Tag Archives: love

Jun24

Crystal Collection

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Crystal Collection

Hi! When moving into my new apartment, my family and the families of the clients that I work with were so generous in the different ways that they helped. From moving furniture, helping me select apartment necessities, and words of encouragement, my move was definitely a group effort. And, some donations of goods that were no longer needed to the Lil Red Foundation certainly helped, too!

While a client’s family was cleaning through their garage, they offered me all of the crystal glassware that I will ever need. From wine glasses to mugs and drinking cups as well as the gorgeous pieces below, I think that I am all set! Check it out:

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I love my job so much because I have become extremely close with quite a few of the families that I work with. And, being considered part of the family as opposed to the provider for their son or daughter with special needs is an honor that I don’t take lightly. Because of this family mindset that has formed thanks to the over year and a half that I have been working with some of them, an eagerness to help out from my families was displayed.

Of course, their services were something that I would never ask for but were insisted upon me and that kindness meant so much. I am so in love with all of the pieces in my crystal collection but, mainly, am enamored with the huge punch bowl with hanging glasses! I am so excited to create some type of tasty sangria to fill it with and serve at my next get together. The bowl set feels vintage and oh so chic and I am really looking forward to using it.

And, the set of four chunky crystal pieces are beautiful, too. And, once I get the lovely pair of curio cabinets that one of my client’s families was going to tote off to the Goodwill, I will be displaying them on one of the shelves. Can’t wait!

Do you have a crystal or China collection? How do you store or display your glassware? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun23

How To Get Flawless Skin For Summer In Under Ten Minutes

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How To Get Flawless Skin For Summer In Under Ten Minutes

Hello everyone and welcome to a very special guest blog from one of my dearest blogging friends, Carlie, over at Bombshell. Carlie is a pinup queen, artist, and makeup extraordinaire and is here to chat with you today about achieving flawless summer skin. Be sure to check out her page for more good stuff and give it some love. Thanks a million, Carlie! ❤

How To Get Flawless Skin For Summer In Under Ten Minutes

I’m writing this post as yet another collaboration with my girl Sarah AKA Lil Red. If you haven’t seen our past collabs, definitely type in her name into my search bar and check us out. For my new subscribers who may not know this, she was the first girl I met when I started Bombshell and we’ve been great girlfriends since then. And, by the way Sarah, we must Skype again soon so we can plan you coming to visit me. hehe. (YES!!! xoxo LR)

Anyways, Sarah likes getting other bloggers to collab with her for certain topics. For example, this article I’m writing for her and I is about SUMMER, whether it’s makeup tips, the best places to go to the beach, travel, etc. which I think is a great idea and I think I’m going to be doing that more on my sites, too.

My summer topic is how to get flawless skin for summer super quickly. For this, you will need your favorite powder foundations, a Kabuki Brush, a cream concealer, possibly a brightening powder, and a waterproof setting powder. No setting spray this time. I’ll be taking you step by step along with my product recommendations for this look.

OH! ONE MORE THING, this quick way of having flawless skin isn’t only for summer. When I travel and want to do site seeing, I don’t usually want to fuss with wetting a beauty blender and applying liquid foundation and then having to set it before it creases. I save my higher end full face makeup looks for special occasions, like if I have dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant or a night on the town with my hubby.

Okay, here we go:

First step: Is to have your face washed and toned (duh) and apply a nice moisturizer that isn’t too thick and is for the day time.

Second step: Take your kabuki brush and your loose powder foundation. I love Bare Minerals loose original powder, from when Bare Minerals first launched, or their loose Matte Bare Minerals foundation powder. For my Kabuki Brush, my favorite one is also from Bare Minerals but feel free to use whatever one you want. You can find them everywhere. I just like the Bare Minerals one because it holds the powder really well because of its shape so you don’t have to use very much product.

Open the lid to your loose foundation powder, pour a little into the lid, take your kabuki brush and swirl the product onto the brush. Tap any excess and swirl and buff the powder onto your face all over. (Another reason why I like Bare Minerals, especially for summer, is because it has sunscreen in it. So, it keeps your face safe and flawless at the same time!)

Third Step: Take your concealer and touch up any imperfections, like pimples or dark circles by dotting it right on. For this, I recommend Studio Fix Concealer by MAC. After you finish concealing, take your compact or powder puff with the powder foundation and press it into the areas where you applied the concealer. Make sure not to smear the concealer.

You can use your loose foundation powder for more coverage and I recommend Studio Fix Powder Foundation Compact from MAC. After you set the concealer, take your kabuki brush and blend in a tiny bit more of your foundation powder so everything looks seamless. (That’s one of the great benefits of powder foundation, even if you mess up or have to retouch during the day, it’s so much easier than having to remove half of your face or dig through your tote for liquid foundation or setting powder.)

Now, you are done making your skin look flawless for summer! I don’t recommend setting spray with the powders because if you do need to reapply throughout the day, the areas you sprayed can leave creases and that is so not flawless!

Here are some additional tips and tricks that you can add to this routine but it’s optional. If your eyes still have dark circles underneath after you’ve already applied your concealer and powder, you can use a brightening powder for under your eyes. My go to is the “Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes,” by Laura Mercier. Also, if you plan on going swimming and want to make sure your easy flawless skin look will last, I recommend the Urban Decay “All Nighter” waterproof setting powder.

Hope you all enjoyed these tips, tricks, and short routine on how to get flawless summer skin in under ten minutes. xoxo Carlie

How do you achieve flawless summer skin? Which products do you swear by? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun20

(Late!) Father’s Day Story

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(Late!) Father’s Day Story

Hi everyone! I want to extend the happiest of late Father’s Day greetings to all of the daddios that celebrated such a special day. I also felt so inclined to share with you my Father’s Day gift purchase for my dad as well as a story about what makes mine the best of the best from when we enjoyed a family lunch this past Saturday. First, take a look at the hilarity that I got him for his beautiful garden:

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Not only does my dad have five hundred green thumbs, but he also has a fantastic collection of outdoor decor to add even more charm to his handiwork. You can only have so much of anything, though, and my dad put the kebash on anyone getting him more garden gnomes.

So, to solve the problem, I got him a surefire way to keep the gnomes at bay with the new garden statue seen above. Is it a T-Rex? Godzilla? Or something the world doesn’t even know about yet? I don’t know. BUT, this statue entitled “The Massacre” was a hit for my dad and everyone else in the family. My dad said that “only Sarah would find something like this” but I’ll give you all a hint: I got in on Amazon!

As I’ve said hundreds of times on my blog, my dad really is amazing. And, I was reminded of that when we went out to lunch at First Watch last Saturday. As we waited for our table, an older man gestured for his wife to look at me in all of my tattooed glory and she then proceeded to mean mug the ever living shit out of me. I didn’t know anything was even happening until my dad made a broad gesture and loudly exclaimed “Wow, Sarah, she’s checking you out!”

I was so tickled by this encounter because my dad HATES my tattoos. He’s constantly asking for me to stop getting them and to get laser surgery, lol. But, he hated his daughter getting treated like a member of the freak show at a carnival even more. I didn’t notice the interaction between this couple and, even if I did, I’m used to it. So, it was really touching to know that my dad is literally always looking out for me even when I don’t know it. And, although he might not agree with all of my choices, he still supports and protects me no matter what. #myhero #daddysgirl

How did you celebrate Father’s Day? How does your dad look out for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun4

Lil Red Loves: Ma Edition

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Lil Red Loves: Ma Edition

Helloo! This past week, I took one of my clients to see Ma. She is my scary movie girl and we always go to the latest showings together at the theaters. It’s a blast! Ever since seeing the trailer for Ma for the past few months, we have been looking forward to going. And, it definitely didn’t disappoint. We both left the theater speechless aside from agreeing that we both loved it.

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to this video.

Boasting an all star cast of Octavia Spencer, Juliette Lewis, Allison Janney, and Missi Pyle along with the main young actors who all did a bang up job, Ma was filled with shockers from start to finish. Ma tells the story of a lonely middle aged woman with a traumatic past who finds her niche with a group of teens after buying them booze at a convenience store. But, what originally seems innocent enough takes a dark turn into obsession really quickly.

Is Ma just on the hunt for friends or on the trail for revenge? Full of jaw dropping horror gags and a shocking, heartbreaking grand reveal, Ma is definitely worth the watch. It wasn’t so much blood and guts horror as it was stomach churning unfortunate-ness and suspense. So, if you’re up for a night at the movies seeing a flick that was outrageously cringe worthy but a whole lot of fun with the dark humor peppered in, then get your tickets for Ma ASAP!

What is the last movie you saw in theaters? What were your thoughts on Ma? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Ma Movie

Jun1

If The Shoe Fits: Free People Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Free People Edition

Hellooo everyone and welcome to the last issue of If The Shoe Fits from my most recent TJMaxx haul. One brand that I always admire from afar is Free People. 1) The brand is expensive. 2) The clothing truly doesn’t look that good on me. But, I love the idea of the brand and I LOVE their shoes. So, whenever I see a FP pair that I like when browsing on TJ’s website, I almost always jump at the opportunity to make a purchase. And, these candy cane red wrap up clogs with a wooden heel were impossible to say no to. Take a looksee:

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After the last two black pairs of wedges that I purchased, adding a pop of color into the haul was a must and these were just the right pair to do that with. The blonde wooden heel matched with such a vibrant red makes for a perfect cherries and cream vibe while the distressed studs add that Lil Red touch of edge that I need in my wardrobe. The shape of the shoe is totally sweet but the color combo and embellishment give it some sassafras for an ideal summer staple.

Normally, I don’t care for shoes that wrap, but the lengthy strap is made to go just around your ankles, which I like. Because it’s not going all the way up my calf, I can still wear shorts, skirts, and dresses without feeling like I have snakes coiling up my legs! These Free People clogs are going to be so darling with a floral sundress, straw hat, and oversized tote. A slammin OOTD for walks on the boardwalk or just around your local TJMaxx during a hot summer day! 😉

Which brand name do you admire from afar? What is your favorite color to wear during the summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May29

Accessory Story: Argentino Vivo Hoops Edition

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Accessory Story: Argentino Vivo Hoops Edition

Hiii! One of my favorite accessories is easily my gigantic gold hoop earrings by Argentino Vivo. They are so sassy and fun and I wear them literally all of the time. So, when I saw a pair of green hoops by Argentino Vivo while online shopping at TJMaxx, I had to jump at the opportunity to make them mine. I am so glad I did! Take a look:

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Green, especially the deeper shades like that of my new earrings, is one of my favorite colors to wear. It pairs so nicely with my red hair, hazel eyes, and pale complexion and I try to wear it often. Not as often as black… but often! I love, love, LOVE these earrings even though they are not as big as my other pair, but that’s okay. The color makes up for it and it is going to look so cool right against all of the things that pop with the green assist.

I firmly believe that every girl should own a good pair of hoop earrings. Big, small, silver, or blue – it doesn’t matter. The variety you can pick from will make sure you are getting a pair that is just right for you. I am so happy to have found another pair that I like so much and now, no surprises here, I just want more!!

These will definitely not be the last pair of hoops that I will be purchasing and it will only be of the Argentino Vivo brand in the future. The earrings are of such high quality and the TJMaxx price is just right for a #treatyoself purchase. Sold!

What is your favorite accessory? How about your favorite style of earrings? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May21

Chardon Polka Band

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Chardon Polka Band

Hiii everyone! This past Thursday, my client and I were truly living our best lives because we got to see the Chardon Polka Band perform at one of our local libraries. I try to take this client out to concerts and anything music related whenever I can because that’s his favorite and he plays the piano so beautifully. We have seen the CPB play twice before and they are so much fun that we had to see them again.

Now, I know what you’re thinking “a polka concert sounds like a nightmare”. And, initially, I thought so too. But, they are the most endearing, talented group of people that I’ve ever met and it’s impossible to not love them. They are so kind to everyone in their audience from little kids, the elderly, and people with special needs and that type of selfless attitude makes me a fan of them no matter what style of music they play.

I had no idea that the Chardon Polka Band was kind of a big deal in Ohio until now, but these guys go around all over the country playing polka everywhere from funerals, and christenings, to elementary schools, and senior centers. And, of course, any beer related festival that you can think of! I never thought I’d find myself as a polka fan until seeing these whacky guys perform and it’s so nice to consider them as my friends now, too!

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos.

Both my client and myself purchased a CPB T-shirt that we wear with pride and we are so excited to see our friends with an unexpected cult following perform again soon!

Who are the local celebrities in your neck of the woods? What are your thoughts on polka music? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Docplayer

May19

Lil Red’s Presidential Medal Of Freedom: Too Faced Melted Matte In Queen B Edition

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Lil Red’s Presidential Medal Of Freedom: Too Faced Melted Matte In Queen B Edition

Helloooo! Have any of you ever had a beauty product that you were pretty excited about but just never bothered using? Lol, because that’s what definitely happened with the Sephora freebie I got of Too Faced’s Melted Matte lip paint. I got the shade in Queen B FO FREE with a twenty-five dollar online purchase and I thought that the deep mauve shade was pretty but it also is a color that I wouldn’t normally wear so it just sat unused in my makeup box until May 15th, 2019.

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On that fateful day, I was wearing a turquoise spaghetti strap top, denim shorts, black mini platforms, and a jean jacket. I thought that the above shade would look so good with the various blue hues that I had in my OOTD so I put some on, threw the tube of lippie in my bag, and headed out the door.

I was right, of course, because the lipstick looked divine. And, like anyone, I was expecting to have to reapply after working, eating lunch, and kissing my boyfriend. But… I didn’t? I was blown away! This lip paint literally didn’t budge. So, I continued on with my day which included eating Indian food and more kissing my boyfriend. AND IT STILL STAYED ON! It looked like I had just applied it and, at that point, I had had the color on for at least ten hours.

HOW DOES THAT EVEN HAPPEN?!
HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?!
WHY HAS IT TAKEN ME ALMOST A YEAR TO USE THIS LIPPIE?!
TUNE IN NEXT WEEK ON I HAVE NO IDEA!

But, seriously though. How is that even possible? This is why I have to award the Too Faced Melted Matte lip paint with the Lil Red Presidential Medal Of Freedom. For withstanding Indian food, PDA, and a day on the job without so much as budging. I thank you for your commendable service and cannot recommend this product enough! 😀

What is your favorite product by Too Faced? Do you have any products that have been sitting unused in your stash? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May4

May 2019 Funky Time Jams

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May 2019 Funky Time Jams

Greetings and welcome to another fabulous month here on lifewithlilred! During the past few weeks of working with my newest client, I have been introduced to a ton of new music because he is all about the oldies but goodies. So, we have been listening to a lot of good stuff ranging from the 40’s to the 70’s. All of this music is just pure fun and I can’t get enough of it. Here are a few of my favorites:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos!

In this day and age where most songs on the radio are about sex, drugs, violence, or a combination of the three, it’s nice to listen to something more innocent. All of the songs above are such feel good anthems and I get genuinely happy when I listen to them. Singing along to the tunes with my darling client certainly helps the happiness cause, too! I find myself playing the songs above constantly throughout the day now and, no matter how stressed or busy I am, it manages to lift my mood and put a smile on my face. I feel like that’s what these songs are all about!

What are some of your feel good anthems? What is your favorite era of music? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May1

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Little Mermaid Themed Bikini

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Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Little Mermaid Themed Bikini

Helloooo! So I shit you not, the last time I bought a bikini was damn near over six years ago. Crazy, I know. But, I don’t really like swimming because I hate getting my hair wet so it hasn’t been that big of a deal. However, with my apartment complex having a pool and the family going to Hilton Head this summer for vacation, I figured it was time for a new one. Joyyyyyyy because bikini shopping sucks, amiright or amiright?

BUT NOT THIS TIME!

I have had my eye on a bikini from Hot Topic for a few months now and I finally made my way to the mall to try it on over the weekend. And, by god, it worked! I literally tried it on once and I knew that it was a-okay, which NEVER happens. Check out this cuteness:

bikini

When you’re a more busty girl, bikini shopping can be about a bitch. I only feel comfortable in bikinis that have bra like support and this Little Mermaid themed top definitely offered that. It fit shockingly well for a bikini top that wasn’t from Victoria’s Secret, which is where I figured I would end up purchasing one from. So not mad about it, though!

And, can we please talk about how darling the little skirted bottoms are?! I’ve always wanted bikini bottoms like these and they are just so perfect. The bikini set is sexy while still being adorable and with my red hair I feel like a punk rock Ariel ready to hit the pool!

I scored my new suit for just under forty bucks with Hot Topic’s buy one get one for ten dollar deal and I thought that this was a steal. While online bikini shopping at VS, just one bikini separate was at least forty dollars or more. For once, I am so excited about being seen in a bikini and I promise I will take some pics as soon as the pool opens! 😀

What is your favorite piece of clothing to shop for? How about your least favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Fashion Show