Author Archives: lifewithlilred

About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

Apr23

Demon Slayer Villains Tattoos

Posted on April 23, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Hello! Yesterday we took a look at the heroes from Demon Slayer that I got tattooed turned my tap out session. Today, we are going to peep the baddies – the villains! While I already had a huge Demon Slayer heroes piece prior to this session, I only had one villain tattooed – Enmu from the Mugen Train arc. Only one simply wouldn’t do and I wanted to add Daki and Gyutaro who are, easily, my favorite demons in the series thus far. They were Just. So. Cool. The tattoos are pretty rad too! Check it out:

Daki and Gyutaro are the demons from the Entertainment District arc and I loved the dynamic between the “brother and sister” duo. Daki is one hundred percent pure brat power while Gyutaro handles the heavy lifting and Daki’s emotional support. Their tandem fighting was absolutely insane to watch with Daki’s killer kimono and Gyutaro’s flesh sickles. They were a deadly team and my mind was blown the first time I saw this season. I have watched it several times since and the shock value has yet to wear off!

For my tattoos, I chose to get the image when Daki and Gyutaro are shown together for the first time midway through their big fight. Coincidentally, this is shortly after Daki gets beheaded by Uzui which is the tattoo I got on my inner leg. This worked out perfectly because I have Uzui (seen yesterday) on the other side and it looks like something right out of a manga. The tattoo of the demons together on my outer thigh wasn’t anything to sneeze at. Like the Uzui tattoo we discussed yesterday, the Daki tattoo on my inner thigh was not all that. Lol, but hey – I made it through and have some killer ink to show for it!

Demon Slayer is something that my brother and I both love and truly bonded over. I am beyond thrilled with how my heroes and villains turned out and can’t wait to finish up my session soon!

What is the biggest tattoo you have? How long did it take? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr22

Demon Slayer Heroes Tattoos

Posted on April 22, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! During my tap out tattoo session last week, I got four huge new pieces to start somewhat completing my legs. The final odds and ends will be done at the end of the month and I can’t wait! The tattoos I got during my session are from one of my favorite animes called Demon Slayer. My brother introduced me to it and I was hooked one minute in. I already have a substantial tattoo on the side of my leg featuring Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Nezuko. So, I wanted to build on that by doing a heroes and villains motif. Take a look at a few of the good guys:

To expand on my heroes leg, I got two hashiras tattooed. The “fire guy” as my artist called him is named Rengoku and the “green guy” is Uzui. While there are a plethora of hashiras in the Demon Slayer world, these two have resonated with me and my bro as our favorites. Not just in their fighting skills, but their personalities too! Both Rengoku and Uzui are hilarious in their own rights and we are constantly quoting their phrases to each other. And, of course, a Rengoku tattoo wouldn’t be complete without his signature catchphrase “set your heart ablaze”.

These tattoos were not in the most comfortable spots, but it wasn’t awful. The Rengoku tattoo was super easy and there was essentially no pain with it. The Uzui tattoo on the inner leg, however, wasn’t ideal lol. That spot is tender and this one took significantly longer to complete. Despite any ouchies, my artist works extremely fast and this is highly motivating because I knew the process would be over soon(ish)! Before I knew it, I had the tattoos that I have been telling my brother for years that I was going to get and I could not be happier with them!

My hero tattoos turned out exactly how I wanted them to and I can’t wait to show them off in shorts this summer. Stay tuned for the villains pieces tomorrow!

What is your favorite anime? Who is your favorite character from it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr21

70s Spring OOTD Bloopers

Posted on April 21, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my 70s Spring OOTD! Spring has finally showed up in good ol’ Akron, Ohio and I loved the look I created to welcome it with open arms. I have been ready for warmer days and a good thunderstorm or two, which we have had in spades this past week. Thankfully, it seems like spring has decided to stick around despite the fact that it could have turned back running after seeing these yikes shots. I, for one, am feeling #blessed lol! Check it out:

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Lil Red

Johnny forever cracking me up!

Looking like a noodle with this pose lol

Discovering how buttons work

TFYM when you’re about to say “and you know what else” in an argument

NAILED IT!

As per ushe when taking my pictures, Johnny is always saying something to make me laugh or my blooper shots are making him laugh. In this shoot’s case, my main squeeze very much enjoyed the struggle of the foot pop. He then proceeded to ask me a question that made me laugh even harder: “Do you keep all of the bad shots in a scrapbook or something?” LOL, I can’t with him because he knows darn well they go up on lifewithlilred. However, in a sense… Yes, I guess my page is like a scrapbook of sorts!

After Johnny’s first question, he asked me if I would make him a scrapbook of my blooper shots. I knew there was a reason I was posting these in the first place! This sounds like a hilarious project and I am game to make it happen. While I delete the bloopers from my phone to maximize space storage, they live eternally on lifewithlilred. This gives me bloopers on bloopers at my disposal and I think that I might just have to make a tangible scrapbook a reality for our birthaversary. I think he’ll love it. ❤

As you all know, I am a huge fan of the blooper reel and it warms my heart to know that Johnny is too. Lol, I can’t wait to scroll through bloopers past and select the worst of the worst for the scrapbook!

How do you save mementos? Do you like scrapbooking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr20

What To Do Before A Long Tattoo Session

Posted on April 20, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! This past Wednesday, I enjoyed a grueling nine hour long tattoo session at my friend’s studio called Vivid Visions. My artist got four huge pieces done during my tap out session and we are still not done! We’ll be adding the rest of the odds and ends towards the end of the month. I often get asked two questions about these appointments because it is the only way I get tattooed. One) How? Answer: Very high pain tolerance lol. Two) How do you prepare for it? It’s actually quite simple, so check it out:

Sleep Well:

A tap out session isn’t a sprint, it’s a full on marathon. Yes, the tattoo artist is doing literally all of the work. However, it’s your job to make it as easy as possible for them to do what needs done. This all starts with a good night’s sleep. Think about how miserable it feels when you aren’t well rested and have a ton to do that day. That is SO not what you want to be feeling during a tap out. You want to feel strong and alert so try to get at least eight hours before your big appointment and take it easy during the time leading up to it.

Eat, Eat, Eat:

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to EAT on your tap out day. Your body is essentially about to be injured for an extended period of time and you need that fuel to get you through it. Not eating can lead to shakes, dizziness, weakness, and fainting and no one wants that. Be sure to start your day with a balanced meal, of course, but don’t forget mid session snacks either because you will definitely need them. My favorite snack during a tap out is nuts or trail mix because it’s an immediate protein boost. They pulled through in the clutch on Wednesday!

Hydrate A LOT:

Although I don’t mind an occasional Diet Coke when getting tattooed, I primarily make sure to drink a ton of water. It promotes healing, skin buoyancy, and can help soothe any nerves. I am one of those people that feels chronically thirsty during tattoo sessions so I always bring several bottles of water with me. I also never drink coffee before an appointment unless it’s absolutely necessary. Lots of caffeine comes with the jitters and I don’t like experiencing a midday crash when I’m getting tattooed.

Comfort Is Key:

Being tattooed is obviously an uncomfortable situation and it’s up to you to deal with it so your artist can work. Be sure to dress for comfort and the area being tattooed. You’re not going to want to wear jeans if you’re getting your legs tattooed lol! Other items that might be good to bring include a hoodie if it’s chilly in the shop or a pillow to place around your body as needed. You could even bring something that gives you comfort like a stuffed animal. Whatever gets you through. And don’t forget a phone charger!!

By doing the above before every session, I am able to endure eight plus hours of being tattooed. I have not tapped out once yet and I don’t plan on it any time soon!

What are some of your tattoo session tips? Do you have a go to tattoo artist? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr19

Tattoo Touch Ups

Posted on April 19, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! Way back in April of 2022 was the last time that I got any new tattoos and let me tell you that the ink craving has been real! So much so, that I am prepping for an eight to ten hour session later today as I type this. The day before my big sesh was dedicated to coming into Vivid Visions, my artist’s tattoo shop, for touch ups and placement planning. The main thing that needed some extra TLC was my hands, which were tattooed two years ago. They looked fantastic when I first got them done, but holy wow do they look even better now! Check it out:

My tattoo artist, Emily, has done almost all of my body art except for three tattoos. She is, hands down, one of the best artists in my neck of the woods and I am blown away by her work every time I look at myself lol. For my touch up session, she went over my hands in their entirety for areas of improvement. This included the front of my hands, my palms, and my fingers with more plans for that during my appointment today. She started with my fingers first and after just one letter I noticed a massive difference.

My hand touch ups took about an hour or so and it was kind of weird being tattooed again after so long. Not weird different, but weird that it was exactly how I remember it being: Not bad. Part of this is due to my insanely high pain tolerance, but the other part is all Emily. She has the most gentle hand that I have ever experienced being tattooed. If you’re inked, you know what it feels like to be tattooed by a heavy handed artist – not great. Not only does she have just the right touch, but she works quickly and efficiently while still paying the keenest attention to detail. Before I knew it, she was done and my hands looked brand new. I am so in love with this night and day makeover!

Stay tuned for more new work soon because there is going to be a lot! So glad Emily offers tap out sessions so I can get everything I want done in one day. CAN’T WAIT!

Have you gotten any new body mods recently? Do you plan on getting any soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr18

70s Spring OOTD

Posted on April 18, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! We are finally starting to experience springlike weather in good ol’ Akron, Ohio and I have been SO ready for it. In fact, it has warmed up so significantly that Johnny and I currently have our air conditioning running. Hey, I’ll take it! Although I have enjoyed giving a final hurrah to beloved winter clothes, I have been looking forward to styling spring looks. When I think of spring OOTDs, I think of crisp, fresh pieces that can go from strolling through quaint downtown Cuyahoga Falls to drinks on the patio. The look you are about to see was inspired by spring staples with a 70s spin. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Aviator Pattern Button Down: Karl Lagerfeld, TJMaxx

Straight Leg Slacks: Sincerely Jules, TJMaxx

Platform Heels: Bamboo/Cape Robbin, TJMaxx

Flower Earrings: Bella Jack, TJMaxx

Bracelets: Two were gifts and one is by AllSaints

To style this OOTD, I built from the bottom up because I knew I wanted to rock my Sincerely Jules slacks. These straight leg pants are so retro and cool and they just felt perfect for spring. The neutral shade is also enticing because they can be paired with anything but still offer maximum chicness. Because these slacks are oh so seventies inspired, the outfit was incredibly easy to style as I only had so many pieces that would achieve my vision. Like the Karl Lagerfeld button down…

I love me a good button down, but the aviator adorned one I chose had everything I needed. The pattern, of course, was a major selling point. However, this button down was mainly selected for its fit and color. I absolutely loved the stark white of the top against the soft oat hue of the pants. It really popped and brought that crispness that I was looking for. The fit was also very flattering. It’s not baggy, but definitely not tight and it allowed me to loosely tuck it in for that effortlessly breezy effect that is so popular in seventies style.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. You’re not going to not sport a fab pair of platforms for a seventies inspo look and I went with a pair by Bamboo and Cape Robbin. The denim added an extra something something while still adhering to the neutral palette and the floral embroidery on the heel was a fun surprise! For earrings, I went with one of my favorite pairs featuring transparent bluebell flowers for some additional movement. Then, I stacked on a few simple mini cuff bracelets and was ready for my closeup!

I love how my 70s Spring OOTD turned out and Johnny did too! As soon as he saw me when he returned home, he immediately let me know and noted the seventies nod. My husband, the fashionista! ❤

What is your favorite era of style? What is your favorite season to dress for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr17

TGI Fridays Cajun Pasta Taste Alike Recipe

Posted on April 17, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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TGI Fridays Cajun Pasta Taste Alike Recipe

Hello!! Johnny and I are so lucky to have such a wonderful downstairs neighbor. We make frequent visits to his apartment to hang out or go on adventures like trips to the shooting range. About once a month or so, we also like to do a dinner out and we swap whose turn it is to pay each time. Our neighbor is a huge TGI Fridays fan and we both order the same thing every time: Cajun pasta except hold the meat for mine! After our last TGIs trip, I decided that a recipe for Cajun pasta wouldn’t be too hard to make and found one by My Heavenly Recipes. It turned out heavenly! Check it out:

I came across several taste alike recipes for the TGI Fridays Cajun pasta and all of them looked easy enough. As per ushe, I went with the one by My Heavenly Recipes because it only required nine ingredients, a majority of which I already had. All I needed from the store was red pepper, red onion, and chicken breast. Say what?! I cooked chicken?! Yes, I did for the very first time lol. I am truly expanding my culinary horizons because I recently tried my hand at cooking steak too. It wasn’t the worst thing ever, but I hate not being able to taste something that I have made!

The prep work for this recipe was minimal. I cut the peppers, garlic, and onion and let them saute with cayenne pepper. Then, once the veggies were softened, I added in water and tomato sauce to make the sauce and let it simmer. I also had the chicken that I coated in onion powder, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning cooking too. Although I normally try to follow a new recipe to the T, I did make some modifications this time around. Since I wasn’t going to have the extra heat to my dish sans chicken, I added the same seasoning to the sauce and I am glad I did. I did a quick taste test of it and it definitely needed a little something something.

Once the chicken and sauce were at a good place, I began to boil the fettuccine. During that time, the sauce was thickening nicely and the chicken was getting there. The cuts from the store were pretty big so once I was able to, I cut them up to not only speed up the process but ensure that it was fully cooked as our meat thermometer is useless lol. I couldn’t wait to dig in by the time everything was done and I am pleased to report that it was fantastic. This taste alike recipe was spot on and both myself and my neighbor can attest to it. Considering Cajun pasta is one of our favorite meals, this was the best compliment!

I cannot recommend My Heavenly Recipes’ take on Cajun pasta enough regardless of whether you have tried it at TGI Fridays or not. It was so flavorful and had just the right amount of bold heat without going overboard. It was delicious and I can’t wait to make it again!

What is your go to order at your favorite restaurant? What is one of the best taste alike recipes you have tried? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr16

Mini Madness

Posted on April 16, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! During the work week, I typically have an hour and a half or so of time in between shifts to run errands on Tuesday. I take full advantage of this because then I don’t have to pencil in time during the weekend to make it happen. If I have nothing that needs done, I’ll post up in a Panera or Starbucks and grab a drink and set up my laptop there. This past Tuesday, I had a few little odds and ends to take care of including a quick stop in Bath & Body Works and TJMaxx for some mini goodies. Check it out:

I have been running dangerously low on my Better Than Sex mascara. However, I simply refuse to buy more from Sephora until my birthday month in June so I can get my free birthday prezzie with the purchase. During my last TJs shopping trip, I purchased some Ellen Tracey mascara to tide me over. Unfortunately, it was the most crap lousy product I have ever used in my life. I needed to go to TJs anyways to make a return so I just bought a mini MAC tube of mascara to get me through until June. I was disappointed they didn’t have some Better Than Sex mascara in store because they sometimes do, but beggars can’t be choosers. -_-

After my astoundingly quick time in TJMaxx, I went to Bath & Body Works next to cash in a free travel size product coupon. Normally when I get a freebie coupon, I like to try new to me scents. This time around, I reverted back to a fragrance I got in my January freebie haul: Calypso Clementine. This scent is exactly what you think it is and it’s delightful. I am extremely partial to citrus and just had to get Calypso Clementine in a fragrance spray too. I have a feeling I am going to be wearing it all summer. It is bright, zesty, and screams sunshine! Highly recommend. 😀

Good things come in small packages and that was definitely the case with this Mini Madness. Now, here’s to hoping I won’t need any more mascara until June! #fingerscrossed

What is your favorite brand of mascara? What is your favorite summertime scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr15

Slumber Partayyy!

Posted on April 15, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Johnny and I take our title of “Fun Aunt and Uncle” to our sweet nieces and nephew very seriously. We delight in treat days, outings, and surprises to further solidify that we are the best lol and we have the best time doing it! As often as we can, we like to have our niece, Val Gal, over for slumber parties for an evening of playing music, crafts, movies, and snacks. Surprisingly, I had the day off this past Thursday and was so excited to be able to host our lil BFF. I was SO tired the next day, but that’s a small price to pay for such a wonderful time! Check it out:

When my sister dropped Val off at chez nous, lil buddy immediately went into her overnight bag for a surprise for me and Johnny. She bought us chips with her own money and made an origami bunny with her dad for us too. It was so sweet I could have cried because it’s usually the other way around for who’s getting a little gift! Before dinner, Val wanted to play music with Johnny and he is always happy to accommodate. He got them matching ukuleles for her third birthday and she brings it every time she comes over so they can play together. My heart! ❤

After our music block, it was time for dinner and a show and we watched our all time favorite, Vivo. It is a slumber party staple and it gets me every time. I love singing along to all of the songs with bestie! We noshed on mac n cheese and ice cream sundaes, then we spent the rest of the movie time painting together. I decided to make a picture for Val in a rainbow motif and then I wrote her name on it. She wanted to do the same thing for me and I came in with the assist to help her finish it. I love my painting so much and it has a very special place on my art wall with all of the crafts she has made for Johnny and I.

We spent the rest of the evening holding the bunnies, running around the apartment like crazy people, and watching a bit of Elf before bed. The following morning, I got up extra early so I could work before she woke up. Val threw an adorable wrench in my plans because she got up extra early so she could have more time with me! We finished Elf and before I took her home, we broke out her new diary and wrote an entry and drew pictures together about our slumber partay. It was absolutely precious and I’m not sure which one of us had more fun!

Being an aunt brings me so much joy and Johnny feels the same about his uncle status. We love every minute with our lil besties and we both agreed that this was one of our best slumber parties yet!

Did you have a favorite aunt or uncle growing up? How do you like to spoil your family? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr14

Statement Trench Coat OOTD Bloopers

Posted on April 14, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Statement Trench Coat OOTD! As we transition from winter to spring, I have been trying to give a final hurrah to beloved coats and jackets before it gets too hot to wear them. In Lil Red’s perfect world, it would be fall weather all the time because nothing pleases me more than a statement coat like the one featured in this past OOTD. They have the power to transform any outfit from blah to bold simply by putting it on. However, no matter how amazing the coat is, sometimes the end result is just yikes:

A nice lil smile for all of you 🙂

Serving sassafras LOOK OUT

I’M SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When you think you’re slaying and this is what you end up with -_-

A wild Karen looking for a manager to speak to

No longer ready for my closeup… Gimme my phooooone!

While I LOVE getting dressed up and going out with Johnny over the weekend, I think I might love staying in the best! The irony is not lost on me that some of these OOTDs never even make it out in public because we just don’t feel like doing anything lol. Although we did run some errands while I was rocking the above look, sometimes we shoot pictures and I get in my pajamas immediately afterwards. And, no, the PJs are never as cute as anything I styled before putting them on! They sure are comfy, though. 😀

By the time the weekend rolls around, Johnny and I are always exhausted from a long week of work and getting up at the buttcrack of dawn. That’s not to say that we don’t have a ton of fun just vegging out because we have began gaming together a lot again! We have been obsessed with the horror puzzle game, Little Nightmares, and nothing in the outside world seems as enticing as beating it. It is challenging, exciting, and pretty scary too! So, even if I was dressed to the nines minutes prior to heading back inside, it begs the question: Why go out when you can stay in?!

Until we have some consistently nice weather, Johnny and I are going to prolong our winter hibernation. I have yet to see a problem with it! ❤

What is your favorite puzzle game? Do you prefer to stay in or go out over the weekend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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