Tag Archives: resolutions

Jan4

Feel More Confident Without Changing Your Look

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Feel More Confident Without Changing Your Look

With the start of the new year, chances are high that you have chosen to make resolutions about changing yourself or trying to be more confident. The thing is, there are plenty of ways that you can feel more confident in yourself and about who you are without having to change your look. Your weight doesn’t need to change, your hair doesn’t need to change, and you don’t need to change who you are as a person to be confident. Instead, you have to believe who you are as a person.

There are plenty of ways that you can be more confident without completely overhauling your look, and you can consider anything from a spritz of Michel Germain perfume to a course on public speaking to help you. As long as you can understand that your confidence isn’t based on your looks, you will go a lot further in life than you think. Here are some of the ways that you can be more confident without having to do an extreme makeover for it:

Stand tall:

If you sit in a coffee shop and look out the window you could point out everybody who has little confidence in themselves. They hunch and walk with their shoulders low and their heads down. If you want to feel confident, you need to stand up straight and tall, with your shoulders and head back. Think about commanding a room even when you’re just walking down the street. A powerful presence starts with good posture!

Change your environment:

What is it around you that is hindering your confidence? What’s making you feel less than you should? Did you know that people who spend all of their time in offices find that spending just a couple of minutes outside puts them in a better mood? You need to look at what it is that is pushing you down and go to the place that makes you feel most creative, happy, and relaxed. See, you don’t have to change who you are, you just need to change where you are.

Try something new:

It can be hard as an adult to try new skills or hobbies because of the fear of failure. We all want to be amazing at what we try right off the bat! However, persevering through something difficult and finally achieving success is going to do wonders for your confidence. You worked hard and you reached a goal, and that’s enough for a huge confidence boost.

Adopt a positive mental attitude:

A great way to be more confident without changing who you are is to be positive with everything that you do. Your thoughts will influence your behavior and your decision making, so reframing your thinking can drastically change everything. If you start each morning thinking that today is going to be a bad day, then it probably will be. Wake up every morning ready to take on the day and see what a difference it makes!

All of these ideas are natural confidence boosters – no pricey trip to the salon or store required!

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Jan1

Happy New Year!!!!

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Happy New Year!!!!

Hello everyone and a very Happy New Year to all of you!!! I am so thrilled to be able to celebrate another holiday here on lifewithlilred and continue on with another year of daily content and fun on my page. Most importantly, I’m excited to share it with all of my dear friends and readers and I thank each and every one of you for stopping by! I don’t know about all of you, but 2022 mainly sucked eggs for me so here’s to lots of good things in store for 2023. And, yes, I definitely did type 2022 first instead of 2023 lol I’ll be doing that for a while. *Face palm*

I have never been one for making New Year’s Resolutions like working out or eating less Taco Bell and when I have, I didn’t keep them. Rather, I like to set goals that I want to accomplish in the new year and see what happens. For example, it would be awesome if the followers on lifewithlilred and my social media platforms (Instagram @lifewithlilred94 and Facebook is: Sarah Mushenheim) increased and I will be working hard to achieve that. I would also LOVE to take a mini vacation of some kind with Johnny, which would be our first time doing so. Maybe this summer?!

As you might have deduced if you keep up on my page, the last several months of 2022 were not good for me in any way shape or form. So, I am trying to manifest all of the positive things to come mine and my family’s way in 2023. I think we could all use a break! During happy or sad times, however, it always brings me joy to sit down and write a post for my blog and I am so thankful to have that and all of you as a constant in my life – no matter what the year is! ❤

I hope that all of you and yours have the happiest, most prosperous, and safe new year. Have a blast celebrating and keep it locked for another year of your favorite Lil Red blogger! Here’s to 2023 – Let’s make it our best year yet!

Happy New Year!!!!

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Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions? Was 2022 a good or bad year for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov8

Focusing On Creating A Healthy Diet

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Focusing On Creating A Healthy Diet

As the new year draws closer, many of us are already turning our minds to resolutions. We want to make positive changes in our lives that help us to be healthier and happier. But why wait until January to put these into place? Sure, the festive season may be approaching and we may indulge in a few unhealthy habits. But it’s better to lead a healthy lifestyle the majority of the time with a few slip ups here and there than to lead a downright unhealthy lifestyle for the next couple of months. One area that many of us end up focusing on is diet. We all need to eat a healthy, balanced diet to provide our bodies with the fuel they need to thrive. But where should you start with this venture? Here are a few suggestions that can help on this journey:

Consider Your Goals:

First, ask yourself why you’re setting yourself this goal. Have you noticed that your diet lacks certain elements and you want to fill those gaps? Have you been feeling run down or out of energy? Are you experiencing obesity and want to return to a healthier weight? The goal of your challenge will alter how you approach it. If you feel that you are experiencing health problems as a direct cause of your diet, consult your doctor before getting started. They may be able to make recommendations, such as target daily calorie counts or carry out tests that could find that the issue isn’t your diet at all. For example, if you’re drained and tired, you may be experiencing a B12 deficiency because your body can’t absorb B12 naturally. You might find that bloatedness is due to lactose intolerance and you need to cut dairy out. Alternatively, they may be able to recommend specialist treatment for obesity such as bariatric professionals.

Five a Day:

A good place to start is ensuring that you get your five a day. There’s a good reason that five portions of fruit and vegetables are recommended. Many of us fail to achieve this, but we need a variety of fruit and vegetables to give our bodies the vitamins and nutrients it requires. Make sure your portions are as varied as possible. Your plates and snacks should be colorful.

Cut Out Junk:

Way too many of us eat way too much junk food. Ideally, you should avoid junk food on a regular basis. These types of food – fast food, takeaways, junk snacks – are often packed with excess sugar and salt. They also tend to have high levels of saturated fat. Try meal planning and meal prepping to get yourself into a better habit of eating freshly prepared foods at home.

Stay Hydrated:

Of course, you need to stay hydrated too. Make sure to drink roughly eight glasses of water a day. You should also try to eat plenty of water rich foods, such as melons, berries, cucumber, and celery

Eating well is a habit that you will need to form, so stick with it over time and you’ll quickly find you’re doing it without even having to focus on it!

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Apr9

What To Look For When Hiring A Fitness Trainer

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What To Look For When Hiring A Fitness Trainer

Are you still keeping up with your New Years Resolution of getting in shape? A fitness trainer can definitely be beneficial for achieving your fitness goals and helping you to be your best self. There are a few things to keep in mind when hiring a fitness trainer to make sure you’re getting the most out of your sessions:

Location is important:

One of the first things you’ll want to consider when hiring a fitness trainer is their location. You’ll want to find someone who is close enough to you that getting to and from your sessions is convenient. This will help you stick to your plan and not have any excuses for skipping out on a workout. You need to also keep in mind that you’ll be spending a lot of time at the gym or studio so you should feel comfortable there.

Their credentials:

When you’re looking for a fitness trainer, you need to make sure they have the proper credentials. These will differ depending on where you live but in general, you should look for someone who is certified by a reputable organization. There are continuing education units for trainers which ensure that they are up to date on the latest fitness information. This is important because the science of fitness is always changing and you want to make sure your trainer is using the most effective techniques to help you in your journey.

Their personality:

The personality of your fitness trainer is also important. You’ll be spending a lot of time with this person so you need to make sure you mesh well. They should be someone who is encouraging and motivating, but also realistic. You don’t want a trainer who is always pushing you to your limits without achieving results or making you feel bad about yourself in the process. Find someone who makes working out fun and something you look forward to instead of dreading.

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Their methods:

Your trainer should be using techniques that are proven to be effective and tailored to your specific goals. They should also be using a variety of methods to keep you engaged in your workouts and help you see results. Before hiring a trainer, try to ask questions like “What is your work style?” or “How do you develop workout plans?” to get a feel for their methods.

Their prices:

The rates of fitness trainers can vary greatly, so you’ll want to find someone who fits within your budget. However, you should also be aware that the cheapest option is not always the best. You’ll want to find someone who offers value for the price and isn’t just in it for the money. Many trainers offer discounts for packages or if you commit to a certain number of sessions, so be sure to ask about these options.

Their availability:

You’ll want to find someone who can work with your schedule and is available when you need them. If you’re only available for early morning or late night sessions, make sure they can accommodate you. You should also find out how long they usually work with each client and if there are any cancellation policies.

Their experience:

Last but not least, you’ll want to consider the experience of your trainer. You want someone who has been in the business for a while and has worked with a variety of clients. They should also have experience with clients who have similar goals or fall within the same age bracket. A Personal trainer for seniors specifically might not be a good match for someone in their mid-twenties. This will help them better understand your needs and how to best help you achieve your fitness goals or link you up with someone who might be a better fit.

These are all important factors that will help you find the best possible trainer for you. Now that you have the right trainer to help you, it is time to put in the effort and work to achieve your fitness goals!

Jan1

Happy New Year!!

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Happy New Year!!

Howdy everyone and Happy New Year! We are officially in 2022, which means a whole new year of opportunity and, of course, fun on lifewithlilred. 😀 I am so excited to be rolling out another three hundred and sixty-five days of daily blogging and have my fingers crossed that 2022 won’t be as much of a dumpster fire as the past two years. Here’s to hoping, anyways!

In this new year, my wish is for everyone to find comfort in better days ahead. We are living through a pandemic and it is scary on a good day. I wish for safety and good health for all and that we can revel in the happy moments of 2022.

While I also wish that the passing of time would slow down (I’ll be twenty-eight this year!), I am so thankful that I get to spend time with each and every one of you every day. May 2022 bring us good fortune, great successes, and a slightly less anxiety provoking time!

Happy 2022! ❤

What are your New Year’s resolutions (I, as always, have none!)? What are you wishing for in the new year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec29

Improving Your Health In The New Year

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Improving Your Health In The New Year

Many new year’s resolutions involve losing weight or earning more money. But aside from improving their appearance or bank balance, there is one meaningful resolution that is well worth making this new year. Focusing on improving your health in 2022 is a new year’s resolution that will make a significant difference in your life. Here are some of the ways that you can focus on improving your health in the coming year and make some really positive changes in your life:

Identify Your Goals:

It is hard to reach your goals if you are not entirely sure what you want to accomplish. Deciding on specific areas of your health you hope to improve will help make it easier to focus on achieving this. Simply saying you want to get healthy can make it hard to measure your progress and challenging to see measurable results. But, setting specific goals such as exercising three times a week or breaking free from an addictive habit will ensure you have something clear to aim for, which will help you to stay on track.

Understand What’s Holding You Back:

Often new year’s resolutions are goals people want to achieve throughout the year but keep delaying. Thinking about why you have been holding back on your resolutions is an excellent way to break through the barriers preventing you from taking action. Once you have identified what is preventing you from reaching your goals, you can establish methods to overcome these barriers. When you know what has been holding you back in the past, you should find it easier to commit to successfully reaching your resolutions.

Make a Plan:

After deciding what you hope to achieve from your resolution and identifying the barriers holding you back, it is time to begin making plans. With a clear plan, you can work towards your goals, making steady progress along the way. Thinking about the practical methods you can use to achieve your goals will provide you with a road map to get started and guide you toward achieving them.

Sometimes, getting started on your journey towards achieving a goal is the hardest part. So, putting an action plan in place should help you to start and then continue onward towards realizing your goal. Maybe you plan to beat an addiction, so taking a look at rehablist.org is a great starting point when making your plan. Or, perhaps you want to take a physical exam at your doctor’s office and make your health plans based on this. Whatever your situation, making a plan with a clear starting point is valuable.

Seek Support:

Trying to commit to something as important as improving your health can be challenging, so it is helpful to seek support. Finding the proper help through friends, family, or counseling will make it so much easier for you to commit to focusing on your health in the new year and beyond.

There is no better time than a new year to improve on your health. Use the tips above to be your best, healthiest self in 2022!

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Nov9

Making Time For Me Time

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Making Time For Me Time

Hello! I am self employed and have been running two businesses for over half a decade now. Of course, I love my jobs so much but anyone who is their own boss can tell you that it can be highly stressful – especially because if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. Two businesses means a demanding schedule with weeks feeling too long and the weekends, sadly, not being long enough!

I never really realize how much I push myself for my jobs until something as small as the common cold knocks me completely on my ass. On Halloween day, I woke up with an unbearable cold and it was a struggle to get out of bed. Thankfully, a scary movie day was on the agenda so not much movement was required but I had to call off of work on Monday, which is something that I rarely do.

For most people, a cold is something that they can usually still function through but for me, it was the polar opposite. This was pretty alarming to me and I knew that it was related to just how hard that I have been working for what feels like forever. Whenever I fall sick, I always tell myself that I am going to be more lenient with giving myself a day off if I need it. While it never happens, I actually mean it this time lol.

I will be taking time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas and in the new year, I am making it a resolution to give myself permission to give myself a break. This completely goes against my work ethic but I have now realized how important it is to give myself a mental and physical break from my work. I wish that meant lavish vacations to Paris but, in reality, it will be taking an afternoon off to get my nails done or spending a day playing Animal Crossing when I feel myself getting run down.

This, of course, won’t be a monthly thing but pushing through exhaustion isn’t healthy and I know that the next time I fall ill for days on end, I will be wishing that I gave myself a break. Chill evenings with TV and a face mask is great but it just isn’t enough after an uber busy work week and jam packed weekend.

My normal self care involves pampering of some kind but I have come to realize that it is so much more than that. I now know that a more effective form of self care for me would be being less hard on myself and allowing for a day of rest as needed. It will be difficult because it goes against everything that my brain is wired to think. However, I can’t have another half decade of success in my businesses without it!

What is your method of self care? How do you make time for you with a demanding schedule? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan24

New Year’s Resolution Check In

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New Year’s Resolution Check In

Hello! We are already getting close to wrapping up the first month of 2021 and if you made New Year’s Resolutions, then now might be a good time to reflect on these past few weeks and see how you have been faring. Consider the following and make adjustments accordingly so you can achieve all of your goals this year:

How often are you working on your goal?

If you have been dedicated to working towards your goal several times a week, you might want to buff up the time you’re spending by an extra five to ten minutes. However, if you’re struggling to work on your goal during your set scheduled times – don’t fret! There is no need to be hard on yourself. Rather, make a schedule that you know you can accomplish and then add more time to it gradually. Remember, a resolution is supposed to last you until the next New Year so it’s important to not let yourself get discouraged or burned out.

Is your resolution something you want to do?

It’s all well and good to say resolutions that sound well and good like losing weight or taking a class for your own enrichment. But, if you’re not one hundred percent dedicated to what you’re saying, then what’s the point? If there is something that you’d like to accomplish but it doesn’t fit in with a traditional New Year’s resolution, then it’s time to change things up while it’s still early in 2021.

Think carefully about all of the goals you have in the back of your mind, big or small. You are sure to feel an “Aha!” sensation about something and that means you are on the right track. And, don’t let anyone else’s goals intimidate you because resolutions are about bettering yourself. Start small and work your way up to big moves.

Are you feeling different?

Achieving goals feels awesome and if you’ve been steadily working on your resolutions, then you might already be feeling the benefits of small gains. Feeling discouraged is a totally different story, though, and that’s the polar opposite of what making New Year’s resolutions is all about. It’s impossible to start something new and be an instant expert because good things take time. If you’re feeling a little glum, take a break for a day or two and come back to your goals with a clearer head so you don’t completely turn yourself off to the process. Everyone needs time to relax and, if that’s the case for you, then it is one hundred and fifty million percent okay.

January has been flying by and that can make New Year’s Resolutions feel even more intimidating. I hope everyone is making huge wins in their goals and I, for one, am very proud of all of your successes big or small. Keep your chin up no matter where you’re at in achieving your resolutions and you are sure to accomplish everything you set your mind to! ❤

What is one of your New Year’s resolutions? How are you faring so far? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan15

Pandemic Worthy New Year’s Resolutions

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Pandemic Worthy New Year’s Resolutions

Hello! I, personally, never make New Year’s Resolutions. But, that doesn’t mean that I can’t help you come up with yours! I’m sure it feels difficult to set goals when leaving the house isn’t the best option so how about some ideas that you can accomplish from the comfort of home? Like the following:

Doing workout videos:

If losing weight is one of your goals, then there are a plethora of work out videos online that you can do from your living room. From yoga and Zumba to simple stretches, there is sure to be something that works for you. Maybe some of the trainers at your local gym even have classes recorded! Start with one or two classes a week and continue adding on from there once you feel ready. Hey, just one half hour class is an awesome achievement if it’s something you’re not used to. And Netflix isn’t going anywhere, I promise. 🙂

Caring for indoor plants:

If you want to improve on your green thumb, try caring for some indoor plants until it gets warm enough to garden outdoors. Not only will they beautify your space but they will help clean the air as well as give you something productive to do. Check out Pinterest and create a photo worthy succulent garden. Or grow some herbs indoors to use while you test out new recipes. It feels good to take care of a plant and help it grow and it will be exciting to track its progress every day.

Scheduled video chats:

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that family and friends do not get to see each other as often as before. If this is something that you have been down about, then pencil in scheduled video chats with those you miss. It is the next best thing to hanging out in real life and it feels nice to have something to look forward to marked in your calendar. I live for my FaceTime dates with my besties and this reminds me that I have to schedule some calls, myself!

Fostering/adopting a pet:

If you have always wanted a furry, scaley, or feathery friend to keep you company, then there is no better time than the present – especially if you are working from home. Do your research and visit a local animal shelter or rescue organization for your new best friend. If you are not ready for the full time commitment of a new pet, then fostering is also a great and much appreciated option.

If you love animals but cannot commit to having a pet, you can also help local shelters by providing old blankets or towels, food, and toys. Organize a community drive and help make a difference.

Work on a new/old hobby:

As always, the New Year is the best time to learn a new hobby or get reacquainted with an old one. Set aside a half hour every day or few days to work on a hobby that is fun for you. It’s impossible to be good at something overnight but the improvements that you will make with steady practice will help motivate you to keep working at it. Learn a new language, paint that picture from a tutorial, or try your hand at Photoshop. Practice makes perfect and by 2022 you will be amazed at how far you’ve come!

Get inspired with the tips above and carve out some time at home to begin working on your goals!

What are your resolutions for 2021? Have you been sticking to them so far? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec15

Want To Live A Healthy Life? Start Simple

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Want To Live A Healthy Life? Start Simple

Have you decided that now is a good time to start living a healthier life? Good for you! At some point, most people make a choice like this about their life, but few end up sticking to it as it isn’t a particularly easy thing to do. In this article, we’re going to be looking at some of the things that you can do to live a healthy life that are super simple. The goal here is that when you start out simple, you are more likely to stick with the new life that you have chosen. Keep reading if you would like to find out more:

Exercise where you can:

The first thing that we’re going to suggest is that you exercise where you can. There’s a number of different types of exercise, so don’t think that this means you have to go to the gym. Not everyone is a fan of working out in front of others, and not everyone is a fan of working out with gym equipment. Don’t forget that swimming is an excellent form of exercise because it makes you use all the parts of your body. Walking is also good if you want to start small. Don’t feel pressured to start by doing those intense workouts that you see online. You might never get the urge to complete these and that’s absolutely fine because most of them are for very specific fitness goals. If you just want to stay healthy, then swimming or walking a couple of times per week is going to be just fine. Couple this with good eating habits and you’re good to go!

Learn about wellness:

The next thing that we’re going to mention is that you should learn as much about wellness as you can. You need to know what your body needs, how to cook the things that your body wants, and what else you can do to live the healthiest life possible. If you look at a site such as Kristen Blake Wellness, you will find a whole host of information on this topic. The better educated you are, the higher the chance is that you are going to stick with the decision that you have made. Keep in mind that it isn’t always going to be easy, even when you’re starting small, especially if you’re used to a particular lifestyle. But, that doesn’t mean that it won’t be worth it, because we promise that it will.

Sleep more often:

The final thing that we’re going to look at is how much you are sleeping. We know that a lot of people have trouble with sleep, but it’s vital to your body being in the best condition. You need to get around seven hours of sleep every single night if you want to be as healthy as possible. There are a number of things that you can try if you’re having issues sleeping, so just find some of them and give them a go!

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now have a better idea as to some of the ways that you can start living a healthy life. If you start simple, you’re going to have an easier time making the bigger changes when the time comes!

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