Category Archives: Holidays

Apr6

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

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Happy Birthday, Dad!!

Hello everyone!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my dad’s birthday!! As per my dad’s longstanding tradition, he does not care to celebrate his birthday. Because of this old standby, his birthday post will be short and sweet because I know that’s what he would prefer lol. So, I will say this:

My dad is truly one of the best men to ever walk the face of this earth. Of course, he is arguably one of the funniest people I know but he is also so kind and shows unparalleled strength in even the most difficult of situations. His ability to keep moving forward while still trying to make the absolute best of any and everything is nothing short of inspiring to me. I am exceptionally proud to be my father’s daughter and I value his opinion, advice, and sense of adventure so much. My dad never shies away from learning something new and taking that challenge head on. IE: Johnny has been giving my dad guitar lessons, he practices every day, and he just keeps getting better and better. I think we can all learn from that go getter spirit – I know I most certainly have! ❤

Happy Birthday, Dad!!! I love you!!! ❤

Mar22

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

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Happy Birthday, Mom!!

Hello everyone!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful, glorious day because it is my mom’s birthday!! My mom is my A1 ride or die bestie and is a shining example of a person who is truly beautiful inside and out. She is strong, courageous, and resilient – even in the most difficult of situations and it has provided me with a masterclass on handling life’s curveballs with grace. On top of being a total badass, my mom is silly, hilarious, and sweet as can be. From my childhood to present day, I have never seen her without a smile or a kind word for everyone she encounters and I try to model that every day. I always remember her saying that these words and actions can make someone’s day and I apply that sentiment liberally.

My mom inspires me to no end. Of course, I find inspiration from her in my day to day life, but in my career too. I would not be an Independent Provider without her expert knowledge and guidance and her teachings are so beneficial to myself and my clients alike. It is such a gift! My mom plays a major role in all aspects of my life and I always want to talk to her. Whether it is working through a problem, sharing good news, or chatting about the day, it is a huge comfort to know that my mom is just a phone call or five minute drive away.

When people age, they tend to say that they are “turning into their mother” like it’s a bad thing. My biggest hope and wish is that I turn exactly into my mother. In fact, I love it when I have a “mom moment” because I know I am well on the right track! ❤

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!! I love you!!!!

Feb18

Middle Class Fancy Valentine’s Day

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Middle Class Fancy Valentine’s Day

Hello! Johnny and I live for a good Middle Class Fancy Date Night and that is exactly what we did for Part One of our Valentine’s Day celebration. After work on Friday, we got ready and headed over to Red Lobster for a V-Day dinner. It might seem like a strange choice because I don’t eat seafood. BUT, I freaking love their pasta and have been craving it something fierce. In fact, I have told Johnny I had been craving it for weeks which is how he decided upon our date night location. It was absolutely perfect and we even started a Lobsterita Revolution at the bar! Check it out:

Despite getting to Red Lobster around three thirty, the joint was already jumping. We were more than happy to wait the twenty minutes for a table, but we were famished. So, Johnny had the ingenious idea to eat at the bar which was fairly empty. As we decided on drinks, I planned on going for a classic Margarita. That was until we learned that Lobsteritas were a thing lol. The Lobsterita is basically a super sized Marg that comes with a festive lobster necklace. We were immediately sold and couldn’t stop laughing about the enormity of the glasses our drinks came in.

By the time our drinks were made, more people arrived at the bar and were nothing short of intrigued by what we were sipping on. And it was thus that the Lobsterita Revolution began. Guys, I kid you not: We literally had everyone seated around the bar drinking them. What made it even better was that people were actually wearing the necklaces too, just like us! A frenzy was created and it was hysterical to see what transpired simply from our drink order. Johnny and I essentially turned into the mayors of Red Lobster and we were chatting it up with everyone and toasting to an excellent Valentine’s Day. Truly, it doesn’t matter where Johnny and I are because we always end up having fun!

After the Great Lobsterita Revolution of 2025, our food arrived and not a moment too soon. We were ravenous! Johnny got his traditional fish and chips and was elated to see that Red Lobster had brought back The Daily Catch that nestled his meal. There is a story behind that so stay tuned! I ordered my go to garlic Alfredo pasta and it was so divine. I’m not sure if it was because I was really hungry but it was even better than I remembered it being! We finished our meal, said goodbye to all of our new friends at the bar, and headed home with full bellies and giggle fits. Our V-Day concluded with a viewing of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and the joy of one of the best dates EVER. Every date with Johnny is the best EVER. ❤

Our Part Two of Valentine’s Day will happen this weekend when we do dinner and a show. We are seeing our favorite musical, Hadestown, and cannot wait!

How did you spend your Valentine’s Day? What is your favorite chain restaurant? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb9

Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts

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Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts

Hello! Mine and Johnny’s typical MO for Valentine’s Day is seeing a show at Playhouse Square. However, we are incredibly partial to a low key celebration too! Yes, it’s nice to go on a date for V-Day but it’s also just as nice or even better to spend true quality time together from the comfort of your home or a cozy cafe. Whether you go all out for the occasion or keep things simple is your prerogative. As long as the intent to truly celebrate your relationship is there, it’s going to be a great time! Let’s explore some ways that you can make V-Day special on any budget:

Extra Cleaning:

A deep clean of the home or taking on a chore that your partner is in charge of is completely free and will be completely appreciated. How do I know? I would be ELATED if my V-Day gift from Johnny was that he would take care of the bunnies in the morning for a few weeks! A gift like this is twofold. Your home will be squeaky clean AND completing some extra chores will give your SO time for themselves. Maybe they will use it to get twenty more minutes of shut eye or read a few chapters of a good book. Don’t underplay the gift of taking some weight off of your partner’s shoulders!

Good Morning, Sunshine:

Breakfast in bed? Yes, please! Talk about a fantastic way to make someone feel spoiled. You could whip up a big breakfast or brunch from home. Or you could grab takeout from your favorite restaurant. If your partner is not big on breakfast, that’s okay. You can still work with the idea! Surprise them with their Starbucks order, go to energy drink, or in my case – a McDonald’s Diet Coke and present it with a pretty bouquet. This is a surefire way to start the day off right and keep your main squeeze smiling from such a sweet gesture.

Sentimental:

One of the most beautiful gifts you can give is by using your words. Tell your partner how much they mean to you with a love letter on their pillow. This is so sentimental and will always be treasured. It is also an especially effective gift if you have a hard time expressing yourself. In the same breath, you could go the photo album route too. Compile your favorite shots from date nights, vacations, and just hanging out and create an album. It will be a welcome trip down memory lane as you flip through it together and remember the hilarious, romantic, and adventurous moments that you shared.

Matchmaker:

Having matching items with your SO is a match made in heaven! Johnny and I have countless matching T-shirts and it just makes us happy lol. The possibilities for a gift like this are truly endless. Will it be his and hers bathrobes? Two of a kind coffee mugs? Matching jerseys to cheer on your favorite team? Are you going to custom make it or find something perfect at the store? This is an awesome opportunity to get creative so have fun with it! I know I will be because I’m getting myself and Johnny a matching T-shirt set from one of our comfort shows as a bonus gift. 😀

As you can see, there are countless ways to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember while adhering to your budget. Your partner will LOVE any of these gifts!

What would you like for V-Day? What is your least favorite chore? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan31

Valentine’s Day Gift Inspo

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Valentine’s Day Gift Inspo

Hello!! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so a gift guide is in order! I wouldn’t say that V-Day is a big deal to me because Johnny and I are constantly going on dates and surprising each other with random gifts. However, that’s not to say that it isn’t nice to celebrate the day together and we are going to see our favorite musical, Hadestown, for the occasion. I can’t wait!! Let’s explore some gifting inspiration to make your V-Day with your main squeeze even more special:

The Classics:

Listen, I say this Every. Year. for Valentine’s Day but it is always worth repeating: You literally cannot go wrong by gifting the classics to your SO. We’re talking chocolates, roses, a fancy bottle of booze, romantic dinner out, and items to pamper with like massage oils or the fixings for an ultra luxe bubble bath. People often view V-Day as a way to spoil your partner and there is a reason why all of these gifts are classic staples – they provide the perfect opportunity to spoil someone. Simple and perfectly sweet is never a bad idea!

For Fun:

Whenever Johnny and I are watching one of “our” shows and a character is wearing a novelty T-shirt that we like, we will look it up and purchase two so we can match. We have several matching T-shirt sets and no one knows what they’re from when we wear them, but we do! In fact, I am using this V-Day as an opportunity to get us a couple of funny shirts from the show Community. If you have a running joke or tradition with your SO, use it to your advantage! Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating your relationship so work with what is special to the both of you together. It could be a board game for your next evening in, crafting or renovation supplies if you are a DIY duo – whatever it is, your partner will immediately understand why you got it and that is a beautiful thing. ❤

Stepping Out:

Chances are that if your big date is seeing a performance, you already have tickets. If the move is a dinner out, then let this serve as a friendly reminder to make those reservations ASAP! A night on the town in lieu of a gift is a very popular way to go and for good reason – you can only have so much stuff. This is exactly why Johnny and I are seeing a musical! When you are out, try breaking free from your norms to enhance the celebratory atmosphere. Get that bottle of wine with dinner. Yes, please for dessert! Or grab a nightcap or snack after seeing a show so you can chat away about the experience. There are so many little things that can make the shift from a standard date night to a Valentine’s Day date night! Be spontaneous, be in the moment, and see where the evening will take you.

Staying In:

Sometimes, the most meaningful and romantic way to celebrate the big day is just staying in. Johnny and I have definitely done this before for V-Day. We watched our favorite movies, DoorDashed a feast, ate like kings, and had So. Much. FUN. How can you plan a special day from the comfort of your own home? Breakfast in bed is always a good place to start! Maybe you will get the supplies for a “paint night” in. How about baking and decorating delicious chocolate cake or cookies? You could spend the afternoon putting a puzzle together – anything goes! You can plan activities together or take turns on what you are going to do next. Then, get dressed up or stay dressed down for a candlelit meal that you prepared together or from your favorite eatery. *Chef’s kiss* Talk about a perfect day!

The most important thing of all on Valentine’s Day is that you are both having an amazing time together. Be sweet, be adventurous, and make it your best V-Day yet!

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? What was the best V-Day you ever had? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan29

BFF Christmas Gift

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BFF Christmas Gift

Hello!! Every holiday season, I look forward to celebrating with my besties, Lea and Kate. It has been a regular occurrence each year for longer than we all care to admit but the novelty of it will never wear off! Due to extenuating circumstances, my Christmas get together with Lea had to be postponed to this past weekend. I was missing her something FIERCE so it couldn’t have come a moment too soon! We had a divine meal, girl talked the evening away, and finally were able to exchange presents. Honestly, talk about saving one of the best for last because my A1 knocked it out of the park. Check it out:

When I opened my gift from Lea, I clutched my pearls. I have been the proud bunny mom to Melvin and Penelope for over two years now and I don’t think it’s humanly possible to be more obsessed with them than I already am lol. Mel and Pen have made my life so much better from the infinite amount of joy that I get simply by looking at them. Even on the worst days, it is absolutely impossible not to smile at the pure cuteness overload! In fact, as I type this, Melvin and Penelope are binkying all over the room and it is so distracting in the best way. ❤

While I have bunny home decor galore, I am lacking in any type of clothing that symbolizes my love. This does seem ridiculous as I think about it now because Johnny has a shirt that says Bunny Dad! You know what they say about hindsight lol. This hoodie is so perfect in every way. It is soft, comfortable, my favorite color, and just right for these frigid winter days. Coincidentally, it is actually the same brand that we use for Misny Merch hoodies and I could tell as soon as I tore the package open… I have literally been living in my Misny hoodie for the past month because it’s my favorite for all of the same reasons why I love my gift. Just don’t tell my boss that I like my Bunny Mama swag best! 😀 ❤

With that, my holiday hang outs are now complete and I am so happy to have been able to share that belated celebration with my best girl – the best gift of all!

Do you have any clothes related to your pets? What is your favorite hoodie to warm you up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan27

Fun Valentine’s Day Crafts For The Kiddos

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Fun Valentine’s Day Crafts For The Kiddos

Hello!! Is it just me or has January felt like an entire year? Lol, every time I look at the date, I assume it’s the fifteenth or something yet here we are nearing the end of the month! And, of course, this means that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I am so excited to celebrate with Johnny by seeing our all time favorite musical, Hadestown, in Akron. I also plan on having a Valentine’s Day craft party with my three niece girl squad, which is going to be a total blast! I’m arranging to do a few of the following with them and thought I would send some inspiration your way too:

Hand & Feet Hearts:

First and foremost, I am sure that my girls would love to make a special Valentine’s Day card for their parents. I am going to get some construction paper as well as pink, red, and white paint. They can make their cards however they would like, but I thought it would be really cute to make some hand and foot print hearts. If your kiddo isn’t opposed to messy hands or the sensation of cold paint on their feet, this is such a sweet and simple way to make a memorable keepsake. My big girls will probably want to do their own thing, but I just know they would be happy to help their new baby sister make some hand prints for her first craft!

Pipe Cleaner Bouquets:

When it comes to crafting with the girl squad, it is all about easy projects that are relatively quick to complete. Pipe cleaners are always a good option because even if they don’t make anything at all, they are still fun to play with! Whether you are making hearts, flowers, or even animals with the pipe cleaners, it is an opportunity to let creativity shine. If you are going the bouquet route, you might even want to pick up a a vase to paint or decorate with tissue paper and make your pipe cleaner flowers look like the real deal.

Picture Frames:

My best girls really enjoy looking through photo albums and seeing pictures displayed throughout the home. One of their options is going to be picking out their favorite picture of themselves and painting a wooden picture frame to house it in. This is a perfect gift for parents to display on their desk or on the mantle and gives the kiddos the chance to see their handiwork front and center.

Sweets & Treats:

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a sugar rush! My big girls are the best helpers for cookie and cupcake decorating and are always so proud of what they baked with their mom. If they would prefer to bake on our craft day, we will make a trip to the grocery store so they can pick out whatever sprinkles, frosting, and cut outs that they like. Then, they can have homemade Valentine’s Day treats that they designed for their parents and grandparents. Chocolate making is also a fabulous activity for littles and something different from the norm. Should they want to go this route, we will be making a trip to my in laws house instead of the grocery store! My mother-in-law is an amazing chocolateer and has molds and chocolate wafers for days to come in with the assist. ❤

Every holiday is infinitely more fun when I have three little minis to celebrate with. I can’t wait for our crafting jubilee!

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? What are some other ideas for V-Day crafts? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan2

Best Gift Ever

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Best Gift Ever

Hello!! Johnny and I are the proud “fun aunt and uncle” to five little darlings. There are four girls and one boy and celebrating the holidays all together was the most wonderful gift. It was so sweet to watch them rip open their presents and play the day away and it also gave me an even deeper respect for all the parents out there. We were exhausted by the time we got home! The kiddos weren’t far from our minds, though, because we spent the rest of the evening talking about how cute they were and laughing about all of the funny things they said and did. And, of course, treasuring the Best Gift Ever that my eldest niece presented me with. Check it out:

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Back in my day, my grade school would have a “Santa Shop” during the holiday season to purchase small gifts for loved ones. At our Val Gal’s school, they apparently did the same. On Christmas, she was so proud to hand out gifts that she got all by herself. This included a pretty “Grandma” heart shaped necklace for my mom, a wrench keychain for my dad, and the stuffed mushroom for me lol. I’m honestly not sure why this was my gift – part of me thinks it’s because we watched the Mario Movie together or maybe the colors reminded her of my hair. Whatever the reason is doesn’t matter because the fact remains that she saw it and thought that I would love to have it for Christmas. And she was so right!!

As an extended Christmas gift from Johnny and I, we hosted Val for a slumber party. As soon as she came barrelling through the door, she immediately saw my new stuffie displayed front and center on one of our knick knack shelves. I told her that I put it there as soon as we got home from our holiday dinner and that delighted her because it was further confirmation that TT loved her gift. Although we each got spoiled rotten this Christmas, our catchphrase during the slumber party was saying “you’re my gift” to each other. There is truly no better gift than that… Except for my mushroom. ❤

Our nieces and nephew are literal sunshine and I am so thankful that we were all home for the holidays. It really was one of the best Christmases ever!

Who was your favorite aunt or uncle growing up? What was the best gift you received this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan1

Happy New Year!!

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Happy New Year!!

Howdy everyone and happy 2025!! It is the first day of a brand new year here on lifewithlilred and it’s hard to believe that this is the eleventh New Year we have all celebrated together. My resolutions are prepped and I don’t know about you, but I am ready to take 2025 on by storm! I have to admit, this last month or so of 2024 sucked on ice and I am really trying to start this year on the right foot. The best way I know how? By being upbeat, positive, and knowing that there are plenty of good things to come in 2025. And, with all of you by my side, I know that to be even more true. ❤

I hope this New Year brings you so much happiness, cherished memories, and success. I cannot wait to see the fun we get into for lifewithlilred’s eleventh year on the blogosphere and I love you all!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Dec31

Holiday Haul

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Holiday Haul

Howdy!! Johnny’s family knows how to spoil a girl rotten for the holidays and I am always so thankful to have been thought of. Well, thought of or straight up had my mind read! This year’s Holiday Haul was a particularly excellent one because I received SO. Many. Gifts that I had every intention of purchasing for myself with Christmas gift cards and moolah. Like me, my in laws love to go Christmas crazy and it definitely shows. Check it out:

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Johnny’s family is REALLY good at giving gifts that are, without a doubt, going to be used. This just so happens to be my favorite kind of gift because chances are high that I would need to buy something similar anyways so I can use that money as a little treat for me or to save up. The set of cutting boards is a shining example of that. I have NO idea how my mother-in-law knew that I needed new cutting boards because I’ve never mentioned it to her or Johnny. I was elated when I opened the set because 1) Literally all of my cutting boards suck. 2) They are all too small. And 3) I was going to buy a new one for myself during post holiday shopping. Is being absolutely stoked by cutting boards what it means to be an adult?!

Another instance of my mother-in-law “just knowing” was my bag of bath and body care. There’s no way she could have known that I have been especially partial to bar soap recently and I was just about out of the one that I was using. I tried out the Peppermint Candy bar soap she got me today and it was divine! Not only that, but I was ALSO almost out of my Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer and she had that covered too. The candles were a very nice touch as well because I never buy them for myself. As I write this, I am burning the Sweet Orange & Agave and it is the perfect zesty and invigorating scent for an early morning computer sesh.

Finally, from Johnny’s aunt Elaine, I am also sporting the adorable cropped hoodie she got for me as I write this. It is so cute and comfy and I cannot wait to pair it with leggings and the boot socks that were included too. As a practical gift, she gave us a hand vacuum which is really good motivation for me and Johnny to clean out our cars… Eventually, anyways. It is the holidays after all! 🙂

I have already been making great use of the gifts from Johnny’s family as well as buying some extra goodies for myself with gift cards. Check out those hauls soon!!

What is your favorite gift you received this year? What is a practical gift that you love? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah