Tag Archives: summer

Jul2

Rebellion Again Mustard Yellow Kimono

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Rebellion Again Mustard Yellow Kimono

Hi! During the pandemic, I really didn’t do too much online clothing shopping. It’s not like Johnny and I were going anywhere and I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of making inevitable in store returns. While I bought a few odds and ends, I found that I played it pretty safe with my purchases so I wouldn’t have to make a separate trip for pieces in the “no” pile.

Given the circumstances, this method worked. However, we all know that the last thing Lil Red likes to do when it comes to fashion is play it safe! That is why my past few shopping outings with myself, my mom, and best gal Danielle were so much fun. It felt amazing to be able to actually try clothing on in store and experiment with shapes and colors that I normally wouldn’t pick for myself.

Thanks to my recent hauls, I would consider my wardrobe perfectly refreshed for summer. The fashion bug continues to bite, though, because all I can think about is how I’m going to style all of these cool new finds. Like this Rebellion Again kimono, for starters:

I found this kimono at TJMaxx when I went with my mom and, originally, didn’t even plan on trying it on because they only had one size – a large. I thought it was going to be way too big but JANE encouraged me to give it a shot anyways and I’m glad she did because it fit just right! I have never owned anything like this breezy little number before and I think it is so unique.

As always, when it comes to anything mustard yellow, I fall in love with it pretty quickly because it is one of my favorite colors to wear other than black. Paired with the cream stitching, this kimono screams summer and I can picture myself throwing it on to go to the pool, work, and just about anywhere! Whether paired with simple shorts and a tank top or over a maxi dress for a boho vibe, I think it will transform any outfit into a statement.

The details and colors of my new Rebellion Again kimono are gorgeous but the best part of it is, easily, the fabric. The mustard yellow part is all mesh and I have never seen anything like that before. I love the contrast between the gauzy material and thick stitching and it is a light as a feather option even on a super hot day. I cannot wait to wear it ASAP!

What are your favorite colors to wear? How do you like to make fashion statements? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul1

Moon & Madison Knit Tank

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Moon & Madison Knit Tank

Hi! Shopping at TJMaxx with my mom this past week has been one of the highlights of my year – and getting married, of course! We had not had a mother/daughter TJs outing since before the pandemic and we picked up right where we left off so long ago. Walking into TJMaxx together felt like finally coming home after a vacation and we each left with an awesome haul of clothes, skin care, and home goods. My mom also found two cute new pairs of sandals which made my inner shoe diva so proud!

We were both able to refresh our summer wardrobes and I think I am well set for the season now. I am so happy with all of my purchases and can’t wait to sport this little Moon & Madison number ASAP:

I recently bought a knit tank at Dry Goods thanks to inspiration from Facebook ads and when I saw my new Moon & Madison top at TJs, I just had to try it on. I loved that it was cropped as my Thread & Supply one is much longer and, most importantly, I loved being able to show support to my friends in the LGBTQ+ community. It also shows support to myself, as well, because I am bisexual!

lifewithlilred is a page that celebrates and embraces all of the wonderful things that make us different and I am a safe person to anyone who may need to talk. My inbox is always open and I am just an email, comment, or Facebook message away. You can find me at: Sarah Mushenheim or email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com . I encourage everyone to live their life in color and with a little bit of red too! ❤

Who is your shopping partner in crime? What is something about you that you are proud of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun21

What I’m Looking Forward To This Summer

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What I’m Looking Forward To This Summer

Hello! June has been a GREAT SUCCESS of a month so far due to my recent nuptials, double birthday with my husband, and bestie’s birthday and I have a feeling that this summer is only going to get better. Last summer was a wash for everyone because of the pandemic and now that Johnny and I are fully vaccinated, we plan on making the most of the season. While I can’t wait for weekend trips with Johnny and soaking up the sun for about ten minutes before I start to burn, I am especially looking forward to the following:

Swimming:

Even though I refuse to get my hair wet, that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy time in the pool! One of my clients has a pool and we try to utilize it at least once a week. The pool in my apartment community is also open for the summer and I’m really excited to go swimming with my niece and sister. I haven’t been able to use the community pool since the summer of 2019 when I moved in as it was closed last summer, which makes me even more eager for a swimming outing ASAP!

Shopping:

As you all know, Lil Red loves to shop and in late May I had my first non grocery related shopping trip since before the pandemic at Summit Mall. I had a huge haul at Altar’d State and American Eagle and the shopping bug has been biting ever since. I am very much looking forward to spending my birthday gift cards at TJMaxx, outings to the mall, and maybe even a day trip to my favorite outdoor mall, Crocker Park.

Shopping has always been very therapeutic to me and even if I walk away with nothing, I still have a blast. There is nothing better to me than spending an afternoon browsing and seeing what’s new in fashion. During the pandemic, I only did online shopping so being able to visit all of my favorite haunts in person this summer will be tons of fun and I definitely feel a mother/daughter trip to TJMaxx in my near future. 😀

Concerts:

My Johnny is a musician and his band, The Outside Voices, hasn’t played since early March of 2020. This is the longest he has gone without playing live music in over a decade and I know he is just dying to perform again. And I am just dying to watch! We are both counting down the days till their first show this summer and are equally excited to see other bands too. In fact, we just went to our first concert together in Marietta this past weekend and had an awesome time seeing our friends in Jake Dunn & The Blackbirds perform. Long live local music!

Happy summer to all!

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

Jun19

Summer Check List For Your Home

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Summer Check List For Your Home

Whether for yourself or your home a makeover is always a good idea! There is no need to overspend to refresh your home as the weather changes. All you need are a few simple but effective solutions to suffice so let’s discuss further with a summer check list for your house:

First Things First:

There is literally nothing worse than returning home from work on a hot day to an equally hot house. If you haven’t already, it is so crucial to get your air conditioning checked by a professional for the continued comfort of yourself, family, and pets. Don’t forget to get your refrigerator repaired if it is on the fritz by a local professional or appliance repair Winnipeg to keep your ice cream and popsicles from melting! Summer party foul.

In the same breath, it is always a good idea to tend to any maintenance needs especially when summer is on the horizon! Who wants to be stuck dealing with those problems when you could be having fun in the sun? If you are noticing a minor water leak, for example, it is only going to get worse as it progresses. A team like those at Endpoint Plumbing (Or a similar company in your local area) can make repairs to get everything back in working order. Be sure to read reviews carefully and seek recommendations from friends and family if you need any additional work done on your home.

Refresh Your Fabrics:

During the warm weather, it is all about breezy flowy fabrics both in fashion and in your home. Ditch the heavy drapes on your windows with gauzy curtains and pack up your throw blankets and plush rugs for the fall. Less is more when it comes to summer home decor and just the sight of heavy fabrics on a hot day can feel suffocating! Opt for bright throw pillows, thin and colorful traditional rugs, and billowy curtains for a cool and comfy atmosphere.

Change Up The Color Palette:

Nothing looks more chic in the summertime than neutral colors like white or beige paired with bold pops of color. Of course, the same goes for fashion too! Don’t bother making over your entire home, just focus on improving the room you will spend the most time in. The living room is an excellent option. Could you imagine relaxing on a beautiful beige canvas recliner with pleasing pops of orange or turquoise scattered throughout the room? That sounds heavenly to me!

Plants & Landscaping:

If you have a green thumb, a potted plant display in your house could make a unique statement as well as improve your air quality. No worries if you can’t even keep a cactus alive – that’s what wildflower bouquets from the farmers market on your kitchen and coffee tables are for! Flowers go a long way on both the interior and exterior of your house and the beautiful blooms are sure to make your family and neighbors smile. Start a gardening club with your friends and have fun getting your hands dirty.

Check, check, and double check. Your home is now perfectly summer ready!

May27

Altar’d State Haul

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Altar’d State Haul

Hello everyone!! During my first trip to Summit Mall in a good two years, I had a wildly successful clothing haul at a new to me store called Altar’d State. I am seriously so obsessed with all of my purchases and I have been very eager to show all of you. I am just slightly more eager to wear all of them out and about! In Altar’d State, I tried on clothes that I never pictured myself wearing before. The kerchief top that you are about to see is, perhaps, the farthest stretch from something that I would normally wear and I felt proud of myself for even trying it on. The best part? I fell in love with the top immediately! Check it out:

While browsing in Altar’d State, I noticed a dress in the gingham and floral pattern of my new top and wasn’t crazy about it because it was just too much. I really wasn’t expecting to want to try the kerchief top on when I saw it tucked away on a hanging rack but I thought that it would be nice and cool in the summer and I loved the tie back. I don’t get to show off the tattoos on my back very often and I knew this top would display all of them nicely so I added it to my try on pile.

Originally, I didn’t have high hopes for my new top because I feared that I would be too exposed in it, especially as I have a larger bust. I was truly surprised when I liked it so much but there are so many reasons why this top works so well. Let’s start with the front of the shirt and its fit. The length of the material in the front actually shows no part of your stomach to leave a little something to the imagination! I was worried that the fabric might cling in an unflattering way but it hugged my body without feeling tight and that made me feel really comfortable, even as a bustier gal.

Another fear that I had, despite wanting to display my tattoos on my back, is if the tie back would leave me feeling too bare. However, the ties are long enough that you can make a nice, big bow which covered up the middle of my back almost completely, only leaving the top and bottom of my back exposed. After realizing everything that my kerchief top had working for it, all of my worries dissipated and I knew that it was coming home with me.

Like I said, I was proud of myself for even giving this top a try and the confidence boost that it gave me in the fitting room is how all clothing should make you feel. I loved the way that I looked in my top and it was exciting to have something so different work so perfectly. I couldn’t wait to get home to show it to Johnny and I am itching to wear my purchase during our next date day!

What is a piece of clothing that makes you feel confident? How are you upgrading your summer wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May26

Altar’d State Haul

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Altar’d State Haul

Hi!! I had to run to Summit Mall this past week to pick up a few odds and ends, which was my first visit to the mall since before the pandemic. I finally upped my summer wardrobe game and I would say my outing was hugely successful – primarily in the new(ish) store, Altar’d State. I really had no intention of stopping in the store, but the window displays were just so cute that I had to pop in and see what I could find.

The question is, what didn’t I find? I walked out of Altar’d State with a new dress, two tops, and two skirts and I have every intention of shopping there again. If not in store, then definitely online as I now know my sizes there. I can’t wait to show all of you the purchases from my haul and there is no better place to start than with my favorite find. Let’s get to it:

Upon entering Altar’d State, the first thing that I noticed was this adorable lavender skirt and top set and I just had to try it on. I am usually not one for matching sets but this one spoke to me and I thought it would be so sweet whether paired or mixed and matched this summer. Originally, I only tried the skirt on because I wasn’t sure about the color but as soon as I slipped it on, I had to ask one of the darling employees to bring me the top too because I fell in love immediately. 

What I like the most about this matching set is that, despite it being form fitting, it manages to not look overly sexy because of the pastel hue and floral pattern. The skirt also sat high enough on my waist that not a lot of stomach could be seen even with the cropped top. This made me feel completely comfortable as only my arms and legs from the knee down were exposed and I have never felt more like Cher from Clueless than in the dressing room of Altar’d State!

I know for a fact that this set will be one of my go to summer outfits and it felt awesome to try and buy something that I had never worn anything like before. As soon as I left the mall, I called my sister asking when she can go back to Summit Mall with me because I could have stayed there shopping all day. I have been looking forward to shopping for so long throughout the pandemic and being able to treat myself to lots of pretty new clothes made the long wait one hundred and fifty percent worth it. ❤

What are your summer wardrobe must haves? How do you rock a paired set outfit? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May11

Summertime Q & A

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Summertime Q & A

Hi! In Akron, Ohio it has been nonstop rain day after day and I am so over it! The grey, chilly days have left me yearning for summertime weather and fun – especially after my family enjoyed a beautiful preview of what could be when we all went to the zoo together two weekends ago. To put myself into a sunny state of mind as the rain pours down on my apartment skylight, I decided to do a little summertime Q & A so let’s get to it:

What is your ideal weather in the summer? Although I am really looking forward to summertime, I absolutely hate super hot weather. In Lil Red’s perfect world, it would be seventy or so degrees and sunny all season long with a couple of eighty degree days peppered in for swimming.

What are you most looking forward to this summer? My wedding, of course! And Johnny and I share June birthdays exactly one week apart from each other so it’s fun to have combined celebrations for our big days. While there are, obviously, major events that I am looking forward to, I also can’t wait to be more active in the community again now that Johnny and I are both fully vaccinated. His band will begin playing their first outdoor shows in well over a year, which is so exciting!

Where is your dream summer vacation destination? As mentioned before, really hot weather is not my bag at all so a location where it’s a bit cooler would be ideal for me. I would skip the sandy beaches and head for New England. I loved the mild temperatures and the scenic terrain when my family visited Vermont and New Hampshire in my youth.

You won a contest to select three headliners for a music festival. Who are you picking? Well, my whole family was supposed to see the Rolling Stones last year so they would definitely be on the list so Johnny could finally see them live. Then, I would pick Cardi B to keep the party going followed by AFI so we could all have a good cry afterwards.

Do you have a summertime wardrobe staple? Can we all just agree that shaving our legs constantly is such a hassle? Lol, that’s why I love maxi skirts and dresses during the warm weather! They are cute, cool, and cover up my legs when I am too lazy to shave. 😀

Favorite warm weather outdoor activities? Let’s see, I enjoy going for hikes. I like farmers markets and outdoor shopping centers. Zoos and swimming are also always fun. One of the things I love the best during the warm weather is playing outside with my niece with bubbles and sidewalk chalk. There are also a lot of wonderful parks in my area for her to explore too!

Favorite summer memory? One of the best family vacations that we ever took was, easily, Universal Studios in Florida and I often think back to that trip and how much fun we had. I would love to go back!!

How would you answer any of the above questions? Do you have any exciting plans this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May10

Smile!

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Smile!

Hi!! Johnny and I have a lot to smile about and I am so excited for all of our upcoming adventures. We recently got fully vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine and are looking forward to a much more active summer than last year! We also recently got engaged and have really been enjoying planning our nuptials. Our wedding will be short, sweet, and small so the ceremony didn’t need much thought but our outfits most definitely did! We have even begun making plans for our honeymoon, hopefully, next year. 😀

Getting vaccinated has lifted our cloud of constant anxiety significantly and while we will always err on the side of caution, it has felt so good to do things we never would have considered at the start of the pandemic. For example, when my brother and his family came to visit from Georgia, we all went to the zoo and ate at a restaurant. That was mine and Johnny’s first big outing since March nineteenth of last year and it was a blast. Spending time in public with my whole family is what I have been waiting for for so long and not experiencing crippling fear the whole time was the cherry on top!

Returning to some semblance of normal has felt like coming home after a long vacation. What never will be normal, however, is my fiance’s process when it comes to taking selfies with me! Lol, I swear getting a regular, smiling picture with Johnny can be like pulling teeth but it always makes me laugh until we snap just the right pic:

^^^ He loves me! 😀

Every day with Johnny is the best day and I feel so thankful for all of the wonderful things we have to smile about. ❤

What are you looking forward to this summer? What can always make you smile? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr8

Great Ways To Make The Most Of A ‘Hopefully More Free’ Summer

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Great Ways To Make The Most Of A ‘Hopefully More Free’ Summer

We need not begin with the regular preamble speaking about how tough and strange the last year has been, and how excited many of us are to receive a semblance of normal, touch wood, this upcoming summer. You already know every viewpoint on the topic, and have likely expressed some yourself.

However, what we can suggest is a few great ways to make the most of this summer provided you have the space and the freedom to do so. Many of us are dying to see our friends again, and simply cannot wait to blow off some steam and socialize as we really need to. It’s as simple as that. But how can we make sure we make the most of it without feeling like a child in a candy store? After all, when we go from being able to do almost nothing to having every opportunity open up again, choosing one thing, by implication, prevents us from choosing everything else.

That can leave us anxious.

In this guide, we’ll discuss a few measures that you can take to make the most of this summer at your own worthwhile pace. Let’s get started:

Join A Summer Sports Team:

A summer sports team can provide a fun challenge for obvious reasons, but they can also help us feel more connected to other people and meet new folks alike. For this reason, volunteering for a team in your local community, donning rugby training wear to help you curate your own team, or simply spending time joining a new martial arts club to learn Shaolin Kung Fu, for example, could be a good idea, and may even help you connect with a new discipline you never knew you needed.

Try A New Cuisine:

Trying a new cuisine may seem like something you can do any time, and it can. However, there’s nothing quite like the blossoming of the warmer seasons to get food ‘in season’ and to support the return of local businesses opening with confidence. Perhaps you could order authentic ingredients that help you make the most of this cuisine type too or you could spend some time going on a restaurant tour with a friend. There’s nothing better for bonding than eating with someone, particularly after a long absence from one another.

If you are traveling this summer then that is the perfect time to try new food too! And even a brand new experience. If you are looking for things to do with kids in Wisconsin Dells, for example, look no further than the Dells Dinner Adventures. It is quite literally dinner and a show with spectacular theatrics, lights, and music. An outing like this will surely be one of your favorite summer memories!

Start Documenting Your Travels:

Documenting your travels can be an excellent way of inspiring you to go further afield, try something new, or to simply note down your thoughts about being allowed to travel around the world again (or within your country’s borders). Documenting your travels in this nature could be aided by recording your days with your mobile phone, writing a blog on a website, or in simply making a scrapbook or journal of your thoughts throughout the day. Little efforts like this help you take some time for you and may even help you come to insights you weren’t expecting.

With this advice, we hope you can make the most of a free summer and, most importantly, to enjoy it through and through.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr6

Do Right By Your Dog This Summer

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Do Right By Your Dog This Summer

The summer is approaching and it’s time for you and your dog to head out and find some new horizons to explore. It’s important, however, to look after your dog while you do this and don’t waste the chance to teach them new things. Below is some advice on how to do right by your dog this summer:

Keep your dog cool:

In some places the summer can get very warm. It can even cause tarmac to melt so imagine how it must feel on your dog’s paws! Add to this the warm furry coat your dog has and there is a recipe for an uncomfortable and potentially hazardous time. You need to look after your dog in the summer so they don’t overheat. Time their walks so they aren’t in the heat of the day and provide them with plenty of water and shade through the afternoon.

Look after their health:

During the hot weather your dog’s eyes might dry out and become irritated. This can happen when they lay in the sun for long periods, perhaps in the backyard or the park. Eye irritation will cause your dog some discomfort and they might whine. To remedy this, try some eye drops for dogs or cats, these are made with distilled water and colloidal silver to flush out your dog’s eyes and give them a clearness and ease that was missing before. Using these eye drops through the summer will keep their eyes moist and them comfortable.

Make your garden dog friendly:

During the summer, your dog will enjoy going to new places for walks. They will love running around at the beach and exploring the forest. Equally, they will want to explore your back garden and make it their home territory over the summer months. Make sure it’s dog friendly. The first thing to do is to check that all of your fences are secure. Also inspect your dog for fleas and mites regularly. Check your plants, as well, to make sure none of them are poisonous to dogs.

Teach them new things:

The summer is an ideal opportunity to teach your dog some new tricks or some new manners. You will be going to new and exciting places for your dog and they will want to explore, but you need to make sure they don’t interrupt other people and are friendly to other dogs. Teach your dog new things such as recall, walking nicely on the lead, and how to meet other dogs. If your dog is in a playful mood why not teach them a new trick or two?

Enrich their life:

Some dogs are smarter than others but all of them have some level of intelligence and a need for mental stimulation as well as physical. The summer is an excellent time to stimulate your dog’s mind with new activities and new training. Try to vary the walks you take your dogs on, otherwise they will start to get bored. Your dog needs new smells and stimulation to keep them active and happy.

Make the dog days of summer the best ever for you and your pup with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Freepik