Tag Archives: birthaversary

Our Birthaversary Weekend

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Our Birthaversary Weekend

Hi! Johnny and I just celebrated our birthaversary week and it was magical. My main squeeze had his birthday on the first, our fifth wedding anniversary was on the fourth, and my thirty second birthday was this Sunday. We gifted each other with lots of surprises including games for our new Switch 2 (Stay tuned for all things Pokopia soon!) and concert tickets. We will be seeing The Strokes towards the end of the month which I am so excited for and Josh Groban and Billy Idol later in the summer. It’s going to be a hoot! We also had a big party on Saturday to commemorate all of our special occasions and it was just the best.

For the past week and change before our party, Johnny and I were putting in work getting our apartment in tip top shape. We decluttered, dusted, vacuumed, and reorganized like crazy and I couldn’t have been happier with the end results. Our place looked just as good as when we first moved in! Now if only the bunnies would stop shedding… Although that’s never going to happen and all we can do is laugh about the literal dust bunnies our bunnies leave lol. Bless their precious hearts!

Among all of the cleaning, I also spent lots of time cooking up a storm for our guests. I hate to toot my own horn but I made the most divine spinach artichoke dip, pasta salad, and elote. I even dabbled in baking for a change by making peanut butter cheesecake waffle cones. Holy heavenly! After a whirlwind of cooking and cleaning on Saturday, we couldn’t wait for our friends and family to arrive and had the most lovely time. From one in the afternoon to ten thirty at night, the party was in full swing and while it was barrels of fun, it was freaking exhausting! We haven’t had a big bash since our housewarming/birthaversary party several years ago and being the hostess and host with the most wore us both out big time. We were ready to drop once everyone went home!

As we spent the day before my birthday raging, my actual birthday was spent in recovery mode. I played lots of Pokopia, Johnny and I had a laugh by watching The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent, and then we wrapped the day up with a St. Denis Medical marathon. It was just what we needed after all of that prep work and partying and I even extended my birthday by taking Monday off. I rarely take days off and I reveled in having the apartment to myself, hanging out with the bunnies, and working without a time crunch. Oh yeah, and playing Pokopia too – can’t forget that! 😀

Our Birthaversary Weekend was absolutely fabulous but I think we are all partied out until next year!!

How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you have any special occasions coming up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Birthday To Me!!

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Happy Birthday To Me!!

Oh hey!!! Guess what?! Today is my thirty-second birthday… AHHHH!! As the old saying goes, another year older another year sexier, amiright? As I traverse my way through my thirties, I have truly come to the realization that age is nothing but a number and I am so excited to see what this year has in store for me. I know I have a fun summer and fall coming up! Lots of concerts including The Strokes, Josh Groban, and Billy Idol as well as a family vacation to Italy. Yeah, thirty-two sounds pretty good to me!

As I reflect on this past year, I have found that it was a great one – primarily because I am back in the social media game and I am so happy about that! Thirty-one blessed me with lots of cool opportunities for both work and play like a fabulous trip to New Orleans with my sister and a big wedding celebration for my cousin. My family, friends, and beloved bunnies are in good health, Johnny and I continue to go strong with our fifth wedding anniversary and life has been good. Who could ask for anything more?!

There are so many things that I’m looking forward to this year and I can’t wait to share it with all of you. Especially celebrating my twelve year blogiversary in August! For close to twelve years, lifewithlilred has been such a special part of my life and it brings me so much joy to sit down at the keyboard every morning and tune you all in to the latest and greatest. I am so appreciative to any and everyone who has stopped by in my little corner of the internet. My hope is that my page is just as much of a safe haven for you as it is for me whether you have been a long term reader or a new friend. My readers are what make lifewithlilred shine and I couldn’t do it without all of you. Here’s to thirty-two and sharing in it all together!

Our Fifth Wedding Anniversary

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Our Fifth Wedding Anniversary

Howdy! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is mine and Johnny’s five year wedding anniversary!! Rather, it is the middle part of our birthaversary week with Johnny’s birthday being on the first and mine falling on the seventh. We always joke that it makes it easier to remember everything but we both revel in our week of celebrations and I love how our special dates are arranged! What are the odds that I would fall head over heels with a guy whose birthday is so close to mine?! Let’s take a stroll down memory lane with some of these wedding shots:

Johnny is my main squeeze and has been since the first moment we met. It was truly a case of love at first sight and we have barely been apart since we started dating over six years ago. I wouldn’t want it any other way! To celebrate our birthaversary, we have a full hodge podge of activities planned. A party with friends and family, a big lunch with my family, all of the concerts, and all of the video games too! Our primary prezzies were concert tickets to three shows at Blossom – The Strokes, Josh Groban (lol), and Billy Idol. I am SO excited to extend our festivities throughout the summer with our lineup. We are seeing The Strokes in the next few weeks and I can’t wait! 🙂

I’m genuinely not sure what you are supposed to gift your partner with for different anniversaries but I’m pretty confident it isn’t music and video games. Isn’t it paper and pearls and stuff? But it sure works for us! We recently got a Switch 2 and purchased games for each other as well. The new Mario Kart for Johnny and Pokopia for me. It is basically like Animal Crossing but Pokemon and I have been playing it every day since Johnny got it for me. I am a woman obsessed! Oh – and we also got some really stellar Taco Bell this past weekend as an early celebration and that was just the tops. What can I say? We like what we like!

Five years of marital bliss with my Johnny went by so quickly and I still can’t quite believe my fairy tale. I am the luckiest girl in the world!

How do you celebrate anniversaries? Are you going to a concert soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Birthday, Johnny!

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Happy Birthday, Johnny!

Hello everyone! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my fantastic, wonderful husband’s birthday! My Johnny turns thirty-seven today which kick starts our birthaversary week. His birthday, our fifth wedding anniversary on the fourth, and my birthday on the seventh. I am so excited to celebrate with all of our friends and family! Johnny has been my main squeeze for over six years now and I simply couldn’t imagine going through this thing called life without him. He is my best friend, my pal and confidant, and every second of every day is the best because I’m with him. ❤

Every day when I’m at work, I literally am chomping at the bit to get home to Johnny because I miss him terribly. It is my favorite thing in the world when he opens the door for me, gives me a big hug, and asks me about my day. Then, everything is a-okay because the dream team is back together. Whether we are out on the town or just at home binging our favorite shows, there is nothing better than just being with him, talking, and laughing like crazy. No matter how low I’m feeling, Johnny can always coax a smile out of me and can instantly turn it into belly laughs in a matter of seconds. He is the personification of sunshine and just has that effect on people!

My Johnny is the kindest person I have ever met and it simply radiates. He lights up every room he walks into just by being his charming, goofy self and knows how to make everyone feel special. Especially me! Johnny makes me feel like the most special gal in the world and I am the luckiest gal in the world for it. For more than half a decade, I have never felt more seen or heard than when I am with him and that is the most beautiful gift anyone could ever give. It truly feels like we have been together for forever and, knowing Johnny, I’m sure he would quip back with “it feels like an eternity” before flashing his best smile. I wouldn’t have it any other way. ❤

To my amazing husband and love of my life:

Sweet Surprises: Birthday Bouquet Edition

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Sweet Surprises: Birthday Bouquet Edition

Hello!! Johnny and I have had such an awesome birthaversary celebration so far and the good times are going to continue rolling all month long. We still have plans for a concert, a baseball game, and hang outs with all of our nearest and dearest and it is such fun to take over the entire month of June with Johnny! I have been surprised with so many wonderful messages and gifts already and had a “but wait – there’s more!” moment when Johnny brought home this gorgeous bouquet that his aunt sent for my birthday:

When Johnny walked through the door, I could barely see him over the huge bouquet bursting with the most beautiful blooms. Of course, I was surprised by the sheer enormity of it, but what really blew me away were the colors! Burnt orange, pale peach, purple, and pink flowers worked in tandem to create a display that is truly stunning. I can’t help but to smile every time I look at it because it’s just so pretty and thoughtful. Johnny’s aunt doesn’t live in Ohio so it’s like getting a great big hug from her!

I absolutely love being gifted with flowers because bouquets are something that I don’t buy for myself and they always remind me of my dad. Whether it’s a bouquet he picks up from the store or one he created on his own from the garden, he frequently surprises my mom with flowers. I think it is the sweetest thing and look forward to seeing his masterpieces front and center on the kitchen table. A bouquet is like a little ray of sunshine just for you and I am so appreciative for the flowers in both mine and my parents’ home. ❤

My birthday and apartment got so much brighter from this Sweet Surprise. I am in awe of this bouquet and it was the most lovely gift!

What is your favorite flower? Do you have fresh flowers in your home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Birthday To Me!!

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Happy Birthday To Me!!

Hello and holy moly! Today is my 31st (…21st?) birthday!! When I started lifewithlilred in 2014, I never imagined writing a birthday post for myself eleven years later but here we are. And I wouldn’t want it any other way! As it’s mine and Johnny’s birthaversary, I have already had a wonderful celebration so far. A party at home, dinner with my in laws, and treating myself to a fresh new fill. I am also very much looking forward to a birthday FaceTime with my blogging bestie, a hang out with my other bestie, and a big family dinner at Hibachi Japan. Why celebrate for one day when you can celebrate all month, amiright?!

As I reflect on another year older (And hopefully wiser!), I can’t help but to think how lucky I am. Lucky to have an amazing family, friends, husband, bunnies, and the whole blogosphere in my corner. It is such a gift to be surrounded by so much love every day and no matter how much I wish I could slow the aging process down, it is a gift to be able to do so with the best company by my side. You know what? These past handful of years have been some of the best of my life so maybe getting older isn’t all that bad. Not that thirty-one is old (I’m trying to remind myself!), but you know what I mean lol. All I know is that I am in store for another great year and I can’t wait to share it with each and every one of you!

Bath & Body Works Birthday Haul

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Bath & Body Works Birthday Haul

Hello!! This past Monday, Johnny and I enjoyed a wonderful birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse with his parents. It might seem like an odd choice for a vegetarian, but apps and salads always reign supreme for me! After a whole weekend of celebrating our birthaversary, this was the perfect cherry on top. Any time with my in laws is such a gift that anything else is completely unnecessary. However, it was so nice to be spoiled with some goodies to pamper with from Bath & Body Works. I never don’t want bath and body care since I use it daily and I can’t wait to use one of my old favorites and new to me scents. Check it out:

Champagne Toast: Lol, let me start off by saying that Champagne Toast is a staple in my household and one time Johnny thought the packaging read “Champagne and Toast”. I can never picture it as its normal name again! ANYWHO, Champagne Toast is a classic B&BW scent featuring notes of “bubbly champagne, sparkling berries, and juicy tangerine”. Some scents based on alcohol smell so much like the real thing which can be really off putting. Champagne Toast does smell bubbly, yes, but thanks to the berry and tangerine, it’s a lot like a sparkling juice. It is light, fizzy, and fruity and would definitely be a safe bet to gift with. If you aren’t a fan of giving alcohol as a gift, a bundle of Champagne Toast products is the next best thing!

Waikiki Beach Coconut: My husband is all about tropical scents. Me? Not really, but I only wear lotion to bed so whatever it smells like doesn’t matter all that much to me. The only tropical scent I do like a lot, however, is coconut! I always loved the coconut line from The Body Shop and while nothing will beat that, the Waikiki Beach Coconut is very nice. This scent offers notes of “tropical white coconut, saltwater breezes, and sun-bleached woods”. While I can’t speak for the sun-bleached woods, lol, this scent smells exactly like sun, sand, and surf. It has a bit more musk to it than a traditional coconut scent but, all in all, this is a day at the beach fragrance for sure.

Starfruit Sangria: Speaking of alcohol based scents that don’t smell like alcohol at all, we have Starfruit Sangria which features notes of “golden starfruit, kiwi nectar, and chilled sangria”. This scent is incredibly light and it’s hard to pick up on the fruit notes as starfruit and kiwi aren’t exactly known for a strong aroma. It’s a very soft and fresh scent, which is perfectly fine by me because I don’t care for anything too overpowering. Like Champagne Toast, Starfruit Sangria would be a great gifting option if you are not sure what fragrances your giftee likes. Perfect for a summer birthday!

I haven’t had a good Bath & Body Works haul since their winter semi annual sale and my stockpile has been in need of a re-up. These sweet gifts will certainly tide me over until the next big sale!

What is your favorite thing to receive as a gift? What do you like to gift for other people? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Anniversary To Us!

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Happy Anniversary To Us!

Howdy!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is mine and Johnny’s fourth wedding anniversary!! And, rather than celebrate just one day, we celebrate all month because June is our birthaversary. Johnny’s birthday was on the first, our anniversary is the fourth, and my birthday is on the seventh – how cool is that?! It’s so unique to have our birthdays so close together and having our anniversary smack dab in the middle is the cherry on top. ❤

Johnny and I had our first date at our favorite bar, the Cashmere Cricket, and it was love at first sight for both parties involved (Or so he tells me!). Seriously, as soon as we saw each other it was like fireworks going off and it sounds cheesy but it is so true. Ever since our first date, Johnny and I were joined at the hip and have probably only been apart from each other for three weeks in total in our extensive tenure. I wouldn’t want to have it any other way because I miss him terribly as soon as he leaves for work in the morning!

Johnny and I just have fun together. It’s as simple as that. We have so much in common, we make each other laugh, and you could put us in an empty room and we would still find a way to have a blast. Johnny and I genuinely enjoy each other’s company and it turns everything from returning home from work to a dinner date into an exciting adventure. Whether we are out on the town or watching all of our favorite shows on the couch, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world because Johnny is there with me.

I have never experienced a love so deep and pure in my entire life and I can truly feel it whenever I so much as glance at my main squeeze. Johnny is my best friend, my rock, and one of the best men I have ever known. He is sensitive, kind, hilarious, handsome AF, talented, and so completely himself. My heart swoons when he plays guitar and he brings music everywhere he goes. He gives my dad bi-weekly guitar lessons and whenever we are with our nieces and nephew, it’s a full on rock n’ roll dance party. Johnny is a gift to everyone he encounters and I hit the lottery by being able to be his wife.

AC/DC Concert

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AC/DC Concert

Hello! Wednesday the 28th was a fantastic, wonderful day because Johnny and I went to see AC/DC in Cleveland at Huntington Bank Field!! AC/DC is one of Johnny’s all time favorite bands and he has wanted to see them live ever since he was just a little guy. When I learned that they would be playing their last show in America in Cleveland for their Power Up tour, I decided to make his bucket list dreams come true with tickets for our birthaversary. While the opening act, The Pretty Reckless, sucked eggs lol, AC/DC delivered with over two hours of nonstop, high voltage rock. It was absolutely astounding!! Check out these pics of all of the ultra cool lighting and be sure to stop by my TikTok for videos:

When Johnny and I arrived at the stadium, The Pretty Reckless was already playing and as I was saying, they sucked eggs. And, as I told Johnny, they are REALLY trying hard to be The Dead Weather and failing miserably. Anyways, we were basically ignoring their portion of the show because we had more pressing matters to tend to. We were in the nosebleeds. And, when I say the nosebleeds, I mean that to the fullest extent because we were in the literal last row at the top of the stadium. We climbed the mountainous stairs up, up, up and all the while, I was deep breathing and refusing to look down because it was terrifying!! When we made it to our seats, I was panicking – we were up SO high!! It took me a phat minute to calm myself down and then I could actually appreciate our view. We were looking right down on the stage!

Blessedly, The Pretty Reckless wrapped up shortly after we were settled and we waited on pins and needles for AC/DC to take the stage. And, when they did, it was the best. Yes, it was cool to see them but it was even better to see Johnny’s reaction. He lit up like a kid on Christmas day! The show opened with If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It) and the hits just kept on coming. The set was filled with all of the crowd pleasers like Thunderstruck, Back in Black, Stiff Upper Lip, Shot in the Dark, Hells Bells, Have a Drink on Me, and the list goes on and on. The lighting was nothing short of spectacular and, my god, did they sound good too. Brian Johnson simply nailed it and Johnny and I were in awe that his vocals still sound SO crisp after all of these years. We also just adored his little dances lol. And, of course, seeing Angus Young duck walk will never be forgotten. That man can shred like no other and seeing his iconic moves IRL really was a dream come true for my main squeeze.

The set continued with banger after banger (IE: Shoot to Thrill, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Whole Lotta Rosie, Rock ‘n’ Roll Train, and You Shook Me All Night Long) and it was truly one big party. To be in such a huge crowd of fans, sing along to every word, and dance like crazy was intoxicating. And, when it got darker outside, it was even more special. The sea of concert goers was lit up with devil horns a la Angus Young and it was a sight to behold. Unfortunately, Johnny and I began making our long trek back to the parking garage at the beginning of their last song pre-encore, Let There Be Rock. However, we could still hear them playing as we made our way to the car. We walked to the beat as we reveled in the high of one of the best shows we have ever seen.

What a night it was at Huntington Bank Field!! Being able to see AC/DC with Johnny was a once in a lifetime experience and we cherished every moment! ❤

What is the best concert you have ever been to? Are you seeing any concerts this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Birthday, Johnny!!

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Happy Birthday, Johnny!!

Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my main squeeze, Johnny’s, birthday!! My beloved’s birthday kick starts our birthaversary extravaganza and I am so excited to celebrate our big days and wedding anniversary together. I truly do not know what I would do without my Johnny and I consider myself to be the luckiest girl in the whole world. We have been together for well over five years and those first date butterflies have remained every day since. I miss him when we’re apart, I think about him all the time, and it is still exciting when he greets me at the door after work. It’s safe to say I am madly, deeply in love!

Whether we are at home binging our favorite shows or on the go, it is never a dull moment with Johnny. We just have fun together and his personality and laugh are infectious. Johnny is never without a kind word to say to anyone and he provides such a bright light to everyone he encounters. He is always, always thinking about others before himself and loves fiercely. It is so beautiful to see him interact with those he holds dear because it simply radiates. It is my absolute favorite to watch him play with our sweet nieces and nephew and he really is joy personified.

Being married to Johnny is a nonstop adventure and waking up next to him is a gift. Since our first date, we have barely been apart from each other and I wouldn’t want it any other way. We have been through so many of life’s ups and downs together and I couldn’t and don’t want to imagine anyone else by my side. Johnny has made my life better in more ways than I could ever count and I fall in love with him more every day. And I don’t even care how cheesy that sounds because it is the truth! ❤