Tag Archives: celebrate

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

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

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!!

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

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!

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

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!!!!!

Fun Gift Ideas For Friends & Family

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Fun Gift Ideas For Friends & Family

Gifts are never far from our minds. If you don’t think of them naturally, then no worries, society will take care of it for you — from birthdays and Christmas to Mother’s and Father’s Day, you never have to wait too long until you’re giving a gift. Sometimes, we’re happy to give whatever nice product we see in a store. However, for some occasions, you’ll want to go above and beyond to give a gift that stands out from the crowd. If you have one of those gift-giving scenarios coming up, then take a look at the gift ideas outlined below. We’re sure they’ll love it — and you’ll be pretty happy with yourself for having given it, too:

Those perfect days live long in the memory. Sometimes, they just happen out of nowhere. At other times, you have to make them happen. If you’re looking to treat your loved one to an extra special gift, then consider planning and executing the perfect day. This might involve breakfast in bed, a jaunt in the great outdoors, and a show in the evening before taking a lovely walk under a starry sky. Whatever it is, they’ll remember it forever.

If you’re a whizz in the kitchen, then why not give a friend or family member one of your creations? This works especially well with products such as hot sauce or quality jams, which people always love to have in their homes. You can make the gift look and feel more special by printing labels that contain your own unique branding or a special message to your loved one. Plus, if it’s a big hit, then you might even consider making more products and selling them at food markets.

Does your friend or family member love quality food? Then they’ll probably appreciate dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. In fact, there’s no ‘probably’ about it — they will! This is extra special because it normally requires a fair bit of work. Depending on which restaurant you’re sending them to, there might be a long wait for a reservation. Forward-planning is essential! This option will probably cost more than the other ideas on this list, but it’ll be money well spent. After all, who doesn’t love eating some of the world’s best meals?

Who says that you need to give all of your gifts in a single sitting? By putting together a coupon book, you can ensure that your friend or family member has something to draw upon whenever they like. You can get as creative as you wish with these books. Anything from ‘free massage’ to ‘I’ll take the trash out for a week’ will be welcome. Put together a bunch of coupons and be sure to let the recipient know that they can cash in their request whenever they feel like it — though you might add a caveat that they’re not allowed to do so during your own birthday. After all, you matter too!

Make special occasions even better with thoughtful gifts to spoil your loved ones with!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Slumber Partay

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Slumber Partay

Hi!! My two little nieces are my best girls in the whole wide world. Johnny and I just love being the fun TT and uncle and try our best to see them whenever we can, including this past Monday. My niece, Val Gal, decided her birthday gift to me was going to be a slumber party and it was so sweet lol. She knows that it is both of our favorites so it was a great gift! We were going to hit the pool up, but it was storming off and on all day. That was no matter, because we still had a fabulous time just staying in. 🙂

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Even though our swimming plans fell through, this was quite possibly the best time ever and it was right off the jump. As soon as my sister, Val, and little Raya walked through the door I was given fantastic news. Raya was saying “TT” the entire car ride over. She also gave me the biggest smile and said “Hi, TT” and my heart completely melted. It brought me back to when Val said that for the first time and put me in ALL of the feels. Apparently, it did with Val too. We spent a good part of the evening looking at baby pictures of her and little sis and Val wanted to hear the story behind each picture. I was more than happy to talk about all of those happy memories and it was so joyous to reminisce on that together.

Of course, our slumber party wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t stick to tradition. After going through literally ninety percent of the pictures on my phone, it was time for a Disney movie and ice cream sundaes – a sleepover standard. Val wanted to watch Wish, which I had never seen and it was absolutely phenomenal. The visuals and music were amazing and I plan on watching it again so I can pay closer attention to it. Once the movie screening was over, we read lots of books including one that Val picked out for me at the library earlier that day: Barbie’s Book Of Bunnies. It was SO thoughtful and I think Melvin and Penelope liked the story too! By this time, it was time to wrap the festivities up with a little bit of the movie Bolt and bedtime. I think we both fell asleep in under five minutes flat!

My birthday celebrations are officially over, and this was the perfect way to bring it to a close. I can’t wait for more summertime fun with my best girls!! ❤

Do you have any nieces and nephews? What is the best part about being an aunt or uncle? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

BFF Birthday Gift

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BFF Birthday Gift

Howdy!! I had a fantastic weekend and it was great from start to finish because my BFF, Lea, came over on Friday for my birthday hang out. We spent the evening catching up and girl talking away and it was just what the doctor ordered. Lea and I both have insanely busy schedules so we don’t get to get together as often as we would like and I missed her terribly! As with the best of best friends, however, her and I pick up as if we just saw each other the day before. That’s what sixteen plus years of BFFhood gets you and it’s a beautiful thing! As are these lovely prezzies that I was surprised with:

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For my dirty thirtieth birthday, Lea gifted me with a darling cartoon rendering of us on my wedding day and a simply fabulous middle finger candle lol. When Johnny and I got married, we had a very small ceremony and Lea was the only person I invited outside of my immediate family. I considered both her and my big sister to be my co maids of honor. My big day was even better because Lea was a part of it and she selected one of our favorite pictures together as the inspiration for my gift. I clocked this immediately and it gave me ALL of the feels. So much so that I almost shed a tear. It is the most perfect gift and Johnny surprised me the following day by hanging it up while I was out running errands. I smile every time I look at it. ❤

And, of course, both of my besties know that spooky gifts are the way to my heart and I cannot get over my middle finger candle. In fact, this prezzie was spot on because I have recently become obsessed with candles compliments of my other bestie’s birthday gifts to me. Lea is most fond of shopping at craft shows so I have a feeling she bought this a while ago and was saving it for my b-day. She is so thoughtful like that and is just like me – I am the queen of shopping early for gift giving occasions! I haven’t had the chance to burn this candle yet, but I am really looking forward to it. It’s going to look cool AF! 😀

I had the best time having a low key birthday get together with my bestie and I can’t wait to celebrate her big day later this summer. I am the luckiest gal in the world to have a BFF like Lea and that is always the greatest gift I could ever ask for!

How long have you been friends with your best friend? What kind of gifts do you like to give? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah