Nov20

Lunch Date

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Lunch Date

Hello!! Johnny and I had a fabulous weekend that involved family, friends, and good food. Our nieces came over for a slumber party on Friday, we had an amazing lunch date on Saturday, and I got to chat with my blogging bestie afterwards. Johnny has a deep love for the Popeye’s chicken sandwich and recently made great use of their buy one get one free sandwich promotion. I have been a vegetarian for upwards of twenty years and even though it has been so long since I have ate meat, my mouth still waters at the sight of those chicken sandwiches. They just look SO. Damn. Good. With that recent craving in mind, I knew exactly where I wanted to go for lunch…

Boss ChickNBeer! And no, they do not just serve chicken – they have a fully vegan menu as well. Everything on their normal menu can be made with cauliflower or tofu so people with dietary restrictions have plenty of options. It’s awesome! This is a specific to my area of Ohio restaurant that was founded my two women and has three other locations besides the one ten minutes away from me. I have always wanted to try it and my only regret was not doing so sooner in the year or so since they have been open. It was absolutely delicious and we plan on going back ASAFP.

As soon as we walked into the restaurant, we bellied up to the bar and within seconds we realized that this was going to be an excellent experience. No sooner than we were seated, we were greeted by the general manager and began to gab. He introduced himself, asked us for our names, and explained the story of the restaurant and the menu too. All the while, The Humpty Dance was playing on the speakers, which I told him how much I appreciated lol. We got to talking about music and it was like talking to a friend. He told us that a manager at an old job once told him to talk to the people you are serving like they’re a friend at a backyard barbecue. It sure worked because we were cutting it up with all of the employees throughout our meal and it was just FUN. Old school hip hop playing, cracking jokes, and telling stories. I’ve never had a dining experience like it and we both loved it!

The restaurant vibe was a twenty out of ten and the food scores the same marks because holy WOW. Johnny opted for the tender meal and I went for the cauliflower wings with a side of their queso mac. As we sipped on our apple cider beer that tasted like a cabin, as per Johnny’s description, we could see the food being made right before our eyes. All the while, we were getting to know our new friends better. Our food arrived speedy quick and felt even more so as we were immersed in conversation. We couldn’t wait to dig in and every bite was like a little slice of heaven.

My queso mac was out of this world crazy good. It was creamy and cheesy with a little kick and I am so excited to get it again. It was the best mac n cheese from a restaurant I have ever had. The cauliflower wings were crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside and tasted great with their homemade gold sauce. This meal was a vegetarian’s dream come true. As for Johnny, his French fries were crisp and perfectly seasoned and sent his compliments to the staff for being the best chicken he has ever had. The tenders were huge and he was so happy to have some to bring back home so he could eat it again! He dipped his tenders in the Ghostface Killah sauce which was the hottest on the menu. Despite its high ranking, it was tolerable as it provided heat without feeling like it was going to burn your tongue off. I really liked it too and want to get it next. 😀

This local chain has turned everything we thought about going to a restaurant on its head. It was such a personable, friendly atmosphere. Everyone seated at the bar was talking with each other, the staff knew patrons by name, and it was all complimented by a fantastic meal. In fact, the couple we were sitting by was from Pittsburgh and whenever they come to the area, they go to Boss ChickNBeer every time. Who can blame them? It was that good!

As soon as we left the restaurant, Johnny and I began making plans. When we were going next and who to invite for double dates. It can’t be soon enough!

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

Nov19

Mix & Match OOTD Bloopers

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Mix & Match OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Mix & Match OOTD! This look was the epitome of quirky cool and I absolutely love how it turned out. It is so fun to have fun with fashion and I encourage all of you to pop into your wardrobe and experiment. Mix and match to your heart’s content. It might not work or it will look amazing but if you never try you never know! These blooper shots, though? Not so amazing lol! Take a look:

Wazzzzzzup

Sassy queen

Had to gather my bearings…

Just to do this nonsense SMH

Johnny is always making me laugh!

Trying to hold the giggles in…

It didn’t work!!!

As you all know, I am an avid reader. It is one of my favorite hobbies and once I start a book I literally can’t stop to save my own life. I typically read one book in a day or two per week, find a new one, and then rinse and repeat the binge reading. At a discount store, I saw The Wrong Family by Tarryn Fisher and decided to get it from the library next. I have been reading a fair amount of horror and was looking forward to diving back into my usual “Lifetime movie books” as Johnny calls them lol. He isn’t wrong! Once I got the book, I started reading immediately and it all seemed very familiar…

I kept reading for a chapter or two because sometimes those twisty novels all blend together. I have read so many intertwining tales of unstable narrators that I can barely keep them straight! I just couldn’t shake the deja read sensation, though, so I turned to my trusty blog for guidance. It turns out that I definitely read The Wrong Family before and I have the Lil Red’s Book Club to prove it! It’s too bad because after reading my review it sounded like a real winner. It even got the ten out of ten stars award. It’s also too bad that I straight up couldn’t even remember reading it lol SMH big time!!

My book blunder threw me off of my reading schedule so I am open to any and all suggestions on what to read next. Preferably something that I haven’t already read before! 😀

What is your favorite book genre? Do you have any recommendations for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov18

Finding Balance In How We Play

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Finding Balance In How We Play

Everybody needs time to switch off. For some, it’s exercise or cooking; for others, it’s gardening, reading, or spending time with friends. Play, in any form, gives your mind a break from the structure of daily life. It doesn’t have to be competitive or loud; it just has to be something that’s going to allow you to relax and recharge. Lately, people are rediscovering how play fits into adulthood. It’s no longer something to outgrow; it’s something to bring back in a different way:

Making Space for Leisure:

Setting aside time for play, even if it’s just small moments during the week, can make a big difference in how you handle stress in your life. It means meeting new friends online for shared hobbies. Reliable game server hosting has made it possible to stay connected even when you’re apart. You can turn short sessions into something that’s more personal. But gaming does not mean you have to spend hours on a computer; it could be a puzzle app on your phone, a trivia night with family, or a quick card game after dinner. The goal isn’t to be performing; it’s to be present.

The Joy of Slower Play:

Not every kind of play comes through a screen. Many people are finding comfort in things like tabletop gaming, board games, dice games, and anything that gets people around the table. There’s something refreshing about slowing down, laughing, and focusing on something really simple together. These moments don’t rely on technology or trends, and they remind us that a connection doesn’t always need to be from something like Wi-Fi. Sitting down with others, sharing a snack, and working towards a small goal are all kinds of breaks that bring balance to a busy life.

Small Habits Make a Difference:

You don’t need hours of free time in order to enjoy yourself; brief instances of play can help you reset your focus. Try putting aside some time one evening a week for something light and fun. It might be a simple game, a work project, or a creative project. The key is to be consistent. The more often you give yourself space to unwind, the easier it is to become separate from work and rest. You’ll find yourself feeling calmer, clearer, and better able to focus on what matters when it matters.

You are allowed to take time for yourself to do something that is just purely fun and doesn’t have a reason. Whether you are building something online with friends or shuffling cards on a table, you’re giving yourself permission to take a pause. That’s not a waste of time; that is something that helps you to have balance in your life!

Featured Image By: David Bartus

Nov18

Survive Your Renovation With These Tips

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Survive Your Renovation With These Tips

There are countless reasons to renovate your home and it can provide a huge boost in property value and curb appeal. But, this often takes more time and effort than many homeowners realize, especially when it’s a live-in renovation. It’s easy to see why it can get stressful quickly. This doesn’t always have to be the case. Some of these tips have a lot more of an impact than others, which is why they’re always worth starting off with. Whether it’s your first home renovation or your fifth, let’s explore some of the best ways to make your reno a breeze:

Have a Checklist:

There’s often a lot more involved in a renovation than most people expect. You’ll need to consider demolition work, any systems that need to be replaced, the exact upgrades you’re making, finishing touches, and storage options. It’s difficult to keep track of all of this in your head. You’re much better off having a checklist that goes through exactly what needs to be done and when. It’ll help make sure you don’t forget about anything and prevent last minute frustrations.

Hire Expert Contractors:

You already know you’ll need a team to carry out your renovation work for you. But, that doesn’t mean just hiring anyone you come across. Make sure they’re experts in the exact kind of work you need, as it will make sure everything is done to a high standard. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, for example, a trustworthy kitchen remodeling expert is who you should go for. While that could mean spending a little more compared to a generalist, the added quality and craftsmanship you get with this is more than worth it.

Declutter Before Work Starts:

You’ll have plenty of belongings in any room you’re renovating and you should get these out of the way as early as possible. It gives your contractor the space they need to work, keeps your belongings safe, and just makes the whole process easier. Declutter as much as you can ahead of time. If you’re just renovating one room, you could move your belongings into another room to keep them safe. For whole-home renovations, you could need to rent a storage unit.

If you are planning a whole home renovation, you might also benefit from renting trash bins from Skip Bin Hire in adelaide (or a similar business in your local area). You will be amazed at how much needs removed from your home after a house wide declutter session. This will ensure that all of your trash can be disposed of in a safe and timely manner as you prep for the big renovation day.

As much as you want your home renovation, you don’t want to deal with a lot of stress and hassle during the process. Thankfully, you don’t have to put up with that. The right renovation tips should be more than enough to avoid a lot of issues going forward!

Featured Image By: Immo Renovation from Unsplash

Nov18

TikTok Love

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TikTok Love

Howdy! As you all know, I am a word girl through and through. I don’t really like scrolling through videos or pictures and have always preferred Facebook as my primary social media. However, way back at the end of March, I decided to make a TikTok. I had just left a work situation that, for lack of better words, sucked ass. I was in a weird kind of limbo but what I wanted most of all was to focus on my own content again. Not anyone else’s – just me, myself, and I. And you know what? It felt good!

Prior to making my TikTok, I rarely made videos of myself and was busy making videos for other people. I was deeply ambivalent at first but after a few days, I definitely saw the appeal. It’s just pure fun! My blog baby will always be my A1 but I loved the idea of making video content that coincides with what you read on lifewithlilred. It’s like an extra sneak peek into my world and I have found myself enjoying making OOTD videos just as much as shooting them in picture form. I have also been having a blast just making videos that I think look cool or are funny. It might not be to anyone else, but it is to me.

I went into my TikTok with no intentions of following trends. No expectations of getting paid or becoming TikTok famous. I went into it with the intentions of trying something new. The last new thing I tried in terms of work sucked and that’s because it wasn’t on my own terms. My TikTok was totally different because I had the final say and I still relish in that feeling every time I click post. It really does feel amazing to do something for you with zero expectations. Just to enjoy yourself. It sounds silly, but my blog and TikTok really are my favorite forms of self care. Outside of shopping, and getting my hair and nails done – obvi lol!

As I have literally zero expectations with my TikTok, every new like and follow feels like a huge win. Every notification is a victory and it feels like a pat on the back. I am immensely proud of my 2,640 followers and 24K likes. Like my blog, my TikTok is an extension of me. Something I made all on my own. I started both pages on a total whim and the fact that I still make daily content after all this time tells you everything you need to know. I just love to create!

If you are in the mood for more Lil Red, have I got a deal for you! Follow me on TikTok for more from your favorite lil blogger. Every single follow means the world!

Are you on TikTok? What is your handle? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov17

Lil Red’s Book Club: Deviant By Harold Schechter Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: Deviant By Harold Schechter Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of Lil Red’s Book Club! Today’s book club review is going to be a bit different from the norm as we are discussing a book very outside the norm. That being the biography of Ed Gein called Deviant written by Harold Schechter. This is going to be a spoiler free setting, as always, because we are not going to be getting into the nitty gritty of this book. Rather, I just have a few thoughts on it especially with the recent hype of the Ryan Murphy Monster series. It goes without saying that a big fat trigger warning will be placed on Deviant for highly disturbing and highly upsetting content. Be warned if you choose to read it for yourself! Now, let’s get to it:

My Johnny works in a cozy corner and listens to historical or true crime podcasts and audio books throughout the day. A while back ago he listened to Deviant and recommended it. For good reason too as it is easily one of the most excellent true crime books I have read. But more on that later! We decided to give the Ryan Murphy Monster series that focused on Ed Gein a go. Yes, we expected some fabrications but went into it with the mindset of we are watching a show – not a true story. At first, at least.

From the jump of Monster, Johnny immediately began pointing out the complete and utter lack of truth to the series. I was more focused on the acting as it was very good. However, there came a point when we just couldn’t do it anymore. This show was such a massive far cry from the truth of the matter at hand and playing it off as the real deal. Monster was, as to be expected, absolutely disgusting to watch. So much so that we refused to finish it. Yes, Ed Gein’s story is disgusting. There is no denying that. But, the falsities included made it even more so as it was strictly there to disgust. It felt completely gratuitous because countless scenes did not need to be included and was painting a picture of deviancy that Gein never participated in. (If you know some of the scenes I’m talking about, you know!) These additions were so flagrantly wrong that Gein’s biographer, Harold Schechter, ended up speaking out.

After our extremely lackluster viewing of a handful of episodes, Johnny bought Deviant for me so I could read it for myself. Throughout the show, I was shushing Johnny but after reading the book I can definitely see where he was coming from! In fact, he should have been shushing me lol. If you found yourself feeling similarly to us, you must read Deviant because this is exactly what the show should have been. It was unputdownable and I finished it in two sittings!

Deviant was so expertly written by Schechter that it almost felt like you were reading it from the perspective of someone looking through the window of the Gein home. This book was fact driven and never once attempted to sensationalize the situation. Only to tell the story based in truth. Schechter presented stone cold facts through first person accounts, newspaper articles and television soundbites, autopsy reports, physical and psychiatric reports, police reports, court proceedings, historical comparisons, obituaries, and photographs. If you want to know about “the original Psycho”, it starts and ends with Deviant.

Obviously, there was SO much that was hard to read in this book and I must warn you again. But, if you decide to dive in, you will find yourself feeling like me. As I flipped the pages, I literally felt like I was a resident of Plainfield. A fly on the wall watching as the story unfolded and I simply couldn’t stop reading. Of course, there is a lot to unpack from this book but the fact remains that these are the facts. This story was sensational without every single pointless shocker that Ryan Murphy carelessly threw into Monster. If you are a true crime aficionado, then you will be hard pressed to find anything that beats Deviant.

Overall, I am going to award Deviant with a ten out of ten stars. That’s not to say I enjoyed the content in this book. It’s to say that I appreciated the amazing writing and dedication to the facts!

What did you think of the Ed Gein Monster series? Do you like learning about true crime? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov16

New Cherry On Top Earrings

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New Cherry On Top Earrings

Hello! Every Tuesday I get an hour and a half break before my last shift of the day. I use that time to write, read, or do blog jobs. And, oh yeah, I go shopping too! There is a TJMaxx right by the job site I am at and I have been frequenting it as I plug away at my holiday shopping. I am pleased to report that I am almost done and can’t wait to finish up, wrap them up, and cozy up for the rest of the holiday season. Of course, it’s extremely hard to visit TJMaxx without looking a little bit for myself too! During my last shopping trip, I ended up with a ten dollar treat and I couldn’t believe my good fortune. I have wanted something like this for forever! Check it out:

When I saw these darling cherry earrings I literally gasped. I have always thought that a pair of dangly cherry earrings would be so retro and fun. They were never a must have but a nice to have and the pair I found at TJMaxx was even better than what I had in mind. These good enough to eat earrings detach at the top of the cherry so you have to put the stem through the ear and then put them back together again. I thought this was way cool and unique and I absolutely love the deep red, shiny cherries. They are the ultimate in fairycore chic!

There was no brand listed on the packaging of my new earrings so I decided to look them up. Once again, I couldn’t believe my good fortune because these are actually from Anthropologie! The price listed on their website is forty-four dollars and I got mine for ten. You just can’t beat that! Anthropologie is a brand that I have always coveted and I got an accessory from there that I have been dreaming of for a song. Lady Luck continued to smile on me because there are three colors of the cherries to pick from at Anthropologie and I found the deep red. The brighter hued options on their website didn’t speak to me whatsoever. This find was as sweet as cherry pie! 😀

As always, huge ups to TJMaxx for providing me with the things I want and the things that I didn’t know I needed. Forever my happy place! ❤

Is there a fashion item you have been coveting? Where is your happy place to shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov15

Mix & Match OOTD

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Mix & Match OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past weekend my brother, Johnny, and I attended Akron Comicon and it was so much fun! It is our tradition to go every year together and we always look forward to geeking out in the crowd of fandom fans. At an event like Comicon, anything goes for fashion and I decided I wanted to go quirky cool with my OOTD. One of my favorite ways to make an outfit chic and unique is by mixing and matching patterns that, at a glance, might not necessarily go together. I was actually ambivalent about this look but it came together perfectly and I absolutely love how it turned out! Take a look and let’s discuss:

Who? What? Wear?

Blazer: Scotch & Soda, TJMaxx

Button Down: Karl Lagerfeld, TJMaxx

Coated Skinny Jeans: Seven Jeans, TJMaxx

Platform Boots: Dolls Kill

Purse: Foley + Corinna, TJMaxx

The earrings are from Target I think!

As I went shopping in my wardrobe department store, I had blazers on the mind and began this OOTD by browsing my options. I had been so focused on cold weather jackets that I haven’t been thinking blazers at all and honestly had forgotten about my Scotch & Soda one! Shame on me because this pajama style blazer is SO fabulous. I am totally there for that relaxed fit and the floral pattern with colors that just scream fall. This little number was definitely the move but what to pair it with?

The last thing I wanted for Comicon was a basic look so simply wearing my blazer over top a black sweater just wouldn’t do. As the vast majority of my clothing features some type of pattern or bold color, I knew I would have to get creative with mixing and matching patterns. To get started, I took a closer look at the colors in the blazer which had black as well as some lighter hues that were close enough to white. Remember, if you are mixing and matching patterns that the best way to form cohesion is by using like colors in the two pieces you are pairing.

After my double check of the blazer, I knew black and white would be the best way to go and selected my button down by Karl Lagerfeld. This top features a stark white background with classic Karl aviators in black. Initially, I thought this top was too far a cry from the blazer but put both on with a pair of high waisted skinnies anyway to see the final effect. And you know what? It worked! Between the high rise of the Seven Jeans and the coverage from the blazer, the button down didn’t look out of place as it was being overshadowed. The end result provided this really cool pop of bright white among the burnt fall hues of the blazer and it was just the quirky cool flare I was hoping for.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. I wanted long legs and height to extenuate the high rise skinnies and went for a daring pair of platform boots with a vertebrae heel. They were a hit at Comicon and I liked how the color of the vertebrae accents closely mimicked some of the lighter hues in the blazer. For earrings, I chose a gorgeous pair of dangly turquoise crosses for a surprise color burst. I love turquoise and orange paired together and these looked lovely with the blazer. Last but not least, I swapped out my purse I was using to a fully neutral one by Foley + Corinna with spikes and a chain strap. With that, I was ready to go get my nerd on!

This Mix & Match OOTD was SO fun to style despite initial uncertainty. Fashion is about taking risks and sometimes they work and other times they don’t. This was a fashion risk that definitely paid off!

Is there an event you go to yearly? What is something you are looking forward to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov14

Best Husband Ever!

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Best Husband Ever!

Hello! My darling husband, Johnny, really is a blog husband to the T. He has been taking OOTD pictures (And now TikTok videos!) since our second date over six years ago. Every single shot you have seen on lifewithlilred is compliments of him and words can’t even describe how appreciative I am for it! When the weekend rolls around we shoot one or two outfits and it takes well under ten minutes to do so. Although the sessions are speedy, Johnny always does his running joke… He will him and haw under his breath, say something along the lines of “oh my god”, and proceed to be my photographer while grinning at his cleverness. It has been this way for forever and I could not picture our shoots without him going through his little routine!

Although he puts on his hilarious act, I know so very well how proud Johnny is of me. 1) He tells me so all the time. And 2) He tells literally everyone. This past weekend we had one of our best friends, Cliff, over to watch the Rock Hall induction ceremony. I went to bed after an hour or so and as soon as I went upstairs, I could hear Johnny telling Cliff a story about me. I recognized it immediately as when Spinal Tap shared my OOTD video on TikTok from when we had our date night to see the sequel. Johnny claims that this is the coolest thing that has ever happened and I have to agree! Since that share, Johnny has made it a point to tell every single one of our friends when we see them and it makes me so unbelievably happy. ❤

My Johnny isn’t just a blog husband because he helps me with my content. He is a blog husband because he talks it up every chance he can get. It’s actually really funny because Johnny doesn’t read my blog as he is already living it lol. Despite that, he hypes it up so much and that is true love! He verbalizes and puts into action his pride in my side profession and it means the world. Johnny will even give me suggestions for posts and outfits that I hadn’t thought of and I love that lifewithlilred has given us both a space to be creative.

Johnny’s work hosted a Halloween costume contest and when we both returned home he dove right into a story about it. A group of his coworkers asked him to take a picture and he shifted into blog photographer mode. Thanks to my teachings, he knows how to work angles baby and his coworkers couldn’t believe how well the pictures turned out. He told them it was all because of me and his weekend photography gig. I have a feeling he is going to be the go to guy to snap pics at the next work function!

I am the luckiest girl in the world and Johnny’s help on my blog makes me feel so special. He makes me feel so special and I just love my main squeeze! ❤

Does anyone help you with your blog or social media? What do you appreciate about your partner? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov13

Pajama Party OOTD Bloopers

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Pajama Party OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Pajama Party OOTD! I don’t know about all of you, but the best part of my day has to be when I get home from work. This is not to say that I don’t love my job but because I love the feeling of putting on pajamas as soon as I barrel through the doorway and set my purse down. There is just nothing better than slipping into something comfy, winding down, and binge watching whatever Johnny and I fancy. It’s heavenly! These pics? Not so much lol. Check it out:

I’m ready for my close up

ExSQUEEZE me?!

I like your personality – Thanks, it’s a disorder 😉

I call this pose “Sleeping Flamingo”

My very best beaver impression

I’m a star, baby

Sundays in my household are strictly Lazy Sundays. Johnny and I hang out downstairs with the bunnies, he’ll go upstairs to nap, I watch whatever I want on TV, then I’ll head up mid afternoon. This past Sunday, I was on a Sandra Bullock kick as I recently read Bird Box and watched the movie. Johnny was still asleep when I got upstairs so I decided to put on one of my favorite chick flicks – The Proposal. It is just SO funny and cute and I put it on whenever I need a laugh or background noise. Due to my laughter, Johnny woke up about ten minutes later and watched the rest of the movie with me. He LOVED it and we have been quoting it all week. 😀

After The Proposal, I couldn’t believe Johnny’s movie choice… One of my OTHER favorite chick flicks: 13 Going On Thirty!! This is a movie that I quote constantly and one that Johnny has declined watching with me until now. The joke is on him because he ended up LOVING it too! Curling up in these cozy pajamas and watching chick flicks together was honestly like having a midday slumber party. We were giggling like schoolgirls at every little thing and delighting in seeing all of my most quotable parts. Next on the agenda? I see The Devil Wears Prada and What A Girl Wants in our future! ❤

Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Garner in one afternoon? Be still my heart! It took over six years for Johnny to hop on the chick flick train and now that he’s onboard, I refuse to let him leave anytime soon! 😀

What is your favorite chick flick? Who is your favorite actor or actress? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah