Tag Archives: love

Dec5

Feet Treat

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Feet Treat

Hey everyone and happy Tuesday! Last year for Christmas, my BFF treated me to some fun products to pamper my feetsies with. It’s sad but true that I’m just getting around to using it, but that doesn’t mean that I like it any less! These footsie fabulous goodies from Perfectly Posh are SO delightful to use, and my DOGS (AKA feet!) have never been the same. Let’s discuss:

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The appropriately named Warm Your Sole and Schwanky & Soft products by Perfectly Posh are amazing. I like to put a dollop of both on my hands and mix it up to get the best of both worlds on my feet. And, of course, covering them with socks afterwards is a must for the best hydrating effects.

The Warm Your Sole balm is SO nice! It’s basically like The Body Shop’s clay warming mask but for your feet, because it literally gets warm. Having freshly heated tootsies in my freezing home is a blessing in disguise, but when my feet get smooth and soft in the process – it’s a downright miracle.

Meanwhile, the Schwanky & Soft product is more like a scrub. It has the texture of a lotion but with some extra grit thrown in to help remove dry and dead skin. This is great for me, because my heels get unbearably dry during the winter. And no one, especially me, likes cracked feet!

Having the combination of the warming balm and scrub working their wonders on my feetsies feels so lush, because I rarely pay attention to them. I don’t get pedicures and, until now, I’ve never really used lotion on my feet before. After using these products for a few days, I find that downright shocking – especially considering that I’m constantly shoving my feet into heels every day! Even after I finish these products, I want to continue caring for my feet more as an extra addition to my pampering parties. How can I not?!

Although it’s taken me close to a year to start using these Perfectly Posh products, I am so enjoying it and it’s definitely a Feet Treat! How do you treat your tootsies? Do you prefer manicures or pedicures? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec4

NYX Pure Red Matte Lippie Swatch

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NYX Pure Red Matte Lippie Swatch

HELLOOOO everyone and happy Monday! I constantly get asked what shade of lipstick I wear for my signature red pout and I’m actually really surprised that I never posted about it until now. I guess I wanted to keep it my little secret, but today I’m going to share the wealth by talking about NYX’s Pure Red matte lipstick. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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^^^ OH LOOK – A bunch of pictures of me sporting Pure Red!

I started wearing this NYX matte wonder shade about three years ago, and I have never looked back a day in my life. Throughout the years, I have tried other red colors, but truly nothing beats Pure Red. And what an accurate name it is. Talk about a “Pure” firetruck, stop sign, Crayola crayon red pout. It’s exactly what I wanted…and more. :*)

While searching for a signature shade of red, a few things were a must for me:

  1. It had to be matte. Homegirl doesn’t mess with anything glossy.
  2. It couldn’t be too red. I don’t want to look like a vampire/goth girl – Even though, let’s be honest, I totally am.
  3. It couldn’t be not red enough. Other shades are too orangey and that equals me looking like a clown. Not cute.

With all of these essential guidelines to Lil Red’s Perfect Red Lip, you could only imagine my difficulty in finding the perfect shade…and that’s when NYX came along. I had actually never heard of the brand until the grocery store that I go to started carrying it and, let me tell you, I initially went crazy. They had a sale to introduce the brand, and I bought FIVE lipsticks, Pure Red being one of them.

One by one, each lipstick that I chose sucked in one way or another but it was Pure Red that stuck. It had everything that I wanted in the above list and the matte was just fantastic. This lippie Does. Not. Budge!! This is important, because 1) I really like to eat. And 2) I friggen hate reapplying lipstick. Every single thing about this lipstick was right on the money, and it became my staple shade instantly.

Along with my red hair, NYX’s Pure Red lipstick gave me my namesake of Lil Red. It will always be my favorite shade and I will always opt to wear it over any other brand. And at about seven bucks a tube, you really can’t beat that! From date nights and special occasions to a shopping trip to the mall, this shade covers it all, and you will rarely see me on a night out without it. Thank you, NYX. ❤

Do you have a signature lipstick shade? How do you rock a red pout? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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^^^ Guess what lippie shade I have on! 😉

Nov30

Face Mask Festivities: The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Sleeping Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Sleeping Mask Edition

Hi everyone and Happy Thursday! Today, we’re going to talk about The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Sleeping Mask. Out of all of the wonderful skin care lines that The Body Shop offers, Vitamin E is definitely my favorite. I love the rich, creamy texture, the rich, creamy smell, and the peaches and cream perfection effect that it has on my skin. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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In the picture above, I had just put on the Vitamin E mask after using the British Rose mask that we chatted about yesterday. My skin felt very tight and dry after using the British Rose mask and the Vitamin E one took care of that in an instant. Within just a few minutes, the rosiness in my cheeks was gone and my skin felt supple and hydrated. Thank gawd, because nothing is worse than dry skin during the winter!

In the intro paragraph, I mentioned how much I love the smell of all of the Vitamin E products and that rings so true with this mask. As soon as you open the jar, it smells like opening a fresh carton of heavy cream and it’s so lush and dreamy. The pillowy soft texture is also another lovely added bonus. As soon as this mask hits the skin, it sinks in and provides instant moisturizing protection. Talk about a tall drink of water for your face!

I always love going to bed with this mask on, because I know that when I wake up my skin will be picture perfect and so soft to the touch. The six dollar price tag from TJMaxx also doesn’t hurt when you want gorgeous skin but are ballin on a budget! I highly recommend this mask and am looking forward to many more uses of it.

So there you have it, another issue of Face Mask Festivities: The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Sleeping Mask Edition! What is your favorite skin care line from The Body Shop? What are your thoughts on this mask if you have used it before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov27

Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Black Skinny Jeans Edition

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Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Black Skinny Jeans Edition

Hey everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a wonderful post holiday weekend and are now not overly stuffed from your Thanksgiving meal! I’ll be honest, I totally ate a plate of leftovers at nine in the morning on Black Friday – so not mad about it! Today, in Unsung Wardrobe Heroes, we’re going to be discussing the Lil Red staple that has been a must in my closet for the past four or so years. We’re talkin’ black skinny jeans:

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Lil Red is a punk rocker at heart, with a love for all things emo screamo, horror, bleak, dark, black, and dismal. So, obviously, black skinny jeans are the way to go for work/play/hanging out. Loft has, hands down, the best jeans that I have ever worn in my life, and almost all of my skinnies are from there. They fit like a dream, it takes a long time for them to fade, and they’re reasonably priced, making them an obvious choice for when I feel the urge to buy a new pair.

So why all black, you might ask? Why not blue or colored jeans? Other than a passion for All Black Everything, the truth is, is that black is slimming. Lol, I’m being so serious. Jeans in any other color but black make me feel like a beached whale. When I’m in my black skinnies, I feel slim and sleek while still giving my ASSets a great shape. I don’t know, I’ve never really cared for blue jeans and when it dawned on me that I don’t like how they make me look, I’ve steered far clear of them for years.

We’ve covered that black skinny jeans are slimming, but have we talked about how they go with everything? BECAUSE THEY GO WITH EVERYTHING!! I have an extensive wardrobe that is filled with interesting shapes, bold patterns and colors, and look at me statement pieces. Ain’t nobody got time for trying to find the perfect bottom to go with something bold on top. Black skinny jeans are a one stop shop and I can literally grab any top and jacket to go with my skinnies collection and be done with it – which is something that I do have time for!

In conclusion, black skinny jeans are the bomb and everyone should have at least one pair in their wardrobe arsenal. Although, one is a number that I scoff at, considering I have about six pairs and they’re all so similar yet SO DIFFERENT! If you don’t have a pair, you have the Lil Red Guarantee that you will love them, so get out there and BUY ONE!

So there you have it, the latest issue of Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Black Skinny Jeans Edition! Where is your go to destination for jean shopping? What is your preferred jean color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov26

Unsung Wardrobe Heroes

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Unsung Wardrobe Heroes

Helloooo everyone and welcome to a new segment here on lifewithlilred. Unsung Wardrobe Heroes is all about celebrating the staples that make up your closet that might not get enough credit. I know between my shoe hoard, love for bold jackets, and loud statement pieces, that my day to day clothing items (Especially for work!) seem to go unnoticed. Today, we’re going to talk about one of my literal favorite work shirts that also doubles as an amazing top for play. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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I really, really freaking like this shirt from Loft. I remember seeing it close to a year ago and thinking that I had to have it – and getting it for about fifteen dollars definitely didn’t hurt the cause, either! White is a color that I’m timidly trying to add more and more of into my wardrobe, and this was the shirt that started that movement. I love how the stark white pops against my skin and hair. Then, the bold, black paper fan pattern adds the touch of edge and fun that I have to have in everything that I buy.

This shirt is ideal as a top for work, and I love that it is so much more than a basic white button down thanks to the contrasting colors in such a charming pattern. But, as you can see from the first picture, this top is perfect for play, as well! This past summer, I preferred to wear this top tucked into shorts, along with a Panama hat and platform heels for a sassy ensemble to wear to my favorite outdoor shopping centers.

The best thing about this Loft top, though? It’s how easy it is to take this shirt from work to play in a few simple steps. I never change into a different outfit after work, but if I am going out afterwards, this top can turn into a nighttime look with a quick change of shoes, jacket, and accessories – talk about an Unsung Wardrobe Hero!

So there you have it, the newest lifewithlilred segment, Unsung Wardrobe Heroes! What are some favorites in your closet that doesn’t get enough credit? How would you style my Loft top? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov23

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Hi everyone and happy happy Thanksgiving! I will keep this post short and sweet so that all of you can get back to enjoying quality time with your friends and family. Thanksgiving is easily one of my favorite holidays, mainly because I love to eat! BUT, I also love being able to prepare a big meal with my family and friends and sit down at the table to enjoy it all together. Then, my family always concludes our Thanksgiving feast with movies or games afterwards, which is a total blast because the Mushenheims are a competitive people!

Thanksgiving is an all around fun day. Everyone at home is in a great mood, the house smells amazing from all of the delicious food being cooked, and we even opt to use the fancy dining room table to eat our meal at. In fact, Thanksgiving is the one holiday that I can always recall enjoying throughout the years and I have every intention of adding another exceedingly pleasant holiday to the books today.

I hope that all of my wonderful friends, readers, and followers on lifewithlilred have a beautiful day today! Enjoy yourselves, your family, and your loved ones and EAT ALL THE FOOD! How does your family celebrate Thanksgiving? What is the best Thanksgiving side dish? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Featured Image By: Pinterest

Nov14

Tokyo A Go Go Treats

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Tokyo A Go Go Treats

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! This past weekend, my brother and sister in law came up for a visit from Atlanta, Georgia. My sister in law, Megan was recently in Tokyo, Japan for work and my brother, Peter, flew out to spend some time with her there. In my family, having a sibling that recently traveled means viewing lots of pictures, listening to stories, and PRESENTS! Take a looksee at what Peter and Megan gifted me with all the way from Tokyo and let’s discuss:

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^^^ In case you can’t tell, the pictures above showcase a lovely little coin purse and folded fan a la Japan! 😉

I am so obsessed with my new coin purse it isn’t even funny. I have been using the same old change purse (A freebie from Victoria’s Secret.) for literal years, but would never buy a new one for myself.

  1. I like my old one well enough.
  2. It was free.
  3. Is a new one really necessary?

So obviously, I was really excited to be gifted with a new one, because the chances of me purchasing or even thinking of looking for a new coin purse were slim to none. I love the bright colors, the slightly different front and back, and the separator in the bag. I keep little trinkets that make me smile in my coin purse, so now I can have one side for those and one side for my change without mixing the two up and handing a cashier a cute, heart shaped button. Great success!

And, of course, I love my new fan. I have wanted a folded fan like this for forever, because I am extra enough to keep one in my bag and whip it out when I’m in a stuffy location. Now that I finally have a fan to do this with, it definitely sucks that winter is coming in hot on the horizon – because that’s the only thing warm about Ohio right now. However, I am SUPER happy about this beautiful, traditional prezzie and I can’t wait for when the day comes that I can take it out of my bag and start fanning myself in public!

Even though presents are nice, they are certainly not necessary. This is why I am always so excited to be gifted with something, because I was thought of enough for the gifter to make the purchase. Peter and Megan were spot on with the treasures that they bought for me and it gave me all the warm fuzzies. Not to mention that it was a total blast hanging out with them this weekend! :*)

So there you have it, some Tokyo A Go Go Treats! Which locations are on your travel bucket list? How do you preserve memories while you’re traveling? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov13

Monday Update: ASOS Obsessed

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Monday Update: ASOS Obsessed

Hi everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a fantastic weekend. While I peruse all of the wonderful fashion blogs out there, I always see ASOS mentioned, but have never taken the plunge to going on their website. All of the clothes in the haul posts that I have seen look gorgeous, BUT I truly don’t need another store to shop at…Said no girl ever.

During a blah night in last week, I decided that I needed to see pretty things, and browsed through some of my preferred shopping headquarter’s websites. And, just for the HECK of it, I decided to check out ASOS, too.

BIG MISTAKE!!!!

Guys….guyyyyyyys. Why did no one tell me that that website is amazing?! I mean, seriously, thank you because ballin on a budget. BUT DAMNIT, I feel so ashamed of myself. As an avid lover of all things British fashion, you would think that I would have been all over this site a long time ago, but sadly:

WE ALL THOUGHT WRONG!!

Sweet Jesus! That site is the bomb. Pages and pages and pages and pages AND PAGES of such fantastic, edgy, sleek, chic, cool, clothing and accessories AND SHOES and I just can’t even. If I didn’t have a single ounce of self control, I could probably spend all night clicking through each page and ogling over the seemingly never ending supply of clothes that I want.

THIS IS NOT GOOD!!!

You have no idea how badly I want to buy all the things right now, but I am showing restraint like a good girl who just burned a hole in her pocket with my holiday shopping haul. But, but, but – I can always consider a little shopping as an early Christmas gift to myself, right? #savemefrommyself #PLEASE

My questions for ASOS fans are as follows, BECAUSE I HAVE A FEW:

  1. How in Sam Hill do you pick what you’re going to purchase when there are So. Many. Options?
  2. What is your technique for shopping on a website with a million items to choose from when you want to look at all of it?
  3. What are your favorite ASOS pieces on their website right now? I want links, people!!!

I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: All Student Deals

Nov11

New Silver Glitter & Black Nails

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New Silver Glitter & Black Nails

Hellooooooooo! This past Tuesday, after over ONE WHOLE MONTH of not getting my nails filled, I finally sat my sweet buns down at the salon to cure the jankiness that was on my fingers. I always try my best to wait an entire month to get my nails done, because ballin on a budget, but I’m pretty sure that I waited close to five weeks to get my claws touched up this time around. With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s important to me that I stretch out all of my beauty routines (Hair cut, eyebrow waxing, etc.) for as long as I can so that I can spoil all of my loved ones on Christmas.

I was really pleased with how well my brand new set of nails held up. Although they were grown out, the shape was still how I wanted and none of my nails broke during my no fill marathon. I can’t say that I loved waiting for so long to get a fill but, damnit, if my talons can hold up for that long, then why not? It’s not like anyone other than my nail tech, Steve, was like “Oh my god, your nails look horrible”! Take a look at my new babies and let’s discuss:

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For my “funky finger”, as Steve calls my accent nail, I went with a confetti OPI polish over top of a silver Essie shade. I love using glitter polish on my accent nail and I’m quite impressed with myself for doing a pretty darn good rhinestone cross on my middle fingers. I know that I’ve said this before, but I really need to pick up different colored gems from the craft store so that I can play around with different designs on my other fingers!

As always, Steve did a wonderful job on my fill and someone else thought so, too. While I was waiting for my nails to dry, I got asked for the first time if a picture could be taken of my nails! Lol, I should have told the girl that I was a hand model! These past few weeks have been pretty busy for yours truly so being able to sit down and be pampered for an hour was definitely a nice change of pace. And the nail paparazzi was a fun surprise!

So there you have it, my New Silver Glitter & Black Nails! What color of nail polish do you have on right now? What color should my next accent nail be? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov9

Beautiful Stories, Beautiful Button Down

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Beautiful Stories, Beautiful Button Down

Hey everyone and happy Thursday! One thing that Lil Red loves is all embroidered everything. From fun sew on patches to elaborate floral designs and patterned backs, I’m obsessed with all of it. Embroidery takes a basic piece to an over the top fashion statement. Not only that, but it’s an easily accessible trend, as it is so popular right now, and you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for it. My shopping trip to TJMaxx last weekend allowed me to open my closet (And heart!) to a new button down by Beautiful Stories that I am completely swooning over. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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The first thing that I thought when I saw this twenty buck beauty was that I totally needed it. And second, I thought about how much is reminds me of one of my favorite army green button down tops from Zara with a similar “look at me” motif on the back. This shirt is so magnificent to me and what I love the most about it is that every copy of this shirt that was made is a little bit different due to the embroidery and dyes of the string. This button down is literally one of a kind, and I was sold the moment that I laid eyes on it.

The color palette of this top is so striking. I love that the army green base color has a more grey undertone to it, giving it a unique shade that makes my red hair and pale skin pop. The peach, bronze, white, silver, and yellow hues of the patterns on the back all work so well in a collaborative tapestry that makes for a grand reveal every time it catches someone’s eye. Not only is the back divine, but I loved how they added a little something something to the front of the top on the pockets and the patches in the bottom left corner. Sometimes I find that a beautiful back makes for a boring front, which is so not the case on this button down!

I cannot wait to incorporate this statement piece into my wardrobe year round, but especially now during the fall and winter. Because jackets are now becoming a necessity with the drop in temperature, showcasing this button down once my jacket is removed will feel like a huge unveiling every single time. This Beautiful Stories top has it all, and with such gorgeous detailing, who even needs jewelry while wearing it?!

So there you have it, my brand new Beautiful Stories, Beautiful Button Down! How do you feel about tops and jackets with a heavily detailed back? What is your favorite trend to sport this season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah