Tag Archives: simple

Apr9

Fake Chicken & Waffles

Posted on April 9, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Howdy!! Every once in a while, Johnny will announce that he is craving something or another. It might be a candy bar, it could be a cup of tea, a huge burger, and anything in between. This past week, he shared with the bunnies and I that he really wanted some chicken and waffles. He then went to the store after work for supplies and made himself the dinner of his dreams that evening. It was so nice to not have to cook lol! I had to admit that the food looked and smelled delicious so I wanted to try a modified version with my MorningStar buffalo chicken patties. Check it out:

I must give credit where credit is due and say that Johnny hit the nail on the head with his idea. I have never had chicken and waffles before and it was the bomb.com! The waffles that he picked out were an inspired choice because they were thick, fluffy, and infused with maple syrup. It was like a flavor explosion paired with the fake buffalo chicken and I have never tasted anything like it before. This meal required no prep whatsoever and it was a relief to make such an easy dinner after a long day at work. I can’t say that I would make this for myself all of the time, but it was definitely a treat.

If you haven’t tried the MorningStar buffalo chicken patties before, I can’t recommend them enough. They are mine and Johnny’s favorite and we always have them on hand at home. I am so happy that Johnny likes them too because I never have to worry about making something else for him. We love making classic chicken sandwiches with them and Southwest wraps. Now, apparently, we love them for chicken and waffles too. Who knew that I would try a new vegetarian creation thanks to my carnivore husband’s craving of the week?! ❤

Although the kitchen is definitely my domain, Johnny does a banner job making simple, innovative meals and I think that’s great. I can’t wait to see what he’s hungry for next and if I can modify it!

Which brand makes the best fake meat? What is your favorite easy meal to make? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb29

February 2024 Finishes

Posted on February 29, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Helloooo everyone! We are wrapping up the month of February today on lifewithlilred and that means it’s time to discuss the beauty products that I used up. We have quite a few new to me empties to chat about with hit or miss reviews so why wait? Let’s take a look:

Would I Use Again?

Rusted Acre Soap Co. Whipped Soap in Sugar Cookie: NO

Hope Soap Body Nectar in Fruity Loops: YES

Home & Body Company Rose Body Oil: NO

Simple Brightening Eye Gel: YES

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Moisturizer: YES

Why/Why Not?

Whipped Soap: I have always been intrigued by the concept of “whipped soap” and this was my first time using it. While Rusted Acre Soap Co. delivered with the Sugar Cookie scent, I wouldn’t use it again. I love a body wash that lathers really well and using the whipped soap just wasn’t the same as my standard shower gel from Bath & Body Works. I also found that I needed to use a lot of the soap to get a decent lather going so the value for this product wasn’t there. It took me under one month to finish the jar.

Hope Soap Lotion: I received the Fruity Loops Body Nectar by Hope Soap from my mother-in-law for Christmas and it was the best. Hope Soap is a local business in my neck of the woods and I have used several of their products before. Although all of them were pretty good, Fruity Loops took the cake for scent alone. It smelled exactly like Fruity Pebbles and it was divine! My niece also loved it and I had to send her home from my house with a little jar of her own. 🙂 It took me about five weeks to finish this jar with nightly use.

Body Oil: I have been working on the Rose body oil by the Home & Body Company since December and I am SO freaking happy to be done with it lol. I bought this oil from TJMaxx thinking that the bottle would last me a long time as a serum. And, it did. However, it definitely wasn’t my favorite. This product was very greasy and it felt like it never absorbed into the skin. It also didn’t sit well under makeup so I would have to use a different serum for the day if I planned on applying any. I did like this oil when my skin felt dry from the winter weather, but it isn’t practical for every day use. It took me two and a half months to finish the bottle.

Simple Eye Gel: Now, if you want to talk about a product with real longevity, the Simple Brightening Eye Gel wins by far. It took me a staggering over half a year of twice daily use to finish this little tube! How? The tiniest amount went a very long way! I was really impressed with this product and after such an extended use, I could see the results. I thought my designer bags decreased significantly and the skin around my eyes did seem brighter. I still can’t believe I got this eye gel for five bucks and it lasted this long. Highly recommend!

Palmer’s Moisturizer: I am a huge cocoa butter fan. I love the moisturize boost but, mainly, I love the smell! I had no idea that Palmer’s made skin care products too so I just had to snag a moisturizer when I saw it at TJMaxx. I’m glad I did because it was awesome! This moisturizer was so rich and creamy, but it still absorbed nice and quick. And, of course, it smelled good enough to eat. It took me about a month of twice daily use to finish the jar and I would definitely buy it again.

Despite some duds, I was stoked to be able to finish up some products that I have been using for forever this past month. I was elated to be done with the body oil lol. GREAT SUCCESS, indeed!

What is your favorite scent? What are your thoughts on any of the products above if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb28

Simple Stripes OOTD

Posted on February 28, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! The weather in Akron, Ohio has been fluctuating back and forth faster than I can keep track of it. We go from thirty to fifty-five degrees in a day and I think it has been throwing everyone for a loop! With constantly changing temps, it really can be difficult to dress for this time of year. One day you’re bundled up and the next it feels like spring. Whatever the weather, I put together a Simple Stripes OOTD that is perfect for a warmer day, but can easily be worn underneath your favorite jacket during a cold spell. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Striped Top: Modern Works, TJMaxx

High Waisted Skinny Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Snakeskin Pattern Boots: Vince Camuto, TJMaxx

I have no idea where the owl earrings are from lol

Earlier this month, I had a very successful shopping trip to TJMaxx with my mom. We had a blast and I have been so excited to wear all of my new clothes, including the striped top by Modern Works. Although this shirt isn’t as bold as some of my usual choices, I was immediately drawn to it. I loved the black stripes against the pearl white base, the shape is universally flattering, and it is SO freaking soft and comfortable. This is a top that can be worn as is when the weather permits or underneath a cozy jacket or cardigan when you need some extra warmth. It’s such a versatile piece and can be dressed up with a great pair of trousers or an A-line skirt for work or paired with jeans for an on the go ensemble.

As you can see for this weekend look, I went the play route and paired my Modern Works top with a pair of high waisted skinny jeans. I actually completely forgot my go to pair of skinnies from American Eagle were high waisted until this past Saturday lol. I tucked my top in slightly and was amazed by the revelation! I am normally not one for high waisted bottoms but, in this case, they made the look even better. It added that little extra something to the outfit and and it made such a classic silhouette, ideal for a classic, statement top.

Next on the agenda was shoes and accessories. Since I was working with a fully neutral palette, it basically gave me permission to wear whatever shoes I wanted. I chose a much beloved pair of Vince Camuto snakeskin pattern boots to help complete my look. The colors in these boots are so rich and I thought the cinnamon and chocolate hues looked stunning paired with the soft shade of the top. Finally, for earrings, I put on a pretty pair of gold and cream colored owls. This was all I needed to add some length to my neck as anything extra would have taken away from the minimal V-neck the top offered. With that, I was on my way!

I felt so chic in my Simple Stripes OOTD and this is an outfit that can be very easily replicated. Sometimes, a simple look is the best and I think this OOTD is a definite testament to that!

What do you normally wear for work? What do you like to wear for an outfit for play? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb21

Fried String Cheese Bites

Posted on February 21, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hello!!! I don’t know about all of you, but I am feeling so refreshed! I had a very restful three day weekend and sleeping in until nine in the morning every day was just what the doctor ordered. Normally on Sundays, Johnny and I tend to binge watch the day away to gather our strength for the week ahead. Don’t get me wrong, we still binge watched the day away lol, but I did manage to cook a little snack that I have been dying to try! The Fried String Cheese Bites I made thanks to Dancing Through The Rain’s recipe turned out as good as I was hoping they’d be:

I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw this recipe and I was instantly intrigued. What can I say, it had me at “fried cheese”! Of course, this snack was also very appealing because it looked so darn easy to make and I had all of the ingredients minus the string cheese readily available. In fact, it used all of the same things that I needed to make fried mozzarella sandwiches a few weeks ago. This is always a high selling point to me because I can try something new with the supplies I already have!

Prepping the fried cheese bites was really easy. I set up a station to coat them in with three bowls. One for flour, a wash of milk and egg, and Italian bread crumbs. All that was left to do was coat the cut up string cheese in the flour, the wash, the crumbs, and fry them up. This was a bit of a time consuming process because I made thirty bites in total and was SO ready to be done afterwards lol. On the bright side, the bites took minimal time to fry (Thirty seconds, tops.) and they were fabulous. The bites tasted just like mini mozzarella sticks and I definitely plan on making them again.

One thing I plan on doing differently next time I make Fried String Cheese Bites is adding some more cayenne pepper, as per the recipe’s recommendation. What I put in was not enough and I think these would be even better with a bit of kick to them!

What is your favorite thing to snack on? Have you tried any new recipes recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb17

New Modern Works Top

Posted on February 17, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Howdy!! I had a surprise afternoon off two weeks ago and I got to spend it with my mom. We lunched at Panera and shopped at TJMaxx and it was absolutely fantastic! It’s finally time to take a look at my haul and it was a good one. TJs was fully restocked with spring fashion and, better yet, bunny decor galore! It was my lucky day and I walked away with a gorgeous new jacket, the cutest bunny themed decorations, and a top by Modern Works that we’ll check out now:

I think it’s extremely safe to say that I have an eclectic personal style and my wardrobe tends to reflect that. However, while I love bold fashion choices, I have a huge passion for classic pieces as well. We’re talking staples like trench coats, crisp button downs, and pants that fit like a glove. They’re clothes that will never go out of style and helps turn some of the louder pieces in my wardrobe into work appropriate when combined. The top above might not seem like a usual Lil Red choice but, with all of what we just discussed in mind, I was immediately drawn to it.

This top by Modern Works is a classic staple to the T. It is form fitting without being too tight, vertical stripes are always in, and the pearl white base makes for a perfect neutral. Not to mention that the top is soft and comfortable as can be. It felt fantastic on and I knew it was a winner because the outfit building portion of my brain began spinning into overdrive. I was picturing this little number tucked into black jean shorts during the summer and worn with a great pair of trousers for meetings at work. This is definitely a top that can be worn for work and play, which is always very appealing to me because I love versatile pieces!

I am so looking forward to featuring my new Modern Works top in an OOTD as well as sharing the rest of my haul with all of you. Stay tuned because I also have some matching shirts with Johnny that showed up in the mail that are hilarious if you know what they’re from! 😀

What is one of your favorite classic wardrobe staples? Are you updating your spring wardrobe soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb10

New & Improved Beauty Stock Pile

Posted on February 10, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hello!! There are a few things about my apartment that drives me absolutely nuts. One of which is my under the sink cabinet in the bathroom. At my old apartment, both of these cabinets opened perfectly and I was able to house all of my beauty care supplies. Here, however, the left cabinet is stuck something fierce and it is a pain to open. You literally have to rain blows upon it from the inside to get it to open and it is incredibly annoying. It also makes it very difficult to store all of my products because I can essentially only use one side of the cabinet. So, I decided on a simple AF solution that I am so happy with:

As all of you know, I take my beauty stock pile seriously and it currently runneth over with skin care and Bath & Body Works hauls. What I love most about my hoard is being able to see all of the products and choosing which one to use next because it’s kind of like going shopping. This experience wasn’t possible with the cabinets so I used a chest of drawers to keep all of my goodies in instead. These drawers are old as dirt and I wasn’t using them for anything important – just random odds and ends that I had completely forgot about lol. I did find a ton of socks that I had convinced myself were gone for good, though, so that was a huge score!

Once I cleared out the top two shelves and condensed them to the bottom two, I began to fill each drawer. Bath and body care on the top shelf and skin care on the second one. This process was done in a flash, but it felt so good to do! I always consider my wardrobe to be my own personal boutique and now I get the same vibes with my beauty care. It was most pleasing to line them up in the order I wanted and have a visual of everything. It was pretty hard to tell what I even had in the cabinets when everything was piled on top of each other. In fact, I ended up finding tons of travel size B&BW freebies that got lost in the mix and is proof that this quick fix project needed to happen. 😀

Is this an HGTV level renovation? Not even HGTV Junior lol! But, I was able to problem solve and no longer have to punch my cabinet to get things out of it. Total GREAT SUCCESS!

What is a project you completed recently? What are your favorite things to stock up on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb2

Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches

Posted on February 2, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hello!! This past week, I have been able to cook a lot and it has been awesome. Don’t get me wrong, I love a frozen pizza as much as the next person, but there is something about a home cooked meal for dinner that hits SO much harder. It is always exciting to go grocery shopping with Johnny because I like to find one new recipe to try out each time along with our tried and true favorites. I usually find inspiration on Pinterest and Facebook and while scrolling through The Book, I found a recipe for Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches by The Petitecook. This was something I knew that both Johnny and I would enjoy and I was dead on. They were the bomb.com! Check it out:

When I am looking for meals to cook throughout the work week, I want something with minimal ingredients and prep time. This recipe had that in spades and required only eight ingredients (Most of which I already had) and took about twenty minutes to make. You just can’t beat that! The process was simple and the end result was delicious. All that needed done was to coat the sandwiches in flour, dip them into a wash of egg and milk, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry up in oil. Easy peasy lemon squeezie!

These sandwiches tasted exactly like a gigantic mozzarella stick and Johnny and I were SO there for it. They were ooey gooey from the huge slices of buffalo mozzarella and crisped to perfection on the outside. This was an incredibly filling meal too – I couldn’t even finish mine!! As soon as we were done eating, Johnny declared that he wanted me to make them again, making it a great success. While Johnny opted to have his plain, I made mine with pesto and sun dried tomatoes. Next time I make them, I plan on doing fresh tomato slices, basil, and a balsamic glaze for me. I can’t wait to try it. 😀

The Fried Mozzarella Sandwich (compliments of The Petitecook) was a true game changer in my dinner roster. It is a tasty take on a classic grilled cheese and I highly recommend it!

Have you tried any new recipes recently? How did it turn out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov10

Different Ways To Use Metal Around The Home

Posted on November 10, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Different Ways To Use Metal Around The Home

Metal can have many practical and decorative uses around the home – including uses you may not have even considered. Beyond plumbing and beams, here are some of the different ways you can incorporate metal in your home:

Doors & Windows:

Wood and fiberglass are the two most popular options for residential doors, however metal is becoming increasingly popular due to its security advantages. Most modern reinforced doors have a steel layer in them, helping to keep burglars out. Handles and locks are almost always made of steel. Metal window frames are similarly very secure, and a lot more long-lasting than vinyl. Steel and aluminum are the two most popular metals used for window frames and can come in a variety of different colors.

Roofing:

Steel roofs are favored for their energy-efficiency, fire resistance, and longevity. They are also easier to maintain than many other roofs and relatively affordable to install. A downside is that they can be quite loud in rain or hail.

Cladding:

Aluminum panel cladding is often used to create cool accents on the exterior of modern homes. Black metal panels can look particularly stylish when contrasted against brick. They’re also waterproof, helping to protect your walls.

Railings:

Metal can be used in many railings ranging from balcony railings to banisters. It provides a very strong barrier, while also being quite light and easy to install. There are many styles of metal railing from decorative wrought iron railings to minimal chrome steel railings.

^^^ Pexels Image

Tables:

Tables can be made out of various different metals to provide a sturdy and waterproof option. Cast iron tables are a vintage option that is very heavy, which makes them ideal for the exterior in very windy backyards. Aluminum tables have a more modern look and are much lighter, making them great indoor pieces that can be easily moved around.

Bed frames:

Why choose a metal bed frame? Metal frames are typically much longer lasting than wooden frames and can take a lot more weight. They can also be lighter than wooden beds. You can buy metal single beds, double beds, and bunk beds.

Sink basins:

Stainless steel is a very common material for kitchen sink basins because it’s durable and very easy to clean. Copper can also be used as a kitchen sink material for an alternative vintage look. This looks fantastic when paired with a copper pull-down faucet.

Bath tub:

The majority of bathtubs are made from acrylic, but metal can be great for a stylish retro look. Metal can retain heat longer, resulting in baths that stay hot for ages. For those that don’t like the look of a steel tub, there are steel tubs coated in a white enamel finish as an alternative. Copper freestanding slipper baths meanwhile have a luxurious golden look.

^^^ Pexels Image

Kitchen countertops:

Professional kitchens typically use stainless steel worktops because of how hygienic and easy to clean it is. Some homes incorporate stainless steel countertops in their kitchen for the same reason. For those that don’t like the commercial look of steel, copper may be a more stylish alternative.

Light fittings:

Metal is used in many light fittings. Popular styles include pendant lights, sputnik lights, and metal chandeliers. Chrome steel is one of the most popular modem options, but brass can be used for a vintage look, while black wrought iron can give off a charming industrial vibe.

Incorporating metal into your home is a unique, chic choice and is sure to wow your guests!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct27

Cacio E Pepe Baked Gnocchi

Posted on October 27, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Hellooooo! Johnny and I finally went grocery shopping and it couldn’t have come a moment too soon. We had literally nothing to eat at the apartment and there were several Pinterest recipes that I have been dying to try – one of which being a Cacio E Pepe Baked Gnocchi by Simply Delicious. I am pleased to report that it turned out amazing and both myself and my picky eater husband absolutely loved it. This recipe had minimal ingredients, took under an hour to make, and allowed for plenty of leftovers too. Check it out:

When it comes to cooking during the work week, it is a must for the recipes to be easy peasy. While I really enjoy cooking, I really enjoy relaxing after a long day too lol. The Cacio E Pepe recipe by Simply Delicious was extremely straight forward. All I did was cook the gnocchi, prepare the sauce, stick it in the oven for fifteen minutes and dinner was served. There were no crazy techniques or a litany of ingredients involved and that is something I appreciate. Although I am a great cook, I am definitely no Master Chef!

Speaking of ingredients, there were only ten needed to prepare this dish. The beauty of this recipe is that a majority of the ingredients are things that you more than likely already have. The only items I needed to purchase was the milk, cream, and gnocchi. Not only was the recipe completely new to me, but it included an ingredient that is new to me too – cream!

I have never made a recipe that called for cream and even if it did, I probably would have used milk because that’s what my mom would do. However, I decided to go all out for this dish and use the cream and calories be damned lol. I am so glad that I did because I don’t think the end result would be the same without it. My baked gnocchi turned out divine. It was incredibly rich and just one serving filled me up. Despite it being a short lived meal, each bite was heavenly. The sauce was so bold and flavorful, the gnocchi was tender, and it is one of my favorite things that I have ever made.

As per both mine and Johnny’s request, I will one thousand percent be making the Cacio E Pepe Baked Gnocchi again. Huge shout out to Simply Delicious as the mastermind behind this dish!

What is your favorite kind of pasta? What do you normally cook during the work week? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct9

Cozy Decor Details For Your Home

Posted on October 9, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Standard

Ever walked into a space and instantly felt like snuggling up with a hot coffee and a good book? That, my friends, is the magic of cozy decor. And the great news? You don’t need to remodel your entire living space or spend a small fortune to get that oh-so-comfy vibe. With just a few touches here and there, you can transform your space into a snug paradise:

Snugly tone Veneer:

It’s hard to picture a stone veneer being cozy but prepare to be pleasantly surprised! There’s something incredibly comforting about the ruggedness of stone, and veneer brings that warmth without overwhelming a space. Whether you’re dressing up a fireplace or creating an accent wall, stone veneer introduces a texture that’s both rustic and inviting.

Chunky Knit Throws:

You’ve probably seen these draped over couches in every dreamy Pinterest living room picture. Chunky knit throws aren’t just trendy; they’re the embodiment of cozy. Just looking at one makes me want to wrap myself in it like a burrito!

Dimmable Lights:

Nothing kills the cozy decor vibe faster than harsh, bright lights. Opt for dimmable lights or, better yet, a few strategically placed table or floor lamps with soft white bulbs. The gentle glow creates a calming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

^^^ Pexels Image

Oversized Pillows:

If your couch or bed doesn’t resemble a marshmallowy cloud, you’re doing it wrong! Just kidding, but seriously, oversized pillows are where it’s at. They’re perfect for propping yourself up with a book or creating a makeshift bed for a movie night on the floor.

Candles, Candles, Candles:

No cozy list is complete without mentioning candles. Whether you’re into woodsy scents or prefer the smell of fresh linen, there’s a candle out there that will make your space feel like a warm embrace. Just remember to blow them out before snoozing!

Book Nooks:

Even if you aren’t an avid reader, having a designated nook stocked with books (or even a few pretty magazines) screams comfort. Add a soft chair, a plush blanket, and maybe a small table for that cup of tea, and you’re golden.

Wooden Elements:

From wooden beams to wooden trays and coffee tables, there’s an undeniable warmth that wood brings to any space. It pairs wonderfully with other cozy elements, adding depth and a touch of nature indoors.

Rugs Galore:

Cold feet? Not in a cozy home! Layer rugs or choose an ultra-plush one. Whether it’s a fluffy sheepskin rug by your bed or a Persian rug in the living room, they instantly warm up a space — both visually and literally.

Indoor Plants:

A plant or two (or ten) can breathe life into your home. They purify the air, add a touch of green, and studies show they can even improve your mood. If you often forget to water, don’t worry; there’s a variety of low-maintenance plants like snake plants or ZZ plants that thrive on neglect.

There you have it – your very own cheat sheet to achieving peak coziness in your home this winter, so what are you waiting for? Make coziness happen!

Featured Image By: Pexels

	lifewithlilred on New Job – No Prob!!
	lifewithlilred on New Job – No Prob!!
	lifewithlilred on Tattoo Etiquette
	Reita Miller on New Job – No Prob!!
	gemmy118dbfe20ed on New Job – No Prob!!