Tag Archives: fun

Summer Home Sprucing

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Summer Home Sprucing

When the sun’s shining and the temperature heats up, you’ll want to make the most of your home and garden. Fortunately, it’s easy to transform your property in time for everything the season has to offer. With these simple sprucing tips, you can enjoy the summer weather in your own relaxing retreat:

Overhaul your garden:

It’s easy for gardens to get overgrown in the spring, particularly if you haven’t had a chance to undertake any winter maintenance. However, now’s the time to catch up if you want your garden to be summer-ready. Mow the lawn, trim back overgrown plants, and power wash the patios for simple but effective transformations.

Book pest control services:

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for summer is to ensure your property is pest-free. Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for pests to infiltrate gardens and homes, especially during the spring when they’re often building nests. This is when you might run into issues like squirrels in the attic, mice in the garage, and other pests that you do not want in your home. Nothing will ruin summer vibes faster than an infestation!

With residential pest control services, you can ensure there are no nasty surprises awaiting you. Both pest prevention and removal are essential if you want to make sure your property is safe and hygienic. Professional pest control services will give you peace of mind that no vermin or bugs are present and allow you to relax and enjoy the summer.

Add shade:

When you can combine indoor and outdoor areas, you maximize the space in your property and make it far more functional. Bifold and trifold doors are a fantastic way to do this but even adding an awning or cabana to your garden can have a similar effect. When you can escape the blistering rays of the sun or take cover while there’s a shower of rain, you’ll truly get to make the most of the season.

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Pixabay Image

Keep things cool:

Warmer temperatures can be lovely but only if you don’t get overheated. If you have an AC system, you’ll certainly want to get it serviced and cleaned before temperatures get any hotter. With regular servicing, your AC will use less power and perform better, which means lower running costs and cooler temperatures. In addition to this, professional cleaning will remove potential allergens from the AC system, such as dust or pollen, and help to improve the air quality in your home.

Be bold with color:

Warmer, earthier tones are perfect for fall or winter, but spring and summer give you the opportunity to explore with bolder shades and more vibrant colors. From sweet pastels to vivid reds, oranges, greens, and pinks, there are no limits when it comes to summer color. Updating your accessories, tableware, and fabrics make it easy to change your décor to suit the season, so you can stay on-trend with minimal effort.

It’s never too late to make the most of summer, so why not start transforming your property now? With a few minor tweaks and changes, you can turn your property into a summer idyll and make the most of the longer days, lighter evenings, and spectacular sunsets.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

What Have I Been Playing?

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What Have I Been Playing?

Hello!! Johnny and I have spent plenty of time in quarantine watching TV shows and movies. We also enjoy documentaries or just pulling some music up on YouTube to listen to while we chit chat. And, I’d be a liar if I said we weren’t playing hella video games on the Nintendo Switch! I am not a huge fan of the shooter games like Johnny but I have definitely been getting down with the following:

Animal Crossing:

You guys already know how much I love Animal Crossing and my heart grows fonder with every single super fun update. For example, starting on July third, you could purchase a wet suit from the store and go swimming! That’s not all, though, because not only can you take a dip but you can also go diving for undersea critters – I’ve even found a few pearls. 😀

Johnny and I have gotten our money’s worth out of this game and then some. It’s always kind of exciting to check in on our island and see what new bugs and fish have made Dingusburg their home. I especially like fishing for sharks!

Trivial Pursuit:

Johnny and I purchased a trivia game from the Nintendo store for twenty bucks and it was well worth it. Not only have we enjoyed putting our knowledge to the test against each other but it is also very fun to play with others. My siblings love it and we spent a lot of our time during our staycation pairing up into teams and playing against each other.

The game features traditional trivia categories like Sports, History, Science, and Entertainment but it is definitely nontraditional when it comes to the answers. You have to earn your pie pieces through a series of different, quick draw formats and we have yet to have any repeat questions so it has remained interesting. Highly recommend for a random knowledge based change of pace.

Super Smash Bros.:

I have been a fan of SSB since childhood and remember always playing as Captain Falcon against my brothers on the N64. We have all of the Super Smash games for each system but primarily play Ultimate on the Switch. There are so many amazing stages and characters to pick from and Johnny and I have the best time playing as total randoms and figuring out how to fight with them.

Normally, I like to play as Pit but I do change it up with Captain Falcon, Link, Joker, Hero, and TERRY. Lol, Johnny and I really love playing SSB Ultimate with my brother, Andrew. He and Johnny are both formidable opponents so it makes victory even sweeter!

Mario Party:

Finally, you can never go wrong with a little Mario Party! Johnny and I don’t have Super Mario Party for the Switch but we have all of the games for the GameCube and Wii. Sometimes, when we’re feeling bored at home we’ll turn a Mario Party on and kill an hour or so. If it’s a lazy weekend afternoon, there ain’t nothing better than throwing back a few glasses of white wine and firing up the ol’ GameCube. The mini games are fun, the boards are exciting, and it’s a complete classic. We usually end up laughing the entire time. 🙂

Which video games have you been playing recently? How do you keep yourself occupied in quarantine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

July 2020 Funky Time Jams

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July 2020 Funky Time Jams

Helloooo! As a rule of thumb, Lil Red never listens to the radio while driving. I prefer to play my own music because I know that I will always be satisfied. Lol, except when it’s Throwback Thursday, that is. TBT is a radio program hosted on 88.1, which is the student station for The University Of Akron.

Every Thursday pop, rap, and R&B bangers from the 90s and early 2000s are played all day. It honestly doesn’t get much better than that and all day on Thursday my radio stays tuned into 88.1. Until last Thursday when Johnny refused to let me play it in his car, that is! But, it’s no matter, because I can just dedicate a whole blog post to it. Haha, check it out:

^^^ As always, I have no right to these songs or videos!

My sister’s boyfriend and I had a laugh because he told me that he played a throwback station on Spotify for her that is very similar to 88.1’s TBT and she was entertained and happy for a five hour car ride. I know that I would have been, too! There is something about the hits from however long ago that you still know all the lyrics to that just… Well… Hit different, lol.

Everyone has something that they look forward to during the week. Whether that be a standing hair appointment, lunch time with coworkers, or simply a weekend off. My instance happens to be my drive to and from clients every Thursday so I can have my solo singalongs in the Little Red Love Machine. Silly? Maybe. But it is a hell of a lot of fun for me!

What are a few of your favorite throwback hits? What do you look forward to throughout the week? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

A Friendly Reminder!

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A Friendly Reminder!

Hey everyone!! I recently went on a getaway staycation with my family in Lexington, Kentucky and, although the trip really just consisted of chilling, it was the most fun I’ve had in ages. I wanted to remind everyone that you can still have a great time despite taking extra precautions like face masks and social distancing. Especially since I can imagine we are all going a bit stir crazy right now!

During our trip, all of us stuck with what we were comfortable doing. If that was wearing a mask and going out, fine. If it was just hanging out at home in the air conditioning, that was okay too. It’s easy to feel trapped in this situation, which is why going out of state for a while felt like the perfect solution… Even if it was just to sit in a different living room and watch TV. 😀

Feeling stressed amidst the coronavirus pandemic? Try planning a small, safe getaway. Stay in a hotel for a night or rent a cabin in the middle of nowhere! Sometimes the best thing you can do is get out of the house or apartment you’ve been stuck in and experience a change of scenery. Keep your safety standards high and I promise you, it will make you feel like a brand new person. I know I do!

Are you planning a safe getaway any time soon? How do you destress during the coronavirus pandemic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Family Staycation

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Family Staycation

Helloooo! This past week, Johnny and I drove to Lexington, Kentucky for a Mushenheim family vacation. I had been looking forward to this trip for a long time and it certainly did not disappoint. Now, normally, you guys are used to hearing about a traditional Mushenheim family vaca with jam packed activities and amazing restaurants every day. However, we are in a very nontraditional time right now and precautions were taken to keep everyone safe during our trip.

We honestly didn’t do too much. We had some great carry out meals and visited a gorgeous horse farm where social distancing was easy. Everyone also came prepared with face masks and hand sanitizer for grocery store errands or an activity. Despite this being the most lax family vaca ever, it was AWESOME!

For four days, Johnny and I got to stay in a lovely house with central air and not a care in the world. But wait! It keeps getting better becauuuuse… For the first time in a very long time, my entire family was all together. We had four whole days of quality time with my parents, siblings, their partners, and our little niece and nephew.

Getting to Lexington was a five hour drive – a perfect amount for a getaway staycation. I so enjoyed the time shared with everyone and I know my parents were both happy as a clam the whole trip. It’s not every day all of their adult children, grandchildren, and children-in-laws can be together, after all! ❤

What is your dream vacation? What is your favorite thing about your own location? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Yellow & Teal Nails

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New Yellow & Teal Nails

Hello! Before I went on a staycation with my family in Lexington, Kentucky, I treated myself to an evening at Elysian Nails. I figured that I had to get my nails looking right after getting such a funky new hair cut and color! My half blonde hair has inspired an adoration of all things yellow and I just had to reflect that on my new nails with this beachy cool color combo:

Nothing screams summer fun more than a bright, poppy burst of in your face yellow. I am absolutely obsessed with this sand and surf palette and, while there are no beaches in Ohio (Lake Erie doesn’t count, people!), it takes me to a happy, tropical place with every passing glance. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with bold and flashy colors and I think that the best place to start is with your nails!

Going to my monthly appointment at Elysian Nails is something that I always look forward to but this fill was an extra special treat. I never mind which member of the Elysian team does my nails because they are all fabulous but the tech who did this fill named Shelly is out of this world.

Miss girl had my acrylics shortened, shaped, sharpened, and painted in under a half hour, easily. It worked out better than I could have imagined because this super speedy appointment left me with ample time to do vacation preparation once I returned home. Bonus!

Thank you to Elysian Nails for all of the extra precautions that they are taking to keep everyone safe. And, special thanks to Shelly for some much needed pampering after a LONG ASS WEEK! ❤

What color of nail polish do you have on? What is your favorite color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

A Flower For Me

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A Flower For Me

Hello! On Father’s Day, my sister and her daughter arrived at our parents’ house at the exact same time that I did. We didn’t plan it at all and it was perfect because we all had the maximum time together before we split back up for the day. Beautiful presents and lots of love were gifted to our dear old dad but I think I got the most special treat of all that day. Check it out:

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After presents, we all took a pause and went to the backyard so my niece, Valerie, could move and groove before my sister took off. My dad loves to show Val his flower and vegetable garden and she loves it too. More often than not, you can see my dad smelling the flowers with her and then he will help her pick a bloom for her mom.

On Father’s Day, Val wanted a flower for each hand once she picked her favorite. Then, she toddled up to her auntie and handed me a flower with a big smile on her face. And, right at that moment, our Golden Retriever gobbled up the flower in the hand she wasn’t paying attention to. *Face palm*

Once Val realized her other flower was missing, I offered her mine to make up for it. But, she just kept handing it back to me. I have to say, I was really happy she did because there is literally nothing better than getting a pretty little flower from your fifteen month old niece. I brought it home with me and put it in my dried flower collection and it’s never not going to make me smile whenever I see it. ❤

How did you celebrate Father’s Day? How is your garden doing this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Embracing Change & LOVING It

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Embracing Change & LOVING It

Hello! One of the unique things about lifewithlilred is my fondness for featuring guest bloggers. I love interacting with the blogging community and this has proven to be an amazing way to do it. In the almost six years since lifewithlilred has been live, I have became very close to many of the lovelies who have starred on my page before.

All of these friendships are very special to me and I am always looking to extend my lifewithlilred family. So, obviously, I was thrilled when the darling Sheryl of Sheryl’s Light reached out to me. I have so enjoyed our exchanges and any gal who can rock purple hair is a friend of mine. Check it out:

Embracing Change & LOVING It

I have been waiting for the perfect guest post for my young friend Sarah AKA Lil Red. I told her when we first met through blogging that she reminded me of myself at her age. They say the proof is in the pudding or the color is in the hair dye and that’s what I did. I dyed my hair purple and I love the color. I’ve been wanting this for a very long time!

When trying to dye my hair a few months ago, I discovered after applying the dye that the look wasn’t what I wanted. Plus, when I went over the directions the hair dye company recommended two boxes for long hair, which I have. Taking a deep breath and pinning a towel around my neck and shoulders, I mixed the dye and applied it to the top part of my hair. The second bottle covered the bottom. I occupied the half-hour with taking photos out of my daughter’s albums for scanning so the time flew. I also love the conditioners that come with hair dye! I didn’t realize this was on my bucket list so check that one off! Remember you are never too old to try something new.

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Lifewithlilred is a page that celebrates all of the differences that makes people special. And, I am so proud that it is a place where Sheryl can show off her fabulous new look! You go, girl. ❤

Is anyone planning a personal appearance change? Haircuts and color, tattoos, piercings, etc.? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New LEGO Rolling Stones Mini Figs

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New LEGO Rolling Stones Mini Figs

Hello! Quarantine has definitely gotten Johnny and I acquainted with our inner child and it has been all LEGO everything. From the competition show LEGO Masters to the Harry Potter set Johnny got me for my birthday, we have been hooked on creating and adding to our collection.

A while back ago, Johnny and I had the inspired idea to make Mini Figs of ourselves and stumbled upon a website called MiniFigs.Me. Sadly, we never made our own Minis of each other but I did end up getting him a little something special from the site as a late birthday gift. Behold, a custom set of his favorite band the Rolling Stones:

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From making your own custom Mini Figs to purchasing sets of iconic musicians and characters, the MiniFigs.Me website has it all. Johnny has been enamored with the LEGO replica of the Rolling Stones for a long while and I was so happy to finally purchase it for him. I also love the stage he built – perfect for when they perform as the resident band of Hogwarts!

I am looking forward to getting many more Mini Figs from our newly discovered favorite site. I have my eyes on a little David Bowie and Johnny can’t stop talking about the characters from “The Nightman Cometh” from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. The Rolling Stones Mini Figs are just perfect and they were made and shipped so quickly. I probably got it a week after I ordered them and they came all the way from England.

Johnny and I can’t recommend MiniFigs.Me enough and I can’t wait to continue showing all of you our newest additions in our LEGO world. ❤

Who would you like to have a Mini Fig of? Do you have a favorite Mini Fig of your own? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Animal Crossing Outdoor Fun

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Animal Crossing Outdoor Fun

Hello!! Children, teenagers, and adults alike have all been getting super into Animal Crossing during this quarantine. And, Johnny and I just so happen to be the adults who are super into it, lol. The charmingly simple game of building a prosperous island has captured many a hearts and I always look forward to when I can fish or catch some bugs for a while on our island of Dingusburg (Johnny’s idea, haha).

Recently, at work, I was outside with my client and her nieces and we decided to do some real life Animal Crossing of our own after we saw a big, beautiful butterfly flitting about the back yard. One of the girlies grabbed her butterfly net and the chase was on. We all took our tries at catching it and had no such luck. The butterfly flew away but it was still fun!

If you have little ones with some pent up energy from being cooped in, how about some Animal Crossing fun of your own? Set up a scavenger hunt outside or grab some butterfly nets and toy fishing rods and have an adventure in your back yard. Animal Crossing is all about enjoying the simple things, like planting flowers, picking fruit, and catching bugs… All of which can easily be done from your yard!

Still need some inspiration? Message me on Facebook at Sarah Mushenheim for my friend code and come visit Dingusburg. Then, bring a little of our island life into your activities with your kids for the day. 🙂

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Which games have you been hooked on in quarantine? What are some of your favorite activities with your kids? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah