Tag Archives: treat yoself

New Rose Pink & Silver Glitter Nails

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New Rose Pink & Silver Glitter Nails

Hello!! I live for my monthly nail appointments at Elysian Nails because it is pretty much the only time I venture into the public (other than one grocery shopping trip) cause COVID. I am not complaining, though, because I am dedicated to keeping myself, my loved ones, and my clients and their families safe. You can definitely imagine how excited I get to go to the salon and, I have to say, my past visit was one of the best ones yet. Check out these adorable Rose Pink & Silver Glitter Nails and let’s discuss:

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I had the pleasure of having a lovely new to the salon nail tech work on my claws and she did an awesome job! Not only are my stiletto nails on point but I had such a great time chatting with and getting to know my tech. We seriously did not stop girl talking the entire hour that I was there and it was like hanging out with a new friend. So much ground was covered like our love for tattoos and piercings as well as holiday plans and all of the plans we missed out on due to the pandemic.

The past several times I have gotten my nails done, I didn’t really talk to any of the techs aside from the usual pleasantries. Having conversations is not a requirement for me when I go to the salon but it sure was nice and it made my pampering time so much better. I plan on requesting this tech for my future visits and it makes me look forward to my monthly outings even more – especially considering that I didn’t experience ANY discomfort during the appointment like with the last tech I had.

I am in love with my nails and am most impressed because my new tech has not done a lot of stiletto nails before. I think the rose pink and silver glitter is a modern take on holiday colors and will not only be super sweet for Christmas but perfect for ringing in the New Year. The silver reminds me of tinsel and fresh fallen snow and when they are in the light they look gold like twinkling Christmas lights. Meanwhile, the pink hue makes me think of bubbly champagne to toast with on New Year’s Eve. Cheers!

What are your favorite colors to rock during the holiday season? How do you pamper yourself during the pandemic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Have A Drink With Me!

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Have A Drink With Me!

Hello!!! While I was filling up the Little Red Love Machine at the gas station, I figured I would run in and grab some White Claws for me and Johnny. We are fond of the hard seltzer water and it’s nice to “crack a cold one” every now and then after work. While I was at the cash register, I noticed a display of alcohol infused cherries and I thought that it would make a nice addition for weekend drinks so I purchased a jar of those too. I’m glad I did because they are friggen delicious! Check it out:

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For those of you who don’t know, I am a self diagnosed Diet Coke fiend and I thought that these cherries would be great in a glass of Diet. I was one hundred and fifty percent right because it tasted just like cherry Coke after the drink sat for awhile. And, the drink wasn’t over once the pop was gone because, of course, you’re going to eat the cherries after. In the words of Pam from The Office, it was like “bonus drink”.

Normally, I don’t care to post about alcohol unless it’s something super different like the Martini Popsicles that I tried this summer. These cherries definitely qualify under “different” and I wanted to inform the masses as they would make a unique addition to your at home bar. Not only were the cherries a hit in a glass of Diet Coke but I could imagine that they would work well in drinks like juice or fruit punch. Or, how about a boozy topping to an ice cream sundae? Yum!

I think that a jar of alcohol infused cherries would make a perfect stocking stuffer and would be such a treat for parties and girls night once it’s safe to do so. Cheers to all of you!

What is your favorite kind of hard seltzer? What kind of drink would you garnish with these cherries? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Meredith Leigh Necklace Edition

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Accessory Story: Meredith Leigh Necklace Edition

Hello! I don’t know about all of you, but COVID-19 has put me in the most “treat yoself” mood possible. Johnny and I literally never go out, we rarely order take out and have saved so much money that when I feel the urge to online shop I always can find a way to justify it.

Despite treating myself to all of the pretty new things like shoes and clothes, at the end of the day, it’s not like anyone is going to see me in them until a semblance of our social lives comes back. So, I decided I wanted to have something lovely and delicate to wear just for me. Especially since my normal fashionista OOTDs has slowly turned into leggings and a hoodie lol.

I thought that this Meredith Leigh necklace would be perfect to have on at work. Similar to the thrill some might find in wearing sexy lingerie and just knowing it’s on, I love having this simple but stunning piece of jewelry around my neck. Check it out:

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As soon as I saw this necklace while browsing on TJMaxx’s website, it instantly reminded me of my mom who loves hearts. The delicate gold chain with a small opal heart is a far cry from the normal chunky jewelry that I gravitate towards but it was exactly what I wanted.

The eighteen inch chain allows the heart to fall right between my collarbones and it looks so flattering in the blank space between the tattoos on my chest seen below:

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Of course, I can’t wait to show off my Meredith Leigh necklace when I have an actual reason to get dressed up. But, for now, having it under a hoodie or sweater to shield me from the Ohio cold is just right for me. It is a reminder of how things can still be beautiful despite all of the unideal situations we are currently faced with. Seeing the sparkling heart makes me smile and knowing it’s there and feeling it on my skin is a small comfort throughout such difficult times.

Do you have something pretty that is just for you? How has your style changed since COVID? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Vince Camuto Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Vince Camuto Platforms Edition

Hellooo! I am extremely close to finishing my Christmas shopping with only a handful of people left to buy for. And, after all of that shopping for other people, I decided that I needed a treat too. I had a TJMaxx ten dollar certificate burning a hole in my pocket so I went online and ordered a few pretty little somethings for myself. Like these amazing snakeskin pattern platforms by Vince Camuto:

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I have had my eye on these bad boys for a while but I just couldn’t justify their eighty dollar price tag. So, trust and believe when I saw them marked down to forty dollars, they went straight into the cart! I was very excited for these platforms to arrive because snakeskin is my absolute favorite animal print and I don’t own any shoes that are even remotely similar.

I ripped the TJMaxx package open with the gusto of a child on Christmas and, I’m not going to lie, I was a little disappointed when I saw the platforms in real life. On the picture featured on TJMaxx’s website, the sepia and caramel tones looked straight up mustard yellow. What came in the mail was a really far cry from the image shown but I still love them just the same!

Despite the initial “well damn”, there is no denying that these platforms are freaking beautiful and they were a literal perfect fit when I slipped them on. Not only are these Vinny C’s comfortable as all get out but they are sturdy, well made, and super chic. I expected nothing less, of course, as Vince Camuto is one of my favorite brands when it comes to shoes and clothing.

I can’t say when I am going to be able to wear my new shoes as date nights and hang outs outside of the apartment with Johnny are nonexistent, thanks to COVID. But, I can say that when I am finally able to bust them out, my outfit is going to be fierce! Could you imagine these paired with a cozy sweater dress and thick tights? Sigh. A girl can dream, right?!

How far along are you on your holiday shopping? What was the last purchase you treated yourself to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The Best Ways To Surprise Yourself

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The Best Ways To Surprise Yourself

Life can get pretty stale sometimes. Most of the time, if we want to be surprised, we have to wait for someone else to do it by arranging a spontaneous trip or giving us a gift. But what if we didn’t wait? What if, when we wanted to be surprised, we did it ourselves? It might not sound possible since being surprised is all about not knowing what’s coming, but we think it can be done, and we think it should be done. Here are some of our ideas:

Join A Subscription Box:

A subscription box is definitely something you can surprise yourself with. You’ll be sent a new box each month, and you’ll never know what’s going to be inside it. So, although you organized the box to be delivered, and although you’re paying for it, it’s still going to be a surprise. At the same time, it’s something you can look forward to, and this is a scarce combination indeed.

The key to enjoying your subscription box is to pick something you know you’re going to love, whatever the box’s actual contents might be. You could choose a Me Time Box or something that delivers food or cooking ingredients. There are boxes of clothes, bath salts, perfumes, and books. There are subscription boxes for pretty much everything, so search around and you’re sure to find one you like.

Write Yourself Notes:

We might think we’ve got good memories, but the human brain doesn’t remember everything. It only keeps the most important things where they can easily be reached through memory, and everything else is stored away much deeper. These things can usually only be triggered by a certain smell, photographs, or perhaps stories from friends and relatives.

This is why writing notes to yourself can be a great surprise. Write some positive notes and leave them in places where you know you’ll find them later on – maybe months down the line. When you find them, it will be a pleasant surprise and something to make you feel good. Some examples of what you can write include:

  • Stay positive
  • You are beautiful
  • You are loved
  • I’m proud of you
  • Keep going

Place the notes into drawers, under cushions, in coat pockets, in books, or even in outside places that you’re going to return to time and again.

Say Yes:

When we are asked to do something or given any kind of opportunity, there are two responses. You’ll either say yes or no. It’s easier to say no. Saying no means that nothing has to change, and we don’t have to try anything new. So most of the time, that’s what we’ll say.

Why not surprise yourself and say yes, instead? This will give you the chance to try all kinds of new things. Some you will dislike, some you will enjoy, and others you might fall in love with, and your life might change (for the better) because of it. Unless you say yes and give yourself a surprise, you’ll never know. Staying in your comfort zone is not surprising and will only cause stress and anxiety over time. At the very least, you’ll be bored!

Say yes to the ideas above and give yourself a surprise today!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Clearing Peel Off Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Freeman Clearing Peel Off Mask Edition

Hi! During my last Amazon haul, I purchased some new face masks for myself. Experimenting with different kinds of face masks has been my quarantine treat as it is a cheap way to get some pampering in after a long day at work. This past week, I tried out a peel off clay mask by Freeman and, suffice it to say, it left a lot to be desired. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

When I saw that this Freeman Clearing face mask was a peel off one, I was so excited. I tried out a peel off mask for the first time a few months ago and I LOVED it. There was honestly nothing more satisfying than peeling the mask off after it was dried and I was very much looking forward to doing that again.

Unfortunately, this Freeman mask never dried! The clay formula was so thick and sticky that even well after the fifteen minute recommendation time, it was still wet. Knowing that it was going to take at least another fifteen to twenty minutes to dry, I washed it off. That was also a hassle, though, because of its consistency and I had to rub and scrub with warm water until my face was clean.

Although I wasn’t able to peel the mask off, I was still eager to see the results. Unfortunately, again, they were really nothing to sneeze at. Did my skin look more radiant? Slightly. The only thing I was really happy about was that my blackheads on my nose were gone.

I wouldn’t recommend this Freeman mask because, at the end of the day, it wasn’t a peel off mask. It was just a really sticky clay mask, lol. Had the results been mind blowing, I might have a different opinion. However, that wasn’t the case, either, so I think it’s safe to say that all of y’all can skip on the Freeman Clearing Peel Off Mask.

How do you pamper yourself? Which kind of face mask do you prefer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Face Mask Festivities: Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask Edition

Howdy! During my last Amazon haul, I picked out some new face masks for myself as a little treat. After a long day, I love to unwind with a sheet mask and my favorite show. Like on Wednesday, for example. Wednesday is my long day at work as I see multiple clients. However, when I get home, Johnny is gone because he’s at band practice so I get the apartment to myself.

I take full advantage of my Wednesday evenings by my lonesome because I watch all of the shows that Johnny refuses to watch with me like America’s Next Top Model, My 600 Lb. Life, and now Dancing With The Stars. I had myself a pampering party by tucking into the new season of DWTS and enjoying this new face mask:

Obligatory sheet mask selfie lolol.

I have been curious about the Moisture Bomb masks by Garnier for a while because they are definitely not the newest one on the market. I like their products well enough and it seems difficult to mess up a hydrating mask so I decided to try it out and I am so glad I did. This sheet mask rocked!

After removing the mask from its packaging, I was pleased to see that it was smaller than some of the ones that I have used before and it fit so nicely on my face. This always helps add to the relaxation because slipping and sliding face masks are never any fun and when it gets in your eyes it makes it even worse.

The directions instructed me to keep the sheet mask on for fifteen minutes but after just one minute of it on, I could feel my skin just soaking up all of the moisturizing goodness. I have never seen a mask described as “comforting” before on the package but it really was. I felt exhausted after my long day and lounging with my show and face mask on was just the pick me up I needed.

Once my fifteen minutes were up, I removed the mask and I was eager to see the results which just happened to be… FANTASTIC! I don’t know how this mask did it but I shit you not I looked like I had just woken up from a night of beauty sleep even though I had been working all day. And, even after taking it off, I could still feel the product doing its thing as it promised twenty-four hour hydrating.

When I woke up the following morning my skin was still glowing and it felt fresh as a daisy. I am so impressed with the Moisture Bomb mask by Garnier and I would absolutely recommend it. In fact, I think I’d like to get a few more for myself!

How do you unwind after a long day? What is your favorite guilty pleasure TV show? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Face Mask Festivities: Amazon Haul Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Amazon Haul Edition

Hello! Since COVID, I have taken to ordering all of my skin care from Amazon instead of taking a trip to TJMaxx. The prices aren’t as good and it isn’t nearly as fun but it’s safer and more convenient. It also is never hard to find an extra treat or two for myself, so I decided to get some more face masks because nothing is better than a pampering party after a long day! Check it out:

After experimenting with many different face masks, I have found that the sheet and peel off kinds are the best for me. I love that there isn’t any messy clean up and it keeps my clutter of half used bottles of clay face masks to a minimum. I also kind of like that the sheet and peel off masks are single use because it gives me the option to try out something new every time.

During this Amazon haul, I ordered a Garnier Moisture Bomb sheet mask because I have always been curious about them. I also decided to go for a set of six different masks by Freeman. I thought this was a steal because I got six masks for around eight bucks while a bottle of their clay masks are around five to six dollars each. Nice. 😀

I am very much looking forward to testing out all seven of my new face masks so keep it posted on lifewithlilred for brand new Face Mask Festivities coming soon! ❤

Do you have a favorite face mask? How do you do your shopping in COVID times? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Tattoo You: Family Portraits Edition

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Tattoo You: Family Portraits Edition

Hello!! This past month, I treated myself to a tap out tattoo session AKA nine hours straight of getting work done. I prefer this method, as I can get a lot done at one time and my tattoo artist, Emily, completed nine tattoos and some touch ups during our time together. I love everything I got but I am particularly enamored with these family portraits I got on the side of my lower leg. Check it out:

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A lot of my tattoos are from comic books that I love but I also find inspiration when I’m scrolling through social media and see something cool. At some point, someone on my Facebook timeline posted the example picture that my tattoos are based on and I fell in love. I decided that I would like to do something similar with my own family and my tattoo artist made the perfect depictions with just lines and patterns.

My tattoos are in the following order:

  • Grandma, Grandpa (Dad’s side)
  • Grandma, Grandpa (Mom’s side)
  • Mom, Dad

Emily told me that the hardest part of sketching out these tattoos was making each silhouette look like the person despite not having a face. I say that she knocked it out of the park and I can see the likeness of all of my loved ones perfectly. In my parent’s house, all three of these pictures have been on the shelves in the living room for as long as I can remember and they have always been some of my favorites. I am proud to have something so beautiful to commemorate each family member and I have not been able to stop looking at my legs since I got the tattoos!! (PS: If you are considering getting tattooed, here is some useful information on: Which places hurt the most when getting tattooed).

Do you have any tattoos? Which one is your favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Marc Fisher Heeled Boots Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Marc Fisher Heeled Boots Edition

Hi there and welcome to the newest edition of If The Shoe Fits! It has been a tragically long time since I did any type of shopping that wasn’t for necessities. In fact, my last in store TJMaxx shopping trip was all the way back in February. Shocking, I know, but what’s the point of buying new clothes if literally no one is going to see you in it cause COVID lol.

Every once in a while I would scroll through TJMaxx’s website but nothing jumped out at me and I was worried about the hassle of returning unwanted items. I would online window shop once or twice a month and, since February, there has not been one single item that I deemed worth buying. Until I saw these gorgeous admiral blue boots by Marc Fisher, that is! Check em’ out:

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Since my birthday, I have had a TJMaxx gift card burning a hole in my pocket and I was so happy to finally find something truly worth spending it on. As I browsed through the TJ’s website, I legit clutched my pearls when these boots popped up on the screen. They immediately went into my shopping cart and I have not looked back since. It’s not every day you find a pair of blue knee high, heeled boots and in a crocodile pattern to boot! Ba dum chhhh.

Anyways, everything about my new Marc Fisher boots is perfect to me. They are just so unique and I have seriously never seen anything like them before, which makes them all the more appealing. Were they a necessary purchase amidst the coronavirus pandemic? My answer is: Absolutely because mama needed a treat! It has been so long since I had a treat yoself purchase and it felt like giving myself a big hug when my boots finally arrived in the mail. Now, here’s to hoping I’ll find at least somewhere to wear them to this year. 😀

How have your shopping habits changed since the coronavirus? What was your last treat yoself buy? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah