Tag Archives: new

May1

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Little Mermaid Themed Bikini

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Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Little Mermaid Themed Bikini

Helloooo! So I shit you not, the last time I bought a bikini was damn near over six years ago. Crazy, I know. But, I don’t really like swimming because I hate getting my hair wet so it hasn’t been that big of a deal. However, with my apartment complex having a pool and the family going to Hilton Head this summer for vacation, I figured it was time for a new one. Joyyyyyyy because bikini shopping sucks, amiright or amiright?

BUT NOT THIS TIME!

I have had my eye on a bikini from Hot Topic for a few months now and I finally made my way to the mall to try it on over the weekend. And, by god, it worked! I literally tried it on once and I knew that it was a-okay, which NEVER happens. Check out this cuteness:

bikini

When you’re a more busty girl, bikini shopping can be about a bitch. I only feel comfortable in bikinis that have bra like support and this Little Mermaid themed top definitely offered that. It fit shockingly well for a bikini top that wasn’t from Victoria’s Secret, which is where I figured I would end up purchasing one from. So not mad about it, though!

And, can we please talk about how darling the little skirted bottoms are?! I’ve always wanted bikini bottoms like these and they are just so perfect. The bikini set is sexy while still being adorable and with my red hair I feel like a punk rock Ariel ready to hit the pool!

I scored my new suit for just under forty bucks with Hot Topic’s buy one get one for ten dollar deal and I thought that this was a steal. While online bikini shopping at VS, just one bikini separate was at least forty dollars or more. For once, I am so excited about being seen in a bikini and I promise I will take some pics as soon as the pool opens! 😀

What is your favorite piece of clothing to shop for? How about your least favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Fashion Show

Apr28

More Pictures & A Bonus OOTD

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More Pictures & A Bonus OOTD

Hiii everyone and welcome to the viewing of the rest of the pics taken for me by my dear friend, Markus! I really am in love with these photos and I feel like they captured both the essence of myself and lifewithlilred perfectly. Him and I definitely plan on taking more pictures together soon so be on the lookout for them! But, for now, check the rest of these out:

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Who? What? Wear?

For the more beauty related photos that Markus took for his school project, I went with an OOTD that was a little sweeter. And, nothing says sweet to me more than gorgeous florals like the pattern in my True Destiny top. I got this shirt from TJ’s about a half a year ago and I love it so much. The colors are bright and the structured torso against the over the top puffy sleeves create a lot of visual interest. Normally, I am not a huge flower girl, but this shirt definitely made me change my mind about that!

But, because Lil Red is an edgy gal, I had to pepper a little spice into the look with my faux leather skinnies by Blank NYC. And, for some extra sassafras, the “Blah, blah, blah” word bubble heels a la Lust For Life were a must. I am obsessed with these message heels and have three pairs but I thought the blue ones would be nice with the colorful palette on top. I topped this look off with a hat from my brother and sister in law for Christmas and I was camera ready. 😀

How do you add edginess to your OOTDs? How would you describe your style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr20

Moving On Up: Groovy Movies Haul

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Moving On Up: Groovy Movies Haul

Greetings! I am an avid movie fan and am always trying to expand my DVD collection. Especially because I refuse to get expensive cable while being in my apartment and I have yet to decide which entertainment streaming service I want to go with. So, until I figure that out, it will be nice to have things to watch or something to just pop in for background noise.

Target is usually my go to destination for new movies because they have an excellent five dollar selection – and you’re not going to not buy something for just five bucks! I also managed to get some movies FO FREE at one of my local libraries with a small donation so that was really nice, too. Check it out:

movies

Those who know me will know that I am a huge fan of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series. I loved the books and the Swedish films are to die for. I was not the biggest fan of the American version but, it was there, so I figured why not. My mind was also blown by seeing Get Out at Target available for just FIVE BUCKS so I obviously needed that. And, for some comic relief, I love all things Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman so Identity Thief was a total must, as well.

A lot of the libraries in my neck of the woods are doing their spring cleaning and many of them have shelves full of free books, movies, and book tapes to select. So, it was nice to grab a few for a little donation even though the ones that I picked out are not my favorite. But, if I need a good cry, I’m glad that I now have Nebraska to help out with that! 😀

What is your favorite movie? What is your favorite form of entertainment? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar29

Moving On Up: Five Below Haul Edition

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Moving On Up: Five Below Haul Edition

Hello everyone! With my big move getting closer and closer with every passing day, the major hauling continues. We all know that I love to shop more than I love myself sometimes. And, I really think that because of this passion, the initial stressors of moving have faded away and it’s becoming more fun than anything. However, I am really trying to stick to my ballin on a budget lifestyle by choosing bargain and secondhand stores and being mindful of the best deals when shopping at Target or TJs.

So, it’s no surprise that I ended up at Five Below during my shopping extravaganza. And, I’m glad that I did, because I got all of the goodies seen below for under forty dollars! Check it out:

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An apartment wouldn’t be an apartment without two huge wine glasses that hold an entire bottle of wine in it! Lol, those were definitely a must. And, I loved the gallon glass dispenser so that I can make a big pitcher of cold tea or sangria during the summer months. I also chose two mini water fountains, one for my office and another to put on my TV stand for the ultimate relaxation experience… maybe while sipping from my holds one bottle of wine glass? 😀

While shopping, I also picked up the beautiful book “I Love You, Mommy” for my sister to read to my sweet niece, Valerie. I read it in the store and seriously almost cried seven times. The words are so touching and the pictures are gorgeous and I just know that Kristen is going to get a good cry out of it. In fact, I read some of the passages to my mom and cried so I highly recommend this one to literally anyone. It’s awesome!

And, finally, I grabbed some cute new ribbon hair ties to wear to the skating rink as well as my little sloth pal. One of my clients helped me pick him out to match the one that she got, so he will have a very special place in my apartment. ❤

Overall, this haul was really successful. I got some fun miscellaneous items that will make a big impact in my space and thirty-nine bucks for all of it was definitely the right price!

Where is your favorite bargain store to shop at? What other stores should I go apartment shopping at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar28

Moving On Up: TJMaxx Haul Edition

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Moving On Up: TJMaxx Haul Edition

Hi! As you all know, Lil Red is Moving On Up! So, this means that some shopping has been in order for my new apartment. Over the weekend, I visited TJMaxx and Target to begin the task of gathering my home essentials. I have been having a blast picking out new furnishings and knick knacks but I’d be a liar if I said it wasn’t a little stressful. But, hauls full of new stuff makes it a bit more tolerable! Like the following:

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*Not pictured: A full length mirror because it’s impossible to take a good picture of a full length mirror!*

Grand Total: $95

At TJs, I picked up quite a few kitchen utensils as well as an adorable and appropriate little red toaster. I also grabbed a suction cupped caddy for my shower, which is a must to hold my charcoal face bar, scruffy, and smell goods. To continue on with keeping things clean, I chose a new hamper for twenty bucks that I love because it has a lid on it so that I can keep all of my dirty laundry in there. And, to top it off, I got myself a full length mirror to help style my OOTDs in my bedroom.

I felt like I got a solid amount of stuff for what I paid for in this haul and it took care of a lot of essentials that I will need in my apartment. Granted, I still need a ton of bigger items to furnish my place with but the little things are important, too, and I’m glad to be taking care of it! 😀

What are some apartment essentials that I am going to need? Where is your favorite place to shop for home goods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar20

Tiny TJMaxx Haul

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Tiny TJMaxx Haul

Helloo!! Whenever I get a gift card to TJMaxx, I always try to stock up on things that I know I’m going to need in the future. So, despite always wanting new shoes, I normally will purchase my skin care essentials like moisturizer, micellar water, and serums. My neighbor who I dogsit for treated me to a leftover TJs gift card of hers to spend while I was watching her pups and I ended up with two new moisturizers that I’m really looking forward to trying. Check it out:

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^^^ First of all, peep the Cosmo and Wanda green and pink a la the Fairly Odd Parents! 😀

While browsing the beauty section, both of these Skin Lab moisturizers spoke to me. And, it was impossible to just choose one, considering they both have a really different formula but they each look equally as beneficial. I also liked how the packaging fully explained what each ingredient in the moisturizer does so that you feel like you’re taking charge of your skin care routine.

When choosing a moisturizer, texture is one of the most important things that I look for in determining if it will work for me or not. With normal skin, anything too heavy is just too much and doesn’t sit well under makeup. While anything too light leaves my skin feeling thirsty for more hydration. Both of these moisturizers have either a whipped or gel texture, which is exactly what I like. The gel one will be perfect during the warm summer days, while the whipped will be great for the spring, as it can still be chilly and windy.

Another added bonus, is that these two moisturizers together cost me about fifteen bucks, which definitely beats buying one for that price at a drugstore. I can’t wait to try both of these Skin Lab products out and all of you will be the first to know if they are worth trying out for yourself! 😀

What is your favorite store to get a gift card at? Do you have a skin care stockpile at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar15

Refresh The Parts Of Your Home That Fade First

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Refresh The Parts Of Your Home That Fade First

It’s a sad feeling when the home you once loved and cherished is fading away, but it will no doubt get to the point sooner or later. New home or not, the general wear and tear that it faces will lead you to want something more. You might even consider moving homes to something a bit more modern but, even then, the cracks will begin to show eventually, and it could be one of the biggest regrets of your life. Because we know how easy it is to think that a new home will be one without problems but, in fact, they can sometimes have more!

So, when you do feel like your home is beginning to fade, you need to think about how you can perk it back up again and make it look like a million dollars. It’s easy enough to bring an aging home back to life, you just have to think about the parts of your home that are fading first and what you’re going to be able to do about it. Luckily for you, we’re on hand to help and we think these top tips will bring a fading home back to life.

The Windows & Doors:

If you think about how often you mess with all of the windows and doors in your home, it should come as no surprise to you that they’re going to be one of the first things that fades away. It’s so easy for them to become chipped or damaged, especially the fragile paint that you’ll usually find surrounding your windows. Vinyl windows are the best thing that you can bring into your home and they’re going to look so good compared to your old ones if you feel like they’re wasting away. Plus, having new windows and frames installed is only going to improve the green side of your home, meaning you might just notice those bills dropping a bit more than you thought!

The Interior Decor:

The interior decor is going to be something you hold very close to your heart. You have your own style and we’re not about to try and change that. But, we do think that it’s so important that you take some time to update it yearly. Wallpaper may last two years or so, but after that it just becomes outdated. And if you inspect it closely enough, you will notice the wear and tear. So keeping it fresh every single year is a must and you have to admit that redecorating isn’t that expensive and is so fun once you get into it. You’ll often find that fresh decor is all you’re going to need to spruce your home up.

The Vibe:

The vibe of your home was probably something electric when you first started out. You had so much going on, so much happiness, and there just would have been a buzz about it. But, now, things can easily change when you realize how hard owning a home is and how the novelty wears off after a few months. But, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t host monthly gatherings to keep a good vibe going in your home. As long as you surround it with fun, you will feel great!

With spring just around the corner, give your home a little makeover and watch it come back to life in full bloom.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar14

Bathroom Brainwaves

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Bathroom Brainwaves

What’s your favorite room in your home? Is it your kitchen where family and friends gather round to eat, drink, and chat? How about your bedroom, a haven away from the hustle and bustle of a busy day? Maybe it’s your bathroom, where soaking the dust and smells of a day at work is your favorite way to unwind. Unless, of course, your bathroom is not in the best shape and has you racing through your bedtime routine to avoid the moldy tiling and leaking shower.

If that’s the case, then you need to think about creating a bathroom that provides more than just running water and gives you the tranquil haven you deserve. How to go about this transformation? We’re about to talk you through your bathroom overhaul:

Plan to succeed:

Do your research, read the posts from lifestyle bloggers and decorating gurus, and start creating a reasonable and budget friendly plan. You certainly don’t have to spend thousands on your makeover, but you do have to have a realistic budget in mind before you start. There’s nothing more frustrating than starting a job and then abandoning it halfway through as the money runs out and you have to begin saving again.

Start the work in a logical sequence. This means the messy stuff has to happen first, such as removing unwanted bathroom furniture, tiles, and so on. Once you’re done there, you’ll probably want to start repainting the walls. Think creatively, not all bathrooms have to be a brilliant white and you might opt instead to wallpaper one wall or paint it another neutral color. Try choosing contrasting colors from your bathroom essentials to create a striking juxtaposition.

Pick a priority:

Are you more of a long soaker or a shower kind of person? Whichever you prefer, why not treat yourself to a luxury bathroom suite that’s going to last and give you pleasure for years to come? You don’t have to spend a crazy amount on a new suite. You might find plenty of options online and in second hand stores or salvage yards.

Start getting excited today about transforming this room in your house. Keep an open mind on how and where you source your bathroom furniture from and keep costs down by doing as much of the work that you can yourself. If you’ve got friends and family that can help, tempt them in with the reward of food and beer!

Plan the refurb properly and have everything that you might need in place before you start. If you’re unsure about your DIY skills, then find a YouTube video that will provide you with some top tips to get you started. Then, once you’re done, you can sink into a bubble-filled bath, shutting out the outside world, proud in the knowledge that you’ve created your new favorite room in the house. Just be sure to get in ahead of the rest of your household who’ll also want to make the most of your decorating skills!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar11

New Cherry & Cream Nails

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New Cherry & Cream Nails

Hello!! This past Thursday, I enjoyed a much needed fill at my wonderful salon, Elysian Nails. Seriously, I can’t rave enough about that place. It is so posh, the nail techs are brilliant, and the prices are amazing. I always leave there feeling like a million bucks while only spending a fraction of what I used to pay to get my nails did. This time around, I chose a cherry vanilla motif and ended up with these beauties. Take a look:

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For the first time ever, I have red nails and I am so in love! It took long enough to go with nails the color of my namesake, but it was worth the wait because these are fabulous. My talons are nice and sharp and the deep cherry color along with the nude accent nail feels so lux and elegant. This color combination is edgy in a different way. I still feel like the queen of the underworld as I did with my black nails but now I feel like the queen of everything else, too!

Thanks, Elysian Nails! ❤

What color of polish do you have on right now? Which colors should I get next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb25

Accessory Story: New Sunnies Edition

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Accessory Story: New Sunnies Edition

Hiiii everyone! I know that after my last post about the fifty cent sunglasses I got from the thrift store, I vowed to never purchase sunnies for over ten bucks again. But, sadly, seventy-five percent of my sunglasses collection has broke in the past year, because all of them are old AF. Seriously, I’ve had some of these pairs since high school, so it’s no wonder that the ones that are almost a decade old have been snap, crackle, and popping their way into the trash can.

So, needless to say, I really needed a reup of shades and, although the two pairs I picked out from TJMaxx were slightly over my ten dollar budget, I am so happy with them! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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As you can probably tell, I am a huge fan of huge sunglasses. Don’t get me wrong, I love the teeny tiny pairs, too. But, nine times out of ten, I opt for a pair that’s big enough to cover half of my face. To me, there’s something so glamorous about big shades and, although my life is far from luxurious, it’s nice to play pretend!

The big frames are a Lil Red must, and so is a more muted color palette when it comes to my sunnies. Huge shades in a bright color would like a little much with my bright red hair and lipstick, so I like to go for the tortoise patterns, blacks, and browns. Both the Sam Edelman and Tahari pairs that I purchased feature a tortoise hue, which makes their size chic instead of cartoon-y and I am so looking forward to wearing them once the sun finally makes an appearance in Ohio. Now, here’s to hoping that they don’t break! #fingerscrossed

Do you prefer large or small sunglasses? What does your favorite pair of shades look like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah