Category Archives: Anything & Everything

May23

Tim Misny: A Hometown Hero

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Tim Misny: A Hometown Hero

Hello!! Every major city seems to have a lawyer who specializes in amazing marketing. In the greater Akron/Cleveland area, this honor goes to none other than a one mister Tim Misny. He is a personal injury lawyer who literally everyone knows from his billboards and commercials featuring his signature eyebrow arch and catchphrase of “I’ll make them pay”. His billboards are absolutely everywhere, sometimes they are one on top of the other! In fact, on the way to the Cleveland Clinic, I see at minimum five Tim Misny billboards and it never ceases to make me smile.

Recently, Tim Misny opened up a merch shop called Misny Merch and proceeds from every sale goes to the Cleveland City Mission, a charity close to Tim’s heart. Because my dad and I always get a laugh at the omnipresent Tim as we frequent the Cleveland Clinic throughout the week, he let me go on a Misny Merch shopping spree for my birthday! Check it out:

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^^^ How can anyone say no to a Misny To The Max baseball cap?!

With this purchase from my father, there was a catch. Tim Misny is currently hosting a contest for the grand opening of his shop and I am desperate to win. The prize? A lunch with Tim at “Misnyland”!! I am not sure what Misnyland is, but I guess I’ll find out when I win lol. Cocky? No. Just confident because the contest parameters are one that I specialize in: Pictures showcasing your Misny Merch swag! And you all know what that means: An OOTD featuring my fabulous new cap and T-shirt that Tim Misny made me pay for. 😀

You can peep my Misny To The Max OOTD coming soon on lifewithlilred. Winner or no, this purchase went towards a wonderful charity that is dedicated to helping people out of a tough time and that is good enough for me. Cross your fingers and toes that Tim Misny picks yours truly as the winner so I can make him pay for lunch!!! ❤

Who is a local celebrity in your neck of the woods? Have you ever won a contest before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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May18

Nothing To Write? Have Some Prompts!

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Nothing To Write? Have Some Prompts!

Hello! After publishing my Content Creating 101 post, I received lots of questions asking how I come up with daily content for lifewithlilred. There are a few answers that immediately come to mind, but the first and foremost is that I love to write. I always have and even though I hated school, I never minded when writing papers was the assignment. I like to consider writing as something that I am good at and it makes me feel good when I do it; So, I just go for it! Writing brings me joy so, in that regard, it is very easy for me to find inspiration for content because everything makes me want to write lol.

Although daily content is on lifewithlilred, that doesn’t mean that I don’t get writer’s block too. I swear, some mornings I sit here for twenty or so minutes struggling to get a post started. Writer’s block happens to the best of us, but it’s still annoying AF! If you weren’t aware, WordPress now offers daily writing prompts. However, if you are looking to knock out some posts of your own quickly, I thought I’d provide some of my own too. Let’s get started:

Summer Plans:

  1. What are your goals this summer? I actually just recently wrote about this!
  2. What was the best summer vacation you ever took?
  3. What is your dream summer vacation?
  4. Describe your perfect summer day.
  5. Summertime recipes or party tips? Bring it on!

All About You:

  1. What were you like when you were little? Favorite games, toys, foods?
  2. What did you want to be when you grew up?
  3. What are your favorite things? What brings you joy?
  4. What is your favorite thing about yourself?
  5. What is your go to thing on a lazy day? Comfort shows and comfort food, perhaps? Oh wait, no – that’s me lol.

Hobbies:

  1. What is a project you completed that you are proud of?
  2. What is your favorite medium of art to work with?
  3. How do you express your personality with your hobby? Shopping is my favorite hobby and I express mine through my clothes!
  4. How did you get interested in your hobby? Who taught you?
  5. Did your hobby come easily to you or did you struggle to get started?

Just For Funsies:

  1. What is something that always makes you laugh? For me, that’s easy! The movie Step Brothers, of course!
  2. What is your biggest pet peeve?
  3. What is an adorable thing that your children or pets do? I simply can’t stand it when Melvin and Penelope are snuggling!
  4. What is something new that you want to try?
  5. What happened on the best day you have ever had?

There are twenty ideas above to help get you started and kick writer’s blocks’ stupid butt! Make sure you tag me in the post if you use any of these prompts because I would love to read them. And, if this was helpful to you and you would like more prompt posts, let me know!

What do you love about writing? What is something that you struggle with when you are writing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: Always remember, that anything that you want to write is important. If you think something is worthy to write about, then it is! ❤

May8

Ways To Help Someone During A Tough Time

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Ways To Help Someone During A Tough Time

Hello!! As you know, it has not been sunshine and rainbows in Lil Red’s world as of late. I have basically been a dual citizen between Akron and Cleveland while a loved one is a long term patient at the Cleveland Clinic. During this difficult time, I have been so thankful to everyone who has reached out to me in case I need anything. In this post, I thought I’d put together a few helpful and not so helpful things that you can do if you would like to offer assistance to someone you know who is going through a hardship too. I know firsthand the merits and annoyances of a few of the following so let’s discuss:

DO – Let the person know you are here:

Sometimes, the most comforting thing that you can do is to just let someone know you are here. You are available to chat on the phone. You can be there in a flash if needed. Help is available if you ask. This puts the ball into the recipients court and gives them the opportunity to take you up on your offer if they choose. Which leads me to my next point:

DON’T – Bombard the person:

One of the absolute best things that you can do is to not bombard your loved one during the hardship they are experiencing. Constantly asking for updates, if they need help, and checking in is coming from a good place, of course, but it can also be a lot. I would highly recommend keeping check ins to a minimum unless asked for it because lots of calls and messages can be extremely overwhelming.

DO – Be empowering:

As much as it is appreciated to receive offers of assistance, there are some approaches that work better than others. I, personally, don’t like when it is implied that I can’t do things like maintain my household, grocery shop, or cook. Be mindful of your phrasing and try to empower the person instead. Something like “you have been doing so much, would it be helpful if I did XYZ?” goes a much longer way than “have you even been able to do XYZ?”.

DON’T – Pressure the person:

I have talked with SO many people during my “residency” at the Cleveland Clinic and one thing that we have all agreed on is how sick we are of hearing “take time for you”. The running joke is that we all reply with “how?” lol. It almost just feels like one more thing that we have to do on top of everything else. It sounds weird, but it is somewhat pressuring when you are hearing it from everyone and their brother! Once again, phrasing is important. “Can I do XYZ for you so you can take a break?” gives you the chance to say yes or no instead of a question mark.

DO – Be understanding:

I have become the queen of sending texts a week after receiving one, ignoring phone calls, and simply not replying back period. This is not coming from a place of being mean – just tired! Of course, I don’t love doing this but what was helpful for me was letting people know that if anything important was happening, they would know too. Your texts and calls might go unanswered and that’s okay! Be understanding of it and try your best to not blow up anyone’s phone in the process. ❤

At the end of July, it will be a year since my hardships began and these are all just things I noticed for myself personally. What is in this post might not be the case for you, but I thought I would pass it along anyway in case anything is remotely helpful!

Are you good or bad at accepting help? What was something that was beneficial or annoying during a difficult time? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar11

2023 All About Me

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2023 All About Me

Hello!! Your favorite Lil Red blogger has had a very busy past few months. Between bunny parenthood, new jobs, and the kerfuffle of daily life, I am ready for a little break any time now! It has been a while since we have had an updated All About Me post and I figured no better time than the present to talk a bit more in depth about everything happening in Lil Red’s world. Let’s get to it:

Bunny Babies:

Johnny and I have had our Lionhead bunnies, Mel and Penelope, for over four months now and they are thriving! In fact, I would say that they are fully settled to their new lives with us. Melvin is as adventurous as ever and loves to evade his dad by getting under the couch and exploring the non bunny proofed area while he plays video games lol. He is never too quick for his dear old mom, though! Melvin is not quite a year old yet and he is also never too old for an evening cuddle with me. It’s so sweet! ❤

Penelope took a decent amount of time to get acclimated to her new setting and I think that we are finally there. Her favorite activities are eating leafy greens from my hand and chilling out in her go to spot behind the hutch. Pen and Mel both also really enjoy being brushed, which is great as they are long haired and shedding season has been nuts! I was very proud of Penelope because this past week, she explored a few stairs for the first time but was scared to go down. She let me know of her distress by making some noise and allowed me to pick her up and take her back to the floor. Pen still isn’t the biggest fan of Johnny, but she sure loves her mom! 😀

New Job, No Prob:

I have a very entrepreneurial spirit and enjoy both my work as a provider for people with special needs and a writer so much. In the new year, I was really hoping to take my writing work to the next level and that happened on January third. I am currently managing a plethora of social media pages and building websites and businesses with my new boss and it is awesome! Between three jobs, it can be a bit stressful during the work week but I make it work. I am learning so many new things and being able to work from home a lot and hang out with Mel and Pen is such a joy. Eventually, I will decrease my work out in the field but, for now, I am just loving the experience!

Accomplishing Goals:

One of my other goals for the new year was creating a lot more OOTD content for lifewithlilred and I have been very dedicated to it. My sweet blog husband is also most helpful in that regard too! During the work week, I am rarely in the general public and put minimal effort into outfits and makeup. Saturday, however, is a totally different story! On Saturday afternoons, Johnny and I go on an outing for a lunch date, errands, or a visit at his or my parents and end up taking OOTD pictures some time in between. Johnny is always so accommodating and Saturday has definitely become our designated picture day. This setup has worked wonderfully and I look forward to our date days every week. ❤

Birthday Extravaganza:

Starting on March 7th and ending on June 7th, Johnny and I have lots to celebrate. In three months, there are seven birthdays in my family and mine and Johnny’s second wedding anniversary. I love this time of the year because I LOVE shopping for birthday presents and taking part in someone’s special day. I am also very excited for mine and Johnny’s second birthaversary jubilee and cannot wait to put together another get together to celebrate our birthdays and anniversary in one mega event!

Nothing Too Exciting:

As I have been working three very involved jobs for the past three months and Johnny is in a constant state of tired from his demanding job, we haven’t been doing much of anything. Part of it is the weather and part of it is exhaustion! That’s okay, though, because we rally around this time of the year when the sun starts setting later. We might not do anything during the work week but we do end up staying up later than our normal seven PM bedtime and that’s good enough for me. We are thinking of doing a few weekend trips this summer and it will be so nice to have a getaway of our own considering we haven’t even had a honeymoon yet. All in good time!

As busy as these past few months have been, I will never be too busy to post daily on lifewithlilred or get my nails done. Peep those tomorrow and keep it posted for all of the latest and greatest! ❤

What is new in your world? Is anything exciting coming up for you soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb20

Surprise Vacation

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Surprise Vacation

Hello!! After writing about my desire to achieve a better work/life balance, I had the opportunity to put my money where my mouth is. However, it wasn’t for a great reason. Unfortunately, my parents tested positive for Covid last Tuesday and I genuinely have no idea where they got it from. Thankfully, both of their symptoms were quite mild and they are on the up and up!

Usually, I am at my parents house almost every day of the week for work or just hanging out. Of course, that wasn’t a possibility while my parents were sick and I miss them and my brother terribly! The first day I couldn’t come over, I honestly didn’t know what to do with myself and the free time that fell in my lap. I felt bad all week that I was lounging in the comfort of my home but I also knew that there was nothing else to be done until there were negative tests all around.

During my Surprise Vacation, I caught up on my sleep a lot. Since the beginning of the new year, I have been waking up between 4:45 and 5 every morning to take care of the bunnies, get myself ready for work, work from home, then go to my other job. It was exhausting but necessary, especially as I started a new online gig. During my break, I was able to sleep in until… Drum roll, please… SIX O’CLOCK and it was awesome! I didn’t know how much I needed that extra sleep until I actually got it and it was just what I needed to rejuvenate myself. The extra sleeping in sessions also made it much easier to get up early again when I had morning clients.

I got a lot of work done online during my staycation and I also had time for extra cleaning, cooking, and enjoying some TV time before Johnny returned from work. You already know I watched lots of Hoarders while Melvin and Penelope romped around their bunny-proofed area. I also binged the first half of the new season of You in one afternoon flat. I can’t remember the last time I was able to do that and it felt so good to have a binge-watching session with a show just for me. Also, can we please talk about how freaking crazy that show is? Lol freaking Joe Goldberg, dude.

As wonderful as my mini work vaca was, I was ready for it to be over each day because I missed being able to hug my parents and brother. I can’t wait for negative tests so I can get back to my normal schedule feeling as refreshed as I have been in weeks!

How do you relax during time off? What did you think of the new season of You? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb8

Pro Tips To Boost Your New Blog

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Pro Tips To Boost Your New Blog

In today’s world, blogging is becoming a popular way for people to express their opinion – and why wouldn’t it be? Blogging is fun, it allows you to share your thoughts, and there is the potential to make a side income from your page. A blog can be based on pretty much anything, you can write about business, sports, marketing, food & drink, travel – the list goes on. Then, when you find your niche, you can connect with other people with similar interests across the blogosphere. It’s awesome!

If you are interested in boosting your new blog to unlock its full potential, check out these tips to help you get started:

Use the correct editing software:

In order to run a successful blog, you will almost definitely be publishing pictures and videos to assist your article writing. Pictures are a must, however, video is becoming a lot more popular. When working with images and videos you may want to look into things like home video editing services to ensure the quality is there. You never want to just upload an image without making adaptations to it. Take your time to learn the software so whatever media content you use best suits your page.

Create a content schedule:

Another tip that should be followed when running a successful blog is to stick to a content schedule. Try to decide how many posts you would like to publish each week and set a dedicated time for them to go out. This way your readers will know when to return to your blog to access new information and it shows your website is regularly updated. When putting a schedule together, it gives you the opportunity to think about different topics and categories to write about. The schedule itself is easily done, you can do it with a notes app on your phone, a content schedule website, Word, Excel – whatever your preference may be.

Look after your website:

How your website looks and feels is extremely important. You will have a lot of competitors out there, so having a good-looking website may bring their readers to you. Websites aren’t as expensive as you may think and with many different website builders out there and a creative mind, you may find you can do it yourself using a template or two. If not, reach out to your friends or family members or employ a freelancer to do it for you.

Any blog has the potential to turn into the next big thing. Use the tips above, stick to them, and watch as your page grows!

Featured Image By: Andrea Piacquadio

Jan20

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone With These Tips

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Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone With These Tips

If you want to live your best life, then getting out of your comfort zone from time to time is a must. Not only does it expose you to new experiences, but it helps you to see that you are capable of much more than you think. Here are five ways to get out of your comfort zone right now:

Travel to a new place:

One of the best ways to get out of your comfort zone in life is to travel to a new place. It could be a different city, state, or even country. Being in a new environment with different cultures, customs, and languages will force you to adapt and step out of your comfort zone. It will also give you a fresh perspective and help you appreciate the things you take for granted in your normal setting.

Try a new hobby:

Another way to get out of your comfort zone is to try a new hobby. It could be something as simple as taking a dance class or as adventurous as skydiving. Trying new things will help you learn new skills, meet new people, and push yourself to do things you never thought you would.

Volunteer:

Volunteering will allow you to get out of your comfort zone and help others at the same time. It can be anything from helping out at a local soup kitchen to working on a community service project. Volunteering will expose you to new people and new environments, and it will give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Take a public speaking class:

Public speaking is a common fear for many people, but taking a class can help you overcome it. Public speaking classes will teach you how to present yourself confidently and communicate effectively. It will also give you the opportunity to practice speaking in front of a group, which will help you build confidence. It could also be useful in helping you to get a new job whether you want to be a PR manager, apply for diesel technician jobs, or become a teacher, so it is one form of getting out of your comfort zone that could really change your life if you let it.

Start a conversation with a stranger:

Starting a conversation with a stranger can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. It will help you practice social skills and make new connections. By initiating conversations with strangers, you will also gain a new perspective and learn about different people and cultures.

Getting out of your comfort zone can be challenging but it is also necessary for growth and self-improvement. Remember to always be open to new experiences and opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take risks!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan10

Renovating An Old Home? Check Out These Tips

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Renovating An Old Home? Check Out These Tips

When it comes to renovating an old home, there are a few key things to keep in mind for the project to be a success. It’s important to be prepared because there’s a lot that might challenge you when going through this huge undertaking. Here are some tips to help guide you through the process:

Start with a plan:

Before any work begins, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish with your renovation. Make a list of the specific areas of the home that you want to update and consider how those updates will fit in with the overall style and architecture of the house. This will help you to create a comprehensive plan and budget for the project, which will help to keep you on track and so you don’t overspend on unnecessary items.

Prioritize structural updates:

An old home may have structural issues that need to be addressed before you can move on to cosmetic updates. These types of updates can include foundation repairs, roof replacements, or updates to the electrical and plumbing systems. While these types of updates can be costly, they are essential to the safety and longevity of your home. By taking care of these issues, your home will be safe and secure for you and your family, and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Make energy-efficient updates:

Energy-efficient updates can help to reduce your energy costs and improve the overall comfort of your home. These might include adding insulation, replacing flimsy siding and doors, or installing a high-efficiency heating and cooling system. These types of updates can be a bit more expensive initially, but over time, they can pay for themselves in energy savings. Another way to do this is to install new windows; Renewal by Andersen window replacement can help you with that.

Be prepared for surprises:

Even the most well-planned renovation projects can encounter unexpected issues, such as hidden mold or old wiring. Be prepared to adapt your plan as needed, consult with experts when necessary, and make changes to your budget to accommodate any unexpected expenses.

Do your research:

It’s important to research the best contractors to hire, the most cost-effective materials, and the latest technology for your renovation to achieve the best outcome. This will help you to find the right team to work with and make informed decisions about the materials and products you’ll use.

By following these tips and keeping an open mind, you can renovate an old home with confidence and turn it into a beautiful and comfortable living space that will stand the test of time.

Featured Image By: PXHere

Jan8

New Year, Same Us

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New Year, Same Us

Hello! One of my favorite things about being married other than annoying Johnny every day for the rest of our lives is the holidays. I am a huge fan of birthdays, holidays, and any occasion that calls for a family get together and being able to double the celebration time with Johnny’s family is such a treat! This past weekend, Johnny and I celebrated our third New Year together and we just had to show out in our best for the handful of people that saw us lol. Check it out:

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As you can see, “act more normal” was clearly not one of our New Year’s resolutions. In fact, we didn’t make any! However, we both have several projects and goals that we’d like to see come into fruition this year. I currently have a rough draft for a children’s book and I am meeting with a potential illustrator in a few weeks. I also would very much like to continue gaining clout with my social media presence and blog. While I am a word gal, Johnny is my music guy and he has plans for a new honky tonk band with two of our musician pals. So, no resolutions per se but lots of exciting things to work towards!

Let’s be real, the past few years have sucked eggs. Since 2020, I have gone into every new year thinking the best and then craziness broke out with the pandemic. This is the first time that I have felt, dare I say, hopeful for a new year ahead of us. It is also nice to kick start 2023 with the major goal of self publishing a book. I have never done anything like that before and I am ready to sink my teeth into a brand new challenge. I also have a very rough draft of a sequel written already and a majority of the writing I did was to the tune of Johnny’s guitar. It’s a match made in heaven. ❤

Maybe I feel a bit better about 2023 because nothing could be worse than the last few months of my 2022 lol. I can’t wait for Johnny and I to have success in these side hustle projects and have my fingers crossed that the curve balls will be kept to a minimum!

What is something that you are looking forward to this year? How did you celebrate the new year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec6

5 Steps To Manage A Sudden Life Change

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5 Steps To Manage A Sudden Life Change

No matter who you are, there will come a point when you are faced with a sudden change in your life. It could be an opportunity to move somewhere to better your career or maybe you’re tired of the same old thing every day, and you’ve found something that could transform that. Whatever it is, you may need to take quick action to ensure you can do it, but this is never that easy. If you’re faced with a sudden change, here are some tips to manage it successfully:

Slow Down:

Sudden change brings a whirlwind of uncertainty. You may have no idea what to do, which means you could make a decision that isn’t right for you or your family. It’s vital to slow down when something unexpected occurs, as this allows you to think and re-calibrate. You can take the opportunity to consider your options from myriad angles, meaning you can find the solution that works best for you.

Speak to Your Family:

You may not want to or should not make this decision alone. When a change arrives, you must ask how any action will affect others. Speaking to your family, your partner, kids, and even your parents, will help you work through your options and consider everyone’s feelings. Your partner may not want to leave their job; your kids may miss their friends; your parents might need you to take care of them. These are all issues you could face when you encounter a sudden change.

Know Your Options:

It’s always useful to know your options, especially if you need to make a quick decision and want assurances that there is no going back. If you have an opportunity to move across the country or another part of the world, use services like sell my house fast so you can generate funds to move elsewhere and remove mortgage and other responsibilities back home.

Consider Alternatives:

There are always alternatives for you and your family to consider when faced with change. If you need to move immediately, you can do so, but your family may not need to move straight away. While it’s challenging to be apart, it helps you settle in and ensure you feel comfortable where you are. If you don’t, you may realize you can return if the opportunity wasn’t all it was made out to be.

Just Go For It:

You won’t get anywhere by deliberating over your options for too long. Sometimes, you may not even have the time to deliberate, so taking a risk might be worth it if you dive headfirst into the opportunity. You never know what life could bring and if you feel like you need a change, this could be what you’ve been searching for all this time.

You never know when a change will come, but that’s okay. You don’t need to predict everything in your life. Sometimes, the unexpected things are often the most exciting. At the very least, these tips can help you deal with change when it comes, so you know the best course of action!

Featured Image By: Unsplash