Tag Archives: treat yoself

Aug10

New Strawberries & Cream Nails

Posted on August 10, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Hello! This past Tuesday I enjoyed a much needed nail appointment at Elysian Nails during my break from work. It had been a fat minute since I got my nails done because I came down with the plague and wasn’t trying to bring that nastiness into one of my favorite houses of worship. Thankfully, I was feeling much better and my time with my go to nail tech couldn’t have come quickly enough. I had two nails that were lifting and must have super glued my fingers together at least three times trying to rectify the situation smh. That is no longer an issue I will have to worry about because my talons are fixed up and better than ever! Check it out:

Whenever my adorable mom gets her nails done or paints them at home, she can always count on me to tell her that whatever shade of beige or pale pink she’s using is boring lol. It is said from a place of daughterly love and has been a running joke between us for years. I guess my my mom’s preferences were rubbing off on me because I couldn’t get beige off of my brain while driving to the salon. I am a huge fan of the recent trend of pairing a nude shade with a bright color pop and decided to step into my Jane Era. I found the most gorgeous sepia hued polish among my selections, but I went with a soft pink rather than a neon. It made for a lovely strawberries and cream combo that looked so delicate and pretty!

Once my nail polish was chosen, I was able to go right to my tech’s station and the process ran like a fine tuned machine. While I love to take my time at the salon, my break time visits are very convenient for me and my tech knows that I need to head back to work at a certain time so I’m not late for my next shift. She is so accommodating of my time crunch appointment and never sacrifices the details while speedily shaping, buffing, and filing away. I have never once been late for my following shift and have always left with nails that looked and felt like a million bucks. It is the perfect way to spend a break and it feels so good to return to my long day with a renewed pep in my step.

These strawberries and cream nails are everything and a sweet homage to my darling mom’s favorite colors. I am living for my Jane Era!

What color of nail polish are you currently rocking? Which colors do you tend to avoid in clothing, nail polish, or makeup? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug7

JC Comics Haul Pt. 2

Posted on August 7, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! During a visit a few weeks ago to the best comic shop in my neck of the woods, JC’s, I was introduced to a horror series called Nailbiter. It is about solving the mystery of why a small town has a double digit amount of serial killers. The owner of the store convinced me to give it a go with the promise that I would love it. So, I went ahead and purchased Volume One and Two. He was so right because I devoured both volumes and couldn’t wait to return to the store to get volumes three through eight that were special ordered for me. I picked them up this past weekend and cannot wait to sink my teeth into them! Check it out:

I consider myself to be a pretty frugal person. Other than the every few months or so trip to TJMaxx and a meal or two out with Johnny in a month, I really don’t spend much on anything but necessities. This massive haul of the completed set of Nailbiter was a major treat yoself purchase for me and it was a thrill because I don’t do something like this very often. I was SO excited to have the entire collection and I was able to justify buying it all in one fell swoop. I’d much rather have the next volumes in the series readily available as opposed to going back to JC’s every time I need a new one. I have a feeling I’ll be back at the store soon enough once I’m done with the series! 😀

Back in my theater days, I used to love going to bookstores and buying new plays to read. It felt like I was spoiling myself and I remember rushing home to crack open my new purchases. This haul brought me back to that wonderful sense of anticipation when you just know you are about to read something good. These past few months have been trying times for yours truly between the stress of work and life in general and getting back into graphic novels has really given me something to look forward to. I considered my Nailbiter haul as a reward to myself for completing three successful months as Tim Misny’s social media manager and all of the hard work I’ve put in to make this job possible. Nothing says “celebrate” to me like a bagful of books… or new clothes… or shoes. 🙂

Johnny and I are definitely in our treat yoself era. Graphic novels for me and records for him. It is a joy to be able to invest in our hobbies and our time off of work is infinitely more pleasurable because of it!

How do you treat yourself? What is your favorite thing to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul14

New Rachel Zoe Handkerchief Top

Posted on July 14, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! I had a lovely outing with myself during my break on Tuesday doing some shopping at TJMaxx with a birthday gift card. It was definitely hard going back to work after some time off so it was the perfect little treat! During this shopping trip, I lucked out with two new clearance finds that I am loving. You saw the fabulous sweater dress yesterday and, today, we are going to be looking at an adorable little number by Rachel Zoe. It features all of my favorite things – A chartreuse color, fun bling, and a handkerchief cut which is one of my go tos. This top was thirteen dollars and is a small price to pay for a top that truly screams summer in all of its citrusy glory. Check it out:

Unless I am shopping for something very specific, I let the garments do the talking at TJMaxx. When I am browsing, I am looking simply for what catches my eye. It could be a quirky pattern or color or an interesting cut or material, my only requirement is that it makes me do a double take. As I perused the clearance racks, I noticed something sparkly and realized that the bright orange and yellow gemstones were the “sleeves” to a top. I was instantly intrigued and was even more so when I saw what the bling was holding up – a little chartreuse masterpiece. AND the only one in store, thank you very much. 😀

Literally just looking at this top made me happy because it is the answer to the question “what if sunshine was a shirt?” It is bright, poppy, and as if lemon lime soda became a handkerchief top. I have quite a few different options of this style in my wardrobe, but none quite like this. And, yes, it is all because of the gem spaghetti straps! It adds such a playful touch to a more revealing top and, in my opinion, makes it sweet rather than too sexy. The sheen of the fabric against the bling bling is a dazzling display and I feel SO lucky to have found it. I cannot wait to wear it ASAP with jean shorts or a sassy black and white bodycon skirt (Chunky platforms are a given!)!

Although I am by no means a fan of summer, this new top might help the cause a bit. I don’t think anyone, myself included, could wear it and not want to have some fun in the sun!

What catches your eye when you’re shopping? What is your favorite color to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul13

New Heartloom Sweater Dress

Posted on July 13, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! For my thirtieth birthday, my parents gave me the most perfect prezzie – a TJMaxx gift card! It has been burning a hole in my pocket since and I finally got the chance to spend it during a low key afternoon this past week. While I love to shop at TJs at the turn of each season, I also love to shop during the in between too. Who am I kidding? I love to shop there all of the time! But, during this interim period of “still summer but not quite back to school” is when they bring out the more unique pieces that might not have sold well before. You can really find some clearance treasures during these non-peak shopping times and I definitely did! I am obsessed with this new sweater dress by Heartloom that I got marked down for twenty dollars. I can’t wait to wear it to the next Misnyland picnic I’ll be working! Check it out:

During mine and Johnny’s Fourth of July staycation, we had a Date Day and went vintage shopping and antiquing. I walked away with some fabulous new accessories, but no clothes. However, the clothes we saw deeply inspired me and I still find myself thinking about some of the amazing pieces a week later! As I browsed the “anything goes” clearance section, I literally clutched my pearls when I stumbled upon this sweater dress by Heartloom. It was the only one in store, happened to be in my size, and looked like it was straight out of a 1970s fashion magazine. I was totally and completely sold and I hadn’t even tried it on yet.

I simply adore this dress because it is just so different and retro. It turned a classic sweater dress on its head with the short sleeves, huge buttons, and funky raised pattern. And can we please talk about how the color palette looks like every kitchen appliance from the 70s?! SO fun. As soon as this dress was on, it was a certified winner and I was delighted to find something new to wear to the upcoming picnic event. I plan on sporting this dress with a gorgeous pair of pebble grey knee high boots and some statement earrings for a modern take on vintage staples. Crossing an OOTD off my to do list: Check. 😀

A TJMaxx gift card is the way to my heart and all I have to say is – thanks for the new dress mom and dad! You’re the best! ❤

When is your favorite time of the year to shop? What era of fashion inspires you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul9

A Signature Antiques Accessories

Posted on July 9, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Johnny and I enjoyed some amazing time off for the Fourth of July week. It was much needed and we were able to jam pack our schedule full of outings and pencil in some time to relax too. One of my favorite things we did during our staycation was a Date Day this past Tuesday. We went shopping in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls AKA the Riverfront and then had drinks and a snack at the Cashmere Cricket. It is our favorite bar because it’s awesome lol and it’s where we had our first date! It was a perfect day and I loved being able to check out all of the fantastic vintage and antique shops along the Riverfront. The best one was, hands down, A Signature Antiques. If I had all of the money in the world, I would have bought everything! Alas, I don’t but I couldn’t leave without the following:

The first thing that really caught my eye in A Signature was the stunning black choker necklace with chains and dangling jewels. It was displayed on a mannequin head and I literally clutched my pearls when I saw it. I love choker necklaces but I have never found one that I fell in love with. There was a point a few years ago when they were a HUGE trend. However (And I hate to say this!), I always thought the simple style chokers looked a bit basic. I definitely needed to find one with extravagance and my “new” vintage choker checks all the boxes. It is my favorite color, has so much drama, and makes a stunning addition to my jewelry collection. I cannot wait to plan an OOTD with it as the focal point. 😀

My next purchase was a pair of adorable, blinged out butterfly sunglasses. They remind me SO much of the 90s (Aging myself here!) and the online fashion dolls that you could customize outfits for. I think these sunglasses are just the tops. The shape and decorative crystals are so bold but there is something about them that feels classic and chic. They literally make me feel like a 90s/early 2K pop star and it truly doesn’t get any better than that! I am also really looking forward to styling an OOTD with these stunner shades. I’m thinking baggy jeans and a tiny little crop top for sure!!

These new accessories totally fall under the “treat yourself” category and they are lovely staycation souvenirs from the best date day! ❤

What is your favorite era of fashion? How about your favorite era of music? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun8

New Tangerine & Neon Blue Nails

Posted on June 8, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! On Tuesday, I spent some time getting some much needed pre birthday pampering at Elysian Nails. I was in desperate need of a fill and I was even more eager to go because my nail tech just did a manicure for my mom last week. Tuesday has become my new go to fill day and I make my way to the salon during a break from work. It is the perfect treat to get me through the day because nothing is better than showing off some fresh new claws! I was ready for some bright, summery colors for this appointment and am loving what I picked out:

Sometimes, I have absolutely no idea what colors I want my nails to be. Other times, inspiration strikes and that was the case for this fill. It has been heating up in Akron, Ohio and I had vivid orange hues on the mind. But paired with what? At the nail polish wall, I made a beeline to a neon tangerine shade and it was exactly what I wanted. I toyed with the idea of purple and neon pink, but an electric blue caught my eye and it was game over. Orange and blue is a combo that screams fun in the sun and we were in business for some poppy, so bright you need shades nails.

During my nail appointments, my tech and I normally catch up on the latest in each other’s lives. This time around, there wasn’t too much to discuss because I literally just saw her four days ago lol. This was totally fine by me because I could just sit back, relax, and go brain dead for a bit before it was back to work! While I zoned out, I swapped between watching HGTV and the magic that was unfolding at my tech’s station. Before this appointment, a few of my nails were definitely lifting and were feeling less than sturdy. In what felt like no time at all, I had a fill so good that it felt like I had a brand new set on. They are sharpened and shaped just the way I like them and just right for ringing in the summer vibes!

This was just Part One to my birthday pampering and I can’t wait for Part Two later this month for a brand new do at the Shear Shop. I am stepping into my thirties in maximum style!

How do you treat yourself for your birthday? What color of nail polish are you rocking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun6

Manis With Mom

Posted on June 6, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! There are three places that I find shelter from the storm: Elysian Nails, the Shear Shop, and TJMaxx. They are my happy places and I recommend my two favorite salons to literally everyone in my local area – including my mom! After a delightful outing at Elysian Nails for pedicures for my mom’s birthday, she told me she had a hankering for a manicure a few weeks later. That could be very easily arranged and I set her up with my go to girl for a gel mani as a belated Mother’s Day gift. It was a wonderful time and had me even more eager for my fill appointment a few days later!

I used to frequent a couple nail salons before falling in love with Elysian Nails. Don’t get me wrong, every tech I have been to at other salons are very good. There’s just something about Elysian that hits different, though. The salon is gorgeous and feels so high end, the prices are phenomenal, and I have never had a bad appointment there. That is why I recommend it so highly – because I know everyone who goes is going to have the ultimate pampering experience. My mom definitely did and we were both so impressed with the results.

I have never had an actual manicure at Elysian because of my beloved acrylics. Of course, I had some idea of the process, but it was so much more than both my mom and I expected. My tech is an absolute expert at shaping nails, real or fake. By the time she was done trimming my mom’s cuticles and nails, they were unrecognizable from when she started. They had way more length and looked stronger and healthier too. After snipping and clipping, a lovely light rose gel polish was applied. But wait, there was more! Once the polish was set, a hand massage and hot towel was next to wrap up the appointment. It was the perfect touch to complete the pampering and I loved being able to spoil my mom!

My mom’s nails turned out spectacular and I could tell she enjoyed every minute of her appointment. I can’t wait to go back to the salon together for more mother/daughter pampering in our happy place!

What did you do for Mother’s Day? Do you prefer regular or gel polish? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr24

New Hair, Who Dis?

Posted on April 24, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy!! After this past week, Lil Red is feeling like a whole new woman! I treated myself to new nails, new tattoos, and new hair and I am loving my new look. On Friday, I spent roughly six hours at the Shear Shop so my stylist, Anna, could work her magic. Our goal was to transition my hair from winter to spring with the motif of pink lemonade. This was going to be easier said than done to get the deep red, navy, and purple out of my hair and we weren’t sure what was going to happen. I wasn’t worried about it in the slightest because Anna always delivers and this time was no exception. Check it out:

^^^ Stay tuned for a brand new OOTD coming soon!

The first order of business to achieving this look was using a new to us product. To remove the color from my hair, Anna had Pulp Riot’s bleach called Blank Canvas ordered just for me. We are so glad she did because this stuff was AMAZING. Within a half hour of sitting in and out of heat, the deep colors from my hair lifted significantly and was almost all of the way out. Minus one glaring issue – a funky green hue where the navy used to be. Since we were using lighter colors, the green had to go and after a lot of scrubbing and a little more bleach, Anna was able to get it almost all the way out.

Next on the agenda was the fun part of painting my hair. Over the years, Anna and I have become very familiar with Pulp Riot colors. While we revisited old favorites, we also dabbled in some new hues too. We used a variety of different colors including Pyro (deep red), Fireball (bright red), Satire (bright yellow) mixed with Lemon (light yellow), and Candy (neon pink) mixed with Blush (ballet slipper pink). As always, Anna was absolutely genius in her careful application to keep any of the colors from blending. Before I knew it, I had a head full of foil and the color was left to sit for about fifty minutes.

Once the color was washed out, we were very pleased with the results… Other than one thing. My roots were popping through in some noticeable areas in the front. This was actually a really simple fix. Anna just added a bit more bleach to the surprise spots and after twenty minutes, it got to a yellow that blended seamlessly with the rest of my hair. After this inspired idea, my hair was just perfect. Even better than perfect, actually! I felt full on Malibu Barbie and am in love with this drastic change. This hair is going to be so fun for spring and summer and I feel amazing every time I look in the mirror. ❤

When I am at the Shear Shop, I am living my best life. When I leave the Shear Shop, I am living my best life too. HUGE thank you to Anna for this beautiful new do. I say this every time she does my hair, but this is definitely my favorite yet!

Are you changing your hair for spring? What are you getting done? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr13

New Lemon Lime Nails

Posted on April 13, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! This past week, I just couldn’t get enough of Elysian Nails and I am so not complaining! On Monday, I enjoyed a wonderful pedicure with my mom as a belated birthday gift. Then, I was back the following day for a much needed fill. And I mean very much needed because they were busted, broken, and lifted. As always, my amazing fabulous tech got me right and I am so happy to have my nails back to their former glory! Check it out:

Sometimes when I get a fill, I have no idea what polish colors I want. Other times, I know exactly what I want. The latter was the case for me this past fill because I had lemon lime on the mind. I wasn’t quite sure why, but I finally figured it out! I have had a can of unopened Sprite in my car from when I returned to work after being sick last month. I never bothered taking it out because I consider it my “emergency drink” in case I happen to get really thirsty while driving. Lol, I mean hey – it’s better to have it and not need it! I am definitely glad that I kept it around because it turned into my nail inspo and I am loving the yellow/green combo. 😀

This fill blew me away and was such a testament to my tech’s expertise. She replaced five nails that were either lifted or broken and rather than put on new tips, she painted the acrylic on freehand. I always assumed you needed the tips for acrylic nails so you learn something new every day. It really sped up the process and within minutes I had brand new nails and they were already shaped so well. My tech did such a good job with her freehand application that my talons only needed a little bit of sharpening to get the stiletto shape afterwards. She is the best!

My back to back appointments at Elysian Nails had me feeling like a billion bucks and I love my pretty new toes and nails. My claws look awesome and I seriously can’t stop looking at them. Lemon Lime for the win!

What is your favorite kind of pop? What color of nail polish are you rocking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr11

Pedi Party

Posted on April 11, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! Mondays are one of my favorite days of the week because I either work with my online boss in person or just get to work from home and it is great! I also love being able to spend that WFH time with the bunnies so it is a banner day to be me. This past Monday was even better than usual. I worked from home, Johnny was off, the solar eclipse happened (More on that soon!), and I got to hang out with my mom. As a belated birthday gift, I treated my mom and I to Spa Pedicures at Elysian Nails. This is the fourth pedicure I’ve ever had and my mom’s first and we both enjoyed ourselves so much! Check it out:

The last time I got a pedicure was when I got married and I just did the most basic one. I wanted to go all out for my mom’s birthday treat, though, so two Spa Pedis it was. This type of pedicure came with all of the bells and whistles and my mom and I loved every minute of it. After selecting our colors (Hot pink gel for her and black polish for me), we sat down in massage chairs and let the fantastic techs get to work. I think we would have both been happy with our feet in the warm water and letting the massage chairs do their thing!

For almost an entire hour, we were pampered with scrubs, rubs, hot towels, and the finest attention to detail on our tootsies. After just a few minutes of our pedicure, it was like looking at entirely different toes! We were both amazed at how the nails were essentially reshaped and it was a night and day difference. All of the treatments used worked wonders too. My feet and calves have never felt so soft and smooth and I didn’t think it was possible for them to feel that good. We both left our appointment feeling like a million bucks with pretty painted toes and a brand new memory to share together. ❤

As we drove home from our Pedi Party, we decided that twice a year pedicures should be a new tradition for my sister, mom, and me. I already can’t wait for our next one and, as always, Elysian Nails got us just right!

How often do you get pedicures? What is your favorite spa treatment? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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