Tag Archives: shop local

Jul27

JC Comics Haul

Posted on July 27, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Hello!! There are so many amazing local businesses in my neck of the woods. My favorite one, though, has got to be JC Comics. It has been a staple in Cuyahoga Falls since I was little and I definitely remember going there a lot with my brother, Andrew. To this day, we still love to frequent JC’s and just had a trip there this past week. JC’s isn’t a big shop, by any means. However, it feels like home whenever I walk in and the owner is there behind the counter to greet us warmly and chat it up. He also ended up talking me into a new series during my last visit and gifted me with freebies too! Check it out:

I consider myself to be an avid reader, but have fallen off the path pretty significantly. I have just been super busy and that can get overwhelming. When I get overly stressed out, I don’t have much mental capacity left for anything else – especially reading. This is why I have gotten back into graphic novels because they are more low key and I take a lot of joy in admiring the artwork. When my brother and I visited JC’s, I wanted to scope out some new series to take note of and one called Nailbiter caught my eye.

I spent a lot of time flipping through the pages of the first volume of Nailbiter and when the owner clocked it, he said I would like it without a doubt. I am a huge horror fan and Nailbiter is all about a small town with a double digit population of serial killers. So, yeah, he was totally right lol. Curiosity got the best of me and I walked away with the first and second volume of it. The owner is even ordering the other five volumes just for me so I can have the whole collection! 🙂

Not only did he hook it up for Nailbiter but he also surprised me with some freebies while I was checking out. The first issue of five other horror series that he thought I would enjoy too. When he put them on the counter, I thought I could only pick one so I was ecstatic when I was given the lot! It was such a kind gesture because after so many shopping trips and conversations, he really does know my style when it comes to comics. These might not be in the traditional format for Lil Red’s Book Club but I can’t wait to dive in and share my thoughts with all of you. 😀

JC Comics is a beloved gem where I live and it has withstood the test of time thanks to the wonderful owner and his employees. They truly foster a love for literature and art to everyone who walks in the door and I am looking forward to my next visit so we can discuss Nailbiter!

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

Aug22

New Tor’s Prints Chopping Board

Posted on August 22, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!!! Today, we are going to check out the last purchase I made at the Punk Rock Flea Market! Then, keep it posted for a brand new Bath Bomb Blitz once I get around to using the super cute bath bomb that Johnny got for me. 🙂 When I shop, I only buy the things that I feel like I have to have as soon as I see it. What’s the point of spending money on something that you don’t absolutely love? This chopping board by Tor’s Prints definitely fell under that category and I think you can all understand why. That is, if you are familiar with the Papa Roach song “Last Resort” lol. Take a look:

The Tor’s Prints booth had all kinds of cool goodies like keychains, stickers, and earrings. I was most enamored, however, by the custom chopping boards. When my eyes locked in on the Papa Roach inspired board and I learned that its price was only ten dollars, it was as good as mine. Johnny and I thought it was the funniest thing and it will also come in very handy because my current chopping board sucks. Then again, it’s such a hoot that I might just keep it on display on a knick knack shelf. 😀

I love everything that I purchased from the Punk Rock Flea Market, but the chopping board is my favorite. It was so neat to shop around because every booth had something completely one of a kind. While TJMaxx will always be my happy place, you will never find anything like the stuff at the market there! This was such an awesome event to attend and Johnny and I have a lot more plans in the works… Stay tuned on lifewithlilred for when your fave Elder Emo couple hits up the county fair lolol.

You can shop Tor’s Prints on Etsy and follow all of the latest and greatest on Facebook too. And, as always, support your local artists!! ❤

Where is your shopping happy place? Have you ever been to a county fair? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug21

New Punk N Junk Earrings

Posted on August 21, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! The Punk Rock Flea Market that Johnny and I went to was freaking awesome! We were blown away by the talent of the local artists and makers peddling their wares and returned home with a bagful of goodies. The first purchase that I made at the flea market was actually from one of the first vendors that we visited called Punk N Junk. They had the most adorable earrings and I wanted all of them! But, I exercised self restraint and walked away with these two:

These earrings actually tell a funny tale of mine and Johnny’s morning before going to the flea market. I couldn’t find my black parasol to save my own life and I was getting SO frustrated. TBH, my mental health feels like it’s hanging by a thread sometimes, which is why I am starting therapy this Wednesday. Because I am very sensitive at this current juncture, I cried a little bit about my missing parasol because everything just seems overwhelming to me. Then, Johnny found it in his car of all places and all was right with the world.

After my mini freak out, I had one of my “ecigs” AKA Emergency Cigarettes on our way to the market. Every week or so, I’ll have a real cigarette and that was definitely the time I needed one. So, when I saw the Crybaby earrings at the Punk N Junk stand, I jokingly told Johnny that was me! Then, I saw the cigarette ones and said that that was also me lol. These two earrings literally summed up the twenty minutes before we went to the event and it gave us a huge laugh. Even when Johnny or I are feeling frazzled, we always find a way to end up laughing at the end of it!

You can visit Punk N Junk’s Etsy page here and give them a follow on Instagram @punknjunkk. Thank you for the fab earrings – I love them! ❤

Who is your favorite local artist? What makes you feel better after something upsetting? Shopping always does the trick for me lol! I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Poison Apple Candle By MZ Candles Review

Posted on August 18, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Poison Apple Candle By MZ Candles Review

Hello! If Johnny and I could have, we would have bought ALL of the things from the Punk Rock Flea Market. We both decided, however, that we would limit ourselves to the cash we brought and I am pleased to report we made good on that with some to spare too! Johnny and I held true to our plan by sticking to our “sweet spot” price range of five to fifteen dollars per purchase. One of which included this super cool Poison Apple candle by MZ Candles for just five bucks:

I used to really enjoy burning candles when I first moved into my apartment and pretty much stopped all together. Our old place was so hot that I didn’t need another reminder of it from a dancing flame. Our new digs maintain a much cooler temperature, however, so I couldn’t help but stop at the MZ Candles booth. Merideth Z had candles galore in various sizes, colors, and scents. As always, I am an apple gal and my mind was already made up when I saw the five dollar Poison Apple candle.

The Poison Apple scent smelled exactly like the caramel apple suckers that I love so very much. Also, how cute is the wax skull?! I was expecting a decent amount of fragrance once this candle was lit and, sadly, it wasn’t the case. In fact, I couldn’t smell anything at all as it burned. This was a bit of a bummer, but it didn’t take away from how pleasant it was to have a candle lit during a nonstop rainy afternoon and evening. I also loved how the red skull and green wax melted together into a glittery pool!

Even though I was not blown away from MZ Candles in the scent department, I have been lighting it every day once I’m home from work. There is something so comforting about it and I think I will treat myself to a candle from Bath & Body Works soon!

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

Aug17

Punk Rock Flea OOTD Bloopers

Posted on August 17, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Punk Rock Flea OOTD!! Attending the Punk Rock Flea Market this past weekend with Johnny was SO much fun and I’m really glad we were able to check out all of the vendors before a torrential downpour hit. I’m also really glad that Johnny and I took pictures before we hit the market and not after! This week, you can check out all of our purchases from the flea market as well as a brand new Lil Red’s Book Club. For now, let’s check out some OOTD yikes shots:

Ahhhhh CHOOOO!

Lol, pleased to say I recovered beautifully from a sudden sneeze attack

Big ups to Johnny for not letting me know about the rogue piece of hair sticking out after it got stuck in my parasol SMH

I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look out! Sassy lady on the loose!

My forever reaction to Johnny’s forever question of “are we done yet?” ❤

Off to the flea market we go!!

Is there still a misconception that the punk rock/emo/alt crowd are scary people? Lol, I’m sure some people still think so and I really wish they could have attended the flea market! Johnny and I were laughing at this on the way home because the Punk Rock Flea Market was seriously just a gigantic love fest. I have never gave or received so many compliments in my life and everyone seemed to be basking in the glory of their fellow market goers’ aesthetics.

The Punk Rock Flea Market featured so many talented local artists and fashion that served. And, I’m pleased to say that people thought Johnny and I were werking it. We got stopped frequently by people asking to take our pictures and I caught myself wondering if this is what a celebrity feels like! My husband and I were truly with our people and it was fun to see lots of old friends and make new ones too. It was a GREAT SUCCESS of a date day, indeed. 🙂

Keep it locked this week on lifewithlilred for all of the punk rock vibes and amazing oddities that we acquired!

How would you describe your personal style? What is your favorite flea market or vendor sale to attend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep1

Falcon Grove Studio Art Haul

Posted on September 1, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! I took an awesome watercolor painting class with my mom and sister in July. It was taught by the amazing Ana of Falcon Grove Studio and we still talk about how much fun we had all together. This past week my best friend, LEA, turned twenty-eight and I decided to treat her to some beautiful artwork made by Ana on her Etsy shop. They will be perfect for her office at work and don’t worry, they are already in her possession so this post won’t come as a surprise! Check it out:

It is so important to support local artists and I try to do so as often as I can. When Lea’s birthday began drawing near, I had Ana’s Etsy shop in mind because her work is just the type that she likes. Ana’s art is so elegant and bold without being “too much” and I am in love with both pieces that I chose. I am especially partial to the framed painting with the 3D butterfly. I wish that I bought one for me too!

Shopping on Ana’s Etsy shop was a great experience. My order arrived quickly, shipping was free, and it was packaged with so much care. I also received a coupon for fifteen percent off of my next purchase, which will definitely come in handy this holiday season. I have a feeling that I will make great use of it. 😀

Lea and I have been best friends for fourteen years and it has been a joy to celebrate almost a decade and a half of birthdays together. It was also a joy to shop for all of them too lol. Do be sure to check out Ana’s Etsy shop for a handcrafted gift that yourself or your giftee will adore!

Who is your favorite local artist? What is the link to any of your online stores? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec22

Giving A Boost To Your Boutique

Posted on December 22, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Being a small business owner is exciting – especially during the holiday season as shoppers visit your local storefront. Your boutique is something that can always be improved to make the experience even better for your customers. Today, we are going to discuss a few ways to boost the aesthetic of your store to turn one time shoppers into repeat customers:

Utilize A Beverage Cart:

How nice would it be for customers to enjoy a hot coffee or cold soda during their shopping? A beverage cart is a simple solution that will definitely boost the experience of shopping in your store. Invest in a Keurig with a wide selection of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate pods. Or, you could have a mini fridge with water bottles and pop. Small touches like these will be much appreciated by your customers!

Shopping Incentives:

Everyone likes a good deal and it’s exciting to feel like you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. You could run a once per month promotion or give a coupon for the next purchase to provide incentive for customers to keep coming back. How often do you get coupons in the mail and feel a hankering to go to a store even if you might not need anything? Chances are, you’re going to walk away with more than you bargained for because it was a great deal.

Improve The Appearance:

The appearance of your boutique is always something that can be changed up for a whole new shopping experience. Potted plants, plush rugs, unique lighting fixtures, or artwork from local artists are all good places to start. Applying ceiling tiles to your business will make a big difference for customers. The same goes for things like an awesome playlist or even a fish tank! This is your chance to get even more creative so have fun with it.

Local Collaborations:

Local collaborations are a cool way to introduce new people to your store. Do you own a clothing boutique? Pair with a local jewelry maker to provide an outfit perfect with a hand crafted necklace. How about a coffee shop? Try an open mic night with local performers. Don’t forget to get in touch with bloggers and influencers! Collaborations are a win/win for everyone involved as it will get your names out there and bring in customers who might not even be aware that your storefront exists.

Local businesses are an important part of any community. Make yours one of the best with the tips above!

Aug20

Jenks Building Haul

Posted on August 20, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! This past Saturday, Johnny explored a new to us local business in our neck of the woods called the Jenks Building. Our good friends in the Buffalo Ryders were playing at this consignment shop/art gallery/music venue and it was basically the coolest place ever! While our band boys were playing, Johnny and I browsed through the Jenks Building and walked away with some awesome finds. Check it out:

The Jenks Building had everything you could ever imagine in their consignment shop – including an amazing beer and wine selection to sip while shopping. After purchasing a beverage, you got a free coozy to take home which was a very nice touch! From books and records to furniture, jewelry, and home decor this place had it all and we could have spent hours on end in there, as it was a huge property.

Johnny and I had a blast looking through the extensive record selection and are both particularly excited about the Smokey’s Family Robinson because you’re not going to not buy that. We actually listened to it that night and it was a banger, as anything by Smokey Robinson is. We have yet to listen to The Scooters and Kick Axe but I can’t wait to hear what they’re all about. Johnny also got U2’s The Joshua Tree special for me since I freaking love them. 🙂

The Jenks Building had a huge collection of quirky jewelry and I instantly fell in love with a tape measurer bracelet by Big Blue Moma. I have always wanted something like it and just had to purchase one for myself. While I am partial to the grey bracelet I selected, I wanted one in every color available like white and a buttery camel hue. So SO cute.

Prior to the pandemic, Johnny and I would always go secondhand shopping together and this was our first time doing that in well over a year. We both can’t wait to go back to the Jenks Building and see what other treasures we can find!

What is one of your favorite local businesses? Where do you like to secondhand shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May7

Hobbies That Can Be Turned Into Side Hustles

Posted on May 7, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hobbies That Can Be Turned Into Side Hustles

If you have been working hard at new or old hobbies during the COVID-19 pandemic, then you might be interested in taking it to the next level by starting a side hustle. It’s always an amazing feeling to have your work verified by people willing to pay for it and who doesn’t want to make a bit of extra cash? If you are interested in starting a side hustle, the following hobbies can very easily be turned into one! Let’s get started:

Reupholstery/Refurbishing Furniture:

The change of seasons is an ideal time for furniture shopping as there tend to be a lot of good sales to help cut the cost. From living room furniture to new dining sets, many will surely want to give their home a bit of a makeover after being cooped up for so long. Reupholstering or refurbishing furniture is an amazing skill to have and it gives people the opportunity to purchase a one of a kind piece. The idea of no one else in the world having something is an appealing one that people would most definitely want to pay for.

Secondhand Shopping:

From selling used clothing on apps to making a pretty penny if you have an eye for vintage finds, selling secondhand is an incredibly popular side hustle. Next time you have a closet clean out, post your no longer wanted items in excellent condition on Poshmark and see how you fair. Educate yourself when it comes to brands, trends, and the best secondhand shops in your area and your trips to the thrift store could turn into an extra income.

Cake Decorating:

I have so many friends on social media who are skilled at baking and decorating sweet treats and have made successful side hustles out of their hobby. I am constantly seeing adorable cutout cookies for baby showers, cake pops, and themed birthday treats that I’m sure are as delicious as they look! If you can bake and decorate with the best of them, post your creations on social media and see if there would be an interest – it can’t hurt!

Cleaning/Organizing Services:

There are many out there who simply detest cleaning and are willing to pay for someone to do it for them. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and love the satisfaction of a sparkling countertop, then offering home cleaning services could be the way to go. You could even try your hand at home organization to get your client’s space running more efficiently. If this is the side hustle for you, take some time to look at your competitors by entering a search for “House cleaning in Victoria BC” (or your local area). Can you offer services that they don’t have listed? Are there promotions you can run to boost your clientele? This will be a most helpful step in gaining traction for your hustle.

Sports:

Believe it or not, sports is a great avenue worth exploring for a side hustle. Engaging in sports can be a hobby, and some individuals may turn their passion for sports into a source of income through various aspects like coaching, playing professionally, or working in sports-related professions. Others may take to sports betting and have some success, albeit with some risks. Fortunately, you can follow sports enthusiasts like Jeffrey Rusert Jefferson County if you require extensive data to boost your chances of success and make an informed decision.

The key words when it comes to betting truly are “informed decision” and is a potential side hustle that you should skip on if you are really lacking in sports knowledge. Before you place any bets, it is so important to do your research and learn the ins and outs of the game because it will turn into all risk and no reward. Watch the games, get up to date on all of the players, look up advice on tennis betting or the sport you are interested in. Knowledge is power and will give you a far greater chance of success.

Of course, betting is a hobby that should be done in moderation. However, it can be something exciting to partake in every once in a while and can provide a nice boost to your wallet. You can explore the Top 20 UK betting websites to get started and put your sports knowledge to the test. This is a side hustle that can be done from the comfort of your home or favorite sports bar while you watch the big game.

While success for your side hustle often doesn’t come over night, it is a great thing to start working for. Consider your hobbies, skills, and interests to find the best side hustle for you!

Feb24

Learning A New Craft In Lock Down

Posted on February 24, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Life in lock down is, honestly, so boring at this point but the safety of ourselves, loved ones, and complete strangers is important and it makes all of the monotony worth it. If you have exhausted all of your ideas to keep you occupied at home, then it might be time to retire from your streaming services and try a new craft. There are so many amazing videos, kits, and how to guides out there to create something new and, today, we’re going to discuss a few of those options:

Knit Kits:

If you are interested in knitting, crochet, or macrame or would like to take the hobby up again, then there are so many websites that you can purchase kits from. Ranging in difficulty from beginner to intermediate and advanced, each kit provides you with the pattern, step by step guide, and materials needed for you to make a scarf, sweater, or blanket. Stitch & Story, We Are Knitters, and Wool And The Gang are all great websites to browse through for your next project! When the weather is nice, you could even host a social distanced knitting circle in your own backyard.

Restoring Old Furniture:

A trip to the local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or even shopping online through Facebook Marketplace can give you access to all kinds of gently used furniture just begging for a makeover. You could repair, repaint, or reupholster new life into secondhand items and redo your entire living room. Not to mention, make some extra cash if you ever want to turn your craft into a side hustle. Don’t forget garage sale style apps as well as Poshmark if you would like to profit from your new hobby.

Building With LEGO:

My boyfriend and I absolutely love building with LEGO and, although it isn’t a craft per se, I just had to include it on this list. Did you know that a LEGO replica of Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night will soon be available for purchase? What about a botanical collection that boasts bouquets, bonsai trees, and succulents? LEGO is constantly adding new sets with unique pieces and colors and are always finding innovative ways to work surprises into each build, which makes it an exciting hobby to have.

You can showcase your creative side with LEGO through free building or incorporating different sets into your home decor. I would sure like to have a LEGO Starry Night hanging on my wall!

Homemade Products:

Making your own cleaning products, candles, and bath and body care can be a really fun hobby, makes great gifts, and helps save you money. Online guides will help you develop your new craft and you can even experiment with your own recipes once you have a better idea for the best ingredients and techniques. You will feel comforted in knowing exactly what is going into the products that you are using and, who knows, it could just turn into a side hustle in the future if you create something really good!

Don’t forget to check in with your local businesses and boutiques because some of the owners might be offering online workshops for homemaking different products or art. For example, the local specialty knitting shop in my area, Harps & Thistles, offers knitting kits too and it’s always cool to shop local. 🙂

Have you learned a new craft during the pandemic? How about improved on any old hobbies? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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	Simon on Thxgiving OOTD Bloopers
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	Simon on Thxgiving OOTD Bloopers