Tag Archives: love

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

Rabbit Owners: HELLLLLP!!!

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Rabbit Owners: HELLLLLP!!!

Hi everyone and happy Thursday! For those of you who don’t know, I desperately want a pet rabbit. A black, female, Netherland Dwarf bunny to be specific. For the past year or so, I’ve been toying with the idea of getting my very own, adorable, precious pet and now I feel like I’m ready to take the plunge and welcome a sweet little girl home. I live in Akron, Ohio but I am willing to travel up to two hours to a reputable rescue group, as it’s very important to me that my lil furball is a rescue. If anyone has any groups in mind, as well as tips for the new rabbit owner – PLEASE LET YOUR GIRL KNOW!!

THANKS!!!!! ❤

Featured Image By: Bunnies Are Us

Things To Consider When You’re Designing A Kitsch Kitchen

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Things To Consider When You’re Designing A Kitsch Kitchen

Whether you prefer a vintage interior or a retro space; if you’re into everything kitsch, each room in your home should be able to reflect your style. Your kitchen (or kitschen) should be no different; as the heart of your home and where you’ll spend time cooking and hanging out, the space should exude your interior taste and any personal style elements that you enjoy. The following are some ideas to consider if you’re in the mood for an injection of kitsch character to your cooking environment:

Colorful Appliances: Nothing screams 1950s diner more than a large curved fridge in a bright or pastel hue. Your refrigerator doesn’t just have to be a functional item in your kitchen; it can become the focal point of the room and a joy to open when you’re craving a strawberry milkshake or a cola. If your budget doesn’t stretch to a shiny new fridge, then consider replacing some of your smaller appliances with colorful alternatives, instead. Toasters, food processors, and tea kettles are all items that will look great in a mint green, pastel pink, or candy-apple red shade. Do your research and bring a kitsch kick into your kitchen counter tops. For some tips on maintaining your new purchases, take a look here!

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So cute!

Your bowls, plates, glassware, and utensils don’t have to come in shy colors either. Think about investing in a polka dot range of silverware or a striped collection of cups and saucers. Display them all with pride on a vintage dresser or some shelves above your work surfaces. You can add even more vintage charm by incorporating any antique ornaments, old utensils, and postcards that you’ve picked up at a flea market. The possibilities are endless, because it’s all about adding what you love and running wild with your retro theme.

Fixtures And Fittings: A modern array of halogen lights and a sleek, stainless steel stove aren’t going to enhance a retro kitchen space, but are likely to do the opposite. So it’s worth taking a look around your cooking space and discovering what you can change so that it represents a kitsch character, and more importantly, your personal style. Consider looking at a range of sinks and think about replacing your basic steel basin with an old school-style ceramic one. The perfect choice for when you’ve got your gingham pinny on and you’re chopping up fruits for a salad. If replacing your hobs and stove isn’t an option for you, then you could look into having areas of them spray painted to give a colorful enamel finish. By the time you’ve surrounded it with all of your vintage accessories, it’ll look like a retro dream.

The lighting in your kitchen can be sourced and reclaimed from vintage stores and auctions. You’ll pay a fraction of the price of a brand new light fitting, and it’ll boast tons more character and charm. Get your polishing equipment at the ready and hunt down some personality-packed lampshades and lights for over your dinner table. Light switches and power points are also areas to consider when you want the design details in your kitchen to be a nod to kitsch charm. Look into brushed metal finishes and the shape of each fitting; paying attention to these little things will ensure that you’ll be baking your cupcakes in a kitsch environment that will keep you smiling.

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Pexels Image

A Splash Of Paint: If you’re not in the position to replace your appliances, fixtures, and fittings; a lick of fresh paint can go a long way and will add instant charm and character to a room, depending on which hues you choose. Painting the walls in a pastel, ice cream shade will create the perfect backdrop for your old enamel advertisements and signs, taking you back to a golden era every time you cook. For a bold choice, you could choose a primary color to paint on the walls, or perhaps you could have a feature wall, where the shelving that was mentioned earlier could go.

Update your tiles and flooring with fun shades of paint and be brave with your choices; it’s your ideal kitchen space, after all. Maybe you’ll be able to source a terracotta tile or two and collect some retro tiles and could craft a lively backsplash behind the sink or stove. The braver you are, the more creative you’ll be with your choices, and you’ll have your kitschy dream kitchen before you know it!

Don’t Forget the Outside: You want your kitchen to look great from the outside looking in too. Make sure to keep control of any bushes or trees outside its windows and you may want to consider new siding to make everything look really modern and clean. Use siding company, JD Hostetter.

Maintain your kitchen: When you’re designing a cute kitchen you won’t want to forget about those important maintenance checks. Here are a few pointers to help you:

  • Check your appliances to ensure that they are working correctly.
  • Deep clean your kitchen, including the oven.
  • Inspect the drain for foul smells or signs of blockage (you may require the help of a plumber).
  • If you’re using regular light bulbs, replace these with LED bulbs.
  • Ensure that any toxic materials are stored in a high cupboard.
  • Water your plants and replace them if necessary.

Simple tips like these will help you to keep your kitchen looking cute and fresh. Your kitchen is so much more than a place to cook, it’s a space for entertaining too. Looking after your home will help you to improve your lifestyle.

Featured Image By: Miserv

Are You Ready For A Pet?

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Are You Ready For A Pet?

Owning a pet is special because the animal becomes a huge part of your life. Welcoming a pet into your home is like bringing in a brand new family member. Still, pets don’t work out for everyone. Sometimes, things get in the way and stop the special bond from occurring. The good news, is that you can tell if you’re ready or not. All you have to do is ask these questions and consider your answers. If all goes well, then congratulations are in order. If not, maybe put off going to the pound for now. And, as always, lifewithlilred supports the “Adopt, don’t shop” point of view and PuppyWire has an amazing article to help prep your home for your new rescue dog!

Do You Have The Time? Firstly, there are animals which need a whole lot of love, and that means spending quality time together. Dogs are the main culprits, yet they aren’t the only ones. For those of you with busy schedules, there might be a gap that is hard to bridge. Unless you’re willing to change your lifestyle, a pet isn’t going to work for both parties. Even animals like cats, which are a lot less high maintenance, require a bit of effort. Plus, what is the point of having a pet if you only see it for a few hours in the evening? It’s a waste of time and money, and it’s unfair.

Can You Commit For The Long-Term? Figuring out whether you have the time isn’t just about the present or the near future. It’s about the long-term outlook more than anything. Most animals have a long lifespan. Turtles, for example, can even outlive humans. So, getting one today and then getting bored with it after a couple of weeks isn’t an option. It’s like the cliché saying, a pet is for life, not just for Christmas (and it’s so true). Anyone that wants a new addition has to ensure that they will be there for the long haul. Otherwise, it isn’t a savvy move for all parties involved.

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Aww :*)

Do You Have The Money? Regardless of the animal, you will need a decent sized budget. Let’s take a look at dogs for a moment. They need basics such as food and water, but they also need everything from healthcare to an inside bed and toys. And, as http://www.pawcastle.com points out, doggy beds do not come cheap. Plus, there are the extras that no one thinks out beforehand. For example, the dog will need to be warm in the winter, which means that you’ll use the central heating more. As energy prices rise, this could cost a fortune. It’s wise to cover every base that’s necessary for your new pet before committing.

Is It A Family Decision? You might be totally on board because pet lovers can be extreme. In fact, www.wired.com thinks that some of you even love animals more than humans (I know I do!)! However, the pertinent factor is whether everyone else in the house is okay with a new pet. They live there too, so their opinion is just as important. Sure, the kids will probably jump at the idea of having a dog to play with, but that doesn’t mean that your partner will feel the same.

Getting a new pet should be treated as a big deal because it is. Ask yourself all of the above questions before committing and be ready to provide the loving home that your new furry friend so deserves!

Featured Image By: Public Domain Pictures

Happy Birthday, Ankhor You!

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Happy Birthday, Ankhor You!

Helloooo everyone and happy Tuesday! Today is a special day because it is my fellow Gemini darling’s 27th birthday! K.M., the author of the wonderful, fantastic, amazing blog, Ankhor You, is one of my literal favorite people on the planet. Not only is she immensely talented and a beautiful fashionista, but she is sweet, kind, and freaking hilarious. I am SO lucky to have such a lovely lady as a friend and it has been so much fun getting to know her better during our almost weekly FaceTime dates and frequent texting. I hope that all of you will join me in wishing K.M. a very happy birthday and I just know that 27 will be her best year yet! ❤

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy

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Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy

Helloooo everyone and happy Sunday! Okay, so yesterday I got the prettiest shirt in the history of ever and the best part (other than it being gorgeous) is that I got it for: FIVE DOLLA HOLLA. My mom and I went to Kohl’s last night to get our shop on because we had coupons for days and wanted to make good use of them. It was difficult to tear myself away from binging on Orange Is The New Black, but this shirt was well worth it. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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If there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, it’s romantic, dreamy clothing. Which is kind of ironic considering that black is my favorite color and I prefer to dress in punk/grunge fashion. But, alas, the heart wants what it wants. Lol, seriously though, I love the contrast that flowy, girly style clothes has with my punk rock princess appearance thanks to my piercings, tattoos, and bright hair. It’s not often that I find a beautiful dreamer piece of clothing that I totally swoon over, but it’s pretty magical when I do!

This Lauren Conrad top combined all things fairy princess into one cohesive look. The creamy color, gauzy material, draped sleeves, flowy shape, and embroidery in one magnificent top is something straight out of the fairy tales and I am obsessed. My mom and I joked that this pretty little number looks like the modern day Puffy Shirt a la Seinfeld and I actually think this makes me love it more considering that’s my favorite show.

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^^^ Me.

Describing this shirt is weird because it’s one of those pieces that actually makes me feel pretty. Don’t get me wrong, lol I always think I look fabulous in the edgy, confident, badass way but I don’t have a lot of clothes that make me feel boho princess worthy. And the fact that I scored this wonder top for a whole five dollars? GET OUT!

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^^^ Elaine is my spirit animal. ❤

I can’t wait to wear this LC number throughout the summer with black short shorts and a peekaboo black lacy bra underneath to add that necessary touch of badassery to the look. A killer pair of platforms or wedges are also a must to toughen up the ensemble and make it feel a bit more Sarah. And as it gets colder? Swap the shorties for skinnies and you’re off!

So there you have it, my Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy! How would you describe your personal style? How do you score the best deals while out shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Black & Navy Nails

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New Black & Navy Nails

Hello everyone and TGIF!! I hope everyone has super fabulous weekend plans on the horizon – I most certainly do! My boyfriend is up from North Carolina for my birthday so he has some weekend surprises in store! AHHH! So yes, I’m way excited and all of the girly things. And speaking of all of the girly things, I got my nails done yesterday and they look gorgeous so take a looksee and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Pretty! :*)

It wouldn’t be my birthday week without treating myself to getting my talons filled and sharpened. As always, my darling nail tech, Steve, did a beautiful job giving me the princess treatment. As we were chatting while he worked his magic, I told Steve that I don’t think I’m ever going to not get my nails painted black. I have enough anxiety picking out my accent nail color for two nails let alone all ten!

Black is my go to color for literally anything because I’m never going to not like it, lol. Like, I’m never going to be disappointed with the color black and it saves me the hassle of having to analyze outfit choices if I were ever to venture away from sweet sweet noire. Long story short, it’s the best. And, believe me, I totally am aware of how redundant these nail posts are considering they legit look the exact same EVERY THREE WEEKS but they’re so pretty that I just can’t help myself! :’)

So there you have it, my New Black & Navy Nails! What color do you have on your nails right now? What is your go to polish color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Monday Update: Salute To Summer Guest Bloggers Series Conclusion

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Monday Update: Salute To Summer Guest Bloggers Series Conclusion

Helloooo everyone and happy Monday! This past week has brought so many fun posts compliments of my talented blogging darlings for my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series. I had such a blast working with all of my lovely guest bloggers and I want to give them all one last thank you shout out!

Thank you all so much again for making my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series so successful. It was an absolute blast working with all of you either again or for the first time. Each and every one of you is always welcome back on lifewithlilred so don’t hesitate to get in touch – especially when my fall themed series rolls around! ❤

Scorching Summer OOTD

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Scorching Summer OOTD

Helloooo everyone and welcome to the grand finale of my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series! This post is brought to you by everyone’s favorite, Nida, of Shopaholic Blogs. Nida was the very first guest blogger that lifewithlilred has ever had, and I love that she is always so willing to participate in all of my series throughout the year. I’m sure that all of you already know, but her page is fantastic so if you haven’t checked it out, then you need to get on it ASAP! Her posts are always witty and wonderful but where Nida shines is in her fabulous OOTDs. Take a look at how she braved the summer heat in UAE for this OOTD:

Scorching Summer OOTD

Hello Loves! 💕

Happy summer to those of you who love it! ️I most certainly am not a summer person but for this post I’ll pretend that I am 😉. Since my blogging BFF, Sarah, (you all know her fondly as lifewithlilred ❣️) asked me to join her guest bloggers in her summer series I knew that I had to brave the heat 🔥and say yes!

So as you all probably know, summer here in the UAE is unlike anywhere else in the world – unless it happens to be a desert 🌵. Temperatures here soar. We are talking way above 110 degrees Fahrenheit! So, needless to say, dressing appropriately in the summer is a must. For me, usually that involves long dresses, skirts, or loose pants. I love incorporating prints into my looks by following a simple rule of combining them with at least one solid piece to avoid looking like a giant walking wallpaper sample 😂.

So here’s presenting Shopaholic Blogs and lifewithlilred’s take on a summer OOTD all the way from sunny UAE 😘.

Outfit details: 

☀Top: Old Navy (white is a summer must have)

☀ Pants: Loft (the print is so perfect for the summer on these pants)

☀Scarf: Splash (I love embroidery in any form) (As do I! -Sarah)

☀Bag: Mango

☀Sandals: Jessica Simpson

☀Watch: Mistura 

Hope you guys enjoy this post and do let us know what you think and how you guys put together your summer looks ☀️!

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^^^ Holy Gorgeous!!
Thank you so much to the charming, lovely, beautiful, talented Nida for her hard work on this post! I love you, darling! Once again, be sure to check out her page at Shopaholic Blogs! A big thanks to all of my Salute To Summer guest bloggers for a job well done and be sure to tune in tomorrow as I wrap things up! What do you wear in unbearably hot weather? Where is the best store to score summer clothes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mauve Maven OOTD

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Mauve Maven OOTD

Hi everyone and welcome to a fabulous OOTD for my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series compliments of my sweet friend, Geneva, from Genney Darling. Genney girl is an absolute doll. I so enjoyed chit chatting with her to get this post in order and checking out her blog is a total must – so be sure to give it some love! At the end of her post, Geneva mentions hoping to come back on lifewithlilred. All of my guest bloggers will always have a home on my page if they so choose, so this is definitely not the last you will be seeing of her! Now, take a look at her post exclusively for lifewithlilred:

Mauve Maven OOTD

Hello Darlings!

I’m Geneva and I run the blog Genney Darling. I was super excited when Sarah agreed to have me publish a post on her blog “lifewithlilred”.  She asked for something related to summer, which is coming soon, and I knew that I had tons of ideas especially for fashion posts. For those who don’t follow me, I run a fashion blog where I share my personal style with my readers. I have only had my blog for ten months, but I am already in love with the blogging experience and where it might take me.

Summer fashion can be difficult. I believe it is easier (and more fun) in the fall when you can layer on all kinds of flannels and sweatshirts along with other accessories and still look good while being comfortable. In the summer, we still have to think of comfort (especially in the heat), and it just feels all too easy to go to our basic short shorts and graphic tees.

In this outfit, I opted for my personal favorite mom jeans along with this mauve halter tank. I have been obsessed with mauve and I’m sure that it will keep making appearances in my wardrobe throughout the summer. This tank definitely will. I think it may be my new favorite summer piece!

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I thought the mom jeans would be good for summer because they are looser than skinny jeans, so your legs will be able to breathe a little better. (And some of us aren’t quite ready to show off our pale legs just yet!)

Shop the Look: 

Similar Mauve Tank Top – Forever 21

Mom Jeans – Asos

Creepers – T.U.K

Black Leather Backpack – JustFab

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Thank you for reading my post here on lifewithlilred. If you enjoyed reading this post, please make sure to follow my blog, Genney Darling, and check out some of my posts there. I hope to come back here and post for Sarah again. So, until next time!

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Many thanks again to Geneva for her gorgeous Mauve Maven OOTD! You are stunning! How do you stay cool with your clothes in the summer heat? What is your favorite color to sport in the summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah