Tag Archives: celebrate

Feb18

Middle Class Fancy Valentine’s Day

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Middle Class Fancy Valentine’s Day

Hello! Johnny and I live for a good Middle Class Fancy Date Night and that is exactly what we did for Part One of our Valentine’s Day celebration. After work on Friday, we got ready and headed over to Red Lobster for a V-Day dinner. It might seem like a strange choice because I don’t eat seafood. BUT, I freaking love their pasta and have been craving it something fierce. In fact, I have told Johnny I had been craving it for weeks which is how he decided upon our date night location. It was absolutely perfect and we even started a Lobsterita Revolution at the bar! Check it out:

Despite getting to Red Lobster around three thirty, the joint was already jumping. We were more than happy to wait the twenty minutes for a table, but we were famished. So, Johnny had the ingenious idea to eat at the bar which was fairly empty. As we decided on drinks, I planned on going for a classic Margarita. That was until we learned that Lobsteritas were a thing lol. The Lobsterita is basically a super sized Marg that comes with a festive lobster necklace. We were immediately sold and couldn’t stop laughing about the enormity of the glasses our drinks came in.

By the time our drinks were made, more people arrived at the bar and were nothing short of intrigued by what we were sipping on. And it was thus that the Lobsterita Revolution began. Guys, I kid you not: We literally had everyone seated around the bar drinking them. What made it even better was that people were actually wearing the necklaces too, just like us! A frenzy was created and it was hysterical to see what transpired simply from our drink order. Johnny and I essentially turned into the mayors of Red Lobster and we were chatting it up with everyone and toasting to an excellent Valentine’s Day. Truly, it doesn’t matter where Johnny and I are because we always end up having fun!

After the Great Lobsterita Revolution of 2025, our food arrived and not a moment too soon. We were ravenous! Johnny got his traditional fish and chips and was elated to see that Red Lobster had brought back The Daily Catch that nestled his meal. There is a story behind that so stay tuned! I ordered my go to garlic Alfredo pasta and it was so divine. I’m not sure if it was because I was really hungry but it was even better than I remembered it being! We finished our meal, said goodbye to all of our new friends at the bar, and headed home with full bellies and giggle fits. Our V-Day concluded with a viewing of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and the joy of one of the best dates EVER. Every date with Johnny is the best EVER. ❤

Our Part Two of Valentine’s Day will happen this weekend when we do dinner and a show. We are seeing our favorite musical, Hadestown, and cannot wait!

How did you spend your Valentine’s Day? What is your favorite chain restaurant? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb9

Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts

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Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts

Hello! Mine and Johnny’s typical MO for Valentine’s Day is seeing a show at Playhouse Square. However, we are incredibly partial to a low key celebration too! Yes, it’s nice to go on a date for V-Day but it’s also just as nice or even better to spend true quality time together from the comfort of your home or a cozy cafe. Whether you go all out for the occasion or keep things simple is your prerogative. As long as the intent to truly celebrate your relationship is there, it’s going to be a great time! Let’s explore some ways that you can make V-Day special on any budget:

Extra Cleaning:

A deep clean of the home or taking on a chore that your partner is in charge of is completely free and will be completely appreciated. How do I know? I would be ELATED if my V-Day gift from Johnny was that he would take care of the bunnies in the morning for a few weeks! A gift like this is twofold. Your home will be squeaky clean AND completing some extra chores will give your SO time for themselves. Maybe they will use it to get twenty more minutes of shut eye or read a few chapters of a good book. Don’t underplay the gift of taking some weight off of your partner’s shoulders!

Good Morning, Sunshine:

Breakfast in bed? Yes, please! Talk about a fantastic way to make someone feel spoiled. You could whip up a big breakfast or brunch from home. Or you could grab takeout from your favorite restaurant. If your partner is not big on breakfast, that’s okay. You can still work with the idea! Surprise them with their Starbucks order, go to energy drink, or in my case – a McDonald’s Diet Coke and present it with a pretty bouquet. This is a surefire way to start the day off right and keep your main squeeze smiling from such a sweet gesture.

Sentimental:

One of the most beautiful gifts you can give is by using your words. Tell your partner how much they mean to you with a love letter on their pillow. This is so sentimental and will always be treasured. It is also an especially effective gift if you have a hard time expressing yourself. In the same breath, you could go the photo album route too. Compile your favorite shots from date nights, vacations, and just hanging out and create an album. It will be a welcome trip down memory lane as you flip through it together and remember the hilarious, romantic, and adventurous moments that you shared.

Matchmaker:

Having matching items with your SO is a match made in heaven! Johnny and I have countless matching T-shirts and it just makes us happy lol. The possibilities for a gift like this are truly endless. Will it be his and hers bathrobes? Two of a kind coffee mugs? Matching jerseys to cheer on your favorite team? Are you going to custom make it or find something perfect at the store? This is an awesome opportunity to get creative so have fun with it! I know I will be because I’m getting myself and Johnny a matching T-shirt set from one of our comfort shows as a bonus gift. 😀

As you can see, there are countless ways to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember while adhering to your budget. Your partner will LOVE any of these gifts!

What would you like for V-Day? What is your least favorite chore? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan31

Valentine’s Day Gift Inspo

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Valentine’s Day Gift Inspo

Hello!! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so a gift guide is in order! I wouldn’t say that V-Day is a big deal to me because Johnny and I are constantly going on dates and surprising each other with random gifts. However, that’s not to say that it isn’t nice to celebrate the day together and we are going to see our favorite musical, Hadestown, for the occasion. I can’t wait!! Let’s explore some gifting inspiration to make your V-Day with your main squeeze even more special:

The Classics:

Listen, I say this Every. Year. for Valentine’s Day but it is always worth repeating: You literally cannot go wrong by gifting the classics to your SO. We’re talking chocolates, roses, a fancy bottle of booze, romantic dinner out, and items to pamper with like massage oils or the fixings for an ultra luxe bubble bath. People often view V-Day as a way to spoil your partner and there is a reason why all of these gifts are classic staples – they provide the perfect opportunity to spoil someone. Simple and perfectly sweet is never a bad idea!

For Fun:

Whenever Johnny and I are watching one of “our” shows and a character is wearing a novelty T-shirt that we like, we will look it up and purchase two so we can match. We have several matching T-shirt sets and no one knows what they’re from when we wear them, but we do! In fact, I am using this V-Day as an opportunity to get us a couple of funny shirts from the show Community. If you have a running joke or tradition with your SO, use it to your advantage! Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating your relationship so work with what is special to the both of you together. It could be a board game for your next evening in, crafting or renovation supplies if you are a DIY duo – whatever it is, your partner will immediately understand why you got it and that is a beautiful thing. ❤

Stepping Out:

Chances are that if your big date is seeing a performance, you already have tickets. If the move is a dinner out, then let this serve as a friendly reminder to make those reservations ASAP! A night on the town in lieu of a gift is a very popular way to go and for good reason – you can only have so much stuff. This is exactly why Johnny and I are seeing a musical! When you are out, try breaking free from your norms to enhance the celebratory atmosphere. Get that bottle of wine with dinner. Yes, please for dessert! Or grab a nightcap or snack after seeing a show so you can chat away about the experience. There are so many little things that can make the shift from a standard date night to a Valentine’s Day date night! Be spontaneous, be in the moment, and see where the evening will take you.

Staying In:

Sometimes, the most meaningful and romantic way to celebrate the big day is just staying in. Johnny and I have definitely done this before for V-Day. We watched our favorite movies, DoorDashed a feast, ate like kings, and had So. Much. FUN. How can you plan a special day from the comfort of your own home? Breakfast in bed is always a good place to start! Maybe you will get the supplies for a “paint night” in. How about baking and decorating delicious chocolate cake or cookies? You could spend the afternoon putting a puzzle together – anything goes! You can plan activities together or take turns on what you are going to do next. Then, get dressed up or stay dressed down for a candlelit meal that you prepared together or from your favorite eatery. *Chef’s kiss* Talk about a perfect day!

The most important thing of all on Valentine’s Day is that you are both having an amazing time together. Be sweet, be adventurous, and make it your best V-Day yet!

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? What was the best V-Day you ever had? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan29

BFF Christmas Gift

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BFF Christmas Gift

Hello!! Every holiday season, I look forward to celebrating with my besties, Lea and Kate. It has been a regular occurrence each year for longer than we all care to admit but the novelty of it will never wear off! Due to extenuating circumstances, my Christmas get together with Lea had to be postponed to this past weekend. I was missing her something FIERCE so it couldn’t have come a moment too soon! We had a divine meal, girl talked the evening away, and finally were able to exchange presents. Honestly, talk about saving one of the best for last because my A1 knocked it out of the park. Check it out:

When I opened my gift from Lea, I clutched my pearls. I have been the proud bunny mom to Melvin and Penelope for over two years now and I don’t think it’s humanly possible to be more obsessed with them than I already am lol. Mel and Pen have made my life so much better from the infinite amount of joy that I get simply by looking at them. Even on the worst days, it is absolutely impossible not to smile at the pure cuteness overload! In fact, as I type this, Melvin and Penelope are binkying all over the room and it is so distracting in the best way. ❤

While I have bunny home decor galore, I am lacking in any type of clothing that symbolizes my love. This does seem ridiculous as I think about it now because Johnny has a shirt that says Bunny Dad! You know what they say about hindsight lol. This hoodie is so perfect in every way. It is soft, comfortable, my favorite color, and just right for these frigid winter days. Coincidentally, it is actually the same brand that we use for Misny Merch hoodies and I could tell as soon as I tore the package open… I have literally been living in my Misny hoodie for the past month because it’s my favorite for all of the same reasons why I love my gift. Just don’t tell my boss that I like my Bunny Mama swag best! 😀 ❤

With that, my holiday hang outs are now complete and I am so happy to have been able to share that belated celebration with my best girl – the best gift of all!

Do you have any clothes related to your pets? What is your favorite hoodie to warm you up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan21

Date Night!!

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Date Night!!

Hello!! As per my New Year’s Resolution, I have been diligently penciling in at least one outing per weekend. Honestly, I can’t remember doing so much over the weekends as I have these past few weeks and it feels awesome to be having fun! This past Friday, Johnny and I went on a special Date Night to celebrate his new position at work. We are simply thrilled over this latest development so a night out was definitely in order. Johnny wanted to go to the arcade restaurant located in downtown Cuyahoga Falls called The Workz. That sounded great to me because their food is the bomb, so off we went:

By the time Date Night rolled around, Johnny and I were both famished and, thankfully, we were seated immediately. The Workz is a really popular spot, especially on Friday, so we had a Plan B should it have been too crowded. Happily that wasn’t the case because we both had been talking about their food all week lol. We had a delightful waitress who recently moved back to Ohio with her daughter, who also worked at the restaurant. In between waiting for drinks and dinner we had a lively chat about recommendations for hair and nail salons and it was so nice for two reasons. 1) I love sending people to my go to salons. And 2) It took our minds off of how hungry we were!

After sipping on drinks, a Margarita for me and some tropical cocktail or another for Johnny, our food was hot and ready. I’m pretty sure I heard the hallelujah chorus when our meals arrived at the table! Johnny got a smashburger with truffle fries on the side for us to share and I got their white cheddar mac n’ cheese which is DIVINE. We were both enamored by the little basket the fries came in and even more so by the taste. This was the first time we tried their truffle fries (My favorite!) and they were easily some of the best I’ve ever had.

We made quick work of our dinner and decided to stick around for a bit longer to play some games. By this time, The Workz was pretty jam packed so we opted to get forty credits on a game card and head home afterwards. This didn’t take long at all because the hatchet throwing game took eight credits per player so we could only play through it together twice. However, I could have stayed there playing all night because your girl was a natural!! Almost every single throw, I got a bullseye and there was nothing more satisfying than hearing that “thwack”!!

After retiring home for the evening, Johnny and I finished building our Malfoy Manor Lego set and it turned out amazing. I can’t wait to show all of you! Needless to say, it was a very successful Date Night!!

What did you do this weekend? Do you have any arcade eateries 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

Jan1

Happy New Year!!

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Happy New Year!!

Howdy everyone and happy 2025!! It is the first day of a brand new year here on lifewithlilred and it’s hard to believe that this is the eleventh New Year we have all celebrated together. My resolutions are prepped and I don’t know about you, but I am ready to take 2025 on by storm! I have to admit, this last month or so of 2024 sucked on ice and I am really trying to start this year on the right foot. The best way I know how? By being upbeat, positive, and knowing that there are plenty of good things to come in 2025. And, with all of you by my side, I know that to be even more true. ❤

I hope this New Year brings you so much happiness, cherished memories, and success. I cannot wait to see the fun we get into for lifewithlilred’s eleventh year on the blogosphere and I love you all!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Dec31

Holiday Haul

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Holiday Haul

Howdy!! Johnny’s family knows how to spoil a girl rotten for the holidays and I am always so thankful to have been thought of. Well, thought of or straight up had my mind read! This year’s Holiday Haul was a particularly excellent one because I received SO. Many. Gifts that I had every intention of purchasing for myself with Christmas gift cards and moolah. Like me, my in laws love to go Christmas crazy and it definitely shows. Check it out:

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Johnny’s family is REALLY good at giving gifts that are, without a doubt, going to be used. This just so happens to be my favorite kind of gift because chances are high that I would need to buy something similar anyways so I can use that money as a little treat for me or to save up. The set of cutting boards is a shining example of that. I have NO idea how my mother-in-law knew that I needed new cutting boards because I’ve never mentioned it to her or Johnny. I was elated when I opened the set because 1) Literally all of my cutting boards suck. 2) They are all too small. And 3) I was going to buy a new one for myself during post holiday shopping. Is being absolutely stoked by cutting boards what it means to be an adult?!

Another instance of my mother-in-law “just knowing” was my bag of bath and body care. There’s no way she could have known that I have been especially partial to bar soap recently and I was just about out of the one that I was using. I tried out the Peppermint Candy bar soap she got me today and it was divine! Not only that, but I was ALSO almost out of my Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer and she had that covered too. The candles were a very nice touch as well because I never buy them for myself. As I write this, I am burning the Sweet Orange & Agave and it is the perfect zesty and invigorating scent for an early morning computer sesh.

Finally, from Johnny’s aunt Elaine, I am also sporting the adorable cropped hoodie she got for me as I write this. It is so cute and comfy and I cannot wait to pair it with leggings and the boot socks that were included too. As a practical gift, she gave us a hand vacuum which is really good motivation for me and Johnny to clean out our cars… Eventually, anyways. It is the holidays after all! 🙂

I have already been making great use of the gifts from Johnny’s family as well as buying some extra goodies for myself with gift cards. Check out those hauls soon!!

What is your favorite gift you received this year? What is a practical gift that you love? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep15

10 Year Blogiversary!!!

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10 Year Blogiversary!!!

Hello everyone!!!! September thirteenth is always a fantastic, wonderful day because it marks lifewithlilred’s blogiversary. This year is an especially exciting one because my blog baby has turned ten! I started my page as a freshly turned twenty year old and I can and can’t believe that it is still going strong a decade later. Part of me is astounded by this milestone and the other part of me is not surprised. I fell in love with blogging immediately and knew that it was something I wanted to continue. Monetary gain was never what interested me – it was simply the joy of writing and creating a page that was uniquely me.

Writing on lifewithlilred has become second nature and my mornings are not complete without it. I found a home in the blogosphere and I never plan on moving out! I have gained so much through blogging. When I began my page, I literally had one friend. Through my blog, I met a best friend right from the jump as well as countless others who I look forward to hearing from. lifewithlilred has made me feel seen and heard and I would still feel that way even if no one reads it. Writing is so cathartic and satisfying to me and that is why I continue to post daily content in my little corner of the internet.

As I think back on a decade of blogging, I think about all that I have been through together with my readers. All of you witnessed changes that were happening in real time. From holidays and birthdays, graduating college, new jobs, and getting married, you got to see it all and that is so special. You have been with me through triumphs and struggles, major milestones, losses, and everything in between. I don’t take that for granted and it motivates me every day to keep on going. lifewithlilred is just as much for all of you as it is for me and I feel so proud of that!

Thank you all for your friendship, your views, and providing me with the determination to blog for an entire decade. Here’s to ten more years of lifewithlilred and here’s to you!

Happy Blogiversary To Me!!!!!!!!

Sep4

Lookout, Cookout

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Lookout, Cookout

Hello! Every summer Johnny’s job has a company picnic with food trucks and raffle prizes. He has worked there for five years and has never won squat until this year. There were plenty of great prizes to be had and, unfortunately, Johnny got the one thing we can’t use: A mini charcoal grill called the Smokey Joe lol. Any type of grill is grounds for eviction in Timber Top because it is such a huge fire hazard in our wooded community. So, the Smokey Joe found a new home at my in-laws’ house. When Johnny took his winnings home from the picnic, we had no idea when we were ever going to use it. Then, it pulled through in the clutch for a Labor Day cookout with Johnny’s mom and dad:

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Johnny had the brilliant idea of arranging our cookout get together and using the new grill to make my veggie burgers and hot dogs to avoid contamination. He is so thoughtful! After working a little shift on Monday morning, we headed over to chez parents to start the festivities and it was just the best time. Johnny’s mom manned their grill, Johnny’s dad handled the Dutch oven peach cobbler, and Johnny and I worked together on the Smokey Joe as it was my first grilling experience. By the time we were done at our respective stations, we had a delicious meal in store for us. The veggie burgers and hot dogs hit the spot but top marks definitely go to the peach cobbler. I have been asking Johnny’s dad to make it for forever and he deemed our cookout as the perfect occasion. It was as heavenly as I imaged it to be!

After we were beyond full, we retired inside because it was getting kind of chilly out. This was a nice change of pace from the ninety degree days we were having last week but it was still a shock to the system! As we warmed up, we chatted away and got all the doggo snuggles from the precious Odie. It was about all we could muster while being in a full blown food coma lol. Before we left, Johnny’s mom loaded us up with leftovers and an amazing surprise – some gorgeous vintage lamps that belonged to Johnny’s grandma. I can’t wait to show all of you. 😀

This was the first time Johnny and I have actively made Labor Day plans and our cookout was the most wonderful way to spend it. Even though we can’t use the Smokey Joe at our apartment, it proved to be an awesome prize after all!

What do you like to bring to a cookout? How did you spend Labor Day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug26

Happy Birthday, Bestie!!

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Happy Birthday, Bestie!!

Hello everyone!! It is a fantastic, wonderful day indeed because it is my bestie’s birthday!!! Lea and I have been best friends since freshman year of high school all the way back in 2008. For over sixteen years, we have been each other’s ride or dies. We have been through thick and thin, never have been in a fight, and got to experience so many of life’s milestones together. I truly believe we are best friend soulmates and it is a beautiful thing. This little lady brings me and everyone she meets so much joy with her bright smile, vibrant personality, and the most contagious laugh. She is one of a kind and everyone deserves to have a best friend like her in their corner.

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I have so many memories with Lea that I have lost count and they all happen to be my absolute favorite. From birthday road trips, slumber parties, craft nights, or dinner out at our go to Mexican restaurant, every moment I have with her is precious. We love to reminisce about our crazy high school selves, have laugh attacks about spending evenings swiping away on Tinder when it first came out, and forever dissing ex boyfriends. Once we start talking, it’s honestly impossible to stop. Because of busy schedules, we don’t get to see each other as often as we like and our hang outs turn into hours long streams of consciousness about everything that happened since our last visit. How our ears perk up when one or the other says “the craziest thing happened”!

Whenever I think about my best girl, the first thing that pops into my head is how proud I am of her. She has overcame her own share of struggles and comes out on top each and every single time. She is brilliant at her job and is always motivated to keep improving in all aspects of her life. This inspires me to no end and whenever I need an extra boost in my day, I employ the “what would Lea do” method. The answer is, she would tell me to smile, take a breath, and tackle whatever comes up like the rock stars we both are. Even when we aren’t together, she always gives the best advice. ❤

Happy birthday to you, my darling best friend. This is our sixteenth birthday together and I can’t wait for sixteen more. I love you!!!!!