Category Archives: Holidays

Dec26

My New Year’s Resolutions

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My New Year’s Resolutions

Howdy!!! It’s that time of the year, people. When everyone announces all of the New Year’s Resolutions they’re going to break a month later lol. Hey, I am guilty of it too!! Making major changes sounds great until it’s time to implement them! So, rather than make goals that I am not fully committed to, I’m trying something new – To simply keep doing what I already am and improving upon it. Like the following:

Going To The Gym:

I started going to a gym to work out with my brother a little over a month ago and I never thought I would say it but… I freaking LOVE it! At first, I was definitely self conscious going there. I had no idea how to use the machines and on my first visit, kind strangers taught me how without me even asking. After those encounters, it was like any sense of embarrassment faded into nothing and I saw the gym for what it was: A safe space for people to improve upon themselves. The atmosphere, the people, pumping iron – there’s just something about it that clicked. My brother and I try to go to the gym at least once a week and we both plan on keeping up with that. I’m excited for the progress we are going to make and I can’t wait to go back after the holidays!

Being Firm In Answers:

In case you haven’t noticed, I take on a lot in my life and it can be really hard for me to say no to people. This is something that I have been working on for a long time and while I have gotten better, it absolutely still needs improvement. One of my goals is to not only be able to say no but to be firm with that answer. I am extremely guilty of wishy-washy responses because of the people pleaser in me and that’s not a good thing. This is a major focus of mine going into the New Year and it’s going to take some practice, but you can’t have perfection without it. I know that while it might be difficult at first, it will only get easier and I need to push myself to keep with it or I will just continue to be caught in the cycle of pure exhaustion.

Make More Time For Friends:

In complete honesty, by the time the weekend rolls around, it’s hard to make plans with my friends. It’s not because I don’t want to see them but because I am SO tired and SO stressed that I just want to be by myself. However, Johnny and I hosted a dinner party this past weekend and it was kind of a game changer. We all had the best time and it made me realize that I am missing out on a lot because I am not penciling in time to have fun. I’m not going to go crazy with it because I really do value my me time as I don’t get a lot of it during the week. But, a few extra hang outs now and then can’t hurt and I need to work on working up the nerve to plan them, stick with them, and have a great time. Despite getting much needed rest, my weekends always feel wasted and I know this goal will help rectify that.

These are my New Year’s Resolutions and I am sticking to them. In fact, writing them out gave me the push I needed to try even harder with these changes that I know will be good for me!

What are your New Year’s Resolutions? What is something that you are trying to improve? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec25

Merry Christmas!!!!

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Merry Christmas!!!!

Hello everyone and Merry Christmas!!! I will keep things short and sweet because I know we have places to go and people to see on this big day. I just wanted to let all of you know how thankful I am to be sharing the blogosphere with you. Ten whole years of being in this little corner of the internet is such a gift to me and it feels even more so because of my dear friends and readers. It is a huge bright part of my life and would simply not be possible without each and every one of you. I thank you a million times over and I love you all!! No matter how you spend your day, I hope it is the best one ever.

Merry Christmas!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Dec23

Husband’s Holiday Haul

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Husband’s Holiday Haul

Hello!! Johnny and I have been together for over five years now and I genuinely cannot remember one gift giving occasion when we gave each other our prezzies on the actual day. We are always too excited to wait so we just give each other the gifts as soon as they arrive in the mail lol. It should come as no surprise that we already had our Christmas gift exchange and my Johnny knocked it out of the park. He provided us with all of the fixings for an absolutely perfect date night in. Check it out:

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At the end of November, Johnny and I had an excellent Middle Class Fancy date night at the Olive Garden. We planned on going shopping for records afterwards and during our meal, I told Johnny that I would LOVE to have the cast recording of Hadestown on vinyl. And, in that moment, Johnny knew just what to get me! Hadestown is an incredibly special show to us and seeing it live at Playhouse Square was honestly one of the best nights of our lives. We listen to the music from the show and reminisce on our good fortune to see it frequently and I am simply thrilled because we will be seeing it again in February. Hadestown truly is our show and the vinyl is the crowning jewel of my minuscule record collection!

As we listen to the record, Johnny and I will build the Dobby Lego set that he got me too! Like I said, it is going to be the perfect date night in. Johnny and I just love building Lego together and it has been a fat minute since we have done so. This little set of the cutest House Elf in the world will be great to dip our toes back in after an extensive building hiatus. The most difficult part is going to be finding a space for Dobby on our knick knack shelves which runneth over lol. 😀

Johnny and I do Christmas Day our way and so we already had it days ago. My main squeeze couldn’t have done better with these gifts and I am so looking forward to our Hadestown/Lego extravaganza!

Are you an impatient gift giver like us? What is your favorite musical? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec22

Simple Ways To Spread Holiday Cheer

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Simple Ways To Spread Holiday Cheer

Howdy!! The countdown to Christmas is SO on and I am sure everyone is busy with their holiday prep. Me? I am officially DONE with shopping and wrapping so I am eagerly anticipating for the celebrations to hurry up and get here! It wouldn’t be the holiday season if everything didn’t feel a little bit crazy right now. However, it is always great to spread some happiness to friends, neighbors, and strangers. If you have some extra time to spare and holiday cheer to spread, let’s look at a few simple ways that you can make it happen:

Shovel Driveways/Sidewalks:

As of now in Akron, Ohio, we have had a snowy day or two and that has been it. If you live somewhere snowy, though, your neighbors will always appreciate some help with removal – especially if they are older. There is a reason why “heart attack snow” is a real thing! Take some extra time to clear off a driveway or two or make a path on some sidewalks if your neighborhood has them. This can really take a load off for those in your community physically and metaphorically and is an ideal way to spread some cheer if you are going to be experiencing a White Christmas.

Donate To A Shelter:

SO many grocery stores are running promotions such as “spend X amount and get a free turkey or ham”. If this applies to you and you don’t need the free item, donate it to a shelter instead where it can be used and enjoyed. This is exactly what my family did for Thanksgiving with the promo being ran at Giant Eagle. You can also take a look at the websites for shelters in your area. Chances are, they will have a list of items that they need in the moment like winter coats, winter accessories, feminine hygiene, and diapers. They also might have ways to sponsor a child so you can cross off some toys on their wish list. Whatever you choose to do will do a world of good.

Santa Mail:

I don’t know if this is a thing in your neck of the woods. But, in mine, I am constantly seeing posts from local nursing homes on social media asking for pen pals for their residents. If this is something that is doable where you are – go for it! Call a nursing home, get a batch of holiday cards, and send your well wishes. This has the potential to really brighten someone’s day. Better yet, you could form a lasting friendship with these correspondences and that is a gift in itself.

Sweets & Treats:

There is always sure to be an overflow of holiday sweets like cookies, pies, and candies. If you find yourself with WAY too much – you already know what to do. Make a delightful assortment on a tray and send it a neighbor’s way! If there’s a shortage of sweets, perhaps a neighbor with a bare yard would like a wreath on their door or some twinkling lights. Knock on the door and ask! Even if the answer is no, it’s such a thoughtful offer that will not go unnoticed.

Spreading holiday cheer doesn’t have to be a huge gesture. It can be small, meaningful things that make someone’s day and will show that you care!

How do you get into the holiday spirit? Do you volunteer in your community? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec20

Bestie Christmas Haul

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Bestie Christmas Haul

Hello!! It has honestly been an exhausting month and I am so completely drained. Can holiday break get here now or?! Despite not feeling holly or jolly in the slightest, I am feeling the slightest bit better thanks to Santa Mail from my A1 best girl, Kate of Live In The Nautical. I was surprised with a heated blanket that is simply the best over the weekend and was greeted to another package when I got to chez mom and dad on Tuesday. Kate spoiled me totally rotten this year and I cannot wait to spoil myself with these goodies from Rusted Acre Soap Co.:

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Kate got me hip to Rusted Acre Soap Co. last Christmas when she gifted me with these amazing horror themed bath bombs. I have to admit, I am a Lush bath bomb snob so I was curious to see how the set would compare with my tried and true favorite. I have used many bath bombs in my day that didn’t hold a candle to my beloved Lush so I was incredibly surprised that the ones by Rusted Acre were comparable, if not better. 1) There’s nothing better than being gifted with something that supports a small business. And 2) Has Lush ever made a Jason Voorhees bath bomb that actually looks like the mask in the water when it dissolves? I think not and I rest my case!

I am completely enamored with my Rusted Acre holiday gift set and I legit felt more relaxed just thinking about taking a bath with these goodies! The love potion is definitely my favorite one… Actually, maybe the skull haha but also how cute is that gingerbread man with a bite taken out of it?! This is just the treat I needed and I know for a fact Kate felt like I needed it too. Which is why she is the best friend/gift giver ever! My favorite thing about Lush bath bombs is how entertaining they are to watch dissolve. There is something about the ones from Rusted Acre that hit different, though, and I can’t wait to see how they perform. They also hit different because they’re from my ride or die. ❤

Being besties with Kate is seriously like Christmas every day because she is an absolute gift. Thank you to my doll for making my day merrier and brighter with this fabulous self care surprise! ❤

What is your favorite small business? Where do you like to holiday shop at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec17

Best Blanket EVER!!

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Best Blanket EVER!!

Howdy!! Every weekend, I have been diligently wrapping away at my cache of Christmas prezzies. I also got the very last gift I needed on my shopping list this past week at Elysian Nails. GREAT SUCCESS! On Sunday, I decided to finish my gift wrapping in its entirety and it was so nice to get some floor space back in my office once all of the packages had been opened! To my surprise, one of the boxes I opened contained something I didn’t remember ordering for myself at all. I questioned if I did some drunk Amazon shopping, but then I realized it was a Christmas gift from my A1 blogging bestie – Kate from Live In The Nautical. Check it out:

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One thing about Kate and I is that we are massive freeze babies lol. We are both literally always cold and Kate loves to cocoon in her heated blanket. Wrapping up in a warm hug of a blanket is something that is most appealing to me, but it’s something I would never buy for myself. So, Kate took matters into her own hands and I have an inkling that she has known exactly what to spoil me with for Xmas since this October. We had a massive drop in temperatures in Ohio and my apartment complex didn’t turn the heat on so Johnny and I were basically living in an ice box for a week. Kate is the most spectacular gift giver because she is constantly taking mental notes of situations like this and provides a remedy for it. ❤

My heated blanket was actually the last package I opened before it was a wrap on wrapping presents. As soon as I saw it, I ripped the box the blanket came in open and was ready to reward myself with a day of becoming one with my couch after a successful holiday shopping season. And become one with my couch, I did. From the comfort of my new heated blanket, I had a Degrassi marathon and vegged TF out. I live for a good Degrassi binge sesh and it was further enhanced by this Bwarm blanket because it is the freaking BEST. It is SO soft, SO comfortable, and has six different heat settings so you can adjust the temps as needed. I opted for a healthy “four” and it literally felt like I was wrapped up in all the comforters on my bed. It was also so soothing on my arms and back which tend to get a bit achy from never ending work on the computer. 12/10 Highly recommend!

Huge shout out to my main boo for this top tier present!! I have a feeling I am going to be living in this blanket as soon as I get home from work every day!

What is your favorite item that brings you comfort? Are you always hot or always cold? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec13

Seasonal Friendly Reminders

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Seasonal Friendly Reminders

Howdy!! The holiday season is a joyous time, but there is no denying that is can be highly stressful – especially for those who struggle to feel merry and bright around this time of year. I thought it would be a good idea to discuss some Seasonal Friendly Reminders today to help enhance the holidays for everyone – holly jolly or not. Let’s take a look at a few different ways to do so:

Holiday Shop Kindly:

From someone who had an extensive tenure working retail, believe me when I say that holidays can bring out the absolute worst in people. In fact, a vast majority of the most terrible encounters I ever had with customers happened during the holidays. Look, we all get it. The stores are crowded, what you want might not be available, a seasonal employee might make a mistake – but it’s never EVER a reason to be mean to someone. Practice patience and if you can’t, stick to online shopping instead of ruining someone’s day.

It’s Okay To Feel Sad:

There is a preconceived notion that this is the happiest time of the year and that it’s impossible to feel sad during the holidays. FALSE. This can actually be the hardest time of the year for those who have lost a loved one, battle with their mental health, or are suffering from an illness. Or it could be none of the above. Regardless, it is okay to feel sad and if you know someone who might be struggling, comfort them. Comments like “You can’t be sad, it’s Christmas” are not helpful because holidays don’t dictate someone’s happiness. Be there, lend an ear, and choose your words carefully – it could be exactly what that person needs!

No Comment:

Changing is part of what makes us human and we change all of the time whether we realize it or not. Some changes are more obvious than others – new tattoos, piercings, a hair cut, growing your hair, or losing/gaining weight. If whatever change you see in someone is not your personal cup of tea, Do. Not. Comment. On. It. Let’s repeat that: No comment is the best comment! Some of these changes could be a result of trauma or an illness and unless information is volunteered, the best rule of thumb is to please bite your tongue. 🙂

And Remember…

You truly have the power to make or break someone’s day so use it wisely. When all else fails, just be kind. Give a smile, a pleasant word, hold the door open for someone – small gestures like these could turn a bad day into something more tolerable. This really can be a sensitive time of the year so be sensitive of that. Spreading holiday cheer doesn’t have to be a huge production and Random Acts of Kindness do the job just fine!

Honestly, these are all good things to remember no matter the time of the year but it just hits different during the holidays!

Have you worked a seasonal job before? Have you ever had a bad holiday experience? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec11

Community Fun

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Community Fun

Hello!! Listen, I’ll be the first to admit that there are downsides to living in Ohio. It’s basically just corn lol. However, I love my life here and still wouldn’t change it for a thing. One of the best parts about the greater Akron area is the true sense of community we have and it’s greater amplified by all of the fun events hosted throughout the city. Concerts, food truck festivals, vendor fairs, you name it and chances are we have done something similar in our neck of the woods!

A particularly fantastic community gathering spot is the Quirk Cultural Center in Cuyahoga Falls. At the Quirk, they offer workshops for people of all ages. From tiny tots to seniors, there is something for everyone there. In fact, I used to take pottery classes there for several years in my youth and have enjoyed watercolor painting classes in my adulthood. And, this past weekend, I took my nieces there for a special crafting workshop so they could make Christmas presents for their parents.

All I knew for the craft class was that we were going to paint mugs and the girls were so excited. I was too because any time with them is the best time! Even though it was a simple activity, our hosts at the Quirk did such a phenomenal job of making it special. When we walked into the space, we were greeted by a huge Christmas tree, holiday inflatables, festive music, and a hot chocolate and cookie station. The greatest surprise was how neat the mugs to be painted were. There was a snowman, a reindeer, Santa, and a mug with Santa’s belt going around the middle. They seriously looked like something you could paint at All Fired Up and it only costed ten dollars per person to participate.

The girls and I had SO much fun and my eldest niece did a banner job painting the mug herself and my younger niece, who is two, did the best she could lol. Either way, I knew they both knew that they were making something for their parents and they were so happy to have a gift for them that they made all by themselves! There were so many families at the event and it was a joy to get in the holiday spirit all together. I hope that they will be doing more paint parties soon because it was a hit for both the adults and kiddos!

A wonderful time was had by all at our pseudo All Fired Up workshop and I am definitely feeling merrier and brighter for it!

What kind of events does your community put on? Have you ever taken a crafting workshop before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec6

Last Minute Gift Ideas

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Last Minute Gift Ideas

Hello!! I have to admit, I did not complete my holiday shopping as early as I usually do this year. However, I am pleased to report that I will officially be DONE once I pick up a gift card at my nail salon on Tuesday. It feels so good to have gifts for everyone in my big family out of the way and I have been working on wrapping a few gifts at a time whenever I feel like it lol. We are officially in the holiday home stretch and if you are just starting your shopping now, then: 1) You are giving ME anxiety! And 2) I am here to help with these last minute options. Let’s get to it:

Food & Drink:

You truly can never go wrong with a food and drink style gift and it is something I implement every year. For the families I work with, I always go with some type of gift basket like chocolate, popcorn, or cookie kits and they are very well received. In fact, this year, I scored a wonderful deal for customized chocolate tins from Ghirardelli that I am really excited about. Most stores offer a great array of gift baskets, wine or beer samplers, or cooking and baking kits so go for it!

Gift Cards:

SO many people say that gift cards are a thoughtless gift and I say FALSE. If you do feel that way, though, you can absolutely put some thought into gift cards! Treat your giftee to a gift card to a movie theater and a favorite restaurant. BOOM. Instant date night. Have a giftee that drives a lot (Like me!)? They will surely want some help filling their tank! Shopping for a shopaholic? Now they can go wild at their go to stores. Yes, it’s one of the most easy ways to complete your shopping. But, it will be a gift that’s truly appreciated and that’s alright in my book!

Pet Supplies:

As a bunny mom, I can honestly say that I am THRILLED whenever I get a Chewy gift card or supplies for my gremlins as a gift. If you have some proud pet parents on your list, this could be a fantastic way to go. As a bonus, it will give them some extra scratch to spend on post holiday sales! If you don’t know what kind of supplies are necessary for your giftee’s pet, just ask. It’s another added bonus because it eliminates a chore for them too.

Photo Albums:

If you’re looking for a more sentimental option, photo albums or framed pictures are perfect – especially if you are the designated picture taker in your family (Like me!). This is a gift that I give at least one of every year because it’s just so easy and it’s really thoughtful. You could do an album of your kiddos for the grandparents, framed pics of you and your bestie on a fun day out, or even canvas prints. Websites like Shutterfly are always running great promotions so this is a gift that could be completed right from your computer!

Stocking Stuffers:

There is literally no rule stating that a gift has to be big or expensive. All that matters is the thought!! Stocking stuffers are excellent if you are strapped for time, ideas, or cash. Think candles and lotion, shaving kits or hot sauce, socks, hats, bath bombs – I could go on for forever. A small item or two and a big smile on your face is really all you need and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. ❤

If you have finished your holiday shopping: Kudos! If not, I hope these ideas help!

Are you good at wrapping gifts? What are your holiday plans? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov28

Happy Thanksgiving!!

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!!! Today is one of my favorite days of the year and I am so looking forward to celebrating with mine and Johnny’s family. I am sure that all of you have grand plans for the day so I don’t want to take up too much of your time! But what kind of blogger would I be if I didn’t give an extra special holiday shout out to my dear readers? You already know I am infinitely thankful for all of you!!

lifewithlilred has been going strong for a decade and change and I still have a really hard time believing that. During this extensive tenure, you have been with me for every update, accomplishment, disappointment, and life changes and I think that is really cool. In fact, it’s what motivates me to keep up with daily content because I know that you are out there, somewhere reading it. My blog is just as much mine as it is yours and my biggest hope is that people smile when they stumble upon my corner of the internet.

The blogosphere is a beautiful thing and it has the power to bring people together. My blog gifted me with my best friend in the world and has brought people into my life that I would have never known otherwise. I was extremely lonely when I started lifewithlilred and the blogging community really helped remedy that. From Akron, Ohio, I am able to say that I have friends all over the world and my gratefulness for that knows no bounds.

Thank you to all of you for being my friend. Thank you to all of you for stopping by my page and being with me. Happy Thanksgiving to all! ❤