Tag Archives: shopping

The Ultimate Gift Guide For Her This Christmas

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December is nearly here, which means Christmas is nearly here! Have you got your tree up yet? I know a lot of people that get their decorations out right after Thanksgiving. It is such a fun time of year, full of good food, laughter, family, and gifts. The latter can be a little stressful, though. Buying gifts can be tricky when you’re not sure what on earth they would like. We all know that one person that seems to be impossible to shop for, right? But you don’t need to look any further; I have the ultimate Christmas gift guide for you right here. Whether it is your grandma, mom, sister, daughter, or a friend, I have plenty of ideas for you. So grab a coffee and have a read through these suggestions. I hope that this is really useful for you!

For the Home: There are lots of great gifts that you can get for people to have in their home. It helps if you have been in their home and seen their style, though. But some gifts that work well for everyone are things like scented candles. I don’t think I know of anyone what wouldn’t enjoy getting these as a gift. Choose some seasonal scents and they can fill their home with the lovely scent of cinnamon and clove, for example. If you know that they already have quite a lot of scented candles, you could choose to get them some candle accessories. Candle holders, votive holders, or trays are a great idea. For larger jar candles, you can even get little ‘lampshades’ to put on top of them. It makes them look really cute and cozy, so perfect for a gift at this time of year.

Other things for the home could be throws and pillows. I think little items like this add such a touch of luxury to the home. They are also things that people might not necessarily buy for themselves. Thick, chunky knit throws are stylish at the moment and perfect for winter. If you are on a tight budget, you could even knit one. There are a lot of tutorials online of how to make one. And because they are so chunky, you don’t even need to use knitting needles most of the time. It will be an extra nice gift to give when it is a homemade one!

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 Love!

Storage Accessories: One of my favorite gift giving methods is getting a cute basket and filling it with goodies. You can make it as big or as small as you’d like so it works really well for all budgets. Grab a storage accessory that can be used after the gifts are emptied and get creative. To keep it cheaper, you could make some treats for them. How about some homemade jam or jelly? You could make some cookies to put in there, as well as some truffles or even oil infusions. Just go with what the recipient loves and you can make it specific to them. Another thing that I love about giving a little goodie basket as a gift is that you can make it completely unique for the recipient. If you’re short on time or your budget is a little more elaborate, then you could add in some wine or a bottle of chocolate liquor. Hello, spiked holiday hot chocolate!

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I would love that gift set!

Clothing Accessories: Another gift idea that I utilize often are clothing accessories. They aren’t as full on as a piece of clothing so it is easier to get it right. As long as you know their general style, it can be easy to pick something out for them. It could be a scarf or pashmina, for example. You can buy them in all sorts of colors and patterns these days so you can find something to suit every taste. You could even think about getting them a hat and scarf combo, too. Bobble hats are on trend for this winter so that could be a cute idea. If you are buying a gift for someone that is going through chemotherapy or suffers from hair loss, then a hat could be perfect for them – especially with such frigid weather. You could even look somewhere like Hats with Heart for lots of different styles.

Other accessories that I think work well for gifts are pieces of jewelry like necklaces and bracelets. The reason I haven’t mentioned rings is that you need to know someone’s ring size for that. Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are generally all a ‘one size fits all’ type of thing so you will never have a problem with them not fitting. You could choose some chunkier style costume jewelry if that is more their thing or go for a classic piece or silver or gold jewelry. Just check on their style and the color of jewelry that they already wear. If they have a lot of gold rings, then they’d most likely want a gold one to match, rather than silver.

And, of course, you can’t go wrong with options like purses, wallets, or even phone cases to add a new accessory into the mix. A purse and wallet set can make an older outfit feel brand new again by simply refreshing one item. If your giftee prefers to go about their day without a trendy purse, you could always opt for phone cases with card holders so everything they need will fit right in their pocket. There are so many different phone cases to choose from that you could get a few of them so your giftee can swap them out as they please.

Technology: As much as I’m sure a few of us would like to buy our sisters or moms a brand new Macbook, we can’t all afford to do so. There are some options for technology and gadgets, though, for all budgets. A tablet or e-reader will still be on the expensive side, but cheaper than a computer. If you know someone that already has something like a Kindle, then you could get them a gift card to be able to download and read some new books. My boyfriend gifted me with a Kindle for our anniversary and I LOVE it! It is great for playing games, watching Netflix, and browsing the web from the comfort of a plush arm chair.

Otherwise, I think getting some accessories for their existing tech is a fun idea. There are lots of phone covers, laptop skins, or tablet covers that you can buy. So have a look out for what you think might be their style. Your grandma or mom might like a custom cover, with photos of the kids or grandkids on it, for example, which makes that gift a little bit more special and thoughtful. Personalized gifts can take a little longer to make and have them delivered so it is worth looking into something like that now. We are so close to Christmas once December comes around.

Headphones are also always a good idea, especially if you have a family member or friend that commutes or goes to the gym regularly. You can get wireless headphones now too, so they are a funky and modern gift.

Homemade Coupons: This works well if you still live with the person you are giving the gift to so a sister, daughter or mom, for example. You could put together a coupon booklet, full of things specific to them. Then they can redeem them throughout the year. It could be full of things like ‘good for one trip to the mall with me’ or ‘good for one back massage,’ as examples. If it was for your mom or grandma, it could be for a trip out for afternoon tea, or a night off from the kids, for instance. It could even be some more fun things like having breakfast for dinner on their chosen day or having a ‘treat pass’ which they can cash in for something like Starbucks or their favorite candy. The great thing is that you can make it completely personal. It is also an awesome budget gift idea which is perfect for when things are a little bit tight. It is sweet and thoughtful too, so your recipient will love it as it will mean much more than a store-bought gift.

Kitchen Gadgets: We all know a foodie, right? So there are several options that you can get for them to make their life in the kitchen easier. It could be something like a spiralizer or a julienne peeler. Then they can make zoodles or courgetti to their heart’s content. A juicer is also a gift that will be super useful to a foodie friend. That, a blender, mini food processor, or stick blender are all good ideas, too. As a treat, something like a waffle iron or crepe pan would make an awesome gift (hopefully, one that you’d get to reap the rewards of)! Bakeware is also always a fabulous idea. How about some colorful silicone bakeware that is so on trend these days?

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Bathroom Treats: We all shower or take a bath (I hope!) so we would all make use of things like shower gel, shampoo, and bubble bath soap. You could get a little bathroom set for them, full of all things like lotion, perfume, bath bombs, or bath gel. It isn’t necessarily the most creative gift ever but it is a gift that will definitely be utilized and appreciated. You could choose more luxurious brands than they would choose for themselves, which then makes the gift a little fancier. Another gift idea could be something like an electric toothbrush. This would work well with a niece or daughter, especially if it was one of their favorite characters on the toothbrush.

Who has finished their holiday shopping already? Who is the most difficult person in your family or group of friends to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Stuck On Early Holiday Shopping? Have Some Ideas!

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Stuck On Early Holiday Shopping? Have Some Ideas!

Hello!! Yes, yes, roll your eyes all you want to my last minute holiday shoppers but Lil Red is over halfway done with her Christmas shopping! In case you haven’t noticed, I absolutely love gift giving and because I have so many people to shop for – the earlier I can get done the better for me. A stress free December where all I have to do is wrap up prezzies is the goal.

However, my drive to complete my holiday shopping doesn’t mean I haven’t gotten stuck on gifts to purchase. In fact, it’s been difficult this year because I feel like I’ve used up all of my best ideas before. Lol, so I had to get creative and if you got gifter’s block like me, you might appreciate these ideas:

Insect Condos:

I have quite a few giftees with a positively green thumb and gifts for the garden always go over well for them. This year, I was very interested in insect condos to help promote healthy garden growth as well as our bee population. These little “houses” feature all of the materials that handy insects like lady bugs, bees, butterflies (the list goes on) love like sawdust, bamboo, and cedar wood.

I thought these insect condos would be a perfect addition to the gardens that my giftees tend so lovingly and you can find tons of amazing homemade ones on Etsy or there are plenty on Amazon. I also had to snag a butterfly feeder for my dad (He doesn’t read my blog so I can post this, I swear!) because him and his granddaughter love watching the butterflies in his garden together. I know they will both be happy with it!

Baking Boxes:

This year, I wanted to get something different for the families I work with as opposed to the normal holiday decor, chocolates, or ornaments. So, I found some baking boxes through King Arthur Flour to gift them with. These boxes come with all of the ingredients to make a delicious dessert and I thought it would be a fun activity that all of them could bake and enjoy together.

There is nothing better for baking than products from King Arthur Flour and I was happy to be able to get such nice gifts for a price I was comfortable with. In fact, I plan on purchasing more as it gets closer to Christmas to have shipped to other loved ones on my list.

Willow Tree Figures:

I have always been fond of gifting the beautiful Willow Tree figurines to people because they are sentimental and simple decor and it’s easy to find one that applies to wherever your giftee is in life. For example, last year when my mom and dad became grandparents, I gifted my mom a statue to represent that, as it was a grandma holding her sweet grandbaby.

From celebrating your pets and relationships to saying thank you by purchasing a Willow figure holding a bouquet of flowers, you are surely to find the right one for your giftee!

Stocking Stuffers:

Stocking stuffers are great if you need a little something extra for a gift or you want to do an entire goodie basket. Winter accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves are a great place to start if you’re doing a gift exchange in your friend group. Cozy blankets, a decadent box of chocolates, and bottles of wine always go over well too! Still stuck? Candles, bath and body care, gift cards, your favorite book, and even socks (I like getting them!) are all crowd pleasers.

Take some of the stress out of your holiday preparations with the gift ideas above. Happy shopping!

When do you normally start holiday shopping? Who is the most difficult person on your list to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fall Haul: Seven Jeans Edition

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Fall Haul: Seven Jeans Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to the last post of my Fall Haul with TJMaxx! I am so happy with all of my purchases and can’t wait to incorporate all of my new clothes into my fall and winter wardrobe. It is, indeed, the most wonderful time of the year for me to shop and I think this was one of my best Fall Hauls yet!

Now, finally, let’s check out these coated, snakeskin patterned skinny jeans from Seven:

Man, do I love when the items I purchase still have their original price tag. My new jeans were marked as seventy-nine bucks and I got them for thirty, I believe. Score!

If there’s one thing Lil Red loves, it is coated skinny jeans. I think they are just the tops. The sheen, the punk rock appeal, the cool patterns – give me a pair of coated jeans over regular any day of the week! I was so taken by these skinnies just in the picture on TJ’s website that I didn’t even care if they were high waisted. I threw caution to the wind and it paid off big time because they are, easily, one of the most unique pairs of jeans I own.

When placing my order online, I really didn’t realize that these jeans were Seven brand until seeing them at home. For those of you who don’t know, Fergie references Seven in the timeless classic “My Humps” by the Black Eyed Peas. So, permission to be feeling myself for the rest of the year was obviously granted after that discovery! 😀

Although these jeans are high waisted, they fit a little bit higher than a standard normal rise. I can definitely get down with that and I love how long and lean they make my legs look. The metallic shine of the coated snakeskin pattern adds such a dramatic flare and Fergie really was right… My butt looks great in them! Lol!

Pre-COVID, I lived for my fall shopping trips to TJMaxx. Unfortunately, that’s just not possible right now and my online haul was the next best thing. I got a lot of super cute new pieces for a fraction of their original price and there is nothing better. ❤

What is your favorite thing from my Fall Haul? Have you purchased any new clothes recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fall Haul: Sound & Style Skinny Jeans Edition

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Fall Haul: Sound & Style Skinny Jeans Edition

Hello! In Lil Red’s world, one can never have enough pairs of black skinny jeans. From pleather and coated to plaid and plain Jane, I try to get at least one to two new pairs of jeans per year as I can’t stand once my black jeans start turning grey after multiple washes! During this TJMaxx haul, I tried my luck by ordering two new pairs, not really expecting either to work. To my surprise, both of them did! Check out the first pair today and then tune in tomorrow for the last post of my Fall Haul. Let’s get to it:

The main reason why I thought that both of my new jeans were going to be unsuccessful was because both of them happen to be high waisted. Most of you know by now that I hate high waisted clothing but, for those of you that don’t: I hate high waisted clothing. I have never been a fan because I never found it to be flattering on my body type. It literally was just butt and boobs when I tried high waisted shorts out and I have steered clear ever since.

Because I refuse to wear high waisted, it can be difficult for me to find normal rise jeans and shorts. But, it had been a while so I figured “how bad can it be” and added both of my high waisted jeans into the cart. Once I tried them on at home, I was pleased to see that neither of the pants went up too high and, I’ve got to say, they both looked damn good!

I absolutely love my new plaid skinnies by Sound & Style. The black background with the muted plaid in purple, green, and yellow just seems like a perfect pair for fall. I can so picture myself wearing them with all of my favorite sweaters and cardigans in hues that match the plaid.

I have wanted jeans like this for a long time and my hatred of high waisted prevented me from having them. Of course, if they didn’t work I could have always returned them at my local TJMaxx but who wants to do that?! I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and the pay off of pants that fit amazingly and are too cute to boot was well worth any feelings of uncertainty! 😀

What is your preferred rise for pants? How do you step out of your comfort zone when it comes to clothes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fall Haul: Chaser Pullover Sweater Edition

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Fall Haul: Chaser Pullover Sweater Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to my favorite purchase from my TJMaxx Fall Haul! Today, we are going to be talking about the most adorable pullover sweater by Chaser blinged out in sparkling, golden stars. As soon as I saw it on TJ’s website, it just had to be mine and I can’t wait to wear it all fall and winter long! Check it out:

There was a point in time when I shied away from colors I deemed “boring”. AKA white and brown. Lol, for the longest time I never owned anything in those shades and finally decided to give both of them a shot. After realizing that I happen to look good in white and brown, I learned that colors are only as boring as the outfits you style and began adding both colors into my wardrobe palette.

Of course, just plain brown or white will never do so when I found this lovely creamy colored, star adorned sweater I was in love. And when I say in love I mean love love. This pullover fits so nicely without being too tight or too loose. You can rock it zipped up or you can easily put a lacy cami top underneath for a sexy surprise zipped down.

I always thought that hues in the white and brown family would wash me out but this sweater does the total opposite. It makes my red and yellow hair as well as all of my features pop and I know I’m going to wear it all of the time! I feel like an absolute star in this sweater and for under thirty dollars I consider it a steal. Hurray for fall shopping!

Is there a color you used to never wear that you like now? What is your favorite and least favorite color to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fall Haul: Max Sport Cardigan Edition

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Fall Haul: Max Sport Cardigan Edition

Hi! Today, we’re going to be talking about a new cardigan by Max Sport compliments of my TJMaxx fall haul. This cardi just so happens to be Johnny’s favorite thing that I ordered because he claims it looks like a pirate. It definitely does but I think he’s been playing his Assassins Creed game too much! 😉 Haha, check it out:

First things first, WOAH, peep that original price tag. Three hundred twenty-eight dollars originally and I bought it for forty bucks – you just can’t beat that! Second things second, I think this cardigan rocks. Naturally, I have pirates on the brain because of Johnny but, damn, I just might be the poshest pirate in all of the Seven Seas with this little number.

The color palette of this Max Sport hooded cardi is just divine. I love the golden yellow paired with the deep red, which both look so shocking against its black background. I can see myself wearing this all fall and winter with my favorite thigh high black boots and the skinniest black jeans I own for a powerful and sleek silhouette. Y’all can call me Mrs. Captain Blackbeard! 😀

This Max Sport cardi was a great purchase and I couldn’t be happier with it. There is also nothing better than seeing that crazy huge original price and knowing that I got it for a song. And, the fact that my boyfriend wants to borrow it makes it that much better, lol! Tune in tomorrow for more of my fall haul because my favorite find will be on the agenda. It makes me feel like a star. ❤

How would you style this cardigan? Where do you shop for the best deals? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fall Haul: Cynthia Rowley Sweater Edition

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Fall Haul: Cynthia Rowley Sweater Edition

Hi! It is no secret that Lil Red loves shopping for the fall. I detest shopping in the summer but ring in the cold weather and my heart begins to soar! Layers, jackets, sweaters, darling accessories, BOOTS?! The best. Despite not really going anywhere or doing anything in COVID times, I just had to treat myself to a spot of TJMaxx fall shopping online. It is the most wonderful time of the year for me, clothes-wise, after all!

Check out this adorable sweater by Cynthia Rowley and let’s get to it:

One of the things that I miss doing the most is my TJMaxx shopping trips with my mom and this sweater reminded me of her so much when I saw it. I could just picture her saying that she loved it when I came across it online because she loves anything with hearts on it. And, just as I suspected, this was one of her favorite things that I purchased when I gave her a fashion show of all my new treats.

I absolutely adore this navy and white striped sweater by Cynthia Rowley. It honestly reminds me of sweaters from Hollister that the “cool girls” would wear back in high school but much more posh, lol! I’ve never owned much with horizontal stripes because, as a girl with a bigger bust, they can make me look wide. However, this sweater just fits so nicely without being too tight or baggy and I love how I look in it.

The best part? The adorable heart, of course! It takes this sweater from something plain Jane into a more unique piece and I think I’m going to be wearing it all of the time this fall. In fact, I’m wearing it right now as I type this! 😀 ❤

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

Accessory Story: StilEstro Bejeweled Gloves Edition

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Accessory Story: StilEstro Bejeweled Gloves Edition

Hi! I love cold weather accessories A LOT. Hats, gloves, fingerless gloves, scarves, shawls, and ponchos – I have several of each thing I mentioned and I always like to treat myself to another one once the cold weather strikes. During my last TJMaxx online haul, I found a lovely pair of wheat colored gloves with a gem stoned surprise. In fact, I was so taken by them that I just had to grab another pair for my bestie for Christmas. Check it out:

Like everything in my wardrobe, I loved that these gloves had a little extra something that made them special. The bejeweled daisy sparkling against the creamy colored fabric is so charming. And, when the light hits it? Forget about it! It’s fabulous. Not to mention, I’m a bit obsessed with having clothes and accessories that were made abroad so the “Made in Italy” on the tag definitely sealed the deal!

When I saw these gloves, they immediately reminded me of my best friend, Lea. I thought that she would look so sweet all bundled up in her navy coat with a tiny bit of bling glittering at her wrist. I can’t wait to gift these to her and then go get a great big Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks in our matching gloves/personalities. Lol, I am so lucky to have her as a best friend for over a decade now and I can’t wait to spoil her this holiday season. ❤

What is your favorite cold weather accessory? How do you spoil your bestie during the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Pajama Party: Vince Camuto Nightgown Edition

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Pajama Party: Vince Camuto Nightgown Edition

Hi! I recently had a huge online shopping haul from TJMaxx – the first one in well over half a year and it definitely put a renewed pep back in my step. I found some darling new sweaters and jeans which you will all see if you keep tuning in! Today, though, I want to take a trip to comfy cozy town and talk about the most lovely little nightie by Vince Camuto that I purchased for a whole fifteen bucks. Peep that over fifty dollar original price tag, too!

I absolutely adore having actual pajamas to wear instead of just throwing on my oldest pair of sweats and t-shirts. The prospect of having cute nighties and PJ sets to wear just to go to sleep seems so luxurious to me, which makes a fifteen dollar nightgown the ultimate inexpensive treat.

I have not bought new pajamas in over a year and as soon as I saw my new nightgown while browsing TJMaxx’s website, I considered it “the one”. Lol, it looked SO comfortable and I loved the dove grey and dusty pink coloring. The nightie also seemed nice and cool to wear during the summer but you could absolutely get away with wearing it come winter with a pair of leggings. AND, to top it off, I am a huge fan of anything Vince Camuto so I considered it fifteen dollars well spent before even trying it on.

When my big box from TJMaxx finally arrived and I took the nightie out of its plastic wrapping, I wanted to wear it right then and there but I settled and put it on at bed time. It was so soft and I mean this wholeheartedly when I say it was like getting a hug from a sweet fuzzy animal! This nightie is one that you just want to wrap yourself in and I felt like I spoiled myself rotten with it.

I highly recommend this nightgown for literally anyone and you should still be able to buy it for a song on TJMaxx’s website. Here’s to your best Pajama Party yet!

Have you had any online shopping success lately? Which online clothing store is your favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath & Body Works Online Haul

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Bath & Body Works Online Haul

Hi! Both Johnny and myself freaking love the foaming hand soaps from Bath & Body Works. We have an excellent system in place where we switch off on who’s paying when we need more but the treat is that even when Johnny is paying, he still lets me pick out which scents we get. 🙂

This past week, our soap shipment arrived and, overall, I am pretty pleased with the fragrances I chose. It’s hard to pick which scents you want when you can’t smell them so I tend to stick with things we’re both more than likely going to enjoy. A trip to B&BW is a lot harder than you would think when your county is in a threat level red for COVID. -_-

Anyways, take a look at these soaps and I’ll let you know which ones I love and would leave if you are ordering online too:

Love Or Leave?

  • Beautiful Day: LOVE
  • Don’t Stop Be-Leafing: LEAVE
  • Cranberry Peach: LOVE
  • Peach Bellini: LOVE
  • Afternoon Apple Picking: LEAVE
  • All About Fall Y’all: LOVE

Lol, a lot of these picks should be no surprise to all of you! Everyone knows I love my peach and apple scents. So why did I not care for the Afternoon Apple Picking soap? Cinnamon, cinnamon, cinnamon. I HATE cinnamon. This soap has all of the scents of juicy apple and pear but, unfortunately, it is laced with cinnamon and I just can’t get down with it. It makes me feel like I am washing my hands with Big Red gum and I definitely wouldn’t have purchased it if I read its description a little better!

The Don’t Stop Be-Leafing scent of orange vanilla swirl is also one that I could do without. Originally, I thought a creamsicle fragrance would be nice and light but, unfortunately, this one is heavy to the point that it’s almost musky. When it comes to hand soaps, both Johnny and I detest a perfume-like heaviness so this is one that I will also not be buying again.

Despite two duds, I had four successes and that isn’t too bad when it comes to online soap shopping! Bath & Body Works is almost always running a six for twenty-six dollar deal on their foaming hand soaps so do be sure to get some delicious smell goods of your own. 🙂

What is your favorite B&BW scent? What is your favorite fall fragrance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah