Tag Archives: enjoy

Dec5

Super Fun Cold Weather Activities

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Super Fun Cold Weather Activities

Hi everyone! Despite the chilly temperatures outside, I always enjoy outdoor winter activities… and then warming up inside with hot chocolate! Depending on your area, there could be a ton of exciting options for you and, lucky for me, there are a lot to pick from in my neck of the woods. Some of my favorites include:

Winter Lights At The Zoo:

On Thanksgiving weekend, my parents, boyfriend, sister, niece, and I went to the Akron Zoo during the after hours to check out their amazing holiday lights display. The whole property was lit up with gorgeous color. Some of the lights blinked, others flashed, and the bigger ones were timed to light up to the beat of Christmas carols.

Of course, it’s always fun to see the animals at the zoo but the light displays were just spectacular. I loved all of the lights shaped like different animals, especially the elephant whose trunk moved! Definitely check out if any of the zoos in your area do any special winter displays because it’s a wonderful option for all ages.

Outdoor Skating Rinks:

During the winter, I try to hit up an outdoor rink at least once. As a skater girl, it is such a good time to hit the great outdoors and show off a bit for the general public! 😀 I love the rink at Lock 3 that we have in downtown Akron, which now includes bumper tubes and ice bikes, if skating isn’t your thing.

A lot of the outdoor rinks will feature other fun activities like sledding, Christmas crafts, and holiday markets. And, did I mention the always delicious hot chocolate stands? Skating at an outdoor rink makes for a great date or hang out with your friends but try and go during a less popular time (morning or early afternoon), if you aren’t the most confident skater.

Toboggan/Sled Rides:

There is a toboggan chute in my area that I have been dying to try out and I would love to give it a go this year. It can reach speeds of up to 50 MPH, which is awesome if you are a thrill seeker, like myself. If this sounds a bit too intense for you, sled riding is another fun option and is a good one to take your children or nieces and nephews to. I am definitely hoping we can take my little niece, Valerie, down a baby hill or two this year!

Hikes Are Nice:

I always enjoy taking at least one hike during the winter time at one of the many amazing Metro Parks in my area. I think that it is so much fun to bundle up, pull on my boots, and trudge around in the snow. Not only is it an excellent work out, but I especially love to see all of the gorgeous snow coating the trees and feeling myself warm up just a little bit more with every step.

Playing In The Snow:

Playing in the snow is not just for children anymore, especially because boozy hot chocolate is definitely a thing! Gather up your friends during a fresh snowfall and relive your childhood with snowmen, snowball fights, and snow angels. Finish out your snow session with a bonfire to warm you up!

When there’s so many fun options for outdoor winter activities, you can create a memorable and inexpensive afternoon with your favorite people. Keep the spirit of the day going with Christmas movies and warm drinks after!

What is your favorite winter activity? What is your favorite way to warm up after a cold day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov28

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello everyone and a very Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. Actually… any holiday that revolves around eating is my favorite holiday. But, seriously. There is nothing better than spending the morning helping my mom cook Thanksgiving dinner, chilling in the afternoon, and then sitting down to a beautiful meal with my loved ones.

The food is the bomb, the cozy atmosphere of my home is perfect, and the time spent with my family is second to none. And, I sincerely hope that the same goes for all of you. I always try to remember what I’m thankful for on the daily and all of my sweet readers in one hundred and eighty-eight different countries are on my list every time – especially today!

Thank you to everyone who has supported lifewithlilred throughout the years and, no matter how you spend today, I hope that it is an amazing one. Much love. -Sarah

Nov21

Cycling Safety Tips Women Should Always Remember

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Cycling Safety Tips Women Should Always Remember

Cycling is an exhilarating activity that many people enjoy. Sadly, it does not seem to be a sport with a lot of women involved. In fact, only 29 percent of cyclists in San Francisco are women. Meanwhile in Barcelona, there’s only a single female cyclist for every three male cyclists.

Women deal with many struggles when cycling, which include violence, discrimination, and harassment. Just as much as people need to be educated against such behaviors, women also need to learn how to protect themselves when cycling – whether it is from rude drivers or from potential road accidents. Enjoy cycling by staying safe. Here are eight safety tips that women can apply when they hit the road:

Gear up:

Cycling requires you to be on the road, which means that you will be exposed to hazards every driver faces. Make sure to wear appropriate attire. Don’t let anything hang loose, as it could get snagged along the way. Wearing a helmet is also an extra protection that will save your life. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, especially on easily exposed areas like the back of your neck. And upgrade your bike to improve its condition and to ensure your safety.

Be seen:

The more you dress like a peacock, the more you will stand out and get seen on the road. Always wear high-visibility gear when cycling. Choose ones that are not only reflective but also breathable. Bringing along a backpack will cover the majority of your back and block your high-vis outfit. You can opt to invest in a reflective backpack to make you visible from the back.

Keeping the lights on will also help you see the road at night and make you visible at the same time. Bring backup LED lights just in case the main lights go off.

Stay alert:

Always keep your eyes on the road and have a presence of mind when you go cycling. Look out for other drivers, motorists, and fellow cyclists. Even pedestrians walking their cute pets can distract you in one second. And anything can happen in that single second.

Be aware of others:

Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable on the roads. Because of this, you need to be extra cautious of others. Yes, do everything in your power to be safe; from wearing a high-vis outfit to following road rules, but be aware of those around you too. If you do end up being injured, you should seek expert assistance. You can read this personal injury guide for more information.

Follow road rules:

If you haven’t biked or driven lately, you may need to get a refresher course on the road rules, especially ones that are applicable to cycling. Most importantly, know the bike safety rules. This will help you prevent the most common cyclist accidents. Being over familiar with safety rules and preventative tips is one of the best ways to protect yourself. However, if an accident does occur specialized accident lawyers are at hand to help defend your case, and bicycle accident reconstruction litigation even exists wherein experts can forensically examine your bicycle to help conclusively determine what happened in the accident.

Be confident:

Cyclists have as much right on the road as motorists. Be confident in your decisions and abilities. To keep safe on the road, let road users know your intention clearly early on. This will help keep traffic flowing. Avoid road accidents by steering clear from vehicle blind spots. Staying close to the side or behind a moving car will not end well for you in case an accident occurs.

Prevent doorings:

Always be on the lookout for possible doorings. You will never know when accidents will occur, so you should take steps to minimize this occurrence. Watch out for parked cars and look ahead at their mirrors for any vehicle occupants. Avoid riding inside the door zone as doors could spring open unexpectedly.

Be safe by bringing along some first-aid supplies, such as an elastic sports tape that will help relieve inflamed muscles. These should come in handy if you ever encounter a dooring or any other accident.

Ride smart:

Whether you are cycling in your local area or cycling across America, your safety is paramount. Before setting off it’s a good idea to study the area you are riding in so there are no sudden surprises. Plan when to ride ahead of time. Early mornings or evenings will let you ride in less traffic and keep you a lot safer. Avoid peak times, especially if you ride anywhere near shopping centers or school zones. If you find yourself riding in such settings, though, be extra careful. Watch out for pedestrians and drivers and always be prepared for anything.

Stay secure:

Keeping yourself safe also means keeping your trusty steed secure. Don’t forget to include a bike lock when you prepare for a ride. This is especially useful when you’re taking a quick stop and have to leave the bike in an unfamiliar area.

Both women and men have the right to participate in cycling. Just like any sport, there are many hazards that surround it. But these shouldn’t stop people from doing the activities they love. Simply follow the rules of the road, apply the right safety tips, and you should enjoy cycling to the fullest.

Featured Image By: Shutterstock

Nov12

November 2019 Funky Time Jams

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November 2019 Funky Time Jams

Howdy! We are moving right along in November and the holiday season will be officially upon us in the blink of an eye! The weather is cooling down, the Christmas shopping has begun, and some of you might already be thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions. November is undoubtedly a busy month full of the hustle and bustle of family gatherings and plenty of cooking. It can also be a bit of a stressful time if that really isn’t your thing, so allow these fiery, fiery jams to keep you sane in the midst of it all!

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos!

So, I don’t know if any of you have seen this hilarious video of Bill Hader dancing but it has become quite the thing on social media and people have began playing a wide variety of music over the video. From Smash Mouth and Michael Jackson to Lil Nas X and Britney Spears, the joy of the video is that his dancing literally goes with any song. This includes “Don’t Trust Me” by 3OH!3 and ever since bearing witness to it, I have been on the biggest kick of their music a la freshman year of high school 2008. It amazes me that I still know all of the lyrics to their songs and it definitely makes my crazy amount of driving for work much more tolerable!

Also, do be sure to check out the video at the top for “Stoned & Lonely” by my boyfriend’s band The Outside Voices. Shooting this music video was an absolute HOOT so see if you can spot your favorite Lil Red hanging out and give their page some love. ❤

What is your favorite viral video? Are you looking forward to the upcoming holiday season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov11

Holiday Shopping: Sequence Edition

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Holiday Shopping: Sequence Edition

Hello!! One thing that I really like to gift to people during the holidays is board games. I love me a good board game, myself, and I love that it promotes family fun and spending time together without being glued to your phone. This past year, I have grown particularly fond of a board game called Sequence. I played it with a client’s family and I have been hooked ever since. I have already given it as a gift to my big bro for his birthday and I definitely plan on passing it along to my loved ones this holiday season. Check it out:

seqq

Image From The Spruce

Sequence is a game of strategy and a little bit of luck thrown in for good measure. The basic gist is that each player or team takes turns placing a chip on the board that coincides with a card in their hand. The goal is to get five of your chips in a row, like Bingo. But, if you have a one eyed Jack, you can replace an opponent’s chip with one of yours and a two eyed Jack is a wild card. As I’m sure you’ve guessed already, the player or team with the most sequences wins.

I enjoy playing this game so much and it’s just as fun playing it with one other person as it is on teams. It’s a simple game to learn, which will make it the perfect choice for when you’re having a get together or just killing some time during a rainy afternoon. You can’t beat the thirteen dollar price tag on Amazon and it will make a great stocking stuffer or a gift under the tree for someone on your shopping list!

What is your favorite board game? Have you ever played Sequence before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct15

Lil Red’s Book Club: The Turn Of The Key Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: The Turn Of The Key Edition

Hello! In today’s edition of Lil Red’s Book Club, we are going to be discussing another one of Ruth Ware’s novels called The Turn Of The Key. If Ruth Ware’s name sounds familiar to you, that’s because it probably is! I have spent this past summer reading all of her novels and she has been featured in many a Lil Red’s Book Club posts these past few months.

While recovering from the car accident, I was able to dedicate my time to reading The Turn Of The Key in a matter of days and I enjoyed it very much. So, without giving any spoilers away, let’s discuss:

key

The Turn Of The Key revolves around Rowan, the new live in nanny for an extremely wealthy husband and wife architect duo and their four daughters. They live in a remote location in the hills of Scotland in an old house with an eerie combination of extremely modern technology and the original layout of the home from decades ago. The technology is so advanced, in fact, that everything can be controlled by an app called “Happy”. The shower settings, lights, curtains, doorbell, coffee machine, and oh yeah – the video monitoring in the bedrooms.

Rowan gets thrown right into her new position, as Sandra and Bill, the parents travel a lot for work and is almost immediately left alone with the girls Maddie, Ellie, Petra, and Rhiannon. The seemingly “perfect” position with the plush pay and fancy accommodations is anything but, though. Especially considering all four of the previous nannies were driven out by forces that can only be described as supernatural.

These powers that be get to work as soon as Rowan starts her new gig. From creaking in the attic to a freezing cold bedroom and the Happy app working on its own, all of the frustrations of caring for the difficult children and a lack of sleep begin to catch up with her and everyone is a suspect. The maid, handyman, children, – heck, even the parents could have a role in what’s going on because Rowan firmly doesn’t believe in ghosts.

Is what’s going on a prank, the old house just being an old house, or something far more sinister? And is everyone in the home really who they say they are? Read The Turn Of The Key to find out if Rowan can uncover the mystery before someone gets seriously hurt.

The Turn Of The Key has easily become one of my favorite Ruth Ware novels. Wrote in the form of a series of letters, this page turner keeps you guessing until the very last sentence of what really happened in the house during Rowan’s stint as the nanny. So many bombshells were dropped and twists and turns happened that I simply didn’t see coming and, normally, I’m really good at that!

I can’t give too much away in the synopsis of the book without spoiling the surprises but, if you’re in need of a good story to crack into, then definitely give The Turn Of The Key a try. Especially since I’m rating it with an: eight out of ten stars. For a unique story line, interesting characters, and being absolutely un-put-down-able. Bravo!

What book are you reading right now? Have you read any of Ruth Ware’s other novels? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep16

September 2019 Funky Time Jams

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September 2019 Funky Time Jams

Hello everyone! September is always a happy month for me because I know that fall is just around the corner and that means my favorite season will commence. It is also when my family normally takes our annual vacation, which all of you will be reading the highlights of very soon! So, this month’s funky time jams is all about my go to road trip music because my dad refuses to fly anywhere, lol. Take a listen:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos!

When it comes to road trip music for me, it is all about the songs that I can sing along to. These are the ones that entertain me the most and help the time seem to go faster during grueling double digit hours of driving. I have been on a HUGE girl power kick lately with a lot of Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Madonna, Lizzo, and, of course, none other than Britney Spears. Nothing makes a drive more fun than dancing along to your favorite girl power anthems that make you feel like a strong, independent woman who don’t need NO man!

Road trips also give me time to revisit old favorites, which usually includes listening to every album by The White Stripes ever as well as U2, Modest Mouse, Wolf Parade, Arcade Fire, and Los Campesinos. It’s so easy to get lost in a marathon of some of your tried and true go to’s and, before you know it, another hour has passed by. 😀

What is your favorite road trip music? What is your preferred method of travel? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep14

Autumn Must Haves & Favorites

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Autumn Must Haves & Favorites

Hello everyone and welcome to a fall guest post brought to you by my friend, Becki, at Bekkibee22! Becki runs a wonderful page that features her journeys through health, makeup, and this thing called life. It is insightful, inspiring, and definitely worth checking out so do be sure to give it some love! Now, check out Becki’s post all about her favorite fashion and beauty must haves for fall special for lifewithlilred:

Autumn Must Haves & Favorites

This is a special blog, as a fellow blogger called lifewithlilred was looking for guest bloggers for fall. I jumped at the chance as her blogs are amazing and I have been following her for a while now. So, I got in contact with Sarah and we discussed what would be a great blog to do and this is the outcome.

As summer is over and we are now entering autumn, I wanted to share with you my must haves and my favorite things about autumn for me, and I hope down below you will share your must haves and your favorite things in this incredible season we are entering.

Lets start with my must haves for the season, this is exciting because it meant going shopping for autumn, which I loved, as did my partner.

Boots: I recently brought a new pair of ankle boots from Kurt Geiger, which I fell in love with. I believe you should have at least one pair of boots for the upcoming cold weather. I also have a pair of knee high and over the knee boots for different outfits.

bekki1

Outer Layer: I have a fine knit poncho in an asymmetrical pattern, as the weather is starting to cool and that extra layer is needed but you don’t want a full on winter coat yet.

bekki2

Knitted Tights: I’m not one to wear a lot of trousers apart from the couple of pairs of jeans I have so having a variety of knitted tights is great for protecting my legs with all of my dresses and skirts that I wear.

bekki3

Over the Knee Knit Socks: For those days where I don’t want tights but still want something to protect my legs.

Basic T-Shirts: Having these basic items help with layering and I recommend getting them in at least black and white.

bekki4

Jeans: I may not wear a lot of trousers but I have at least one pair of good jeans for the colder weather, plus they are a basic and a great starter to build and create numerous outfits.

Turtle Necks: These are my favorite during the colder weather as I use them as layers underneath dresses or with skirts. They look fab and stylish while also providing warmth.

bekki5

Lip Balm: With the colder air coming, avoid having cracked lips by keeping them moist with a lip balm.

bekki6

Hand/Body Moisturizer: With the colder air, the same happens to your skin as it does with your lips so having a good moisturizer helps protect and hydrate your skin.

bekki7

Dark Red/Purple Lipstick: Autumn always makes me want to wear my dark red and purple lipsticks as they look so fab with all outfits for the season.

bekki8

Cozy Slippers: Keeping my feet warm is very important with my health issues so a comfy cozy pair of slippers helps do just that.

Vanilla and Spiced Fragrances: I love these scents during the colder weather and they just seem to warm up the environment while smelling lush and inviting.

bekki9

These are my must haves for autumn but the reason why I love the season so much is because you get to watch the cycle of life and get to experience the most amazing colors all around you. I also love autumn because it is my favorite season to dress for. I get so many ideas and get to be creative with styling. My partner is looking forward to this, too, as he really enjoys picking clothes for me. The colors are super lush and you can create some super dramatic and amazing outfits all just by layering.

bekki10

I’m looking forward to the cozy nights with home cooked meals as well as the walks in the evenings and weekends. And, of course, stepping on the fallen crunchy leaves while enjoying the sunsets where the evenings are getting darker more quickly. Autumn is a magical season. It’s not boiling hot like the summer and not freezing cold like the winter and you can still go out and enjoy yourself without experiencing such extreme temperatures.

bekki11

Thanks again to Becki for creating a guest post for my page! A lot of her faves are mine, too, and I am anticipating the fall just as much. What are your fall must haves? What is your favorite fall activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep10

Groovy Movies: Aladdin Edition

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Groovy Movies: Aladdin Edition

Helloooo everyone! I can’t say that I am a HUGE Disney fan but it’s not like I don’t enjoy the movies, either. It has been an exciting time in the movie world because live action remakes of Disney classics are the new trend. Unfortunately, I wasn’t overly impressed with Beauty And The Beast or The Lion King’s remake. However, I absolutely LOVED the live action Aladdin, despite its poor reviews. So, take a look at the toe tapping trailer and let’s discuss:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to this video!

Normally, a Disney film isn’t my first choice to play after a day at work but, I’m not going to lie, I was looking forward to watching Aladdin. Last Christmas, I had the absolute pleasure of being able to see the Broadway rendition of Aladdin at Playhouse Square with my family and I felt like the 2019 film was a wonderful blend of the Broadway show and the original cartoon. Spending the evening watching the movie gave me a new appreciation for the music and artistry that went into the iconic original and it was such a beautiful, modern nod to its predecessor.

The costumes, scenery, and *most* of the characters were divine but Will Smith as the genie completely made the film for me. He was utterly brilliant and I think Robin Williams would be proud of the performance that was so inspired by his own but with a fresh, new spin on it.”You Ain’t Never Had A Friend Like Me” reminded me so much of the Broadway performance that I really enjoyed and Will Smith’s fabulous flamboyance kept me in stitches the whole time.

I thought Jafar and Jasmine were also exceptionally strong characters and were cast well. But, I wasn’t too crazy about the choice for Aladdin. Had he not been acting alongside such powerful cast mates he would have totally sizzled out and he was outshined the entire movie. He was just too meek and mild and, although he was the title character, he didn’t stand out in anyway shape or form. But, because the rest of the film was so spot on, a poor casting choice for the lead was just a blip on my radar.

What I loved the most about Aladdin was the big picture that was created in every scene. The glorious palaces, the bustling market of Agrahbah, and the vast deserts all seemed so real that I felt like I was right there, too. The magnificent choices in color, costumes, and oh yeah – the fantastic musical numbers just seemed like the cherry on top of what was already splendid. Saying that Aladdin was visually stimulating is a severe understatement and the beauty of the rapidly changing scenery in “A Whole New World” moved me to tears.

If you’re a die hard Disney fan, I think you’ll love this movie. And, if you’re like me, who isn’t the most avid Disney fan – you are still going to love this movie. Aladdin was a fast moving tale of being true to yourself, unexpected girl power, and that everything is a little bit better with your friends by your side… magic powers or no! I rate this movie with a nine out of ten and I highly recommend it!

What were your thoughts on the new Aladdin? What has been your favorite Disney movie remake? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: IMDb

Sep9

Lil Red’s Book Club: The Lying Game Edition

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Lil Red’s Book Club: The Lying Game Edition

Howdy! I recently finished another Ruth Ware novel called The Lying Game and have read The Woman In Cabin 10 and In A Dark, Dark Wood by her this summer, too. I have to say, I wasn’t overly impressed with either of those books but The Lying Game was a great read and I am happy that I chose to give Ware one more try before calling it quits and finding another author to read. So, without giving any spoilers away, let’s discuss:

lying

The Lying Game revolves around new mother, Isa, and her three best girlfriends from high school, Kate, Thea (Whose name I’m still not sure how to pronounce!), and Fatima. At their boarding school, the girls reveled in what they called “The Lying Game” and would keep a scoreboard to record the points from the tall tales that they would spin based on the quality and if people actually believed them. The game was supposed to be all in good fun and the rules were simple, including “never lie to your friends” and “know when to stop the lie”.

The girls spent one year at the boarding school together, which came to an abrupt halt when they were asked to leave quietly in the wakes of a possible scandal that directly involved them. And, although it’s a rarity that they talk now as they are all in their thirties, when a friend texts the three words of “I need you” the now women drop their responsibilities immediately and flock to the one in distress.

So, when Kate sends Isa the call to action, she packs up her belongings with her six month old daughter in tow and makes the journey to her, near the old boarding school. The text was indeed an urgent one because once the ladies arrive to Kate’s, it is revealed that a human bone was found in the sea – a result of their “game” being taken too far. With a police investigation nipping at their heals, the once best friends have to come up with a plan and unravel the truth behind their lies before an arrest is made. Were they murderers? Covering something up? Or just plain stupid? Read the book and find out!

I absolutely adored The Lying Game and devoured it in a matter of days. It was so refreshing to read a book with a tangible plot and told from the perspective of someone with a sound mind. Because, let’s be honest, the unstable narrator shtick has been hopelessly drawn out. The Lying Game was filled with twists and turns that actually seemed plausible and I really had no idea what the end result was going to be.

It was interesting to see how a mistake that happened in their teenage years has haunted each woman in the almost two decades since it happened. Each one dealt with the trauma in a different way and it made for fascinating characters with realistic flaws and personalities. The Lying Game was a wild ride and I am now ready to tuck into another Ruth Ware novel ASAFP!

And, now for the star rating…. I award The Lying Game with an eight out of ten. The plot was riveting, the characters were all likeable in their own ways, and I genuinely enjoyed myself while reading it. Highly recommend.

Has anyone read The Lying Game? What were your thoughts on it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah