Tag Archives: shopping

Mastering The Art Of Giving A Thoughtful Gift

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Gift buying can be very stressful, whether it’s for birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or the other hundreds of events that seem to take place each year. It’s not that you don’t want to give gifts to the people you love – it’s that choosing gifts for so many different occasions and so many different people can be exhausting and overwhelming. You don’t want to disappoint anybody, but it can often be hard to think of any good ideas. Obviously, your loved ones will say it’s the thought that counts, but that’s the problem – there are no “thoughts” in your head. Until you read this article, of course!

A day out:

One of the best gifts that you can give to a loved one is a day out together. Spending time together is a gift in itself, as cheesy as that might sound. Obviously, you shouldn’t say “I am the present” because that might seem a little as if you forgot to buy a present for the person in question (Plus, you don’t want to sound bigheaded!). But, a day out is certainly one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give somebody if you do it correctly. Think about that person’s favorite place in the world and take them there. If their favorite place is too far away – like a vacation destination in Europe, for example, fear not! Assemble a care package of gifts europe themed and it will spoil them with mementos and a reminder of their happy place.

A personalized gift:

Adding a customized touch to a present tells the person that you made or bought this thing especially for them. This will definitely make an impact on the person for whom you buy the gift, because it lets them know that you put some thought into the present. You could view here if you wanted to get a custom phone case for a friend. You could get a photo of the pair of you printed on it. You could even create a personalized piece of artwork for someone if you have creative ability. Of course, think about what they might like but think outside of the box too! A proud pet parent would love a Dog Mug with their four-legged friend’s picture on it. An exercise enthusiast could get great use out of a personalized duffle bag. As we’ve discussed throughout this article, a gift doesn’t have to be expensive – it just has to be thoughtful. A customized present definitely shows that you’ve put thought into it.

Food (candy and other treats usually work best):

If you’re really panicking about birthdays that are just around the corner, then food is always a safe bet. Everybody loves food of some kind, so just think about the preferences of the person in question and go wild. Whether it’s a Christmas gift, birthday gift, or even a baby shower gift, food is the type of present that works for any occasion you can imagine. Obviously, you’ll need to make sure it’s presented nicely; get some gift wrap, a bow, and perhaps a nice plate (depending on what it is, of course).

Food is a simple gift, but it’s one that is guaranteed to succeed if you know the person well. Of course, it should be an exciting piece of food – a few apples might not be very exciting unless they’re a fruit fanatic. If they’re a fan of sweet treats, however, then those always make the perfect gift. You could even bake your own treats for the person in question. The homemade touch adds some personal flavor to the gift. As mentioned in the previous point, personalized gifts are always very well received.

Drink related gifts also tend to be very well received. Perhaps you could do a smoothie kit with a blender and recipe book? Or maybe your giftee appreciates a drink or two over the weekend. If so, you could check out the Bourbon Boujee Buddy Bottle Bundle or a similar package gift with their favorite alcoholic beverage. The beauty of food and drink presents is that they are sure to be used and your giftee will think of you when they do so.

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Yummm!

A nostalgic gift:

If you really want to tug at somebody’s heartstrings, then you should opt for the nostalgic angle when you buy them a present. Show them that you not only remember the recent good times you’ve shared together but the good times you’ve shared over the years. Perhaps one of your parents has a birthday coming up. You could buy them a copy of a board game that you used to play together when you were little. Maybe it was lost somewhere along the line, so it’ll be a sweet gesture to give your parents a new version. Or maybe you could find some old photographs of you and your childhood friend – reminding them that you’ve always been close friends and you always will be.

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Board games provide hours of fun, too!

Concert tickets:

As you’ve probably gathered by now, the most thoughtful gifts are ones that show you know or care about the person in question. That’s why a concert ticket to see their favorite artist is such a great idea. It combines a few of the things we’ve discussed already. It could be a fun evening out for you and your buddy, but it’s also a thoughtful gift because it shows that you know them well. Plus, the joy of seeing their favorite musician will be a great gift in itself.

Gift buying can be stressful with all of the occasions to present presents for throughout the year. But if you put some thought into it, you’ll be just fine!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jolie In Jaase Top

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Jolie In Jaase Top

Hello hello and happy Monday! On my last trip to TJMaxx, I picked up a new top by Australian brand, Jaase, that I am simply obsessed with. It’s fresh, it’s floral, and it’s fabulous. This new zipped crop is completely perfect for spring and I loved it on the hanger, in the dressing room, and on my person because I had to wear it immediately the next day. Take a look:

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Other than black and green, I’m pretty sure that my favorite color to wear is the grey blue that is featured in this little number. I love how the simple white flowers pop against such a muted background. I also love how my complexion and hair pops, as well! This is probably my fifth or sixth top that features the pigeon color palette that I am so very fond of and, yes, I am sure that I will add more to my collection soon!

I love the shape of this top. The tight cropped torso is a snap to apply thanks to the zippered front, and it looks so chic paired with its bubble sleeves that taper into the cinched in finale. This Jaase top is unique, and that is so important to me. The shape of it is so different than anything in my closet and the fifteen dollar price tag doesn’t hurt, either.

Once it gets warm enough to wear shorts with tights, trust and believe that that is what I’ll be pairing my new find with. This Jaase purchase is going to look darling with A-line skirts and will add some flare to my black skinnies when it’s too chilly for shorts and tights. So fun!

What is your favorite color to wear? How would you style this top? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Itty Bitty Beauty Haul

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Itty Bitty Beauty Haul

Hiii everyone and happy weekend! I was running low on a few of my beauty staples, so I decided to visit TJMaxx (Of course.) this week so that I could restock. TJ’s offers a wide variety of skin care, makeup, and bath and body care goodies, all for a fraction of the original price. I ended up with a new black eyeliner and a charcoal beauty bar for a whole eight bucks. Take a look:

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Normally, I use CoverGirl’s eyeliner that looks exactly like the one that I got by L’oreal. And normally, I pay around seven dollars for it. Being able to get essentially the same product by a different brand for over three dollars cheaper was a sweet deal. Plus, it takes me at least three or more months to finish an eye pencil in its entirety. This gives me a cost per month of a dollar and change – and I can definitely swing that.

I do have to say, I was a bit disappointed that the past two times that I was at TJ’s, they didn’t have my usual Destiny Boutique charcoal bar that I love so very, very much. So, I had to compromise with the PlantLife bar, instead. Charcoal is charcoal, and it worked the same as the Destiny Boutique bar. It was also about two dollars cheaper. Not bad for a bar that should last me around five months!

Balling on a budget means making compromises. Although it’s nice to use my favorite brands and staple items, I was able to save five bucks by switching things up a bit. Cha-ching!

How do you cut down the cost of your favorite beauty items? Where do you score the best deals on your self care staples? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Hot Tools Hair Straightener

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New Hot Tools Hair Straightener

Helloooo! For the past few months, I have been suffering from mild distaste for my hair. “WHAT?! But you love your red hair!” Yes, yes I do. BUT, my hair itself has just not been styling well, as of late. It just seemed like no matter what styling sprays and serums I used and how many times I flat ironed my hair, I could not get it straight for the life of me.

When I say that I want my hair straight, I’m talking pin straight, so it was infuriating to straighten my hair only to have it be frizzy and wavy shortly after. At first, I was wondering if my amazing hair stylist didn’t take enough bulk out when she was thinning through my thick locks. But, I poo pooed that thought immediately after, because she’s a genius. Then, I realized that it was my hair straightener.

I have been using my old faithful Ion One Stroke for a solid four years now, so it only makes sense that it might not be working to the best of its ability. Finally, the frizzy mess that my hair would turn into five minutes after straightening sounded about right. So, I did what I normally do…

I went to TJMaxx and got myself a Hot Tools straightener for twenty-five bucks.

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This styling tool heats up to 450 degrees, which is perfect for my thick hair. It also has a handy touch screen to turn the product on and off and to adjust the heat. Immediately after using my new Hot Tools straightener, the difference in my hair was all I needed to justify my purchase. My locks looked straight, sleek, and the style held all day.

I am so happy to have solved the mystery behind my bad hair months, because I am SO over covering up my hair with hats, beanies, headbands, and wearing it up. Now, my crimson crown can flow freely and perfectly straight. Thank gawd.

R.I.P

Ion One Stroke

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What are your tips for achieving pin straight hair? How do you usually style your locks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Stop Replacing Clothes So Often With These Longevity Hacks

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Stop Replacing Clothes So Often With These Longevity Hacks

Do you wish that your clothes would last you for longer than they do? If they did, you wouldn’t have to replace them quite so often, which would help you save a whole load of cash. So, imagine if there were ways that you could prevent all of the wear and tear that your items of clothing have to go through.

Well, there are a few ways you can do just that! And don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a lot of money trying to increase their longevity and lifespan. In fact, these simple hacks can help you see a big difference when it comes to making your wardrobe last longer.

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Cuuuute!

Know What To Fold And What To Hang:

Did you know that storing your clothes incorrectly could shorten their life? It’s true; some clothes need to be hanged up while others should be folded away neatly. For instance, sweaters and hoodies will stretch out of shape when they are hung on hangers in a closet. They need to be folded up in drawers. Similarly, dress shirts won’t fare too well when hung up. However, jackets and coats need to be hung – you can use shirt hangers to ensure that they don’t stretch too much on the hanger. Dresses and skirts also need hanging in wardrobes, as well.

Reduce Your Laundry:

If you regularly wash clothes, they will end up losing their color and the material will also start to fray. So, no matter how tempted you are to pop an item of clothing into the wash, you should try and hold off until it really does need cleaning. Ideally, you should wear everything more than once before it goes in the washing machine. There are some things that can help you put off your washes. For example, lint rollers can remove any hairs from your sweaters and you can also buy anti-stain pens that you can dab onto your clothes to remove any small stains and spills.

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I need that outfit!

Keep A Smoke Free Home:

It’s also a good idea to try and keep your home free from smoke. This includes smoke from cigarettes and vapor pens. The odors from each type of cigarette and e-cigarette will just cause your clothes to smell, even if they are put away in your wardrobe. Cigarette smoke and odors can end up all around the house and will get into your closets and other storage units. Not only that, but the smoke from traditional cigarettes could end up permanently staining your clothes.

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Kaboom Pics Image

Watch Out For Pests:

It’s not just cigarettes that are putting your clothes at risks – any pests that are sneaking around your home could also be causing damage. For example, rats and mice like to nibble on anything they can get their paws on. If they make their way into your bedroom, you might start to find bite marks on the edges of your clothes. They might also do their business on your clothes, which could cause stains and smells. Thankfully, this company can help you take care of your pest problem. You might also want to add some mothballs to your wardrobes, closets, and drawers so that you don’t start to have a problem with moths. These little creatures are known for eating clothes whenever they get the chance!

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Love that backpack!

Work In Old Clothes:

Ideally, you should always keep some old clothes that you can carry out all of your dirty work in. It’s really not a good idea to wear your best shirt and jeans for doing your cleaning and other chores around the house, for example. You will be on your hands and knees, which could wear down your jeans, and you might also spill some harsh cleaning chemicals on yourself which could stain your clothes. So, it’s a good idea to keep some old clothes that you aren’t bothered about for these jobs. You should also invest in an apron for when you are cooking in your kitchen. Just one splash of tomato sauce could end up ruining a crisp white shirt!

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Fun shoes!

Reinforce Your Hems:

As soon as you buy a new skirt, pair of pants, or dress, you should always find the time to reinforce the hem before you wear it. It’s really easy to do, as you just need to know one simple stitch. If you have your own sewing machine, then it is even easier. Doing this will make the hems a lot less flimsy and they won’t experience quite as much wear and tear as usual. Knowing how to sew hems can also help you raise or lower them, which means you will be able to adjust your skirts and dresses to keep up with hemline fashions.

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Definitely wear your play close while exploring!

Invest In Good Quality:

One of the best things that you can do when you are shopping for clothes is to invest in good quality items. If you just buy cheap clothing, you will find that it regularly needs to be replaced. That’s because it hasn’t been made with the best materials or using the best possible techniques. As a result, it will be flimsy and a lot more likely to stretch out of shape.

Plus, you will find that the colors fade quickly. So, rather than scrimping and saving in budget stores, it really is worth investing in top-quality items. These will last you a lot longer so, even though you initially pay more, you will end up saving money as you won’t need to replace them so often. When you buy expensive clothes, you should look for timeless, statement pieces as these won’t go out of fashion quite as often as items of clothing that are bang-on trend right now.

Your clothes should always last you for at least a year. If you find that you are replacing items more often than that, you might really benefit from all of the tips in this post. Good luck with your wardrobe’s new lease of longevity!

Featured Image By: Kaboom Pics

Snakeskin, Sister

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Snakeskin, Sister

Hi!! Although I am not the biggest fan of animal prints when it comes to clothing and accessories, I am definitely (faux) snakeskin obsessed. Cheetah, zebra, and whatever other animal prints there are simply fall by the wayside when it comes to snakeskin. To me, snakeskin is the chicest animal print – it tends to be soft and subdued but still has the perfect amount of glam rock edge to it, which sets it apart from in your face cheetah or zebra patterns.

I have never been able to find just the right snakeskin patterned clothing, but I do have a Nine West purse and two pairs of snakeskin booties that I adore. Take a look:

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I think that the best part about snakeskin is that it really is a neutral pattern. The blacks, greys, whites, and taupes blend so effortlessly that it never overpowers the rest of your look. My snakeskin boots are usually my go to’s when I want to spice an outfit up a little while still maintaining a rocker cool vibe.

And, can we talk about one of my favorite purses of all time?! My Nine West bag was a birthday gift from a few years ago and it remains as one of my most frequently used purses. It is perfect for either work or play and is large enough to fit all of my necessities in it without being too big. Sigh, TJMaxx shoots and scores again. :*)

Whether you want a chic pattern to incorporate into your work wardrobe or something more rocker when you’re at play, snakeskin will always be the best way to go!

What is your favorite animal print? How do you incorporate snakeskin into your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sephora Success

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Sephora Success

Howdy! I can’t say that I’m Sephora’s number one fan when it comes to shopping there, because I will always and forever be a drug store makeup girl. However, I have had nothing but success when it comes to purchasing prezzies for my sister for Christmas and her upcoming April birthday. When I can get wonderful products for my makeup queen sis and still score a great deal, I am a happy camper.

Sephora always seems to have some type of freebie promotion going on, depending on what you buy and I love that. One of the gift sets that I got my sister was a Clinique Dewey You collection and I got a free mini moisturizer for myself for purchasing it. I used it this past week and it was FABULOUS! And, speaking of the gift sets, what an amazing value they are! The Clinique set that I got was eighteen bucks and then I got her a Stilla bronzing kit that had FIVE full size products in it for forty dollars. You literally can’t beat that.

I’ve always been a huge fan of gifting gift sets for gift giving occasions (Say gift one more time!), and Sephora has never disappointed me or the giftee with their box sets. 1) They are a great value and 2) The giftee can try out new products that they might not have thought of before. Talk about a win/win.

And, to top the Sephora Success off, when you order online, you can pick out three samples to try at home. I picked out a perfume, a face mask, and a lip plumper sample that came in a mini tube and has a good amount of uses in it for a freebie. I also was able to pick out a free highlighter with the points that I earned from shopping for my sis and restocking my Better Than Sex mascara. I got five free things just for the shopping that I was going to do, anyways – it doesn’t get much better than that!

Who else has had some Sephora Success recently? How do you score the best deals when you shop Sephora? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

True Destiny Flower Power Top

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True Destiny Flower Power Top

Hi everyone! I don’t know about ya’ll, but I am ready for spring! It has been snowing on and off again in Ohio, so I have still been bundled up in my winter’s best. But, that doesn’t mean that I can’t think about warmer weather constantly and do some spring shopping! Who needs spring cleaning, anyways?!

To get myself ready for warmer weather and spring flowers, I indulged in this gorgeous, retro inspired True Destiny top from TJMaxx. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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I am so obsessed with this top. The colors, the structured torso counterbalanced with larger than life balloon sleeves, and a tie neck back to top it all off. I can’t handle the cuteness. The bright colored flowers bouncing against a bleach white base make me so happy and it takes spring florals to a whole new and unique level. It is truly a mod, flower power top to the max and I’ve already worn it three times this week!

Since it’s been so cold, I’ve only been pairing this shirt with my black skinnies. But, come warmer weather, I am so excited to wear this True Destiny top with a sweet pair of dark denim shorts and my heeled floral sneakers for a fun and sunshiney OOTD.

How would you style this top? What is one of your favorite patterns to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Carolina Belle Blazer Edition

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Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Carolina Belle Blazer Edition

Hellooo! One article of clothing that Lil Red owns in abundance is jackets. From blazers and peacoats to moto and jean jackets – I love them all. One style that I am particularly fond of as far as an amazing transitional piece from work to play goes is the blazer. Whether it’s fitted and constructed or a slouchy boyfriend style, you can never go wrong with a blazer while you’re on the job or on a night on the town. I own a handful of blazers, but my favorite one will always be this Carolina Belle beauty. Check it out:

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This cobalt blue velvet blazer makes me feel so good whenever I wear it. It makes such a statement thanks to the striking color and pale grey pattern and it gives me a huge confidence boost no matter what mood I’m in. This, in itself, covers what I think clothing should do for someone:

  1. Give you confidence.
  2. Make a statement.

I used to shop very haphazardly when I was younger. I would buy things that maybe didn’t look or fit the best just to have something new or because it was a good deal. Now, as the years have gone by, I try to only purchase things that follow my above guidelines. If the article of clothing that you’re trying on doesn’t instantly make you feel amazing, then what’s the point?

As soon as I tried this blazer on – no, as soon as I looked at it, actually, it made me happy. It made me feel like I could walk into a room or a job interview and be taken seriously but still light it up. I never agree with buying things for the sake of buying. But, how can you not buy a blazer that speaks to you on such a spiritual level?!

What is your favorite style of jacket? How would you style this Carolina Belle blazer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Groovy Movies Pt. 2

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Groovy Movies Pt. 2

Howdy! As you know from yesterday’s post, Lil Red went hard at the five dollar movie section at Target. Due to such amazing savings and my desire to amp up my DVD collection, I just had to go back this weekend – this time, bringing along my dear old dad. I ended up with four new DVDs and I think my dad bought five for himself! It was a daddy/daughter bargain night out and we had a blast. Here are the four new selections that I purchased:

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I bought…

  1. Clueless: As if!! This movie speaks to me on a spiritual level and every human being should see it at least once.
  2. Bridesmaids: I snagged the last copy of this movie and I am so glad that I did! Melissa McCarthy is my hero.
  3. Lord Of The Rings 3 Film Collection: For all three LOTR movies, I paid ten bucks. You can’t beat that! Now, I just need to get The Hobbit flicks and I’ll be all set!
  4. The Interview: Classic Seth Rogen and James Franco – this movie is a trip. AND it was only FOUR BUCKS!!

I think I’m all done buying movies for a good long while, but this DVD haul was well worth it. Netflix is nice and all, but sometimes their selection is weak at best. This haul will definitely make Mushenheim Movie Night more fun for weekends to come – no trips to the library or video store included!

Which movie do you think that everyone should see once? How many movies do you have in your collection? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah