Tag Archives: weekend

Apr10

Monday Update: Sister’s Birthday Celebration Edition

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Monday Update: Sister’s Birthday Celebration Edition

Heyyy everyone and happy Monday! This past weekend was SO much fun because it was my sister, Kristen’s, 25th birthday! We had such a wonderful time celebrating and I was really happy because I got to spend her entire birthday with her. Kristen is unbearably hard to shop for, so for her birthday I decided to keep it simple and snag her some gift cards so that we could make a day out of using them. Which is exactly what we did!

I got Kristen a gift card to Sephora and to the nail salon that we go to, so we spent the afternoon girling out with pedicures and makeup shopping. Although I didn’t get a pedi because balling on a budget, I got to soak my nasty feet and sit in a massage chair while Kristen got pampered and we had so much fun chit chatting and laughing with all of our favorite nail techies. Kristen got the Hello Kitty pink polish that I recently got on my nails on her toes and it looked so freaking cute! I can’t say that about my feet, but I’m glad that her toesies are on point just in time for flip flop season!

After pedicures, we went to the mall to ultimately spend what felt like forever in Sephora. I have actually never spent that much time in there before and it was surprisingly really fun. We tried on different lipsticks and browsed through the aisles pointing out ridiculous eyeshadow or lip colors and figuring out the best way for her to spend her gift card. Kristen ended up getting a gorgeous new lipstick and an eyebrow pencil as well as a birthday gift from the store (a blush and lip gloss) and some freebies that she got from cashing in the points on her reward card.

Although I tried on some okay-ish lipsticks, I just ended up going with a tube of the Better Than Sex mascara. Kristen got it for me for Christmas this year and since I’ve ran out, no other mascara can compare, so it was a must to get another one! I was really happy because the gift card that I got her covered everything that she wanted and she also got some super nice freebies, so she walked away with an awesome Sephora birthday haul.

Once we were done shopping, I treated Kristen to coffee and then dropped her off at her apartment so that she could get ready for the evening festivities. Our night was a boozy celebration of going to get margaritas with her friends and then hitting the bars afterwards for some more alcohol related fun. AND I also got to ride in my first Uber, so that was really exciting, lol. THE DRIVER WAS SO NICE!! #ubereverywhere

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(The lovely lady in the second photo, Kelsey, will be featured on lifewithlilred soon so keep your eyes peeled!)

The day after Kristen’s birthday was spent nursing a very worthwhile hangover and celebrating at home with the family. I know I had a blast and it felt really good knowing that Kristen did, too, and I like to think that I helped make that possible! Now, I’m just excited for my birthday to roll around in June so that she can return the favor!

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: Sister’s Birthday Celebration Edition! How did you celebrate your birthday this year? How did you spend your weekend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr8

Happy Birthday, Sister!!

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Happy Birthday, Sister!!

Hello everyone and happy weekend! Today is an amazing, special, wonderful day because it is my beautiful big sister’s 25th birthday! Kristen. My sister, my soulmate, my best friend on the face of the earth. Kristen is someone who my life would be absolutely impossible without. She is someone that I can go to for literally anything. To laugh, cry, complain, or just be there with to pass the time. My sister is one of the strongest women that I have ever met. Ever. She is a survivor, she is brave, and she has proven to herself and everyone around her that she can get through the worst of times and ultimately improve and better herself along the way. If that isn’t the definition of courage, then I really don’t know what is.

Kristen is someone who is kind. She is genuine, she has a huge heart, and she brings so much joy and light to everyone who she encounters. Her smile and laugh is contagious and her beauty is second to none both inside and out. If you can’t tell by now, my sister is my everything. I am so thankful not only for our sisterhood but for the friendship that came from it. You can have someone as a sibling and only view them as such, but Kristen is so much more for me than that.

From outings to the movies, shopping, the nail or hair salon, coffee, dinner, or just binge watching on Netflix, I treasure every minute that I spend with my sister. Don’t get me wrong, she drives me fucking crazy, but isn’t that what sisters do every now and then? And I promise you that she would say the same thing about me, but probably even more so!

The point that I’m trying to get at, is that I am so, so incredibly lucky to have my sister as, well, my sister. I love you more than anything, so here’s to you, you beautiful, fantastic, intelligent, loving, perfect girl. Happy birthday and I can’t wait to celebrate with you tonight!

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Happy Birthday, Kristen ❤

I FREAKING LOVE YOU!!

Apr1

Sunshine Blogger Award #2

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Sunshine Blogger Award #2

Hi everyone and happy weekend! I hope everyone is having a wonderful start to their day so far. A few days ago the beautiful Olita from Ola Masalska nominated yours truly for my second Sunshine Blogger Award. I am always so flattered when other bloggers nominate me for stuff and things and I definitely make it a point to try and make a post for all of my nominations. Olita has a charming little blog, which I’m sure all of you will enjoy as much as I do, so please check it out and give her page some love. Now, let’s look at the rules:

The Rules:

  • Thank the person(s) who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.
  • Answer the 11 questions sent by the person who nominated you.
  • Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
  • List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your post and/or on your blog.

Q & A:

What country do you live in right now?

I live in the United States.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

I love to read and take a nice long bubble bath when I feel like I need to unwind.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Where do you wish you will be?

Yikes, I don’t know. I’ll be twenty-seven and that is something that I’m so not looking forward to. Growing up sucks.

Favorite TV show?

Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Face Off.

Favorite actor/actress?

Uhmmm…I love Hillary Swank, Sandra Bullock, Natalie Portman, and Tilda Swinton. And for actors, I would have to say George Clooney, Johnny Depp, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

One thing you could not live without?

Asides from the obvious ones like family, friends, yada yada I could not live without my beloved blog and a really good moisturizer.

Favorite season?

I love the fall.

Favorite social media platform (besides WordPress)?

Facebook! Because it’s the only social media page that I have, lol.

Favorite artist (painter) if you have one?

I do not have a favorite artist. Shame on me!

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I hate saying this, but I check my phone, Facebook, and email.

What is you favorite thing about yourself? Don’t be shy! 😉

My pasty pale skin, fake red hair, my beloved talon acrylics, my personality, and my tattoos and piercings.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. What is your favorite store to shop at?
  2. Who is one of your role models?
  3. No makeup for a month or wearing the same outfit for a week?
  4. Favorite candy or sweet treat?
  5. What is a hidden talent of yours?
  6. What was your favorite childhood toy?
  7. What was your high school experience like?
  8. Favorite holiday?
  9. A piece of advice for those in the blogging community?
  10. What was the best date that you’ve ever been on?
  11. How about the worst?

Thank you so much again to Olita for nominating lifewithlilred for the Sunshine Blogger Award! You’re a doll! How would you answer some of the questions that Olita had for her nominees? How about some of my questions for mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar26

Angie’s Bath & Body Purchases

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Angie’s Bath & Body Purchases

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! Yesterday, a special delivery came (super quickly!) in the mail – some wonderful treat yoself goodies from Angie’s Bath & Body. Angela, a dear friend who custom created Ruby Tulip is the boss lady behind her Etsy shop which boasts amazing home made bath and body care supplies like sugar scrubs, body butters, fragrances, and bath salts. I needed to purchase the finished product of Ruby Tulip for a giveaway here on lifewithlilred coming up next month so I figured that it was the perfect time to also buy a sugar scrub since they’re my fave and I’ve wanted to buy one for forever! Take a look:

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Not only did I get my Peaches & Cream sugar scrub and Ruby Tulip but Angela also treated me to a sample of her goat’s milk lotion that she’s currently working on. SPOILER ALERT: All three smell divine! As soon as I opened the package, which arrived in ONE DAY flat, I could smell the sweet Peaches & Cream scrub which was just as good as biting into an ice cold creamsicle – my favorite frozen treat. I cannot wait to use my new sugar scrub as an exfoliant before shaving my leggies to create a closer shave, silky smooth skin, and a good enough to eat scent. And can we talk about the totes adorbs little spoon that she added to dollop the scrub out with?! SO. CUTE!

The rose petals that Angela added into the Ruby Tulip bottle was a beautiful touch and will be going to a lucky reader come April! I am so excited for lifewithlilred’s first giveaway and for the new lotion that Angela is working on. I tested out the goat’s milk lotion yesterday upon its arrival and it smelled so creamy and absorbed instantly, which is a must for me when it comes to lotions and body butters. I just know that that product is going to be another major seller on her Etsy page!

If you haven’t checked out Angie’s Bath & Body yet, then I urge you to get on it ASAP and treat yoself to some new body care goodies. You won’t be disappointed! What is your favorite bath and body care item to treat yoself with? What is your favorite lotion or perfume scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar20

Loft Haul

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Loft Haul

Hiii everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a fabulous and relaxing weekend. My Saturday was spent getting my shop on at Loft and scoring an amazing haul for a seriously amazing deal. If there’s one place that I know that I can turn to for totally profesh but super fun business casual attire, it’s Loft. And let me tell you, my work wardrobe was in definite need of a pick me up. The beauty of the clothing at Loft is that their clothes can really be dressed up or down depending on what you need to use them for. I love that my Loft clothes can double for work or play and that you can get great deals if you know how to shop their sales. Check out my latest haul and then I’ll reveal the price for all five items that you won’t believe! Take a look:

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The Haul:

  • Two shirts both originally priced at $54.95
  • One pair of jeans originally priced at $69.95
  • Two pairs of sunglasses originally priced at $24.50

I Paid: About $80

So how did I do it? This is all compliments of my mom, actually. Thanks to beaucoup Loft Cash, percentage off promotions, and fifteen dolla holla sunglasses, she was able to dwindle down a staggering price to something much more reasonable. My mom started shopping Loft a couple of years ago and I have always been so impressed with the clothes that she has purchased. Like I mentioned earlier, they really are the perfect work or play wardrobe staples. The clothes fall in that amazing “youthful but not trying to be young” category, which means that women of any age can pull off their clothing and still look great.

It’s not like I’m a super avid Loft shopper but when I do spend time in their store, I always seem to manage to find some really nice stuff. Their jeans, for example, are the best thing that has ever happened to the bottom half of my body so whenever I can get a good deal on their black skinnies, I always have to indulge. The frayed ends of my latest black skinny purchase (because we all know that it’s all I wear!) were a fun little detail and I’m hoping to take a razor blade to the knees if I’m feeling crafty enough. I don’t own any ripped denim but I really like the idea of it, so if anyone is a savvy pants ripper and has any tips for me, please send them my way!

And, of course, I freaking LOVE my new tops. In the pictures, they might look like your standard T, but they are actually made out of one hundred percent polyester so it feels silky and looks sleek as opposed to the regular old cotton T. These tops have an adorable eyelet detail on the back and the colors in each of them are my favorite. Green and yellow are two colors that happen to look really good on me, thanks to my pasty pale skin tone and vibrant red hair. As soon as I put these tops on, they just felt and looked SO good and if they had any additional shirts in different patterns I probably would have bought them, too!

Both of these tops will be great for when I’m out and about at work or paired under a moto jacket for errands or drinks with friends. I love the kimono feel of the yellow top and the deep green paired with the brighter teal details really had me feeling some type of way! It’s going to be really fun to create new looks for my day to day work and play wear for an outfit that’s business cashe or a young twenty-something on the go (generally going to Taco Bell).

Finally, I am obsessed with my new sunnies! I haven’t bought new sunglasses in forever because now I usually just opt for my Chanel shades from my nail tech, Vinny. But these new ones are SO fabulous and I got each of them for seven bucks, so it really doesn’t get much better than that! The solid black frames scream Miu Miu to me and the duel colored tortoise shell and navy sunnies are so unbearably chic. Both of these sunglasses are shaped in styles that I don’t already have in my sunnies arsenal so it will be nice to throw on a fresh new pair of shades before I hit the road in the Little Red Love Machine!

Obviously, Loft was really good to me this weekend and my closet so thanks me for it! I am super happy with my latest Loft Haul and am ready to welcome spring with some shiny new wardrobe additions. Who else is a major Loft fan? How are you upgrading your wardrobe for spring? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar18

Ruby Tulip Launch!!

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Originally posted on lifewithlilred:
Hello everyone and happy Tuesday! This is a very exciting day because lifewithlilred’s very first signature scent is here in the form of Ruby Tulip, a roll on fragrance oil. Ruby Tulip was created by the unbelievably talented scentstress of Angie’s Bath & Body – a dear friend, Angela. Her and…

Mar18

Reader Map Update

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Reader Map Update

Hiiii everyone and happy weekend! So yesterday I was hanging out and listening to a little I’m From Barcelona and their song “Collection Of Stamps” came on. This song, a little ditty that gives an ode to friends and locations world wide reminded me that it’s been a while since I posted an updated reader map picture. So first, take a listen. And then, take a look!

(As always, I have no rights to this song. I just like it a lot.)

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I started making my reader map once I had a little over forty countries reading me with the pure intention of keeping track of them all. But now, with over one hundred and seventy different countries that are hip to lifewithlilred, this map serves as so much more than a location tracker. This little project that I began gives me such an immense feeling of pride every time I look at it – which is frequently, considering it’s located in my bedroom!

To know that the page that little old me started two and a half years ago is reaching locations that I never even knew existed completely blows my mind. This map has also made me SO much better at the geography questions on Jeopardy, which is a really nice added bonus! As soon as “Collection Of Stamps” came on, it made me think of all of my wonderful readers, friends, and followers in the blogging community and I just knew that I had to send a shout out to them in an Updated Reader Map post.

Thank you all so, so much for stopping by my page. If it’s as a one time reader or a loyal follower, I appreciate it far more than you know. Many well wishes and a ton of love to each and every one of you!

What country on my reader map would you like to visit some day? Where are you located? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar12

I’m NOT Lonely

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I’m NOT Lonely

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! So, I’m not sure if those of you who aren’t my friends on Facebook are aware but my year and a half long relationship ended (by me) a few months ago. And, believe me, I’m fine. Even if I wasn’t the one doing the dumping, I think that I would be fine. But, the absence of someone who you used to talk to every day for the past year and a half is a little bit difficult to deal with.

I was having this conversation over drinks with my sister last night and I swear, I must have emphasized to her that “I’m NOT Lonely” at least five times. Because I’m not. Really. However, a void has definitely now been made in my life from the time that I used to spend hanging out with and talking to my former significant other. It’s not a feeling of loneliness but I’m more left with the feeling of “what do I do now?”.

It’s just freaking annoying. Like, when you have a boy or girlfriend, you have a built in social life from it. Dinners, movies, drinks, or just simply hanging out. But, once the break up happens, you are left to your own devices. I guess this wouldn’t be a problem if I had a buttload of friends but, in all reality, I have like three people that doesn’t include my sister that I like to spend time with.

It’s weird, because everyone thinks I’m this little social butterfly – but I’m so not. I’m actually quite shy when it comes to new people. I’m not the girl who’s going to go strike up a conversation with a stranger and I’m definitely not the girl who’s good at making friends. So, that kind of leaves me floundering around trying to figure out what to do next.

The way I’m feeling right now is really conflicting because I am totally content with my social life. I am able to see my girlfriends at least weekly, which is super nice. I love going to the bar, the mall, movies, or whatever with them and we always end up having a lot of fun. So why do I all of a sudden feel like I need a brand new friend group? After typing this out, I guess I am trying to “fill the void”, so to speak. It seems that now, it’s more of a matter of finding productive things to do to help use up some of this newly gained free time. Blogging, planning my Europe travels, et cetera.

Wow. Okay. Good one sided talk, everyone! Glad we had it. So, to emphasize again, I’M NOT LONELY:

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Lolol, JK. I just need to focus on doing some things that make me happy rather than focusing on such an apparent loss of someone’s company. Yeah? Yeah. How have you dealt with the post break up void? Has anyone ever felt similarly to what was described in this post? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar11

Accessory Story: Houndstooth, Honey Edition

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Accessory Story: Houndstooth, Honey Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to a brand new and very fun edition of Accessory Story! This post is really special to me because it is compliments of the newest business venture of one of my dearest, darling blogging BFFs, Angela. You might recognize her name as she is the creator of my signature scent, Ruby Tulip, which will be coming soon to lifewithlilred. When Miss Angela isn’t busy mixing up amazing bath and body care goodies, she is dedicated to getting us ladies divafied on her new online jewelry boutique.

Angela’s jewelry website boasts gorgeous jewelry for a totally reasonable price. Not only are the accessories not going to break your bank BUT you also get free shipping with the purchase of one of her jewelry sets! It’s such an amazing deal and her shipping is extremely reliable. All of my jewelry from the Houndstooth Elephant Necklace Set arrived safely tucked in beaucoup bubblewrap and the most darling cosmetic case that looked EXACTLY what Ipsy would send in their monthly makeup subscription.

Seen below are a few quick pics of yours truly sporting my accessories from Angie’s Jewelry Boutique:

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What I love about the jewelry from Angie’s Jewelry Boutique is that it’s fun and flashy without being too much. All of the pieces on her website look amazing worn as a set but they also work so well individually. I’m not a jewelry set girl, myself. I prefer to mix and match pieces as I go along and I am super excited to incorporate the accessories from my Houndstooth Elephant Necklace Set into my every day outfits.

It’s hard to pick a favorite from my new set but I freaking love the rhinestoned orb ring. Huge statement rings are a major component of my accessory arsenal so I can’t wait to wear it and add some edgy glam to my outfits. And, of course, the ring looks fabulous with my talons! ❤

But what about the elephant adorned necklace and bracelet, you ask? Well, the necklace is going to be perfect for spicing up a T-shirt and jeans or a work ensemble while giving a little safari touch of adventure to the day. And as for the bracelet, I absolutely love charm ones and my favorite way to wear them is paired with some plainer, non-bangle bracelets to make the adorable elephants and houndstooth baubles pop. Throw this little beauty on to show off smooth summer ready arms or wear over a long sleeved shirt for those chilly March days ahead.

No matter how you style your set from Angie’s Jewelry Boutique, you are sure to end up with a sassy chic new look every time. Now, get to shopping! And remember, the shipping is free with every set purchase!

So there you have it, the latest issue of Accessory Story: Houndstooth, Honey Edition! What is your favorite piece of animal themed jewelry? What is your favorite set on Angie’s Jewelry Boutique? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Mar5

Hats Off: Nicole Marciano Edition

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Hats Off: Nicole Marciano Edition

Hiii everyone and happy weekend! I hope all of you are having a wonderful and relaxing Sunday! Yesterday, a quick stop to TJMaxx got me a super cute new floppy hat by Nicole Marciano for a whopping four dollars. Thanks to a ten dollar off coupon compliments of their credit card, I was able to snag this little beauty which I am SO stoked to sport this summer. Take a look:

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^^^ So. Fun!

I have quite a large hat collection due to a love that I developed from my grandma who had over one hundred of them! I love, love, love floppy hats but all of mine are either felt or wool which is fine for fall, winter, and the spring but not so much for summer. I’ve wanted a big, floppy, straw style hat for a while now but never managed to find one that I liked enough to purchase. They were all either too big, too small, too blah, or the shape wasn’t to my liking. Seriously, some of the floppy hats that I’ve encountered were HUGE which would result in the hat to droop in an unflattering sad elephant ear style that was just…no.

But, I absolutely LOVE this little Nicole Marciano number. It’s big without being gigantic, the shape that the hat takes when it’s actually on is quite attractive, and the “bonjour” detailing was just too darling to pass up. And for four dollars?! Hello! This hat is going to be so charming with a little sun dress, chunky wedges, and “don’t look at me” sunglasses for a glam but fun summer time look. It will provide me with the perfect shade and a touch of Paris chic for a day of shopping at my favorite outdoor mall, a trip to the zoo, or simply reading the latest issue of Cosmo on my deck. Just thinking of it makes me more than ready for summer!

Hats Off, indeed, to this cute as can be Nicole Marciano piece! What is your must have accessory for spring or summer? Who else has a hat collection of their own? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah