Tag Archives: blog husband

Johnny On The Big Screen

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Johnny On The Big Screen

Hello!!! My Johnny is an exceptionally talented musician and this past Monday was fabulous because I got to see him in action for something really cool. Johnny’s first band was called Johnny and The Apple Stompers and they played bluegrass music. One of the bands that they would play with over a decade ago was the Chardon Polka Band. The CPB absolutely rules and they have become a cult phenomenon – not just in Ohio but all over the country. One of their most recent ventures is a show on PBS called The World According To Polka and Johnny got to play for one of their future episodes that revolves around trains. It was the best, most fun experience and I was so happy I was able to share in it with my main squeeze. Check it out:

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After I finished working on Monday morning, Johnny and I made the hour drive to Burton, Ohio to film in one of their historic villages. We met up with Jake, the lead singer and accordion player for Chardon Polka Band, Bob on washboard, and Jeff on fiddle and banjo, as well as a team from PBS. Of course, we were so excited for the opportunity but the best of all was seeing Jake. It had been literal years since either of us have seen him and he is pure joy incarnate. After catching up, the musicians began their practice sessions for Johnny’s song selections of “Freight Train” and “Waiting For A Train”. I was most surprised because I had no idea that Johnny was going to sing them along with playing his guitar!!

It wasn’t long before all of the players made adjustments and got in their groove together. Then, it was time for the cameras to roll! Within three takes of each song, they were golden and I was legit glowing with pride. I am so used to shooting content at events like this and being able to sit back and enjoy the magic in front of me was such a welcome change of pace. Once each song was shot to their liking, we took a brief break to explore the grounds around Burton. It was so scenic and beautiful, as you can see, and we made friends with a really nice cow. 🙂 Afterwards, Johnny did some interviews for the show to showcase his vast musical knowledge as well as his sharp as a tack wit. He did beyond amazing and I can’t wait to see the end result.

Unfortunately, Johnny’s feature on The World According To Polka will not be aired until the fall of 2025. Until then, we will look back on the day fondly because it was an excellent one. I am the proudest wife!!! ❤

What is your favorite local band? What is your favorite genre of music? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Date Day!

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Date Day!

Howdy!! These past few weeks have been insanely busy for me and Johnny and by the time the weekends rolled around, we were too wiped out to do much of anything. After a lull in the craziness, I couldn’t wait for this weekend because Johnny and I made plans for a date day on Saturday. Date days are my absolute favorite thing in the world and it was so nice to get dressed up and go out with my main squeeze after a few sedentary weekends in a row. We hit up both of our happy place stores (Can you guess mine?!) and one of our happy place restaurants too. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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On Friday night, Johnny asked one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard… “Can we go to TJMaxx on Saturday?”. It was literal music to my ears and the answer was a resounding YES. A few years ago, Johnny had an amazing haul of spooky themed socks from TJs and was hoping to find more. This is where our date day began and, unfortunately, there were no spooky socks to be found. We did, however, walk away with a few treats for ourselves including a fabulous new addition to our Halloween decor. It is one of my new favorite things so be sure to peep that later!

After a semi successful bout of shopping, we were both famished and made our way to Barrio for lunch next. Barrio is an Ohio thing where you can build your own tacos. The order sheet looks like a test you would take at school when you have to fill in bubbles for your answer, but you never have to worry about getting anything wrong! It is one of our go to restaurants whenever we are in the general vicinity and it never gets old despite the fact that I get the same thing every single time lol. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it! We got tacos for there, tacos to go, and obvi had to get a few margs too. Johnny opted for a flight with a bunch of tropical flavors while I went with my usual – lime, on the rocks, salt on the rim. I was in heaven. ❤

To end our date, we went to Johnny’s store selection called The Exchange which is a buy, sell, trade for video games, movies, records, and everything in between. We were on the hunt to further expand Johnny’s already massive record collection and we did so with some Ghost and Alice Cooper. Then, we returned home to watch Winnie the Pooh Blood & Honey lol. It was just as ridiculous as it sounds but surprisingly really entertaining. Afterwards, we put our new records to good use as the soundtrack to play Diablo IV to. They set the vibe perfectly!

As always, our Date Day was the best day with the best company. Stay tuned for the OOTD from our little adventure!

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

5 Years Strong

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5 Years Strong

Hello!! This past week Johnny and I reached the five year benchmark in our relationship and it has given me all of the warm fuzzies. I still get butterflies every time I see my main squeeze! I am always appreciative of how lucky I am to have my Johnny and this weekend hit different when he spent all day helping me at an event. It was a long day and he didn’t have to by any means, but he did anyway and that means so much. In honor of our five year anniversary, I thought it would be the perfect time to tell a little story about our first date…

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Five years ago, I was in bad relationship after bad relationship. When the last relationship ended, I had sworn off dating for a while. I deleted the apps and I was ready to do my thang as a single woman. That is, until Johnny messaged me on Facebook! Normally, the messages I received on Facebook went something like this: “Hey beautiful”, “Hey gorgeous”, and so on and so forth. Johnny’s message stood out from the crowd in the most amazing way: He complimented a pair of shoes I was wearing in a recent photo shoot and asked if they made them in a men’s Chelsea boot. It was so refreshing because he saw my style, appreciated it, and clearly had pretty great style himself.

As we chit chatted away, Johnny asked me if I would like to go for a drink sometime. At this point in my career, I was still working evenings but just so happened to have that night off. We ended up meeting at the Cashmere Cricket, our favorite bar, later that evening. When I arrived at the Cricket, I was SO nervous that I actually walked right past Johnny who was sitting outside. A moment later, he came into the bar and found me and the rest is history. Since our first date, we have pretty much been together every day since and I am the happiest girl in the world for it!

No matter where we are at or what we do, Johnny and I always have the absolute best time just being together. He makes me feel so spoiled and loved every day since we met because it truly was love at first sight. I feel like I can do anything and everything with him by my side and the past five years have been the most wonderful because of my Johnny. ❤

How long have you and your partner been together? How did you celebrate your last anniversary? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Johnny’s Birthday Shenanigans

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Johnny’s Birthday Shenanigans

Hello!! This past Saturday was Johnny’s 35th birthday and the kick start to our birthaversary season. Our respective birthdays and wedding anniversary felt like forever away. Then, before we knew it, May was done and it was time for your two favorite Geminis to take over! For my birthday this Friday, we are going to the Olive Garden and renting the new Strangers movie at home. Johnny requested a birthday dinner too and wanted some of our friends to come by on his big day. Although his original dinner spot was a bust, it was still a banner time indeed!

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Our Plan A for the birthday boy was to go out to eat at Outback Steakhouse on Friday. Despite there being literally nothing for this vegetarian at Outback, it’s not every day your husband turns thirty-five! After work, we made our way to the restaurant and we were both verging on hangry. We were leaving early enough that we assumed we would get seated right away. However, as the old saying goes, assume makes an ass out of U and ME lol. Apparently, everyone and their brother was graduating from school that day and the parking lot was filled with people ready to celebrate. With a line out the door, we had to pivot to Plan B and went down the street at an Akron staple restaurant called Rockne’s.

Rockne’s is one of Johnny’s favorite restaurants and we finally ended up going together. It’s not like I didn’t want to go with him before. But, like Outback, there is literally nothing for this vegetarian to eat at Rockne’s! On the bright side, we got seated immediately, drinks were served, and we were both beyond ready for our meal. Johnny got a gigantic sub and I went for their Cajun pasta. It was no TGI Fridays (Their Cajun pasta is the BEST!), that’s for sure but at least my hanger was satisfied! After our dinner date, we went home to play some games and tuck in early for Johnny’s big day.

On Saturday, we spent the first half of Johnny’s birthday preparing the apartment for our guests and hanging out. By the time the evening rolled around, it was SO on! My brother and our bestie, Cliff, came over first and we had a blast playing some Mario Party all together. Then, my brother headed home and our friend Ty joined as shortly afterwards. It was so nice to catch up because we have all been so busy that we haven’t seen each other in what felt like ages. About an hour into our get together, I couldn’t wait to go to bed and Johnny set me up with a bowl of cereal and put Tarzan on TV upstairs. From our room, I could still hear the guys playing music, games, and laughing constantly. It’s safe to say that the party definitely was still going without this sleepy gal!

On Sunday, Johnny and I spent the day recovering from all of the birthday fun. It was a small price to pay for the best time celebrating my amazing guy!

How old are you turning this year? How do you like to celebrate your birthday? 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!

Hello!! Today is a joyous, lovely, wonderful day because it is mine and Johnny’s three year wedding anniversary!! There was a point in my life when I was convinced I was never going to get married. That all changed the day Johnny and I had our first date because it was a love at first sight extravaganza. I genuinely believe in my heart of hearts that if Johnny and I were to have gotten married the day we met, we would still be exactly where we are right now. Johnny also confirms this sentiment so it must be true!! Even though I would have been so game to tie the knot immediately, I am SO glad we had a beautiful wedding that was perfect for us:

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Johnny and I got married in our friend’s backyard on June fourth of 2021. We had a short and sweet ceremony surrounded by our immediate family and closest friends and it was the absolute best. Our decorations were simple – red fabric to walk down the aisle, a trellis, and black fabric to hang over it. Our attire was so very us in a black wedding dress and veil for me and black skinny jeans, a white button down, and a black Western inspired jacket for Johnny. There was no fanfare, no crazy reception, and literally no stress. We wanted our wedding to celebrate us as a couple in the easiest way humanly possible and that is exactly what we got.

I have heard so many stories about people not even enjoying their wedding because of the whirlwind of activity involved. I am so thankful to say that we enjoyed every second of every minute of our wedding. We both remember it like it just happened – Well, minus the parts when we got blitzed at the bar afterwards lol. There are countless moments from our big day that we still bring up and laugh about years later and that is very special to me. What I cherish the most about our wedding is the complete and total love that encompassed our backyard ceremony. It was like a pulse you could feel and it turned our understated wedding into a fairy tale. I think about our wedding day often and, when I do, that warm fuzzy feeling comes rushing back. It was the best day of my life!

Happy Anniversary to my Johnny!! I love you so much and wish we could get married every day!!

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!!!!

70s Spring OOTD Bloopers

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70s Spring OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my 70s Spring OOTD! Spring has finally showed up in good ol’ Akron, Ohio and I loved the look I created to welcome it with open arms. I have been ready for warmer days and a good thunderstorm or two, which we have had in spades this past week. Thankfully, it seems like spring has decided to stick around despite the fact that it could have turned back running after seeing these yikes shots. I, for one, am feeling #blessed lol! Check it out:

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Lil Red

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Johnny forever cracking me up!

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Looking like a noodle with this pose lol

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Discovering how buttons work

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TFYM when you’re about to say “and you know what else” in an argument

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NAILED IT!

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As per ushe when taking my pictures, Johnny is always saying something to make me laugh or my blooper shots are making him laugh. In this shoot’s case, my main squeeze very much enjoyed the struggle of the foot pop. He then proceeded to ask me a question that made me laugh even harder: “Do you keep all of the bad shots in a scrapbook or something?” LOL, I can’t with him because he knows darn well they go up on lifewithlilred. However, in a sense… Yes, I guess my page is like a scrapbook of sorts!

After Johnny’s first question, he asked me if I would make him a scrapbook of my blooper shots. I knew there was a reason I was posting these in the first place! This sounds like a hilarious project and I am game to make it happen. While I delete the bloopers from my phone to maximize space storage, they live eternally on lifewithlilred. This gives me bloopers on bloopers at my disposal and I think that I might just have to make a tangible scrapbook a reality for our birthaversary. I think he’ll love it. ❤

As you all know, I am a huge fan of the blooper reel and it warms my heart to know that Johnny is too. Lol, I can’t wait to scroll through bloopers past and select the worst of the worst for the scrapbook!

How do you save mementos? Do you like scrapbooking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Something For The Fellas

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Something For The Fellas

Hello! Whenever I go shopping at TJMaxx, I always shop the men’s department too in case there is something that Johnny might like. I absolutely adore my husband’s style so it is really fun to pick clothes out for him. It’s also nice to save some dough at TJs too because the websites that Johnny likes to order from are pretty pricey. What can I say, we both have expensive taste! Johnny is very partial to graphic button downs and I have had moderate success when I look for them at TJs. This past shopping trip was a great success, however, because they added a ton of button downs to the men’s department!

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^^^ Once again, don’t mind my broken nail lol

The first thing I noticed when I ventured to the men’s section was a display rack filled with summer button downs. They also had matching shorts, but Johnny’s size small looked way too small and the mediums looked gigantic. But I digress so back to the shirts! There were at least five different patterns to pick from in a cool, breezy fabric. I knew which one I liked the best immediately, but I sent Johnny pictures so he could decide for himself. He, too, liked the one you see above the most so into the cart it went and it was only twelve dollars. You just can’t beat that. 😀

The shirt and short sets by Massive were fantastic and they screamed Johnny right off the rip. In fact, he has quite a few pairs of matching shirts and shorts and calls it his “loungeware” lol. While I understand the merits of that because they look insanely comfortable, I can’t wait to see him wear his new shirt when we are out and about. Johnny’s style is very retro and this button down emulated that perfectly. The muted colors with the 70s-esque pattern is everything and it had me wishing that I could find something similar in a dress or skirt for myself!

If the button down above looks like something your SO might like, RUN don’t walk to TJMaxx. You might hit the jackpot and pay a song for it. I was glad to be able to buy a treat for my main squeeze and the price was oh so nice!

What is your favorite era of fashion? How would you describe your SO’s style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Holidays To You

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Happy Holidays To You

Hello!!! Johnny and I have been having a blast rocking all of our new Misny Merch and we just had to take some couples pictures this weekend to show it off. Misny Merch is truly the gift that keeps on giving. For starters, you will look freaking awesome in it but, most importantly, all proceeds from each purchase goes towards supporting the Cleveland City Mission. You can shop all things Misny Merch here and help battle homelessness in Cleveland with your order! Here are some of my favorite shots with my favorite person and a very special guest:

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Unfortunately, our friend Tim Misny couldn’t be with us for this photo shoot. However, we got the next best things! A Tim Misny pillow and holiday sweaters!! Nothing says “merry and bright” like Tim in a Santa suit and I honestly think that Johnny and I will be wearing our sweaters year round. They are SO comfortable and are warm without feeling like you are in your own personal sweat lodge. There is nothing worse than a stuffy sweater and this one by Misny Merch is the definition of “just right”. Whether you wear it on the go or simply to lounge in, this is a piece from the holiday collection that you don’t want to miss!

It’s always fun to play dress up in all of our Misny swag, but the funnest thing was taking pictures with Johnny. As a doting blog husband, he takes my OOTD shots almost every weekend. lifewithlilred would not be the same without all of his help! While we do take selfies fairly often or, rather, I take selfies and Johnny makes a stank face, we don’t have a lot of “nice” pictures together. I was so happy to be able to take these holiday shots with my main squeeze and I treasure them so much. These holiday shots sum up our very loving and very goofy relationship to the T. Showcasing our new Misny Merch was the perfect cherry on top. ❤

Happy Holidays To You from me, Johnny, and Ohio’s own Tim Misny. We hope you have the most amazing time celebrating with your loved ones and basking in the holiday spirit!

Do you have any “ugly” holiday sweaters? What is your favorite merch line by a celebrity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Navy, Baby OOTD Bloopers

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Navy, Baby OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Navy, Baby OOTD! Creating outfit posts on lifewithlilred is one of my most favorite things and it turns next level after I get my hair done. After I leave the salon, OOTD ideas swarm at a rapid pace and I want to shoot all of the content while my hair still looks fresh and new. I wanted to style a timeless outfit for my Navy, Baby OOTD and I love what I achieved. The pictures you are about to see, however, are very low on my list of accomplishments lol. Check it out:

Looking like a straight up zombie. BRAINS!!!

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Lol my hair looks redonkulous in this picture

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I shit you not this is my face after I couldn’t get my foot to pop haha I look SO sad

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Always cracking myself up

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Something STANK

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Channeling my inner OOTD picture goddess to make a much needed appearance

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

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Just out here serving LOOKS by Mud Creek

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When I style OOTDs, I love everything about the process. It feels exciting to me to go through my wardrobe and shop as if I have never seen my clothing/shoes/accessory collection before. While it’s always fun to style looks with brand new clothes, it adds more of a challenge to turn old pieces in my wardrobe into something that feels new again. That was definitely the case with my Navy, Baby OOTD and it was so neat to breathe new life into these older pieces (The peacoat is over a decade old!). This type of styling really requires you to think about your clothes differently than you have before and I am so pleased with what I came up with.

The OOTD fun isn’t done when my look is styled and what comes after is my absolute favorite part: Taking pictures with Johnny! He is the most wonderful blog husband and no matter how much he playfully drags his feet, he is always up to the challenge of making me look good lol. Shooting this outfit was a bit of a chore because the lighting sucked. We tried so many different locations before settling on one and he was patient and most helpful in my endeavors. It forever warms my heart when he suggests a spot that he thinks might work! Johnny is nothing short of elated once I am satisfied with the pictures we took, but knowing I have an in house photographer whenever I need is something I am so thankful for. He is the absolute best!

My Navy, Baby OOTD was a fun experience from start to finish. I had a blast shopping in my closet and an even better time hanging around MUD CREEK with Johnny to shoot both winners and total losers of pictures! ❤

What is the oldest piece of clothing you own? Do you prefer taking pictures or being in them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah