Category Archives: Travel

Mar8

Do Pickles Go On Pizza? YES!

Posted on March 8, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Hello!! Sunday is mine and Johnny’s day of rest before it’s back to the grind. We watch TV and movies all day and DoorDash dinner and it is one of my favorite times of the week. At least until 5 PM, anyway, then it starts sinking in that we have to go to work the next day! For the past several weeks, I have been asking Johnny if we could try out a new to us pizza place called the Twisted Tomato and he finally agreed to give it a shot. It was SO insanely good and pats on the back for me because right away, Johnny said we need to get it again! Check it out:

The Twisted Tomato features a pizza called the Peter Piper Pickle Pizza, which has mozzarella and provolone cheese, a white garlic sauce, dill pickle slices, and Italian seasoning. About a year ago, a Facebook friend of mine posted a picture of it with his recommendations and I screenshotted the post with every intention of trying it. Then, I forgot lol. It wasn’t until I started my new job working with an online directory at the beginning of this year when I remembered because Twisted Tomato has a listing in our food and dining section. I love my new gig and I love it even more that it led me to mine and Johnny’s new favorite eatery!

After scouring the menu on Saturday night, I decided to go with the pickle pizza and an order of their Rotini in a creamy pesto sauce on Sunday. Johnny went for a personalized calzone and cheesy bread, but it was incredibly hard for both of us to narrow our choices down because everything looked so delicious! Our food arrived quickly and even our DoorDash driver, the incomparable Frank, told us how good it smelled haha we almost invited him in for a slice and screening of HELP! 😀

I can’t speak for Johnny’s calzone because it had meat in it, but everything else in the order was freaking incredible. The answer to the question of if pickles belong on pizza is a resounding YES. The pickle pizza took my taste buds around the world with dilly, garlicky goodness and the combination was just right. The pickle flavor wasn’t overpowering and it just enhanced all of the other ingredients. Because I didn’t know if it would be a love or hate situation, I ordered a small pickle pizza. However, Johnny and I both liked it so much that we will have to get a bigger size next time!

The creamy pesto sauce for the Rotini was also really yummy and was a blend of Alfredo and pesto sauce. I have never tried anything like it before and it was good, but not as garlicky as I prefer. I will give their plain pesto a try next time so it won’t be diluted with the cream sauce. Another definite reorder item was the cheesy bread, which was probably one of the best I have ever tried from a pizza place. The layer of cheese was so thick and the dipping sauce was sweet, making for a perfectly savory/sweet blend with each bite.

Lazy Sunday was a raging success this past weekend and I think that Johnny and I will be frequenting the Twisted Tomato often. I have a feeling that I will be getting the pickle pizza every time!

What is your favorite specialty pizza shop? What are your favorite pizza toppings? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec26

Holiday Fun At Lock 3

Posted on December 26, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone!!! This past Wednesday, I bundled up against the cold with my sister, Kristen, and sweet nieces, Val and Raya, for some pre-Christmas fun. Originally, we were going to go to a somewhat far away holiday lights display but got turned off by the driving. So, we headed to downtown Akron’s Lock 3 instead that hosts light displays and ice skating in the winter. The rink was crazy crowded and to both mine and Val’s disappointment, we had to pass on her first skating lesson with TT. We still had a blast visiting Archie The Talking Snowman and playing mini golf, though! Check it out:

Literally everyone in northeast Ohio knows Archie The Talking Snowman. He had a long tenure at Chapel Hill Mall until it closed down a few years ago and since got moved to Lock 3. Every holiday season when we were little, we would visit Archie at the mall and tell him what we wanted for Christmas and, of course, that we had been good all year. He would then promise to put in a good word with the Big Man just for us. Yes, it was just some guy in the gigantic snowman talking to us but it was freaking magical as a kid!

Kristen and I thought Val would be stoked to meet Archie and tell him what’s on her wish list but that was far from the case. Lol, little lady was freaking terrified and, honestly, so was I! The booming voice of Archie reverberated throughout the entire area and even into the parking garage. I don’t remember him being so loud! Val agreed to let Kristen talk to Archie on her behalf and it was a fine compromise. 🙂

After visiting with Archie, we went to check out the adorable displays set up in cabins that used to house vendors for a Christkindl Market. These displays actually used to be set up in windows all throughout the buildings of downtown Akron and it was cool to see them all in one place without walking around the city in the cold. I definitely remember the little snowpeople window from way back when! This was my favorite one and Val’s too. She is such a TT’s girl! ❤

When we were done scouring the displays, we realized ice skating was a bust. To warm up and make the most of the evening, we played mini golf at the small indoor course set up by the Akron Children’s Museum. This was the first time Val played putt putt and it went better than we expected – no meltdowns were had unlike her TT when she was little! About halfway through mini golfing, Val realized it was the funnest thing ever and took mine and Kristen’s turns for us. She rolled with the punches of not being able to skate beautifully and our evening ended on such a high note.

I have always loved the holiday season and it is infinitely better now that Johnny and I have sweet nieces and nephews to share it with. I cannot wait to take Val skating and it looks like we’re going to have to go mini golfing this summer!

Are there any holiday traditions like Archie in your neck of the woods? What is your favorite holiday activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct19

The Haunted House Restaurant Date Night

Posted on October 19, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! This past Saturday, Johnny and I were on deck to see Les Miserables at Playhouse Square because my parents couldn’t attend. You can read all about that experience and peep my OOTD from it later this week! Prior to heading to the theater, we decided to finally check out The Haunted House Restaurant in Beachwood for dinner. Despite the, admittedly, unoriginal name, there was nothing in the realm of normal at this restaurant and it was a blast! Check it out:

Lol at Johnny!

The whole restaurant was decked out in murals and horror movie memorabilia

Michael Myers was a guest star and lurking around the whole place!

For drinks, Johnny got the Beetlejuice and I went for the Trick Or Treat. For food, Johnny ordered the Texas Chainsaw Burger and I got the Ecto Burger.

The Haunted House Restaurant opened in Beachwood about a year ago and Johnny and I were so excited to go despite the mixed bag of reviews that we had heard. Some people loved it while others complained about the food and that it wasn’t like a “real” haunted house. This wasn’t the case for me and Johnny at all and we cannot wait to go back. In fact, we are already planning to host our birthaversary there in June!

Let’s start with the food and drinks… The Haunted House Restaurant had a huge cocktail menu featuring spooky themed drinks and their own wine. Johnny’s version of a Pina Colada called the Beetlejuice looked SO cool and he really enjoyed it. I ordered their popular “Trick Or Treat”, which was basically a boozy apple cider and it was delicious. It was exactly what I was hoping it would be and I loved that it was garnished with fresh pieces of apple for a classy touch. I want to make something similar for a scary movie night ASAP. 😀

I can’t speak for Johnny’s Texas Chainsaw Burger but my Ecto Burger was just alright. It was an impossible burger with vegan BBQ pulled pork, gouda, and onions. I wanted to like it so badly but it was pretty dry overall and was lacking severely in the flavor department. The French fries, however, were amazing and I would have been happy just eating a plateful of them.

Although my burger wasn’t the best, it was okay because the experience as a whole was. As soon as we walked into the restaurant, Johnny and I were so there for it. All of the staff were in costumes and horror makeup, the decor was second to none, and the creepy music playing on the speakers all set the stage for a great evening. Also, our server at the bar was a star!

The fabulous murals and memorabilia was like being in a scary movie museum and there seemed to be tricks and treats everywhere you turned. Johnny and I happened to be there when a birthday was being celebrated and the staff put on a great show. The sirens from The Purge played over the speakers and the staff came out dancing with flashing lights for the birthday guest. Then, they played “In Da Club” and it was hilarious lol.

All of the above isn’t even the best part because that belonged to whomever the restaurant had playing Michael Myers. About halfway through our meal, Johnny noticed Mr. Myers posted up outside one of the doors to the restaurant. He reveled in scaring passerbyers and the restaurant goers alike and happily posed for pictures when asked. Then, he made his way inside and went throughout the place to entertain everyone. Unfortunately, we had to go before he got to the bar where we were seated but it was still so awesome!

Our trip to The Haunted House Restaurant was one of mine and Johnny’s favorite date nights yet. We had so much fun and the only bad thing is that it’s about forty minutes away. This actually might be a good thing, though, because we would be there literally all of the time!

Where is your favorite date night spot? What is your favorite scary movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct15

How To Adjust To Life In A New Country

Posted on October 15, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Moving to a new country can be an exciting but daunting experience. There are so many things to think about, from finding a place to live and getting a job, to learning the language and customs. It can be difficult to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to adjust to life in a new country:

Learn the Language:

One of the most important things you can do when moving to a new country is to learn the language. This will make it much easier to get by on a day to day basis. It will also help you make friends and build a support network. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online and in your local community. Many countries also offer language classes for immigrants.

Find a Place to Live:

Another big task when moving to a new country is finding somewhere to live. If you’re moving alone, you might want to consider renting an apartment or room in a shared house. This can be a great way to meet people and get settled into your new home. If you’re moving with family or friends, you’ll need to find somewhere that has enough space for everyone. Start by looking online and asking people you know if they have any recommendations.

Get a Job:

If you’re moving to a new country for work, then you’ll need to sort out your employment situation before you go. But even if you’re not moving for work, it’s still a good idea to get a job as soon as possible after arriving in your new home. This will help you meet people and make some extra money. Check out job websites and classified ads online or ask people you know if they know of any openings in their companies.

Get Registered:

You’ll also want to ensure that you can get yourself registered in the new country for anything you need. This means having the necessary documents readily available. Where possible, register yourself as a resident with the local authorities. This will help you get access to things like healthcare and other government services. Even look out for things like a Spanish speaking dentist or doctor so you can feel supported while adjusting to the new language and culture.

Make Friends:

One way to meet people abroad or in your own community is to join a club or take a class. This can be a great way to meet people with similar interests. Another option is to volunteer in your community so you can give back and also meet like-minded people. Finally, don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with people you meet in everyday life. Whether you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or getting your morning coffee, taking the initiative to chat with those around you can help you make new friends in no time.

Moving in your own community can be difficult let alone a brand new country. Follow the tips above to help the process go as smooth as possible!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Oct12

Heritage Farms Date Day

Posted on October 12, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! This past Saturday, Johnny and I had a lovely date day/OOTD shoot at the Heritage Farms pumpkin patch. Because, let’s be real, are you really a fashion blogger if you don’t take pictures at a pumpkin patch during spooky season?! The answer is: NO! We even got surprised by a super sweet woman who insisted on taking our pictures after yelling “POWER COUPLE ALERT” lol. Check it out:

^^^ You can peep this OOTD tomorrow!!

Heritage Farms is a beautiful property that hosts all kinds of different events year round. There are farmers markets in the summer, pumpkin patches in the fall, and a Christmas tree farm come winter. The pumpkin patch was SO perfect and was decked out with something for everyone. There were food trucks, pumpkins of every shape and size, and a children’s area featuring games and hay rides. I can’t wait to take my nieces!! 😀

We couldn’t have asked for better weather for our date day and what started out really chilly turned into a sunny and warm fall afternoon. It felt wonderful to walk around and breathe in that fresh fall air and see all of the other families having such a great time. Nothing warms mine and Johnny’s hearts more than seeing other people basking in the glory of Halloween time. ❤

After selecting two baby pumpkins apiece, we started to get hungry and continued our date at a bar called The Basement. I had never been before even though it’s right down the street from our apartment and the food was, shockingly, insanely good. We returned home with very full bellies and I treated Johnny to some pampering by dyeing his hair. Then, it was time for Magic The Gathering and video games to wrap up a fantastic day.

Ever since Johnny and I began doing our combined date and OOTD shoot on Saturdays, I have been such a happy camper. It gives me something to look forward to every week and it is so much fun to explore all kinds of different places in the greater Akron area with my main squeeze. I can’t wait to figure out where we’ll go next week!

What does your ideal date consist of? What is your favorite fall activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct5

Sarah’s Vineyard Date Night

Posted on October 5, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! The fall is when Johnny and I thrive and we have been making the most out of the lovely weather through weekend date days. This typically involves taking OOTD pictures, running an errand or two, and then going out for a late lunch or dinner. It is the best! This weekend, we decided to go to Sarah’s Vineyard for dinner and it was delightful and delicious! Check it out:

There is nothing like some quality time with my main squeeze to lift my spirits and we had a blast at Sarah’s Vineyard. It is a beautiful property and we both haven’t been in years. Also, whenever I have gone with my friends, it’s strictly for the wine and not the food lol! I was so excited because everyone in my neck of the woods raves about the vineyard’s wood fire pizzas and I couldn’t wait to have a slice or ten. 😀

I don’t know about you guys but whenever Johnny and I go out to eat, I look at the menu hours in advance. This gives me ample time to decide what I want because it can be overwhelming to choose from a menu I haven’t experienced yet. It didn’t take me long to know what I wanted from my pre-screening and everything was just as good as I imagined it to be.

For wine, Johnny went with the not too sweet Sweet Elisa, which kind of tasted like church wine but was still pretty tasty. We also got to make use of the vineyard’s bottling service since Johnny haphazardly ordered a full carafe SMH! I was disappointed that my favorite, their white sangria, wasn’t available so I chose the sweetest option, Golden Solstice. It was light, refreshing and much better than my usual Barefoot!

Normally when we go out to a restaurant, we never order appetizers. However, I just couldn’t say no to the Artichoke & Asiago dip. Sign me up for anything that involves artichoke and cheese because I love it oh so much. I’m glad I tried it out and it was SO yummy but I wouldn’t order it again next time. I hate to be the one to complain about prices but I thought ten dollars was steep for the tiniest bowl ever of the dip. Hey, sometimes you just have to live a little. 😀

As our main dish, I got the Margherita pizza and Johnny got the Pepperoni & Banana Pepper. In fact, he’s currently eating his leftovers for breakfast as I write this! Johnny really liked his pizza and I was happy overall with mine. It actually tasted much better the next day. The garlic oil sauce and toppings on mine were so light that my pizza just tasted kind of doughy. Next time we go, I plan on just doing a cheese pizza with a couple of veggies on top and I think that I’ll like that much better.

Johnny and I had such a great time at Sarah’s Vineyard and we are eager to go back – especially since it’s close to our apartment. The vineyard has such a charming, cozy atmosphere and it really is the perfect date night setting!

Where was the last place you went on a date? What is your favorite restaurant? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep30

Going To NYC? Check Out These Tips!

Posted on September 30, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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New York City is a bustling metropolis full of endless possibilities. It can be overwhelming for first-time visitors or even those who have been before. With a little planning, you can make the most of your trip and see all that NYC has to offer!

Why Take a Trip to New York City:

New York City is a vibrant and exciting city. It has something for everyone. New York City has an incredible amount of cultural attractions, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the World Trade Center Memorial. There’s also the Agora Gallery Reviews to look at too.

It also offers plenty of shopping opportunities in places like Times Square and Fifth Avenue. The city has many opportunities to experience delicious food thanks to its vast range of different cultures. There are also plenty of outdoor activities for those who enjoy being active outdoors such as Central Park or Prospect Park.

Planning Your Trip:

The first step to any good trip is planning. Decide what you want to see and do in advance so that you can make the most of your vacation. New York has something for everyone, from art and history lovers to foodies and shopaholics. Do some research to figure out what sights and activities are a must-do for you. Once you have an idea of what you want to do, you can start booking tickets and making reservations.

Getting Around Town:

New York is a big city and getting around can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the layout. The best way to get from point A to point B is often by subway, as traffic can be brutal during rush hour. If you’re not used to subway systems, don’t worry! It’s actually pretty easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. Buy a Metrocard in advance so that you can reload it as needed and make sure to keep track of which subway line takes you where. Another great way to get around is by walking. Many neighborhoods are quite compact and easy to explore on foot. Plus, this is a great way to soak up the unique atmosphere of each one! Of course, hailing a yellow cab is always an option when you need it. Just be prepared for high fares during peak times.

Seeing the Sights:

There’s no shortage of things to do in New York, so it’s important to prioritize based on your interests. For example, if you love art, plan to spend some time at one of the many world-renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art. If history is more your thing, take a walk through Central Park or visit Ellis Island. And of course, no trip to NYC would be complete without seeing iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty!

By familiarizing yourself with the layout of the city and prioritizing based on your interests, you’ll be sure to have an amazing time exploring everything that NYC has to offer! Safe travels!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Aug16

How To Prepare For An Electric Vehicle Road Trip

Posted on August 16, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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How To Prepare For An Electric Vehicle Road Trip

It’s not unusual to have some anxiety concerning electric vehicles and whether you can rely on them or not for long distance travel. However, they are a great eco-friendly option if flying is too expensive or you want to go by road. And with adequate planning, you could drive your EV for hundreds or thousands of miles. If you partake in the American tradition of going on a road trip during the summer, here are four tips to prepare for an electric vehicle road trip:

Properly plan your route:

Manufacturers continue to improve their EV route planning tools but are still lagging behind Tesla in this aspect. This is why it is always best to find a good route planner to help you set your EV route to your destination. It is better to be prepared than surprised when taking a long road trip. Fortunately, a few freemium route planning tools allow you to enter your vehicle and charging state and input your desired destination and battery percentage. The tool will do the rest and advise the best route to use. You can pay a few dollars to activate advanced weather and traffic data features.

Ensure your EV is 100% ready:

Electric cars are still more expensive to acquire than conventionally powered rivals but often less expensive to maintain due to economical home charging. This doesn’t suggest that EVs are maintenance-free. Aside from the usual tire rotation, cabin air filter, and wiper blades replacement, it can be useful to take your EV through the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. It is best to allow trained technicians like Infinite Electric to handle EV checks to guarantee you get the most from the car.

EV driving tips:

There are several strategies to increase your driving range. For example, the ‘eco-modes’ accessible in most automobiles can help you improve your car’s efficiency by limiting how much power it receives. Accelerator and brake usage have been linked to this. Like diesel and petrol automobiles, the more force you use, the more energy is consumed, decreasing the car’s overall range. Keeping this in mind can help you to drive attentively and increase your mileage.

Have a backup:

^^^Pixabay Image

The latest EVs are designed with advanced technologies to guarantee you don’t run out of power on the road. For example, some feature a huge orb over a map displaying how far you can travel before the next charging station. You also get several warnings before you run low. However, chargers are likely to be in use, especially when you don’t arrive early. In some cases, they may be broken or faulty, so it is best to have a backup in case the first charger is unavailable. Some websites or apps like ChargeNet can tell whether the station is in use or has a problem and enable you to plan ahead of time.

The above are some top tips before taking your EV on a summer road trip. Have fun hitting the open road – eco-friendly style!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jul12

Preparing Your Home For Guests

Posted on July 12, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Summer is the perfect time to welcome guests into your home. People are on vacation from school or work and there is nothing better than sharing in warm weather activities with close friends or family. While you don’t need to do a whole HGTV level overhaul of your house to prepare for guests, there are a few things that you can do to make them more comfortable:

Dietary Restrictions/Preferences:

Before your guests arrive, it is important to ask if they have any dietary needs to accommodate. Are they gluten free? Do they prefer tea or coffee in the morning? Not only does this show that you care but you can also stock your fridge ahead of time to skip a mad dash to the grocery store. Planning accordingly also means that you can plan meals ahead of time as well as find local restaurants that have options for dietary needs.

Prep The Guest Room:

Your guest room does not need to be set to the standards of a five star hotel but a little effort can go a long way. If you want to go all out, Pinterest has great suggestions for decorating a guest room. If not, that’s okay too! Extra blankets, towels, and toiletries will always be appreciated. How many times have you traveled to realize you forgot your toothbrush or shower gel?

Make Necessary Repairs:

Before you receive your guests, it is crucial to repair any home appliance that needs it. Extra people in your home means more dishes, laundry, and meal prep so it’s good to get these appliances checked out if they are not functioning as they should. The last thing you want is to be waiting around for a repair person all day while you could be having summer fun!

Have Activities In Mind:

Of course, all of your days with your guest don’t need to be jam packed. But, it will be fun to show them around the area especially if they have never been before. Local attractions, restaurants, and boutiques are all part of what makes your neck of the woods special so show it off! For chill days at home, a BBQ and backyard or indoor games work just as well.

Summertime is even better when it’s enjoyed with good company. Follow the tips above and I’m sure your guests will want to come by next summer too!

Jul12

Hibachi Japan Double Date

Posted on July 12, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! This past week, Johnny and I went on a double date to Hibachi Japan with my best friend Lea and her husband Brandon. We had the best time and the food was delicious!! I have not been to this restaurant in close to five years and out of the blue, I had a HUGE craving for it so I was really looking forward to this outing. 😀 Take a look:

Hibachi Japan is such a fun date night restaurant to go to because the chef expertly prepares your food right in front of you. The random bursts of fire, patrons at the table trying to catch pieces of shrimp, and exciting atmosphere all make for a perfect evening out. The restaurant window shades also added a touch of ambiance and made the fire seem even brighter! The chef prepared meals are also great because it includes two appetizers and dessert, which is an awesome value!

To start off our meal, we ordered drinks and Johnny and I both got the signature cocktail called Purple Rain. It is basically a Long Island Iced Tea with raspberry and it is delightful but strong – I couldn’t finish mine! Then, along came the appetizers which consisted of soup and salad. Unfortunately, the soup uses beef broth so I was given two salads and that was fine by me because the peanut salad dressing is to die for. I actually had three salads because Johnny barely ate his. 😀

After appetizers, our chef came to begin cooking our entrees. I got the tofu and veggies with rice and the rest of our table ordered rice with chicken, steak, or shrimp. The portions were huge, as you can see, and no one could finish their entire plate! I am usually not the biggest fan of tofu but it just hits different at Hibachi. It is crispy on the outside and soft in the middle and I savored every bite.

In all honesty, we couldn’t have ate another bite but how can you say no to pineapple sorbet for dessert?! It was DIVINE. The bold pineapple flavor was complimented with the creamiest texture and I wish I could buy it by the gallon. It was also especially yummy with broken up pieces of fortune cookie on top.

Once we all officially couldn’t move, it was time to head home after a wonderful double date. A marvelous time was had by all and I will definitely not be waiting another five years to go back! 😀

What is your favorite restaurant? What do you love to order from there? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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