Tag Archives: brother

May13

Spring Hiking Spree Success

Posted on May 13, 2026 by lifewithlilred

Hello! The Metro Parks in my neck of the woods hosts a hiking spree every spring and fall and I love completing the challenge with my brother, Andrew. We will have a threepeat for the fall spree this year and just completed our second spring hiking spree this past Friday. Spring in Ohio has been really cold and rainy so we had to carefully coordinate our five hikes to avoid getting caught in a downpour! During our last hike, we actually got back into my car a literal minute before the rain started coming down and it was an epic ending to the spree. The rain was short lived and we got ice cream after it passed to celebrate! We also got to take home our little prize of a new pin to adorn our Metro Parks lanyards with:

Within a thirty mile radius of where we live, there are at least twenty different Metro Parks to visit and we are truly blessed. During the fall and spring hiking sprees, there is a list of ten or so that you can pick from and it is always fun to try out new trails. Andrew and I both love hiking in the woods and, sadly, we didn’t get to do any of those trails this time around. We would have been walking in a quagmire because of all of the rain! We stuck to paved hiking and biking trails to complete the spree and this ended up being a good thing. The three new to us ones that we hiked will be excellent ones to go to again if the weather isn’t behaving.

Because we were limited to the paved trails, we didn’t get to see much in the way of wildlife. That was okay, though, because the best part of hiking is spending time with my brother. Hiking is our favorite form of exercise and it honestly doesn’t even feel like a work out because we’re talking and joking the whole way through. I can’t tell you the amount of times in years past that we started a hiking spree as a family and never finished it. It is exciting to be on a spree streak with my brother and we are both really looking forward to our fall hikes. Fingers crossed that the weather will allow us to hike in the woods this time around!

In fifteen days we went on five different hikes to draw the spring hiking spree to a close. Here’s to many more years of wonderful walks and memories! ❤

What is your favorite way to work out? Do you go on hikes often? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct17

Fall Hiking Spree Success!

Posted on October 17, 2025 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! There are countless amazing Metro Parks in the greater Akron area to hike, bike, and swim at. My brother and I try to visit one at least once per week as hiking is our favorite form of exercise. Every year, the Metro Parks hosts a hiking spree in the spring and fall and we completed both of them for the first time last year. We have been most excited for the fall hiking spree to come back around again and finished the last of our eight required hikes this past Friday. It felt so awesome to set this goal, commit to it, and earn our prize: A new shield for our hiking sticks! Here is our newest 2025 addition:

The fall hiking spree runs from the first of September to the end of November and we finished our challenge in five weeks which is pretty good. In fact, it would have been earlier but your girl had to get her hair done! But that’s neither here nor there as we were just happy to finish the hiking spree before the weather got too chilly. During our hikes this year we visited new paths and old favorites. We enjoyed seeing the first changing colors of the leaves and lots of wildlife. On one of the hikes we saw SEVENTEEN turtles posted up across three different logs. It. Was. Awesome! We also viewed blue herons, frogs, and a tiny garter snake that I thought was a worm lol. 😀

Going on hikes with my brother is so much fun that it doesn’t even feel like exercise and I can tell that our regular walks and hikes our effective. Both of us have noticed a huge boost in our stamina and during one of our last hikes we didn’t even realize we walked over two and a half miles because it felt like nothing. The time together in the great outdoors is something I savor so much, especially with winter just over the horizon. When it gets too cold, we will continue our exercise in the gym. Until then, we will be squeezing in as many hikes at the Metro Parks as we can!

All we have to say is: Bring on the 2026 hiking season. We are already looking forward to three years in a row of completing the fall hiking spree!

Where is your favorite place to hike? Are there a lot of Metro Parks 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

May17

Happy Birthday, Brother!!

Posted on May 17, 2025 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my big brother, Andrew’s, birthday!! Andrew is my partner in crime. He is my best friend, my work out buddy, and an absolute gift to all who know him. Whether we are hiking, gaming, or just hanging out it is the best time because we are together. Andrew has an incredible sense of humor, is so caring, and always has a kind word to say. He is the first person who notices when I get my nails done or am wearing something new and you have no idea how much that warms my heart.

Being able to have built in besties with my siblings is such a special thing and Andrew and I are the dream team. Our personalities work so well together and there is nothing we can’t do when we have a plan in mind. Andrew inspires me to no end and is always striving to better himself, which is something that we can all learn from. He’s a hard worker, a loving son, and the most amazing friend I could ever ask for. I am so excited to be able to celebrate my big bro and am thankful for every minute we have together!! ❤

Happy Birthday, Andrew!!! I love you!!! ❤

Jun16

Super Cool Customized Wedding Gift

Posted on June 16, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Johnny and I have been so thankful for the generosity of our friends and loved ones for our recent nuptials. One of the gifts that I am particularly fond of is a customized Connect Four board from my brother and his family. Check it out:

From board and video games to cards and word games, Johnny and I love it all and our biggest wish is to have a game room when we eventually move. As soon as I opened the personalized tabletop game, I had a feeling it would become the crown jewel of our game room and I can’t wait for that dream to become a reality. I can already picture the layout now with a nice big TV, our air hockey table, and a space for board games and puzzles. Not to mention plenty of music themed decor for Johnny and knick knacks galore because we sure have a lot of them!

Customized gifts are always incredibly special to me because of how thoughtful they are. I didn’t even know something like what my brother got for me and Johnny existed and it really made for a perfect wedding gift. Because my brother and his family live out of state, we have not been able to see them as much as we would like due to the pandemic. This gift shows that they think about us just as much as we about them and both Johnny and I can’t wait to see my brother, his wife, and son now that we are all fully vaccinated. ❤

Have you ever received a customized gift before? What was it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan5

Holiday Haul: Sister & Family Edition

Posted on January 5, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! My sister, Kristen, her SO, Ramon, and sweet daughter, Valerie, are my best friends and I love being their fourth wheel more than anything. Being able to share so many holidays with Kristen and Ramon and now their daughter is always going to be special to me and this past Christmas was no exception. Miss Val made out like an adorable little bandit this Christmas and she was even able to unwrap some of her own gifts this year! Her “TT” had quite the haul herself, though, and I am so excited about the gifts I received from Val and her amazing parents. Check it out:

Kristen texted me earlier in December asking me what I would like for Christmas and I told her that some new face masks to try out would be much appreciated. She took this idea and ran with it, gifting me two face masks by Formula 10.0.6. I am eager to test both masks out – particularly the self-warming clay mask. I used to get a self-warming mask from The Body Shop back in the day and it was one of my favorites. Speaking of favorites, I also got an awesome GUDETAMA lip balm and he is my favorite, lazy egg in the whole world. Don’t believe me? Check out my Facebook posts where I am constantly replying to people with Gudetama themed stickers! 😀

When my sister texted me, I didn’t tell her that I would really like a new pair of Express leggings too but she knows me well enough to have gotten me a pair, anyways. Kristen gifted me with leggings from Express last year and they are simply the best. I am so happy to have another pair because I wear my old ones literally all the time and, although they are still in great condition, it will be nice to have the option to alternate.

Pre-COVID, going to my favorite bars with Johnny and Kristen was always a treat and nine times out of ten, you could catch me drinking a Moscow Mule. I love them! And, with new copper mugs from Kristen and her fam, I’ll be able to make them at home with my go to recipe and not have to put them in coffee mugs like usual, lol. Great success!

Now, you might be wondering why in the heck Kristen gave the game of Guess Who? to me and Johnny and I’ll tell you why. A few months ago, we were all at chez parents and Kristen happened to bring her copy of the game over. We had many rousing rounds with my brother, Andrew, and it was a hoot. I also love the much more culturally diverse update of Guess Who? too! I think Johnny and I will get a kick out of playing it when we are stuck in the doldrums of feeling like there is “nothing” to do. 🙂

Kristen and her family were so generous this Christmas and I really am touched because these gifts are absolutely perfect for me. My sister knows me like the back of her hand and knew that the majority of what she gave me were things that I would like but never buy for myself and that, in itself, is the best gift of all. ❤

Which store has the best leggings? How do you make drinks from the bar at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan4

Holiday Haul: Big Brother & Family Edition

Posted on January 4, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Holiday Haul: Big Brother & Family Edition

Helloooo! This past Christmas was awesome, but it would have been perfect if my brother, Peter, and his wife, Megan, and their little boy could have been with us too, as they live out of state. Peter, Megan, and their adorable son sent me and my family the most lovely gifts and I am always so happy when we can FaceTime with each other or chat via phone call and text. I can’t wait to be able to see them in person again but opening their gifts felt like a special hug from each of them and I am so in love with all of my prezzies for spa treatments right in my apartment. Check it out:

I absolutely love the timeless fashion of Ralph Lauren clothing and I feel so spoiled to now have a RL robe that is just as (If not more!) comfortable than it looks. Complete with the RLL monogram and oozing all of the cozy vibes, I want to wrap myself in it whenever I even think about it! My new robe will be great during cold nights in my apartment but it will be even better when I am pampering myself with all of my new goodies from The Body Shop.

I live for products from The Body Shop and being gifted with all of these sets is such a treat because they are something that I wouldn’t buy for myself. Their body butters are so luxurious and each one smells amazing. I am looking forward to kissing my dry winter skin goodbye with my set of five mini butters – I’m particularly excited about the Almond Milk & Honey one because it’s my favorite. 😀

I also received a super cute makeup bag filled with mini sizes of TBS top sellers and am so glad that a Vitamin E moisturizer was included because it is simply the best. Finally, I will be able to take my spa treatments over the top with the Himalayan Charcoal Skin Purifying Kit. I have never used the Purifying Clay Wash so that will be fun to try and scrub in with the charcoal infused buffer. Their Himalayan Charcoal face mask is also, hands down, one of my favorites and I can always count on it to not only remove nasty blackheads but make my skin glow.

An evening in my robe with a face mask on and a steaming cup of tea is the epitome of a pampering party to me and I am beyond happy with these beautiful gifts. Thanks again! ❤

How do you do spa treatments at home? What is luxurious to you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun10

Happy Birthday To Me Haul: Brother & Fam Edition

Posted on June 10, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Happy Birthday To Me Haul: Brother & Fam Edition

Hello! Lil Red’s 26th birthday has came and went and it was as to be expected during a global pandemic, lol. Of course, family time was amazing and it was so much fun to celebrate both mine and my boyfriend’s birthday within such close vicinity to each other (His is June 1st and mine is the 7th).

I always believe that it’s nice to receive gifts, but it’s especially nice when I haven’t been “shopping shopping” in over three months! So, needless to say, I was very excited when this little haul arrived from my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew in the mail:

For my birthday, I was gifted with a new mocha and coffee bean body scrub, a Taco Bell gift card (ayyy), and an escape room game to play at home. The scrub by Tree Hut smells absolutely delicious and I am obsessed with their bath and body care products so it was such a perfect treat.

The gifts from my brother and his family also provided Johnny and I with a quarantine date night. Seeing if we can escape from a secret lab sounds like a fun and different way to spend the evening and when have I ever said no to Taco Bell?! I have always wanted to visit a real life escape room because I’m an avid fan of the computer games. Unfortunately, an actual excursion to an escape room won’t happen soon but an interactive at home version is a close second! ❤

Have you ever been to an escape room? What was your experience like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov14

Tokyo A Go Go Treats

Posted on November 14, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! This past weekend, my brother and sister in law came up for a visit from Atlanta, Georgia. My sister in law, Megan was recently in Tokyo, Japan for work and my brother, Peter, flew out to spend some time with her there. In my family, having a sibling that recently traveled means viewing lots of pictures, listening to stories, and PRESENTS! Take a looksee at what Peter and Megan gifted me with all the way from Tokyo and let’s discuss:

^^^ In case you can’t tell, the pictures above showcase a lovely little coin purse and folded fan a la Japan! 😉

I am so obsessed with my new coin purse it isn’t even funny. I have been using the same old change purse (A freebie from Victoria’s Secret.) for literal years, but would never buy a new one for myself.

I like my old one well enough.
It was free.
Is a new one really necessary?

So obviously, I was really excited to be gifted with a new one, because the chances of me purchasing or even thinking of looking for a new coin purse were slim to none. I love the bright colors, the slightly different front and back, and the separator in the bag. I keep little trinkets that make me smile in my coin purse, so now I can have one side for those and one side for my change without mixing the two up and handing a cashier a cute, heart shaped button. Great success!

And, of course, I love my new fan. I have wanted a folded fan like this for forever, because I am extra enough to keep one in my bag and whip it out when I’m in a stuffy location. Now that I finally have a fan to do this with, it definitely sucks that winter is coming in hot on the horizon – because that’s the only thing warm about Ohio right now. However, I am SUPER happy about this beautiful, traditional prezzie and I can’t wait for when the day comes that I can take it out of my bag and start fanning myself in public!

Even though presents are nice, they are certainly not necessary. This is why I am always so excited to be gifted with something, because I was thought of enough for the gifter to make the purchase. Peter and Megan were spot on with the treasures that they bought for me and it gave me all the warm fuzzies. Not to mention that it was a total blast hanging out with them this weekend! :*)

So there you have it, some Tokyo A Go Go Treats! Which locations are on your travel bucket list? How do you preserve memories while you’re traveling? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct19

Monday Update: Birthday Fun Edition

Posted on October 19, 2015 by lifewithlilred

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Heyyy everyone and happy Monday! So this weekend was kind of a big deal because of October 17th which is both my boyfriend’s and my brother’s birthday! I had the best time celebrating with my man this weekend and enjoyed some mother daughter time when she helped me prep Kyle’s birthday dinner. Sorry that I was away without warning, BTW, because I like to give you guys notice when I’m not going to have a Saturday post of some kind! But I’m back from being birthday MIA so let’s discuss:

My oldest brother, Peter, celebrated his 28th birthday but unfortunately he lives in Atlanta, Georgia so I didn’t get to ring in his new year with him. So this weekend it was all about the boyfriend who turned the big 2-7. Besides from some awesome gifts (if I do say so myself), I wanted to cook him a special dinner too so before I headed to Canton for the weekend my mom helped me with something that I deemed a “must”: a fresh loaf of French bread to go with a Fettuccine Alfredo dish.

My mom is an incredible bread baker and has been doing it for forever. I can remember watching her bake and knead her loaves of bread when I was younger but could never do it quite like her. That was about to change this weekend though because my mama dearest walked me through how to bake my own French bread and it turned out amazing! My mom was an awesome teacher and I liked how she explained the process to me rather than doing it for me so I felt like I was still the one making the bread. She taught me how to knead the dough and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy I found it because I remember it being so hard when I was younger! According to mi madre, I’m a natural and here’s how my French bread turned out:

While my bread baked I whipped up a quick chocolate lava cake as well and left shortly after everything was baked to perfection. I loaded up my car with gifts, an overnight bag, dinner ingredients, my cake, and my bread on a cooling rack and headed to Canton. The thing about bread is that it can’t go into a bag until it’s completely cool and my mom refused to let my first time bread creation go soggy so she insisted that I drive with the naked loaf on a cooling rack. I was SO terrified to drive quickly or break heavily for the fear of the baguette flying off the rack. Lucky for me, my bread baby sat just fine and we made it to Kyle’s in one piece!

I had the pleasure of meeting Kyle’s brother, sister-in-law, and their two children on Friday night and then we went home for gift opening and Dexter watching. Unfortunately on Saturday Kyle had to work for half of his birthday but during that time I was able to finish some homework, get an article edited, and spend some quality time with Kyle’s mom. Once the evening rolled around I started cooking a surprisingly easy Fettuccine Alfredo recipe that I found online. It turned out nice and creamy and my bread was delicious, if I do say so myself!

After dinner, we were going to see Crimson Peak but we were both so full and sleepy after our Italian meal that we ended up just lounging around for the night. But seeing the movie is on our agenda for when I see Kyle next! I had such a lovely weekend with my beau and it was such a joy to meet his brother and his family!

^^^ This one’s for you, Kyle!!! Happy birthday to both of my favorite boys!!!! ❤

I have a lot of exciting posts coming up in the near future including an article for a dear friend’s Trades Of Hope store and a piece for a wonderful musician fresh out of Kent, Ohio – John Patrick Halling. Keep your eyes peeled for those as well as all of the usuals throughout the week like #WCW and my American Horror Story reviews! Until then, how was everyone’s weekend? Did anyone else have some events worth celebrating? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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