Tag Archives: happy

Mother’s Day Bouquets

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Mother’s Day Bouquets

Hello and a very happy belated Mother’s Day to all of my lovelies who celebrated! Although I normally love getting creative with gift giving, I always find Mother’s Day to be a bouquet occasion. So, I went to our local grocery story and picked out some beautiful flowers and floral decorated mason jars for them all to go in for my giftees.

Over Mother’s Day weekend, my boyfriend and I made our flower delivery rounds and, although these pictures are admittedly not the best (I was half asleep!), take a look at my handy work:

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Once I bought my Mother’s Day flowers, I took them home so that I could begin arranging them into their jars. My dad is an amazing bouquet arranger so I thought back to all of the million times I’ve seen him prepare a bouquet for my mom and gave it my best shot. And, I think they ended up looking great – the recipients definitely thought so!

I am partial to receiving flowers, myself, but there’s nothing like giving them on a special occasion to all of the strong, beautiful women that you love. Again, a very happy belated Mother’s Day to all and I wish I could have given flowers to all of you. ❤

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

Looking On The Bright Side

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Looking On The Bright Side

Hi! While things are so uncertain and the best course of action is to just stay home to help combat the coronavirus, it’s easy to feel down in the dumps. There’s nowhere to go, there’s nothing to do, and cabin fever could definitely be kicking in. And what’s more? The internet is filled with people telling their newsfeed to just get over it, making it difficult to decipher how to feel at all.

Well, I’m here to tell you that it is absolutely okay to not know how to feel considering we’ve literally never experienced anything like this before. It’s also okay to be disappointed about all of the events or occasions that have been cancelled due to the current state. I know I am and I have found that once I acknowledged that I was upset and allowed to be, I felt a whole lot better.

I know it sounds tacky and a bit too simple but, sometimes, the only thing that can make you feel better is looking on the bright side. So tip your cap in acknowledgement to your upsets and remember the following:

There is safety in being at home:

When you’re bored out of your gourd at home, remember that you are safe and that is a blessing. And, I know you are all sick of hearing that it’s time to learn something new… But try learning something new! Noticing little improvements every day you practice a new skill will make for some excitement and you’ll come out of this situation being able to do something you haven’t before. All of this from the safety of your home? Score!

There are things to look forward to:

I work with people with special needs and a lot of my clients are having a hard time understanding why I can’t take them out in the community anymore. So, I told all of them to come up with a special activity that we can do together once things open up again. Whether that be a favorite restaurant or going to the flea market, I wanted each of them to have something to look forward to as the days at home progress.

All of you can do this too! Come up with a perfect day out. Whether you spend it alone, with friends and family, or with a significant other make sure it’s something that you can think about and be excited for. That’s the most important part.

There are options:

Although none of the social distancing methods are as good as the real thing of sitting down next to a friend and having a chat – there are still options. Have a virtual drink over video chat with your friends. Talk to your neighbors from your porch. Visit your friend’s village on Animal Crossing. Yes, they are not the best options but they are there and are worth taking advantage of if you’re missing social contact.

And remember:

Most importantly, don’t stress yourself out about feeling like there’s nothing to do because we’re all in the same boat. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself to another Netflix bingeathon or a take out meal because we should be indulging in little things that make us feel good right now. Just remember to look on the bright side and all will be well. 🙂

What do you do to improve your mood during this crazy time? How do you look on the bright side? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dinner For Two Pt. 2

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Dinner For Two Pt. 2

Hi! On April first, Johnny and I celebrated seven months of PASSIONATE LOVE with each other. Thankfully, neither of us said April Fools and it was easily the best day I’ve had since all of this self-isolation business. If you recall from previous posts, I love cooking for my boyfriend. And if you recall from a very previous post, Johnny surprised me with dinner he made a few weeks ago when I came home from work.

Just when I thought that he couldn’t top himself, he raised the bar as he always does. On our seven month, we both got dressed up and when I got home from work I couldn’t believe my eyes when I opened the door. As I stepped in, I heard music playing on our record player, smelled garlic bread, and saw a fireplace screensaver burning brightly on the TV.

The best sight of all, though? Definitely seeing Johnny standing in the kitchen in a button down top and skinnies stirring a huge pot of spaghetti. We ate a delicious meal that he got stressed out cooking at our coffee table that he cleaned off special for the occasion. Then, we drank champagne and listened to all of our favorite songs. I lied when I said it was one of the best days of self-isolation because it was one of the best days of my life.

This has been a very stressful time for both of us and it was so nice to escape those feelings of unease for the day to celebrate our relationship. Johnny’s theory was that he wanted to make the dinner special because he couldn’t take me out to a restaurant. He succeeded with flying colors and, to me – a night in like that trumps going out on the town any time.

How have you celebrated special occasions in self-isolation? How have you kept your spirits up during this difficult time? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Birthday, Kristen!!

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Happy Birthday, Kristen!!

Hello! We are ringing in another Mushenheim family birthday because today is my big sister, Kristen’s, big day. My sister is my best friend in the whole world and it is my life’s greatest achievement to be the designated fourth wheel to Kristen, her boyfriend, and their little girl named Valerie. Kristen is celebrating her “one year and one day” of motherhood and she is amazing at it. But today, it is all about her!

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I know I just used the word “amazing” to describe Kristen but I’m going to use it again. She is AMAZING! She is the most loving mother and it is the best feeling in the world to watch her playing and cuddling with her sweet daughter. Kristen is my BFF but Valerie is definitely a close runner up! Her compassion knows no bounds and when she’s not caring for the dogs and cats at the animal shelter she works at or tending to her daughter and two dogs and two cats, she is never too busy to participate in family time or help a friend (Or sister!) in need.

When I was younger, I used to get somewhat annoyed when people told me Kristen and I looked alike but now I consider it the highest compliment. My sister is the epitome of beautiful inside and out and it makes me so proud to be her little sis. I wish we weren’t under lock down so we could properly celebrate Kristen’s day but I can’t wait to spoil her with a candle lit Taco Bell dinner once this all blows over. 😉

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KRISTEN!

I LOVE YOU! ❤

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

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Happy Birthday, Dad!!

Hello! March through May is a stretch of the year where birthdays are plentiful in my family. It starts with my niece’s birthday at the beginning of March then goes to my mom, dad, sister, and brother ending in mid May. Today, we are on birthday number three in my family, which belongs to my dear old dad. Despite him despising birthdays, I can’t not give him a shout out on lifewithlilred so here it goes:

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Ever since I was little, I can remember my dad’s lament that birthdays are “another year closer to the grave” and he still feels that way today. Lol so, needless to say, his birthday is filled with begrudgingly opening presents and accepting birthday wishes. The best part, though? I think we can all tell that he secretly enjoys himself and that makes the obnoxiously huge birthday hugs I give him even more fun. 😀

Although we all love pushing my dad’s birthday buttons, it really is a special day. My dad is one of my favorite people on the planet. He is so funny – like so unbelievably funny. The humor is then amplified by his infamous and infectious “laugh attacks” which is the cherry on top of whatever my family was joking about.

What I love the most about my dad, though? He is such a thoughtful man and it always makes me so happy when my boyfriend gifts me with flowers or cooks dinner for me because my dad is constantly doing stuff like that for my mom. He provided me with the best guidelines of how I should be treated in a relationship and I am so thankful for that.

When I had a really early class in college and had to drive an hour to get there, my dad would always get up and make coffee for me so I could have it during my commute. That’s the kind of guy my dad is. Sweet gestures and kind words from my father will forever be treasured by me and he is a man who deserves to be celebrated… Even though he hates his birthday. 😉

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!

I LOVE YOU! ❤

Dinner For Two

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Dinner For Two

Yo, yo, yo. For as long as I can remember, my dad always would have dinner ready for my mom when she got home from work. CHARLES is a culinary genius and specializes in oven pizzas and spaghetti. But, no matter what it was, my mom was always so appreciative because she was hungry!

I love this part of my parents’ relationship so, needless to say, I was absolutely tickled when Johnny had dinner ready for me when I came to his house after work when we first started dating. He made a mac n’ cheese pizza and it was absolutely delicious. It has also since remained one of our favorite meals.

Earlier in March, Johnny had to work a lot of overtime and would get home around six each day. So, I always made sure that there was food ready for him as soon as he walked in the door because I knew how exhausted he was and how hard he was working. This was actually a treat for me because I love cooking for him!

I knew Johnny appreciated his ready to eat dinners a lot but I didn’t think anything of it because I was happy to do it. Then, his thoughtful ass moved me to tears. In the midst of the coronavirus, his overtime was cancelled, which means he would beat me home from work. He decided to leave out that little detail and I was so surprised to see his car in the parking lot when I got back.

When I walked in the door, Johnny was just taking the cheesy bread that he has been so eager for me to make out of the oven. He also had a glass of wine waiting for me. I was completely blown away and all I could do was start crying. Lol, I just couldn’t help it! It was hands down one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me and I felt so happy and like the luckiest girl in the world.

They always say that a man’s heart is through his stomach. This definitely rings true for Johnny but I had no idea that it could win over a woman’s heart so easily, too. It was the most delicious, slightly burnt cheesy bread I ever had.

What is your favorite dinner to cook? What is your favorite dinner related memory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Smile! Spring Flowers Are Blooming

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Smile! Spring Flowers Are Blooming

Hello! Although times are crazy and the norm is now staying hunkered down to help ease the coronavirus, it’s important to find joy in nature more than ever. I, myself, take delight in seeing the blooms of spring flowers poking up from the ground and a few crocuses have made their guest appearance in my parent’s yard. I was so tickled to see the sweet, small flowers in yellow, purple, and white that I just had to snap some pics:

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When I see a tiny flower’s presence among all of the dead leaves and dry grass, it instantly fills me with hope. One little bloom struggled to get enough sunshine, rain, and nutrition to sprout up and say hello but it pulled through and now looks so beautiful. One little pop of colorful flowers makes me instantly feel like spring is here and that makes me happy.

The winter blues have went away and now it’s time for sunshine, rainbows, and all of the glory that comes with spring. Despite the unease that we all feel right now in the midst of the coronavirus, be sure to take notice of all of the exciting things happening in nature the next time you take a walk. I’m sure it will quickly put a fresh spring in your step!

What is your favorite part about spring? What flowers are blooming 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

Miracle Skin Care Product: Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 Edition

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Miracle Skin Care Product: Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 Edition

Hello! As all of you know, Lil Red takes her skin care seriously. So, I’m sure you can understand how I would be frustrated when I was dealing with a cystic pimple that literally would not go away. No joke, I have been trying to get rid of this thing since September and used every face mask and cleanser you could think of to no avail. Sometimes the swelling would go down but, for the most part, the progress in eliminating it completely was stagnant.

That’s why I am absolutely thrilled with the Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10. After looking up the best treatments for cystic acne, I realized that this product with ten percent benzoyl peroxide was the way to go and the internet definitely wasn’t lying:

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Within two weeks of at least two to three uses per day, the Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 has made the cystic pimple that I have been struggling with nonexistent. Of course, it has dried out my skin but that is a side effect that I am willing to deal with to finally conquer the problem.

I legitimately have never gotten so much as a pimple before so having one that just wouldn’t go away was a huge blow to my self esteem and I wish that I would have discovered the Persa-gel sooner. I am so thankful to have a blemish free face and plan on using the gel until I can’t feel the bump under my skin anymore. But, for now, the noticeable portion of the problem is gone and I could not be happier.

If you have a tough blemish, then I can’t recommend the Clean & Clear Persa-gel 10 enough and will continue to keep a tube handy at all times for emergencies!

What is one of your favorite miracle beauty products? How do you keep a clear complexion? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

I’m So Excited!

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I’m So Excited!

Hello! One of my favorite things about dating my boyfriend, Johnny, is that we always have so many exciting plans to look forward to. We both love being out and about, planning trips, and going to concerts and we definitely will be doing a lot of all of that as we continue trying to kick winter out the door in Ohio.

Upon the warmer weather, I can’t wait to go back to our favorite bars with a patio to have drinks and play games with our friends outside. But, I am absolutely chomping at the bit to get to our bigger plans, because we have quite a few! Including:

1) Seeing Jesus Christ Super Star at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. My dad got me and Johnny tickets for Christmas because it is my favorite musical and I am simply thrilled to be able to see it live. I am also lucky enough to see it twice because one of my old theater friends invited me to go with her, too! 😀

2) The Rolling Stones concert in Cleveland! Aw yeahhhh. Johnny, my parents, my brother, and I will be in nosebleed seats attendance for this show. My dad hasn’t seen the Stones since the 70s and Johnny and I have never seen them and they are his all time favorite band. So, needless to say, we are over the moon excited.

3) Johnny and I will also be attending a Marilyn Manson and potentially Ozzy Osbourne concert if his health permits. My MAN got me tickets for Christmas just like I asked him to and I cannot wait to see my other man, Marilyn Manson, perform for the third time. Johnny hasn’t seen him live before so I can’t wait for him to experience that! Ozzy Osbourne performing would just be the cherry on top.

4) And, finally, for Johnny’s birthday I got us tickets to Riot Fest in Chicago. Riot Fest is a three day music festival and My Chemical Romance will be headlining. We don’t know anything else about the lineup except for that but it was enough to make me buy tickets because Johnny is always talking about how he’d love to see them live again. Our long weekend in Chicago is one of the major highlights of this summer and I am so happy I was able to score tickets that sold out within eight minutes for the two of us!

It’s always nice to have something to look forward to and Johnny and I have an abundance of that. I can’t wait to fill all of you in on all of these exciting events when they happen so keep it posted!

What are you looking forward to? What concerts are you attending this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Valentine’s Day Bouquet Pt. 2

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Valentine’s Day Bouquet Pt. 2

Hello, everyone! I had a simply magical Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend, Johnny, and I hope that everyone had as wonderful of a day as I did… Whether it be with your spouse or a romcom and a bottle of wine! Johnny’s band, The Outside Voices, was playing a show in Marietta, Ohio on the fifteenth. So, Johnny and I decided to make a long weekend of it and drove there on Valentine’s Afternoon.

We stayed at a beautiful hotel called the Lafayette and we had a delicious dinner. Then, we went back to our room and drank champagne and watched Weird Al music videos for two hours straight. Like I said, it was simply magical.

The following day, we explored Parkersburg, West Virginia and Marietta before The Outside Voices played. Johnny and I spent the day checking out different thrift stores and boutiques and it was a complete blast. Definitely stay tuned for all of the amazing finds I scored from a trendy boutique that is in the process of going online so all of us can shop on there together! 😀

Johnny and I agreed to not go overboard with Valentine’s Day gifts and that was fine by me. Our entire weekend was the greatest gift of all and it was one of the best days of my life. But, being the sweet angel that Johnny is, he surprised me with roses and champagne and that was the cherry on top. Check it out:

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When Johnny and I celebrated our big one week (haha), he gave me one single rose and I gave him a pack of hard seltzer water. I have kept that rose in my favorite vase and put the not dead ones in there too for good measure. When will I take them out, save the petals, and clean the vase? The world may never know.

In case you haven’t noticed, I like getting flowers. I guess that stems from (Ba dum chhhhh!) the fact that I have so many vivid recollections since childhood of my dad gifting flowers to my mom. During the summer time when the flowers in our garden were in bloom, there would be a fresh bouquet on the kitchen table every weekend. And, once the flowers wilted come fall, at least once a month my dad would purchase flowers as a “splurge” from the local grocery stores.

We interrupt your normal blog viewing with a conversation that happened between Sarah and her dad two weeks ago:

Me: Dad, I like those flowers. Where did you get them?

Dad: At Aldi’s… I splurged!

We now return to our normally scheduled programming.

Anyways, I know that people always associate getting flowers with love. But, my association literally comes from seeing true love between my parents. And, that’s why a simple bouquet and a bottle of booze (!!!) was the perfect gift for me. ❤

How did you celebrate Valentine’s Day? What do you associate with love? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah