Tag Archives: summer

Summer Highlights

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Summer Highlights

Hi! I know summer isn’t “technically” over yet but it’s September and in my head it’s fall lol. So I thought I’d go through my summer highlights today, fall calendar date be damned! This summer has been jam packed with so many activities right from the jump as mine and Johnny’s birthaversary kick starts the month of June. We started this summer by hosting friends and family for a super fun party and the events and hang outs felt nonstop since. Johnny and I are definitely trying to take it easier on our schedule this fall but this summer was certainly one to remember! Especially my personal favorite occurrences:

A few weeks ago Johnny and I had the best experience ever at Blossom Music Center seeing… Josh Groban lol. Yes, we laughed about this too but what started out as attending for a joke turned us into complete super fans. Johnny and I purchased tickets for the Stage, Screen, And Symphony tour because we love Josh Groban’s comedy but the jury was out on his music. After pre gaming, we posted up on the lawn of Blossom for the show and didn’t have the best view but could see the jumbotron well. Josh Groban took the stage promptly at seven to open his set with “Pure Imagination” and after that song something magical happened!

Post Pure Imagination, a Blossom employee came up to us and offered us seats in the pavilion. We assumed we would be in the back or the middle but were moved up to the fourth row in front of the stage. It was SO awesome!! From our upgraded seats we had a perfect view of The Grobes and our initial laughter subsided instantly because we were completely mesmerized. Josh Groban truly has the voice of an angel and it was such a treat to hear him perform beloved classics from the best view in the house. We couldn’t believe our good luck and are now so proud to say that Josh Groban was one of the most excellent performances we have ever seen. What a night!

Johnny and I were totally and absolutely overjoyed to take part in an engagement party for my best friend, Lea, in early August and my heart simply flutters whenever I think about it! After the proposal at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Lea’s fiance organized a party at a brewery with family and close friends to celebrate. It was the most lovely time and it really was an honor to be there for my best girl. I am so excited to help in any way I can for her wedding and beyond thrilled for her happiness. She deserves nothing less. ❤

I don’t know about all of you, but I love me some mini golf! I enjoyed going to many indoor and outdoor mini golf courses this summer with Johnny and my brother and it is always such a laugh. Whether we are doing good or bad doesn’t matter because it’s just the most fun to hit some balls around lol. But the answer is: Yes, I did come in last place pretty much every time! Although there are some pretty good outdoor courses in my neck of the woods, we have a few indoor ones that totally take the cake. We love visiting Alien Vacation and Glow Sticks which are both fabulous!

Glow Sticks is an indoor eighteen hole course that revolves around music from the 1950s to the 2000s. Each room features a different decade with murals of the most prominent artists of the time and obstacles that match the theme IE: A giant Rolling Stones tongue. My musician main squeeze was living for it as was I! What a unique and cool little spot! Alien Vacation is also ultra cool with wacky murals and an immersive walk through experience. There are animatronics, obstacles that move, and the neatest themes like an under the sea, ancient Egypt, and jungle themed rooms. We have been to Alien Vacation several times and it is always a blast!

Johnny and I gifted each other with concert tickets for our birthaversary and seeing The Strokes at Blossom Music Center was my prezzie. They have been a bucket list band for me since I was ten years old and I could not let the opportunity to finally see them live pass by! We opted for pavilion seats as they were only slightly more expensive than posting up on the lawn and had a terrific view of the stage from our middle left position. The Strokes crushed and it was just amazing to hear all of my favorite songs IRL. We made friends with all of the people around us and formed a ragtag group of people that shared my sentiments too: That this was not a concert to be missed!

Johnny and I made so many beautiful memories this summer and I can’t wait to see what fall has in store for us!

What is your favorite memory from this summer? What are you looking forward to in the fall? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Seasonal Decor Refresh: Easy Updates For Every Season

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Seasonal Decor Refresh: Easy Updates For Every Season

Changing up your home’s decor with the seasons is a lovely way to feel more in tune with the world just outside your window. A few simple swaps can totally change how a room feels, making it fresh and new without a huge effort. It’s all about making your space reflect the energy of the current season, whether that’s the bright, hopeful vibe of spring or the snug comfort of winter:

When everything outside starts to bloom, it’s only natural to want to bring that fresh feeling indoors. Spring decor is all about light, air, and a sense of newness. A great place to start is by swapping out heavy winter fabrics for lighter ones, like linen or cotton. Think pastel throw pillows, a light-colored rug, or crisp white curtains that let the sunshine stream right in.

Bringing nature inside is another big part of it. A vase of fresh tulips or daffodils on your dining table instantly brightens things up. You can also add botanical prints to your artwork or fabrics. This is also the perfect time to do a good decluttering, which helps create a more open and spacious feel. Looking at different seasonal decor ideas can give you tons of ideas, from color palettes to flower arrangements, helping you nail that perfect springtime mood.

As the days get shorter and cooler, create a warmer, cozier home with rich textures and autumn-inspired colors. Add chunky knit blankets, velvet cushions, faux fur rugs, and shades like deep orange, mustard, burgundy, and forest green. Use warm lighting and candles to create a soft, inviting glow. Layered textures and gentle lighting can make your home into a cozy retreat from the cold.

Sometimes, a simple decor swap just doesn’t quite cut it when your home needs a refresh. If you feel like a room needs a bigger change, you might think about updates that go beyond just accessories. A fresh coat of paint is one of the most impactful things you can do. A new color can completely change the mood and energy of a space. Other small projects, like updating cabinet hardware in the kitchen or bathroom, or swapping an old light fixture for a modern one, can make a surprising difference. If you find your home needs more extensive work to truly feel right, you might start thinking about bigger renovations. These deeper updates can transform not just how your home looks, but how it functions and feels overall, making it a more enjoyable place to live all year round.

You definitely don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your home feeling current and stylish each season. There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to spruce up your home decor. One of the easiest tricks is to focus on textiles. Instead of buying brand new decorative pillows, just grab new covers to slip over the inserts you already have. The same goes for kitchen towels, bathmats, and throw blankets. Thrift stores and flea markets are fantastic places to find unique decor items. Look for interesting vases, picture frames, or small decorative pieces that you can easily add to your space. And don’t forget the power of nature! A bowl of pinecones in the fall, a jar of seashells in the summer, or a few branches in a tall vase can be beautiful, free decorations.

Seasonal updates can be a mindful way to appreciate your home and the present moment. Once the changes are made, take time to enjoy how they affect your mood and daily routine. Small seasonal touches can keep your home feeling personal, welcoming, and comforting!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Akron Zoo Adventure

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Akron Zoo Adventure

Hi! I recently visited the Akron Zoo and, honestly, it forever blows my mind that we have the most lovely zoo a few minutes beyond the central hub of downtown Akron. In the midst of all of that hustle and bustle there are lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! And it’s so easy to forget where you are after spending a few hours walking around the zoo. It’s always a shock to the senses to leave and be right smack dab in the middle of hospitals, universities, restaurants, and event venues! This particular trip to the zoo was very noteworthy as a few new animals were introduced, one being intentional and the other not so much. Check it out:

As we made our rounds throughout the zoo, it was a delight to see so many new additions including mountain lions, porcupines, chinchillas, tamarins, conures, and white-faced sakis. The Akron Zoo has been expanding so nicely over the past several years and it will even be the home to giraffes in 2028. I can’t wait! After saying hello to all of the new animals the zoo has introduced this past year, we came upon a creature from the land of old with a modern update – a dinosaur robot! The Akron Zoo hosts the Dino Trek every year featuring huge animatronic dinosaurs and the baby robots are brand new this year. The zookeepers put on demonstrations to “train” the dinosaurs and attendants young and old so enjoyed the show. It was so cute to see this little buddy toddling all around and I wish I could get one as a pet lol.

After exploring the bottom portion of the zoo, it was time to climb the hill into Grizzly Bear Ridge to see grizzlies, otters, wolves, coyotes, and bald eagles. We definitely got more than we bargained for in the bald eagle exhibit as there was a stray cat inside!! I have no idea how this kitty cat got into the habitat to begin with but it was there and sipping on water in the pond. Blessedly, a zookeeper was already aware of the cat intruder and was able to get it out safely. Thank goodness because as much as I would have loved to see an unlikely animal friendship form, this was not the time or place for the cat!!

The last exciting occurrence happened at the final stop of our adventure, the East Asia exhibit which is home to a family of white-cheeked gibbons. At the end of June of last year, baby Leuco was born and it has been so cool to see him grow. This one year old is on the move now and after many visits of seeing him tucked in his mom’s arms, he has started swinging! Leuco was jumping and swinging all over his huge enclosure while his proud parents watched on from the side. I think they were both feeling happy to have a break while he played and entertained everyone passing by. I could have watched him for forever!!

This was an Akron Zoo Adventure, for sure, and I am so looking forward to even more improvements to this absolute gem in our city!

Has your zoo welcomed new animals recently? Which zoo do you like to go to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Neon Orange & Blue Nails

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New Neon Orange & Blue Nails

Howdy! On Tuesday I had a lovely time at Elysian Nails on my break from work for a much needed fill. I was so ready to ditch the glitter from last time and move onto bright, poppy summer colors! The salon is my sanctuary and it was really nice to be able to have some reprieve from the not so great week that Johnny and I were having. While my fill didn’t take away my bummed out-ness, at least I could be sad with flawless nails. And, I can’t help but smile a little every time I look at this beach vibes palette. Check it out:

Ever since I got my hair done, I have had orange and blue on the brain as my stylist and I already have grand plans for my next appointment: Copper orange and denim blue, baby! It is going to be SO fab and while I am in love with my latest hair improvement, I am chomping at the bit to get back to the Shear Shop. Orange and blue is truly a match made in heaven and just screams fun in the sun. The colors I chose were side by side in the nail polish book and for good reason – they belong together! This combo serves a rave at the beach aesthetic with the neon hues that are so bright you need shades. I feel like I revisit this palette every summer and I have yet to grow tired of it. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it and whatever! 😀

Pampering is and will always be my favorite form of self care and my break time stint at the salon allowed me to regroup after some bad news. It was a chance to have pleasant conversations with my tech and the salon crew, watch some HGTV, and turn my mind off for a bit while my hands were in the most capable hands. Although I do enjoy an evening nail appointment from time to time, I love that I have a set in stone block between shifts on Tuesday where I can just do me. To return back to the daily grind with a fresh fill never fails to put some pep back in my step. Especially because when I get to my next shift, it goes without saying that everyone goes gaga over the end results. This appointment was when I needed it most and for that, I am thankful. #blessed

If you are feeling low, please remember to carve out some time for your preferred form of self care. It really can help center yourself for whatever lies ahead! ❤

How do you like to improve your mood? Does your self care take place at home or somewhere like a salon or gym? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Cute In Crochet OOTD

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Cute In Crochet OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Johnny and I went on a little date night on the Friday after my birthday and had the best time. We bought the new Mario Kart for the Switch 2, hit up the dispensary for some weed treats, and had a delicious dinner out at Boss ChickNBeer. It was so nice to have an extra birthday celebration with my main squeeze and I just had to put together something cute to step out in. This simple summer look was perfect for being out and about in the hot AF weather and is very easy to recreate! Check it out:

Crochet Top: Bozzolo, TJMaxx

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Platforms: Sbicca, ModCloth

The earrings are Lucky Brand and were a gift from my mom!

The cuff bracelets are both from American Eagle Outfitters.

I am one of those people who just doesn’t do well in the heat. I have a very low tolerance for it and the medications that I’m on make hot days feel like I’m in hell lol. For this reason, dressing for summer bores me because I only have one thing on my mind: Staying as cool as humanly possible. This means that what I can wear comfortably in my wardrobe decreases exponentially and I’m basically left with a variety of shorts and crop or tank tops. But, I work with what I’ve got and came up with this look to beat the heat in.

I am a sucker for all things crochet when it comes to tops and selected a cutie crochet crop by Bozzolo. This little number is so sweet, made me sweat minimally (lol), and how adorbs are those wooden buttons going smack dab down the middle?! While the crochet is sweet, this top still serves so much sass and was just right when paired with some AEO short shorts. This combo gave classic summer vibes but still felt so unique with my tattoos out on full display. They really are the best accessories!

Speaking of accessories, with lots of open real estate I slipped on some cuff bracelets as well as one of my favorite pairs of earrings. I just love my turquoise cross Lucky Brand babes and my mom absolutely crushed when she gifted me with them! That pretty dose of blue definitely popped against the creamy shade of the crop top. For shoes, I kept with the blue motif and opted for a darling pair of platforms by Sbicca. That light denim blue with the tan flower embroidery is *chef’s kiss* and tied this look together from head to toe. With that, I was ready to hit the town with my Johnny!

Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel from this look and more fashion fun all summer long. lifewithlilred is the place to be!

How do you do in extreme heat? What are some of your tips for keeping cool? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fresh & Flouncy OOTD

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Fresh & Flouncy OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! We had an absolutely crap spring in good ol’ Akron, Ohio. It was cold, grey, and it felt like it was always raining. Until the sun came out! For the past few weeks we have been enjoying the most gorgeous weather and I have been living for the moderate seventy degree temps. All I want to do is be outside all of the time now! My cravings have been satisfied with lots of walks and hikes and a lovely outdoor birthday party for one of Johnny’s coworkers this past weekend. This is what I wore to celebrate:

Striped Top: Japna, TJMaxx

Tennis Skort: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Heeled Mules: Betsey Johnson, TJMaxx

I have no idea where I got the daisy earrings lol

After being bundled up in jeans and hoodies all spring, it has been delicious to break out shorts, skirts, and dresses. I am normally not a huge fan of dressing for summer but I can’t get enough of it now as the weather didn’t give me the opportunity to don my spring favorites. I love pretty, flowy blouses in the spring and decided to start there when styling this OOTD with an emerald green striped blouse by Japna. This top is so breezy and just screams spring and summer. I love how the navy and white stripes pop against the green and the bell sleeves that dance in the wind, offering the most feminine fluttering movement.

As this top featured stark white stripes, there was no better skirt to pair it with than my Kyodan tennis skort. Talk about a perfect combination! I love the preppy vibes that this skort provides sans hitting the tennis court lol. Rather than serve there, I’ll serve fashion instead! Also, major shout out to the skort because it is one of the best pieces of clothing that doesn’t get enough credit. There is nothing like the comfort of not having to worry about my underoos showing when the wind picks up and for that, I am thankful. #blessed

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. This OOTD had a pattern on top but a neutral piece on the bottom, which meant that I could have some fun with shoes. I chose a darling pair of heeled mules by Betsey Johnson because if her clothes and accessories aren’t fashion fun then I truly don’t know what is! How cute is that black and white heel and bright yellow flowers?! For earrings, I kept with the flower motif with a pair of daisy stud earrings and was ready to partay!

Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel from my Fresh & Flouncy OOTD coming soon! ❤

What is your favorite season? What are your summer wardrobe must haves? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

4 Ways Investing In A Boat Can Seriously Enhance Your Summer

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4 Ways Investing In A Boat Can Seriously Enhance Your Summer

Let’s think of the ideal summer’s day. You’re probably outside somewhere, surrounded by nature with your friends and family. You spend the day jumping in and out of a cooling body of water, and wrap up the evening with a delicious meal.

That is an idyllic day that sounds like a dream, but actually, if you live near a lake, then it might be more within reach than you think. If you have a boat, then all of those things could be on the table, and not just on one day, but all summer long. 

Still not convinced that a boat is right for you? We’ve put together a list of just some of the ways that buying a boat can be a game-changer for how you experience the summer months:

It Gives You Easy Access To a Good Time:

The summer months can be fun, but it doesn’t happen automatically. On a sunny day, you still have to make something happen. A boat provides an easy and convenient way to make sure that you and your family have a day to remember. Most people have to go on vacation to make the most of the summer months — if you have a boat, then you’ll have a vacation-worthy experience readily available all summer long. 

It Provides Plenty of Water-Based Fun:

It can be fun to simply spend time out on the water, but you can also use your boat to engage in water-based hobbies. While most boats are multipurpose, some are designed with a particular activity in mind. Remember how we mentioned at the beginning of the article about eating a delicious meal? Then take a look at Smoker Craft boats, which are excellent for fishing in both shallow backwaters and large lakes. If you’re looking for a boat that’s fun for the family, then a wake boat can be a great option — these high-speed boats are awesome for wakesurfing and wakeboarding, among other watersports. 

It’s a Great Hangout Spot:

Having a boat might just make you the most popular person in town. The reason? Everyone loves spending a hot summer’s evening on a boat! They’re great for socializing; all you need to do is pack some snacks and drinks, head out onto the water, and simply enjoy being together in a beautiful environment. If you’re looking for a way to bring your loved ones together this summer, then a boat will more than do the trick — and not just this summer, but for many years to come.

It Brings Adventure:

Many of us are infused with the spirit of adventure when summer rolls around. Normally, that means taking a vacation somewhere. When you have a boat, you’ll have adventure right on your doorstep. Boats allow you to explore during the hot summer months when the days are long. Maybe you’ll discover a hidden gem of a beach, find fun caves to trek through, or discover that you can easily reach the next town over by taking a shortcut over the water. 

Make a huge splash this summer with a brand new boat. Adventure awaits!

Featured Image By: Pexels

What Is The Weather? OOTD

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What Is The Weather? OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! I have been daydreaming of fall weather since last fall and Ohio is simply not delivering. It has been hot AF here and still feels like summer and I genuinely can’t stand it lol. It flip flops from needing a hoodie in the morning to wanting to be in a bikini by mid afternoon and it begs the question of what the hell to wear! As I refuse to shave my legs once fall hits (Even if it doesn’t feel like it!), my formula is jeans on the bottom paired with an itty bitty top. Just like this new look! Check it out:

He Loves Me Not Crop Top: This was purchased FOREVER ago when I worked at PacSun as a teenager!

Bedazzled Boyfriend Jeans: Banjara, TJMaxx

Lavender Platforms: Olivia Miller, Walmart

The cross earrings are Lucky Brand and were a gift from my mom!

After a long summer of shorts and shaving, you can catch me posted up in jeans even if it is ninety degrees on a fall day. So, in the case of this OOTD, I started styling with the pantaloons department. As you all know, I am a skinny jean girl through and through. However, my favorite pair has got to be my bedazzled boyfriend jeans by Banjara. Try saying that five times fast! I adore the slouchy fit, the distressing, and the blingy surprise and I have never seen a pair like them before – which is exactly how I like it! These jeans are uber cool and unique and make something special out of a basic essential. Boyfriend jeans are made to be worn with a close fit top and I knew just what I wanted to pair it with…

The cutest little crop top from PacSun! This top is old as dirt but I just love it so much. How sweet is that he loves me, he loves me not pattern?! I vividly remember doing shipment at work when we received this crop and bought it immediately after my shift. It’s one of those items that I can’t part with and I’m glad I held onto it for all of these years because it’s perfect with my boyfriend jeans! It provides this OOTD with some shape to balance out the baggy jeans and shows some skin too. That’s ideal because it keeps me cool when I am forever questioning What Is The Weather? 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I went with a pair of lavender Olivia Miller platforms from Walmart. These babies were only FIVE DOLLARS – talk about a total steal! As my jeans were pretty long in length, I needed that extra height to keep them from dragging and it provided a pastel pop of color to the All Black Everything look. Since a lot of my tattoos were on display, I kept jewelry minimal with a pair of dangly turquoise cross earrings and was ready to step out in whatever climate Ohio found itself in!

Not quite fall, not quite summer but one hundred percent fashion fun! What Is The Weather? A forecast of hot days and hotter OOTDs!

What is fall weather like in your neck of the woods? What is your favorite fall activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival

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Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival

Hello! A few weekends ago I went to the Columbus Zoo with my big bro and Johnny as an end of summer hurrah. We had the best time exploring the gorgeous park and made so many fantastic memories together. Not only did we see beaucoup animals but we were also treated to walking through the Lantern Festival. Every year, the Cleveland and Columbus Zoo creates a glorious display of different animals, mythical creatures, and flowers that all light up at night. While the Columbus Zoo beats out Akron and Cleveland as the best zoo by a long shot, I actually thought the Cleveland Zoo Lantern Fest was better. Check out some pics as well as an adorable shot of a Red Panda for good measure and let’s discuss:

The Columbus Zoo is a vast property and we easily walked over six miles during our visit. Due to its size, the exhibits at this zoo are absolutely gigantic and that is a great thing! However, it leaves little room for features like landscaping, pavilions to rest or have some lunch, and the Lantern Festival displays. In comparison, the Cleveland Zoo has many areas where exhibits aren’t possible and landscaping is the focal point. At the Cleveland Zoo, sprawling displays for the Lantern Fest were achieved simply because they could. Different displays seemed to stretch endlessly and it was marvelous to explore.

This is not to say that the Columbus Zoo Lantern Fest wasn’t good but it definitely didn’t live up to my expectations because it’s such a staple day trip in Ohio. Sans the stunning sea dragon that was the entire length of one of the ponds, all of the other displays were scattered and small as opposed to a full walk through experience. Of course, they made excellent use of the space they did have but it didn’t invoke the larger than life vibes of the displays at the Cleveland Zoo. It made me really thankful that I got to experience the wonders of the Cleveland Zoo Lantern Fest because it was like stepping into another world rather than an afterthought.

While the Columbus Zoo is the best one I have ever been to, it made me proud that little old Cleveland bested them at the Lantern Fest. Attending the nighttime walk through with my entire family, nieces and nephew included, is one of my favorite memories. It was like entering a fairy tale with the twinkling lights, displays that moved, and wonderful performances of music and acrobats. Hell yeah, Cleveland, because you did real good! 😀

Although the Lantern Fest at the Columbus Zoo wasn’t anything to write home about, it was still a fabulous day and one of my favorite summer outings!

Does your zoo host a lantern festival? What is your favorite zoo? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Neon Orange & Pink Nails

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New Neon Orange & Pink Nails

Hi!! This past Tuesday was a big day for yours truly. I had a nail appointment, a shopping trip to TJMaxx, and went to see The Struts at the House Of Blues for my birthday that night. It was SO fun to get primped and pampered, shop for a sassy addition to my planned OOTD, and show everything off at the concert! It definitely made the day feel like a birthday adventure even though it has been two months since I turned thirty-one. Elysian Nails was where the extravaganza started and I wanted to go bright with the colors for two reasons. 1) It would be fab for the concert. And 2) It would also be a final hurrah for summer colors. Check it out:

Elysian Nails has a nail polish wall and several books that are exclusive to gel and dip colors. Before, I would browse the polish wall for my selection. My past two fills, however, I have been able to consult the books! Elysian recently got a collection of gel polishes with matching nail polish and I have loved exploring brand new colors. It was incredibly easy to make a decision on what colors I wanted to use because they were actually side by side in the book of beauty: A neon orange and pink. They looked so good paired together that I didn’t even bother thinking about other options!

Have you ever had a fill when as soon as your tech starts working on your nails, you know damn well you should have got a full set instead? That is exactly what happened when my go to girl started working her magic. One of my nails had popped off a few days before and that needed tending to. I didn’t realize as soon as the polish was off that everything needed tending to! They were SO janky with lifts and regrowth and I felt terrible that my tech had to deal with all that mess. As always, she dealt with it in genius fashion and by the time she was done, it was as if I had got a full set anyways. They felt so strong and sturdy and looked amazing to boot. A full set is DEFINITELY in order next time though and I can’t wait to spend an evening at my happy place next month. ❤

A great concert needed great everything, nails included. Shout out to my tech for always getting me right!

What color of nail polish are you rocking? What colors should I get next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah