Tag Archives: happy

The Big Move!

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The Big Move!

Hello!! Johnny and I moved to our new apartment this past Saturday and, let me tell you, it was an absolute doozy of a day. When I first moved into my apartment by myself, it wasn’t bad at all and I was actually able to unpack my belongings that day. Of course, I didn’t have all that much to move so I was totally unprepared for the task at hand of moving two people’s stuff out!

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^^^ YIKES!!!

Johnny and I weren’t able to pick up our apartment keys until ten o’clock on Saturday morning and from then until six or so at night, it was a mad dash. We were moving boxes like our lives depended on it until one or so when our moving team from Two Men And A Truck showed up. I had hired this company last time I moved and they were excellent then and now.

The team consisted of three young men and they were SO funny, kind, and efficient. In under two hours, they had moved all of our furniture from Point A to Point B and it was amazing to watch them work! They were moving all of these heavy pieces of furniture like it was nothing and never missed a beat for some playful banter. There wasn’t much that could be done on mine and Johnny’s end while they worked and it was a welcome break!

Once the movers were done, Johnny and I sprung back into action with another special guest: My mom! With sufficient space cleared out, she helped me with the cleaning process to get the apartment back into tip top shape. I had already done a super deep cleaning and she came to assist with finishing touches as well as cleaning supplies. We were both incredibly thankful for this helping hand and wouldn’t have been able to complete our one day move without her.

After my mom left, Johnny and I made several more trips back and forth to our new digs together. Then, I was able to fully sweep and Swiffer our hardwood surfaces. This was a surprisingly time consuming task because the sweepers weren’t picking up everything. After a couple passes, I had to collect the remaining debris with wet paper towel. My back was killing me by the end of it!

I worked my ass off during moving day but, honestly, it was nothing in comparison to Johnny and I am so appreciative to him for it. Johnny has a van which can hold way more than my little car ever could so he handled the brunt of the moving because I did almost all of the packing. He was also in charge of all of the heavy lifting because I just couldn’t do it.

Between moving instruments and equipment when his band plays and working in a factory, Johnny is used to this type of challenge. Myself, on the other hand? Not so much. I have never participated in a move of this level before and it showed. I was getting dizzy from the trips up and down stairs with bags and boxes in hand and Johnny made me sit down, drink water, and eat something every time this happened. He is an angel among men! ❤

By the time we were all settled in our new place amid a sea of boxes, we were beyond tired but so very proud of our work. It was a long, stressful day but there was nothing like sinking into our bed that first night and falling asleep as soon as our head’s hit the pillow. An air conditioning unit in our bedroom that actually works was also extremely conducive to a good night’s sleep. 😀

As we continue the unpacking process, keep it posted here on lifewithlilred for more on our new place. You will receive a grand tour, decorating projects, and some pro tips to make your move as pain free as possible!

What was the last time you moved like? What is the most difficult part about moving? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

GREAT NEWS!!!

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GREAT NEWS!!!

Howdy!! Almost three years ago to the day, I moved into my first two bedroom one bath apartment. When I first moved in, I truly felt like queen of the castle and had a wonderful space all to myself. Fast forward to September of 2019 and Johnny and I began to date. Hit the fast forward button one more time and he moved in with me during March of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began hitting at full force.

When Johnny moved in, of course, I was so happy but I truly didn’t appreciate how much stuff we both had until he was actually here! We made do for a while and then began toying with the idea of renting a house in our general vicinity. Unfortunately, that was a bust because it is nearly impossible to find a house to rent in our neck of the woods. We filled out so many applications and went to viewings but never got a call back. It was pretty disappointing, to say the least.

After our lack of success with finding a home to rent, we decided it was fine to continue living in tight quarters. But, I am pleased to say that at the end of the month, that will be no longer because we are finally moving into a bigger apartment!! We will still be in the same apartment community as we are now but we will be upgrading to a three bedroom one and a half bath. 😀

We began setting our sights on a bigger apartment in the same community about a month ago and after lots of paperwork and crossing our fingers, we got a call saying that some three bedrooms were available. The following morning, I got to the leasing office as soon as it was open, did a quick viewing of our new digs, and signed for it all in a matter of forty-five minutes.

Our new place is great and it felt like a mansion when I did my walk through. I wish that we could have moved in that day! It’s nice and spacious, which is just what we need. But, to be honest, what I’m most excited for is having a bathroom on both floors lol. I hate having to walk down the stairs in the dark to make it to the bathroom every night. And we all know that turning on the lights is a no no unless you want to lose your tired!

Johnny and I have already been diligently packing away and I hope that the rest of the month flies by so we can get this move started. I can’t wait to decorate and show all of you our new place once we’re settled!

What is your home decor style? Do you have any pro tips on moving? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Spring!

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Happy Spring!

Hello everyone! I know I’m a little late to the party but Happy Spring! After what felt like an eternity of winter, I am so happy that spring is finally here. It feels so good to get into my car every day for work and not freeze my nads off and for that, I am thankful lol. I have already been enjoying the high sixties weather with trips to the park with my niece, coloring with chalk on the driveway with her, and helping my dad in the yard.

I know that spring is officially here when all of my dad’s flowers begin popping up:

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Throughout the pandemic, Johnny and I have stayed hunkered down to do our part in keeping ourselves and loved ones safe. Come springtime, it feels so good to be outdoors after spending so much time inside. Not to mention all of the delightful fashion options that comes with nice weather. Goodbye bulky winter coats and hello sweet sweaters, skirts, and dresses!

This spring, I am looking forward to outdoor drinks and dining with Johnny and our friends, pretty flowers, and running around the yard with my niece. Nothing is better than feeling sunshine on your face to kiss that seasonal depression goodbye until next winter lol. Despite never getting back the hour of sleep that we lost, which is the only downside of spring, I am so ready for bright, beautiful days ahead and I hope the same goes for all of you. ❤

Happy Spring!!

What are you most looking forward to this spring? What is your favorite outdoor activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

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Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Hello everyone! Today is a special, wonderful day because it is my mom’s birthday! JANE is my best friend and is the best mom in the whole world. I love her so much. My dog loving mom is a hilarious little ball of energy and is such a gift to both mankind and four legged friends alike. She is also the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on:

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Any time spent with my mom is the best time and, even though I only live two minutes away from my family home, it just doesn’t feel close enough! I always tell my parents that I want to move into their basement with Johnny and nine times out of ten I usually mean it lol. JANE was promoted to grandma three years ago and it is such a joy to see her with her grandbabies, although, let’s be real: I will forever be her baby no matter how old I get. ❤

Her and my dad’s relationship sets an amazing example for all of us kids and I always look forward to hearing about the shenanigans that they get into together. They are truly #relationshipgoals! I could go on for forever about all of the things that I love about my mom and she deserves to be celebrated every day. She is kind, intelligent beyond belief, adorable, and the literal definition of beauty and brains.

I love you so much, mom, and I hope you have the best birthday ever! See you later! ❤

Happy Birthday!!! ❤

Keeping Your Pet Fit & Healthy At Home

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Keeping Your Pet Fit & Healthy At Home

Pet ownership is a responsibility that must be taken seriously. It can be difficult to find the time and money to take care of your pet, but it’s important for their health and happiness. You should remember that taking care of a pet at home offers a lot of health benefits too. Pets require quality food, proper shelter, adequate exercise space, love, and care from you to live a long life.

Here are some tips to ensure your pets remain fit and healthy while at home:

Make sure your pet has a quality diet:

One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to make sure they have a quality diet. This means providing them with good quality food and plenty of water. Well fed pets are less likely to become overweight or develop health problems. A healthy diet is especially important for older pets, who are more prone to health problems. After adopting your new companion from a website like Pet Quick Start (or something similar in your local area), be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your pet’s age and lifestyle. This will ensure that you are providing the best for your pet as soon as they are home.

There are a variety of commercially available pet foods on the market, but it’s important to read the labels carefully to make sure you’re providing your pet with a nutritionally complete and balanced diet. You should also avoid giving your pet table scraps, which can lead to weight gain and other issues.

Provide your pet with a comfortable place to sleep and rest:

Pets need a comfortable place to sleep and rest, just like people do. A good bed or sleeping area will help keep your pet healthy and happy. Pets who don’t have a comfortable place to sleep may become restless and develop behavioral problems. They may also become overweight if they spend too much time sleeping.

A good sleeping area for your pet can be a simple bed, blanket, or cushion. You can also buy special pet beds or sleeping areas at most pet stores. Be sure to clean your pet’s bedding regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and other allergens.

Exercise your pet regularly:

Exercise is an important part of your pet’s health and well being. Pets who don’t get enough exercise may become overweight or develop health problems. Regular exercise is especially important for older pets, who are more prone to health problems. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best exercise routine for your pet’s age and lifestyle.

There are a variety of ways to exercise your pet such as playing fetch, going for walks or runs, or visiting a dog park. You can also buy special pet exercise equipment, like treadmills or exercise balls. Setting up an artificial lawn in the backyard gives you a good place for your pets to run around without getting exposed to pesticides.

Take your pet to the veterinarian for regular checkups:

Like humans, regular checkups are an important part of your pet’s health care. These checkups can help your veterinarian identify potential health problems early and provide treatment before the problem becomes serious. Be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup at least once a year. You should also take your pet to the vet if they seem ill or are exhibiting unusual behavior.

Some pet insurance plans cover the cost of routine veterinary care, such as vaccinations and checkups. Check out Canine Journal’s comprehensive evaluation of pet insurers to find a plan that suits you and your pet. Then, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best pet insurance plans for your pet’s needs before making a decision.

Keep your pet groomed and free of parasites like fleas, ticks, and lice:

Pets who are not properly groomed may develop skin problems, become infested with parasites, or develop other health problems. Be sure to brush your pet’s fur regularly and trim their nails as needed. You should also bathe your pet regularly to keep their skin and fur clean and healthy.

Fleas, ticks, and lice are common parasites that can infest your pet’s skin and fur. If left untreated, these parasites can cause serious issues. Be sure to use a flea and tick prevention product regularly and check your pet for any evidence of parasites. The veterinarians from SoCal Vet Group (or a practitioner in your local area) will be able to recommend the best prevention products for your pet. They should also be contacted immediately if you are noticing a decline in your dog’s health after an infestation.

Having a pet is a life long commitment and they should be treated like family for the best quality of life!

Happy Day!

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Happy Day!

Hello! This past Sunday was a wonderful, happy day with my family because we celebrated my niece’s third birthday. It seems like just yesterday that my sister brought her home from the hospital and I was in all of the feels. I didn’t think I would be so emotional but then I found myself crying not once or twice but THREE times when we took Val to her first movie at the theaters to see Sing 2.

Prior to seeing the movie, Val enjoyed a huge present haul from her TT and Uncle “Ohnny”. She loved all of her new Mini Mouse gear, pop up books, and a ukulele from Johnny. He got her a purple one and a black one for himself so they can have lessons together. How sweet is that?!

After lunch and lots of playing, we headed to the movie theater for Sing 2. None of us have seen the first one but that didn’t matter much because what is there to know about animals singing? I must admit that Johnny and I weren’t chomping at the bit to see this movie. We were definitely more excited about Val’s first movie theater experience. However, by the end of the flick we were eating our words because it was pretty much the cutest movie ever.

Long story short, a musical theater group are putting on an intergalactic themed show for a not so nice entertainment bigwig. The songs in the movie are mostly current popular hits including songs by Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, and Shawn Mendes. Not to mention that Bono of U2 (our family favorite band) does a voice in the movie which we were all stoked about.

Sing 2 opened with “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince and we were all hooked from there. I was getting super invested in this movie and when Bono’s reclusive character had some struggles, I couldn’t help but shed a few tears. THEN, Johnny and I were surprised to hear one of the characters singing “Could Have Been Me” by The Struts. We absolutely love them and I started crying again not because it was sad but I was just so happy lol.

Finally, I cried three times a lady at the end when the space themed musical wrapped up with “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2. We were all singing along, including my little niece and it just melted my heart. My dad even shed a tear or two! Meanwhile, Johnny just laughed at me because I literally cry during ninety percent of the movies we watch. It truly doesn’t take much!

We all had the best day celebrating my best girl and I have been looking back on it fondly all week because it was such a Beautiful Day… See what I did there, U2 fans? By the way, if you are looking for a fun family movie, I can’t recommend Sing 2 enough. Just have some tissues at the ready because you may or may not cry too!

What is the first movie you saw in theaters? What is your favorite animated movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The Best Ships Are Blogships

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The Best Ships Are Blogships

Hello! Come September, lifewithlilred will be on its eighth year in the blogosphere and I, honestly, can’t believe it. If you would have told me when I first started my page close to a decade ago that I would still be going strong and read in over two hundred countries, I would have said “no way”! But here we are now, a half a year away from my eight year mark and it’s crazy.

For those of you who don’t remember, it wasn’t even my idea to start lifewithlilred in the first place. I just had So. Many. People. telling me that I should make a blog because I’m funny and have good fashion sense. Eventually, I rolled my eyes, said “fine”, and created lifewithlilred. I was hooked after publishing just one post and I still love sitting down to write all of these years later.

I have always been an avid reader and writer but what most attracted me to blogging was the possibility of making friends all around the world. This was exciting to me because, even now, my “real life” friends are limited to not even a handful but on my blog, I have tons! In fact, one of my best friends in the whole world, Kate of Live In The Nautical, was met through lifewithlilred and it’s weird to go just one day without talking to her!

When I woke up this morning, I had a plethora of comments on Facebook from another friend who I met through my page, Claudia. This reminded me of just how lucky I am for the connections that I have formed because of the blogging world. In my neck of the woods, people know who I am but I feel like my readers know the real me because all of my thoughts, struggles, and life events are here for the world to see. It just feels good to be seen for who I really am because I think my page encompasses it perfectly.

I have always been a strong believer in the power of words and all of the beautiful friends that I have made on lifewithlilred is a true testament to that. Thank you so much for tuning in and, most importantly, being my friend. I love you all!

What is your favorite thing about blogging? How long have you been writing for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Super Happy Great Day!

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Super Happy Great Day!

Hello! After a long week, I was SO ready for some time off over the weekend. This past Saturday was a wonderful one and it was such a treat – it was a low key day but it was spent with the best company and that’s what made it fabulous!

I was so happy to be able to treat my sister, her boyfriend, and my sweet niece to lunch at Chipotle. I am constantly craving it and it was delicious! It’s also one of my niece’s favorite eateries and she was so excited about “me beans and rice”, which I am still cracking up about. 😀

After lunch, we went back to my parents’ house to hang out before Kristen and Ramon had to go to work and I stuck around for some extra time with my Val Gal. We read books, played hide and seek, and watched some of the new Space Jam movie. We loved it! And, of course, it was so fun to see our hometown hero, LeBron James, in it.

My day was already great but it was even better once I got home because one of mine and Johnny’s best friends, Shannon, stayed the weekend with us. He lives in Marietta so we don’t get to see him too often but he was photographing a concert in Cleveland and we were more than happy to provide him with a place to crash.

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Once he returned back to our place from the show, we spent hours catching up and laughing hysterically about anything and everything. He is an absolute delight and we can’t wait for the weather to warm up so that we can spend the weekend at his place. A fun time was definitely had by all. ❤

I was working hard for this past weekend and it was so worth it because it was a hoot. Good company and good food makes for a very happy me!

How was your weekend? What is one of your favorite restaurants? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

All Boostered Up!

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All Boostered Up!

Hello! This past Friday, I enjoyed a much needed day off to get my hair done for the holidays. As always, my time at the Shear Shop was fabulous and the excitement of the day didn’t end when I left the salon… If you want to call getting the COVID-19 booster shot exciting, that is. Lol, but I do! After my appointment, I met up with Johnny at Walmart to get our Moderna boosters just in time for the holidays and I am so happy!

Originally, we had our booster shot appointment scheduled at CVS only to learn that they didn’t carry the Moderna booster. Luckily for us, though, Walmart had it readily available and you can schedule an appointment or just walk in for your vaccines. We went with the latter option and were on our way home in under ten minutes. 😀

Despite my eagerness to get my booster shot, I’ll be the first to admit that I was a little nervous. For those of you who don’t remember, my second shot of Moderna knocked me out for about three days and I wasn’t exactly looking forward to feeling crummy all weekend long. So, imagine my surprise when I woke up on Saturday morning not feeling completely miserable.

That’s not to say that I didn’t experience any side effects at all. On Friday night, I woke up several times in the middle of the night either feeling really hot or freezing cold. I also had a lot of tenderness in my arm and was tired all day Saturday. But that was about the worst of it and it was a vast improvement from shot number two so I’ll take it. 🙂

With the holidays fast approaching, I can’t recommend getting vaccinated enough to keep yourself and your loved ones safe while you celebrate. Do make sure that you call the location of where you’re getting vaccinated beforehand to make sure that they have your preferred vaccine available. Let’s kick COVID’s butt all together!

Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots OF MODERNA!

How are you safely celebrating the holidays this year? Where did you get your COVID vaccine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Best Husband Ever!

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Best Husband Ever!

Hi! Johnny and I rarely take time off of work except for holidays and vacations so when he took a day off last week it was very well deserved. Although, it was painful for me to go to work when he was hanging out at home! Shockingly, my husband didn’t just play video games all day and I returned from work and getting my nails done to the best surprises ever.

As soon as I walked in the door, I was so happy to see that Johnny took all of the trash out (which I hate doing), did multiple loads of dishes in the dishwasher, and tidied up the living room. But wait – there’s more! After singing his praises, I asked him what he wanted me to make for dinner because I was starving and he told me that was already taken care of too. Johnny did his own version of cooking and by that I mean he ordered us pizzas which were en route!

Needless to say, I felt spoiled absolutely rotten by my husband and all of his hard work on his day off. It was so nice to have to do nothing but kick my feet up, relax, watch Criminal Minds, and wait for dinner to come to us once I got home. I love to cook so we don’t order out too often but whenever we do it is such a major treat. Not having to do any chores after work was the best of all, though. 😀

Johnny and I like to treat each other often with little gifts from the store but this surprise definitely took the cake. My husband gave me an evening off that was fit for a queen and I am so lucky to have him! ❤

What makes you feel spoiled? How do you treat your loved ones? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah