Tag Archives: simple

Mar14

Brighten Up Your Home With These Simple Tricks

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Brighten Up Your Home With These Simple Tricks

If you feel like your home is gloomy and dark, then you will know how frustrating this can be to work with. You may feel that anything you do to your home doesn’t work and this can work against you. If you want to brighten your home today, check out these simple tricks to put some sunshine back in your step and decor:

Use White Furniture:

Where possible, you should try to use white furniture over dark colors. Think about using white bookcases, cream couches, or even tables. If you have dark wood or dark floors then you may not want to replace it. That being said, adding a white, or light rug is a fantastic way for you to make a positive change here. If you are scared about getting your rug dirty, then think about getting one that can be washed for a no muss no fuss option.

Keep Tall Items Away from Natural Light:

If you have a large bookcase, plant, shelf or any other furniture that is blocking the light in your home. then you need to move them. It is recommended that you put big pieces of furniture at the opposite end of the room to where your windows are. If you can do this, then you will be able to let in a lot of natural light and this will work in your favor.

Use White Curtains:

Having thick curtains is always nice but at the same time they can block out a lot of natural light. If you want to do something about this, try and buy some white, sheer curtains. When you do this, you will be able to let a lot of natural light into the room and you can also add a lot of drama, which will spice things up. If you feel as though your windows are looking a bit old and tired, then now could be the time for you to look up the best window replacement brand so you can give your home an instant face lift..

Add some Mirrors:

Mirrors come in very handy, especially when you look at home decor. They help to make your home look bigger than it actually is and they also reflect any natural light. If you want to make a big difference here, think about adding a mirror to your dark room to see what a change you could bring about.

Paint:

This is an obvious, but important suggestion. If your home has very dark paint then you may be giving off a dark feel overall. Paint can transform a room, so try and add some white paint or even light grey. When you do this you will be able to see a huge change in the way that your home feels. Why not experiment with some lighter tones and see what happens!

The bright days of spring will soon be upon us. Let the sunshine into your home by enhancing the natural light with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pexels

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Mar1

Out & About OOTD

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Out & About OOTD

Hey! This past weekend, I did a whole lot of nothing and it is exactly what I needed. For the most part, I became one with my couch but, Johnny and I did have a few errands to run on Saturday. Since Saturday is our picture day anyways, I decided to keep things simple and put together a look for going out and about in. Our errands ended with Taco Bell for lunch so, as luck would have it, I even got to post up at a different brick wall! Check it out:

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Who? What? Wear?

Leopard Print Blazer: Christian Siriano, TJMaxx

The Room T-Shirt: Christmas gift from my sister

Distressed Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Heeled Boots: Olivia Miller, TJMaxx

Cross Earrings: EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s

Floppy Hat: Brandy Melville, PacSun

During the work week, you can always catch me in jeans and a hoodie because I don’t go out into the general public very much, if at all. So, during the weekend, it only feels appropriate to get dolled up even if it is just for going out and picking up some odds and ends. This is probably one of the most casual OOTDs that have been featured on lifewithlilred recently. However, I used a few tricks up my sleeves to elevate it from the basic base of jeans and a T.

When I am not working or hanging out at home, I rarely wear T-shirts. This is mainly because when Johnny and I do go out, we take OOTD shots and I’d rather have a cute top on. This past Saturday was different, though, because it was actually really nice out and a sweater or heavier jacket would have been much too warm. So, I decided to use the heat wave as an opportunity to create a walk through on how to make an errands outfit more special.

For my T, I went with one of my favorites from one of my favorite bad movies of all time: The Room. My sister gave it to me a few Christmases ago and I LOVE it. Since the base of this outfit was composed of All Black Everything essentials, I chose my distressed AEO jeans to add some visual interest. It was also my only option because a dog slobbered on my unripped pair when I was walking lol but that’s neither here nor there!

Once the jeans and T were selected, accessorizing was key. I knew that I needed a light jacket and had just the one in mind: My knit blazer by Christian Siriano. This blazer was just right in terms of the level of warmth I needed, but its main purpose was the leopard print. I consider animal print to be an accessory in itself and the blah base of this OOTD immediately got spiced up by simply slipping the blazer on.

Prior to styling this look, I was having a bad hair day and knew that I wanted to wear a hat. I tried on several less bold hats in my collection and ended up going with the one I tried on first: The Brandy Melville. This hat is old as the hills, but it adds so much drama to a look because of its shape and movement. And, if it covers up a bad hair day? Even better!

After the main base for my outfit was sorted, it was time for shoes and jewelry. I also wanted to focus on adding length for a nice, sleek silhouette. To accomplish this, I put on my heeled boots by Olivia Miller. These boots blended seamlessly into my jeans so as not to break up the leg line and the chunky chain added some bling. To better accentuate my neck with the hat on, I popped on a dangly pair of bejeweled cross earrings. The result? I felt way taller than 5’1 and much more stylish than how this outfit first started out!

To crank up the heat on an Out & About OOTD, accessorizing is key! Use patterns to your advantage, choose pieces with movement, opt for big and bold hats, sunglasses, and accessories… And, as always, a little bit of bling goes a long way. This look is very easy to recreate and you will turn anywhere you need to be into your own personal runway!

Do you dress up to run errands? Do you have a more casual or dressy style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Feb28

4 Easy Ways To Get More Confident

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4 Easy Ways To Get More Confident

Self-confidence is a powerful asset that can immensely impact your life. It helps you reach your objectives and feel secure in everything you do. If you want to boost your self-confidence, there are countless ways to go about it. These suggestions will help boost your spirits and enable you to realize your aspirations:

See your dentist to fix oral issues:

Having your dentist address oral issues can have a lasting effect on your well-being. It saves time, money, and hassle in the long run and may protect you against severe conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Beyond the apparent teeth cleaning and checkup, your dentist may offer recommendations to improve your smile or suggest a cosmetic treatment that could boost self-esteem and confidence. Visiting a dental center such as Wahroonga Dental can help you to correct common dental issues with cosmetic treatments, including having braces fitted, dental crowns, teeth whitened, and more.

Dress for confidence:

Dressing to impress can boost your confidence and enhance how you feel and interact with others. Dressing in bright colors and styles that flatter your figure can also boost self-confidence. A red skirt or top is especially great for those wanting to radiate power and confidence. If you have a favorite dress or suit that makes you feel amazing, wear it often. Doing so will help you remember why you chose it and how it made you think, which in turn can boost your confidence levels. To feel confident in your clothing, select pieces you enjoy wearing in colors and styles that also fit well. The better fitting your clothing is, the better you will feel.

Fake it till you make it:

Just because you don’t particularly feel confident doesn’t mean that others should be aware of that. The fake it till you make it mindset can help you to push through times of doubt and uncertainty when you need to be confident. It can be as simple as making eye contact with others to give off an air of confidence or standing up tall and maintaining your posture throughout a presentation. Eventually, you will find that the more you fake being confident, the less you will need to do so.

Emulate others who are confident:

One of the best ways to increase your self-assurance is by studying those who possess it. Pay attention to how confident individuals interact with one another, their work habits, and how they dress for success. This type of role modeling can give you invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed in any area of life.

Another excellent idea is to step outside your comfort zone and try something different. For instance, volunteer for a community service project or enroll in a training course that could benefit your career! It’s a great way to build confidence and you might even land your dream job. Plus, this exercise will make you think on your feet and feel like an experienced leader quickly.

Over 85% of Americans report having low self-confidence, and improving this even a little bit can greatly benefit your overall mental health. These tips can go a long way to getting you started on boosting your confidence!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb17

5 Simple Methods To Properly Manage A Chronic Illness

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5 Simple Methods To Properly Manage A Chronic Illness

It can be challenging to properly manage a chronic illness at first. But it is possible to live a healthy and fulfilling life by taking proper care of it. Here is how you can help yourself out with these simple tips:

Pay Attention to Your Medication:

When you first get sick, it can be strange to have to take so many medications. People with epilepsy and diabetes have to follow their doctors’ orders very carefully. Otherwise, you can experience severe consequences. An online pharmacy like The Canadian Drug Store is a godsend if you can’t move around much, live in a remote area, or can’t get out for other reasons. You can easily order what you need and have it brought right to your door.

Listen to Your Doctor:

If you have a chronic illness, your doctor may suggest medications, therapies, or changes to your way of life to help you deal with it. In many cases, it’s important to carefully follow their advice and take your medicines as they say. And if you have questions or worries about your treatment plan, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor or nurse about them. You’ll never be turned away if you ask about it.

Educate Yourself:

It can be very helpful to learn as much as you can about a condition you have. It can help you understand why your doctor wants you to make changes and cut down on the 25% of hospital stays that happen every year because people don’t do what they’re told. You can easily find reliable sources online. Or make positive changes with support from groups.

Keep a Journal of Activities:

Keeping track of your symptoms and any changes can be beneficial. You can then give this information to your doctor, who can use it to make any necessary changes to your treatment plan. The easiest way to do this is to write down your symptoms every day in a notebook or an app. Write down how bad each symptom is and if there are any things, like foods or activities, that make it worse.

Look After Yourself:

This is probably something you’ve heard a thousand times. But living a healthy life can help you deal with the symptoms of a long-term illness. This means eating a healthy, balanced diet, working out regularly, and getting enough sleep. All of these are good ways to deal with stress. Also, it’s always good to avoid bad habits like smoking and drinking too much alcohol. You may also need to stay away from foods or activities that make your symptoms worse or start them.

It can be challenging physically and emotionally to properly manage a chronic illness. Use the tips above to make things a little easier on yourself!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan16

Live Healthier With These Steps

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Live Healthier With These Steps

When life gets busy, we don’t always take care of ourselves as well as we should. If this sounds like you, it’s time to start taking care of your body and health fully and completely. In this post, we’ll talk about some things that you can do to start taking better care of your health today:

Eat Healthy Foods:

You shouldn’t eat well and avoid certain foods just to look good in new clothes. Instead, you should eat well to stay healthy. You could start by eating more fruit and vegetables. Eat more things that give you energy and make you feel better. Bananas, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, nuts, and yogurt are all foods that can give you energy and make you more alert and productive during the day. Food can also make you feel more or less stressed. When you’re hungry, you’re more likely to get angry and annoyed easily.

Take Care Of Your Teeth:

It’s important to take care of your teeth. To make sure they stay healthy, you need to take the right steps every day. At least twice a day, use fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth and get rid of germs and plaque. Plaque can also build up between your teeth, so be sure to floss daily. Try using mouthwash because it can cut down on the amount of acid in your mouth and clean places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. You should go to the dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and to catch any dental problems early.

Get More Active:

If you have a lot going on, it can be hard to find the time to work out. You don’t have to find time to go to the gym; you just need to find an exercise that works for you and fits into your schedule. You could go for a walk during lunch break to get more steps. If the only time you can exercise is in the morning, then you should get up a little bit earlier. Then it’s out of the way, and you don’t have to worry about it late at night after work when you might not want to go for a run. If you are going out in cold weather you should think about taking some women’s thermal socks to keep your feet warm and dry.

Be More Mindful:

We’re so busy with our lives that we often forget to live in the moment. Stopping for a few seconds throughout the day will give you time to breathe and help you think more clearly. Mindfulness practice makes you feel free and is good for your health. It can help you feel better and less stressed. When you wake up, when you eat, and even when you work out, you can be more aware.

By making a few changes to your daily habits, you will start to see improvements in all parts of your life when you are feeling better and healthier!

Featured Image By: Jill Wellington

Jan8

Make Your Makeup Last All Day With These Tips

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Make Your Makeup Last All Day With These Tips

Makeup can be a great way to express yourself and boost your confidence, but nothing is more frustrating than having all your hard work go to waste when your makeup inevitably fades halfway through the day. Whether it’s eyeshadow smudging, lipstick bleeding, or foundation caking up in patches, you’re left with a look that is far from fresh and effortlessly perfect. Whether you’re working out, running errands, or going out with friends, you want to look your best no matter what the day throws at you. Here are a few tips to help make sure your makeup looks amazing all day long:

Use primer and setting spray:

You must start with a good base before applying any makeup. Start by using a primer before applying foundation or other base products. This will help create a smooth canvas and keep everything in place throughout the day. Once your makeup is applied, use a setting spray to lock it in place for hours on end. You can also use a setting powder to help keep your makeup looking flawless. It will absorb any oils that might cause your makeup to slide off and help prevent creasing. Additionally, it will help set any cream or liquid products so your look stays put.

Choose waterproof products:

Opt for waterproof versions of your favorite products instead of non-waterproof options. For example, an Anastasia brow pomade will last longer than a regular brow pencil. It also comes in handy when you’re out in the rain or sweating at a workout class. Plus, there are various colors and finishes to choose from, so you can still get a natural-looking finish. Similarly, waterproof mascara won’t smudge or run if you get caught in the rain or tear up during a romantic movie. Waterproof eyeliner won’t budge even if you sweat in the summer heat. And for those with oily skin, a matte liquid lipstick is more likely to last longer than one with a glossy finish.

Blot your skin throughout the day:

If you tend to get oily skin during the day, then blotting papers can be your best friend! Whenever you feel like your skin is becoming too shiny, simply dab some oil-absorbing sheets onto your T-zone to remove excess oil and keep things looking matte and fresh all day long. If your makeup is fading, try using a beauty sponge or brush to lightly pat and blend it back into place. This will help bring back the vibrancy of your look without having to start from scratch again.

Reapply powder during the day:

To keep things looking matte during the day, consider carrying around some pressed powder with you so that you can reapply it as needed. Remember not to overdo it, though – just one small dusting should do the trick. You should also use a translucent powder to set any cream or liquid products. This will help keep them in place and prevent them from sliding off your face, even during the hottest summer days.

Invest in a long-wearing lip color:

Invest in a few high-quality long-wear lipstick shades that will remain intact no matter what life throws at them. You can also use a lip liner to create a barrier between your lips and the lipstick, which will help keep it in place longer. And if you want to achieve an even longer-lasting effect, try topping your lipstick with a touch of setting powder for added staying power.

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Avoid touching your face:

One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to makeup is touching your face throughout the day. Not only will this cause oils and bacteria to transfer onto your skin, but it can also make your makeup smudge and fade away faster than usual. Try to resist the temptation and make subtle adjustments by using a beauty sponge or brush if needed.

Long-lasting makeup doesn’t have to be complicated – just follow these simple tips and tricks and watch as they transform your everyday routine!

Jan4

Pro Tips To Selling Your Home Quickly

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Pro Tips To Selling Your Home Quickly

Are you interested in selling your home fast on the market? This might be because you are keen to get on with the next chapter of your life. Or, alternatively, it could be because you are in a difficult financial situation. Regardless of the reason, there are some steps that you can take right now to improve your chances of a quick sale:

Use The Right Estate Agent:

First, you should make sure that you are choosing the right estate agent to sell your home. There are lots of estate agents operating on the market. However, they are not all equal. Many will not deliver the services that you need or require. The best way to work around this is to make sure that you are looking at reviews and referrals for different real estate agents. You should also make sure that they have experience and knowledge in selling properties like yours on the market. If they don’t have the right level of experience, then they’re going to struggle to know how to attract your target buyer.

Home Staging:

You should also make sure that you are using a home staging service too. On average, the right home staging service will add about 20% onto the value of your home. This means that you can get a solid sale that is going to provide you with the right level of profits overall. In some cases an estate agent will complete home staging services for you. You can also consider hiring a private service to complete this work and ensure that it is done to the right standards overall.

Sell To A Company:

The big benefit of selling to a company is that you don’t have to worry about waiting for a buyer to complete a sale on their own property. It’s a great way of breaking the chain. You might think that this means that you won’t be able to sell the home at a good price. However, this is not usually the case. Companies such as Wedgewood Homes can offer to buy your property at market value.

Pick The Right Time:

The property market is either active or dormant depending on the time of year as well as the state of the economy. That’s why you need to make sure that you are thinking about getting your home ready for a time when the most buyers are active. Usually, this will mean preparing to sell your home in the spring and then putting it on the market at the start of summer. Do this and you can easily gain a lot of attention with your property.

We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you can take so that your home sells fast on the market. Now, move onto your next big adventure!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov19

Transforming Your Bathroom For That Hotel Feel

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Transforming Your Bathroom For That Hotel Feel

There’s something about that luxury hotel experience that makes going away more of a treat. One thing that most people remember from their favorite hotels is the bathrooms. Hotel bathrooms are usually sparkling clean and undeniably luxurious. We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms so how about replicating this hotel experience in your own home? Here are some tips to help you out:

Get Rid of Damp and Mold:

One thing you never notice when you’re in a luxury hotel is damp and mold. Your bathroom is, by nature, one of the wettest environments in your house. You generate a lot of water and steam, especially when taking a shower or bath. This water and vapor can damage your walls and develop into damp or mold, which is both unsightly and unhealthy. The good news is that you can get rid of these issues, especially if you catch them early.

Using a sealant like RIW Toughseal is a great way to prevent damp or mold, as it provides a physical barrier against water and steam. You or a contractor can use it in a shower area to protect your property. If you already have damp or mold problems, you might be able to catch it early and air out the room to get rid of minor damp. You can then damp-proof the walls to stop the problem from coming back. However, in more severe cases you may need to get a contractor to repair the damage done before going through the damp-proofing process.

Super Soft Towels:

Hotel bathrooms are luxurious for several reasons, but one that stands out is the towels. The best hotels come with towels that are incredibly soft on your skin, which is ideal after a steaming hot bath or shower. There’s nothing worse than stepping out and being forced to use a scratchy towel to dry yourself. With this in mind, a simple way to replicate the spa-like bathrooms of the best hotels is to use fabric softener on your towels. Invest in new towels every few years, as older towels often end up hard and scratchy no matter what you do. It’s a small treat, but it’s worth it.

Sparkling Clean:

The best hotels aren’t just beautifully decorated, but they’re also incredibly clean. They achieve this by hiring professional cleaners who know how to keep an area spotless, no matter who’s been there before. You can clean the bathroom yourself and keep on top of it, but it can be a good idea to hire a cleaning service for a one-time deep cleaning session. This makes it easier for you to maintain your sparkling bathroom.

Potted Plants:

A simple way to level up the decorations in your bathroom is to add some potted plants. These add some life and greenery to your bathroom, making it feel undeniably like a relaxing spa. As mentioned before, bathrooms are naturally moist rooms, so pick plants that thrive in a humid area. A dying plant or dead plant can be worse than no plants at all.

Small and simple changes to your cleaning process and decor can transform your bathroom in an instant. Now, run that bubble bath and relax!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Oct21

Health Habits To Start Today

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Health Habits To Start Today

At times, the problems and responsibilities of being an adult can seem so big that taking on more can seem like a crazy idea. Still, you can’t say enough about how important it is to take care of your own health. If you keep up with some healthy habits for a while, you might find it easier to handle what the day throws at you. Read on to find out what you can do to get to this point:

Eat Well:

Most of the time, we only care about how something tastes and don’t care about our health. But unfortunately, the fast and unhealthy food we eat every day to save time and effort in our busy lives poses a threat to our bodies that we can’t even imagine. This is why we want to talk about how important it is to eat a healthy diet.

If you’ve been eating unhealthy food for a long time, it might be hard for you to switch to a healthy diet all at once. But with time and effort, you’ll get used to it and eventually live a healthy life. Eating healthy doesn’t mean only eating boiled food, eating less, or not eating fat. Switching to a healthy, well-balanced diet means eating everything in the right amount, at the right time, and with the right combination. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a treat or a “cheat meal” but it’s always best to do so in moderation.

Exercise Regularly:

If you want to make sure you have healthy habits, you should also think about adding exercise to your daily routine. Fitness starts with a good workout and what seems difficult now will be so easy in due time. Also, don’t worry about how much it will cost. Working out doesn’t have to be expensive; you just need to search around for something that will suit your budget and interest you. Muay Thai for beginners is a perfect example.

Making a regular time to exercise is the first step if you want to start working out more. Creating a schedule for your workouts can make it far more likely that you will keep up a healthy fitness program. Although routines are great for staying on track, it’s also important to mix things up every once in a while. Introducing some element of surprise into a long-term task can help keep it interesting. So, if you want to make working out more enjoyable, try throwing in some unexpected challenges.

Sleep Well:

Last but not least, sleep is one of the most important things for your health. It can also make or break your fitness routines because it affects your ability to stick with them. So, every night, make sure you get enough sleep. All bodily functions rely on enough sleep. How well our bodies and brains function the following day is impacted, as are our immune systems, metabolism, and susceptibility to developing chronic diseases. The importance of sleep cannot be overstated; it has far-reaching effects on your overall health.

With simple changes in diet and lifestyle, you will be your best and healthiest self. All it takes is a little time and effort!

Featured Image By: Jane Doan

Oct6

Simply Spooky OOTD

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Simply Spooky OOTD

Hello! For mine and Johnny’s date night at Sarah’s Vineyard, I had grand plans of showing out in a mix and match plaid OOTD. However, your girl was TIRED so I went with a much more low key fit that was still super cute. Johnny was wearing his spiderweb Halloween sweater and I decided to vibe off of him with a spooky sweater of my own:

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Who? What? Wear?

One of my favorite things about going on dates with Johnny is our fashion! It’s safe to say that we look a lot different than most people we encounter when we’re out together and it’s fun when they are LIVING for it. We got so many compliments on our Halloween themed attire and I always appreciate the confidence boost and will send a compliment right back. ❤

During our vineyard date, it was fairly cold and overcast and I was so glad that I chose to wear my Better/Together sweater. The past few times I’ve worn it, it has just been to watch scary movies at home with Johnny and it is the most comfortable thing that I have ever owned. Having it on while there was a brisk autumn chill was like being wrapped in a blanket and it was so freaking pleasing lol.

Black skinnies were the obvious choice with my sweater and while the base of this outfit is simple, it shines from the finishing touches. It was much too cold for the sweater alone and I knew just the fix for that – my Zara moto jacket! There is nothing like wearing a moto jacket for the first time of the season and this one is my favorite. The studs, grey hood, and pockets really spice up the standard shape and I loved how the orange sweater popped beneath it.

For shoes, I decided on my snakeskin heeled boots by Qupid, which were a Christmas gift forever ago from my sister. I love anything snakeskin patterned anytime of the year but it is such a perfect print for the Halloween season. There is something so sexy and a bit spooky about it! I love these boots and the cylindrical shape of the heel is really cool. The stark white base of the pattern is also a unique take on snakeskin, which added a fun quirky touch.

Finally, it was time to accessorize and I have no shortage of Halloween themed jewelry to choose from. Johnny’s parents did REAL good with gifting me the spiderweb earrings last Christmas and busting those out was a must. I also added my claw rings on both of my middle fingers for a nice howdy-doo! I got these rings for my Halloween costume last year and I think they are the tops. Yes, they are a massive pain to wear because they always want to fall off but that doesn’t take away from how awesome they are!

Was this the date night OOTD I originally planned on? Hard no. But, this Simply Spooky fit is too cute not to share anyways. Get your creepy on with inspo from this look for all of your Halloween activities and keep it posted for bonus pics and bloopers to come!

What is your favorite Halloween activity? What is your favorite spooky piece of clothing or accessory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah