Tag Archives: holidays

Sep11

Marc’s Mini Halloween Haul

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Marc’s Mini Halloween Haul

Hello! I love shopping here, there, and everywhere for Halloween goodies and it’s such fun for me to see what all of the different stores have to offer. Whenever spooky season hits, there is one place that I ALWAYS have to visit: Marc’s. For those of you who are not hip, Marc’s is a discount grocery store in Ohio. They have great prices on their products and have a fabulous “closeout section” of random and seasonal decor, children’s toys, clothing, and the list goes on. My parents shop there frequently and when my dad sounded the alarm that their Halloween decorations were out, I just had to swing by the next day for some swag on the cheap. I got all of this for ten dollars and change! Check it out:

^^^ How amazing is that sign?!

I will say that the Halloween selection at Marc’s this time around was not as good as the years prior but that is okay because I still made out like a bandit! The first thing I added to my cart was a pair of spooky leggings that I got for a whole buck fifty which was a total score. I only have one pair of leggings that double for work and pajamas and couldn’t resist snagging a new pair specific to lounging. These babies might not be my size but they are cute as can be and will keep my work leggings for work only. Also I love the dancing pumpkin skeleton. 😀

Next in the cart was one of my favorite things in the whole world: Hair glitter! Glitter hair spray is just pure fun and adds a sweet touch of sparkle to Halloween costumes, concert OOTDs, or every day wear. At Marc’s the hair glitter was only one dolla holla and I got my usuals of gold and silver. I also was so happy to have found a blue hair glitter spray too! Johnny and I plan on being Alice Cooper and Cold Ethyl for Halloween and the blue and silver glitter is going to be perfect on whatever wig I end up picking out. These glitter sprays were definitely a lucky find because I could imagine that one bottle at Spirit Halloween would be at least five dollars or more. Such a steal!

The last of my purchases is easily my favorite and gave me and Johnny a fit of laughter – a five dollar sign proclaiming “give ’em pumpkin to talk about” LOLOL. It’s a freaking HOOT and too cute to boot. I just love that spooky garland at the bottom! This is one of those sayings that I wish I came up with because I think it’s so damn clever and I live for a good play on words. In the past week, I have visited several different stores for Halloween decor and there is no way I would have found something so well made, sizeable, and cheap at any of them. Long live discount stores!!

I balled on a budget during my traditional Marc’s Halloween shopping trip with five items for ten dollars. You simply cannot beat that!

What is your favorite discount store? Where is your favorite place to shop for home decor? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep4

5 Below Haul

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5 Below Haul

Hello! My clients absolutely love shopping at 5 Below and I do too! I am always excited to check out what’s new on the cheap whenever we go and had a fabulous haul this past week. We ended up at good ol’ 5 B after a trip to Spirit Halloween was a total dud. Seriously, everything there was SO expensive and we were hard pressed to find anything cool that was below twenty bucks. So, 5 Below it was and we couldn’t have gone at a better time. They were just putting their Halloween collection out and I kid you not, they had so many of the exact same things that we just saw at Spirit Halloween. Everything at Spirit Halloween feels like a rip off when you know where to shop! I couldn’t resist going a little crazy and ended up with a big haul with treats for my nieces, myself, and Johnny too. Check it out:

This haul costed fifty dollars for ten items and you can’t beat that!

Johnny and I have never decorated for holidays because it is Halloween year round in our apartment and that’s just the way we like it. Whenever our happy time comes around, we are always happy to splurge a little on all of the Halloween goodies our favorite stores have to offer. And, in the case of this 5 Below haul, I actually needed to use a cart for the very first time because there were so many items I couldn’t say no to as soon as I walked in the door! 😀

The first thing that caught my eye was His and Hers skeleton plushies that are just so damn cute I can’t stand it. They reminded me of big versions of adorable Frankenstein and skeleton stuffies we got on vacation in the Poconos and I can’t wait to curl up with our newest additions and watch a scary movie. Whoever says adults can’t get plushies has never bought a plushie as an adult before and Johnny and I adore these comfort items. In comparison to the plushies at Spirit Halloween that were thirty dollars and up, these were a steal at five dollars apiece. BALLIN ON A BUDGET, BABY!

Next in my haul was a few candy treats. A few years ago on social media, I saw the Sour Patch Apple Harvest pack but could never find them anywhere in stores. It was a crying shame because apple candy is my favorite so I couldn’t believe my good fortune when I found them at 5 Below. So much so, that I had to get two bags of them lol. They are so delish and my favorite is the Apple Cider flavor. They are not as sour as I would like but they are still really tasty nonetheless. I also got a pack of Caramel Apple Peelerz which I have seen all over social media too so peep a TikTok on a taste test for those coming soon. 😀

After the first portion of 5 Below was thoroughly shopped through, it was onto the clothing department where I got a set of pajamas for me and a couple of shirts for Johnny. This summer, I purchased an adorable short and cami top PJ set from TJMaxx and have been living in them. They are the only pair of non sweatpants pajamas I have so I was excited to find another pair that costed twelve dollars in total. I’m so excited to slip into the bat adorned fleece shorts and oversized tee that says Bite Me on it lol. I actually have a tattoo of vampire fangs that say Bite Me on my shoulder as well as a robe with the same sentiments so this PJ set really spoke to me. 🙂

For Johnny’s treats, I was so excited to find a wicked cool Halloween shirt. I am a Texas Chainsaw Massacre girl, myself, but Johnny is a Michael Myers fan through and through and the original Halloween is his all time favorite. Also, peep that young Jamie Lee Curtis! Such a doll then and now. ❤ Another one of our favorite movies that has nothing to do with Halloween is School Of Rock and how amazing is that band tee?! Unfortunately, they didn’t have it in Johnny’s size so I got the next size up because I knew he would like it. He loved them both and wore his Halloween shirt to work the next day!

My last purchase in this haul was a fun craft for my nieces. I had plans for a visit over the weekend and wanted something we could do all together. One of their favorite activities is pottery paint kits so I got a darling set of pottery fruit planters for them to create a masterpiece. This set of three costed six dollars making them two bucks a pop and that is a steal. The girls are always so proud of their painted creations and I can’t wait to see their fantastically fruity works or art. ❤

Whether it is at TJMaxx, Marc’s, or 5 Below – your girl loves to discount shop. This haul was so good it’s scary and I am stoked to see what other Halloween goodies 5 Below has as the happiest season of all continues!

What is your favorite discount store? Have you had any great hauls recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul12

Geneva On The Lake Getaway

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Geneva On The Lake Getaway

Hello!! A few weeks ago Johnny got an invite from one of his coworkers for us to join him and his partner for a Fourth of July weekend getaway at Geneva On The Lake. They rented an Airbnb right on the water, had a spare room, and said the more the merrier. We happily accepted the opportunity for some fun in the sun and had the absolute best time! The last and only time Johnny and I had been to GOTL was for a work event for my dumb old boss and it was the freaking worst. To go back there in good company and actually enjoy the sights was a gift because I didn’t realize how awesome it was when I was punching the clock in misery lol. 😀

^^^ Hell yeah!!!

Johnny and I headed to our getaway as soon as I got home from work on Thursday and arrived at Geneva On The Lake in about an hour and a half. The travel traffic for the holiday weekend was blessedly nonexistent and that was great because we couldn’t wait to start our mini vacation. The Airbnb that our friends rented was seriously perfect. It was cozy, quaint, and was like having our own private beach. After getting settled and having a quick tour, we decided to hit the boardwalk for drinks, dinner, and visiting an awesome arcade bar.

The boardwalk at GOTL is the cutest and I would love to go back and explore it more. It was old timey, bursting with color, and bustling with activity between the shops, restaurants, and snack booths. It felt like going back in time and enhanced the vacation vibes even more. No stuffy offices, no chain stores or eateries, just quirky local establishments. It’s exactly what Johnny and I like! After stopping at a bar for a bevvie, we decided we were famished and went to a lovely beach side restaurant. They had the best Peach Sangria I have had in a long time and their pierogie platter was to die for! Once we finished our meal, we headed straight to an arcade bar for more drinks (Hey, it was a vacation!) and ALL of the skee ball before calling it a night. And, as per ushe, Johnny and I totally crushed at skee ball which is our all time favorite. I wish we had one in our house!

The following day was Fourth of July and our plan was to hit the beach for the day, head to the boardwalk, and watch the fireworks over the water. We made our way to the actual beach area of Geneva On The Lake and there were no parking spots in sight. Rather than make endless loops trying to find a place to park, we just headed back to the Airbnb and made use of our own slice of paradise instead. We brought chairs, coolers, and beaucoup sunscreen and spent all afternoon on the water. There wasn’t another person in sight and it was absolutely wonderful! It sure beat being in an endless sea of people and I didn’t want to leave! However, there came a point when all of our sunburns got too bad to ignore so we packed up and went inside. (As a side note, my sunburns were BRUTAL so I’ll be in my closet for the rest of the summer!)

We hung out at the Airbnb for a bit and freshened up, then we made our way back to the boardwalk for the rest of the evening. We, once again, had an incredibly difficult time finding parking which ate up a ton of time and ended up finding the last spot in an entire lot. It was a miracle! After playing some more games at the arcade, it was about time for fireworks to start and we just stayed where we were for a while to watch. It was spectacular and the most amazing way to commemorate our mini vacation!

Geneva On The Lake might have only been an hour and a half away but we felt like we were on another planet entirely. It was just the getaway Johnny and I needed and I would love to plan a long weekend trip for us this summer. I’m thinking Hocking Hills for sure!

How did you spend your holiday weekend? Where is your favorite weekend getaway spot? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun15

Happy Father’s Day!!

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Happy Father’s Day!!

Hello everyone and a Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads, pet dads, and any other kind of dad out there! Today is the day to celebrate all of the fellas in our lives who make it so special. Whether you are spending your day grilling out, taking a hike, or my dad’s preferred desire for “peace and quiet”, I hope that it is the perfect day for you. While dear old dads should be celebrated each and every day, my wish is that you feel especially showered with love during your celebrations!

I am so incredibly lucky to have the best dad in the world and although he doesn’t care to celebrate his birthday or days like today, I just have to give him a shout out anyways! My dad is the most wonderful man. He is hilarious, kind, beyond skilled at gardening, and shreds on guitar. Not only is he my super dad, but he is the most loving PopPop of five and it is such fun to see him interact with my four nieces and nephew. It shows me what him and my mom were like when my siblings and I were little and that is a true gift to me. They were both the best way back then and they still are now. I love you, dad! Thank you for all you do each and every day. ❤

Happy Father’s Day!!!!

Jun13

Happy Birthday, Best Friend!!

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Happy Birthday, Best Friend!!

Hello everyone!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my beautiful best friend, Kate’s, birthday!! Gemini season is in full swing and we are the stars!! This is our happy time and we spend the entire month celebrating and hyping each other up more than we already do on a regular basis. I met the esteemed, talented, gorgeous author of Live In The Nautical very shortly after lifewithlilred was conceived and when her page was still called Ankhor You. I will not age ourselves by saying how many years that has been but it has been a minute. Even if we both just turned twenty-one this year!

Kate is someone who I connect with on every single level and it was evident the first time we spoke. Seriously, one day we just started talking and we never stopped lol. That’s truly a magical thing to experience for two gals who live several states away from each other and I am thankful for it every day. And, yes, I actually do send out a special “thank you” into the ether every day because I am the luckiest girl in the world to have her as my A1, ride or die BFF. I always say that my blog has done so much good for me, but providing me with a best friend is the best thing it has or will ever do.

Imagine the most purest form of sunshine, sea breeze, and fairy dust in a bottle and you have Kate. She is the girl everyone wants to be friends with and her radiant smile and darling laugh are simply intoxicating. And, the beauty of Kate is that she makes everyone feel like her friend. She loves so deeply and pours kindness and care into everything she says and does. Kate is a giver and spreads joy liberally to her beloved family, friends, and any and everyone she encounters – myself especially!

Being besties with Kate is one of my greatest joys and I don’t even entertain the notion of what my life would be like without her. Since day one, she is the person who I want to talk to first on good days and bad. She’s the one to laugh with, dish on celebrity gossip with, and play detective with whenever we watch true crime documentaries. It is so special to share June with my Gemini Twin and I cannot wait for another year of text message novels and hours on end FaceTime dates with my best girl. ❤

To my other half and best friend:

Happy Birthday!!! I love you so!!!!

Jun7

Happy Birthday To Me!!

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Happy Birthday To Me!!

Hello and holy moly! Today is my 31st (…21st?) birthday!! When I started lifewithlilred in 2014, I never imagined writing a birthday post for myself eleven years later but here we are. And I wouldn’t want it any other way! As it’s mine and Johnny’s birthaversary, I have already had a wonderful celebration so far. A party at home, dinner with my in laws, and treating myself to a fresh new fill. I am also very much looking forward to a birthday FaceTime with my blogging bestie, a hang out with my other bestie, and a big family dinner at Hibachi Japan. Why celebrate for one day when you can celebrate all month, amiright?!

As I reflect on another year older (And hopefully wiser!), I can’t help but to think how lucky I am. Lucky to have an amazing family, friends, husband, bunnies, and the whole blogosphere in my corner. It is such a gift to be surrounded by so much love every day and no matter how much I wish I could slow the aging process down, it is a gift to be able to do so with the best company by my side. You know what? These past handful of years have been some of the best of my life so maybe getting older isn’t all that bad. Not that thirty-one is old (I’m trying to remind myself!), but you know what I mean lol. All I know is that I am in store for another great year and I can’t wait to share it with each and every one of you!

Happy birthday to me and thank you ALL for spending time with me on lifewithlilred every day. I love you!!!
Jun4

Happy Anniversary To Us!

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Happy Anniversary To Us!

Howdy!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is mine and Johnny’s fourth wedding anniversary!! And, rather than celebrate just one day, we celebrate all month because June is our birthaversary. Johnny’s birthday was on the first, our anniversary is the fourth, and my birthday is on the seventh – how cool is that?! It’s so unique to have our birthdays so close together and having our anniversary smack dab in the middle is the cherry on top. ❤

Johnny and I had our first date at our favorite bar, the Cashmere Cricket, and it was love at first sight for both parties involved (Or so he tells me!). Seriously, as soon as we saw each other it was like fireworks going off and it sounds cheesy but it is so true. Ever since our first date, Johnny and I were joined at the hip and have probably only been apart from each other for three weeks in total in our extensive tenure. I wouldn’t want to have it any other way because I miss him terribly as soon as he leaves for work in the morning!

Johnny and I just have fun together. It’s as simple as that. We have so much in common, we make each other laugh, and you could put us in an empty room and we would still find a way to have a blast. Johnny and I genuinely enjoy each other’s company and it turns everything from returning home from work to a dinner date into an exciting adventure. Whether we are out on the town or watching all of our favorite shows on the couch, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world because Johnny is there with me.

I have never experienced a love so deep and pure in my entire life and I can truly feel it whenever I so much as glance at my main squeeze. Johnny is my best friend, my rock, and one of the best men I have ever known. He is sensitive, kind, hilarious, handsome AF, talented, and so completely himself. My heart swoons when he plays guitar and he brings music everywhere he goes. He gives my dad bi-weekly guitar lessons and whenever we are with our nieces and nephew, it’s a full on rock n’ roll dance party. Johnny is a gift to everyone he encounters and I hit the lottery by being able to be his wife.

To the love of my life – Happy Anniversary!!! You are my everything! ❤

Jun1

Happy Birthday, Johnny!!

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Happy Birthday, Johnny!!

Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my main squeeze, Johnny’s, birthday!! My beloved’s birthday kick starts our birthaversary extravaganza and I am so excited to celebrate our big days and wedding anniversary together. I truly do not know what I would do without my Johnny and I consider myself to be the luckiest girl in the whole world. We have been together for well over five years and those first date butterflies have remained every day since. I miss him when we’re apart, I think about him all the time, and it is still exciting when he greets me at the door after work. It’s safe to say I am madly, deeply in love!

Whether we are at home binging our favorite shows or on the go, it is never a dull moment with Johnny. We just have fun together and his personality and laugh are infectious. Johnny is never without a kind word to say to anyone and he provides such a bright light to everyone he encounters. He is always, always thinking about others before himself and loves fiercely. It is so beautiful to see him interact with those he holds dear because it simply radiates. It is my absolute favorite to watch him play with our sweet nieces and nephew and he really is joy personified.

Being married to Johnny is a nonstop adventure and waking up next to him is a gift. Since our first date, we have barely been apart from each other and I wouldn’t want it any other way. We have been through so many of life’s ups and downs together and I couldn’t and don’t want to imagine anyone else by my side. Johnny has made my life better in more ways than I could ever count and I fall in love with him more every day. And I don’t even care how cheesy that sounds because it is the truth! ❤

Happy Birthday, Johnny! I love you always!!!! ❤

May31

BFF Birthday Haul

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BFF Birthday Haul

Hello!!! The best thing that lifewithlilred has ever done is, easily, connecting me with my best friend in the world, Kate, of Live In The Nautical. One day, we just started talking and I swear we haven’t stopped since! Despite living in two different states, Kate might as well be right next door to me. We are always texting and I live for our FaceTime dates that turn into hours on end discussions. She is such a bright light in my life – my blogging bestie, my Gemini twin, and a true gift to everyone who is lucky enough to know her. Regardless of where we’re located, we are joined at the hip and that is never going to change. ❤

When I got to work at chez parents this past Tuesday, I was greeted by a goodie box waiting for me on the kitchen table. Then, when I returned after a little shift, I saw more packages that were delivered while I was gone. The contents were none other than an amazing haul from my BFF and she spoiled me rotten this year! Check it out:

Getting gifts from Kate is a straight up “But wait – there’s more!” experience. The first prezzie I opened was the adorable travel cup boasting the fact that I am, indeed, in my Bunny Mom Era!! I just love the funky 70s print and that it is even customized with the names of my sweet buns, Melvin and Penelope. I know that I will be sipping Diet Coke on ice from this perfect sized cup all summer long. I also know that my niece is going to love using this when she visits at my apartment because she forever insists on having a straw to drink from lol. AND I also ALSO know that my bunnies appreciate being thought of too because they are always running around whenever Kate and I FaceTime so they know who their aunt is!

The next gift I tore into was a tiny jewelry box from a brand called Sirius Woods. I clutched my pearls when I saw the gorgeous carved skull earrings nestled inside! As a spooky gal, I love literally anything with skulls on it. However, these are so sentimental because they look exactly like my engagement ring!! My beloved engagement ring features a huge pearl carved into a skull and these earrings make my bling feel like a completed set. They are beautifully crafted and delicate and I couldn’t imagine how Kate was going to top herself on the remaining present. Of course, she totally did!

The final package to tear open was the piece de resistance: A page of music from her, mine, and Johnny’s very special show called Hadestown. Kate introduced me to this astounding musical and Johnny and I were able to see it when it toured at Playhouse Square. We went to Hadestown during one of the worst times of my life and it was one of the few happy moments in literal months of agony. The show transported us and the music moved me so deeply. In fact, the framed song Kate gave me makes me cry every time and that is no exaggeration. Just ask my husband! Trust and believe, tears were shed when this gift revealed itself but, for once, they were the happy kind. Tears of joy to be soul sisters with someone who knows me so well, bonds with me on every level, and provides me with the sunshine of her spirit every day. It was like opening up a hug and I am still blown away. ❤

Since day one, being best friends with Kate has made my life better. And, as much as I treasure all of the treasures she gave me, she will always be my greatest gift! ❤

How did you and your best friend meet? Have you made any friends through your blog or social media? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May17

Happy Birthday, Brother!!

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Happy Birthday, Brother!!

Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my big brother, Andrew’s, birthday!! Andrew is my partner in crime. He is my best friend, my work out buddy, and an absolute gift to all who know him. Whether we are hiking, gaming, or just hanging out it is the best time because we are together. Andrew has an incredible sense of humor, is so caring, and always has a kind word to say. He is the first person who notices when I get my nails done or am wearing something new and you have no idea how much that warms my heart.

Being able to have built in besties with my siblings is such a special thing and Andrew and I are the dream team. Our personalities work so well together and there is nothing we can’t do when we have a plan in mind. Andrew inspires me to no end and is always striving to better himself, which is something that we can all learn from. He’s a hard worker, a loving son, and the most amazing friend I could ever ask for. I am so excited to be able to celebrate my big bro and am thankful for every minute we have together!! ❤

Happy Birthday, Andrew!!! I love you!!! ❤