’t believe me? Check out my Facebook posts where I am constantly replying to people with Gudetama themed stickers! 😀

When my sister texted me, I didn’t tell her that I would really like a new pair of Express leggings too but she knows me well enough to have gotten me a pair, anyways. Kristen gifted me with leggings from Express last year and they are simply the best. I am so happy to have another pair because I wear my old ones literally all the time and, although they are still in great condition, it will be nice to have the option to alternate.

Pre-COVID, going to my favorite bars with Johnny and Kristen was always a treat and nine times out of ten, you could catch me drinking a Moscow Mule. I love them! And, with new copper mugs from Kristen and her fam, I’ll be able to make them at home with my go to recipe and not have to put them in coffee mugs like usual, lol. Great success!

Now, you might be wondering why in the heck Kristen gave the game of Guess Who? to me and Johnny and I’ll tell you why. A few months ago, we were all at chez parents and Kristen happened to bring her copy of the game over. We had many rousing rounds with my brother, Andrew, and it was a hoot. I also love the much more culturally diverse update of Guess Who? too! I think Johnny and I will get a kick out of playing it when we are stuck in the doldrums of feeling like there is “nothing” to do. 🙂

Kristen and her family were so generous this Christmas and I really am touched because these gifts are absolutely perfect for me. My sister knows me like the back of her hand and knew that the majority of what she gave me were things that I would like but never buy for myself and that, in itself, is the best gift of all. ❤

Which store has the best leggings? How do you make drinks from the bar at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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