Tag Archives: shopping

Dec22

Let It Snow OOTD Bloopers

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Let It Snow OOTD Bloopers

Hello!! My wonderful hair stylist blessed me with a Christmas miracle by squeezing me in on her birthday for the appointment I had to miss when I had Covid. Honestly it was the best Christmas gift ever and I couldn’t be more thankful to her. Once I got home with my brand new do, I couldn’t wait to venture out into the snow to show it off in an OOTD shoot. It was icy cold but the fashion was oh so hot. These pics? Ehhh… Not so much lol check out the Blooper Reel from my Let It Snow OOTD:

Literally everyone in Ohio when it starts snowing… in the winter

Not sure what caught my attention but I had to put a pause on the pics to take a look see

I’M SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who’s ready for those classic throwing snow pics?

Good…

Better…

Best lololol

When it comes to gift giving occasions, I am extremely impatient and would prefer to give my giftees their prezzies as soon as they’re purchased. I absolutely love picking out the perfect gifts for everyone on my list and I just want them to have it ASAP. Unfortunately, the old “Can I give you your Christmas gifts now?” works on literally no one. Except for one person – my Johnny! ❤

Since we started dating, I truly can’t recall one Christmas, birthaversary, or Valentine’s Day where we gave each other our gifts the day of. It goes a little something like this: I am a chronically early gift shopper, I ask him regularly if I can give it to him, then he eventually caves. On Thanksgiving week, Johnny finally cracked and I was able to give him his Christmas prezzies – all of the Spinal Tap albums on vinyl. In my defense, however, Johnny technically gave me my gift earlier. All I wanted for Christmas was Little Nightmares III and he got it for me the day it came out in October. The Little Nightmares series is one of my all time favorite games and I simply couldn’t wait until December to receive the latest installment. It looks like Johnny beat me at my own game this year and I’ve never been more proud. 😀

No matter when, it’s always so fun to give and receive gifts… Preferably on the early side though!

Are you patient when it comes to presents? What is on your Christmas wish list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec20

Let It Snow OOTD

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Let It Snow OOTD

Howdy everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Saturday I enjoyed a wonderful pampering session at The Shear Shop and emerged with a beautiful new do in a peacock palette. Afterwards, I could not wait to take pictures to show off my new look – rain, shine, or snow! Once I returned home from the salon, Johnny and I ventured out into the cold for some OOTD magic in the freshly falling snow. I just love how these pictures turned out! Take a look:

Who? What? Wear?

Faux Fur Jacket: Me Jane, TJMaxx

Coated Skinny Jeans: Seven Jeans, TJMaxx

Heeled Boots: Olivia Miller, TJMaxx

Gloves: StilEstro, TJMaxx

I have no idea where the earrings are from!

I pondered what I wanted to wear for these pictures as I drove home from the salon and decided that I wanted to sport an All Black Everything motif. These pics were about the outfit, of course, but also to showcase the hair. I wanted the rockin peacock palette to be seen in all of its glory and that called for a neutral background to prevent color clutter. This may be a simple OOTD but between the unique details in the clothing and my new hair, it turned into a full fledged fashion statement.

For my jacket, I chose a stunning faux fur number by Me Jane. I am an avid fan of faux fur and this jacket is pure sophistication. I adore the visible diamond shaped stitches and the brooch style button. The shape is so classic and it is nice and warm for the wintertime. The timelessness of this jacket created such an interesting juxtaposition with the modern hair and I felt like an old fashioned movie star! As I was going with All Black Everything, I paired my jacket with some top or another underneath as I planned on wearing it buttoned and my coated skinnies by Seven Jeans. These pieces paired together formed a long and lean silhouette while also playing with texture from the shiny coating of the jeans and soft faux fur to make the eyes dance.

Next up was shoes and accessories. I went with my favorite pair of chunky heeled boots by Olivia Miller which added a shiny pop of bling from the chains. It also helped tie the look together from head to toe thanks to the blinged out brooch button on the jacket. As another additional sparkly surprise, I chose a pair of gloves by StilEstro in a gorgeous cream hue that featured a big flower brooch on one of the hands. Finally, I popped on a pair of dangly earrings with sizeable burnt amber gems hanging from them. These playful touches of shiny gems and silver looked so striking against my neutral palette and the white fluffy stuff falling from the sky!

With winter fashion this good, I say Let It Snow… In moderation, of course!

Have you had a snowy winter? What is your favorite wintertime activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec19

Spirit Christmas Haul

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Spirit Christmas Haul

Hello! This past week I took a trip to Spirit Christmas and had a complete blast. Spirit Christmas is basically Spirit Halloween… But Christmas lol and the setup is the same. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by a walk through of motion activated decor and there is also an area filled to the brim with inflatable lawn decor. And, oh yeah, beaucoup holiday themed T-shirts, costumes, ugly sweaters, stockings, and ornaments. For my holiday OOTD, I had a vision of a Sabrina Carpenter inspired ensemble. The sweater vest below is for my “naughty” OOTD and the T-shirt is for the “nice” version! Check it out:

Prior to visiting Spirit Christmas I was browsing on a few online stores for a holiday OOTD. However, I didn’t make any purchases as I had never bought from them before and wasn’t sure of how the clothes would fit. The last thing I wanted to do was to make last minute returns and exchanges so I decided shopping in store was the best way to go. Although Spirit Christmas had a handful of pre-assembled costumes, they were a bit too basic for my liking. Luckily, they had stand alone options too so I pieced together my OOTD and I am loving it!

The first thing I clocked was the Christmas tree inspired mini skirt and I knew I could work with that. It is just so festive and FUN with that sparkling tinsel and disco ball style ornaments. I cannot wait to twirl and swirl in it and am happy to have it as I have literally no holiday season themed clothing. I think this skirt is the best place to start! The next order of business was finding a top to pair it with. I bypassed the ugly sweaters because they were upwards of seventy dollars and that was way too expensive to justify. That was no matter because who needs an ugly sweater when you have a Step Brothers T-shirt and sweater vest? 😀

In the T-shirt department, I snatched the Step Brothers T as soon as I saw it. It’s literally perfect lol. Step Brothers is one of my all time favorite movies and I all but have it memorized. Nothing says Season’s Greetings like Dale and Brennan sending their well wishes for an activity filled Christmas and it was just what I needed for my “nice” OOTD. For the “naughty” portion, I simply could not say no to the “Santa’s Favorite Ho” sweater vest because LOLOLOL. This little number is so sassy and downright hilarious and it’s going to look amazing with the mini skirt. It’s a Sabrina Carpenter style OOTD Lil Red’s way to the T and I couldn’t ask for anything more. ❤

I cannot wait to show off my naughty and nice OOTDs so stay tuned all holiday season long on lifewithlilred for more fashion fun!

Are you dressing up in a costume for the holidays? Did you get a new outfit to celebrate in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec15

Homemade Holiday Gifts

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Homemade Holiday Gifts

Howdy everyone and welcome to the last gift guide for the holiday season! Throughout the month we have been discussing gifting options for everyone on your list and today we are going to explore the world of homemade gifts. We are down to the wire for holiday shopping but fear not! These homemade prezzies will not be time consuming to create while still being incredibly thoughtful. Let’s get to it:

Photo Albums:

I gave my niece a photo album of all of our pictures together for her birthday this year and she absolutely loved it. If you have a cache of photos with your bestie, mom, or anyone on your list – use them! A homemade photo album is as easy as printing them out at the drugstore, purchasing an album, and filling the pages. You can keep the album simple with just photos or jazz it up with scrapbooking supplies or little notes about when the picture was taken. However you do it, a photo album is a gift that will always be treasured.

Screen Printing:

Local screen printing shops have a very speedy turnaround meaning that custom clothing, office supplies, or sports gear is just a visit away. Bonus points because you’re supporting small businesses! How about a custom mug with the logo of your giftee’s business? A silly slogan tee for your brother? A jersey with your favorite sports enthusiast’s last name on the back? All of this is possible so if this idea speaks to you, head to the printing shop ASAP to ensure your gift is ready on time!

Terrarium/Fairy Garden:

If there is a nature lover on your list, you could make them their own terrarium or fairy garden. Small plants and succulents and potting soil will be available at a store like Lowe’s and the rest can more than likely all be purchased from a craft store. You can go classic with a terrarium filled with pretty pebbles or pond stones or go creative with a fairy garden filled with tiny details and hidden surprises. This gift combines the great outdoors with unique home decor for a one of a kind gift.

Goodie Jars:

Mason jars tied with pretty ribbon and filled with the ingredients to make cookies, soup, or bread is a gift that can be made in an afternoon after a trip to the grocery store. Tasty, thoughtful, practical, and so super easy – this is a perfect last minute homemade gift. If you want to add more to this prezzie, you could include a gift card to a local bakery so your giftee can enjoy a freshly made baguette with their soup. Or perhaps you can give a cookie sheet or bread pan along with the ingredients so your giftee can continue creating bakery magic.

Graphic Design:

If you are gifted in the art of graphic design, then gift it! Maybe you will make business cards for your cousin? Draw up that tattoo that your partner really wants? If you have giftees in a band you could design posters for their next show! If you don’t have the time to design for everyone on your list, that’s a-okay! You can schedule a lunch to sit down and discuss what they would like and the visions they have. Amazing art never goes out of style and your giftees will have something that no one else in the world will have. That’s way cool!

Homemade gifts don’t need to be a month long project. These ideas are as easy as a trip to the store!

Are you skilled in any mediums of art? What is the best homemade gift you have ever received? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec7

Thxgiving Pt. 2 OOTD

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Thxgiving Pt. 2 OOTD

Hi!! The day after Thanksgiving, Johnny and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at El Meson with his parents. I might have still been in a slight food coma but I never say no to Mexican food and El Meson is, hands down, the best restaurant in our neck of the woods. The meal was delicious, the company was delightful, and I loved piecing together this little something to wear. Also, so aware there aren’t many pics to check out. We were starving and freezing our nads off when we took these before leaving and it was definitely not my best work. Lol, hey it happens to the best of us!

Who? What? Wear?

Jacket: Vince Camuto, TJMaxx

Skinny Jeans: 1822 Denim, TJMaxx

Boots: Candie’s, Kohl’s

Earrings: Argentino Vivo, TJMaxx

The hat belonged to my grandma! ❤

I am not a fan of winter in the slightest and am a spring and fall girl through and through. However, I sure love dressing for winter! Jackets are one of my favorite fashion items and I have quite a collection of cold weather coats to choose from. It is exciting to break them out again and I couldn’t wait to wear my amazing blazer style jacket by Vince Camuto. It is one of my all time favorite TJMaxx purchases and I feel like a star in it. Those faux fur cuffs just scream luxury and I have a little Devil Wears Prada moment every time I slip it on. This jacket is a timeless staple with a twist and that is exactly what I like.

The base of this outfit was kept simple as I wanted the jacket and accessories to do all of the talking. And anyways, I had no intention of taking my jacket off. Did I mention it was freaking freezing?! Black skinny jeans and a form fitting navy sweater were the move and it was off to accessorize. This is always the best part of dressing for winter for me as I am a huge accessory girl and the cold months are my time to shine. As a heavily tattooed chick, accessories fly out the window when it’s hot out because they are my accessories. In the winter, I forget I have a majority of my ink because I’m all covered up!

For accessories, I delved into my hat collection and returned with a beautiful vintage cloche hat from my grandma. She had the most impeccable style and hats were her favorite. I am lucky enough to have several of her hats and it brings me so much joy to wear them. I think she would be so happy about it too! This hat is so timeless yet modern with that black feather and it was just right with my jacket for that freshened up old-timey feel.

In the shoe department I opted for a gorgeous pair of thigh high boots by Candie’s to strut my stuff in. These boots are eight years old but I just can’t part with them! I love their length, the heel, and how form fitting they are for a sleek and lean silhouette. Last but not least was jewelry and I chose a medium sized pair of hoops by Argentino Vivo in forest green. As red and green are complimentary colors, they looked especially striking against the vibrant red of the hat. With that, I was ready for food coma round two!

I love me a holiday where all that’s required is to dress up and eat. Is it bad that I’m already thinking about Christmas dinner… and next year’s Thanksgiving?! 😀

What is your favorite holiday? How do you celebrate it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec5

Fashion Holiday Gifts

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Fashion Holiday Gifts

Howdy! I am pleased to report that my holiday shopping is donezo! I made excellent use of Black Friday sales for my remaining giftees and I am so excited to pop on one of my comfort shows and wrap everything up. For those who still have some holiday shopping to get done, fear not! We’ll be having gift guides leading up to the big days to give you some inspiration. Let’s venture into the world of fashion. Whether you have a giftee who is a full fledged fashionista or keeps their style simple, these gifts will always go over well:

Pajamas:

New PJs are an excellent option for wearing to bed or just lounging about the house. In the cold winter months, people want to feel cozy and curling up in some soft pajamas is the best way to do it! Regardless of if a set of PJs are your giftee’s thing, they are certainly going to use it and can break up the pieces as they choose. 5 Below has an amazing selection of pajamas for fifteen dollars and you can often find sets at TJMaxx for around twenty. Jammies are something people rarely buy for themselves as sweatpants and old T’s make an equally viable option so this gift would feel like a real treat. I know I would love it because thanks to 5 Below I have become pajama obsessed!

Cold Weather Accessories:

Let me say something controversial but so brave: Winter is cold lol. How many times have you not bundled up and instantly regretted it after two minutes? Too many to count on my end! Lovely hats, scarves, and gloves can not only provide an added boost of warmth but gives the opportunity to shake up outfits too. If you’re unsure of which colors to choose, opt for something neutral like cream, tan, or black. That way the accessory can be paired with anything and will still work beautifully.

Bejeweled:

Who doesn’t love a touch of bling? For the fellas you could go for cuff links, tie clips, watches, or chains. Delicate, meaningful jewelry always makes a great gift for the ladies. I am especially partial to best friends bracelets as well as mother related jewelry for my mom, sister, and mother-in-law. When you put some genuine thought into a jewelry gift, it will turn into not just an accessory but a treasure. Find pieces that speak to your giftee’s style and your own relationship and I just know they will love it!

Cozy Up:

Did I mention that winter is cold?! Plush throw blankets, fuzzy socks, slippers, mug and drink koozies, or even weighted stuffed animals are all fabulous options to curl up on the couch with and watch your favorite holiday flick. For items like blankets or koozies you could go the customized route with a local vendor. There is also never a shortage of fuzzy socks or slippers in store to choose from. Cozy gifts are fun because they often fall under someone’s “nice to have” but not necessary category when they are making purchases. Even if your giftee is a blanket fiend like me, they will simply say the more the merrier. 😀

Organized Fashion:

Do you know someone whose wardrobe constantly runneth over? Anyone with jewelry and earrings scattered around like breadcrumbs (Me!)? Or perhaps a giftee who could use some extra help organizing? Come in with the assist! Jewelry boxes, shelves or hanging organizers, and plastic bins to keep seasonal clothes safe are practical and can transform a cluttered room. You can double gift by lending a hand during the installation and organizing the space so their clothes and accessories get the treatment they deserve.

The options above are a practical look at fashion gifts. You know your giftee best and when you find that perfect item that speaks to their style, you will definitely know!

What is your favorite type of present to gift? What is a fashion gift you would love to receive? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec4

Thxgiving OOTD Bloopers

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Thxgiving OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Thxgiving OOTD! Has everyone worked off their food coma? I’m getting there lol. I absolutely live for Thanksgiving food and the only setting I know once dinner rolls around is going hard in the paint! All I have to say is, I’m SO glad that we took OOTD pictures before our Thanksgiving feast because I literally couldn’t move afterwards. I couldn’t wait to get into sweatpants! The meal? Amazing. These shots? Not so much!

Lumbering to my phone and green bean casserole

The classic “look I’m wearing a dress” pose lol

Shoo fly! Ya bother me

Eyeing you from across the room like

Doll style dress? Broken down doll pose done badly

Happy Turkey Day!!!! 😀

Johnny was off of work the entire week of Thanksgiving and I had a four day weekend. Even on the days I was working, it felt like a vacation because Johnny took care of the bunnies every morning and I was able to sleep in. It was freaking awesome! Although it was very hard to leave for work while he was posted up on the couch, those extra Z’s made my days a breeze and I was eagerly counting down until my time off too. It had been over three months since my last days off, which I actually didn’t realize until now. So, yeah, I really needed it!

During my four day weekend we got lunch with Johnny’s parents for Thanksgiving and I was able to FaceTime with my blogging bestie. Other than that, I did nothing and it was glorious! After going nonstop for what felt like forever, it was just me, myself, and the couch. And Johnny when he wasn’t napping. 🙂 It was exactly what I needed. However, as I type this on Monday morning I think I could definitely benefit from another day off, or two, or ten. It is SO hard going back to work after a mini vaca!!

It’s back to the grind which means my Christmas countdown is starting NOW. Bring on more time off, pretty please and thank you! ❤

How are you celebrating the holidays? Are you traveling during time off from work? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec3

Thxgiving OOTD

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Thxgiving OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred. I hope all of you had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I sure did! Thanksgiving is a funny holiday because you literally just get dressed up to eat a bunch of food and then change into clothes that stretch. At least that’s how my Thanksgivings always go anyways. I couldn’t wait to break out the dress in this OOTD for the occasion of standing around my parents’ kitchen so let’s take a looksee:

Who? What? Wear?

Dress: Blu Pepper, TJMaxx

Kitten Heels: Nine West, TJMaxx

The earrings were purchased forever ago from PacSun!

My mom and I had a TJMaxx shopping trip a month or so ago and I fell in love with this beautiful little number by Blu Pepper. As soon as I saw it, I had visions of wearing it to Thanksgiving and it came true! This dress looks like something a doll would wear and I just can’t get enough of it. That rich caramel color, polka dots, bib collar, AND bow? Forget about it! It just feels like the perfect Thanksgiving dress and I can’t explain that any further. It just is!

I stayed very true to my original plan for this look and paired my dress with a cozy pair of charcoal grey cable knit tights. I’m glad I did because it was snowing when Johnny and I left the house! The tights added to the doll vibe of my dress and to keep with that theme, I chose the sweetest pair of kitten heels by Nine West. That tiny heel and blingy strap is too cute and as much as I adore a big, chunky heel these are one of my favorite pairs. Last but not least I popped on a pair of brooch style earrings that feel oh so vintage. They kind of are, I guess. They were bought over fifteen years ago lol. Pretend you didn’t just read that. 😀

My Thxgiving OOTD turned out exactly how I pictured it and I can’t wait to wear my Blu Pepper dress again. One of my favorite TJs purchases!

How was your Thanksgiving? What are some of your holiday traditions? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov29

Weekend Adventure OOTD Bloopers

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Weekend Adventure OOTD Bloopers

Howdy! Raise your hand if you’re feeling tired and eating ramen noodles for breakfast, can I get a hell yeah! Just me? Oh. Lol I did NOT sleep well at all last night but your girl is pulling through because this daily content doesn’t write itself! Today we’re going to take a gander at some yikes shots that definitely didn’t make the first cut of my Weekend Adventure OOTD pics. Then, I’d love to have a chat about what has been making me and Johnny laugh lately! You game? Let’s get to it:

The face I’ll probably be making all day as I go about in zombie mode

Laugh attack or just really has to pee?

Hey party people!!!

I have no idea what is going on here and I can’t say I like it

Shake shake shake, shake your booty

About to break into song – who’s up for some Britney Spears? (I always am!)

Am I not turtley enough for the turtle club?

Johnny is a big fan of standup comedy. Me? Not so much. If I want to have a laugh, I’d rather watch Step Brothers lol. Not when it comes to Pete Holmes, however! This past weekend we watched So. Much. Pete. Holmes and I honestly want to do it all over again. He is just SO funny and all of his witticisms have been in my head for days. Pete Holmes can only be described as jovial. He has the most infectious smile and is always funny without poking fun. His stand up is all about finding joy in the silly and he does it oh so well.

A common saying during Pete Holmes’ standup is “cashing your happy checks” and I just love that. Cashing happy checks is all about giving yourself permission whenever you want to laugh. To find amusement in every day situations no matter how small or mundane. It makes me genuinely happy to think about this giant, jolly man going about his day with laughter and the best part? We all can too! Who knew a standup comic could teach such a valuable lesson but I know I will be making an effort to cash my happy checks on the daily!

If you haven’t watched any Pete Holmes, do yourself a favor and get on that immediately. You’re going to love him!

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

Nov28

Weekend Adventure OOTD

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Weekend Adventure OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Saturday I went on a fun little outing with my dad and Johnny to a lunch and vendor fair event. It was such a nice afternoon with my two favorite fellas! I knew both my boyz were going to keep it casual in their fashion which was fine by me because it was a go there, go home kind of day. A day that called for the softest sweater in the whole world with elbow patches to feel oh so perfectly fall! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Sweater: Blu Pepper, Dry Goods

Boyfriend Jeans: Banjara, TJMaxx

Snakeskin Boots: These were purchased forever ago from Target!

Necklace: This was purchased from a vendor fair by artist John Deveer.

Earrings: These were purchased forever ago from PacSun!

This was actually not the outfit I originally had in mind. However, when I was shopping in the pants department my eyes landed on my Banjara boyfriend jeans and I decided to pivot. I absolutely love these bedazzled beauties and it reminded me of something that Miranda or Taylor would wear from my guilty pleasure, Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives. I had just binged it so it was weighing heavy on the brain! These jeans are just so totally cool and they are exactly what I like – an exciting take on classic staples. Give me distressing and huge rhinestones and I am sold!

As these jeans give such a comfy, chill vibe I decided to pair it with a cozy sweater to match. I went with a lovely little number by Blu Pepper and also had a brain blast. I recently bought a dress of the same brand, knew I had something from Blu Pepper in my wardrobe, and couldn’t remember it for the life of me. Then, there it was in my hands! This dusty pink hued sweater was a lovely compliment to the charcoal grey jeans and I am all about those extra details. I am a sucker for elbow patches for a nod to collegiate chic and the up the side buttons. My sweater was also slightly oversized which was just right for pairing with the slouchy boyfriend jeans.

Next up was shoes and accessories. I definitely needed the extra height as the Banjara jeans are REALLY long on me and selected a pair of heeled grey snakeskin pattern boots from Target. The muted tones fit the color palette I had established to the T and snakeskin is my all time favorite pattern! For accessories, I chose a beautiful hand carved necklace from a vendor fair I attended in Atlanta. I love its simplicity and it can literally pair with anything for jewelry without going overboard. Last but not least was a pair of vintage brooch inspired earrings that offered flowers in the same dusty pink shade of the sweater. With that, I was ready to go on an adventure!

I may have had Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives on the mind but this look was one hundred percent Lil Red!

What is your favorite guilty pleasure show? What are your weekend plans? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah