Tag Archives: favorite

Aug11

Fun & Games: It’s A Snap Pt. 2

Posted on August 11, 2021 by lifewithlilred

Hi!!! Johnny and I love to play video games together and I look forward to every weekend when we stay up late, play games, and listen to music. One of my favorite recent releases for the Nintendo Switch is, easily, Pokemon Snap and I have been loving it since it came out in April. Despite having played every course in the game too many times to count, I always seem to discover something new and that’s what makes the game so exciting.

While every course to explore in Pokemon Snap is insanely fun, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for an update of the game every day since Johnny and I beat the main story line. And, finally, on August third my thoughts and prayers were answered with an update that made the game feel brand new again. With more settings to explore, more Pokemon, and new features to the Neo-One this update was everything I wanted it to be AND MORE.

Johnny and I spent a solid two hours this past Friday evening playing the new levels which includes a day and nighttime course of a rushing river, a desert setting, and my favorite: The inside of a tree trunk! That’s right, the Neo-One can now shrink into the size of a toy car making all of the Pokemon huge and providing for amazing photo ops. This allowed me to get new pictures of old Pokemon – some of which were four star (a-thank you!) – and update my Pokedex with brand new Pokemon like Shroomish and the adorable Foongus. 😀

The inside of the tree in the Florio Nature Park definitely took the cake for me and Johnny was partial to the river. We both agree that our favorite addition to the game was being able to photograph Psyduck because he is so goofy! Every time we hit him with a fluff fruit we were in stitches!

When I learned that Pokemon Snap would be receiving an update, I assumed a few new Pokemon would be added to levels that already existed. This exceeded what I had in mind completely and all I can think about as I write this is how I want to play some more. All I can say is bravo, brava, and bring on the next update baby!

What is your favorite course in Pokemon Snap? What is your favorite Pokemon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug8

Cool Encounters

Posted on August 8, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hi!! My husband and I love attending trivia nights together with our friends and, win or lose, a great time is always had by all. Because of schedule conflicts, we haven’t been in a couple of weeks but the last time we went was definitely an evening to remember for me… I got to meet one of my favorite comic book illustrators, Craig Russell!

For those of you who don’t know, I am a HUGE graphic novel/comic book fan and my all time favorite would have to be the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman. Sandman is, easily, one of the finest works of literature I have ever read and I try to read the extremely lengthy series once every two years. One of the cool things about Sandman is that several illustrators worked on it and it was so interesting to see the beloved characters drawn from different points of view. Craig Russell just so happens to have worked on the Sandman series and he illustrated one of my favorite spin offs, The Dream Hunters.

When Johnny pointed Craig out to me at one of the opposing team’s tables on trivia night, I lost my shit (for lack of a better phrase!). He told me I have to talk to him after the games were over and I was so nervous because it really was like meeting a hero. I have at least ten tattoos from the Sandman series and one of my biggest pieces is an illustration by Craig!

During my little meet and greet with Mister Russell, he admired all of my tattoos and was blown away that his work was on me. We got to talk shop for over thirty minutes about Sandman, our favorite issues, and the upcoming Netflix series. Craig even encouraged me to let him know whenever I read any graphic novels he might like. He was also kind enough to take pictures with me and sign his autograph. It was basically the coolest thing ever.

I can’t wait to bump into Craig again and I will be prepared because I actually just finished another graphic novel that he illustrated – Coraline. I will have my copy ready to go for him to sign and am looking forward to hearing more of his amazing insights. ❤

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

Jul22

T-Shirt Time!

Posted on July 22, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! My husband and I are HUGE fans of the TV show, Impractical Jokers. We have watched the show in its entirety and have been rewatching it every evening for the past month. Unwinding after a day at work in stitches over Joe, Sal, Murr, and Q’s antics with Johnny is the best and we are constantly quoting it to each other. This past week, we took our love for Impractical Jokers one step further by purchasing some novelty T-shirts and Johnny and I are obsessed with them lol. Check it out:

My favorite Joker on the show, Joe, is always wearing the funniest T-shirts and I mention to Johnny how much I want his shirt with a Bichon Frise on it every time we tune in for the evening. While he couldn’t find that shirt online, he surprised me with the “Larry” T – it’s safe to say I have the best husband ever! In fact, I’m wearing it as I write this post now. 😀

One of our favorite games on the show is when the Jokers work as a receptionist in focus group waiting rooms. They have to call out ridiculous names to the people waiting and in one episode, Sal had to ask for a “Crangis McBasketball”. It has been a running joke on the show since and when Johnny showed me the Crangis T-shirt, I just had to get one for each of us. In fact, Johnny is wearing his as I write this post now. 😀

While literally none of our friends understand these Ts since they don’t watch the show, Johnny and I get a kick out of them enough for everyone. Now, is there a one mister Crangis McBasketball in the house?

What is your favorite game on Impractical Jokers? Who is your favorite Joker? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun16

Super Cool Customized Wedding Gift

Posted on June 16, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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

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

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

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

Jun14

Wedding/Taco Bells

Posted on June 14, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! My wedding day was an amazing but very busy one and I spent the entire day until our late afternoon nuptials preparing. After I blogged and packed for our wedding and weekend getaway, it was off to the hair salon. Then, I had a short window of time to get something to eat until it was time for my appointment to get my makeup done. So, obviously, I ended up in the Taco Bell drive thru!

Taco Bell will always and forever hold a special place in my heart and I couldn’t imagine having anything different for my wedding lunch. You guys have no idea how many people laughed at me for this but, hey, a girl has gotta eat! I must say, the Taco Bell I went to in Tallmadge really delivered on my wedding day and I was simply thrilled because it wasn’t the best the last time I was at that location.

Once wedding bells were about to ring, the tip of the cap to T-Bell continued because our lil flower girl niece threw Taco Bell sauce packets instead of flower petals. Mine and Johnny’s last task to complete before our wedding was opening, emptying, and cleaning handful after handful of sauce packets to be thrown. Our “sauce packet girl” was a hit and I am tickled to have been able to represent my favorite eatery/happiest place on Earth at my wedding!

Were there any nontraditional aspects to your wedding? What is your favorite fast food restaurant? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May14

Bath & Body Works May Freebie

Posted on May 14, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! Since being fully vaccinated, I have been more willing to run small errands and am, finally, able to start utilizing the Bath & Body Works freebie coupons that I get in the mail. This month’s coupons were especially good as I got to pick out a free full size bath and body care item and you know Lil Red always likes to add to her beauty hoard! The coupon would work for any product priced $14.50 or lower and I went with a shower gel in one of my favorite scents, Gingham. Check it out:

This past weekend, Johnny and I hung out with a friend in Kent and drove right by a B&BW on the way so I ran in to get my freebie. I actually chose a travel size shower gel in Gingham last month for my free item and it smells so good that I just had to get it as my full size gift too. I have been obsessed with this scent since Johnny’s mom gifted me with a shower gel of it last Christmas and it is one of my sister’s faves as well.

While Gingham has notes of peach, clementine, and freesia I think it smells just like clean laundry and crisp springtime air. It is so fresh and light and when I smell it, I immediately picture a full clothing line drying and swaying gently in the breeze. Gingham is the perfect fragrance for spring and summer and it has such a specific, lovely scent without being overpowering in any way. Highly recommend for yourself or as a gift because it is sure to please!

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? Which store has the best coupons and promotions? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr2

Dry Ice Drinks

Posted on April 2, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! This past Saturday, Johnny and I had a little date day and it was so much fun! We visited a few local specialty game shops to add to our growing board game collection, had drinks in our own section of the patio at the Cashmere Cricket, and then returned home and sat on our balcony while Johnny played guitar and sang. It was an absolute blast and actually reminded me so much of our engagement day. In fact, I asked Johnny when we were walking to the patio of the Cricket if we were going to get engaged again!

The Cashmere Cricket is, in my opinion, the best bar in my neck of the woods. It is my absolute favorite and is where Johnny and I had our first date and also where we went to celebrate after we got engaged. When our post proposal drinks arrived, we were shocked and amazed because they were bubbling and smoking like a potion and we learned that on Saturdays, the Cricket makes their drinks with dry ice in them.

Needless to say, we were very excited for “Dry Ice Saturday” as the bartender called it and it was so nice to enjoy the beautiful spring weather during a safe outing with my fiance! Check out our Dry Ice Drinks and tell me that isn’t the coolest thing you’ve ever seen:

Now, normally, I am not one to post about alcohol but I just had to showcase this specialty from the Cashmere Cricket because it is so unique. Johnny had a drink called The Roosevelt while I got my second favorite cocktail called Lavender Fizz. My ultimate favorite will always be their Strawberry Lemon Drop martini, though! Our drinks were absolutely delicious and, although the prices are a bit steep there, it is well worth it for the quality of the beverages, the excellent service, pleasant atmosphere, and COVID safety standards. Not to mention that on Saturdays, your drinks will put on a show lol.

When I think about how I would plan a day for a visiting friend who has never been to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio it goes as follows: Mani/pedis at Elysian Nails, shopping at TJMaxx, Taco Bell for dinner, and ending with cocktails at the Cashmere Cricket. That sounds like the perfect day to me and I stand by this statement even more after mine and Johnny’s past two outings on the Cricket patio. All of the bartenders were so sweet to remember our engagement and it was fun to show them my newly resized ring that was practically falling off two weeks ago!

Dry Ice Saturday was another huge success and I honestly had butterflies being there with Johnny again. Johnny and I were at the Cashmere Cricket on two of the happiest days of my life and it is always going to be special to us. If you are ever in the area, I cannot recommend this cool little bar enough – I think you’ll be just as smitten with it as I am.

What is your favorite local bar or restaurant like? Where is a special place for you and your significant other? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb5

Eclat Vitamin C Serum Review

Posted on February 5, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hey! Before my last skin care haul, I decided to look up the best recommended products for people in their late twenties. The resounding themes of the articles I read through included adding a Vitamin C serum as well as hyaluronic acid into your skin care regimen. For the hyaluronic acid, I ended up purchasing the Hydro Boost moisturizer from Neutrogena. As for the Vitamin C serum, I went with a well rated (five stars) and very cheap (six dollars) serum by Eclat. And, I will be damned if it isn’t the best, most inexpensive serum I have ever used. Let’s discuss:

From every aspect, this Eclat Vitamin C serum rocks. First of all, it smells divine – just like freshly squeezed oranges and being able to use it first thing in the morning is invigorating. A little of this product also goes a long way because a dropper and a half full is more than enough to completely cover your face and neck. These are both important factors to me when it comes to a skin care product because I simply cannot use something that doesn’t smell good to me and having to use a lot of it to make it feel effective is definitely not the best bang for your buck.

The best thing about the Eclat Vitamin C serum, though? I am being one hundred percent truthful when I say that I noticed a difference in my skin after just one use. I had an extremely busy week at work and I was on my period so, needless to say, I was absolutely exhausted. And, when I get that tired my skin starts to look really dull. I used this serum for the first time during one of my melt into the couch tired days last week and my skin instantly looked more radiant and bright. It was amazing to me that I looked well rested when I didn’t feel it in the slightest.

I was curious to see if this product would keep seeming effective to me once I wasn’t so worn out and I was happy to find that it still lived up to the hype I built for it in my head. My skin just has this glow to it that certainly wasn’t there before with the Azure Lux serums that I have been using regularly for the past two or so years. I am beyond thrilled with the Eclat Vitamin C serum and highly recommend it because after one use I already knew that I would buy it again! GREAT SUCCESS!

What is one of your must have skin care products? Do you use any age specific products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan10

DoorDash Deliciousness

Posted on January 10, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Sometimes, you just need a treat and, with the stress of my job, I know that better than most. Whether this be stopping at Starbucks on your way to work, ordering a little something online, or taking a luxurious bubble bath, it’s important to do what you can to help put the pep back in your step. In my case, I decided to order myself dinner from my favorite Indian restaurant, The Saffron Patch.

Johnny has absolutely no desire to try Indian food while I, on the other hand, LOVE it. And, as a strict vegetarian it is so nice to have tons of options on The Saffron Patch’s menu. Thanks to DoorDash, I was able to indulge my never ending craving for Indian food and I got a great deal for it, to boot! Check it out:

DoorDash is awesome because you get free deliveries for your first month of using the service. Not only that, but I also got twenty percent off of my order and, in total, I saved close to eight dollars. For forty dollars, I was able to get my favorite dishes of Vegetable Biryani with cucumber Raita, Malai Kofta with saffron rice, and garlic Naan as well as provide a healthy tip. I thought this was a steal, especially since the servings are huge because it is family style.

I always say that if I had a visit from someone who has never been to good ol’ Akron, Ohio that we would go to TJMaxx and The Saffron Patch and I still stand by that statement. It has been ages since I ordered from my favorite restaurant and it was even better than I remember it being. The Biryani was completely loaded with huge pieces of carrots, potatoes, peppers, and cauliflower while the sauce in the Malai Kofta was rich and the balls of lentils and veggies were tender. The Naan was buttery and had SO. Much. Garlic. – Just how I like it!

Like I said, it had been a long while since I had Indian food and I normally order a level three for spiciness which would be considered Medium Hot. I decided to just order a level two of Medium to be safe since I was having the food delivered and I’m glad I did because it was hot! This was no matter, though, because the cucumber Raita helped dissipate the spiciness and it was so delicious when mixed with all of my dishes.

I couldn’t have asked for a better meal if I tried. Or, should I say meals? Lol, since Johnny doesn’t eat Indian food, I had all of the leftovers to myself and it lasted me a good five days. So not complaining!! 😀

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

Jan1

Holiday Haul: Lillianne Robe Edition

Posted on January 1, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hellooo everyone and happy 2021! Santa was very good to Lil Red this year and one of my favorite gifts that I received is easily a vampire fang adorned robe by Lillianne from my mom and dad. I have never owned a robe before and as soon as I saw the little number seen below on ModCloth, I had to have it. I’m also not going to lie… I am very jealous of how comfy Johnny always looks lounging in his cheetah print robe! Lol, take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

Now that I think of it, it is kind of crazy that I have never owned a robe considering I have at least one of everything else in the fashion department! I guess I was just waiting for the right one to come along and my Lillianne robe spoke to me. If you are a Lil Red super fan, you will notice that the pattern on this robe is almost identical to one of my tattoos on my shoulder and I was so tickled when that was the first thing that Johnny said about it. 🙂

^^^ Don’t mind the face mask, you can just see my tattoo really well in this pic!

I have basically lived in this robe since Christmas day and my only regret is that I can’t wear it all the time because it is SO. Damn. Comfy. The fabric is nice and soft and it provides an extra layer of warmth without feeling too hot. I love the soft blush color paired with the punchy red and black and the embroidered “Bite me” on the back makes it the perfect robe for me. Not to mention it has really deep pockets to either warm my hands with or put a bunch of snacks in. 😀

My parents knocked it out of the park with this gift and if you see me roaming around Akron, Ohio in my new robe, then just know that I succumbed to the comfort and to mind your business lol!

What is your favorite gift that you received this holiday season? How did you celebrate the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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