Tag Archives: love

Jan22

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her

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Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her

Bonjour! Valentine’s Day is slowly creeping up and just thinking about all of the people that are shopping for their significant other the day before the holiday is enough to give me anxiety. So, I decided to start the V-Day festivities early on lifewithlilred by doing a gift guide for her today and for him tomorrow.

Of course, flowers and chocolates are a great way to go and I would love to get that. But, if you’re on the hunt for something a bit more unique, try some of these ideas:

First Of All:

Okay guys and gals, a cute card is so necessary for your V-Day haul for your S/O. You may find it cheesy, but 99% of the population will find it sweet as can be. Write a heartfelt letter to your partner and don’t skimp on the romance. We’re talking the moment you knew you were in love, your first date memories, or a list of reasons why you love and admire your special someone. This is a great thing to do any time, but definitely pull out all of the stops this Valentine’s Day, which can be done with something as simple as writing a letter.

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Maybe not that one. ^^^

Gift An Experience:

The weather in February can still be pretty sketchy depending on where you live. But, the great thing about concerts is that, for the most part, they are usually indoors! Who is your honey’s favorite band or singer? AKA who do they constantly annoy you with by playing in the car?! A concert is a great date and you can even make a day of it by exploring the area where the venue is and don’t forget the pre-show dinner or drinks!

Pampering Party:

Everyone loves to pamper themselves in some way shape or form and a sultry V-Day surprise could involve an evening of luxury for your S/O. You can never go wrong with gifting bath and body care products and do be sure to throw in a few candles to light for good measure, as most specialty bath and body stores carry them. And guess what else they typically carry? MASSAGE OIL! Quick… Cue the slow jams:

(As always, I have no rights to this video!)

Ahhhh…. That’s the stuff. So, as I was saying:

Run some bath water and let your BOO (Because I don’t say bae!) pick from an assortment of bath bombs to use. Rose petals and bath oil is just as good, too! Have an array of lotions set out for afterwards and the massage oil handy to give a nice………..

FOOT RUB. 😉

Wine And Paint Night:

Many local establishments and bars host wine and paint nights and they are an absolute ball. Most places will even offer a special picture to paint for Valentine’s Day. This is a fresh and fun take on just going out to dinner and it offers a chance for both of you to show off your creative sides or unlock a talent that you didn’t even know was there.

Still Need Some More Options?

  • Mani/Pedis always go down well
  • A shopping trip to their most loved store
  • Cooking dinner (Don’t forget the wine or champagne!)
  • Taking a ballroom dance class
  • Paint your own pottery places are fun
  • Going to a museum (Art or history buffs will love that!)

And Remember…

The most important thing is doing something thoughtful for your loved one. Being showered with presents is nice, and anyone will agree to that. But, creating a happy and special memory is even better. And, keep in mind, that it is NEVER about how much money you spend, either! Ball on a budget or blow it out of the water, but at the end of the day spending a small fortune doesn’t guarantee a wonderful time.

What are some of your Valentine’s Day date ideas? What is one of your happiest V-Day memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan14

Penguin Pajama Party: Isaac Mizrahi Edition

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Penguin Pajama Party: Isaac Mizrahi Edition

Hola! One of my favorite things to treat myself to is pajamas. They are fairly cheap, they’re cute, comfy, and make going to bed even more fun than it already is. TJMaxx always has a wonderful selection of PJs to hit the hay in, including this darling pair of sleep bottoms that I got for TEN BUCKS! Take a look:

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One of my favorite animals (Besides for peacocks, dogs, and bunnies!) is the penguin. They are so cute and look so cuddly and I love the way that their little bodies waddle when they walk. So, of course, I had to get these PJ bottoms when I saw them, because nothing is more precious than penguins dressed up in winter accessories!

I love the soft taupe of the background color and I am especially partial to the little guy in the second picture in the bottom left corner who is decked out in a green hat and red scarf. His wittle flippers are out and he looks like he’s having a ball. The penguins in glasses are also pretty adorable, too. They all are! 😀

What is your favorite animal? Who else is an avid pajama lover? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan13

Scarf Series: Wet Seal Edition

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Scarf Series: Wet Seal Edition

Ooooooh, Wet Seal. Who remembers that store? When I was a teenager, I could always get down with Wet Seal, Charlotte Rousse, and Aeropostale. Now, as a twenty-something  fashionista by trade, I cringe at the names of all of those stores – how times have changed! But, all of those stores catered to a teenager’s budget and tastes and, for that, they served their purpose well. Especially when my absolute FAVORITE cold weather scarf is from Wet Seal.

….Wait, what?

Isn’t that crazy? Lol, check it out and maybe you’ll see why:

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I think that I was fifteen or so when I bought this scarf, and I’m fairly confident that it was about fifteen bucks from Wet Seal. I vividly remember going shopping with a friend with the twenty dollars that my dad gave me tucked safely in my pocket (“Don’t spend it all in one place!”). We visited store after store and nothing spoke to me, that is, until I saw this magnificent highlighter pink scarf with…

What is that?? SKULLS?!

Ohhh yes. Lil Red loves and loved* her skulls. Even back in the day (Almost a decade, but that’s neither here nor there!), did I love all skulls everything and this scarf was a MUST. I remember being So. Freaking. Excited. about this Wet Seal find and wore it as often as I could. The colors, the fringe, the patterns – it really was true love. So, extra special shout out to my dad, because I know that my fifteen year old self would have been PISSED if I didn’t have any dough to buy it!

I honestly don’t think that I will ever get rid of this scarf and, although I have other cold weather scarves, this one always seems to be the one that I gravitate towards. And, because I sport an all black everything ensemble most days, this scarf pops like a florescent beacon when its worn. A beacon that says, “Not everything that I bought as a teenager was completely awful, AND HERE’S THE PROOF!!” You know, something like that.

What was one of your major fashion faux pas as a teen? Do you still own any clothing or accessories from when you were a teenager? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan10

Accessory Story: Surprise Pick Me Up Edition

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Accessory Story: Surprise Pick Me Up Edition

Hiiiiiiii! My mom is my best friend, partner in crime, and shopping buddy. Our excursions to the shops has given my mom expert knowledge into Lil Red’s fashion sense, and she now seems to know my personal style like the back of her hand. My mom is also an amazing surprise giver and always seems to know when her daughter needs a little pick me up. After a seriously lackluster and downright shitty afternoon, my beloved mom returned home from Target with these gorgeous earrings for little old moi:

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When it comes to earrings, I made the lifestyle choice years ago to only wear dangly ones, because they are extra fun with short hair. I also deeply enjoy loud gold jewelry, but never really buy any for myself because I’m not the biggest accessorizer in the world. I love these earrings that my mom picked out for me, but I don’t know if I would have bought them for myself – which is probably exactly why she chose them!

It doesn’t take much to make me happy. A kind word always will do – but a lovely new pair of earrings definitely helps the cause! Thanks to a sweet surprise, my mom took away the not so stellar parts of my day and replaced it with something good and kind. She really is the best!

I LOVE YOU, MOM!!!! ❤

What is the easiest way for someone to cheer you up? How do you like to surprise a loved one? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan2

Accessory Story: Betsey Johnson Edition

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Accessory Story: Betsey Johnson Edition

Hello!!! Basically all of my favorite gifts this Holiday Haul came from my sister, Kristen. Although our personal styles are very different, she always seems to know exactly what I would like. I like to think that the same goes for me, and it makes me feel good that we are close enough to pick out a slam dunk of a present every single time. This Christmas, Kristen treated me to a necklace from one of my favorite designers, Betsey Johnson. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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If there’s one thing that a Lil Red loves, it’s skulls on clothing and accessories. Normal old skulls, skeletons, sugar skulls – I love it all. I have already worn my gorgeous blinged out sugar skull necklace so many times and it seriously makes every single OOTD pop. I love the heart eyes, the flowers, and the ribbon threaded through the chain. It’s such a fun piece and it is SO obviously Betsey Johnson, which is what I love about her brand.

This necklace looks so pretty when it hits just above a V-neck top or against one of my many black sweaters. The pastel colors really make a statement, and it’s a fun edition to my wardrobe because I don’t have a lot of clothes or accessories in a pastel palette. Kristen took one of my favorite patterns and favorite designers and ran with it, and seriously hit the nail so hard on the head with this beautiful necklace. I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!! :*)

So there you have it, the next issue in my Holiday Haul with an Accessory Story: Betsey Johnson Edition! Who was gifted with jewelry this year? Who is your favorite designer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec31

If The Shoe Fits: Qupid Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Qupid Edition

Hellooo everyone and welcome to a special Holiday Haul edition of If The Shoe Fits, compliments of my sister, Kristen. Back in November, I sent my sibs a list of gift ideas for yours truly, because I’m pretty particular. Granted, every item on the list was shoes, but that’s neither here nor there. Kristen took this list, which was hashtagged with “all I want for Christmas is shoes”, to heart and got me these amazing Qupid faux snakeskin heeled boots. Take a looksee:

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My favorite animal print of all time is snakeskin. I love it oh so much and, although I already have a snakeskin printed pair of booties, ONE IS NOT ENOUGH!! These Qupid pointed toe babies are just divine. I love the bright white in the pattern as opposed to darker greys and taupes. It gives such an edgy shock to a classic print and that it what I am all about. And, of course, I love anything with a pointed toe!! :*)

Kristen knocked it out of the park with this prezzie, especially because by the time I figured that I would just buy them for myself, they were already sold out – so she was way ahead of the game. These bootie beauties are going to look so sharp throughout the rest of the winter and are going to make a statement with short shorts as the weather warms up. Accessories are so required with these shoes, and I cannot wait to pair them with a huge Panama hat, chunky jewelry, and a bold bag for an overstated but still very chic look.

So there you have it, the latest Holiday Haul issue of If The Shoe Fits, Qupid Edition! What is your favorite animal print? How do you let people know what you really really want for the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec30

Holiday Haul: Beauty Edition

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Holiday Haul: Beauty Edition

Hi everyone! My Holiday Haul was bountiful and beautiful and I had a wonderful Christmas day spent with my family. To commemorate all of the sweet thoughts behind each present, we’ll go about each main gift individually. Today, I think that we will start with some delightful beauty and bath and body care goodies compliments of my brother and sister in law, as well as my older sister. Take a looksee:

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Peter and Megan treated all of the girls in my family to a box set from The Body Shop, which is so amazing because all of us really love their products. I am also totally obsessed with their body washes right now, so I’m happy to have another one to add to my hoard. I then got a double whammy of Better Than Sex mascara from Kristen and Peter and Megan and I am so thrilled about it, because I desperately needed a new tube. And now I have two! What whattttt.

Kristen knows me all too well, because I always ask for Better Than Sex mascara for every gift receiving occasion. And Peter and Megan were very clever in their purchase because they looked on lifewithlilred to know that that’s what I wanted, thanks to completing a Holiday Q & A! It was really sweet, because as soon as I opened it, I knew that that’s how they figured out what I wanted. Peter and Megan often turn to my blog to gather inspiration for gifts for me, and I think that that’s freaking awesome. It’s nice to have siblings that put tons of thought into presents, because it’s a physical reminder of how much they care. :*) I LOVE THEM!!

So there you have it, part one of my Holiday Haul: Beauty Edition! Be sure to tune in tomorrow for more Christmas fun here on lifewithlilred. What was your favorite gift that you received this year? What was your favorite present that you gave? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec29

If The Shoe Fits: Forever 21 Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Forever 21 Edition

Howdy! So Facebook has this weird thing where it shows you EVERYTHING THAT YOU’VE EVER WANTED in their ads. It’s insane. Shoes that I overlooked but still liked, ModCloth clothes, Forever 21 accessories – all things that Lil Red loves but have yet to buy. So, imagine the distress of scrolling through Facebook and having the devil tempt you at every turn! I’m not too mad about it, though, because these new bootie beauties came from the aforementioned hardship! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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When I saw the ad for these Forever 21 platform boots, I fell head over heels in love (Pun intended!). And, somehow Facebook knows about my ballin on a budget lifestyle, because these shoes were only twenty-five bucks! #blessed Platform shoes became big this summer, and I am obviously not over the trend, because I still feel the urge to buy every single pair that I encounter. Seriously, how could I say no to shoes that would keep my feet warm with the flame decals this winter anyways?! 😉

I recently paired these shoes with my new Karl Lagerfeld button down, black skinnies, a moto jacket, and my favorite Stevie Nicks scarf to accessorize. And, let me tell you, I was really feeling myself, lol. I felt so posh, fun, and fierce strutting around in an edgy outfit with these disco fab platforms on my feet. The compliments that came rolling in didn’t hurt the cause, either! My new Forever 21 boots are the perfect way to add some cheeky fun to any look with an ode to 70s glam and I am so thankful to Facebook for tapping into my brain so that I could find them. Now, please cut it out so that I can stop spending money! THANKS.

So there you have it, the latest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Forever 21 Edition! How do you rock the platform trend? Has Facebook been tempting you with their ads as much as me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec28

If The Shoe Fits: Catherine Malandrino Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Catherine Malandrino Edition

Howdy! Winter makes me go a bit stir crazy when I’m bundled indoors against the cold and because of that, online shopping turns into my favorite inclement weather hobby. So, instead, I go shoe crazy. Ba dum chhhhhh! A TJMaxx haul brought me these b-e-a-utiful Catherine Malandrino four buckled beauties and I am obsessed. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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When it comes to booties, I am typically sold if they are black, buckled, and bedazzled in some way and these shoes have it all. The sleek black color against a rougher texture, the four buckles going across the shoe, the studs to add even more edge. Woof – what a shoe success! I am also partial to these booties having a slight lifted heel so that I don’t feel like a complete fish out of water on flat feet! Thanks, Catherine Malandrino. ❤

I am stoked to wear these booties during the cold weather, but I am actually more looking forward to wearing them during the summer. These babies are going to look so badass with a pair of short shorts, a panama hat, and a faux fur vest over a graphic tee for a really funky warm weather OOTD. I. Can’t. Wait. There’s nothing better than buying an item with styling potential and, man, have these boots got it. I can’t wait to expand my wardrobe horizons with them and enjoy it fully with all of the buckled badness that these shoes deliver!

So there you have it, the latest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Catherine Malandrino Edition! How do you style badass booties? What do you look for in a good pair of ankle boots? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec27

December 2017 Finishes

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December 2017 Finishes

Helloooo everyone and welcome to my final finishes post for 2017! Crazy, right? December brought me two of my favorite fruity flavored finishes, so this post is going to be short and sweet. Here’s to health, happiness, and more empties in 2018!

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Would I Use Again?

  • Bath & Body Works Country Apple body spray: YES
  • The Body Shop Vineyard Peach lotion: YES

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Spray: We all know by now that all apple everything is one of my all time favorite scents. I love me some Country Apple fragrance and I use it constantly. I pay about three dollars per bottle when Bath & Body Works brings back their discontinued products and it takes me approximately five months to finish one. I can definitely swing that! This scent is so refreshing – a sweet, crisp apple with just that perfect bit of bite to it. Country Apple brings you fresh from the orchard deliciousness in a bottle!

TBS Lotion: We all know by now that my other all time favorite scent is all peach everything! I got this lotion of my fave scent from The Body Shop for five bucks at TJMaxx and it lasted me five full body uses. It’s not the best cost per use but, hey, sometimes a girl has to throw caution to the wind and pamper herself! The Vineyard Peach scent is divine. It’s so light and sweet but not the overpowering kind of sweet. It’s more the “I just bit into a ripe peach” kind of sweet and it is such a treat.

Although I didn’t finish a ton of products in December, I got to enjoy two of my favorite scents in perfume and lotion form and there is really nothing better than that! Which products did you finish up this month? What is your favorite scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah