Tag Archives: winter

Jan27

Planning The Ultimate Game Night With Your Friends

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Planning The Ultimate Game Night With Your Friends

Hi! The weather in Akron, Ohio is currently snowy and freezing which ultimately makes going out a real drag. Believe me, I love nothing more than being out and about with my boyfriend and friends. However, it’s a hard pass when I need thirteen layers on to stay warm! This cold existence has left all of us stranded in our homes, riddled with the desire to still do something while remaining on the couch the whole time.

Cue: A game night

This past month, I have participated in so many game nights, I have lost track. Am I mad about it? No! Quite the opposite, actually. You know why? Because I prefer something like this to going to the bar any day of the week. In this post, we’re going to discuss the makings of a perfect game night for you and your friends to enjoy:

Location:

The host of the game night should reside in a good central location from all of the guests if they have enough room for such tom foolery. You might not want to be Keeper Of The Games in your studio apartment! Make sure there is enough space for everyone to spread out comfortably and I do mean comfortably because no one wants to sit on a threadbare couch!

Snacks:

Snacks are a crucial part of the game night and the responsibility can be divided up pretty evenly among your group. Everyone could throw in money for pizza, share a snack of their own, or a potluck style meal could be what suits you guys best. Either way, it shouldn’t be up to one person to provide all of the snacks for your evening.

Drinks:

Does your group of friends enjoy drinking? Great. Everyone can bring some beer or a bottle of wine. Does your group of friends not enjoy drinking? Great. Everyone can bring some pop, juice, or you can make mocktails. All I know is, you can’t be snacking on salty treats without something to wash it down with!

Games:

The games for the event is definitely something that should be discussed beforehand amongst your group. Is it a video gaming night? Classic board games? How about a murder mystery night? You could even play games that pay cash so you can fund your next get together! This is all important to know ahead of time so everyone knows what to bring or how they should dress.

Normally, my game nights include a little bit of everything from video games and cards to trivial pursuit and dice. You might even include some Spinni Casino in there if you want to make that part of the experience. You can stick with a theme and alternate weekly or draw different games from a hat. Just make sure that everyone who has a game that they would like to play gets that opportunity at some point.

Game nights are an amazing way to spend time with your friends while saving money that would otherwise be spent at the bar or restaurant. Make your events a weekly or monthly thing and watch your friend group grow even more tight-knit through the bond of good old fashioned fun!

What are your favorite games to play? What are some of your tips for the ultimate game night? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec5

Super Fun Cold Weather Activities

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Super Fun Cold Weather Activities

Hi everyone! Despite the chilly temperatures outside, I always enjoy outdoor winter activities… and then warming up inside with hot chocolate! Depending on your area, there could be a ton of exciting options for you and, lucky for me, there are a lot to pick from in my neck of the woods. Some of my favorites include:

Winter Lights At The Zoo:

On Thanksgiving weekend, my parents, boyfriend, sister, niece, and I went to the Akron Zoo during the after hours to check out their amazing holiday lights display. The whole property was lit up with gorgeous color. Some of the lights blinked, others flashed, and the bigger ones were timed to light up to the beat of Christmas carols.

Of course, it’s always fun to see the animals at the zoo but the light displays were just spectacular. I loved all of the lights shaped like different animals, especially the elephant whose trunk moved! Definitely check out if any of the zoos in your area do any special winter displays because it’s a wonderful option for all ages.

Outdoor Skating Rinks:

During the winter, I try to hit up an outdoor rink at least once. As a skater girl, it is such a good time to hit the great outdoors and show off a bit for the general public! 😀 I love the rink at Lock 3 that we have in downtown Akron, which now includes bumper tubes and ice bikes, if skating isn’t your thing.

A lot of the outdoor rinks will feature other fun activities like sledding, Christmas crafts, and holiday markets. And, did I mention the always delicious hot chocolate stands? Skating at an outdoor rink makes for a great date or hang out with your friends but try and go during a less popular time (morning or early afternoon), if you aren’t the most confident skater.

Toboggan/Sled Rides:

There is a toboggan chute in my area that I have been dying to try out and I would love to give it a go this year. It can reach speeds of up to 50 MPH, which is awesome if you are a thrill seeker, like myself. If this sounds a bit too intense for you, sled riding is another fun option and is a good one to take your children or nieces and nephews to. I am definitely hoping we can take my little niece, Valerie, down a baby hill or two this year!

Hikes Are Nice:

I always enjoy taking at least one hike during the winter time at one of the many amazing Metro Parks in my area. I think that it is so much fun to bundle up, pull on my boots, and trudge around in the snow. Not only is it an excellent work out, but I especially love to see all of the gorgeous snow coating the trees and feeling myself warm up just a little bit more with every step.

Playing In The Snow:

Playing in the snow is not just for children anymore, especially because boozy hot chocolate is definitely a thing! Gather up your friends during a fresh snowfall and relive your childhood with snowmen, snowball fights, and snow angels. Finish out your snow session with a bonfire to warm you up!

When there’s so many fun options for outdoor winter activities, you can create a memorable and inexpensive afternoon with your favorite people. Keep the spirit of the day going with Christmas movies and warm drinks after!

What is your favorite winter activity? What is your favorite way to warm up after a cold day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov27

Holiday Season Guest Bloggers Wanted

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Holiday Season Guest Bloggers Wanted

Hiya! With the holiday season in full swing, now is the perfect time to join lifewithlilred’s family of guest bloggers for some good cheer. If you are interested in sharing any winter or holiday themed posts for my viewers in one hundred and eighty-eight different countries, then please email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com

Your guest post could range from anything to photos of your hometown during the winter to your favorite holiday traditions or recipes. Or, how about a New Year’s Eve inspired OOTD or MOTD? I’m not picky! Email me some ideas and we will get you all set to star on lifewithlilred for the day. Looking forward to hearing from all of you! Much love. -Sarah

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Oct24

Settle Your Home Anxieties For The Winter

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Settle Your Home Anxieties For The Winter

You needn’t be a high maintenance person to feel stress occupying a home in which cleaning is not the expected standard. For example, if visiting the home or apartment of a friend’s friend, we may feel dismayed to see the bathroom in poor state, or perhaps that their dogs have left hair all over the sofas.

Many of us have caring standards for our homes, even if they might get a little messy from time to time. Thankfully, the anxiety or at least noticeable necessary need for a clean we can see will direct us to careful action. Often, the transfer of the seasons will help us notice this more, as they show our homes in a new light. This is why the bright warmth of spring often gives way to cleaning, to use one example.

Settling your home anxieties for the winter then, as we begin our slow march towards it, could be a great method of ensuring your home is catered for and refined once cold weather strikes. We would like to offer you some worthwhile advice here, and hope it can make a real difference:

Roofing:

Roofing truly does matter. A solid roofer will be able to figure out if you have holes or damages that need attending to, because this could have opened you up to a terrible attic leak, a loss of insulation, or even an infestation of some kind. Settling your home anxieties will often mean caring for your roof first, because the intense coldness of the weather can cause cracks to show, shingles to become damaged, or tiles to become loose. An inspection, therefore, is always a wise idea.

Pavement Care:

The pavement outside and leading up to your home (in the form of a patio, garden path, and driveway) can be a real victim of harmful black ice. This can lead to nasty trips, falls, and injuries, especially in the morning when you may still be waking up for your commute. Even if you’re aware of this it can be dangerous, let alone when elderly or younger relatives come to visit or bound from your home in an excitable fashion. As such, we recommend hiring a professional asphalt contractor that uses innovative Crack Sealers to fix up your driveway (and elsewhere) and improve the paving. You should also purchase a good amount of gritting material to limit slips and provide traction should it be a problem.

Weather Debris:

Weather debris is important to consider. From damaged fencing, loose roof tiles, upturned trampolines, and uprooted signs, it’s important to consider your potential weather debris and plan for that. Perhaps if a heavy winter’s snowfall or hailstorm is predicted, then bringing your vehicle into the garage to protect it could be important or putting heavier locks on your doors, or even, in some cases, rooting down exterior belongings that could rise in the weather. This may seem outlandish, but these scenarios do happen, and it’s always best to remain prepared to that degree.

With this advice, you are certain to correctly settle your home anxieties for the winter. Now get some hot chocolate and relax!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct21

Guest Bloggers Wanted!

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Guest Bloggers Wanted!

Howdy everyone! Just a friendly reminder that lifewithlilred is always accepting guest bloggers if you are interested in having your work viewed in 188 different countries! With the cold weather officially among us, I am looking for your best comfy cozy OOTDs, MOTDs perfect for a family get together, favorite holiday recipes, and your go to fall and winter activities in your neck of the woods. And, of course, I am always up for any of your ideas as long as they are fall or winter related!

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, feel free to email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com ❤

Oct20

Lil Red’s Cold Weather Ready Tips

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Lil Red’s Cold Weather Ready Tips

Hi! With fall in full swing and winter arriving before we know it, there are definitely some tasks that must be accomplished when the cooler weather begins. From creating a cozy atmosphere in your home to prepping your wardrobe and making adjustments to your car, it’s best to be prepared to keep yourself warm and safe all season long. Let’s discuss:

Fill Up Your Tires:

Literally the first thing that the Little Red Love Machine does after the first cold night in Ohio is turn on the check tire light on the dashboard. The cooler temps cause the air in the tires to become denser which, in turn, lowers your tire pressure. So, be sure to air up your tires as soon as your light turns on to keep your gas mileage in check.

Abundance Of Blankets:

There is absolutely nothing better than snuggling up in bed or on the couch with a good movie or book once the temperature drops. Getting nice and comfy cozy after a long day of work always makes me feel better and settling in with something entertaining helps you to forget about all of the frustrations that made your day stressful. Take this one step further by investing in some soft fleece blankets and plush pillows to curl up with and let the movie night commence. 😀

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^^^ A Step Brothers inspired blanket is a great place to start!

Wardrobe Prep:

As much as I would like to invest in a whole new wardrobe every time the season changes, it is just not feasible or necessary. Instead, I try to buy a few new pieces that will help me to refresh my closet without breaking the bank. Purchase a handful of key staples like some chunky sweaters, fashionable but practical boots, and a new jacket to make all of your old favorites feel brand new again. Don’t forget to grab some cold weather accessories like scarves and gloves if yours have become too well worn.

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Staying comfortable once cold weather strikes is the name of the game so bundle up, enjoy your favorite hot beverage, and keep fashion forward and warm all fall and winter long!

How do you prepare for cold weather? What are fall and winter like in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep28

Hats Off: Lefenice Newsboy Cap Edition

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Hats Off: Lefenice Newsboy Cap Edition

Hi hi! If you are a fashionista like myself, then I am sure that you have seen the classic Meryl Streep and Anne Hatheway movie The Devil Wears Prada more than a few times. I absolutely adore it and will watch it every chance I get. The actors, the fashion, the fashion, the fashion – it’s just perfect and I will never forget going to see it in theaters with my mom, sister, and late grandma and gabbing about our favorite outfits on the way out.

Although my style is definitely more Emily Blunt in TDWP, Anne’s character, Andy, turns into quite the it girl herself after a much needed transformation. And, my latest Hats Off purchase seen below is inspired by one of her killer OOTDs. Check it out:

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See the resemblance?!

I am a huge fan of hats but have never owned a newsboy cap before. This is certainly not due to a lack of desire for one but because I have never found just the right cap for me. I found this Lafenice number on TJMaxx’s online site, big surprise, and I went with it even thought I wasn’t completely sold on the idea. But, this mild hesitation was squashed the moment I took it out of the box and placed it upon my crowning glory. I love the tweedy grey and yellow pattern, the small flower embellishments, and, mainly, that it gives me such TDWP vibes so hard.

Like Andy in TDWP, I plan on wearing my newsboy cap with peacoats, of course. But, also with my new white faux fur jacket to add a touch of mod to such a posh piece. This cap will also look especially charming with a smart black blazer and skinnies for an updated take on a more menswear style for women. Not only is this new hat versatile, but it is also nice and warm and will keep me feeling cozy all fall and winter long!

Who else is a fan of The Devil Wears Prada? What is your favorite OOTD from that movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep24

Faux Fur Fabulous: Sanctuary Jacket Edition

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Faux Fur Fabulous: Sanctuary Jacket Edition

Salutations! My mom has spoiled me absolutely rotten in the sweet surprises department this past month and has gifted me with headbands, new Keurig K cups, and some good ol’ fashioned Kraft mac n’ cheese. But, the real piece de resistance is my new cream colored faux fur jacket by Sanctuary. This is a brand that I am quite fond of but, sadly, don’t own a lot of pieces from. However, one of my favorite purses is by Sanctuary and I have been on the lookout for more by them ever since. So, how lucky for me that I have an amazing mom who found me a perfect new jacket by a brand that I lust after! Check it out:

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I have a strong passion for faux fur and have many a jacket, vest, and collars to keep myself glam rock and warm all winter long. I would never be caught dead in a large puffer jacket and faux fur is the ultimate way to go during the brutal Ohio winters. They may not be the heaviest but you can always layer and it prevents me from looking and feeling like a marshmallow and, frankly, that’s all I care about!

This new Sanctuary jacket is absolutely stunning. It’s shaggy but just enough so that it still looks feathery and has movement without giving off the illusion that I draped myself in a huge mop. And, can we talk about the color?! The alabaster hue will look simply charming against freshly fallen snow and is an excellent neutral for adding bright pops of color with scarves, gloves, and hats.

I used to be under the impression that neutral colors were “boring”. But, as my style continues to develop, I have found that it’s what you do with the colors that make your OOTDs exciting. Picture this: The creamy colored fringe of this jacket blowing in the wind, a nice heavy turtleneck underneath, sharp trousers, and a bright red boot to march about in this winter. Toss on your favorite knitwear accessories in bold colors and you have a winter ready OOTD without sacrificing style or any of the excitement of a more loud colored coat. *Sigh* Perfection.

How do you style neutral colors? 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

Sep13

7 Ways To Look After Your Home During Colder Weather

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7 Ways To Look After Your Home During Colder Weather

With summer coming to an end over the next few weeks that can only mean one thing: the cold weather is just around the corner. Whether you love a bit of chill in the air or you’re dreading it, you need to ensure that you’re as prepared as you can be when it comes to looking after your house. Whether that means stocking up on cold weather essentials or investing in double glazing, the more you can do to protect your house during the winter the better. With that in mind, here are seven ways to look after your home during colder weather:

Keep The Heating On To Avoid Your Home Getting Damp:

Although it may be expensive to keep your heating on for the duration of winter, it’s one of the best ways for you to stay in good health as the temperature drops. Not only will keeping your heating on allow you to stay warm and cozy, but it will also ensure you do not experience damp throughout your home. For more information when it comes to the importance of keeping your heating on during winter, you can visit this site here.

Get Your Boiler Serviced Before Winter Starts:

Getting your boiler serviced just before the temperature drops will assure you that your heating will be in check all winter long!

Invest In Double Glazing And Keep Your Windows Shut:

If you haven’t already, investing in double glazing is another great way to help prevent your home from becoming damp. Whilst it can be expensive, double glazing will help keep the heat in and the cold out. If you don’t have double glazing or you’re considering updating your windows, you might want to consider a siding service.

Even if you do have double glazing, you also need to ensure you’re keeping your windows shut where possible. For a guide to keeping the cold air out during winter, you can visit the following site.

Insulation:

A drafty home is not a comfortable one! Sometimes providing extra warmth is as simple as swapping out summer curtains for a heavier fabric, adding thick and plush rugs, or doubling up on throw blankets. However, this is not a fix all as the chill is coming from the outside in. You might want to consider upgrading your home’s siding with the services from James Hardie Siding in Naperville (or a similar company in your local area). This is an energy efficient option to give extra insulation as well as boost property value and curb appeal. With improved siding, your home will be nice and cozy all winter long!

Stock Up On Cold Weather Essentials:

Another great way to look after your home during cold weather is to stock up on cold weather essentials. Whether that means drought excluders for your doors or blankets for your living room, get what you need to stay comfy cozy while the cold weather strikes.

Clean And Store Your Garden Furniture:

Although you may think that it’s just the inside of your home that needs looking after during colder weather, the outside is just as important. Autumn and winter can bring some horrible weather and if you’re not prepared, you may find that your garden furniture is prone to damage. To help prevent this from happening, you need to clean and store your furniture just before the temperature starts to drop.

Consider Your Roofing And Gutters:

Your gutters and roofing may be in good condition now, but the bad weather may cause them some damage. Get any problem areas repaired or at least have a professional from a roofing company give them a once over before the winter to make sure that they can handle some snow. It is so important to have your roof checked because the pros will be able to catch small problems before they turn into a bigger one. Research companies like Tyler Roofing or a similar one in your local area to see what services they can provide for you.

Signing off on the checklist above will help keep you and yours perfectly comfy cozy all fall and winter long!

Featured Image By: StockSnap from Pixabay

Aug13

5 Ways To Winter Proof Your Home

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5 Ways To Winter Proof Your Home

Your home is with you throughout all of the seasons and it needs different attention based on the time of year. When the threat of winter is close by, it’s time to give your home the once over to ensure your cozy nights in aren’t destroyed by drafts, leaks, or unwanted guests in your attic.

Clear your Gutters and Drains

This might be the last thing on your ‘to-do’ list, which is why it hits the top spot on ours. Although this is not the most enjoyable or glamorous job in the world (wet leaves, moss, bugs!? No, thank you!), it is arguably one of the most important. Exterior pipe blockages can cause some serious damage to both the inside and outside of the property. The weight of drains and gutters filled with leaves and natural debris can pull the pipes away from your house, causing nasty damp and mold problems that can affect the walls from the inside out. Just a few minutes of handling gross things will save a whole load of hassle later on!

Up On The Roof:

Humans aren’t the only living things who like to cozy up in the winter. Local wildlife also enjoy finding warm places to snuggle during the cold months. Check the roof for cracked, missing, or loose tiles. Any damage from heavy rain, sleet, or snow can create large spaces that our furry or feathered friends can use to claim your home as theirs! Enlist the expertise of a reputable roofing company to assist you with this task. It’s way less dangerous for them because they know what they’re looking at, as well as having the necessary tools to complete the job safely.

Pillow Fort!

Relive your childhood winters; hot chocolate, Disney films, blankets, and pillows. Although these days, it might look more like sipping tea (Or maybe wine…we won’t tell!) and binge-watching your favorite show. But a pile of fluffy blankets and cute cushions can create a lovely homely feel to alleviate the dark distress of winter. Ahh, that’s better!

Check Your Heating

Feeling the warm air reach your face as you enter the house after being out in the cold is the definition of bliss. But what if you unlock your front door and you can still see your breath in the hallway? The familiar sound of the heater whirring transitions from a clunking to radio silence. Disaster. Get your boiler checked before the big winter freeze sets in.

Clear your Pathways:

People are invited into your home even before knocking on the door. As host, your job is to ensure any visitors stay safe, even those delivering packages! Any accidents outside of the home can make you liable for expensive insurance claims. To avoid any drama, sprinkle your path with a store cupboard staple: SALT! One tablespoon will prevent slippery paths of up to one square meter. This is a very easy, inexpensive way of making sure nobody takes a tumble outside of your door.

Don’t get caught in the cold this winter while inside of your own home with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pexels