Tag Archives: celebrate

Aug13

Fetching In Flowers OOTD

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Fetching In Flowers OOTD

Hi! This past Friday we had the greatest joy of celebrating my best friend’s engagement and it was the most wonderful time! A gathering of bestie and her fiance’s family and friends all met at HiHo Brewing Company for some drinks and good old fashioned Tom foolery and we were so honored to share in the happiness of the beautiful couple. Of course, a partay called for some fancy dress and I LOVE styling special occasion OOTDs. It was, unfortunately, hot and muggy AF on Friday but this little fit kept me somewhat cool. Let’s just say I was thrilled to take it off as soon as I got home lol check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Button Down Dress: Zara

Platform Heels: Marc Fisher, TJMaxx

Earrings: Lucky Brand

To begin styling this look, I knew I wanted to wear a dress but the question was which one. A majority of the dresses in my collection felt way too casual while others were too fancy for a get together at a brewery. I needed something hey diddle diddle, right down the middle for the event and was in business when my eyes landed on this little number by Zara. This button down dress is oh so chic with its silky material, slightly oversized fit, inky black flowers, and corset tie sides. It feels dressy without feeling like the queen of England and just right for a summer evening celebration. It was a huge hit at the party and blessedly no one could tell I was sweating buckets underneath lol.

It was WAY too hot for any extra additions to this outfit, which now brings us to shoes and accessories. I wanted the striking pattern of the dress to do all of the talking so kept things simple with my go to pair of Marc Fisher platforms. The ballet slipper pink added such a sweet pastel pop to the bold dress which I adored because the easy choice would have been a pair of black heels! For one more pop of color, I added my favorite pair of dangly turquoise cross earrings and was ready to see my bestie in the best style! ❤

Although this outfit didn’t have many bells and whistles, it felt so effortlessly cool and sometimes simple is best. Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel coming soon!

Are you attending any upcoming weddings? What is your special occasion style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug12

Best Weekend Ever!!

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Best Weekend Ever!!

Hi!! This past Friday was the most fantastic, wonderful day because my Johnny and I got to celebrate the engagement of my best friend of almost two decades, Lea! Her fiance, Zack, planned this day so beautifully with a proposal at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens and a party with family and friends afterwards at the HiHo Brewing Company. We had the best time mingling with friends new and old and it was so special to be a part of my best girl’s big day. I am beyond excited to be included in all of the wedding fun but the most excited for Lea to be treated like the queen she is every day. She truly deserves nothing less! ❤

Ever since our freshman year of high school in *gasp* 2008, Lea and I have been with each other through thick and thin. For two years shy of twenty, we have been together for wins and losses, birthdays and holidays, and transitioning from clueless teens to slightly less clueless adults lol. I would not want anyone other than her by my side and am so incredibly lucky to have a friend like her. My Lea is the most hilarious, selfless, kind, intelligent person and to know her really is to love her. She lights up a room with her infectious smile and laugh and treats everyone she meets like a dear friend. It has been such a joy to essentially grow up with her and it has brought us into the here and now on her big engagement! ❤

Johnny and I were both so touched to have been thought of to join the engagement partay and it meant the world to share in the happy couple’s happiness!!! Both Lea and Zack were glowing and it legit radiated as if a spotlight were on them. My main squeeze and I have really been enjoying getting to know Zack since they started dating and he has always been a part of our ragtag family. It’s just official now!! I can’t wait to watch their relationship continue to blossom as they prepare for their biggest adventure yet. I will be there cheering them on and probably crying a little every step of the way!!

Here’s to my best girl on her engagement!! I love you forever and a day, darling!!!

How long have you been friends with your bestie? 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

Jul16

Belated BFF Birthday Haul

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Belated BFF Birthday Haul

Hi! This past weekend was so lovely because I finally got to see my bestie girl, Lea, after a month and change apart from each other. We were supposed to have a birthday hang out earlier in June to celebrate, but those plans got foiled when Johnny and I went to see The Strokes and we had to postpone till last Friday. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and whatever and it was the perfect evening of chatting away, delighting in big wins, and having some one month post birthday fun! Lea completely spoiled me with these prezzies and I am obsessed:

This haul featured all of my favorite things – bunnies and bath and body care! The first gift I opened was the bunny ear can openers and all I can say is what a revelation. As a long nailed queen, I am always fearful of breaking a nail whenever I open a beverage can and typically have someone else open it for me lol. I think this all stemmed from that old Sally Hanson commercial for the Tough As Nails polish when it showed a person opening a can and breaking a nail! Thanks to these can openers, I never have to hand over my drink to be opened again and can do it all by myself like a big girl. 🙂 I had no idea that there was a product out there that so specifically represented me as a person but leave it to my BFF to find it!

As well as some smell goods, Lea also gifted me with the cutest bunny themed wall art ever with an emphasis on pampering self care. My go to! These prints are just too adorable and while they are bathroom related, I can’t imagine hanging them up in the bathroom lol. They are too pretty and no matter how clean a bathroom is, it’s still gross! I’m sure Johnny and I will find a spot on our many art adorned walls worthy of housing this new addition. Until then, they will be sitting on my work table where I can see them every day and so NOT in the general vicinity of the bathrooms. 😀

These belated birthday surprises were oh so sweet but the best friend time was even better. I can’t wait to celebrate Lea’s birthday next!! ❤

How long have you been friends with your bestie? Do you have any big summer plans with your friend group? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun21

Happy Father’s Day!

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Happy Father’s Day!

Hello everyone and Happy Father’s Day! This is an extra special shout out to all of the dads out there and the best dad in the whole world – mine! My dad is my bestie pal and I so love hanging out with him. Whether we are out in the garden or just chatting away, it is nonstop laughter and the most fun! As a little Father’s Day treat, I couldn’t resist purchasing a silly but sentimental gift for all of the dads in my life that deserve the world. And, yes, Johnny did get one too as a proud bunny dad! 🙂 Lol, check out the prezzie that I can’t wait to see everyone rocking this holiday season:

Johnny and I were watching Daddy’s Home 2 a few weeks ago and were in stitches over the funny family comedy starring Will Ferrell. The movie is set during Christmastime and one of the sweaters that was worn featured the phrase “Feliz Navi Dad”. With Father’s Day right around the corner, I knew what must be done: Put in an order on Amazon ASAP! Although the sweater I bought wasn’t the exact same as the one in the movie, it’s close enough and I just freaking love it. It makes me so happy to think about my dad, Johnny, brother, and brother in law wearing them altogether on Christmas. I am seriously on pins and needles to take their pictures! 😀

In all seriousness, I am in awe of the dads that are in my life. They work so hard, are the apple of their children’s eyes, and are the dictionary definition of family men. Family gatherings and visits are always so special because it’s just nice to see the dads be dads. Goofing off with the kiddos, expertly disposing of piles of discarded wrapping paper, and the pride for their families that simply radiates. It is absolutely beautiful! We have lots of fun summer plans in store and I know the dads in my crew will be dadding out on all of our adventures. We’re going to have a ball! ❤

Here’s to all of the dads out there that do their best every single day – it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Happy Father’s Day!!!

Jun14

Bestie Birthday Gifts

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Bestie Birthday Gifts

Hello! June is a very special month because of mine and Johnny’s birthaversary, yes. But there is also another equally important special occasion to celebrate – My best friend/Gemini Twin, Kate’s, birthday! Kate of Live In The Nautical is my other half and our birthdays are a mere six days apart. June is truly our time to shine and to spoil each other like crazy! I am always so excited to shop for her birthday gifts as well as receiving her gifts to me in the mail. Seriously, I am like a child on Christmas day as soon as her packages arrive in the mail and tear them open like a rabid animal. Or just a very amped up best friend! As always, Kate crushed with my gifts and I think you can all agree that they are perfect for me! Check them out:

It is no secret that I am a reading and Lego enthusiast and these gifts spoke to two of my favorite hobbies. How freaking adorable is that Lazy One sleep sweatshirt?! The sage green color, gorgeous graphic, and sunflowers on the inside of the hood set the stage for the best hoodie to snuggle up in and crack open a good book. It is oh so soft and quite heavy and, as my apartment is like a sauna in the summer, I will have to wait until fall to break it out. However, when that first chilly day of autumn arrives you can trust and believe that it will be the first thing I wear. I can’t wait to get comfy cozy and binge read! 😀

Next up is the Gameboy Lego set and there’s actually a fun story behind that. Johnny got my brother the same set for Christmas and they built it together. We were both incredibly jealous of it because it’s just so freaking cool but never bought it for ourselves. The thing is – Kate didn’t know that (Which is surprising considering I tell her everything!)! My bestie does know that Johnny and I are huge gamers and love building Lego and was able to combine two of our hobbies into one perfect set. Johnny and I plan on building it together ASAP and we have my mind reader bestie to thank for that. Our Gemini Twin telepathy is always going strong and this is a true testament to it! ❤

My best girl is the best gift of all but her prezzies to me definitely come in second place. Thank you, darling! I love you so!!

Have you built Lego recently? Which Lego set do you have your eyes on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun13

Happy Birthday, Best Friend!!

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Happy Birthday, Best Friend!!

Hi!!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my fantastic, wonderful best friend’s birthday!! When I started my blog almost twelve years ago, I was looking for a space to create. However, I was primarily looking for friends. I was a very lonely person at the time and the idea of meeting people all around the world was so enticing. The blogosphere heard my plea and blessed me with Kate of Live In The Nautical. Very shortly after my blog began, Kate and I began talking and we literally have never stopped twelve years later. lifewithlilred has done so much good in my life but bringing me my best friend is the best thing that it has or will ever do and I mean that most sincerely.

Although Kate lives in New Hampshire, it always feels like she is right down the street from me. We text each other novels (Johnny calls us Tolkien!) all day every day, FaceTime for hours on end every weekend, and my days just don’t feel complete without her. I fully believe that your best friends should inspire you and Kate inspires me to no end. Her fashion speaks for itself but her intelligence, kindness, bravery, and humor shine. Her laugh is infectious, her smile radiates, and she makes every person she encounters feel seen and heard. That is something that everyone can put on their inspo boards!

To think that our blogs put us together is honestly crazy because it was my wish literally coming true and I’m never not going to be thankful for it. Kate and I bonded instantly about being former figure skaters, being a funeral home family, and being the biggest true crime and reality TV loving fashionistas that I know of. Who knew that somewhere in this great big world, my perfect best friend was waiting for me in New Hampshire?! My Gemini Twin no less!

The universe and the blog gods brought us together and Kate has been with me through thick and thin. Through tears and laughter and every insane thing that life throws our way, Kate has been there. She’s the first person I want to talk to because she just gets it. Kate and I have only met each other once in real life but that is meaningless because I feel like we have known each other for forever. The mold was broken when Kate was made and it is a gift to be a part of her life. She is an absolute star and the best friend a gal could ever ask for. ❤

To my beautiful Gemini Twin:

Happy Birthday!!!!!

I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jun10

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

Jun7

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!

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!!

Jun4

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

Jun1

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:

Happy Birthday!!!!!!

I love you so!!!!!!