Tag Archives: blessed

Jul18

Accessory Story: Vintage Gloves Edition

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Accessory Story: Vintage Gloves Edition

Hello!! Johnny and I had a lovely Date Day during our Fourth of July staycation that included some vintage and antique shopping. I was enamored with one of the shops we visited and couldn’t stop thinking about all of the wonderful (and wildly expensive) treasures. Then, a few days later I forgot all about it because Johnny brought me home the most amazing surprise. He was helping his mom go through boxes and trunks of storage and I was presented with vintage treasures of my very own – five pairs of gloves and two clutch purses that belonged to Johnny’s grandma. Both himself and my mother-in-law thought I should have them and I was so incredibly touched. These beautiful accessories date back to the 1940s! Check it out:

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When I opened the box containing my “new” accessories, I was literally stunned. I am very rarely speechless and this was one of those situations that didn’t require words. All I could think was that the vintage shops we visited could eat their hearts out because in my hands was something so special that they are invaluable. While Johnny’s grandma had a fondness for gloves, my mom’s mom was all about hats. I have at least fifteen of her vintage hats and they are some of my most prized possessions. I now have something from Johnny’s grandma that I can add to that category AND wear with some of my grandma’s hats to complete the look. ❤

…. Of course, if the gloves fit that is!

Lol, after getting over my initial shock, the next thought I had was “Wouldn’t it suck if none of them fit?”. I have very small hands but these gloves looked tiny. I kid you not that I had more butterflies in my stomach than when I go swimsuit shopping and I really hate that. However, you can always get a bigger size of a bathing suit in the store. Definitely not the case with gloves that are over eighty years old! Thankfully, the fashion gods blessed me. Despite some slight difficulties, I was able to wear each pair quite comfortably. YAY! My favorite accessories from the bunch are easily the gloves and purse from the second photo. The pinwheel style rouching on the cuffs are *chef’s kiss* and can we talk about that sequined bag? Perfect for keeping your phone, credit card, and keys in during a night out!

I am so completely over the moon over these accessories and I cannot wait to incorporate them into fall and winter OOTDs. Vintage chic styles here I come!

Do you have any relics from your grandparents? How do you add vintage vibes to your outfits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun28

Best Husband Ever

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Best Husband Ever

Hello! In this day and age, it does not take much for me to feel overwhelmed. I have a lot going on and a ton of responsibilities and I am just one Lil Red, after all! This has definitely been effecting my mood and I just feel exhausted and under appreciated. Needless to say, I am SO looking forward to some much needed time off next week. This Tuesday, however, ended up being a banner day because of my Johnny. It’s not often that this happens, but he offered to make dinner for us and it was exactly what I needed. ❤

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I will be perfectly honest – Johnny does not have a ton of recipes in his cooking arsenal lol. He is formidable at using the air fryer, though, and when he asked me if I wanted him to make my favorite of air fried commodities, I was so delighted. For dinner, Johnny made my go to meatless buffalo chicken patties and French fries and it was divine. A simple meal, yes. But it was really nice to be able to chill on the couch and take is easy while Johnny took care of everything. It was incredibly thoughtful and I felt spoiled – he totally clocked that that’s how I needed to feel and accommodated it in the best way he knew how. Taking something off of my plate while also putting something on my plate lol. What can I say, the way to my heart is through my stomach! 😀

Johnny is simply the best and I really am the luckiest gal in the world because of him. He is constantly doing sweet things like this just for me and even on the most stressful days, life is good when I get to come back to our apartment and see him there. He knows that I don’t want or need grand gestures because all of the little things mean so much more to me. It might seem silly, but the most basic meal ever felt like going to a five star restaurant. It was more than enough to make me feel seen and valued. Even more so because I knew that was what he intended and it worked like a charm. What a guy!

Since Johnny was an excellent sport with dinner, I returned the favor by indulging him in watching a WWII documentary together. It was a lovely evening in and I felt way better than I did before. ❤

What is something simple that makes you happy? What do you do when you are in a funk? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun22

Full Circle Moment

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Full Circle Moment

Hi! Way back in May of last year, I entered a contest with an OOTD to get invited to a picnic at Misnyland – the estate of Ohio’s most well known personal injury lawyer, Tim Misny. I still remember receiving the call that said I won. The picnic took place several months later in November and Tim and I became fast friends thanks to conducting an interview with him. We seriously could have talked all day! This too crazy to be true friendship turned into us creating content together and at the end of this past April, I accepted a job as his social media manager. It is the absolute best!

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Every day since starting my new job has been an exciting adventure. We just have so much fun and it feels amazing to have been given this opportunity. Tim and I are a dream time and I love being able to go to events with him and shoot content, do interviews, and interact with all of his fans. It’s always a good time, but this past week took the cake. On Friday the fourteenth, we hosted a Misnyland summer picnic. Rather than attending it as a guest, I got to be there working as an employee. It was such a cool Full Circle Moment and so awesome to reflect on. If you told me that I’d eventually become Tim’s social media manager after meeting him for the first time, I would have laughed out loud!

Last week’s picnic was a whirlwind and my only regret is that it went by too quick. I felt like I blinked and it was over. I guess that’s how things go when you love your job! Before the picnic, I got to help set it up and it was so nice to be able to see all of my coworkers IRL. Then, the guests arrived and it was time to rock and roll. Throughout the entire duration of the picnic, I was snapping pics, shooting content, and going live on Facebook for our viewers to see the festivities. My favorite part was being able to interact with the guests with Tim and the lively banter we shared. Everyone was having a great time and it was so special to have played a part in it. I can’t wait to do it again. 😀

It will be two months with my new job on June twenty-ninth, but it feels like I have been doing it for forever already – in the best way possible. Doing something you love every day is such a gift and I am eternally grateful for it!

What was the best job you ever had? What is one of your favorite work related memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun19

Best Weekend Ever!

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Best Weekend Ever!

Hello!!! With a very busy schedule between me and Johnny and our friends and family, my birthday celebrations have extended beyond June seventh. I am SO okay with this and it is much more my speed to have quality hangouts with my loved ones rather than jam pack everything into one weekend. This past weekend, I was able to have my belated birthday get togethers with my sister and nieces and my best friend, Lea. It was fantastic from start to finish – so much so that the only picture I took was of this lone Margarita when I was out to lunch lol:

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On Friday, Lea came over for the evening and, as always, it was nothing short of a delight. Lea and I have been best friends for a whopping sixteen years and have had a hang out every single year for each other’s birthday. It is something that I cherish so much, even on the most low key get togethers like we had this weekend. We just chilled on the couch with White Claw and girl talk – a match made in heaven! I genuinely believe if given the opportunity, her and I could chat away for forever and still find something new to talk about. I cannot wait to show you all the gorgeous prezzies she gifted me with so tune in for that tomorrow because it is the sweetest! ❤

After a chill evening in, it was onto all of the activities on Saturday. For my b-day celebration with my sister and darling nieces, Kristen treated me to lunch at my favorite restaurant. We went to El Meson, which is the hands down best Mexican restaurant in my general vicinity. It is divine every time and it’s so much fun to go there with my sis and the girls because they share the same passion for the cuisine as I do lol. Between bites of our delicious food, we were in stitches from the littlest girlie and her attempt to eat chips and queso and both girls trying on mine and Kristen’s stunner shades. I love being able to spend one on one time with all of my best girls so this was the perfect gift for the proudest TT and little sister.

Once lunch was over, I went to my parents’ house for a spell to see my dad before Father’s Day. Then, I picked up my brother, Andrew, and him, Johnny, and I went to Quarter Up. It’s a super fun arcade bar down the street from my apartment. I used to frequent Quarter Up when it first opened, but Johnny and I haven’t been in a while and I’m genuinely not sure why after Saturday evening! It was a hoot and their game selection has improved greatly since opening. We all enjoyed playing ski ball, basketball, and the shooting games. Johnny was particularly enamored by the Elton John pinball game – a new addition that is definitely worth going back for!

I have been feeling SO spoiled by all of the birthday love and this past weekend literally had me on cloud nine. There is nothing better to me than time together with my nearest and dearest and I couldn’t ask for anything more!

What is your favorite arcade game? How about your favorite restaurant in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun7

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

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Happy Birthday To Me!!!

Hello!!! Johnny’s birthday came and passed, our three year wedding anniversary was next, and now it is time for… DUN DUN DUN… My thirtieth birthday! Oh yes, your girl turns the Dirty Thirty today and I’d be a liar if I said that I’m completely okay with it lol. But hey, another year older another year *hopefully* wiser, right?! As my sweet husband has said, “at least you’re not turning thirty-five” so there’s that. 😀 Despite the slight sense of impending doom I’m feeling, there is so much in life that I am so thankful for. And, a lot of it took into my mid to late twenties to happen. When I remind myself of that, aging doesn’t seem so much as aging but more like an improvement.

While I am sad to be officially done with my roaring twenties, so much good has taken place during my last trip around the sun. The excellent health of one of my loved ones was celebrated, Johnny and I got to spend another year together and watch our nieces and nephew grow, and I even got a new job. And, of course, I can’t forget another year of loving my bunnies and creating daily content for lifewithlilred. Clearly, twenty-nine was pretty good and it makes me feel hopeful that this positive trajectory will continue into a brand new decade.

Although welcoming my thirties is bittersweet, it is the best to be able to celebrate with my Johnny. We have a hot date planned tonight to go to the Olive Garden and rent the new Strangers movie at home and I am thrilled! I have been craving the Olive Garden for months and I have also been looking forward to this new scary movie for months. It is exactly how I want to spend my birthday and I love that we are keeping it simple for maximum quality time. Turning thirty or not, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be so loved by our nearest and dearest for mine and Johnny’s birthaversary week and always! ❤

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Happy Birthday To Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jun1

Happy Birthday, Johnny!!

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Happy Birthday, Johnny!!

Hello!!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my darling husband’s thirty-fifth birthday!! Johnny’s big day kick starts our month of birthaversary celebrations and it is, truly, the happiest time of the year. I celebrate my main squeeze every day, but it just hits different on his b-day. Johnny is the absolute best. He’s my A1 ride or die bestie and everything feels better since we have been together for almost five years. And, of course, he is too cute to boot too:

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Johnny makes everything in life so much more fun. Whether we are going out or staying in, it’s nonstop laughter, goofing off, and silliness every step of the way. Even though he is five years older than me, he keeps me young lol. The simplest things like going out to dinner or a movie feel like an adventure while video game or TV marathons on the couch are like a cozy cocoon that I never want to leave. Johnny has such a bright, outgoing, and joyous personality. Most importantly, though, he is so genuinely kind to everyone he encounters and it is always beautiful and refreshing to be around.

I remember mine and Johnny’s first date like it was yesterday. Drinks on the patio of our favorite bar on a random Thursday in late summer. I am pleased to report that in our extensive tenure as a couple that the first date feelings haven’t gone away. If anything, they have only intensified the longer we’ve been together. It sounds cheesy, but whenever we are reunited after work it feels like I am seeing him for the very first time even though it has only been eightish hours! I am clearly getting all sentimental on my hubby’s birthday, but we really were a “love at first sight” situation and that is SO worth getting in the feels for. ❤

Happy birthday to my Johnny! I can’t wait to celebrate our birthaversary and many, many more together. I love you!!!!

May25

New Kyodan Tennis Skirt

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New Kyodan Tennis Skirt

Howdy! This past Tuesday, I spent a lovely time during my break with my mom doing what we do best: Shopping! We hit up TJMaxx for anything and everything and it was so much fun. I was on the hunt for new skin care because it was just about time to restock my supplies. I also was hoping to find a new outfit to wear to the next picnic Tim Misny is hosting in June. I am SO bored with everything in my closet and I wanted something new to show out in because it is the first picnic I’ll be working as Tim’s social media manager. As I browsed the clothing department, I was coming up blank. Then, I saw a pretty little skirt on display and knew I could work with it! Check it out:

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This skirt only costed seventeen dollars as opposed to the original forty-two. Score!!

I was instantly drawn to this skirt by Kyodan because I love a skater skirt and the pleats and elastic waistband offered a fresh take on a classic. And, of course, you know I love all black everything! This skirt is so flirty, flouncy, and sweet and I couldn’t have found it at a better time. I had added a crocheted sweater vest to my cart (See tomorrow’s post!), but was just going to put it away because I had nothing to pair it with. As always, TJs pulls through in the clutch for me when I need it most. #blessed

In the fitting room, I expected to just slip the skirt on and my mind was blown when I discovered that it had shorts underneath the fabric. I suppose if I looked at the brand of the skirt, which is clearly for athletes, I would have put two and two together but, alas lol. This made the Kyodan skirt even better because I knew that I will be moving around a lot when I wear it at the upcoming picnic. This provides the insurance that no one will see anything unsightly if a breeze picks up or what have you. And, to add to the victory, the skirt looked fabulous with the top I picked out! 😀

I found this skirt right in the nick of time because I was about to have to return to work empty handed. I felt so lucky when I went into the fitting room with only two things and they both worked perfectly. I can’t wait to wear it!

What is your favorite brand for athletic clothes? Do you have any fun events coming up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May12

Happy Mother’s Day!!

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Happy Mother’s Day!!

Hello everyone and Happy Mother’s Day!! Moms should be celebrated every day, of course, but it just hits different today! I don’t know about all of you, but I am the luckiest gal in the world to have my mom. I am also so lucky to have so many other wonderful moms in my life too. The molds were broken when my mom, mother-in-law, and sister were made and all of them astound me every day. I also have the pleasure of getting to know the moms of my clients in the special needs community and they never cease to amaze me, either. ❤

Mothers are so special and, the older I get, the more I just want to be around mine! Even as an adult, I still want to go to my mom first to complain about any minor inconvenience or celebrate big news. I am beyond thankful for that kind of relationship and have known since my youth that I can, without a doubt, go to my mom for anything. Speaking of my youth, in a weird way I feel like I’ve been reliving it since becoming an aunt…

Here me out: Literally no one remembers the early years of their lives. Sure, you can look at photos and watch home videos but it’s not an actual memory. You’re just seeing it. My sister has two precious girls and it is a joy to see my parents interact with them. It gives me so much insight into what they were like when my siblings and I were little and further solidifies how truly blessed I am to be their daughter. My sister is a Super Woman mom too and watching her own beautiful take on motherhood makes me so proud. And, yes, she has definitely taken some pointers from my mom’s book. Hey, if it’s not broken – don’t fix it!

To all of the moms in any way shape or form throughout the world: Thank you!

Happy Mother’s Day!!!!! ❤

May5

New Job – No Prob!!

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New Job – No Prob!!

Hello!! As you all know, Johnny and I have become friends with Ohio’s favorite personal injury lawyer, Tim Misny. The past half a year or so has been an absolute whirlwind because of it and I still have to pinch myself that I even know Tim at all lol. Since meeting Tim, we have collaborated on lots of cool content, enjoyed delicious food and the best company a gal could ask for. I thought I was lucky before, but that changed completely thanks to a phone call this past Monday. Now, I consider myself the luckiest girl in the world!

On Monday, I received a call from Tim’s office manager with an offer… To work as the social media manager for Tim Misny!!! This is not my first rodeo doing social media management, but this is most definitely the biggest person I have worked with yet. Tim truly is a celebrity in Ohio and when I say that everyone knows who he is, I mean everyone and their brother. Creating content with Tim this winter was a blast, but I never in my wildest dreams thought that it would turn into an opportunity like this. 😀

With my new position, I will be working hard to freshen up Tim’s social media pages through interactive content, contests, and interviews. In fact, we just shot our first video to start that process on Thursday! I have also been designing new clothing and products for the Misny Merch line. I am particularly excited about this because it’s no secret that I love fashion and I have a ton of ideas to make the merch line really pop. It’s like this job was made for me!

I have been working towards a job like this since lifewithlilred began almost a decade ago. I feel like it is my big break and I am going to savor every moment of it. I am beyond thankful for Tim and his team to take me on and can’t wait to see what each day holds. To keep up to date on content starring yours truly, be sure to follow Tim’s Facebook page!

What is the best job you have ever had? How about the worst? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar31

Happy Easter!!

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Happy Easter!!

Hello everyone and Happy Easter to those who celebrate! I hope you all have a fantastic day. 🙂 This past week was an absolute doozy in the worst way possible and it has been nice to take the time to unwind this weekend. Tuesday was literally horrible and I am hoping for sunshiny days ahead… Well, as sunshiny as you can get with April showers! Despite Tuesday being awful, I did have a little Easter pick me up that I thought I would share with all of you:

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On Wednesday morning, I was still reeling from the day before and was feeling really blue as I went to pick up my transport client. All I wanted to do was sleep, but seeing my clients always perks me up and I am so glad that I powered through. As my client approached my car, I noticed him carrying a pretty wrapped package and card. It was an early Easter gift and it couldn’t have come at a better time. In fact, this is not the first time I was gifted a sweet surprise from this family when I desperately needed a pick me up. They must have some type of telepathy!

After I got my client to work, I parked my car to unwrap my prezzie because I couldn’t wait till I got home. I was delighted by a beautiful card and some Bunny Hollow hand soap! It was such a thoughtful gesture and is a true testament to wonderful things coming in small packages. Even though the week was extremely trying times for yours truly, this was such a welcome reminder of all of the good that is in my life. I was so thankful for this perfectly timed surprise. ❤

This little token of appreciation went a long way and it feels so good to be cherished by others during the holidays. Happy Easter to all of you and I hope this spring brings you flowers, rainbows, and happiness!

Have you had any sweet surprises recently? How are you celebrating Easter? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah