Hi! We all know that Lil Red loves to shop but, the trick is, is that I am all about the discount stores to save copious amounts of cash while I partake in my favorite hobby. In today’s post, it’s all about the Washingtons, because I began my Christmas shopping early at the Dollar Tree and got six fairly decent sized candles for a dollar apiece. Check it out:
The beauty of discount stores, aside from the immense amount of savings from shopping there, is that no one is the wiser when they receive their presents. I plan on attaching sets of three of the above candles with a festive bow as part of gifts for friends and family and, for all they know, I could have gotten them at Target. Not only is the size of the candles relatively big for a dollar deal but, they smell amazing, too! The Pineapple Upside Down Cake is my favorite and I know that it will be a hit for my giftees. 🙂
What is your favorite discount store? Who has started their holiday shopping already? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Howdy! Something that I’ve grown very fond of as of late are discount stores. Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Five Below – you name it, and I like it. Ballin on a budget is my lifestyle choice and these stores live by my motto of “why pay more if you don’t have to”. From office supplies and snacks to holiday decor for a dollar, sometimes I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot when I stop into a discount shop. Just the other day at Five Below, for example, I walked away with this darling hair bow for three bucks and I’m sure it would have costed at least ten at Claire’s! Take a look:
This beautiful black bow with the long streamers ties in perfectly with my sweet goth aesthetic and I cannot wait to wear it. My hair definitely needs to grow out a bit more and, once it does, I will be pairing it with half up and messy bun styles ASAFP. The beauty of discount stores is that no one needs to know the price that you paid for a good find. For three bucks, I found a new accessory that would have costed me triple the price elsewhere and you just can’t beat that!
What is your favorite discount store to shop at? What is one of your best discount store finds? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello everyone and happy Hump Day! I was so happy on Saturday, because my mom and I finally got to go to TJMaxx together after about TWO MONTHS of not going. With a scary long stay in the hospital last month and just getting back on her feet, sweet JANE was definitely not able to hit the shops like the good old days. But, that changed this Saturday and we had a wonderful little jaunt to our favorite store. I got a fabulous new fall and winter staple, which you’ll see tomorrow, and some new beauty finds. Take a look and let’s discuss:
The Haul:
Unknown brand Radiance Crystal Cleansing Foam: $4
Vital C Vitamin C Brightening Serum: $8
Alpine Silk Rosehip Day Cream: $7
Grand Total: $19
Whenever I am in need of new skin care products, I almost exclusively purchase from TJMaxx. This is so crazy to me, because less than a year ago, I was still ordering skin care from The Body Shop and spending a buttload on some of the same products that I can buy at TJs. Without a sale, the prices at TBS are even more than the nineteen bucks that I paid for three products, and that’s just shameful to me. Of course, I’ll utilize a good TBS sale every now and then, but TJMaxx is truly where it’s at for skin care and beauty products… and also everything else! 😀
One of the items that I’ve been buying for the better part of a year is the Vital C serum. I pay eight dollars for a bottle that lasts me two and a half months. Meanwhile, at TBS, their Vitamin C Skin Boost that I used to use costed thirty dollars a bottle! I finished up my Vital C on Sunday, so I was so happy that they had it in stock at TJs, because I don’t know what I would do without it. A little radiance goes a long way, and my skin care routine would be nothing without some Vitamin C.
I also purchased a new moisturizer from New Zealand, which will be nice to try out. Because I have a very normal skin type, I can get away with experimenting with new products. I have heard wonderful things about skin care with rosehip in it in the past, so I’m looking forward to giving it a go once I finish the moisturizer that I’m using now.
And, finally, for funsies I tried out a Korean cleanser, because I’ll be needing a new one soon. The TJMaxx that I was at had an entire section of Korean skin care and I decided to change things up by going with the Radiance Crystal Cleansing Foam. Like I said, a little radiance goes a long way, so we’ll see how it works out!
I am really happy with the amount of products that I got for just under twenty dollars and am confident that I couldn’t get that value elsewhere. TJMaxx always does me right, and it was awesome to have a long awaited shopping trip with my mom! ❤
Who is a fan of Korean beauty products? What is one of your skin care staples? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hi everyone! I regret saying this, because the last thing I need is another store to obsess over – BUT, I am definitely doing that over Sephora! Seriously, their online deals are FABULOUS. I recently got an email saying that if you spend over twenty-five dollars on Too Faced products, then you could get a free mini lip paint with your purchase. I needed to reup on my Better Than Sex mascara, anyways, so I figured that I might as well get it online.
After spending just five minutes on their website, I decided that I will be doing all of my shopping online from now on. You get three free samples with your order, free shipping if you spend over fifty dollars, and there is almost always a promotion to get a freebie gift with your purchase if you spend over twenty-five dollars. Shopping in store is fun, but you get nowhere near that value when you are in person. And, why not get free stuff if you have the option to?
I’m lucky, because I haven’t fallen too deeply into my Sephora shopping to be spending a small fortune on beauty products. Normally, I just get my sister’s prezzies from there for gift giving occasions and stock up on my BTS mascara. But, that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t get maximum savings when I do so. If I ever feel the urge to explore makeup more closely, I will definitely shop in store and then make the purchase online.
I ordered a Sephora Play bag to get myself over the fifty dollar free shipping mark, so maybe the day will come sooner than later where I feel like experimenting with more of the products at Sephora. And, if that ever happens, it’s nice to know that I will be getting a lot of bang for my buck by shopping with Sephora online!
Which stores offers the best freebies or rewards programs? What are some of your savings tips for when you shop Sephora? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hi everyone and welcome to another wonderful week here on lifewithlilred! I’ve been bad…real bad…Because I ended up ordering more stuff on TJMaxx! But, in my defense, I want to finish all of my fall clothing shopping before I move into my apartment so SUE ME FOR IT. My purchases included two drop dead gorgeous BCBG dresses, which you will see tomorrow and Wednesday, and this lovely topper coat by Kasper seen below. Let’s discuss:
Suggested Price: $149
TJMaxx Price: $40
Total Savings: $109
My favorite pieces of clothing are definitely coats and jackets. I love how something that you literally just throw on can transform an outfit in its entirety. From moto jackets and peacoats to blazers and trenches, they each hold a special place in my heart. But, I’ve never owned a topper coat until now. Do I know exactly what it is? NO. Do I love it, anyways? HELL YES!
This little number by Kasper is going to look so freaking posh come fall and winter and I cannot wait to wear it for the first time once the weather cools down. I love the black scales peaking out from underneath the white netting, its length, and the elbow length sleeves. And then pairing it with black, thigh high boots and a large statement bag with your OOTD? Forget about it.
From the work Christmas party to throwing this topper on and running your errands, my new Kasper coat will serve its purpose well once the temps get chilly. Can fall get here now, or?
How would you style this topper? Better yet, what the hell is a topper?! I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello everyone and happy Hump Day! It’s no secret by now that 99% of the time that I go into Bath & Body Works is because I have a travel sized freebie coupon. That certainly rang true when I ran in last week to pick up this here mini shower gel! Take a look:
In my humble opinion, you can NEVER go wrong with vanilla scented anything. Candles, perfumes, lotions, and, of course, shower gels! I’ve been a bit underwhelmed with the freebie fragrances that I’ve been getting lately, so I decided to go for an old standby this time around with Warm Vanilla Sugar. It combines the decadence of vanilla that I love with the sweet warmth of brown sugar, making for a totally delicious scent during shower time!
What is one of your go to fragrances when it comes to bath and body care products? What is your least favorite scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello everyone! Thanks to a generous birthday gift card from my big bro, I was able to ball out at TJMaxx this past week. After my first shopping trip, I had about ten dollars left on my card and it was burning a hole in my pocket, so of course I had to go back! For eight cents over the ten bucks that I was working with, I was able to get the last of the beauty supplies that I need to last me for a good long while. Check it out:
As you guys know by now, I am an avid lover of all charcoal everything when it comes to my skin care routine. Destiny Boutique has the literal best charcoal products that I’ve ever used, so it was an absolute must to grab another one of their face bars, especially because I just finished up the one that I was using. And, did I mention that it takes me SIX MONTHS to finish one of their beauty bars?! For five dollars per bar, the cost per use is less than one penny and you definitely can’t beat that! 😀
I also treated myself to a new body scrub by Kind Natured. Using an exfoliator is a necessity for me when I am shaving, and since I finished up my Strawberry scrub from The Body Shop, it was high time for me to grab another. My new Kind Natured scrub smells freaking amazing – like oats and honey, which is one of my favorite bath and body and skin care scents. I did want to get another scrub from The Body Shop because they’re my favorite, but it will be nice to try something new and maybe it will become a favorite of mine, too.
What is one of the longest lasting products that you use? Who else is a lover of charcoal products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hi everyone and welcome to the newest edition of Face Mask Festivities. Today, we are going to be discussing Freeman’s Anti-Stress Clay Mask. Delightfully reminiscent of Lush’s Don’t Look At Me mask, this blue baby definitely was a hit and was a fraction of the cost at only $3.29. Plus, no refrigerator to keep this mask fresh is required! Check it out:
If there’s one thing that the ballin on a budget lifestyle has taught me, it’s that drugstore brands are equally, if not better, than name brands. This mask by Freeman’s was essentially the exact same thing as Don’t Look At Me by Lush for so much less. And, this made me enjoy it even more, because I felt so pampered completely guilt free.
Using Freeman’s Anti-Stress Clay Mask was the perfect treat after a long day of working and getting caught in the rain during a hike. I ran a bath, applied the mask, and was instantly transported to Relaxation Station. This mask smells awesome, for one. It is so minty and invigorating with the slightest touch of an ocean breeze, thanks to the dead sea minerals in the formula. It also was the perfect texture. It wasn’t too light or too thick, but right in the middle, and it didn’t over dry when my bath took longer than the wash off time.
Because this mask didn’t over dry, it left my skin feeling amazing after washing it off. My pores felt like they got deep cleaned and all of my blackheads were removed, to boot. Once my face was nice and clean, I applied my Vitamin E Sleep Mask from The Body Shop and drifted off into the Land Of Nod feeling like I just spent my evening at the spa. Except this spa costed me less than ten dollars to enjoy, and I can definitely swing that!
What is your favorite face mask to use? How do you create a spa experience at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
So you like having an instant coffee at home or at your office because it’s easy to make? Just open the jar of grounds, put a tablespoon or two of coffee into a mug, add some sugar, and pour in hot water. Stir and you’re all set for a quick cup of coffee. You can try adding some cream or leave it black depending on your taste. You don’t have to grind beans or wait for the coffee to brew. Nothing gets easier than this right?
But, do you know you’re missing out on great tasting coffee because you don’t brew it? You’ll never know that brewed coffee could taste so much better and smoother than instant coffee until you buy your first coffee maker! You’re going to love your coffee maker once you experience the difference of taste between freshly brewed coffee and an instant coffee.
If you enjoy the taste of brewed coffee from your favorite coffee shop, you can do so from the comfort of your own home with the help of a coffee brewer.
Two of the most popular types of coffee makers are drip coffee makers and cold brew coffee makers. The former brews smooth and delicious cups of hot coffee and the latter is, of course, for a cold cup of joe. BUNN makes great drip coffee makers. You can read the reviews for the BUNN coffee maker and cold brew coffee maker found on Amazon.
Now, let’s find out the benefits that a coffee maker can provide you:
1 – They help save money:
You’re going to have to spend some cash to buy your coffee maker, but in the long run it’s such a wise investment. You’re going to save a lot of money by having a coffee brewer at home compared to buying cups of coffee at your local cafe.
Espresso can be hard to make and it would seem to be a better option to grab a cup of espresso at a coffee shop, but an espresso machine can help you with that too. Espresso machines are a lot better these days at making great cups of coffee as well as saving your hard earned money.
Note: I would advise you to learn how to make espresso coffee at home before you choose to do so!
2 – A coffee maker brews fresher and smoother cups of coffee:
Preparing instant coffee is more convenient than brewing coffee, but a brewed coffee is far more tasty and the flavor is concentrated better. Freshly brewed coffee has a distinct aroma compared to instant coffee, because it is made directly from the coffee beans. Once you taste a cup of freshly roasted coffee you will never be able to go back to instant!
3 – Brewed coffee is better for your health than instant coffee:
Freshly brewed coffee from the coffee beans release healthy oils that contain antioxidants and nutrients that are very good for your body. The caffeine concentration is better in a brewed coffee than in an instant coffee, as well. Brewed coffee can help prevent heart diseases and cancer of different types because of the antioxidants. Just be sure not to drink too many cups of coffee in a day since the caffeine concentration is much higher in freshly brewed coffee.
4 – It is fun to brew coffee:
You can surprise your family and friends by playing barista in house. You can find tons of coffee recipe videos on YouTube. Check them out if you’re thinking about brewing Starbucks-level Cappuccinos, ice-cold Frappuccino’s, or Mochas/Lattes. Then, host an afternoon get together to show off your coffee concocting skills.
Here’s a YouTube video on cold brewing coffee to get you started:
Enjoying a long drive during the summer and being pampered by the warm weather is a great experience. But, there is something that one must keep in mind – that such weather poses a major hazard to a car’s exterior. To escape the negative effects of the elements altogether, a lot of precautions need to be taken. There are several tasks which one can do to help reduce the impairment done to a car’s paint due to weather conditions. Even though these are fairly simple steps to follow, completing them at all times can be a tricky task, as most people are forgetful and they tend to make silly errors in judgment. Here are some great tips to save your vehicle from the elements:
Parking in the shade:
Unless a car owner finds him or herself in a situation where there is no time to park at all, avoiding parking directly under the sun is possibly one of the biggest favors a car can get. There are essentially two benefits of parking a car under the shade. First, it helps in keeping the car cool. Secondly, it makes sure that the paint does not fade away so easily. These jobs may not seem so important, but these little incidents cause damage that adds up to cause a big problem in the future. So, rule number one is – never roast a car under the sunlight.
Using a car cover:
If the car owner regularly fails to find shaded locations to park the car, keeping a car cover in the trunk always is a must. These car covers can come in handy in many occasions, and will always provide your car with your own personally brought protection.
Another excellent way to keep your car’s exterior looking its best is to invest in wraps for your car to further protect it from the elements. This is definitely worthwhile if you want to keep your car looking brand new no matter its age. It may be worth researching local paint protection film experts in your area, to see if there is anyone who can provide you with this service. A skilled technician will be able to assist with reducing the risk of chips and scratches to your paintwork.
Washing the car on a regular basis:
Washing cars on a consistent basis ensures that the exterior of the car is fresh for a long period of time. Such benefits only come to play when the car owner washes the car properly. After parking the car under shade, rinsing off all forms of accumulated dirt and grime is the first step. If getting the grime off after washing is proving to be too much trouble, using a clay bar to clean the sticky spots before rinsing the car for a second time is highly recommended. For convertibles, using a convertible top protectant is the ideal solution.
Once the car has been cleaned, with the use of a microfiber cloth, the car must be dried off completely, without missing any spots so that there are no water spots on the exterior.
Waxing:
Similar to washing, waxing a car regularly can help in reducing any type of damage done to the car paint. If a car is waxed regularly, the prevention of dirt and debris sticking to the vehicle becomes easier.
Saving a vehicle from the elements might be an annoying task but it is definitely achievable, and will keep your car looking better for longer.
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