New Happily Grey Topper Jacket

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New Happily Grey Topper Jacket

Hello!!! This past Tuesday, I had an afternoon off and decided to do a little holiday shopping at TJMaxx. However, I am in the phase of my early Christmas shopping where I need a treat too and it turned into a shopping trip for me! Lol, when I got home with TJs bags in tow I told Johnny that “I did some shopping for XYZ” to which he said “And…?” My reply: “…And a little something for me too”. Haha, he knows me so well! But, obviously, I just couldn’t say no to this gorgeous topper jacket by Happily Grey:

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I am a huge fan of topper jackets and I clutched my pearls when I saw this number by Happily Grey. Johnny and I love the 70s era of fashion and this jacket gave me all of those vibes. It was one of those pieces that I just knew was going home with me and I considered it a steal at just thirty dollars! I have a feeling that I will be rocking my find all fall and winter long. I own maybe two or so full on “winter jackets”, but I much prefer a topper instead. I like that it gives you the option of layering and that I’m not sweating bullets as soon as I get into a car with the heat on!

I was drawn to my new Happily Grey topper for many reasons, the first of which being the colors. Burnished gold is one of my favorite hues and the cream filigree detailing looked so rich and lux against it. I also live for a faux fur collar, which just added to the expensive aesthetic that this topper gave. The length was lovely too, hitting at the mid calf and I could already picture wearing it with my knee high winter boots. Pair it with cable knit tights and a knee length skirt or dress? Yes, please. šŸ˜€

I am so happy with this TJMaxx purchase and I already put it to great use. You can peep that soon in an upcoming OOTD that I created for seeing The Wiz at Playhouse Square. If you are in need of new cold weather duds, hit up TJs ASAP because it is all there for the taking. PS – their holiday decor is out too!

What is your preferred style of winter coat? Does your winter wardrobe need a refresh? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The Wiz At Playhouse Square Review

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The Wiz At Playhouse Square Review

Hello! This past Saturday, Johnny and I spent a rousing evening at Playhouse Square to see The Wiz. Nothing pleases me more than a night out at one of my favorite places with my favorite guy! I admit that I have never seen The Wizard of Oz in its entirety or have seen The Wiz. However, I knew the story line and a few songs from The Wiz and with a plot and music that fun, it was sure to be a great show. And, it was. The Wiz was a celebration of Black excellence from start to finish and I am so thankful for the opportunity to have seen it! Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Lol, Johnny had way more fun than these pictures lead you to believe! šŸ˜€

We all know the basic plot of The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz stayed true to this. Dorothy gets swept away to the land of Oz after a tornado hits her Kansas home. To return back to the life she knew and her beloved Aunt Em, she must travel to the Emerald City to meet The Wiz. Along the way, she meets new friends that could also use some help from The Wiz. A scarecrow who needs a brain, a tinman who needs a heart, and a lion who needs some courage. The quartet makes their way to the Emerald City together, but must be wary of the Wicked Witch who wants to foil their plans. During their journey, the foursome learns that what they wanted can be found within themselves – they just need to know where to look!

The cast of The Wiz was absolutely divine and there was no weak link to be found. Nichelle Lewis was stunning as Dorothy and her voice was pure magic. Dorothy was spunky and brave and it was impossible to look away from her. And when she sang those high notes? Wow! It was such a joy to see Dorothy’s interactions with her newfound friends and they all worked together so beautifully. Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion were perfectly cast and their physicality as the characters were sublime. When the foursome was all together, it was like watching a movie come to life onstage and it was so neat to see the real deal happening before my eyes.

Of course, a shout out needs to be given to Melody A. Betts who played Aunt Em and Evillene. She was so lovely as sweet Aunt Em who took Dorothy in after her parents passed and a force to be reckoned with as Evillene. Her song as Evillene “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” was mine and Johnny’s favorite from the entire show. Deborah Cox as Glinda also gave a very strong performance and her glittering gowns were everything. She blew us away during her number “He’s The Wiz”.

The Wiz featured a very creative set with moving parts and huge projections set on a screen. Rather than a different set for each location, they used the images and lighting to bring the space to life. The woods had a projection of the woods, the poppy field was a projection of a field of poppies and… you get the point! I thought that this was such a good idea for the set of The Wiz because it’s a play about a journey. The location of the characters changed frequently and using images instead of full set changes helped keep the show moving along seamlessly.

Finally, let’s talk about some of my favorite songs! The soundtrack of The Wiz is rooted in soul, gospel, and R&B and it was jam packed with bangers. From upbeat to ballads, the hits just kept on coming with The Wiz. As I mentioned before, our favorite number was “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” which was a gorgeous tip of the cap to Aretha Franklin. “You Can’t Win” sung by the Scarecrow gave us all of the James Brown vibes and we loved the Tinman’s smooth rendition of “Slide Some Oil To Me”. Every actor brought their own special flavor to each song and paid homage to the greats. Don’t even get me started on the dance numbers which tied the show together perfectly. “The Emerald City” dance which began Act II was fabulous!

If The Wiz is coming to your neck of the woods, then I cannot recommend seeing it enough. It was a celebration, it was a joy, and it is not one that should be missed. You will love it!!

What is your favorite song from The Wiz? What is the last musical you have seen? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Wedding Dress Delight OOTD Bloopers

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Wedding Dress Delight OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Wedding Dress Delight OOTD! My sis, nieces, and I loved attending a Disney Princess Party together and I invoked the princess vibes from my wedding day by wearing my wedding dress. Yes, I am that extra aunt lol. Although I felt like royalty in my outfit, there are always some pics from an OOTD shoot that don’t make the first cut. I’m pretty sure I have never seen a Disney princess making these faces:

Who, me?

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Lol, my fingers look like straight up nubs

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The face I make immediately after scratching myself

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Just standing here

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Gazing forlornly into the distance

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Gazing stupidly into the sky

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I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Johnny has been my master OOTD photographer for over four years and we have our system running like a fine tuned machine. This shoot was different, however, because my sister was the one who took the pictures. This was my requirement for her because I paid for the tickets to the party – the sibling barter system at its finest! After we rubbed elbows with Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff it was time to head home and I posted up by a brick wall to get my OOTD on. You guys all know how much I love a good brick wall! šŸ˜€

In yesterday’s post, I mentioned my awareness that literally every picture from my OOTD shoot featured the same pose. This was purely out of necessity because it was cold out!! Val chattered her little teeth and I knew we had to get the girls back in the car ASAP. So, I stuck with poses that I knew would work and faces that I knew would be flattering so we could go home with the heat blasting. We took pictures for barely two minutes, I saw a few that were winners, a few that were questionable, and called it. Huge shout out to Val for being a trooper for her ol’ TT – she’s such a star. ā¤

Although my sister did a stellar job as my OOTD photographer, I’ll be happy to have Johnny back to doing what he does best… Making me look good! It’s nice to know that I have someone else on standby, though!

Do you like to get your picture taken? Who usually takes your pictures? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

How To Bring A Little Joy Into Your Life

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How To Bring A Little Joy Into Your Life

Many times in a person’s life they can find themselves feeling stuck in a rut, deflated, or that there is nothing positive happening. If you feel like this, then it could be for many reasons. One of which could simply be that you are not giving yourself the time you deserve to enjoy the possibilities that life is presenting you. So, whether it is cutting out negative habits, creating new and healthy ones, or simply allowing yourself time to relax, here are several ways in which you can bring a little joy into your life:

Limit your time on social media:

Social media is still a relatively new thing as far as human existence goes. Although it has brought about many new and exciting possibilities, it also has some fairly negative attributes associated with it. Many people can find themselves consuming social media for hours, and letting the days slip by without doing the important things that make them happy. When consuming a large amount of social media it can be hard to detach from what you are consuming, and many people find themselves constantly comparing their lives to those they see online. Both of these situations can impact your mental health in a negative way, and suck the joy out of your life. To combat this, you should consider limiting your time on social media, and instead give that free time to yourself. Even if you do nothing and simply relax, this is better than an all evening social media session.

Find something fun to do outside:

It is no secret that many people, whether they realize it or not, gain huge benefits and satisfaction by spending time outside. If you can couple that with doing a fun activity or having new experiences, then you will significantly increase the joy you experience in life. Whether you live by the sea or a lake and want to learn the basics about paddle boarding, or perhaps if you live near the woods and want to explore your local areas and find out about all the wildlife, consider getting yourself outside and doing something fun to live more fully.

Make time for your loved ones:

Humans are meant to be social creatures. Although it’s perfectly fine to spend time alone, often you will experience a larger amount of joy when spending time with loved ones. This could be anything from taking a vacation together, to simply eating regular meals together. As long as you are enjoying each other’s company is all that matters!

Treat yourself:

If you want to truly boost your happiness in life, you need to learn how to be your own best friend. Do you need to take a break? Take it. Do you want to have that treat? Have it. Do you want to do something different? Do it. Self-love is one of the best ways in which a person can bring a little extra joy into their life.

There are many other ways in which you can bring joy into your life, but why not consider these first?

Featured Image By: Pexels

Wedding Dress Delight OOTD

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Wedding Dress Delight OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Two weekends ago, I attended an adorable Disney Princess Party with my sister and darling nieces. Princess costumes for the little ones were encouraged and I figured that offer would extend to adults too lol. As the most extra auntie on the planet, I decided to get my princess on by rocking my wedding dress to the party. I was definitely the only big person that dressed up, but that’s okay because it made the experience even more fun! Val AKA Elsa and her “death princess” TT (as Johnny described me) looked like royalty during our grand entrance and I know we’ll both look back on it fondly for years to come. ā¤ Check it out:

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^^^ And, yes, I am SO aware that all of these poses are exactly the same lol. My sister took these pics after the party and the girls were cold so I just had to do what works for maximum success!

Who? What? Wear?

Wedding Dress: EricDress

Vertebrae Heels: Show Story

Pearl Headband: Francesca’s

Flower earrings that aren’t seen in the pictures are from Francesca’s too.

My wedding dress is one of my most favorite things that I own. It was bought for a song online, tailored to perfection, and was everything I hoped for on my wedding day. I always pictured myself in a black wedding dress and it was like this one was made for me. After Johnny and I tied the knot, I felt sad that I would probably never have an occasion to wear my dream dress again. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to wear it to the Princess Party. I felt like a princess IRL when I got married and I couldn’t think of anything better to wear to a royal celebration.

For heels, I kept with the theme of my wedding and wore the same shoes for the partay. The high low dress screams for a killer pair of pumps and the Show Story pair are, surprisingly, the only ones I own. Even if I had different heels to select from, I still would have chose my wedding heels anyways. The “low” portion of my dress runs dangerously low to the ground and I needed all of the length that I could get to keep it from dragging. Huge shout out to the tailor for my dress because she was able to create a bustle with the super lengthy train!

There wasn’t much to do for the base of this look so it was onto accessories next. I desperately wanted a tiara, but don’t own one and all of my nieces’ toy tiaras are broke lol. So, I improvised and used my pearl headband from Francesca’s. I LOVED how the white pearls created contrast with my hair and the dress and it felt like a grown up take on a plastic tiara. Then, I put on a pair of dangly iridescent flower earrings and was ready to be the belle of the ball. I know I werked it, but Val stole the show in her Elsa costume! šŸ™‚

I am beyond thrilled that I got to break out my wedding dress one time for the one more time. My girls and I had the best afternoon at the Princess Party and it is something that I will always cherish!

What is something that makes you feel like royalty? Have you ever worn something from your wedding again? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Ā 

Double Dinner Date OOTD Bloopers

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Double Dinner Date OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Double Dinner Date OOTD! I wore this look to meet my boss and his wife with Johnny at a new restaurant called Akron’s Farm Table. This was an exciting night out for me because I got to meet my virtual boss IRL and conduct an interview with the restaurant owners. Double dates are also always fun and Johnny and I haven’t been on one in forever. Although I was really feeling myself in my outfit, I would be a liar if I said I wasn’t nervous about this outing. More on that later, first let’s take a look at the pics that definitely didn’t make the first cut… Until now!

Somehow always managing to trip during OOTD shoots. Whoopsy daisy!

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Gazing off into the distance with this stupid look lol

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I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Just having a laugh in this pic and having one now because wtf

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Clearly I thought I was really working it

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Apparently I was in a perpetual state of shock during this shoot 😮

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I like to think that I am a fairly outgoing gal. However, it takes me a while to get warmed up when meeting new people. I admit that I have quite a bit of anxiety in those situations and I find myself thinking if new friends, colleagues, or acquaintances like me or if I said the wrong thing throughout the meeting. I wasĀ veryĀ nervous to meet my online boss IRL. Of course I wanted to make a great impression, but I also have not had much practice meeting anyone new in a while. Johnny and I already know the people we want to know lol.

I am pleased to report that I didn’t let my nerves get the best of me during our Double Dinner Date and I thought I rocked it. Yes, I was anxious for things to go well, but I kept reminding myself that it’s not like my boss and I don’t have a phone conference almost every day. I know him, I just had not met him. I gave myself positive affirmations like “I’m great at what I do”, “I have a wonderful personality”, and to “just have fun” and it helped put me much more at ease. It must have done the trick because we are planning to check out another restaurant all together sometime soon! šŸ˜€

I kind of forgot that I had a hard time meeting new people until this outing because it had been so long. I am really proud of myself for putting my best face forward despite the anxiety and I think this will be a most helpful situation to remember in the future if I am around someone new. I consider this to be excellent progress so hurray for a GREAT SUCCESS!

Do you have an outgoing personality? What is something that you struggle with in social situations? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Double Dinner Date OOTD

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Double Dinner Date OOTD

Hello! This past Friday was so lovely because I went on a double date with Johnny, my boss, and his wife. Starting in January, I started a position as the in house writer for a local tech entrepreneur. We handle everything virtually and just didn’t have a need or occasion to meet IRL. On Friday, however, we were working with a new restaurant for one of the businesses we manage and thought it would be fun to make a night of it with our partners. I was SO excited to have a night on the town all together and wanted to create a look that showed off my personal style while still looking professional. This is what I came up with and I was loving it:

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Who? What? Wear?

Dress: MaxSport LA, TJMaxx

Boots: Formentini, TJMaxx

*** The earrings are Lucky Brand, the bracelet was bought at a vendor fair, and the necklace is from American Eagle Outfitters.

When I began styling this look, I knew I wanted to wear a dress. The only question was “which one?”. I didn’t want a dress that was too tight or too showy because the night wasn’t about my outfit. It was about helping out a small local business and meeting my boss. So, I decided on something that I would wear for a business lunch or coffee and chose my dress by MaxSport LA. This was a ten dollar steal from TJMaxx and I thought it served its purpose very well.

I selected this dress for many reasons. First and foremost, I love it. But it also checked off all of the boxes that I required. It was form fitting without being tight, knee length, and something I could picture myself wearing to an office if I worked in one lol. The colors featured on this frock are gorgeous and it felt so perfectly fall with a fun nod to the 70s. The pattern was another huge plus as it was bold, but didn’t feel like too much.

The weather on Friday night was still nice and warm so a jacket or tights weren’t necessary. So, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I went with one of my favorite pairs of heeled boots by Formentini. I am as obsessed with these boots now as I was the day I got them and they paired beautifully with the MaxSport LA dress. These little numbers added a classy amount of length and tied into the retro vibe that the dress invoked for cohesion’s sake.

Finally, it was time for accessories. To start, I put on a dangly pair of turquoise earrings by Lucky Brand. These were a gift from my mom and I love them so very much. Turquoise, burnt orange, and burgundy are a match made in fall color heaven. The lower neckline on my dress provided real estate to add on a delicate necklace and I put on a tiny charm one from AEO for some modest bling. The capped bell sleeves of the dress offered room for a bracelet too so I went back into the jewelry box and came out with a bronze chain bracelet with a turquoise bead and feather. The feather was another understated tip of the cap to all things 70s and the bead matched my earrings. Total win/win!

I felt like a class act in my Double Dinner Date OOTD and this is one that I can definitely picture wearing in a work environment or another night on the town. A wonderful time was had by all and we cannot wait to get together again soon. I would say this business/fun dinner out was a GREAT SUCCESS!

How do you rock a business casual look? Have you ever met someone you work with virtually IRL? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Why Sanitary Toothpaste Matters: A Hygienic Approach To Oral Care

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Why Sanitary Toothpaste Matters: A Hygienic Approach To Oral Care

When it comes to our daily routine, brushing our teeth is something we all do without much thought. It’s one of those autopilot activities that help us feel fresh and ready to face the day. But have you ever stopped to think about the toothpaste you’re using? Is it sanitary? Does it matter? Well, the answer is a resounding “yes”! In this post, we’re going to dive into why sanitary toothpaste matters and how it can make a significant difference in your oral hygiene:

The Hidden Dangers in Toothpaste Tubes:

Let’s face it; toothpaste tubes are not the most hygienic of containers. They sit in our bathrooms, exposed to humidity and various contaminants. Over time, toothpaste residue can accumulate on the nozzle, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This is especially true if multiple family members share the same toothpaste tube. When you squeeze that toothpaste onto your brush, you’re potentially introducing harmful bacteria into your mouth. Not exactly what you had in mind for your oral hygiene routine, right?

The Case for Sanitary Toothpaste Dispensers:

Enter sanitary toothpaste dispensers – the heroes of our oral hygiene routine! These nifty devices eliminate the need for squeezing toothpaste from a tube, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial contamination. Instead, they dispense a precise amount of toothpaste onto your brush with a simple push or pump mechanism.

Here’s why sanitary toothpaste dispensers matter:

  • Bacteria-Free Toothpaste: With a dispenser, you can say goodbye to the worry of bacteria lurking in your toothpaste. The sealed container keeps your toothpaste fresh and uncontaminated.
  • No Mess, No Stress: Toothpaste tubes can be messy, and squeezing out the last bits can be a hassle. Dispensers provide a neat and efficient way to get the perfect amount every time.
  • Easy to Use: Dispensers are user-friendly, making them suitable for both children and adults. They’re a convenient addition to any bathroom.
  • Saves Money: When you use a dispenser, you’ll use just the right amount of toothpaste, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Many dispensers are designed with eco-friendliness in mind, using less packaging and reducing the environmental impact compared to traditional tubes.

The Health Benefits of Sanitary Toothpaste:

Now that we’ve established the importance of keeping your toothpaste sanitary, let’s delve into the health benefits:

  • Reduced Risk of Oral Infections: Using a dispenser can help prevent the introduction of harmful bacteria into your mouth, lowering the risk of infections, gum diseases, and bad breath.
  • Consistent Hygiene: Dispensers provide a consistent amount of toothpaste with each use, ensuring you’re brushing effectively every time.
  • Encourages Regular Brushing: The ease of use of toothpaste dispensers can make brushing your teeth more convenient, encouraging you and your family to maintain a consistent oral care routine.

Choosing the Right Sanitary Toothpaste Dispenser:

Now that you’re convinced of the benefits of using a sanitary toothpaste dispenser, it’s time to choose the right one for you. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Design and Aesthetics: Toothpaste dispensers come in various designs to match your bathroom decor. From sleek and modern to cute and colorful, there’s a dispenser for every taste.
  • Capacity: Consider how many people will be using the dispenser. Some come with multiple chambers to accommodate different types of toothpaste or serve multiple users.
  • Ease of Cleaning: Look for a dispenser that is easy to disassemble and clean to maintain its hygiene.
  • Durability: Invest in a dispenser made from durable materials to ensure it lasts for years.
  • Dispensing Mechanism: Choose between push-button, pump, or touchless dispensers based on your preference.

Maintaining Your Sanitary Toothpaste Dispenser:

Once you’ve selected the perfect dispenser, it’s essential to maintain it properly to ensure it continues to provide you with a hygienic toothpaste experience. Here are some tips:

  • Regular Cleaning: Clean the dispenser nozzle and parts regularly to prevent the buildup of toothpaste residue and bacteria.
  • Keep It Dry: Make sure your dispenser is not in direct contact with water to prevent mold growth. Store it in a dry area of your bathroom.
  • Refill Promptly: Refill your dispenser when it’s running low to maintain consistent hygiene.

The next time you reach for your toothbrush and toothpaste in the morning, consider making the switch to a sanitary toothpaste dispenser. It’s a simple yet effective way to take your oral care to the next level, providing you and your family with a cleaner, healthier smile.

Disney Princess Party

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Disney Princess Party

Hello! This past Saturday, I spent an adorable time with my sister and sweet nieces attending a Disney Princess Party. The event was held at an arcade bar called The Workz in downtown Cuyahoga Falls and it was a hoot. Kristen and I enjoyed good food and drinks while Val and Raya were awestruck by seeing Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff from Frozen IRL. It was so cute seeing all of the little princesses in their costumes and, yes, I am that extra auntie that dressed up too lol. I ended up wearing my wedding dress because I felt like a princess on my wedding day and I wanted to feel like that again. I’m pleased to report that it was a hit!

You can peep two new OOTDs coming soon, including me wearing my wedding attire one more time for the one time. But, now, let’s peep the festivities from girls afternoon out:

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The princess party began with a riveting song by Anna, followed by an introduction from Elsa and Kristoff. Once the whole Frozen crew was on stage, they began to teach all of the kiddos games like the Freeze Dance. But, you had to “freeze” in a Frozen character pose. Sadly, Val was in a bit of a mood so she wasn’t really feeling the activities, but rallied hard when Kristen and I began participating too. I think she was just nervous to be in the presence of royalty!

After doing the Freeze Dance, Elsa performed “Let It Go” and she was SO good. Although let’s all agree that her wig is hit lol. Funnily enough, the actress who plays her actually works with my sister in the summertime. Go figure! When her big performance was over, the next game was dancing like your favorite Disney princess – IE, cleaning as Cinderella, swimming as Ariel… You get the point. The cast then wrapped things up and began walking the space to meet the kiddos, take pictures, and sign autographs.

When it was time for our turn with the character actors, Val did not want to speak to them or take pictures. However, she did have questions for them which Kristen and I asked for her and they all had great replies and encouraged Val to take a pic later if she wanted to. After our visit, I was SO proud of Val because after a few minutes she decided she would like a picture and she WERKED it! It took her a minute to get warmed up and that’s okay! I think I would be freaking out if I were her age and meeting my favorite Disney princesses too. ā¤

Once the event was done, the kids all received a free half hour card to play the different arcade games. Val and I simply crushed in Mario Kart, Kristen dominated at Ring Toss, I was a beast at Ski Ball, and Raya was excellent support. The Frozen crew also came around to play games with the kids and Val loved watching Kristoff play the Test Your Strength game. She also learned that Elsa and Belle have a book club together when she wanted to know which other princesses she was friends with. So cute!

Everyone who attended the Princess Party was given the royal treatment and it was a delightful time. I love being able to do treat days with my best girls and I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for similar events in our neck of the woods!

Who is your favorite Disney character? What is your favorite Disney movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Slow Things Down At Akron’s Farm Table

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Slow Things Down At Akron’s Farm Table

Hello! This past Friday was a hoot because Johnny and I went out to dinner with my boss, Karnchea, and his wife, Pam. Karnchea and I have been working virtually together since January and it was SO nice to be able to meet him in real life! In collaboration with our website, Nightlife 330, we were given the opportunity to meet up with the owners of Akron’s Farm Table, have a meal, and get the scoop on the brand new restaurant. It was such a delight to chat with John, Amber, and their sweet son, Tristan, about the ins and outs of Akron’s Farm Table. It’s an amazing concept run by amazing people! Take a look at some pics and read on for a lifewithlilred exclusive interview:

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LR: You recently had your grand opening of Akron’s Farm Table and how do you think things are going so far?

John: Slow. We just aren’t getting the outreach right now. But, we offer a good place to come and have a cheap meal that’s all sourced locally. There’s not many places out there that you can get the same type of ingredients for the same price.

LR: What was your inspiration behind opening the restaurant?

Amber: We wanted to make good food accessible in downtown Akron to provide that feeling of security to everyone. We wanted to show people that this is where we get our food from and you can make the same things at home too.

John: Our customers aren’t just dollar bills to us. We want them to be able to come here and have an escape for as long as they need but have the comfort of feeling at home.

Amber: We want people to come and have a cup of coffee, to enjoy our handmade desserts. We want everyone to feel like they can hang out and have a good conversation because everyone has their own story just like we do.

LR: Wow, perfect segue! Tell me about your story.

Amber: John and I met through Plenty of Fish six years ago in November…

LR: Johnny and I met on Plenty of Facebook ba dum chhhh.

Amber: I picked him up from a three quarter house for sober living, John is a recovering addict. I took him home, we got married a year after we met. I picked him up and just never took him home! We want people to know that change is possible and it’s okay to slow things down to get back to your roots.

LR: Your roots are a common theme on your Facebook posts and your menu is filled with comfort classics. What do you both bring to the table for food prep?

Amber: When we started this big idea, John said ā€œcook what you knowā€ and that’s what I do. I cook most of lunch and dinner and John does most of breakfast. Our son, Tristan, is a huge help too!

LR: Are these dishes things that you grew up eating?

John: Definitely! These are recipes that we have known and loved for a long time.

LR: What is your favorite item on the menu?

John: The meatloaf.

Amber: The meatloaf, for sure. We had a lot of trial and error and found that making it in a bread pan made it too dry and grainy. I didn’t feel good standing behind it because I would never serve anything that I won’t eat myself. So we came up with individual patties, instead. We try to think outside of the box so our food is made fresh and not sitting in a warming tray all day.

LR: Where would you like to see Akron’s Farm Table one year from now?

Amber: Open.

John: I want to bring the people here. I would love to create a space for people to sell their fresh produce and come together. I hope in a year people will be here to have coffee and enjoy local produce without driving to the farms.

LR: What would you like to say to your future patrons?

Amber: Come here if you want to slow things down and get back to your roots. If you want to support a small business, we’re a small business and we would love to see you!

Akron’s Farm Table is bringing locally sourced goodness to downtown Akron and it is a joy to see. We loved our evening at this new spot and are sure that you will too. Support local and check it out!

What is your favorite local restaurant? How about your favorite local artist or musician? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah