Tag Archives: weekend

Feb24

Trying Something New

Posted on by
Standard
Trying Something New

Hello everyone and happy weekend! Saying that this winter has been below average would be putting it nicely, because it really freaking sucked. But, life goes on, and sometimes you just have to keep pushing through until your next big exciting break happens. To keep myself from going insane, I have been trying to incorporate some new things into my life to keep my mental health in check and to have some fun.

One thing that I love to do is learn new languages. I speak English and pretty above decent French, if I do say so myself. Learning new languages has always been a fun thing for me, rather than a chore. So, to add to the fun, I began teaching myself American Sign Language about two months ago and I’m really enjoying it. I try my best to practice for at least a little bit every day and am proud of the progress that I’ve made. I also like to watch French films and TV shows or movies with sign language in it to keep myself sharp.

The great thing about learning a new language, is that there is always something new that you can learn within the language that you’re practicing. Constantly gaining knowledge helps keep my mind off of some of the bullshit, and it is one of my favorite ways to pass the time. I plan on learning Spanish next because, despite taking it for eight years in grade school, I can’t remember a darn thing and I’d like to have it in my language arsenal.

Another new activity that I have been trying, as per recommendation of my therapist, is yoga and meditation. I have taken yoga classes before and really enjoyed it, and with my therapist pushing it every week, I decided to give it another shot. I found free yoga and meditation classes at one of the local libraries and have had nothing but good experiences so far. And, since I ball on a budget, you can’t beat free!

Although I haven’t been having the best of times in life by any means at the moment, I am proud of myself for getting up and trying to learn something new instead of giving up and doing nothing with my day. I always feel good when I activate my mind and body and now, I just need to remind myself to keep doing it because I know that it works.

What is something new that you would like to try? Are you taking any classes or teaching yourself about a subject that you’re interested in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pinterest

Feb4

Smart Buy For Pet Owners

Posted on by
Standard
Smart Buy For Pet Owners

Hi hi hi! For Christmas, my mom got all of the dogs in our family a glowing collar light for late night or early morning walks. During the winter, it is pitch black when nightfall hits and any extra visibility for cars on the road to see our furry friends is a good thing. I had meant to put this purchase from Foster And Smith on the blog many moons ago. I all but forgot about it until my dog, Ollie, managed to turn it on by himself and was walking around our home like a tiny, hairy lantern.

olliee1

Ollie: Collar light model extraordinaire

Not only is the collar light a great buy for dogs, but it is also smart for outdoor cats, as well. Keeping your furry friends safe from harm is one of the most important things that we can do as pet owners and these lights are an amazing and easy way to help do just that. 🙂

What kind of pet do you have? What precautions do you take to keep your pets safe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb3

Sephora Cream Lip Stain Swatch In Infinite Rose

Posted on by
Standard
Sephora Cream Lip Stain Swatch In Infinite Rose

Hellooo everyone and happy weekend! Although I am not the biggest makeup girl in the world, I do try to keep my tabs on brands that are considered good and bad. Unfortunately for Sephora, I have heard nothing but bad reviews about their products – which is fine because I wasn’t going to buy them anyways! BUT, my sister gave me a hand me down of one of their lip stains so I had to at least give it a swatch. And who knows, maybe I’ll try it eventually! Take a look:

sephora4sephora6sephora7

While swatching this lip stain, I didn’t come across any unpleasantness. It was quite the opposite, actually. Firstly, this product smells AMAZING. It seriously smells like cake batter… and mama loves her some cake. I also really like the color of this lip stain. It has more of a brown undertone to it rather than a pure pinky rose, which makes me way more keen on wearing it. I love dusty, dusky roses for lip colors on me but anything overly pink has GOTSTA GO.

The only thing that I wasn’t really impressed with was the drying time for this product. It took about five minutes to get to a point where a large amount wasn’t coming off on my fingers. And, even then, I could still see pigment on my phalanges from the stain. Ain’t nobody got time to wait that long for lip color to dry – especially someone who prefers products that are instantly matte.

Although the drying time was pretty long, this Sephora lip stain was really difficult to get off. I had to scrub a wet towel over the swatch twice to get the majority of it off and there is still some left over color visible on my hand. Lip products that don’t budge are always a good thing, so thumbs up for that.

I’m sure that I will break out this lip stain at some point during the spring. But, for now, I don’t feel overwhelmingly negative about Sephora’s “Infinite Rose” at all. It’s funny how one can be pleasantly surprised when they think that they are about to try out the worst product ever and it’s way better than expected!

How do you feel about Sephora’s line of makeup? What is your go to lip stain? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan7

lifewithlilred By The Numbers In 2017

Posted on by
Standard
lifewithlilred By The Numbers In 2017

Hellloooooooo and happy Sunday! With a brand new year upon is, it’s time to explore lifewithlilred By The Numbers In 2017. My blog is my pride and joy, and I am so pleased with the progress that I have made this past year to keep my page running smoothly. As always, thank you to all of my readers and friends who stop by on my page – all of you have helped to make 2017 the best year yet on lifewithlilred! These stats and the progress made since 2016 would be simply impossible without each and every one of you!

2017 Stats:

  • Overall Views: 66,000
  • Followers: 6,730
  • Likes: 27,000
  • Comments: 4,300
  • Countries I’m Read In: 170+

Wow!!! I love how WordPress gives you your stats by the day, month, and year so that you can really track the strides that have been made on your page as time passes. It helps me so much in deciding feasible goals for each month and the entire year. Do I wish that I could get 100,000 views in 2018? Who doesn’t?! But, I would be SO pleased with 75,000 and am going to do everything in my power to make that happen this year. #GOALS

How do you create goals for your blog? What is something about your page that makes you proud? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec9

Collar Coolness: St. Tropez Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Collar Coolness: St. Tropez Edition

Hey everyone and happy weekend! So yesterday we talked about some Collar Coolness with my new faux fur Modena collar and today we are going to stay on that topic with this gorgeous St. Tropez piece. Take a look and let’s discuss:

collar3collar5collar6

^^^ The collar is lined with silk fabric in a floral pattern. So pretty!

Of course, I couldn’t have just one collar and I chose to get another one in this sultry, smokey mauve shade. This St. Tropez accessory is a lot fuller than my Modena one as seen in yesterday’s post and I really like that. The added fluff makes for a more over the top piece, and we all know that Lil Red loves making a statement!

I’m definitely excited to style this collar into my outfits, but I’m actually more looking forward to the makeup that can be worn with it! I am thinking a lush, purple smokey eye and a nude lip to create a really posh overall look. I do love this collar with my moto jacket as seen above, but I think that I would wear this one with a sleek little black dress for a swanky New Year’s Eve party look.

These collars are so fun but they also add such an air of chicness to every single piece that they’re paired with and I love that. My green Modena collar is edgy and funky, while this St. Tropez piece adds such a luxe touch to everything. The color is very high fashion to me and all of the extra volume doesn’t hurt in creating an interesting and fashion forward silhouette to all of my outfits.

So there you have it, some more Collar Coolness: St. Tropez Edition! How would you style this accessory? Do you prefer the green Modena collar or the mauve St. Tropez one? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec3

NYX Liquid Suede Stone Fox Swatch

Posted on by
Standard
NYX Liquid Suede Stone Fox Swatch

Helloooo everyone and happy Sunday! I hope that all of you are having a lovely weekend full of fun, friends, and family. Today, I thought that we would talk about a lipstick that I have no genuine idea why I bought, but I figured it would be beneficial to someone out there to see the swatch for. We’re talking NYX’s Liquid Suede lipstick in Stone Fox. Take a looksee and let’s discuss:

nyx2nyx1nyx4nyx3

First of all, I love NYX products. My all time favorite shade of red lippie is NYX and I will be sure to write about it later, because it is divine. This shade for me, though? Not so much. I was stoked when the Liquid Suede line came out, because it offered an array of different jewel toned shades that all looked gorgeous. It also featured the color seen above, Stone Fox.

The Liquid Suede line came out at just the right time, because that’s when jewel tones and black/grey lipstick was becoming extremely popular. I had seen dark grey and black lippie shades all over the blogosphere, and I really wanted to give it a try. I am an emo kid at heart, and the idea of wearing a dark, almost costume style lip and have it be seen as fashion forward instead of weird was exhilarating to me.

Unfortunately, the exhilaration of the prospect of a charcoal lip was short lived. I tried this shade on at home and it looked like SHIT on me. Seriously, it looked like I smeared car grease all over my mouth and it was anything but fashion forward. It’s a damn shame, because all of the girls that I have seen rocking this trend look stunning. So, why not me? Well, there’s a few reasons:

  • This color looked a lot “much” with my face full of piercings.
  • This color looked abysmal when paired with my bright red hair.
  • And, at the end of the day, your girl was just not meant for charcoal lips.

Whomp, whomp.

In a desperate attempt to get this lippie off once I realized that it looked like I ate paint, I applied a lavender shade of chapstick over top of it, because this product doesn’t budge once it dries. Shockingly, the Stone Fox mixed with the lavender looked like a really pretty, smokey lilac and I loved it. BUT, ain’t nobody got time for that and despite liking the concocted color, it just wasn’t for me. That story was just an idea for the girls interested in giving this shade a go. YOU’RE WELCOME! :*)

I do like trying new lipstick colors but, true to my namesake, Lil Red will always love red lipstick the best! How do you feel about black and jewel toned lipstick? Could you pull off charcoal colored lips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec2

Face Mask Festivities: St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask

Posted on by
Standard
Face Mask Festivities: St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask

Helloooo everyone and welcome to the last post in my Face Mask Festivities mini series! Today, we are going to talk about a brand that I love oh so very much – St. Ives. I use St. Ives products every day, whether it be a scrub or body wash, and I always thoroughly enjoy using their skin care and bath and body goodies. The Oatmeal scrub that I’m currently using just so happens to double as a face mask, so I thought that I would finally use a beloved product in a brand new way. Take a look and let’s discuss:

stives1stivesstives2

I was curious to see how this mask would work, because I’ve used it as a scrub countless times but never really bothered to try it differently. I love this St. Ives product as a scrub, but not so much as a mask. The mask instructions read to leave it on for five to seven minutes and I genuinely don’t know how that’s possible. Within about three minutes, this mask felt tight, tight, tight on my face and had already hardened from its dampened form. As you can see by my “after” pic, it left my skin quite irritated and I had to use a heavy moisturizer to get my skin feeling hydrated again.

I will say that this mask smells absolutely delicious. I am a sucker for oatmeal scented products, and this one is no exception. There’s something about the rich, creamy scents that just get me. It makes my skin feel nourished and well taken care of and I really love that. Now, if only this mask made me feel that way, because it left my skin parched for moisture rather than lush and lovely.

The entire time that I had this mask on, although it was short lived, I was thinking about how much I would rather be using The Body Shop’s Honey & Oat Mask, instead. From now on, this St. Ives product is going to stick to its uses as a scrub, because that is where this skin care treat shines.

So there you have it, the last post for this round’s Face Mask Festivities: St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask Edition! Which mask from this series would you like to try? What are your thoughts on this mask if you have ever used it before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Cision

Nov26

Unsung Wardrobe Heroes

Posted on by
Standard
Unsung Wardrobe Heroes

Helloooo everyone and welcome to a new segment here on lifewithlilred. Unsung Wardrobe Heroes is all about celebrating the staples that make up your closet that might not get enough credit. I know between my shoe hoard, love for bold jackets, and loud statement pieces, that my day to day clothing items (Especially for work!) seem to go unnoticed. Today, we’re going to talk about one of my literal favorite work shirts that also doubles as an amazing top for play. Take a look and let’s discuss:

shirtloftloft2loft1

I really, really freaking like this shirt from Loft. I remember seeing it close to a year ago and thinking that I had to have it – and getting it for about fifteen dollars definitely didn’t hurt the cause, either! White is a color that I’m timidly trying to add more and more of into my wardrobe, and this was the shirt that started that movement. I love how the stark white pops against my skin and hair. Then, the bold, black paper fan pattern adds the touch of edge and fun that I have to have in everything that I buy.

This shirt is ideal as a top for work, and I love that it is so much more than a basic white button down thanks to the contrasting colors in such a charming pattern. But, as you can see from the first picture, this top is perfect for play, as well! This past summer, I preferred to wear this top tucked into shorts, along with a Panama hat and platform heels for a sassy ensemble to wear to my favorite outdoor shopping centers.

The best thing about this Loft top, though? It’s how easy it is to take this shirt from work to play in a few simple steps. I never change into a different outfit after work, but if I am going out afterwards, this top can turn into a nighttime look with a quick change of shoes, jacket, and accessories – talk about an Unsung Wardrobe Hero!

So there you have it, the newest lifewithlilred segment, Unsung Wardrobe Heroes! What are some favorites in your closet that doesn’t get enough credit? How would you style my Loft top? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov25

November 2017 Finishes

Posted on by
Standard
November 2017 Finishes

Hi everyone and happy weekend! I can’t believe that it’s already time for another monthly finishes post as November begins to draw to a close. This month, I happened to love all of the beauty products and bath and body goodies that I finished up so take a look and let’s discuss:

emptyy.jpeg

Would I Use Again?

  • Softsoap Honey Creme & Lavender body wash: YES
  • Dickinson’s Witch Hazel: YES
  • The Body Shop Strawberry scrub: YES
  • The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost: YES
  • The Body Shop Vitamin E body butter: YES
  • Yes To Coconuts moisturizer: YES

Why/Why Not?

Softsoap Body Wash: I absolutely loved this product. IT SMELLS SO GOOD!!! Normally, I’m not a lavender fan in the slightest, but the floral hints are so subtle that it makes for a totally delicious scent combination. The honey creme fragrance is so rich and creamy – it makes showering feel like a luxury. And, because the body wash is a cream instead of a gel, it left my skin feeling silky and hydrated. In my efforts to make my products last longer, it took me two months to finish this body wash. Woah!

Dickinson’s Witch Hazel: Witch Hazel is a must in my beauty routine and I use it religiously every day once I get out of the shower to clean my piercings and then I use it all over as a toner. This wonder product tightens my pores, relieves any redness, and helps remove any leftover makeup that I didn’t get off in the shower. Talk about incredible! And the best part? It took me about five months to finish this product!

TBS Scrub: I got this scrub from TJMaxx for five dollars and it provided me with at least twenty full body uses when I’m shaving during bath time. I love the strawberry scent from The Body Shop and this scrub gives me a close shave and doesn’t dry out my skin in the process. Now, I need to find me a Satsuma scrub at TJs so I can change it up!

TBS Skin Boost: Yes, yes we all know that I love this product. It took me about three months to finish it.

TBS Body Butter: I love all things Vitamin E from TBS and this body butter is no exception. I got it for six bucks at TJMaxx and it provided me with five full body uses, which lasted me one month and one week. I can’t describe the Vitamin E scent in any way but creamy. It just smells so lush and I love being able to wrap my body in a souffle of it. The pretty light pink color is another added bonus!

Yes To Moisturizer: This product cost me six bucks at TJs and I probably got thirty uses of it on my face and neck. I love, love, love this moisturizer. The whipped coconut scent is simply to die for and the ultra moisturizing concoction leaves my skin glowing with peaches and cream perfection.

November was definitely a successful month for finishes and I loved being able to use up so many products that I genuinely enjoy! Which products are you finishing up this month? Have you used any of the above products before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov18

Mean Muggin’

Posted on by
Standard
Mean Muggin’

Hi everyone and happy weekend! One present that always sits well with me are coffee mugs. Lil Red loves her caffeine, and I love novelty mugs just as much as the next person. My thing, though – is that I never use them! I guess I never really noticed the coffee mug collection that has accumulated on my desk at home until my sister pointed it out. But I can’t help myself. Mugs break, there can be dishwasher disasters, paint and pieces can chip – these are all chances that I’m not willing to take! So, I leave my precious mugs to be admired on my desk and will usually put my knick knacks in them, instead.

Here are just a few of my mugs in my collection – travel ones not included, because that’s an entirely different story!

mugmug2mug3mug4mug5

Obviously, my sister and best friends know exactly what to gift me with and all of these mugs are special to me. But, I have to admit, that I am most partial to my minion mug from my sister a la my birthday last year! I am completely Despicable Me obsessed, so Kristen really hit the nail on the head with that one. It’s the cutest! :*)

Will I ever get around to using my mug collection? Maybe. Am I mad about it? No way! Whoever said that you have to use items that you collect is a liar! What are some of the things that you collect? Do you get any use out of your collections? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah