Tag Archives: update

Jul10

Duolingo Update

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Duolingo Update

Yo! It has been a while since I gave an update on my language learning festivities, so here we are. This past month, I have added Czech to my trifecta of languages that I have been working on with French, Spanish, and Italian. And, let me tell you, it has been about a bitch. I decided to start Czech because of my halfsies heritage with my mom being one hundred percent Czechoslovakian. And, I plan on starting German in another month or so as my dad is almost one hundred percent in his nationality.

Being fluent in French made Spanish and Italian fairly easy to work on, since the Romance languages are pretty similar. I also took Spanish from kindergarten to eighth grade and some of that (But not much!) is definitely coming back. Italian has proven to be more challenging than I thought it would be, but I finally think I am getting a better grip on it after over three months of working on it.

The real difficulty lies in Czech because it sounds SO different than any of the other languages that I am familiar with. None of the words in Czech sound anything like English, which is so helpful in my Romance languages because you can make an educated guess even if it sounds vaguely like something you have heard before. I went into Czech blind or, deaf, I should say because aside from a few random words I’ve heard from my mom and grandma, I’ve never even heard it spoken before.

But, Lil Red never backs down from a challenge and I plan to continue working hard on Czech as well as the other three languages in my arsenal. In the meantime, does anyone have any tips on learning a new language? Czech in specific? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul8

Improvements That Could Increase The Value Of Your Home

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Improvements That Could Increase The Value Of Your Home

Are you looking for ways to improve your home, but aren’t sure where to start? Making improvements to your home can be extremely satisfying and you can customize it all to your liking. If you are on a limited budget, it can be hard to know which parts of your home should be prioritized when carrying out a renovation. If you are looking for improvements that will help to add some extra value to your home and, potentially make it more appealing to future buyers, these ideas should help:

Replace Your Windows and Doors:

Your home’s windows and doors are one of the first things that people will notice about your house; as they are one of the most prominent features on your home’s exterior. Over time, windows and doors are subjected to the elements and have to withstand everything from heavy snowstorms to the hot sun beating down onto them. It’s little wonder that every now and again it is a good idea to get your windows and doors replaced. As windows and doors are such an integral part of your home and perform such an important role, it is vital to choose replacement windows and doors which are well-made and of the highest quality. Mr. Rogers Windows and Doors offers a fantastic range of replacement windows and doors, which are sure to improve the appearance of any home.

It might not seem like it, but changing your front door can really make a big difference. You will want to make sure what you choose is something that you are going to be completely happy with. Look through ideas on Pinterest or pop on HGTV. Then, enter a search for “discount doors houston” or your local area to see your vision come to life.

Convert Your Loft:

Your loft is a part of the house that has enormous potential. If your attic is currently being used as a storage area, then why not bring it to life and get some real use out of it? Your loft offers endless opportunities for use as an extra living space in your home. Using your loft space to add extra bedrooms and bathrooms can really increase the value of your home, and make it all the more appealing to potential buyers. If you have no immediate plans to sell your home, a loft conversion still has its benefits. All the extra living space that you create makes a perfect place for guests to stay and is ideal if your family is still growing.

Update Your Kitchen:

Changing your kitchen can be a large project to undertake, but it is totally worth it when complete. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so making it a space that is as attractive as it is functional is important. Kitchen renovations can be super expensive, but you can adjust your makeover plans to suit your budget, and still make a big difference to the way your kitchen looks. If you are on a tight budget but still want to change things up, why not simply change the doors and worktops, instead? Replacing the doors and worktops may be cost-effective but can still make a dramatic difference to the overall look of the room.

If you fancy going all-out on redesigning your new kitchen, then you may decide to gut it entirely and start again from scratch. Going back to basics means that you are able to utilize the space better and get the kitchen exactly how you would like it. If you are planning on a full on renovation, search for a kitchen remodeler in Tampa, FL or your local area to get started. The experts will be able to walk you through the merits of additions such as high-end integrated appliances, attractive tiles, and kitchen islands that can really help to add value to your home.

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Naomi Hébert on Unsplash

Renovate Your Bathroom:

Alongside the kitchen, the bathroom is the other room in your home that usually costs the most to improve. Due to the costs involved, a beautiful bathroom can have a really positive impact on your home’s value along with how much it appeals to potential buyers. If you have a small bathroom, you may look for ways to redesign it so that it appears bigger and less cramped. This can be achieved by installing a corner bath and corner sink so that less of the floor space is taken up, and every part of the room is utilized.

Be mindful of your budget, make a plan, and soon your house will be feeling brand new with an increased property value, to boot!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May27

Doing Me For Me

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Doing Me For Me

Hiii everyone! This past month, I have made some major changes when it comes to work and my life in general and I honestly have never been happier. For the past couple of years, my life has felt like the epitome of “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Not to say that I don’t love my job, because it is simply the best. But, I was working so much to the point that my social life or even just time for me was essentially nonexistent.

I was starting to become really bitter, especially from seeing all of my friends doing such cool stuff all over social media while my days off on the weekend were spent recouping from a long work week. I felt envious of my friends or people I don’t even know on my newsfeed living their best life while I felt like I was merely working my way through mine week after week.

I was fed up and so I made the decision to change things. I made the difficult choice to drop one of my clients and I also rearranged my schedule to give myself some evenings off. And, within one week, I felt a major difference in my mental health. For once, I was enjoying having friends over for drinks at my apartment, going out, and running errands that I had saved for the weekend. And, my boyfriend and I get more regular times to see each other, which is the best!

I spent a majority of twenty-three and twenty-four building my businesses. And, now that both of them are totally stable, I am fortunate enough to cut back on my hours a bit. I feel proud of myself that I took a major stand to start improving my mental health and being able to feel like a twenty-four year old with a social life is what I desperately needed. It was a big step and I could have easily kept running myself into the ground but, doing me for me needed to happen and my life feels infinitely better for it.

So, this post is a friendly reminder for all of you to take the steps to do you for you. Carve out time to give yourself a break, cut out negativity, and do what you have to do to live your best life. ❤

How do you do you for you? What can you do to improve your life today? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May17

Apartment Lyfe Update

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Apartment Lyfe Update

Helloooo! It has been almost one month since I moved into my very own apartment and, honestly, it couldn’t have gone better. The move went smoothly, I love my space, and it legitimately feels like a vacation being here. From furniture shopping to stocking up my pantry and cooking in my kitchen or waking up in my loft space, everything is still so exciting to me.

And, the novelty continues, as I work on fixing up my office and an art wall in my living room. But, my main living spaces are complete and it turned out exactly how I wanted it to. Even just sitting here at the desk in my office and typing on my own brand new laptop feels awesome!

This move happened at the perfect time and it felt right instead of rushed or scary. I am enjoying my new home so much and it has been such a joy sharing the process with all of you too! What was your first apartment like? What about your current living quarters? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr22

Moving Update

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Moving Update

Hi everyone! I have been super busy with the big move but I just wanted to let all of you know that it’s going swimmingly so far! I cannot wait to give you guys a virtual tour of my apartment once it’s to my liking and show you my new digs. In the meantime while I am unpacking my brains out: What are some of your tips to help a move go smoothly? What was your first apartment like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb16

Progress!

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Progress!

Hi! These past few months have been a whirlwind. December and a portion of January was spent recovering from surgery. While the rest of January and this month have been spent playing catch up from all of the missed time from work. I’ve been very busy going from client to client, maintaining the blog, and still working in time for skating lessons when I can. And, I’ve got to say, I’m feeling awesome!

Even though the recovery from my surgery gone wrong was a great big bitch, a lot of progress was made for my health unintentionally. For example, I quit smoking. I also quit drinking pop and my coffee intake has been very limited, too. Did I want to do any of this? Absolutely not. But, with so many open wounds in my mouth, smoking was impossible. And coffee and pop just didn’t sit well in my stomach once I was able to drink anything comfortably. There was a time when I even considered being a part of a coffee club so I could get coffee delivered regularly, but now it just wouldn’t be worth it with my current state, oh well.

Everyone knows that I am (or was) a Diet Coke fiend and I would never say no to a hot cup of coffee or a trip to Starbucks if I was asked. But, shockingly, I am very okay with these changes, because I have been too busy sipping on the tea to notice. Yes, I have become addicted to green tea and I love it so much that I’m okay with replacing one addiction with another!

During surgery recovery, tea always made me feel a little better. It was refreshing, mild on my stomach, and it put a minuscule pep in my step. And, now, tea makes me feel AWESOME. It energizes me, tastes delicious, and it makes me feel light without the heaviness of a caffeine crash from drinking coffee.

Although the changes above were far from intentional, I’m proud of that progress. Without my horrible oral surgery, I don’t think I would have ever bothered to quit smoking or drinking pop and for that I am thankful. I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t have a cigarette or two while I’m drinking. And, I’d definitely be a liar if I said that I didn’t enjoy a Baja Blast when I hit up Taco Bell. But, these every once in a while occasions are much better than every day habits and I can live with that!

Who else has made some good progress lately? Who has been keeping up with their New Year’s Resolutions? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan27

Lots Of Snow In Ohio

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Lots Of Snow In Ohio

Hiiii! This past weekend, my neck of the woods in good ol’ Akron, Ohio got absolutely pummeled with snow. It had myself and my family stuck indoors for three days straight and the roads were so bad that I couldn’t get to work when Monday rolled around. I also couldn’t go to my planned weekend trip to Pittsburgh for some quality cousin time. I was so bummed! In a nutshell, it was insanely boring, freezing, and oh so very, very snowy. Lots of people have been interested in pictures of what this massive snowfall looked like, so I ventured out into the tundra and snapped the following:

ohio10ohio6ohio8ohio2ohio3ohio5ohio11ohio4ohio1ohio7ohio

^^^ As you can see, the snow was up to my mid thigh – yikes!

For three days in a row, I basically did nothing but hang out, play Candy Crush, watch TLC, and a few LifeTime movies. And, of course, stare out the window and watch all of the snow that we didn’t get throughout the winter fall outside in a matter of a day and a half. It was pretty crazy to see, because my area barely got any snow for the past few months – in fact, we had a lot of days in the forties and fifties. Incredibly mild, to say the least!

Since this RAS (Random Act Of Snowfall), things have pretty much gone back to normal weatherwise in the 330. It is definitely a lot colder than what we’ve been used to, though. But, single digit temperatures have never stopped us Midwesterners yet. 😀 #ope

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

Dec23

I’m Back!

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I’m Back!

Hello! After some grueling time away from my blog baby, Lil Red is officially back. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still in a buttload of pain but, it’s somewhat manageable now and I missed everyone too much to keep away. Long story short, after my wisdom teeth and gum transplant surgery, I had some pretty major complications. This included dehydration, exposed bone in the roof of my mouth, sockets that needed irrigated, and excruciating pain. It. Was. Awful.

But, I’m here now just in time for the holidays and I am so happy to be back in the blogging world with all of my beloved friends and readers. I would appreciate it if everyone would continue sending me the warm fuzzies though, because I’m still hurting pretty badly. And, I will see all of you tomorrow to chit chat about my December finishes! Much love. -Sarah

Sep1

Weekend Update: Sick AF Edition

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Weekend Update: Sick AF Edition

Hiii everyone and happy weekend! You might have noticed that I haven’t been very active on my page this past week, even though I had posts publishing, cause pre-writing. And, that is because I came down with a really nasty bout of the flu. It. Was. Awful. What started out as an earache on Tuesday morning led to full blown incapacity by the early afternoon and I was completely down for the count.

We’re talking a fever that reached to 103 at its peak, a sore throat, an earache, chills, sweats, soreness all over, and not a snowball chance in hell of being able to eat anything. I would sweat so badly at night, that I’d wake up and see red all over my sheets because it made my hair color bleed! I am writing this post on Friday afternoon and am just now feeling semi-normal, even though the morning was really rough.

Because of my mom’s ongoing health struggles, I had to be quarantined to my bedroom for three days. This sucked on ice, because my room doesn’t have a TV! But, I was honestly so out of it that it didn’t even matter. Everything that I tried to do from taking a sip of water to swallowing much needed medicine caused me so much pain that there were points when I just started crying. It was totally and completely miserable.

But, after what felt like an eternity, I am finally back on the blogosphere and all I gotta say is thank gawd for pre-writing! I was so pleased when I discovered that all of my days away were covered because I had totally forgot! And, of course, I am so glad to be feeling better and back with all of you here on lifewithlilred. ❤

Aug31

Pacer Update (Finally!)

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Pacer Update (Finally!)

Hello everyone! It’s been a while since I updated you guys on my Pacer pedometer app progress and, honestly, that’s because there wasn’t much. This past month and a half has been a total doozy. I was so mentally and physically drained, and the last thing that I wanted to do was commit to walking 10,000 steps per day when I could have been laying on my sorry behind watching TV!!

But, that wasn’t really getting me anywhere and, as soon as the events that were taking place in my life that caused me a lot of anguish turned around, I was excited to pick up the Pacer again. This past week, I have been really dedicated to getting my 10K steps in at least four days of the week and I have blown that goal out of the water. It feels good to get myself moving again and although a lot of progress hasn’t been made, I’m back on the horse and I’m proud of that. Take a look at my stats:

  • Steps Taken: 1,364,282
  • Calories Burned: 33,311
  • Miles Walked: 445
  • Hours Active: 211
  • Days As A Pacer User: 177

I was also really pleased to see that I’ve been more active than sixty percent of the users on Pacer because, the last time I did an update, I was at a measly thirty percent. I doubled that! Things are looking up, and my exercise regimen is back in full swing, which makes things seem like they’re looking up even more! I feel really happy, and I can’t wait to get my 10,000 steps in today! 😀

Who else uses a pedometer app? How do you get back on the horse after a hiatus from working out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah