Hello!!! Today is a wonderful day for planet Earth, because it’s my 24th birthday! Although I’m not too keen on getting older, birthdays are still a time for celebration – and I do love celebrating myself. 😀 These past few years have been a royal shit show for yours truly so, even though going into a new year is scary, I am looking forward to things *hopefully* going up from here!
Thanks again to all of my wonderful readers for all of the love and I hope you guys have an amazing day – I’m sure going to try to!
Hi everyone and happy late Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful moms, pet moms, and soon to be moms out there! You are all amazing and thank you for everything that you do – especially my mom! 😉 As a flower loving family, beautiful bouquets were the only way to go this Mother’s Day. Check out these gorgeous blooms and let’s discuss:
The lavender bouquet seen first is compliments of my dad. He created his gift fresh from the lavender bush (Or tree?!) that he planted in our backyard. They smell divine and the pale purple color is spectacular. My dad planted his lavender when it was just a tiny sprig and now it is a huge, blossoming tree. It looks awesome and will definitely supply us with more bouquets all summer long.
The day lilies and vase are compliments of yours truly. My mom loves lilies and so I thought that they were the perfect flower for her gift from me. I love the dazzling orange and it looks striking against the Air Force blue vase. The butterfly and dragonfly adorned vessel was the last of its kind at the store and I can see why! I think that it is so pretty and I knew that it was something that my mom would love because the simple country style decor is her favorite. And, of course I was right!
We had a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration at my place and I hope that all of you did, too! How did you celebrate Mother’s Day? What is your favorite thing about your mom? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
When life gets ahead of us thanks to a whirlwind schedule, gift purchasing can seem like the last thing on your mind. But, alas, birthdays and holidays still come and go, and gift buying is a necessary part of it. Whether you’re picking something up from a store or online shopping, last minute gift shopping isn’t always a bad thing – as long as you don’t make it glaringly obvious that you did, that is. Check out these tips for when you need to do the last minute gift hustle for your next get together:
Something Fast:
The first option to consider is one which is in place entirely for its speed. Amazon Prime Same Day delivery has started to cover a very wide range of products recently, opening the doors for those with phobias of the outside world to buy things without venturing out. And the best part of these services, is that you will often get your hands on the goods within hours of ordering them. This is perfect for when you have a bit of time at home before you need to present your gift. Of course, when it comes to Amazon, you can often choose to have items gift wrapped, too.
Something Personal:
There are plenty of personal gifts out there which you can give to someone and they will cherish it for a long time. That piece of jewelry or furniture they keep glancing at, for example, could be a great gift, and you don’t have to go and buy it. The odds are that you will own a good range of different items which could inherit heirloom status. Being passed down or across generations, items like these could stay with people you love for hundreds of years, and could even find themselves in the hands of great people down the line.
Avoiding The Physical:
When you’re in a rush, giving something physical may be a mistake. If they live too far away for you to visit, you will have to use the postal service to get their gift to them, and this could be a problem if you’re not careful. Avoiding this is simple, leaving you with loads of great options. For example, subscription services like Spotify, are becoming extremely popular. Giving you access to hundreds of gifts, looking down the digital route can be a great way to avoid missing the big day.
Professional Services:
Companies that are willing to bend over backwards to make you happy can be found everywhere. Professional services, like chocolate making and flower arrangement, are great when you’re looking for gifts for people you love. Companies like Camelback Flowershop have the skills and resources to be able to take and prepare custom orders to be delivered on the same day. Of course, this is based on location, and you will have to find a business close to you. Once you do, though, you will be able to start turning birthdays you miss or forget about into something very special. This sort of gift can be touching when you have it arrive for you.
Something Homemade:
Basing a gift on your hobbies is often a simple matter of putting yourself to work, and will only take a bit of effort once you get into it. Drawing, cooking, singing, and crafts are but a few examples of the choices you have here, giving you a huge range of different gift ideas to choose from. This is something that you will have to dedicate a lot of time to in the short window you have between remembering a birthday and seeing the person who is having it if you want to get it done in time. This will be hard to manage if you have a busy schedule to contend with, but the reaction of your loved one will be so worth it!
Printable Gifts:
If you own a printer, you have the makings for tons of easy gifts which most people will never try. Buying tickets to a musical performance, for example, will often give you the ability to print off the documents from home, rather than having to wait for them to come in the post. Using this sort of gift will give you the chance to choose something personal and well thought out, without having to have the time to spend on making it happen.
Last minute gift shopping can be totally stressful, so use this guide and breeze through your next occasion with ease!
Hi everyone and Happy Easter, Happy Sunday, and Happy April Fools to all! I, myself, do not celebrate Easter but I want to wish the happiest of days to those who do. Oddly enough, I will spend my time today watching the live version of Jesus Christ Superstar, as it happens to be my favorite musical. Go figure, huh?
No matter how you spend your day, I hope that you have a wonderful time doing it! Enjoy a lazy Sunday, a church celebration, or revel in the tricks of April Fools – just have some fun! See you all tomorrow. 🙂 Much love. -Sarah
Helloooo everyone and Happy Valentine’s Day! I just wanted to write a quick post to tell everyone to enjoy their day no matter how they spend it. For some people, V-Day sucks. For others, it’s the most awaited day of the year. So whether you’re with your significant other, best friends, or riding solo – try to make today your best day yet! After all, it’s just like any other day, except slightly more romantic.
Regardless of how you go about your day today, just remember that you are all my Valentines and I freaking love all of you!!
How are you spending Valentine’s Day today? What is your best or worst V-Day memory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hola! It’s easy for all the single ladies to get stressed with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. I get that and I am here to tell you that it is okay! Yours truly has spent plenty of Valentine’s Days by myself with a bottle of wine or going credit card crazy with online shopping. So, like I said, I get it.
Valentine’s Day can seem like it’s a couples only holiday but, damn it, that’s just not true. Hello, Galentine’s Day, ironic singles parties, and taking the day to treat yourself like the queen that you are. So let’s get some tunes going while we discuss some ideas on how to keep the single goddesses out of the Valentine’s Day funk:
(And, as per ushe, I have no rights to this song or video!)
First things first:
Just because you’re single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t make you any less desirable, beautiful, or fabulous. It just means that your special someone hasn’t made a cameo in your life yet and that’s okay!! I think that you’re all the most wonderful women alive and that’s all that really matters, anyways.
😉 😉 😉
Second of all:
Valentine’s Day is just another day of the year. Truly. You are just more aware of it because couples are constantly posting on social media to showcase their true love. If you don’t want to see it, go off the grid for the day and come back tomorrow when Facebook is back to puppy videos and conspiracy theory rants.
And, finally:
It’s okay to spend your Valentine’s Day alone! Sometimes it can be just what you need to recharge your batteries and start the day shiny and new. You can even do some of the following:
Have a spa day:
Who doesn’t love being pampered? Go get your hair done, get a manicure, or just stay at home and take a nice, hot bubble bath. Light some candles, throw in a bath bomb, and pour yourself a glass of your favorite drink. Bath time is relaxing, fun (I think so, anyways!), and just plain luxurious. Taking good care of yourself will make you feel good. And nothing is better than lotioning up and putting on your favorite pair of PJs afterwards! 😀
You can even use a charcoal bath bomb if you’re in a love bites type of mood!
Hang with the girls:
Nothing is more fun than gossiping, watching movies, and sharing chocolate and wine with your best friends. Invite your single and ready to mingle friends over for a slumber party and your relationship woes will be forgotten instantly. Have each friend bring her favorite rom-com, a bottle of wine, chocolate, or snacks and enjoy a potluck style partay with your besties. Boyfriend, who?
Treat Yoself:
Whether it be ordering your favorite takeout, buying a new pair of shoes, or finally finishing the book that you’ve been reading, do be sure to treat yoself on Valentine’s Day. One of my all time favorite Valentine’s Days that I spent single was going to TJMaxx and having a shopping spree. It’s honestly one of the best times to go shopping because everything seems to be on sale as stores are trying to purge themselves of anything winter so that they can welcome spring product. Physically buying a present for yourself is a great pick me up, but you don’t have to go crazy. A sweet Alex & Ani bracelet or a new CD will do just fine.
Do something new:
A great way to shake off the blues of a lackluster day is to try something new. Hit up a zumba class at the gym, see if you have a green thumb and work with some potted plants, or even just experiment with a new makeup color or hair style. New things are exciting and are sure to brighten your mood. Valentine’s Day is only a problematic day if you allow it to be. Do something to get yourself out of a slump and V-Day will be a breeze. It will be just like any other day, if you will. 😉
Valentine’s Day as a single lady can be awesome or it can be completely miserable. It all depends on what you choose to do with it. But an awesome day sounds a bit more appealing, yes? Use this handy guide and have a ball!
How are you spending Valentine’s Day? What was your favorite V-Day like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hi! The last two posts on lifewithlilred were special for the couples celebrating Valentine’s Day. But what happens if you’re riding solo this year on V-Day? Of course, moping in bed with chocolate and chick flicks is always a viable option, but if you want something more out of Valentine’s Day even though you’re single as a Pringle, then this post is for you!
Treat Yoself:
If you envy the guys and gals that are being spoiled on V-Day, then spoil yourself, instead. Take a trip to the mall or scroll through your favorite online store with a glass of wine in hand and get yourself a special V-Day treat. Nothing perks the mood up like a new pair of shoes, a Pandora bracelet, or some bath and body care goodies. Be good to yourself on Valentine’s Day and get spoiled rotten by the most important person on the planet… you!
Galentine’s Day:
Misery loves company, so grab all of the single ladies in your life and have a day together. Watch some rom-coms, drink some wine, and eat all of the chocolate – because that literally sounds like a perfect day! And if you’re feeling frisky, you can get yourselves dolled up during the evening and go out for a night on the town. Members of the opposite sex, who?
Single’s Party:
If you’re looking to celebrate singleness on a larger scale, then give hosting a Single’s Party a go. Round up your infamously single friends, and give them a place to celebrate among like minded people for the night. Do be sure to play “Love Hurts” on repeat the entire time! You can even plan the evening in a potluck style manner and have your guests bring their favorite break up vices to share, so you should have plenty of booze, pizza, and candy for all.
(And, as always, I have no rights to this song or video!)
Focus On Other Things:
If you would feel better about Valentine’s Day by just pretending that it doesn’t exist, then that’s fine too! Go about your day as normal, but maybe do something a little special for yourself to not make V-Day a total bust. Order your favorite takeout, grab a new nail polish color from the store and give yourself a manicure, or just tuck in early with the book that you’ve been meaning to read for months. Valentine’s Day is only a big deal to the people who make it out to be, so if it’s not your thing, then don’t let it get in the way of going about your day.
Whether you’re treating yourself to a shopping spree or if the real Valentine’s Day gift for you is spending it with your friends, just try and enjoy your day as best as you can. No matter how you spend it, V-Day isn’t an excuse for the day to be an instant throw away. And, who knows, you could end up having a lot of fun by starting new traditions with friends or by riding solo and vegging out to your must watch or read list!
How do you treat your sassy, single self on Valentine’s Day? Do you have any V-Day traditions with your friends? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Okay! Yesterday, we talked about some amazing V-Day gift ideas for her. But, now it’s time to hear it for the boys. I’ve noticed throughout the years that some guys are incredibly easy to shop for, while others are damn near impossible. So no matter what difficulty level your boyfriend is on the gifting scale, there are sure to be some ideas that you can work with below. Let’s get to it:
First Of All:
The first thing that I mentioned yesterday was that a card is a necessity in a Valentine’s Day gift for a girlfriend. And, coincidentally, the same goes for your man candy. Guys like romance, too! They might just not be as outward and vocal about it. What do you love about your boyfrand? What makes him different from literally every single guy on the planet? Write it out! Underneath all of the fart jokes and actual farting, there is a sensitive ball of mush in your boyfriend and a card can be just the way to tap into that.
Does your guy love to get suited up, duded up, and fancy free every chance he can get? Accessories can be a great way to go, then. Enhance the fance with pocket squares, tie clips, cuff links, watches (Wrist or pocket!), and ties. All of these things will take his ensemble to the next level and it will add your personal touch to each of his looks. This is an incredibly thoughtful way to go, especially if your man has a passion for fashion.
Another way to spoil your dapper man is with some pampering. This could be booking a couples massage session or even using a mobile barber in New York or your local area. You can bring the salon to him, and he’ll get a fresh cut just in time for a romantic evening out!
Give Him Some Sugar:
My best friend and I have made chocolate truffles together and it was so much fun and totally delicious. Reach out to your girls and plan an evening to set up bake shop. Sweet treats always go down well and it’s even better when they’re hand made just for him. Throw on a rom-com, pour the wine, and enjoy a bake night with your friends. And, yes, you can taste test! 😀
^ I promise this chocolate was more delicious than it looks!
Gamer Guys:
A favorite way to pass time for a lot of guys is spent by playing video games. If this sounds like your significant other, get competitive with him and take him out for a night of gaming fun. So many bars now feature arcade games, new and old school, to enjoy and that can be an amazing way to spend an evening. If no bars around you have the arcade game option, Dave & Buster’s or other similar establishments work just as well.
Hone In On Hobbies:
Many a man really enjoys experience gifts rather than sentimental trinkets. So what are some of your boyfriend’s hobbies? Does he love music? Is he a fan of trying different beers when he can? Maybe he loves to cook? Take what your guy enjoys and turn it into a date night. He’ll be shocked that you remembered and touched that you want to share his interests with him.
Still Need Some More Options?
Treating your S/O to dinner and a movie is a nice surprise, especially if he doesn’t pick the restaurant or flick very often.
If your guy has a beard or is picky about his hair, a trip to the barber to get duded up is a great option. Definitely include his favorite products and beard balm!
Couple’s massages, anyone?
Does your boyfriend work out? Paying for a few months of his gym membership is sure to please!
And Remember:
As I said yesterday, it’s not about spending money but making memories! There are so many ways to spoil your boothang rotten without breaking the bank. Ball out if you want to, but creating a unique experience for your guy is what Valentine’s Day is all about! Make your day fun or make it romantic, but most importantly – make it special.
What are some of your gift ideas for him for V-Day? Does anyone have Valentine’s Day plans already? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Bonjour! Valentine’s Day is slowly creeping up and just thinking about all of the people that are shopping for their significant other the day before the holiday is enough to give me anxiety. So, I decided to start the V-Day festivities early on lifewithlilred by doing a gift guide for her today and for him tomorrow.
Of course, flowers and chocolates are a great way to go and I would love to get that. But, if you’re on the hunt for something a bit more unique, try some of these ideas:
First Of All:
Okay guys and gals, a cute card is so necessary for your V-Day haul for your S/O. You may find it cheesy, but 99% of the population will find it sweet as can be. Write a heartfelt letter to your partner and don’t skimp on the romance. We’re talking the moment you knew you were in love, your first date memories, or a list of reasons why you love and admire your special someone. This is a great thing to do any time, but definitely pull out all of the stops this Valentine’s Day, which can be done with something as simple as writing a letter.
The weather in February can still be pretty sketchy depending on where you live. But, the great thing about concerts is that, for the most part, they are usually indoors! Who is your honey’s favorite band or singer? AKA who do they constantly annoy you with by playing in the car?! A concert is a great date and you can even make a day of it by exploring the area where the venue is and don’t forget the pre-show dinner or drinks!
Pampering Party:
Everyone loves to pamper themselves in some way shape or form and a sultry V-Day surprise could involve an evening of luxury for your S/O. You can never go wrong with gifting bath and body care products and do be sure to throw in a few candles to light for good measure, as most specialty bath and body stores carry them. And guess what else they typically carry? MASSAGE OIL! Quick… Cue the slow jams:
(As always, I have no rights to this video!)
Ahhhh…. That’s the stuff. So, as I was saying:
Run some bath water and let your BOO (Because I don’t say bae!) pick from an assortment of bath bombs to use. Rose petals and bath oil is just as good, too! Have an array of lotions set out for afterwards and the massage oil handy to give a nice………..
FOOT RUB. 😉
Wine And Paint Night:
Many local establishments and bars host wine and paint nights and they are an absolute ball. Most places will even offer a special picture to paint for Valentine’s Day. This is a fresh and fun take on just going out to dinner and it offers a chance for both of you to show off your creative sides or unlock a talent that you didn’t even know was there.
Still Need Some More Options?
Mani/Pedis always go down well
A shopping trip to their most loved store
Cooking dinner (Don’t forget the wine or champagne!)
Taking a ballroom dance class
Paint your own pottery places are fun
Going to a museum (Art or history buffs will love that!)
And Remember…
The most important thing is doing something thoughtful for your loved one. Being showered with presents is nice, and anyone will agree to that. But, creating a happy and special memory is even better. And, keep in mind, that it is NEVER about how much money you spend, either! Ball on a budget or blow it out of the water, but at the end of the day spending a small fortune doesn’t guarantee a wonderful time.
What are some of your Valentine’s Day date ideas? What is one of your happiest V-Day memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Helloooo everyone and welcome to the conclusion of my Holiday Haul, once again compliments of my sister. Kristen was truly the Christmas MVP this year so cue the applause for that wonderful woman! The Room is easily my favorite bad movie ever and it brings me so much joy introducing it to other people. It took Kristen a long time to accept The Room for the hilarity that it is, but her life changed for the better when she finally did.
We recently enjoyed a sister date night to see The Disaster Artist and were in stitches the entire time. Our next “The Room” related festivities include going to the midnight showing of it in Cleveland that happens monthly at an indie theater. I CAN’T WAIT! For Christmas, Kristen gifted me with two of the following prezzies that Tommy Wiseau would be proud of:
Seen above is a shirt featuring the infamous tagline of “You’re tearing me apart, Lisa” with Tommy Wiseau in a moment of frustrated passion. There is also a homemade card that she ordered from the flower shop “Hi, doggy” scene. If that isn’t prezzie perfect, then I genuinely don’t know what is. Kristen and I were absolutely dying when I opened this gift and I am so excited to finally own some merchandise from The Room!
This Holiday Haul was incredibly successful and I had an amazing time celebrating Christmas with my family. The company, food, and tom foolery was all as good as it can get, and it was definitely one of my favorite Christmases yet.
So there you have it, my Holiday Haul Finale: The Room Edition! Who else is a fan of the infamously bad flick, The Room? What is your favorite cult film? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
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