Tag Archives: tips and tricks

Mar19

Lil Red: A Creature Of Habit

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Lil Red: A Creature Of Habit

Hello!! At the moment, I have three jobs and my life has been very busy. I work as a provider for people with special needs, create daily content for lifewithlilred and complete online work, and I just began a new marketing gig in January. At some point this year, I will cut back on my work in the field and give myself more time to not only work from home, but relax with a less demanding schedule. For now, however, I am enjoying the ride and I love seeing all of the hard work I put into lifewithlilred come into fruition in my new job.

With three jobs under my belt as well as being a very active bunny mom, I have been asked a lot since the beginning of the year how I have been managing. I am no stranger to working several jobs at once so this isn’t a brand new situation for me, but it does help a lot that Lil Red is, first and foremost, A Creature Of Habit. Because of this, my days run like a fine tuned machine and all of the following components help me to achieve this:

Sticking To A Schedule:

My schedule is the most important thing to achieve optimum success during the work week. Without it, I wouldn’t have the time to care for the bunnies in the morning, create content, and work from home before going to a client’s home. This morning routine came into place this past November when Johnny and I brought Mel and Penelope home, but it became an absolute necessity when I started my new job at the beginning of the year. Of course, waking up at five AM is not my idea of a good time in the slightest. However, if I don’t, my work day wouldn’t end until six or so in the evening and that sounds like less of a good time to me. Sticking to this schedule has lots of obvious benefits and my weekend days feel very off when I don’t have to follow through with it!

Forming Good Habits:

Prior to bringing the bunnies home, I was able to sleep in a bit later and was never too pressed if I had to hit the snooze button once, twice, or several times! As wonderful as it was to get the extra Zs, this was a habit that I needed to break for my day to run smoothly. Believe you me, I would LOVE to hit the snooze every morning and if I am extra tired, I will every now and then. But, I like being able to relax when I get home from work rather than work more. Fighting the urge to hit the snooze is definitely a habit that I am glad to have made.

Another good habit that I have formed fairly recently is establishing a meal schedule. Since my days shifted to a much earlier time and I have a lot to do, I go from hungry to hangry really quickly and that is not okay. During my mornings at home, I have penciled in time to have an actual breakfast, pack a snack or lunch for later in the day, and not be completely ravenous by dinnertime. I have come to realize how important it is to fuel my body for long work days and it has helped so much in reducing how rundown I have been feeling.

Take A Break:

Going nonstop is my forte, but it’s not a good thing to be gifted in lol. If I have the time after online work in the morning, I have given myself permission to take a break. Usually I will give my brain some breathing room by watching one episode of Assassination Classroom on Crunchyroll or reading a chapter or two in whatever book I’m working on. Because I work for myself, no one but me tells me when it’s time to rest for a bit. If I had an employee, I would most certainly allow for breaks for them, so why not me too? Even little breaks throughout the day to stretch and hydrate are helpful and it keeps me from completely crashing later. Total win/win!

Creating a schedule and habits that work for me took a decent amount of trial and error, but I am fully satisfied with the end result. I am proud of the work that I accomplish and, honestly, look forward to getting up every morning to see where the day takes me!

How important is a schedule to you? What do you like to do during break time? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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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!

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Feb23

Tips For Making The Best Coffee At Home

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Tips For Making The Best Coffee At Home

A lot of people hit the coffee shop for a freshly brewed cup during the day. But what about those times when you’re at home and need a caffeine burst? Brewing your own cup of joe can save you money and time, but with so many methods and flavors out there, how do you know which way is best? We have outlined ten tips that will help you make better tasting coffee from the comfort of your very own kitchen:

Grind Your Beans Just Before You Brew Them:

Freshly ground coffee is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the freshest flavor possible. Coffee starts to lose its flavorful oils as soon as it is ground, so using ground up coffee will give you a subpar taste. If you can’t grind your own beans, try searching for a grocery store or cafe that has grinding options in the store.

Use Filtered Water:

If your water tastes bad, so will your coffee! Make sure to use clean cold water without any hidden odors of chlorine for the best results. If you don’t like the taste of tap water (or don’t have access to safe drinking water), bring filtered or bottled spring water to a slight boil and cool it for a couple of minutes before pouring it over your coffee grounds.

Avoid Grounding Beans In A Machine With Metal D Blades:

Ground up metal is not going to taste very good! Invest in a blade free or a burr grinder, which will ground all of your beans easily and consistently.

Clean Your Machine Often:

Coffee oils build up in household coffee makers quickly, creating an intense flavor that can be nearly impossible to clean out completely after every use. Make sure to keep the machine clean by running through several cycles without any coffee in it at all. A good rule of thumb is to clean it once a week or after ten uses, whichever comes first.

Avoid Over Filling the Basket:

Coffee machines are measured by how many cups they hold but, if you’re filling the basket with too many beans, you’re going to end up with watered down coffee that lacks flavor. Generally, one rounded tablespoon for every four ounces of water in your machine will produce an optimal cup of coffee.

Grind Your Beans To The Right Consistency:

It may be tempting to grind your beans to an incredibly fine powder so that more oils get trapped. However, this can create a gummed up mess in your grinder and lead to an over extracted cup of coffee. A slightly course grind will lead to a smoother cup of coffee with less grit.

Temperature Matters:

Water temperature is crucial in coffee brewing because it takes away any unpleasant, bitter flavors before the flavor has a chance to develop. In order for your water to be at an optimal temperature, bring it to a boil and let it cool for 30 seconds before pouring over the ground beans.

Get a Coffee Server:

Making coffee can be time consuming, but if you invest in a coffee server to keep your pot warm all day long, you’ll never have to waste the whole pot again. Instead, just pour yourself a cup whenever you want one! Buy the Hario Pour-Over Coffee Server Set to get started.

Skip the Sweeteners:

Coffee is a great way to clear up your skin, detoxify your body, and provide your brain with an energy boost so don’t ruin all of those benefits by adding in creamers or sugars that will increase your calorie intake and reduce the health benefits. Instead, try using natural substitutes like honey or maple syrup to add flavor without all of the empty calories.

If you’re looking to take your morning cup of joe up a notch, try these tricks for making the perfect pot every time. Cheers!

Feb11

Lil Red’s In Store & Online Shopping Tips

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Lil Red’s In Store & Online Shopping Tips

Hello everyone! I consider myself to be an excellent shopper both in store and online. After a wildly successful winter haul with TJMaxx, I thought that today would be perfect for sharing my pro tips to make the most of your in store or online shopping sessions. These helpful hints have been curated as my personal style developed to turn each shopping trip into a GREAT SUCCESS! Now, let’s get to it:

Online – Know Your Measurements:

Prior to getting married, I had absolutely no idea what my measurements were. That, of course, had to change when I was ordering my dress online so my mom and I visited our local tailor shop to get that taken care of. I keep my measurement cards by my computer so that I can always have them available when online shopping.

Knowing your true measurements will eliminate the need to buy multiple sizes of one item because you can compare and contrast to the brand’s size chart. This used to be the norm for me when online shopping because I am in between a small and a medium and it’s so nice to now be able to get my size right the first time around!

Online – Do Your Research:

If you enjoy shopping with websites that offer multiple brands like TJMaxx or Poshmark, it is so crucial to do your research. We all know that women’s sizes vary drastically. For example, in my closet I have clothing in extra smalls and larges alike. A universal size chart, unfortunately, doesn’t exist so you will have to go to the original brand’s website to find out their sizing for yourself.

When shopping with TJMaxx, this has become my standard practice and is why knowing your measurements is so handy. Remember, take note about the features of the item you wish to purchase too. Does it provide room for stretch? Do the reviews say to order a size up? These are all things that should also be taken into consideration.

Online & In Store – Promotions, Please:

Apps, rewards cards, store credit cards, and special deals like a percentage off or free shipping plays an important rule in the shopping process. Although the constant emails from my favorite stores are annoying, saving money on your shopping is always worth it. If you have a particularly large order, you might want to consider applying for the store credit card. Typically, the store will offer you a percentage off of that purchase, which is awesome!

In Store – Dress For Success:

With the pandemic, I rarely do in store shopping anymore. However, when I do, I make sure that I am dressed and made up for success. Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable and easy to slip on and off for dressing room efficiency. And, depending on what it is you need, it might not hurt to do your makeup accordingly. It’s hard to get the full picture of a dress you are trying on for a special event if your makeup doesn’t reflect it.

In Store – Try & Try Again:

Shopping in store gives you the luxury of trying on whatever you want and it should not be taken lightly. Expanding your horizons with styles, shapes, and colors that you might not normally wear will give you brand new possibilities. And, so what if it doesn’t work? Trying on a variety of different things will also help with your online shopping because you won’t be limiting yourself to “safe” options that you already know will work.

In Store – Have A Game Plan:

Hitting the mall or multiple different shops in the area can feel a bit overwhelming because of the endless options you’re seeing all at once. I recommend browsing for the items that you know you need first before beginning your window shopping. I don’t go to the mall too often but when I do, I always go to Victoria’s Secret for new undies and a bra and American Eagle for new skinnies first to get it out of the way. Then, when the “fun” shopping begins, I already know what I have spent for necessities and can budget my additional purchases accordingly.

Online & In Store – Shopping For Others:

I know some people who begin their holiday shopping for the next year as soon as their celebrated holiday is over to get the best seasonal deals. While you don’t have to go that extreme, it never hurts to get a little prep work done for holidays and birthdays when making your rounds. And, if you score a great deal on it, then it’s even better. We all have had that one gift that we were going to buy a little later only to find that it was sold out when we were ready to make the purchase!

With these tips, I hope that you have the best online or in store shopping session yet! They are my tried and true methods to the success behind all of my hauls and I’m sure that they will work for you too. ❤

What are some of your shopping tricks and tips? Do you prefer in store or online shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov19

Black Friday Shopping Tips

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Black Friday Shopping Tips

Hello! Yesterday we discussed some tips and tricks to help get you prepared for Thanksgiving, which means that it’s time to talk about Black Friday shopping today. Black Friday is going to look different this year with COVID-19 still being so prevalent so it’s important to have a game plan to safely and successfully complete your shopping. Let’s get to it:

Do Your Research:

Lots of major retailers are no longer going to be open on Thanksgiving evening which I think is great. Or, some of the shops might not be open period due to COVID. When you’re planning your shopping route, make sure you consult the websites of your favorite stores to see when they are open, if at all, so you don’t end up at a store that’s closed.

Don’t forget to look into the COVID precautions of where you’re going too. They might be limiting the amount of people allowed in the store and masks could be needed for entry. Pack a couple of extra masks with you and dress in warm layers in case you have to wait outside of the store until you can go in.

Sign Up For Rewards Programs:

So many different stores have rewards programs that you can sign up for to save money and this is something that you can usually do online. If the stores you’re going to offers a rewards program, it never hurts to sign up for it. Some stores might be offering special Black Friday deals specifically for those who are part of their rewards club. This might include early or prolonged access to Black Friday deals and an extra percentage off of your purchase.

Check Out Cyber Monday:

In many cases, you don’t have to step foot in a store to get great post Thanksgiving deals. Due to COVID, many retailers are probably going to be offering the same deals online as they are in store. If you prefer to stay home and aren’t seeing any sales online on Black Friday, hold off until Cyber Monday. Monday is, traditionally, the day when you can save a bundle with your online shopping so don’t fret if you aren’t seeing what you would like to buy on promotion immediately.

Don’t Forget Small Business Saturday:

It is always important to support your local businesses, especially now more than ever. Your favorite local boutiques, eateries, and storefronts are sure to be offering great deals on Small Business Saturday. This is an amazing way to pick out unique gifts for those on your shopping list (Or yourself!) and give back to the small business owners in your area.

Safety First:

We have already discussed looking into the COVID precautions for Black Friday and now we will be talking about a different kind of safety. No matter how good the deal, nothing is worth getting into a fight over! If this should happen to you, just let it go for your safety’s sake. And, please, if you see anyone hurt or who has fallen: HELP THEM.

Whether you’re shopping Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday, use the tips above for maximum efficiency and maximum savings!

Do you participate in any of the mentioned shopping days? What is the best deal you have gotten if so? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah