Tag Archives: weekend

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

Nov14

Tokyo A Go Go Treats

Posted on by
Standard
Tokyo A Go Go Treats

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! This past weekend, my brother and sister in law came up for a visit from Atlanta, Georgia. My sister in law, Megan was recently in Tokyo, Japan for work and my brother, Peter, flew out to spend some time with her there. In my family, having a sibling that recently traveled means viewing lots of pictures, listening to stories, and PRESENTS! Take a looksee at what Peter and Megan gifted me with all the way from Tokyo and let’s discuss:

japanjapan1japan2japan4japan5japan6japan7

^^^ In case you can’t tell, the pictures above showcase a lovely little coin purse and folded fan a la Japan! 😉

I am so obsessed with my new coin purse it isn’t even funny. I have been using the same old change purse (A freebie from Victoria’s Secret.) for literal years, but would never buy a new one for myself.

  1. I like my old one well enough.
  2. It was free.
  3. Is a new one really necessary?

So obviously, I was really excited to be gifted with a new one, because the chances of me purchasing or even thinking of looking for a new coin purse were slim to none. I love the bright colors, the slightly different front and back, and the separator in the bag. I keep little trinkets that make me smile in my coin purse, so now I can have one side for those and one side for my change without mixing the two up and handing a cashier a cute, heart shaped button. Great success!

And, of course, I love my new fan. I have wanted a folded fan like this for forever, because I am extra enough to keep one in my bag and whip it out when I’m in a stuffy location. Now that I finally have a fan to do this with, it definitely sucks that winter is coming in hot on the horizon – because that’s the only thing warm about Ohio right now. However, I am SUPER happy about this beautiful, traditional prezzie and I can’t wait for when the day comes that I can take it out of my bag and start fanning myself in public!

Even though presents are nice, they are certainly not necessary. This is why I am always so excited to be gifted with something, because I was thought of enough for the gifter to make the purchase. Peter and Megan were spot on with the treasures that they bought for me and it gave me all the warm fuzzies. Not to mention that it was a total blast hanging out with them this weekend! :*)

So there you have it, some Tokyo A Go Go Treats! Which locations are on your travel bucket list? How do you preserve memories while you’re traveling? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov8

If The Shoe Fits: Reaction By Kenneth Cole Edition

Posted on by
Standard
If The Shoe Fits: Reaction By Kenneth Cole Edition

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! This past weekend I had a lot of fun hanging out with my mom and sister, Kristen. On Saturday night we enjoyed a ladies night out at a Mexican restaurant (Yum!) and on Sunday afternoon we went shopping all together at the “fancier” TJMaxx in Fairlawn, Ohio that my sister works by. Of course, I love my home base TJs that I live closer to, but it’s fun to go to a different one, especially when it has a better collection of more high end designers.

Kristen rarely goes shopping with my mom and I, so it was really exciting when she asked if we would come with her while she did some browsing before work. My sister’s opinion means a lot to me, and it’s always such a high compliment when she likes something that I’m wearing because we have such different tastes in personal style. That’s why when she expressed such a positive opinion of these new twenty-four buck beauties, I couldn’t say no! Take a looksee:

kc2kc1

Although my nickname is Lil Red, I rarely wear any clothing/accessories/shoes that rings true to my namesake. In fact, I don’t own one pair of red shoes (Shocking, I know!), so when I saw these retro inspired brick red Kenneth Cole heels, I had to give them a try. These shoes spoke to me on a spiritual level. The faux suede, the fringe, the buckle, the clothed heel, and the COLOR! And the twenty-four dollar price tag with a “compare at” price of fifty was a price that I was more than comfortable paying.

These shoes looked great with the outfit that I was wearing when I tried them on. I was wearing a pair of tights underneath shorts along with a flannel and a moto jacket on top. Not only were they a hit with my sister, but the two older ladies that were perusing the shoe department were also swooning over them. Everything that I purchase is because I love it but, I have to admit, it is always nice to receive compliments on something as soon as you try it on!

Although these heels made a great addition to a more edgy, street style outfit, I am more looking forward to wearing them for work. I think that the shape and style of my new shoe collection addition is very chic and professional, but the color and the fringe still makes it young and fun for a twenty-something on the go. These will add a sweet pop of color to my work wardrobe and will also be a funky way to complete an OOTD on the weekends. And hey, it only seems right that Lil Red finally has a piece of red anything in her closet!

So there you have it, the newest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Reaction By Kenneth Cole Edition! How would you style these shoes? What is your favorite pop of color to incorporate into your outfits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov5

Feeling Blah

Posted on by
Standard
Feeling Blah

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! Is it just me or are any of you guys feeling totally blah lately? I recently started going to therapy at the beginning of October and it has had me in quite a tizzy. That, on top of the changing weather, the darkness that falls in the early evening, and the stressers of daily life has left me feeling completely lackluster.

Now, I get it, life isn’t always sunshine, puppies, and rainbows (I wish!) – but that doesn’t mean that having the blues doesn’t freaking suck! Everything in Lil Red’s world at the moment has just been that step below average. So the not good but closer to bad doldrums have hit me like a ton of bricks. And once those feelings make camp in your head, it’s so hard to shake them.

I try not to be a complainer and god knows I try to just grin and bear it, but boy is it exhausting. I have found solace in Netflix and chilling with myself in between my work schedule but I think that I have become wayyy too comfortable just sinking into the couch and trying to forget my worries in a binge watching session.

So how does one peel themselves off of their futon and start taking life by the horns again? Shit, I don’t know! That’s why I’m asking you guys! Lol, but seriously I need to take a deep breath, get up, and just go. Yes, it’s easier to lose myself in a Saw movie marathon but it would be better to do things that are good for me to clear some of the fog in my head. But, man is it hard sometimes!

What do you do to ease some of the blahs in your brain? How do you get yourself going again after a stint with depression? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pinterest

Nov4

Travel Sizes: Little But Fierce

Posted on by
Standard
Travel Sizes: Little But Fierce

Hi everyone and welcome to the weekend! Because of my Manhattan travels last month for AnkhorRed’s Bloggers Conference, I was finally able to break out one of my many travel sized shower gels from Bath & Body Works, compliments of my freebie coupons. I have to say, I’m nothing short of impressed. Take a look and let’s discuss:

“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” – William Shakespeare

minii

Do you want to know how long it took to finish this three fluid ounce sized B&BW shower gel? ALMOST THREE WEEKS!!!! Three entire weeks of using a mini shower gel, says the girl who can finish a full sized body wash in a month flat? Yeah, you heard right.

BUT HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!

I’ve been racking my brains trying to figure out how this could be and I only have two solutions that makes sense. With a normal sized shower gel, I was so convinced that it would never run out that I would use way more than what was necessary. And, also, I really really like taking bubble baths. And when you combine these two factors, it just leads to using the body wash in excess, which causes me to use it up way faster than the average Joe.

HOW WASN’T THE SHOWER GEL FINISHED IN THREE DAYS?!

I’ve been racking my brains trying to figure out how this could be and I only have one solution that makes sense. I honestly just think that I wanted to see how long I could make this itty bitty travel sized gel last. I was able to see clearly how much body wash that I had left, thanks to the clear packaging, and every day that I went without finishing it, I tried to see if I could tack on another. And, the Bath & Body Works gel lathers really nicely, so I still felt squeaky clean without having to use an excess amount.

Using this travel sized product was an extremely eye opening experiment about just how much shower gel I was actually using and how much is truly necessary to use every day. With all of this newfound knowledge in mind, I can’t wait to see how long I can make a full sized SoftSoap or Suave shower gel bottle last!

Travel Sizes have definitely proven to be Little But Fierce in the most amazing way possible, because it’s going to mean saving money on bath and body products in the years to come. Who else has had a similar experience with an abnormally long lasting travel size product? What are your must have products in travel sizes while you’re on vacation? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct29

Scarf Series: Shoot For The Moon Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Scarf Series: Shoot For The Moon Edition

Hello everyone and happy Sunday! I hope that all of you are having a relaxing and restful day to wrap up your week! Today we will be completing the Scarf Series with a gorgeous, black and silver number straight out of one of Stevie Nick’s costume trunks. When I first saw this scarf at TJMaxx, I was totally thinking “Stevie”. And the first words out of my mom’s mouth when she saw it was “It’s just like Stevie Nicks”. So, let’s just say that this scarf is very Stevie inspired. Take a look and let’s discuss:

moon1moon2

This Printed Village scarf features metallic silver moons in various stages of waxing and waning against a deep black midnight sky. I’m not going to lie, I hated my Astronomy class in college, but I freaking LOVE the celestial background of this beauty! The pattern of this scarf is simple, cool, and understated, which is different than what I normally go for. You guys know that I love loud and bold clothing. However, there was something about this scarf that stuck… And yes, it is the fact that my mom and I agreed that it’s very Stevie Nicks. 😉

The best thing about this scarf, though? Other than the shimmering moons and a nod to the White Witch? The styling possibilities – because this scarf is huge. This Printed Village piece is the size of your average picnic blanket, which leaves you with tons of options for how to wear it. The idea that I’ve been toying with lately is wearing it as a sarong style wrap over a pair of black skinnies with a black crop top and my black oversized boyfriend blazer for a sleek All Black Everything OOTD. And, of course, chunky silver and gold jewelry is a must to tie everything together.

The sarong wrap for styling this scarf is an interesting idea that I’m looking forward to sporting. But this scarf is so Stevie that it would be sinful to not style it as such. To emulate the White Witch, I plan on layering my sheer maxi dress (That has a solid black crop style top.) over top of a lace maxi skirt, my new scarf wrapped as a shawl on top, and a Panama hat. My black, thigh high, faux suede boots underneath will complete the look and will be a fun peek-a-boo surprise when I give a signature Stevie twirl!

So there you have it, the last of my Scarf Series: Shoot For The Moon Edition! Which celebrity’s style do you admire? How would you style a Stevie Nicks inspired look? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct28

Scarf Series: London Calling Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Scarf Series: London Calling Edition

Hi everyone and happy weekend! Today we’re going to talk about another scarf from TJMaxx that ignited a newly found passion for such a staple accessory. Because the way I style my outfits is so shoe and jacket oriented, scarves have been a part of my wardrobe that has fallen by the wayside. I have a lovely collection of scarves before these new additions in the Scarf Series, but my newbie purchases have sparked a fire to wear one literally whenever I can now. It’s new, but I’m not mad about it! Take a look at the next scarf segment in this series and let’s discuss:

londonlondon1

If there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, it’s all Europe everything. From a strong desire to travel there to a deep appreciation for the style and culture, this girl is destined to make her way across the pond. Whenever I see a piece of clothing or an accessory that fits my style and has an ode to Europe, whether it be literally in its design or made overseas, I am attracted to it like bees to honey. So, obviously you can see why I loved this scarf at first glance!

I am unsure of the brand of this scarf, as there was no tag. But, I like to make pretend that it came from some darling boutique in London that I could spend a rainy afternoon browsing through. This scarf screams “British Invasion” and I love everything about it. The fun, cartoon like designs, the fact that it’s not an infinity scarf (Hello, Parisian style wearing!), and the muted yet somehow bright colors with an emphasis on black, white, and red makes me go all heart eyes. I honestly can’t even, because this little baby was made for me.

This scarf is cheeky, which is so classic in describing Brit humor, so obviously I’m going to style this accessory with a sense of fun in mind. I’m thinking of throwing this around my neck over top of a mini dress layered with an over sized army green button down on top and a chunky, funky heel on the bottom to bring some London luxe to Akron, Ohio. Cheers!

So there you have it, the latest issue in my Scarf Series: London Calling Edition! Where in Europe would you like to visit? What do you admire most about European style/culture? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah