Tag Archives: love

Furthering Your Education, Your Career, Your Life

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Furthering Your Education, Your Career, Your Life

Choosing to further your education can be a daunting task. If you have already started in the world of work and have had somewhat of a gap between the last time you sat in a classroom and where you find yourself today, don’t fear – not much has changed in what you need to do to get you to where you need to be; you still need to knuckle down and put in the effort required, as well as the following steps:

Prepare Yourself: Preparing yourself to go back into a world of learning is something that will take a bit of time. For starters, you will need to visit colleges to make sure you’re choosing the right one. What does your ideal college experience look like? Do you want to live on campus? Commute or learn online? Perhaps you even want to study abroad! Prior to visiting colleges, it’s important to have a clear vision of how you want these next several years to go. That way, you won’t settle for anything less.

You’ll need to get yourself focused with a clear conscience and the right attitude to tackle any workload. The reason that quite a lot of people don’t think about furthering their education when they’re making their way through adulthood is the whole host of responsibilities that you’ll inevitably have running alongside. This means all of the washing, cooking, cleaning, and bills that you have to uphold whilst still doing school work, plus all of the other jobs that you have to uphold to keep a house running – especially if you’ve got children. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be done. There are loads of examples of people who have made their way through college or another form of education while still running a successful household.

Should trips to campus for classes be too much with your schedule – that’s okay! There are countless different options for furthering your education online. Remote learning can earn you your diploma or a certificate and can be completed on the go or from home. You can also consider online courses for a specific career path. For example, if you are interested in cyber security you could explore the course options available through https://www.cybrary.it . Career specific courses can often be completed quicker than a traditional degree and will still open lots of doors in the working world.

Get The Materials: There is so much more than a pen and paper that you’ll now need to get yourself through the years that you have committed yourself to. There are must haves such as books, online resources (so you’ll need access to a computer), and other higher-learning materials that you will need to be able to grab a hold of at a moment’s notice to help with essays and other learning projects. Getting the staples such as pens, pencils, and paper will also help, as neolithic as it sounds nowadays! Talk about old school!

It’s important to note that you will need a great computer if you are choosing an online education like this STEM School Certification or virtual associate degree programs. You will also need to have fast, dependable internet so you can always access your learning materials.

Find a Mentor: You can reinvigorate your education and career path at any point in your life, but one constant is that you should find a mentor to emulate and an example to follow. This can be a teacher, a professional, or an expert in your chosen field. For example, people like Caitlin Brodie of Greenwich have succeeded professionally and have offered to train others in leadership skills and other abilities that are useful in the business world.

If you can get a private tutor in addition to your basic education and your classes in your course, you will find that you progress much more quickly and completely. Of course, it’s beneficial to be selective in who you choose to follow, and there’s nothing to say that you can’t learn from the example of multiple mentors as well. Find what works for you.

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Pretty!

Learn The Code: There is a code of conduct set in place in every educational faculty, and it is up to you to upkeep the core values and morals that it is displaying. There can be disastrous consequences to your learning path if you violate the code – you can find more at Duffy Law about the steps that you need to take should that happen. It’s definitely a good thing to learn ahead of time what is required of you in terms of on campus conduct.

Make Friends: Just because you are studying doesn’t mean that this isn’t a chance to make new friends. People are usually on the same course as you because they have at least one common interest: the subject at hand. It’s good to have study buddies with you regardless of what age you are or how independent you feel; discussing and exchanging ideas about what you are educating yourself on is a great method of making your learning deep-rooted rather than superficial and easily forgettable. When you begin to explain to someone what you know and how to do something, you are further teaching yourself and cementing any rough ideas that you had.

Congratulations on beginning your higher education journey. Now get out there and learn, learn, learn!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Girls Day Out!

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Girls Day Out!

There is nothing more important than sisterhood – women coming together and supporting each other, regardless of color, race, or religion. Us girls need to spend time with each other to remember why we are utterly amazing. Girls tend to build each other up and spending time with other females will help improve your mental health. We are good listeners and very empathetic, unlike men who tend to be more logical and reasoned. They aren’t so keen on listening to us talk our problems over for hours on end; they just want to solve them. Of course, we understand that the only thing able to solve our problems is us! Talking is part of the process. As well as analyzing every text message sent between you and your crush!

With this in mind, spending time with the girls is critical. However, you shouldn’t just stick to girls nights out; experts say that daytime activities with a gang of your sisters are the best way of keeping our mental health in good shape. So here are some fun ideas for you to try next GDO (girls day out!):

Horseback Adventure: Setting new challenges and getting up close and personal with animals is usually something that women love. This is because animals are as empathetic as we are. We feel relaxed around them and at ease. Horse riding is perfect. Think about a few of your mates all jumping on horseback and then heading off for a few hours of chatting and relaxing. Finding a good riding school will save you all the cost of horse ownership, and you won’t have to buy your own riding hats and turnout rugs, you can just turn up, get on, and head out! Make sure to pack a picnic lunch and some cute sunnies!

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HORSIE!!!!!

Shop Till You Drop: What girl doesn’t like retail therapy? We all do! So heading out for a day of shopping somewhere a little further from home could be just what the doctor ordered. A great way of doing this is to take a train to a large shopping center. This way you can all have a long boozy lunch after, and none of you have to worry about driving. Just keep an eye on your bank balance and spend within your limits!

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Pampering Party: How about a spa day? Taking a moment to get completely chilled out and enjoying a massage for some much needed TLC. Most spas will do couples massages where you can be with your loved one. Well, you can enjoy these with your mates, too. Then head into a clay bath and laze the afternoon away lounging by the pool! Chilling at the spa is a brilliant way to catch up with your friends as well as give yourself some love.

Keep your girl pack close and take time out of your schedule to enjoy each other. We know how to make the best out of every moment and how important it is to leave the boy drama behind. Find out what the rest of the girls enjoy doing and get out there. You could even take it in turns to organize a weekend every month. Then, you will get to try out a variety of different things and learn more about your BFF’s interests.

And remember. Sisters before Misters!

Featured Image By: Pexels

The Body Shop Store Closing Sale

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The Body Shop Store Closing Sale

Hiii everyone and happy Monday! This past week, I learned the unfortunate news that the only Body Shop within a one hundred twenty mile radius of me is closing because of a leasing problem with the mall. Because of this, the ENTIRE store was half off and although I did have a major haul a month ago from TBS, my mom and I just had to stop in because half off. We got so many goodies that I don’t even know what to do with them all and I am so excited for some mom and sister spa nights in the future with all of our new spoils. Take a look:

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The Haul:

  • A new makeup brush
  • Amazonian Acai Energizing Radiance Mask
  • Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask
  • Vitamin E moisturizer
  • 2 bronze eyeshadows
  • Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask
  • Strawberry scrub
  • Vanilla body mist
  • Satsuma bar soap

Grand Total: About ninety dollars (craziness!!!)

Believe me, I had zero intentions of making such a large purchase. In fact, on our way to the store I even told myself in my head that I was not going to buy anything. Well, it was a nice thought, anyways. But I just couldn’t help myself. The deal was so excellent and it only seemed right to stock up on some favorites as well as try out some new items. The Amazonian Acai and Himalayan Charcoal masks, for example, are never included in the online sales so to get them for half off was such a treat because I would have never bought them otherwise.

I am also so hyped for my Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask because it is a personal favorite item that I rarely buy for myself. Normally, when I shop TBS I just stick to the products that I would consider my skin care essentials so to load up a shopping bag full of items that I usually would never buy for myself felt SO good. New makeup brushes, fragrances, and masks are not a high priority for me when I’m shopping TBS – but god knows I want them! To have a total treat yoself moment was just what the doctor ordered but still, it sucks that the store is closing. -_-

Despite the downer of an occasion to shop, my mom and I both got some wonderful products for ourselves (her purchases are not pictured). I think that I am most excited about my Vanilla body mist, actually. I’ve loved their Vanilla scent for as long as I can remember because it’s a fragrance that my mother loves. It’s such a pure, rich fragrance and it seriously smells good enough to eat. I snagged the very last one and it will definitely be a nice change from my Satsuma and apple scented sprays that I’m currently working on. In fact, I think I’ll wear it today!

I wish nothing but the best for the beautiful ladies who were employed at The Body Shop because, unfortunately, they are now all out of work. All of them always made our shopping experiences wonderful every time my mom and I would shop in store. I have no doubt that all of them will find new companies to share their talents with soon! ❤

So there you have it, my haul from The Body Shop Store Closing Sale. Who is lucky enough to have a TBS near them? What is your favorite product from The Body Shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Angie’s Bath & Body Purchases

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Angie’s Bath & Body Purchases

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! Yesterday, a special delivery came (super quickly!) in the mail – some wonderful treat yoself goodies from Angie’s Bath & Body. Angela, a dear friend who custom created Ruby Tulip is the boss lady behind her Etsy shop which boasts amazing home made bath and body care supplies like sugar scrubs, body butters, fragrances, and bath salts. I needed to purchase the finished product of Ruby Tulip for a giveaway here on lifewithlilred coming up next month so I figured that it was the perfect time to also buy a sugar scrub since they’re my fave and I’ve wanted to buy one for forever! Take a look:

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Not only did I get my Peaches & Cream sugar scrub and Ruby Tulip but Angela also treated me to a sample of her goat’s milk lotion that she’s currently working on. SPOILER ALERT: All three smell divine! As soon as I opened the package, which arrived in ONE DAY flat, I could smell the sweet Peaches & Cream scrub which was just as good as biting into an ice cold creamsicle – my favorite frozen treat. I cannot wait to use my new sugar scrub as an exfoliant before shaving my leggies to create a closer shave, silky smooth skin, and a good enough to eat scent. And can we talk about the totes adorbs little spoon that she added to dollop the scrub out with?! SO. CUTE!

The rose petals that Angela added into the Ruby Tulip bottle was a beautiful touch and will be going to a lucky reader come April! I am so excited for lifewithlilred’s first giveaway and for the new lotion that Angela is working on. I tested out the goat’s milk lotion yesterday upon its arrival and it smelled so creamy and absorbed instantly, which is a must for me when it comes to lotions and body butters. I just know that that product is going to be another major seller on her Etsy page!

If you haven’t checked out Angie’s Bath & Body yet, then I urge you to get on it ASAP and treat yoself to some new body care goodies. You won’t be disappointed! What is your favorite bath and body care item to treat yoself with? What is your favorite lotion or perfume scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

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Happy Birthday, Mom!!

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! Today is a special day because it’s my mommy’s birthday!! As I’m sure that you guys have gathered by now, my mom is basically my best friend. We love to hang out together, cook, watch movies, go shopping, pet dogs, and play Scrabble. My mom is easily one of my favorite human beings on the planet and everyone who has the honor of knowing her feels similarly. It’s hard not to!

I am so thankful for having a mom who is as funny, smart, wonderful, and perfect as mine. Not to mention how caring, supportive, and encouraging she is. I can always count on good ol’ JANE to be there when I need to talk and am appreciative to have a mother who is a fantastic listener. No matter how my mom and I spend our time together, I always enjoy it because I am seriously in the best of company when I’m with her. I love you so much, mommy!

Happy Birthday!! ❤

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Beauty And The Beast Review

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Beauty And The Beast Review

Hiii everyone and happy Hump Day! Yesterday night was a fun one because my older sister, Kristen, treated me and my mom to a night at the movies to see Beauty And The Beast for my mom’s birthday. I have to admit, I was semi ambivalent because I had heard some amazing reviews, some horrible reviews, but mostly very average reviews about the film. But the remake of Beauty And The Beast made me eat my words five minutes in because I absolutely LOVED it. It wasn’t just me, though. My mom, sister, and what felt like the entire audience seemed to be in agreement that this film was really special. Let’s discuss:

What I loved about this remake was that they stayed true to the original cartoon and then enhanced it appropriately. With these improvements, we gained further insight into the backstory of Belle, the Beast, and the castle’s inhabitants. Some people on my Facebook newsfeed deemed these additions “pointless” but I thought that they were brilliant. Why would a classic film be remade at all if there were no changes made to it? If it was a literal live action play by play of the cartoon, I would rather watch the original any day.

Now, let’s all be honest with ourselves here. We all know that that was not Emma Watson singing. The autotune was strong for her – so strong that it sounded exactly like the singing in the cartoon version. I ain’t mad at it. Only a little! Another teeeeny tiny bone that I have to pick is that the British accents seemed incredibly out of place because they are in France, after all. I would have loved to have had the entire film done with really good French accents, but we can’t always get what we want. And, finally: WHY WAS BELLE’S SKIRT TUCKED IN ON ONE SIDE?! IT DROVE ME FREAKING CRAZYYYYY!

Okay. I’m glad I got that off my chest.

But really, though. It was a hell of a remake. It really was. And that’s saying something coming from me because Beauty And The Beast is easily one of my favorite Disney movies. I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed myself immensely. The cast was so strong and complimented each other so well, which made each scene in the movie flow perfectly. I wanted more. I was honestly sad when it was over! The little tastes of the retelling of such a beautiful tale left me ravenous and if a sequel were for some reason announced I would probably cry from happiness.

It’s crazy, because when you’re a kid, you don’t really think about how intense Disney films are. It’s only when you’re older that you can look at the film and be like “wow, that’s kind of fucked up”. I mean, there’s an entire song in Beauty And The Beast dedicated to killing the Beast. And don’t even get me started on the turmoil that Maurice goes through upon returning to the village after Belle stays as the captive. Of course, the cartoons are sad. But there was something about seeing this remake after not having seen the original in so long that made me weep like a baby. The characters were so easy to connect to so all you wanted was the very best for them. And for Gaston to jump off of a freaking cliff!!

Speaking of, I loved, loved, loved to hate Gaston with every ounce of my being! He was so bad and so good and I was so pleased with the “Gaston” number in the bar because that’s weirdly my favorite song. And, I thought Monsieur LeFou was perfect. The combination of Gaston’s meatheaded nature and LeFou’s sass for days was definitely a fun twist. And LeFou is obviously better at seeing the good (or lack thereof!) in people for crushing on a total asshole!

All in all, I’m rating this movie with a ten to the ten, ten, ten. Despite me being nitpicky, I had a fantastic time at the movies last night and would happily go see Beauty And The Beast for a second time!

(And, as always, I have no rights to this trailer or featured image.)

So there you have it, my Beauty And The Beast Review! What did everyone else think of this movie? Which Disney flick do you hope is remade next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Disney UK

Loft Haul

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Loft Haul

Hiii everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a fabulous and relaxing weekend. My Saturday was spent getting my shop on at Loft and scoring an amazing haul for a seriously amazing deal. If there’s one place that I know that I can turn to for totally profesh but super fun business casual attire, it’s Loft. And let me tell you, my work wardrobe was in definite need of a pick me up. The beauty of the clothing at Loft is that their clothes can really be dressed up or down depending on what you need to use them for. I love that my Loft clothes can double for work or play and that you can get great deals if you know how to shop their sales. Check out my latest haul and then I’ll reveal the price for all five items that you won’t believe! Take a look:

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The Haul:

  • Two shirts both originally priced at $54.95
  • One pair of jeans originally priced at $69.95
  • Two pairs of sunglasses originally priced at $24.50

I Paid: About $80

So how did I do it? This is all compliments of my mom, actually. Thanks to beaucoup Loft Cash, percentage off promotions, and fifteen dolla holla sunglasses, she was able to dwindle down a staggering price to something much more reasonable. My mom started shopping Loft a couple of years ago and I have always been so impressed with the clothes that she has purchased. Like I mentioned earlier, they really are the perfect work or play wardrobe staples. The clothes fall in that amazing “youthful but not trying to be young” category, which means that women of any age can pull off their clothing and still look great.

It’s not like I’m a super avid Loft shopper but when I do spend time in their store, I always seem to manage to find some really nice stuff. Their jeans, for example, are the best thing that has ever happened to the bottom half of my body so whenever I can get a good deal on their black skinnies, I always have to indulge. The frayed ends of my latest black skinny purchase (because we all know that it’s all I wear!) were a fun little detail and I’m hoping to take a razor blade to the knees if I’m feeling crafty enough. I don’t own any ripped denim but I really like the idea of it, so if anyone is a savvy pants ripper and has any tips for me, please send them my way!

And, of course, I freaking LOVE my new tops. In the pictures, they might look like your standard T, but they are actually made out of one hundred percent polyester so it feels silky and looks sleek as opposed to the regular old cotton T. These tops have an adorable eyelet detail on the back and the colors in each of them are my favorite. Green and yellow are two colors that happen to look really good on me, thanks to my pasty pale skin tone and vibrant red hair. As soon as I put these tops on, they just felt and looked SO good and if they had any additional shirts in different patterns I probably would have bought them, too!

Both of these tops will be great for when I’m out and about at work or paired under a moto jacket for errands or drinks with friends. I love the kimono feel of the yellow top and the deep green paired with the brighter teal details really had me feeling some type of way! It’s going to be really fun to create new looks for my day to day work and play wear for an outfit that’s business cashe or a young twenty-something on the go (generally going to Taco Bell).

Finally, I am obsessed with my new sunnies! I haven’t bought new sunglasses in forever because now I usually just opt for my Chanel shades from my nail tech, Vinny. But these new ones are SO fabulous and I got each of them for seven bucks, so it really doesn’t get much better than that! The solid black frames scream Miu Miu to me and the duel colored tortoise shell and navy sunnies are so unbearably chic. Both of these sunglasses are shaped in styles that I don’t already have in my sunnies arsenal so it will be nice to throw on a fresh new pair of shades before I hit the road in the Little Red Love Machine!

Obviously, Loft was really good to me this weekend and my closet so thanks me for it! I am super happy with my latest Loft Haul and am ready to welcome spring with some shiny new wardrobe additions. Who else is a major Loft fan? How are you upgrading your wardrobe for spring? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Ruby Tulip Launch!!

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Bath & Body Works March Freebie

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Bath & Body Works March Freebie

Hiii everyone and happy Hump Day! Yesterday I made a quick stop into Bath & Body Works to grab my March freebie, a travel sized French Lavender & Honey shower gel. I’m trying to stock up on travel sized necessities like body wash and lotion for when I eventually make it out to Europe because every little bit helps! And as you guys know, I freaking love this scent. Check it out:

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So since we’re all aware of the deliciousness that is French Lavender & Honey, I would like to announce a future giveaway, instead. March is all about the launch of lifewithlilred’s perfume line, Ruby Tulip. But, come April, I would love to do a giveaway of four to five travel sized Bath & Body Works goodies. It will be a lovely variety of different scents to test out for yourself or you could do the Sarah technique and add them on to birthday presents for friends or family. Either way, a giveaway is on the horizon so be on the lookout!

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? Who plans on participating in lifewithlilred’s first giveaway? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Ruby Tulip Launch!!

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Ruby Tulip Launch!!

Hello everyone and happy Tuesday! This is a very exciting day because lifewithlilred’s very first signature scent is here in the form of Ruby Tulip, a roll on fragrance oil. Ruby Tulip was created by the unbelievably talented scentstress of Angie’s Bath & Body – a dear friend, Angela. Her and I collaborated on this scent and she took what little ideas I had and turned them into a beautiful fragrance. Ruby Tulip is available for purchase on Angela’s Etsy shop and with shipping will be just over fifteen dollars. A total smell goods steal!

As I pondered what to say about this scent, I hit a brick wall. Especially because Angela’s description of Ruby Tulip on her site is simply perfect. So, I’m taking the stumped wordsmith’s route here and sharing that with you because I literally couldn’t have said it better myself:

RUBY TULIP CUSTOM PERFUME – 1/3 oz. (roll-on)

This a very special creation. A dear friend of mine asked me to create something special for her and her beloved blog readers. And so I did.

RUBY TULIP is made from all natural ingredients and with pure love. It took almost 2 months to get all of the essential oils to work perfectly together and now it’s ready for the world. It’s a citrus scent, but lightly. It wears very well and may only need 1 touch up throughout the day.

INGREDIENTS: Fractionated Coconut oil, lavender essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, rosemary essential oils, sweet orange essential oil, and a smidge of honeysuckle fragrance oil.

You have the option of adding rose petals or ordering without. The rose petals are a beautiful addition to the perfume.

Ruby Tulip is packaged in a 1/3 glass roll-on bottle w/cap. It will be shipped in a black roll-on box and organza bag via USPS 1st Class Mail.

I truly hope that you love this scent as much as I do.

Thanks,
Angela

^^^ Told you I couldn’t have said it better myself!!

I want to thank Angela again for the hundred millionth time for creating Ruby Tulip for me but most importantly for all of you! Angela is an incredible businesswoman and you can check out her latest ventures on my most recent Accessory Story. While checking out Ruby Tulip’s page on Angela’s Etsy shop, be sure to treat yourself to some more divine bath and body care goodies like her body butters and sugar scrubs – I promise you that they won’t disappoint!

The Ruby Tulip Launch is a go and I am so excited to finally be able to share it with all of you! Who plans on making a Ruby Tulip purchase? What should Angela’s and my next fragrance be called? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah