Aug12

Woman Crush Wednesday: Stevie Nicks Edition

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Stevie Nicks Edition

Hellooo everyone and welcome to another edition of Woman Crush Wednesday – Stevie Nicks style! The music of the lovely Miss Nicks was a big part of my childhood and every day life now because my parents instilled a love of Fleetwood Mac in me from a young age. So here’s to you, Stevie, because you’ve earned a coveted spot as Lil Red’s #WCW! Let’s discuss:

Dear Stevie Nicks,

Oh Stevie, you gorgeous music/fashion/American Horror Story icon, I just adore you. It only seemed right to post the taping of a live performance of “Sara” as the video I chose to honor you because my parents would always play it for me when I was little. To this day it still remains one of my favorite songs. Your strong and unique voice inspires me with the spirit of pure girl power and you are one of my fashion idols. I have been so obsessed with everything boho rocker chic as of late and I think of you whenever I’m sporting one of my floor length kimonos. In fact, every time I wear one of my flowy favorites my mom will request that I “twirl around like Stevie”, which I happily oblige to! Your cameo on American Horror Story: Coven was one of my top highlights of AHS in its entirety and I really think you are too cool for words. I hate using the word “cool” to describe people but it just fits you so well! Your incredible presence and effortless style scream cool to me, in the best way possible. As a child I wanted to be you when I grew up and here I am as a twenty-one year old who still is waiting to be you. I LOVE YOU!!!!!

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^^^ Oh. My. God. She’s seriously flawless and I am SO in love with the black and white photo!!

So there you have it, this weeks Woman Crush Wednesday: Stevie Nicks Edition. Who is your #WCW this week? What is your favorite creative endeavor from my woman crush? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug11

Lil Red’s Soap Box Special

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Lil Red’s Soap Box Special

Okayyyy guys, it’s time for one of our little heart to hearts, compliments of my experience at Starbucks this morning. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the view of my ass as I get up on my soap box…Here we go:

In my Sociology class we learned about people acting as bystanders and how if you are in a situation where you need help you are less likely to get it if there’s a lot of people around. I witnessed this first hand as I was waiting to get my coffee at Starbucks. It was mid morning and Sbux was fairly busy, with people seated throughout the store and standing in line for drinks. I was standing by the counter in full on zombie mode because I’m dead tired today and I’m sure that I made all of the employees uncomfortable by how intently I was staring at nothing…but that’s neither here nor there.

ANYWAYS, once I came to my senses I saw from across the store a man in a wheelchair struggling to open the door. Within half a second, I ran the length of the store before he reached the second door to open so I could get it for him. When I opened the door with a huge smile he thanked me so graciously and I noticed that he was an amputee. I waved him off with well wishes and headed back into the store to get my coffee as if nothing happened.

As I walked back to the counter to retrieve my drink, two ladies sitting RIGHT BY THE DOOR told me how sweet I was for helping this man. I had to bite my tongue, because I was very close to telling them that I was just acting on my responsibility to be a good person and to help those who need it. Instead, I smiled, thanked them, got my drink, and went home. This situation has been on my mind all day now and frankly, I’m disturbed by it. What is the world coming to if not one person in a room full of people will get up and hold the door open for someone? I just don’t get it. I mean, I get the whole bystander effect thing, and I was so glad to help this man – but why was it necessary for me to run across the store to get the door for someone who was showing such extreme difficulty?

I’m not writing this post as a way to say “look at me, I’m a good person” because that situation was just me being a person. I’m flattered that those ladies found my act sweet, but the thing is – it wasn’t sweet, it was something that’s ingrained in me to give my service to those who need it. Like I said, it was me being a person. The lack of initiative from everyone in the store to get up and do a simple favor to make someone’s day easier really bothers me. I know I’m kind of rambling at this point, but I don’t know guys, I’m all kinds of shook up by this. How can the world be a better place if no one can step up from their fucking frappachino for thirty seconds to hold open a door? Jesus Christ.

I guess the point of this post is just a friendly reminder to be kind to people, help one another, and don’t be a bystander. Alright, Lil Red’s Soap Box Special is complete. Rant over, but make sure you tune in next time I come across a social issue that irks my nerves. 😉 Until then, how is everyone’s day going so far? Has anyone ever encountered a situation similar to this? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug11

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

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The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

Hey heyyy everyone and happy Tuesday! As you guys know this week on lifewithlilred will be featuring posts all about my Universal Studios adventure, which started with yesterday’s Monday Update: Orlando Vacation Edition. To continue with this theme, I thought that we could finish our conversation about my favorite part of my vaca – The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter. Take a look at these cool pics and then let’s discuss:

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As I mentioned before, Universal Studios added on to The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter park with Diagon Alley. The pictures that I’ve posted and will continue to post throughout the week does not do the HP replicas justice in the slightest. We’ve already talked about a lot of what the newest HP park has to offer yesterday but we have yet to talk about all of the different rides, so let’s get on that!!

Diagon Alley features two new rides, an interactive train ride on the Hogwarts Express and Escape From Gringotts. The nice thing about boarding the Hogwarts Express is that it takes you to Hogsmeade, which lies in the neighboring park, the Islands of Adventure. And of course you can hop the train and head back to Diagon Alley. To get to the Hogwarts Express you must walk through Kings Cross station, complete with the luggage of Hogwarts students and a hologram which makes you look like you’re walking through the wall to Platform 9 3/4 to onlookers.

Once you’ve boarded the train you enter into a spacious cabin boasting luggage racks, plush seats, and framed photos of London. As the train begins to move you can see scenes of London streets, HP characters like Hagrid, and the approaching Hogwarts castle through your window. Make sure you pay attention to your cabin door as well, where you will see silhouettes of Harry, Ron, Hermoine, and the soul sucking Dementors. Once Harry’s Patronus charm chases the Dementors away, you can exit the train and you will find yourself right in the heart of Hogsmeade.

The second new ride in Diagon Alley is the Escape From Gringotts, a high speed 3D roller coaster. The awesome thing about a lot of the rides at Universal, specifically the HP rides, is that they make the waits in line completely tolerable because you are able to interact with your surroundings. In the line for Escape From Gringotts, you get to experience walking through a perfect replica of the bank, complete with high vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and talking and moving goblins. And it wouldn’t be a HP ride without talking and moving pictures on the wall!

After your walk through the bank, you board an elevator that’s measured in miles instead of floors to take you deep into the bottommost layers of Gringotts. Before you begin your mine cart ride, you get to see a short hologram interaction between Bill Weasley and a goblin, to tell you a little bit about what you’re in for during your tour of the Gringotts vaults. From there, you enter your mine cart and get down to business. If you are expecting a nice leisurely ride, you will be in for quite a shock…Especially during your run ins with trolls, dragons, Bellatrix, and Voldemort!

There are three rides in Hogsmeade, but I am only going to discuss one of them, as the other two are your standard roller coasters. One of the best rides that Universal Studios has to offer is Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey. This is another 3D roller coaster which takes you on a grand tour of the Hogwarts castle and grounds. Similar to Escape From Gringotts, a lot of the fun is waiting in line! During your wait you get to walk through the corridors of Hogwarts, where you encounter holograms of Dumbledore, Harry, Ron, and Hermoine. You get a look at the greenhouse, the Gryffindor common room, as well as multiple classrooms. You also get to see the pictures on the walls interacting with each other. The most interesting picture experience comes from watching the founders of each house discuss letting muggle born students practice at Hogwarts. (We all know how Salazar Slytherin feels about this!) And of course, a tour through Hogwarts wouldn’t be complete without hearing the fat lady sing! All of this excitement occurs before even coming close to going on the ride!

You know that you’re in for a wild ride just from getting into your cart because they are moving along a platform at a pretty quick speed, and once you’re on and buckled in the ride begins. Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey let’s you feel what it’s like to fly as you travel behind Harry and the gang, going everywhere from the Quidditch field to the Forbidden Forest. Be on the lookout though because your journey is filled with dangerous twists and turns, putting you face to face with giant spiders and Dementors. You get up close and personal with the HP trademark, the Whomping Willow, as well as a high speed adventure beneath the Quidditch field rafters a la Harry Potter & The Chamber Of Secrets. The Forbidden Journey is a long ride and by the time you’re done you really feel as though you made the million mile trip throughout the Hogwarts grounds. Shake it off and cool down with a delicious frothy Butterbeer…you earned it!!

So there you have it, the Lil Red inside look at the rides of The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter! Make sure you tune in at the same time and same place tomorrow for more of my Orlando, Florida vacation fun! Until then, have any of you been to Universal Studios before? What was your favorite ride there? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug10

Man Crush Monday: Daniel Radcliffe Edition

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Man Crush Monday: Daniel Radcliffe Edition

Helloooo everyone and welcome to this weeks edition of Man Crush Monday – Daniel Radcliffe style! After visiting The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter last week at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida it only seemed right to make Mr. Radcliffe my #MCM. Enjoy this cheesy choice of music and then let’s discuss the man behind Harry Potter, who I would very much like to unrobe. BA DUM CHHHHH!

Dear Daniel Radcliffe,

Oh Daniel Radcliffe, you handsome, gorgeous, hunka hunk of burning love: words can’t describe how much I adore you. It has been such a delight watching you grow up from the timid first year student at Hogwarts in Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone to the fine as hell man you are today. From childhood, adolescence, and all the way up to being a young adult, Harry Potter has been a huge part of my life. Harry Potter was and still is my number one favorite source of entertainment – the books, the movies, the hours of discussions about said books and movies with family and friends, it’s always there and it never gets old. You brought Harry Potter to life in a way that was so perfect and convincing that I had to constantly remind myself that Hogwarts wasn’t a real place when I was younger. But who says? Maybe in some parallel universe wizardry and witchcraft is the norm and if that indeed is the case, then I definitely want you by my side more than ever! Thank you for bringing the beautiful boy with the jet black scruffy hair and scarred forehead to the big screen and thank you even more for helping me to believe in magic. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!

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^^^ The Boy Who Lived evolved into The Man Who’s Handsome…worst pun ever. I hate myself. DON’T THINK ANY LESS OF ME, DANIEL!!!!!

So there you have it, this weeks Man Crush Monday: Daniel Radcliffe Edition! Who is your #MCM this week? What is your favorite Harry Potter book or film? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug10

Monday Update: Orlando Vacation Edition

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Monday Update: Orlando Vacation Edition

Helloooo everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of the Monday Update – Vacation style! This past week my family and I made an eighteen hour trek from Akron, Ohio to Orlando, Florida for some fun at Universal Studios! I arrived home at three fifteen on Sunday morning and I’m still recovering from the drive home, but that’s just a small price to pay for a week of paradise. Because my family did so much on our vacation, this week on lifewithlilred is going to be a bit different…Every day I’ll be posting a new segment about my vaca complete with pictures and witty commentary. But for now, let me throw a few pics on here and we can talk about some of the amazing things that Universal Studios has to offer!

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A year or so ago, a new edition was added onto The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter section of the amusement park – Diagon Alley. Previously, the Harry Potter park was limited to Hogsmeade and I must say, they really outdid themselves with both parks. The last time my family attended Universal, Diagon Alley was still in production so it was absolutely incredible to be able to experience the finished product, which can be seen in the first three pictures that I posted! You might notice in the pic of me in the telephone booth that I have a sign attached to the back of my shirt – this was an impromptu attempt at promoting lifewithlilred while exploring Universal Studios. Lol, anything for the sake of advertisement!

Anyways, back to Diagon Alley…It. Was. AWESOME. What was so cool about the newest addition to Universal Studios was how big it was! There were so many different twists and turns you could take throughout the park which lead to different shops, performances, and rides. Watch your step though, because you might end up in the dark and spooky Knockturn Alley, which was my favorite part of Diagon Alley. The execution of Knockturn Alley was exquisite…It captured the mood of the Dark Arts to perfection with pitch black corridors, singing shrunken heads, and wilted flowers adorning the windowsills. But the best part of Knockturn Alley was exploring Borgin & Burkes, a store for all of your Dark Arts needs.

Borgin & Burkes sold souvenirs, of course, but it also had tons of HP movie memorabilia, which included a Vanishing Cabinet made special for the park by the Potter prop masters. Stepping into Borgin & Burkes seriously felt like walking onto a Harry Potter movie set…that’s how authentic the creepy atmosphere was. The store was filled with “cursed” items that are easily recognizable from the books and movies, like the severed hand that closes itself onto you of you get too close! Borgin & Burkes was where I picked out a cool shirt for my sister donning the killing curse in ink and quill script…AVADA KEDAVRA!

If you’re looking to spend some moolah in Diagon Alley, then you can drop forty-eight bucks on a wand that let’s you interact with the park. In all of the windows of Diagon Alley, there are displays which will move with just a flick of your wrist. All you have to do is stand on the designated spot in front of the window, which is marked on the ground, and put your wand to use. I can imagine that there is some type of chip in the wand that activates the window displays which can be anything from making troll armor move to lighting up all of the candles in a window and blowing them out again. The interactive windows were a brilliant way of letting the park goers experience some magic and it was definitely cool to see what each display had to offer. I didn’t buy a wand because I got a lowtech one during my last trip, so I was a bit jealous of everyone who had one!

There’s a lot more to discuss about Diagon Alley, which will be saved for another article, so make sure you keep it posted on http://www.lifewithlilred.com to learn more about The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter! Until then, who has been to Universal Studios before? What was your favorite part of the park? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug7

Lil Red’s Vacation Homecoming!!

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Lil Red’s Vacation Homecoming!!

Helloooo everyone and TGIF! This post is going to be the last of my prewritten “away on vaca” articles and it’s just to let you know that I will be returning home soon! I will be back in action for the usual Monday Update and Man Crush Monday posts starting on the tenth! Until my homecoming, please continue to peruse the various archives of http://www.lifewithlilred.com. No matter what your interests are, I’m sure there is a post for you on my page somewhere! 🙂

Wish me save travels on my journey home and I will talk to you all very soon! What is everyone up to this weekend? Any fun plans? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug6

If The Shoe Fits – Guess Edition

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If The Shoe Fits – Guess Edition

Helloooo everyone and happy Thursday!!! Welcome to another issue of If The Shoe Fits – Guess style! I purchased my army green beauties a year or so ago and they slowly but surely became one of my favorite pairs of wedges. Take a look at some pics of these funky shoes and then let’s discuss:

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This cool pair of wedges came into my possession during a shopping trip to TJMaxx with my mom. We always spend a lot of time in their shoe department because we both have a deep love for all things footwear! While we were browsing I looked at these wedges a few times but didn’t try them on. I actually didn’t really plan on it either until my mom pointed them out and insisted that I give them a try. I figured “why not”, so I slipped them on and of course I fell in love. What initially turned me off about these shoes was the cut out design but as soon as they were on my feet they just looked so darn good! These wedges were definitely a case where they look much better on the foot than on the shelf. After strutting about the shoe department hallway, I knew that they had to be mine so into the cart they went!

If it wasn’t for my mom, I would have never given these shoes the time of day and that’s actually quite shocking to me. Usually I know what I love and what I completely hate. As I glanced at the wedges while shopping around, I really did want to love them and thanks to my mom giving me the push to try them on they are now a tried and true favorite in my massive shoe collection. There are very few items in my wardrobe that were bought because of other people and I never really give them credit for helping me add to my “could be a boutique” closet and shoe wall. So this post is not only a shout out to my fabulous green Guess-es but also to my darling mama for knowing her daughter well enough to see that the wedges were meant for Lil Red!

Once my wedges were safe and sound on my shoe wall after the TJ’s trip, I couldn’t believe that I almost didn’t try them on. The more I looked at them, the more I loved them. The unique shape and color grew on me like a fungus of similar color and I can’t picture my life without them! My Guess-es fit like a glove and my style savvy mom knew that they fit my fashion personality to the T as well. I love wearing my bad boys with literally EVERYTHING! From dresses and shorts to maxi skirts and jeans, these shoes are my go to-s to add a little extra oomph to my outfit. In fact, I just recently sported my shoe babies to my brother’s graduation in May and they were a hit! Take a gander:

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^^^ Looking good feeling great! #Ihatemyself ❤

I can’t put my finger on what made me shy away from my shoesies during that fateful TJMaxx trip but I can only hope that my Guess wedges will forgive me…I was just playing hard to get! 😉

So there you have it, the latest issue of If The Shoe Fits – Guess Edition! Now I need your help. What shoe should I write about next? Your choices are between Elle floral print heels, Guess wedged combat boots, or Calico primary color kitten heels. I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug5

Woman Crush Wednesday: Kate Middleton Edition

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Kate Middleton Edition

Helloooo everyone and happy hump day! Welcome to this weeks edition of Woman Crush Wednesday – Kate Middleton style! The lovely Ms. Middleton has been the apple of my eye ever since she tied the knot to Prince William so it only seems appropriate to show her some #WCW love! Enjoy this silly video of some friendly competition between the happy couple and then let’s discuss!

Dear Kate Middleton,

Oh beautiful Duchess Kate, I admire your grace and charm so very much. You entered into a family of royalty with so much poise and elegance and I think your sophistication is something that women everywhere can look up to. My beloved late grandma and I always enjoyed raving to each other about your gorgeous wedding and fabulous London chic style. You handle being in the public eye so well and it has been such a joy watching you embark on the journey of motherhood with your precious George and Charlotte. Whenever you and Prince William release family photos or pictures of your little ones I get so excited! They’re just so darn cute! I envy all of your clothing like no other – whether you’re dressed up for an event for one of the many humanitarian groups you support or are just out and about with the kids, you never cease to look amazing! I like how your smart and sharp style is composed of classic pieces that ladies across the globe can easily find, like your staples of a great pair of jeans or a pea-coat. I adore your sweet and silly personality and I thank you for giving all of your fans the opportunity to see your children grow as well as your relationship with Prince William! You two look so happy when you are seen in public together and I think you are both doing such a great job as parents! You are the definition of class – and did I mention how stunning you are? Hubba hubba. I LOVE YOU!!!!!

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^^^ Oh my goodness, I can’t handle how perfect she is!!! ❤

So there you have it, this weeks Woman Crush Wednesday: Kate Middleton Edition! Who is your #WCW this week? What was your favorite fashion moment of my woman crush? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug4

Bye Bye Summer Classes!!!

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Bye Bye Summer Classes!!!

Whatsupppp everyone and happy Tuesday! I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned how ecstatic I am to be done with my summer classes. I haven’t even bid them farewell with a BYE FELICIA, so it only seems appropriate to close the chapter of my scholarly summer with this post! Let’s do it:

To my summer classes: BYE FELICIA! You won’t be missed!!! Okay, okay that was kind of harsh and I can’t believe I’m saying this – but I actually really enjoyed my summer classes. If you recall, I took Sociology, Social Psychology, and a math course for ten precious summer time weeks. I learned so much from my Soc. and Soc. Psy. classes…not so much in my math class – but what can you do? 😉 The classes that I did like inspired me to consider a Psychology degree after my Associates so that gives me a lot to think about as far as my future goes! I ended both my Soc. and Soc. Psy. courses with a solid ninety-seven percent and because I’m prewriting this post due to my vacation, I’m not sure what I ended up with in math – hopefully with something good!!

I slaved away my entire summer on these fast paced courses that were jam packed with information but I feel surprisingly a-okay about it. Now I’m nine credits closer to my Associate Of Arts degree AND I’m a smarter person because of them! It sounds like a win win situation to me! I feel like every college kid completely dreads summer classes, I know I did. But I’m here to tell you that they really are not that bad. Alright, I lied…The first two or three weeks suck but once you get into the swing of things you’ll be totally fine. Summer classes are a great way to put you on the right track towards getting your degree and I am so glad that I took advantage of them.

I get a wonderful two and a half week break and then I will be back on the Tri-C grind for the fall semester. To kick start my sophomore year, I’ll be taking French, Ethics, Comparative World Religions, and Intro to Civilization. I’m already very excited for all of my classes and all I have to say is: bring it on!

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Now that I’ve sent my summer classes on their merry way with a great big adieu, I can finally get on with my day! How is everyone’s week going? Who’s looking forward to the fall semester at their school? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug3

Man Crush Monday: Lil Wayne Edition

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Man Crush Monday: Lil Wayne Edition

Helloooo everyone and happy Monday!! Welcome to another edition of Man Crush Monday – Lil Wayne style! Pleeease judge me for it! I’ve had a crush on Weezy since I was fourteen years old so it only seems appropriate to give him some #MCM love! Let’s discuss:

Dear Lil Wayne,

First of all, do you mind if I call you Wayne? Ehh…We’ll just stick with Lil Wayne. ANYWAYS, I think you are so insanely handsome, much to the disagreement of a lot of my friends! But I can’t help it – your tattoos, dreads, and lip piercings really rev my engine. Hubba hubba. Now that we’ve talked about your staggering good looks, it’s time for a story featuring a teenage Lil Red: Once upon a time when I was fourteen years old, you were performing at Blossom Music Center and one of my girlfriends and I got tickets to see the show. That was when Drake had a hernia and had to cancel being your opening act, but I digress. So yes, my friend and I had tickets to your show and we were SO excited! And then a travesty occurred. My evil sister informed my mom of the vulgarity of your lyrics and I was condemned to a night stuck at home rather than at your concert. Luckily, I was a crafty bitch. Around the time of the concert I was involved in a theatre performance and I told my mom that I had a rehearsal with a cast party after the night of your show. My mom said that this was fine and my friend and I were thrilled because little to my parents’ knowledge, we were going to your concert! Unfortunately, I got too turnt at Blossom and I don’t remember much of the show other than making out with two different guys – but that’s neither here nor there. Despite the lack of memories of my night on the town, I do know that I had a blast and I was pretty hyped that my parents had no idea. I kept my teenage betrayal against my parents’ wishes a secret until I turned eighteen and then I told my mom. At that point, all she could do was laugh at my sneakiness and ability to keep my lips sealed about that night for four years straight. I lied to my parents to see you live and if I had to, I would do it all over again…Except I wouldn’t get so drunk. I LOVE YOU!!!!

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^^^ What a babe! Fun fact for ya: I have that picture of him in the red hat in poster form and it’s currently hanging on my ceiling in my room!

So there you have it, this weeks Man Crush Monday: Lil Wayne Edition! Who is your #MCM this week? What is your favorite creative endeavor from my man crush? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah