Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!
Jun2

May 2025 Finishes

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May 2025 Finishes

Hello everyone! Holy moly! We’re in June already and haven’t discussed my beauty finishes for May so let’s get right on that today. The entirety of May was dreary and cold but the products that I used up were red hot and highly successful. I loved using several new to me goodies and cannot wait to visit TJMaxx soon for a skin and bath and body care restock. I don’t want to speak too soon, but I have a feeling I will be getting beaucoup gift cards for my upcoming thirty-first (Ahhh!) birthday! Rather than ruminate on another year older, let’s talk products instead:

Would I Use Again?

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

Bath & Body Works Gingham Fragrance Spray: YES

ValJean Labs Hyaluronic Acid + Micellar Water Foaming Cleanser: YES!!!!

Bath & Body Works Pretty As A Peach Lotion: YES

Precision Beauty Glow Up Vitamin C Serum: YES!

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Fragrance Spray: Gingham is one of my all time favorite scents by Bath & Body Works. It is crisp, clean, and just smells fresh. It’s the perfect mixture of fruity and floral and I have used my body spray religiously until the last drop. I couldn’t even tell you how long it took me to finish this bottle because I feel like I have been using it for forever lol. While I am sad to be done with it, I am excited to try a new scent considering it has probably been close to a year of going Gingham! Is the scent from B&BW fragrance sprays long lasting? Hard no. Will I continue to use them? Absolutely.

ValJean Labs Cleanser: This Hyaluronic Acid + Micellar Water Foaming Cleanser by ValJean Labs is, easily, one of the best ones I have used in recent memory. It took well over three months to finish the bottle and I am hoping to find more at TJMaxx because I will be buying the lot. This cleanser is so delightfully reminiscent of the Aloe Foaming Cleanser by The Body Shop and a little of it went such a long way. With every use, my skin felt so clean, soft, and refreshed. It is a phenomenal any time cleanser and I think it would be so great during the hot summer months. If you have a normal or sensitive skin type, I cannot recommend this cleanser enough!!

B&BW Lotion: When it comes to fruity scents, I am ALL about apple and peach. Apple will always reign supreme but peach is a close second and I just love my Pretty As A Peach from B&BW. This scent is just pure, peachy goodness with no bells and whistles. If you, too, are a fan – then go for this fragrance because you will be just as obsessed as I am! It took me one month of daily use to finish the bottle.

Precision Beauty Serum: I had been striking out with serums recently and this Vitamin C gem by Precision Beauty was a game changer. I needed a serum win and this one delivered in a big way! While it was a tad thicker in consistency than what I prefer, it made a big difference in the radiance and glow department. My skin looked so bright, refreshed, and alert even though I am always half asleep lol. Because this serum was fairly thick, half of the dropper was all I needed for full coverage and it took me one month of twice daily use to complete it. I would definitely buy it again!

This month introduced me to two new favorite products and no duds. You can’t beat that!! Stay tuned for more product reviews so we can decide what’s a hit and miss together!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun1

Happy Birthday, Johnny!!

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Happy Birthday, Johnny!!

Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my main squeeze, Johnny’s, birthday!! My beloved’s birthday kick starts our birthaversary extravaganza and I am so excited to celebrate our big days and wedding anniversary together. I truly do not know what I would do without my Johnny and I consider myself to be the luckiest girl in the whole world. We have been together for well over five years and those first date butterflies have remained every day since. I miss him when we’re apart, I think about him all the time, and it is still exciting when he greets me at the door after work. It’s safe to say I am madly, deeply in love!

Whether we are at home binging our favorite shows or on the go, it is never a dull moment with Johnny. We just have fun together and his personality and laugh are infectious. Johnny is never without a kind word to say to anyone and he provides such a bright light to everyone he encounters. He is always, always thinking about others before himself and loves fiercely. It is so beautiful to see him interact with those he holds dear because it simply radiates. It is my absolute favorite to watch him play with our sweet nieces and nephew and he really is joy personified.

Being married to Johnny is a nonstop adventure and waking up next to him is a gift. Since our first date, we have barely been apart from each other and I wouldn’t want it any other way. We have been through so many of life’s ups and downs together and I couldn’t and don’t want to imagine anyone else by my side. Johnny has made my life better in more ways than I could ever count and I fall in love with him more every day. And I don’t even care how cheesy that sounds because it is the truth! ❤

Happy Birthday, Johnny! I love you always!!!! ❤

May31

BFF Birthday Haul

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BFF Birthday Haul

Hello!!! The best thing that lifewithlilred has ever done is, easily, connecting me with my best friend in the world, Kate, of Live In The Nautical. One day, we just started talking and I swear we haven’t stopped since! Despite living in two different states, Kate might as well be right next door to me. We are always texting and I live for our FaceTime dates that turn into hours on end discussions. She is such a bright light in my life – my blogging bestie, my Gemini twin, and a true gift to everyone who is lucky enough to know her. Regardless of where we’re located, we are joined at the hip and that is never going to change. ❤

When I got to work at chez parents this past Tuesday, I was greeted by a goodie box waiting for me on the kitchen table. Then, when I returned after a little shift, I saw more packages that were delivered while I was gone. The contents were none other than an amazing haul from my BFF and she spoiled me rotten this year! Check it out:

Getting gifts from Kate is a straight up “But wait – there’s more!” experience. The first prezzie I opened was the adorable travel cup boasting the fact that I am, indeed, in my Bunny Mom Era!! I just love the funky 70s print and that it is even customized with the names of my sweet buns, Melvin and Penelope. I know that I will be sipping Diet Coke on ice from this perfect sized cup all summer long. I also know that my niece is going to love using this when she visits at my apartment because she forever insists on having a straw to drink from lol. AND I also ALSO know that my bunnies appreciate being thought of too because they are always running around whenever Kate and I FaceTime so they know who their aunt is!

The next gift I tore into was a tiny jewelry box from a brand called Sirius Woods. I clutched my pearls when I saw the gorgeous carved skull earrings nestled inside! As a spooky gal, I love literally anything with skulls on it. However, these are so sentimental because they look exactly like my engagement ring!! My beloved engagement ring features a huge pearl carved into a skull and these earrings make my bling feel like a completed set. They are beautifully crafted and delicate and I couldn’t imagine how Kate was going to top herself on the remaining present. Of course, she totally did!

The final package to tear open was the piece de resistance: A page of music from her, mine, and Johnny’s very special show called Hadestown. Kate introduced me to this astounding musical and Johnny and I were able to see it when it toured at Playhouse Square. We went to Hadestown during one of the worst times of my life and it was one of the few happy moments in literal months of agony. The show transported us and the music moved me so deeply. In fact, the framed song Kate gave me makes me cry every time and that is no exaggeration. Just ask my husband! Trust and believe, tears were shed when this gift revealed itself but, for once, they were the happy kind. Tears of joy to be soul sisters with someone who knows me so well, bonds with me on every level, and provides me with the sunshine of her spirit every day. It was like opening up a hug and I am still blown away. ❤

Since day one, being best friends with Kate has made my life better. And, as much as I treasure all of the treasures she gave me, she will always be my greatest gift! ❤

How did you and your best friend meet? Have you made any friends through your blog or social media? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May30

Cute & Comfy OOTD Bloopers

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Cute & Comfy OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Cute & Comfy OOTD. This was a simple little look that I put together to host a dinner party at chez moi this past weekend. And, based on the outfit, you can see that it was anything but a fancy get together lol. However, after saying that, I do think it would be hilarious to host a fancy dress dinner party in our two bedroom apartment. Ball gowns and Taco Bell, perhaps? It’s a work in progress! While I workshop this idea, took a look at some of these yikes shots:

Party people in TimberTop say heyyyyyyyy

I have no idea what Johnny just said but it was clearly a cause for concern

Me pretending to be relaxed and casual

Can’t see the haters if your hand is in front of your face

Creeping up to cause some mischief

I’M SEXYYYYYYYY

I have no idea what Johnny just said but clearly it was hilarious lol

One of my biggest guilty pleasures has got to be reality TV and I am especially partial to the Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives and Farmer Wants A Wife lol. Are these shows pure crap? Yes. Are they entertaining as all get out? Absolutely! Johnny and I started watching Farmer Wants A Wife as a joke and it turns out the joke was on us because we got incredibly into it. We devoured the first season, waited on pins and needles for season two, devoured that, and just completed season three this weekend. What can I say, we just can’t get enough of these farmers who want wives!

Normally, Johnny and I wait for entire seasons to air on TV before watching them at our leisure on streaming services. With season three of Farmer Wants A Wife, we were watching it on regularly scheduled time and it was honestly kind of fun. Don’t get me wrong, I love to binge watch with the best of them. However, Farmer Fridays became something we would look forward to and we would settle into watch it as soon as the work week was over. I love that Johnny and I watch Farmer Wants A Wife together because it’s funny to us and I am mourning the end of this last season. I literally cannot wait for new seasons of both of my favorite reality TV guilty pleasures and more Farmer Fridays with my main squeeze. 😀

Reality TV is such a laugh lol, it’s exactly what I need when I want something mindless and fun and don’t even get me started on ALL the drama!

What is your favorite reality show? What is your guilty pleasure show? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May29

Cute & Comfy OOTD

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Cute & Comfy OOTD

Hello! This past Saturday, my bestie and her beau came over for a dinner party and a wonderful time was had by all. I made my world famous Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo taste alike and we ate like kings! As I was going to be cooking and hosting, I didn’t want a fussy OOTD that I was going to worry about getting dirty. So, I went the Cute & Comfy route so I could run around making preparations while still looking (And cooking!) my best. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Color Block Hoodie: Mossimo, Target

Skinny Jeans: 1822 Denim, TJMaxx

Platform Boots: Free People, TJMaxx

Cigarette Earrings: Punk N Junk

The weather in good ol’ Akron, Ohio has been anything but good and it’s getting old lol. It has been rainy and cold and I have been basically living in hoodies to combat the chill and keep my hair dry. The cropped hoodie from Target I picked definitely wouldn’t have kept me toasty outdoors but it was just what I needed to be cooking in a hot kitchen. The material is nice and light, it provides some ventilation in the tummy (lol), and it’s just so darn cute! I absolutely adore the color block palette and it turned a basic staple into something with a bit more pizazz.

Black skinnies were the obvious move, so it was onto shoes and accessories next. Typically, I wear this hoodie with a funky, huge gold necklace that belonged to my grandma. However, I didn’t want the weight of it on me while I cooked so I opted for some funky earrings instead – long, dangly cigarettes! I got these from a local vendor when Johnny and I went to a Punk Rock Flea Market and I think they are the bees knees lol. They also always get a compliment whenever I wear them because they are so unique! For shoes, I picked a pair of platform boots by Free People that I just love, particularly because it reminds me of tying ice skates when I put them on. With that, I was ready to be the hostess with the mostest for out big evening in!

Cute & Comfy was the name of the game and this OOTD had it in spades. I can’t wait to have another dinner party soon!

Do you like to cook for your friends? What is your favorite thing to make? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May28

When To Start Dressing Your Home For Your Age

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When To Start Dressing Your Home For Your Age

You don’t wait for your car to break down before you service it. You shouldn’t wait for your body to demand assistance before modifying your home. The idea that home upgrades for ageing should only happen after a certain birthday is outdated and, frankly, dangerous. The truth is: smart renovation isn’t about age. It’s about foresight:

Your Home Is an Extension of Your Body:

That’s not a metaphor. That’s reality. Your home is where your body moves the most. Where you cook, clean, sleep, bathe. Where you navigate space in the dark at 3 a.m. on your way to the bathroom, it’s also where minor hazards—loose rugs, sharp corners, and tight hallways can become serious obstacles over time.

Why wait until you’re 70 to install a grab bar in the shower, when a sleek, integrated option today could protect your future self without compromising aesthetics? Why ignore door widths that barely accommodate a laundry basket, when you could future proof your house for a rollator or wheelchair years ahead of needing it?

40 Is Not “Too Early”:

A lot of people think they should wait until they’re 60+ to start “ageing in place” upgrades. But here’s a perspective shift: Start thinking about accessible design the same way you think about investing. You don’t start saving for retirement at 65. You start when it’s still decades away. You start small. You start smart. Your 40s and 50s are the perfect time to introduce subtle architectural changes. Wider doorways. Smoother transitions between floors. Lever-style door handles that are easier on arthritic hands (whether you have arthritis now or not). Not to instill paranoia but to be practical.

Design Is Not the Enemy of Dignity:

One common fear: Accessible homes look clinical. Cold. “Old.” That’s a design failure, not a necessity. The market is catching up – finally. You can now get high-style wall railings, walk-in tubs that don’t scream “nursing home,” and ergonomic hardware that would impress even the most stubborn design purist. Design should serve you, not intimidate you. It is about reclaiming autonomy, not giving it up.

Upgrading Isn’t Just for You:

If you live with a partner, plan to age in place with them. Or if you have ageing parents who might move in later, the upgrades you make now could be the difference between struggle and ease, between reaction and readiness. And there’s this: Increasing numbers of younger people face mobility challenges, temporary or permanent. Accidents. Surgeries. Chronic conditions. Thinking ahead isn’t about being morbid. It’s about removing friction from your future. It’s about empathy for yourself and for others.

The Best Time to Modify Was Yesterday. The Second-Best Time Is Today:

The moment you start asking “when should I renovate for the future?” that’s your cue. Start now. Piece by piece. Thoughtfully. You don’t need to rip out your kitchen tomorrow. But maybe it’s time to rethink that narrow staircase. Or that slippery tile in the entryway. The right time to start dressing your home for your age? It’s not tied to a number. It’s tied to intention.

Where to Begin: One Foot in Today, One in Tomorrow:

Start with a walkthrough of your home. Think like a visitor. Better yet, think like your 80-year-old self. What would they trip on? What would they find frustrating? What could bring them relief? Then start small. Prioritize changes that combine safety with comfort. Look into credible resources and suppliers who specialize in smart mobility solutions. One such place is mobility2you.com — a solid resource if you want real-world products without the clinical feel. Keep the upgrades functional, flexible, and intentional.

You don’t have to give up elegance. Or taste. Or personality. But the longer you wait to give your home the maturity it deserves, the harder it becomes. Build a home that’s not just beautiful today. Build a home that respects your future.

Featured Image By: Pexels

May28

TikTok Talk

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TikTok Talk

Hello!! As you all know, I am a word girl through and through. I have always preferred blogging as my main outlet which is why I was never particularly interested in incorporating video content too. However, after making a big life change, I had more free time on my hands, said “why not?”, and started my TikTok in mid March. This was not to take the place of my blog, but to enhance it with footage of OOTDs, bloopers, cooking, and whatever else strikes my fancy. After one day on the social media platform, I finally got what all the fuss is about because it is kind of fun!

I have no delusions of becoming a TikTok star, even though it would be awesome. I’m just proud of the fact that people are actually watching my content. Even if it was just one person, I would be proud because video content isn’t in my comfort zone and I decided to go for it anyways. And, I’ve got to say, after two months I feel pretty awesome about my amount of likes and almost ONE HUNDRED followers!

Slow and steady wins the race and even if my page’s progress isn’t astronomical, it’s there, and that’s good enough for me. And, as another old cliche goes, if you never try, you never know. While video content isn’t my forte, you don’t need to be Spielberg to create a video and post it on TikTok. Had I didn’t give it the old college try, I wouldn’t have realized how much fun it is to create in a new medium. Whether you’re thinking about starting a blog, going to the gym, growing a garden, or making a profile on a different social media platform – go for it! If you end up not liking it, it’s okay. The most important thing is that you gave it a shot and you know one way or the other. I definitely expected to fall off of my TikTok a few days in but I have posted daily content since its creation. Your new favorite thing could be just one try away!

As always, give me a follow on TikTok @lilred6794 and keep pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. You never know what opportunities will come from it!

Have you tried something new recently? How did it go? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May27

Bunny Love

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Bunny Love

Hello!! Johnny and I have been proud bunny parents to our mother and son duo, Melvin and Penelope, for the past two and a half years and it has been an absolute gift. They have brought an indescribable amount of joy and laughter into our lives and we just love them so much! Ever since adopting them and bringing them home, Melvin has always been our little adventurer. He loves to play and explore and never shies away from cuddles as he was handled by humans since birth. Penelope, on the other hand, is shy and timid. She clearly did not have a lot of human contact in her life and can be quite skittish.

It has been a long process to get Nelly Girl fully comfortable with pets and love and I am pleased to report that she has been making great strides. In fact, it’s almost as if she’s a completely different bunny than the one we brought home. It took a lot of patience and innovation for my bunny girl to not shy away from affection and it was worth every minute. We have been enjoying several times daily cuddles and it has been fantastic! If you have a skittish bunny, here are some of the techniques that worked for me:

Patience Is A Virtue:

I have always believed that Penelope would open up when she was ready and that meant doing everything on her own timeline. If she would run away in an attempt to pet her, I wouldn’t push it. If she was accepting of pets and love, I would utilize that time fully until she was ready to be done. If you continue to push your bunny into a level of contact they aren’t comfortable with, you are just going to terrorize them and they will consider you an unsafe person. I never wanted this to be the case so slow and steady will always win the race. And it did!!

Love Equally:

My two pet bunnies have polar opposite personalities and if you have two buns, it’s so important to not compare them. Whenever Melvin is ready for some love, I always ALWAYS attempt to give love to Penelope too. If she was not accepting of it, that was okay. Instead, I would talk to her in a soft, calm voice and look her in the eyes. That way, she was still receiving affection in a way that was comfortable for her. And, eventually, this coaxing resulted in her coming to me for pets rather than running away. This was one of the most beneficial techniques I used daily and I am so happy that my voice has turned into something that is soothing for them.

Favorite Things:

The way to Penelope’s heart has always been through her stomach lol. That girl can eat and one of her favorite things is an apple treat! If you have a food motivated bun, use it to your advantage when you try to pet them. That way, they will associate your touch with something pleasant while they are munching away on their favorite snack. Another great way to bond is by feeding them by hand. This is something I do with the bunnies daily. If they don’t come to you right away with treat in hand, that’s okay. Give them the option to do so and then place the snack down after a few minutes so they can have it on their own. Once again, patience is a virtue!

Get On Their Level:

Cats and dogs will typically come to you when they are ready for affection. For bunnies, you need to go to them if they are in their hutch. Tread lightly when you are on your way to avoid startling them, speak to them, and get on their level rather than hover over them. Bunnies are prey animals and a looming presence over top of them can be intimidating. If the bunnies are having free roam time, sit on the floor for a while and see what happens! Every morning, I spend some time on the floor doing paperwork. Eventually, my bunnies would come visit me as I was working and it is always a highlight of my morning. ❤

If you have a skittish bunny, be patient, kind, and don’t come on too strong. It took time for Penelope and we have such an amazing bond now!!

Do you have any pets? What kind of personality do they have? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May26

Don’t Knock It!

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Don’t Knock It!

Hello!! Those of you who have been long term readers of lifewithlilred will know that I absolutely despise going to the dentist due to a horrible oral surgery gone wrong. For those of you who are just tuning in: I absolutely despise going to the dentist due to a horrible oral surgery gone wrong lol. It took a lot of time for me to feel even remotely comfortable going to routine cleanings and I am proud to say that they are a lot easier than they once were. Part of it definitely has to do with where I go for my cleanings: Aspen Dental.

I know, I know – Aspen Dental isn’t the most well reviewed dentistry practice in the world. In fact, I know several people who vowed to never step foot in one again lol. However, it is affordable and I love my oral hygienist who has been taking care of me since I started going a handful of years ago. She is well aware of my dentist phobia and does her best to accommodate anything that I need to make me more comfortable. This includes explaining everything she’s doing as she does it as well as providing ample time for me to take breaks. It might not seem like much but it has transformed my appointments into a more positive experience and encourages me to keep trying to do better with my oral health.

I had an appointment at Aspen Dental this past week and as I was waiting for the dentist to check in on me after my cleaning, I couldn’t help but snap this picture of my X-Rays. It always makes me laugh to see my piercings show up:

^^^ Lol so cool!

As I waited, I also pondered all of the ways that Aspen Dental has helped me. Regardless of if the practice as a whole might not be well received, the people who work at mine are phenomenal and their expertise is crystal clear. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is Don’t Knock It! I began going to Aspen Dental because they were able to get me in immediately for a chipped tooth. That experience alone told me everything I needed to know because I was upset and in pain and they took excellent care of me. I scheduled an appointment for a cleaning that very day, kept every single appointment since, and have no regrets. I feel fully confident in their team and I hope this instills confidence in you should you ever need to get dental help ASAP!

My appointment went great this week and I feel so good about the strides I have made in tackling my phobia and improving my oral health. I can’t believe I’m saying it but… I’m actually looking forward to my next cleaning!

What are you scared of? What helped you get over your fears? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May25

Spring Hiking Spree Success

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Spring Hiking Spree Success

Hello!! My neck of the woods is gifted with countless beautiful Metro Parks to hike, bike, and explore and I love visiting them with my brother. We got extremely into hiking about a year ago and even completed the Fall Hiking Spree together for the first time. The hiking sprees are exactly what they sound like – hike at X amount of parks in a certain amount of time and get rewarded with a new shield for your hiking stick. We had so much fun achieving this goal and were most excited when a Spring Hiking Spree was announced. I am pleased to report that we finished this challenge this past week and I think we saved the best hiking trail for last!

^^^ Giving ALL the Shrek vibes

our final hike for the Spring Hiking Spree, we visited a Metro Park called Sand Run for a trail we have never been on before. This was no ordinary trail, however, but a Parcours! As we hiked through the scenic woods, we shortly came across a numbered wooden sign that walked us through a work out for arm circles. Rather than bypass it, we completed the advised reps and decided to do so for every sign we encountered. The work outs started out easily enough: Leg lifts, toe touches, torso twists, and balance exercises and it was honestly really fun to see what we were going to have to do next. It almost turned the hike into a game and it was so different than any other trail we have done before.

As we made our way through the lengthy woods and exercises, we began to notice a huge increase in difficulty. The trail was winding and the work outs were getting intense. We’re no longer talking toe touches but push ups, chin ups, hand walks, and vault jumps. I am not sorry in the slightest to say that we bypassed those lol! Eventually, we got out of the woods and the end of the hike was upon us. Or so we thought! We ended up on a bike trail that took us past a huge swamp that was serving so much Shrek and then we were back into the woods for another good twenty minutes to complete the trail. We were exhausted by the time we finished our work out within a work out but both agreed that we would love to do the Parcours again!

My brother and I finished our Spring Hiking Spree right in the nick of time because it has rained every day since. We can’t wait to get back on the trails once they dry out!

Have you gone on any good hikes recently? Where did you go? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah