Tag Archives: love

Joy Of Garlic

Standard
Joy Of Garlic

I am sure that you guys gathered by now that I love food. I feel like I am constantly talking about cooking, baking, eating, or Taco Bell to someone! But one thing that I really love is garlic. I remember the first time that I had a super garlic-y food. My mom made my brother a snack of spaghetti and pesto when he came home from work about ten years ago and after trying a taste of the garlic filled sauce, I was hooked.

After my revelation of how freaking amazing garlic is, I began seeking out foods and recipes that would be filled with the stuff. When I cook, I use no less than an entire bulb of garlic in my meals despite the recipes only calling for about three cloves! When it comes to garlic, I mean bid-ness so when I was at a farmers market in Asheville, North Carolina at the beginning of summer and discovered the Joy Of Garlic stand, I truly believe that I died and went to heaven.

The Joy Of Garlic boasts, sauces, dressings, salsas, and spreads that are all dedicated to giving you the biggest blast of garlic imaginable. Their salsa is superb but after taste testing their Chipotle and sun dried tomato spread, I had discovered what it means to be alive – they are that good. Take a look on their website and you’ll see what I mean!

Upon returning to Asheville in October, my family bought three of each of our favorite spread flavors which will probably last about a month at most considering we put it on everything! Sandwiches, pizza, French bread, crackers, pretzels, you name it. The reason why it dawned on me to even write this post to begin with is because I had some for lunch today over top a microwave pizza! This spread literally transforms everything that you put on it and it turned my somewhat crappy pizza into instant deliciousness.

I also did promise the lovely woman who sold my family our garlic spreads both times that I would write a post about it on my blog. So if you’re reading this: THANK YOU!!

You can shop online for all things garlic at the Joy Of Garlic’s website and you can also learn how to sell the products in your area! If there are any local farmers markets in your neck of the woods, I cannot recommend starting a stand enough because I one hundred and ten percent believe that it would be a hit!

Thank you so much to the Joy Of Garlic for introducing me to my new favorite topping for literally any food and for also helping me keep vampires away with my breath! What is your favorite topping to put on your meals? Is anyone else super obsessed with garlic like me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

garlic1.jpg

October Finishes

Standard
October Finishes

Hellooo everyone and happy Thursday! I cannot believe that October is almost over already! It really seemed to fly by and I am not okay with it. The weather in Ohio has also been less than pleasant this October with temperatures raising from boiling hot to bitter cold with none of that perfect fall in between to spare. One good thing about October, though, is that some fab beauty products were used up and enjoyed so take a look at my empties and let’s discuss:

finish2.jpeg

Would I Use It Again?

  • The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter: YES
  • The Body Shop Vitamin E Illuminating Moisture Cream: YES!!!!!
  • The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Eye Cream: YES

Why/Why Not?

Body Butter: I got my jumbo sized strawberry body butter from TJMaxx for a whopping ten dollars and it lasted me over a month. I do love the strawberry scent but sometimes it is just too sweet for my liking. Despite being wishy washy about the fragrance, there is no denying that any scent of body butter is going to feel amazing on your skin! My favorite thing to do is take a nice, long bubble bath, shave, and then literally douse my body with TBS butter. There is nothing better and your skin is going to thank you!

Vitamin E: I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this cream. It is the most amazing product that I have used in quite some time. This moisturizer literally leaves natural highlights on your skin and has you completely glowing for the entire day. My favorite thing about this cream is that if you put it on your lips, it will leave them tinted with the most gorgeous shade of bio-luminescent violet. It took me about a month and a half to finish this cream and I cannot wait to get my hands on more soon.

Eye Cream: I have been using my Nutriganics eye cream since I was nineteen or so and I have yet to see any signs of wrinkling near my peepers. The cream goes on so smoothly and absorbs quickly. What I love about my Nutriganics is how awake it makes my eyes look even if I am running on about four hours of sleep. But the best part about this eye cream is how long lasting it is. It took me about five months to finish it!

I feel so pampered this month because all of my finished products were from The Body Shop! I have yet to use a TBS product that I didn’t completely love so I would say that it was a pretty good month of empties! I think November will be even better considering I broke out my all time favorite – TBS cocoa butter after completing my jar of strawberry. I CAN’T WAIT! 😀

So there you have it, my October Finishes! What is your favorite product from The Body Shop? What products do you need to restock soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

What Is Your Third Love Bra Personality?

Standard
What Is Your Third Love Bra Personality?

One thing that I truly believe in is amazing lingerie. I stand firmly with the statement that under every gorgeous outfit is fabulous lingerie to go with it. Ever since I was out of trainer bras (those were the days!), I have been enamored with the endless possibilities that come with shopping for the perfect bras and panties. If you guys know me, and my “If I like it, I obviously must buy it” attitude, it should come as no surprise that I have two drawers filled with pretty little underthings. I’m talking bras and panties for days. Some are fun and bold, others are pretty and flirty, while a few are totally va va voom sexy.

The lingerie that I house in my dresser can only be described as a magnificent, lacy hodgepodge of styles so I really wouldn’t say that I have a bra “personality”. That’s why I am so totally excited to feature this way fun quiz by ThirdLove here on lifewithlilred. It is going to be such fun to take this quiz together and find out what our fall lingerie look is.

After the quiz, you fabulous people are going to have free range to shop till you drop because I am going to give you a fifteen percent off promo code for any purchase on Third Love. Their lingerie is to die for and nothing is better than getting something pretty for a steal! Is everyone ready? Let’s do this.

brapersonality.jpg

My Answers:

Favorite Fall Activity: Howling through haunted houses, obvs! This weekend my boyfriend and I are going to the Factory Of Terror and I’m SO excited. As a horror buff, haunted houses are a must and I can’t wait to make my way through the five haunted houses that the Factory has to offer.

Best Fall Flick: HORROR MOVIE MARATHONS!! I do this on the daily anyways but it’s even more fun when the spooky chill of Halloween is in the air! Also, is it bad that I’ve never seen Hocus Pocus…?

Go-To Fall Outfit: If by my boyfriend’s flannel you mean my flannel, then YES! I love flannels all the time but they are the best ever in the fall! Whether they are tied around your waist or keeping you nice and warm under a quilted sleeve coat, flannels are a no brainer for an autumn outfit.

Favorite Fall Flavor: All apple everything, please! I’m not a big Pumpkin Spice Latte kind of gal but I’ll take a warm glass of fresh apple cider any day!

The Results:

  • 24/7 Classic T-shirt bra

I can totally see why I ended up with the bra that is perfect for a fall fashionista on the go. Whether it be browsing through pumpkin patches or a night hike through the woods, I’m always down for fall activities. However, I don’t own one single t-shirt bra. Is that bad? In Lil Red’s world, appearance trumps all functionality when it comes to lingerie so I want the drama, the lace, and the perfect push up.

As opposed to the 24/7 Classic T-shirt bra, I can totally see myself sporting the 24/7 Strappy T-shirt bra. I absolutely LOVE it. This bra is too cute to not play peek a boo with so I would style it with a warmer fall afternoon in mind. Here are my steps to creating a totally cool fall look that will make the corn maze your new runway:

  • 24/7 Strappy T-shirt bra: You want a pretty bra with a rocker edge? Say no more. Whether you play peek a boo with this bra or not, knowing that you have a gorgeous bra on with some sass to it is a huge confidence boost. WORK!
  • Muscle tank with oversized arm holes: A muscle tank with the slouchy sleeves and a fun pattern or logo is a must for the Strappy T-shirt bra. The double band is totes adorbs and will be able to make a guest appearance through a tank with some slouch to it.
  • Flannel tied around your waist: All of the flannels that I own are pretty oversized and I really like that when I tie them around my waist, it goes down close to my knees. I recommend a larger flannel but any size will do! When you are getting dressed, don’t just grab any old flannel, though. You never know when it might get a little chilly and wearing it wouldn’t be a bad idea! Make sure the flannel compliments your outfit well because the possibility of a fall chill is real.
  • Black or dark blue skinny jeans: Of course, I only wear black skinnies but a nice, dark wash indigo jean is the perfect hue for fall.
  • BOOTS: Ankle booties, mid rise combat boots, knee high riding boots, or thigh high va va voom boots, boots are a must for this outfit. Take your pick of style (I’m not picky!) and strut your stuff!
  • Oversized sunglasses: To accessorize, make sure to pack some oversized sunnies to fight off the fall glare.
  • Canvas messenger bag: I think messenger bags are so on campus cool and they are perfect for storing apples from the orchard, beautiful fallen autumn leaves, and some extra cash for a PSL for later.

No matter how you style your fall looks, just remember to have fun and that the base of any amazing outfit is some amazing lingerie! What was that? You want the promo code to pick out some super fab ThirdLove bras of your own? But, of course! Happy shopping!

Fifteen Percent Off Promo Code: TLBBOCT16

So there you have it, my Third Love Bra Personality! I hope you guys enjoyed reading this post as much as I did making it! Who is going to do some shopping on Third Love? What was your bra personality? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 2!)

Standard
TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 2!)

Hiiii everyone and happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a fab day so far. So, in case you haven’t noticed by now…I have a serious problem when it comes to shopping at TJMaxx. I love that store more than life itself and when it comes to an evening of “browsing”, my mom and I don’t mess around. You guys need to know that I literally have no self control and that these purchases had to happen. Let me show you some pics and you’ll see why! Take a look:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Haul:

  • Faux Fur Coat: Me Jane, $20
  • Fox Hooded Nightie, Munki Munki, $16
  • Animal Print Backpack: Unknown *read below*, $25
  • Knee Highs: Bonetti Giordano, $7

Sarah, you have too many clothes, shoes, and accessories. STOP GOING TO TJMAXX! Juuuuust kidding. 😉 Now that I reprimanded myself, let’s discuss the gorgeous new additions to my wardrobe in detail:

Faux Fur Coat: I didn’t mean to like this coat but it just kind of happened (that’s a lie.). I saw it hanging on the rack looking so sad and forlorn without me in it that it would have been cruel to not put it on. But, come on? Only twenty dollars?! It was practically begging me to take it home. I have been on the hunt for a beautiful, faux fur coat since last winter but they are just something that you do not see often in stores. Therefore, it was totally necessary for me to try the coat on, period, to see if my obsession was even worth it. I mean, you never know – it could have looked awful.

Lucky for me, it didn’t! I fell in love with the romantic, 1940’s feel that this coat had and don’t even get me started on those brooch style buttons! It is worth mentioning that this coat was also in my favorite color, BLACK, so it’s like it was meant to be. I do wish that they had it in other colors, though, because I think that it would look so gorgeous in a dusty gray or pale pink. It also would be super fun in a bright color, too, like cobalt blue or violet. I cannot wait until it gets cold enough to break this coat out because I plan on pairing it with vintage hats from my beloved grandma and its going to look so chic that I could just die. ❤

Foxy Nightie: As you guys know, I have developed an obsession for jammies! My one and only pair that I got recently from Target is just not enough so this little nightie was a total necessity. Not only is the pattern adorable but it also comes complete with a hood and the little holes in the sleeves for your thumbs which I thought was such a sweet touch. This nightie fits perfectly in between being too light or heavy which will make it ideal for snuggling up in this fall and winter.

Printed Backpack: My desire for an unbearably stylish backpack developed many a years ago thanks to the adorable assortment that Elaine from Seinfeld always had. I’ve been watching Seinfeld since my childhood with my parents so, to put that into context, it’s been a long time coming. Anyways, I was so excited when backpacks became cool this past year because that would mean that I would finally find one that was perfect. Wrong.

Every single backpack that I’ve come across just didn’t do it for me. They were all either boring or way too over the top. I needed something that was sleek and edgy, not an eyesore. So when my mom pointed out this little beauty from a brand that I do not know because I literally cannot find it ANYWHERE on the product/tag, I was thrilled! This bag has everything that I wanted – a great shape, a cool pattern, and the option to wear it with everything. I absolutely love it. I cannot wait to break this baby out when I change purses at the end of the month!

Knee Highs: In my defense, I really do need some new knee highs/boot socks. I begin my second year of coaching figure skating for the Special Olympics tomorrow and haven’t purchased new “wear with figure skates” socks since I quit skating…about seven years ago. I am so in love with my new Bonetti Giordano (made in Italy, darling!) socks and have already had such fun wearing them off the ice. I broke out these little babies on Monday for my boyfriend’s birthday with a burgundy floral print dress and forest green platform wedges. The look was a hit and I can’t wait to continue pairing my knee highs with sweet dresses and skirts for a fun fall look. Now, I just need a pair in every other style that was there and I’ll be set!

The reason why I am so okay with this wonderful TJMaxx haul is because I literally own nothing like every single item that was purchased. Everything that I found or was scouted out for me by my fashionista mom were things that have been on my fashion wishlist for forever so to not buy them would just be cruel and unusual. A very fashionable fall is in my forecast! Ciao!

So there you have it, my TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 2!)! What are some of the things that are on your fashion wishlist? What store do you have a hard time saying “no” to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PAJAMA PARTY!

Standard
PAJAMA PARTY!

Hi everyone and happy weekend! Last night I had a little Pajama Party with me, myself, and I…and also Harry Potter. I have been OBSESSED with the new jammies that I got from Target and have taken every opportunity I’ve had for the past two weeks since buying them to get comfy, cozy, and cuddle up. I have been in need of new pajamas for years now but have just never really bothered. I just continued to make do with the body butter and lotion saturated sweats that I purchased from Aerie like three years ago.

However, this past month I have been OBSESSED with finding the perfect pair of PJs. I had tried Kohl’s, TJs, and Target a few times but nothing really spoke to me. I was looking for something that was the perfect combination of cute and cozy so not just any pair would do. After shopping trips to the three stores resulted in failure every time, I had damn near given up. But one final trip to Target changed the PJ game.

I had tried Tarjay before and was in love with their Disney line PJs but they were absurdly expensive for a nightgown or top and bottom set. So, despite the cuteness, I had to pass. My mom had pointed out the pair seen in the picture below and initially I turned them away. But after further examination, I decided that the red, flannel, lumberjack chic jammies were perfect. They were warm, cozy, and absolutely adorable. I could definitely picture myself counting a few sheep in them! Take a look:

pjs.jpg

It’s admittedly not the best picture but you get the point. I love snuggling up in my new pajamas every night and now I just need a pair in every color! You can shop Target in stores or online to join in on the Lil Red Pajama Party happening nightly! Where is the best place to get pajamas from? What does your perfect pair of PJs look like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Kids And Pets: Teaching Your Children Responsibility The Adorable Way

Standard
Kids And Pets: Teaching Your Children Responsibility The Adorable Way

My first pet was a guinea pig way back when in the fifth grade. He was the most precious little thing – black and white with a brown circle around his left eye. My fifth grade level of creativity settled on the name of Oreo and he was simply the best. I have always been really fond of small, furry animals and now the latest battle is getting my boyfriend to get me a bunny! So far I have been unsuccessful but that’s nothing that a little persistence can’t cure! Check out some more ideas for pets that are perfect for children in this article:

Kids And Pets: Teaching Your Children Responsibility The Adorable Way:

Any parent knows the feeling that creeps up when the kids decide that they want a pet. There is a conversation that always takes place between the parent, who is keen and reluctant at the same time, and the kids. You know that there will be early enthusiasm, followed by distraction. You will be left being the one who looks after the pet – which you won’t mind, but there are valuable lessons about responsibility here.

It doesn’t help that the most usual pets are the ones who often require the most looking after. Everyone loves a kitten or a puppy. As they grow, though, they need to be seen through some milestones. Unless you want a misbehaving adolescent dog or a litter of surprise kittens, they need to be “fixed”. And if they act out while you’re away from home, it’s carnage. So to get kids used to looking after a pet, a less high-maintenance one may be a great start.

Birds: Noisy And Full Of Character, But Not Too Much Stress: A tropical bird can be one of the most enjoyable pets for kids and adults alike. It is advisable to find one that is already habituated to humans. Find a hand raised Amazon for sale and look forward to some of the most entertaining years of your life.

Of course, they need to be fed but that’s no sweat. Even the most squeamish kid can find the fun in feeding bits of fruit to a parrot. And be careful of your children trying to teach the parrot rude words. It’s almost inevitable, but the more attention you pay, the less likely there will be “hilarious consequences.”

pets1.png

Bird is the word

Tortoises: The Anti-Parrot (In Most Ways): If you’re looking for a low maintenance pet, you can’t go far wrong with a tortoise. Your kids may initially be skeptical. You can’t take a tortoise for a walk on a leash, or teach it to beg for scraps. However, they are sociable and patient animals. One major advantage that they have is that they can live to a ripe old age. Anyone who has ever consoled a child through the loss of a pet knows how much of a relief this is.

pets2.png
TURTLE!!

Guinea Pigs: Full Of Fun And Easy To Handle: If you’re looking for something in the small rodent family, then the Guinea Pig is the ideal pet to get your kids used to furry friends. They’re highly sociable and don’t mind being handled. They also know when they are about to be fed, which leads to an excitable squeak that the kids will adore. And when they’re euphoric, they do something called “popcorning.” On that, we’ll let the video speak – or squeak – for itself.

pets3.png

So. CUTE!

Of course, you will need to talk seriously with your kids from time to time about how to look after a pet. Naturally, their attention spans are not at the same level as yours. But as they gain the skills to care for a pet, you can think about cats and dogs too. Just watch out if you have a cat and a parrot. Cats like to chase birds, and they may see an adult parrot as the ultimate challenge!

What was your first pet? What kind of pet do you have now? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Hair Glitter Trend

Standard
Hair Glitter Trend

Heyyy everyone and happy Hump Day! So a couple of months ago I saw a picture on Facebook of a girl who had the most GORGEOUS hair I had ever seen. It was a deep, rich midnight blue and in her hair was the lightest, most glorious dusting of silver glitter. After seeing that picture and lusting over the beautiful blue color that I will never have because I’ll be Lil Red 4 lyfe, I made a mental note to buy hair glitter if I ever come across it.

The day for my hair glitter purchase took place this past weekend at Target. With Halloween on the horizon, Target has pulled out all the stops with costumes, home decor, and costume makeup. And lucky for me, hair glitter was included in the Target Halloween extravaganza! Take a look:

glitter.jpeg

This spray is manufactured by Rosie’s Costume Co. and it is literally the best product EVER. So much so, that my very capable and brilliant hair stylist was extremely impressed. The beauty of this spray is that it’s not a spray but I don’t know what word to describe it with. When I think of hair spray, the first word that comes to mind instantly is “sticky” and this hair glitter is far from it. After my hair stylist sprayed a ton in my hair, it still felt touchable and sleek and looked mighty cute to boot!

Target offers this glitter spray in blue, green, silver, and gold and there are also cans of color without glitter like pink, red, green, and yellow. I was debating off and on whether to get just the silver or gold spray but it was too tough of a decision so I just bought both. At two dollars a can, it wasn’t particularly breaking my bank but I was pleased to see that it rung up as buy one get one half off so I got both cans for three bucks. Not bad!

I love how the gold spray compliments my bright red hair and I am looking forward to testing out the silver for a more glam look. My only regret is not buying more cans of the spray so next time I am at Target I will have to stock up for a year round of glitter hair because it’s not just for Halloween anymore! I wish that I had pictures of just how gorgeous this glitter is but unfortunately, my camera couldn’t capture the look very well on film. But, rest assured, that it really is fabulous and I can’t recommend this product enough!

How do you feel about the Hair Glitter Trend? What do you plan on dressing up as for Halloween? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Vacation Photos

Standard
Vacation Photos

Hi everyone and happy weekend! I arrived back home in good ol’ CFalls, Ohio this past Wednesday after a wonderful week away in Asheville, North Carolina with my family. We had an amazing time hiking, horse back riding, apple picking, EATING, and shopping! My family had visited Asheville in June and we liked it so much that we just had to come back and this time our two dogs, Ollie and Gem, joined us for the festivities. 🙂 ❤

Take a look at some of my favorite photos from our fall vacation:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

^^^ So. Much. FUN!!

Fun fact for ya, the butterfly, hummingbird, and duck pictures are all made out of LEGOS! They were being featured at the North Carolina Arboretum and they were so incredible! Asheville treated the Mushenheims so well and my only regret is that I’m not there right this minute! Have a fab weekend, everyone! Much love. -Sarah

TJMaxx Fall Haul

Standard
TJMaxx Fall Haul

Hi everyone and happy Monday! As you read in my last article, Hats Off, I did some major fall shopping this past month. TJMaxx was oh so good to me and I ended up with a hat, shoes, sweater, jacket, and dress for under one hundred dollars!! I’m so obsessed with everything and I’m wearing my new dress as I type this, so let’s take a look at the latest additions to my fall wardrobe:

The Haul:

  • Patchwork Jean Jacket: Ci Sono, $20
  • Patchwork Sweater: Monteau, $16
  • Paisley Pattern Dress: Pink Rose, $13

In case you guys haven’t noticed, I. Love. Fall. Clothing. The styles, the colors, the potential to layer and mix and match – I love it all. So needless to say, when autumn comes around I shop like a mad woman! It’s no exaggeration when I say that at least seventy-five percent of my wardrobe is fall clothing and like a woman possessed, I have no problem adding to my vast collection.

During a shopping trip at TJ’s with my mom, I was simply swooning over the fun patchwork pieces that I got and the adorable patterned dress which will be perfect with tights and booties. I have seen patchwork all over the runways lately so when I had the opportunity to snag two sweet patchwork pieces for thirty-five dollars, I just had to indulge!

I look forward to pairing my cream colored sweater with everything this fall once the weather cools down. Jeans, maxi skirts, a-line skirts, over a dress – I CAN’T WAIT!! The weather has been perfect for my dress and jacket, though, and I’ve already had so much fun sporting both pieces on campus both together and separately. There is nothing better than finding clothes that make you feel confident, chic, and perfectly ready for fall. And at just the right price, how can you say no?

Make sure you keep it posted on lifewithlilred to see the conclusion of my fall haul with a brand new If The Shoe Fits article for my latest finds from TJMaxx and Target! There will also be a new Bath & Body Works Freebie article on the horizon to discuss my three September freebies. Stay tuned!

So there you have it, my TJMaxx Fall Haul! What is your favorite type of fall clothing to wear? What have you splurged on recently to welcome the fall weather into your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

One Top, Five Fall Looks

Standard
One Top, Five Fall Looks

Hi everyone and welcome to Miss Danielle’s OOTD post for my fall guest bloggers series! Danielle from Ride The Waves is going to teach us how to style five gorgeous fall looks with one simple top. This post takes the hassle out of getting ready and will have you on your way to being a fall fashionista in no time. Take a look and TGIF:

One Top, Five Fall Looks:

These looks feature an off white neutral top that can be worn five different ways to achieve five very unique fall looks. The looks go from casual to semi formal. Something for a day at the park, a nice dinner, and a night of dancing. Mix and match without the hassle of piles and piles of clothing…which later leads to a very messy room. (I know from personal experience!) Have fun with your fall looks – it’ll be here before we know it!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

^^^ Thank you so much again to the beautiful Danielle for showing us some fabulous looks for the fall. Once again, please check out her blog at Ride The Waves! What is your favorite outfit that Danielle created? Which look can you see yourself sporting this fall? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah