Tag Archives: holidays

Jan2

Best Gift Ever

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Best Gift Ever

Hello!! Johnny and I are the proud “fun aunt and uncle” to five little darlings. There are four girls and one boy and celebrating the holidays all together was the most wonderful gift. It was so sweet to watch them rip open their presents and play the day away and it also gave me an even deeper respect for all the parents out there. We were exhausted by the time we got home! The kiddos weren’t far from our minds, though, because we spent the rest of the evening talking about how cute they were and laughing about all of the funny things they said and did. And, of course, treasuring the Best Gift Ever that my eldest niece presented me with. Check it out:

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Back in my day, my grade school would have a “Santa Shop” during the holiday season to purchase small gifts for loved ones. At our Val Gal’s school, they apparently did the same. On Christmas, she was so proud to hand out gifts that she got all by herself. This included a pretty “Grandma” heart shaped necklace for my mom, a wrench keychain for my dad, and the stuffed mushroom for me lol. I’m honestly not sure why this was my gift – part of me thinks it’s because we watched the Mario Movie together or maybe the colors reminded her of my hair. Whatever the reason is doesn’t matter because the fact remains that she saw it and thought that I would love to have it for Christmas. And she was so right!!

As an extended Christmas gift from Johnny and I, we hosted Val for a slumber party. As soon as she came barrelling through the door, she immediately saw my new stuffie displayed front and center on one of our knick knack shelves. I told her that I put it there as soon as we got home from our holiday dinner and that delighted her because it was further confirmation that TT loved her gift. Although we each got spoiled rotten this Christmas, our catchphrase during the slumber party was saying “you’re my gift” to each other. There is truly no better gift than that… Except for my mushroom. ❤

Our nieces and nephew are literal sunshine and I am so thankful that we were all home for the holidays. It really was one of the best Christmases ever!

Who was your favorite aunt or uncle growing up? What was the best gift you received this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan1

Happy New Year!!

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Happy New Year!!

Howdy everyone and happy 2025!! It is the first day of a brand new year here on lifewithlilred and it’s hard to believe that this is the eleventh New Year we have all celebrated together. My resolutions are prepped and I don’t know about you, but I am ready to take 2025 on by storm! I have to admit, this last month or so of 2024 sucked on ice and I am really trying to start this year on the right foot. The best way I know how? By being upbeat, positive, and knowing that there are plenty of good things to come in 2025. And, with all of you by my side, I know that to be even more true. ❤

I hope this New Year brings you so much happiness, cherished memories, and success. I cannot wait to see the fun we get into for lifewithlilred’s eleventh year on the blogosphere and I love you all!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Dec31

Holiday Haul

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Holiday Haul

Howdy!! Johnny’s family knows how to spoil a girl rotten for the holidays and I am always so thankful to have been thought of. Well, thought of or straight up had my mind read! This year’s Holiday Haul was a particularly excellent one because I received SO. Many. Gifts that I had every intention of purchasing for myself with Christmas gift cards and moolah. Like me, my in laws love to go Christmas crazy and it definitely shows. Check it out:

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Johnny’s family is REALLY good at giving gifts that are, without a doubt, going to be used. This just so happens to be my favorite kind of gift because chances are high that I would need to buy something similar anyways so I can use that money as a little treat for me or to save up. The set of cutting boards is a shining example of that. I have NO idea how my mother-in-law knew that I needed new cutting boards because I’ve never mentioned it to her or Johnny. I was elated when I opened the set because 1) Literally all of my cutting boards suck. 2) They are all too small. And 3) I was going to buy a new one for myself during post holiday shopping. Is being absolutely stoked by cutting boards what it means to be an adult?!

Another instance of my mother-in-law “just knowing” was my bag of bath and body care. There’s no way she could have known that I have been especially partial to bar soap recently and I was just about out of the one that I was using. I tried out the Peppermint Candy bar soap she got me today and it was divine! Not only that, but I was ALSO almost out of my Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer and she had that covered too. The candles were a very nice touch as well because I never buy them for myself. As I write this, I am burning the Sweet Orange & Agave and it is the perfect zesty and invigorating scent for an early morning computer sesh.

Finally, from Johnny’s aunt Elaine, I am also sporting the adorable cropped hoodie she got for me as I write this. It is so cute and comfy and I cannot wait to pair it with leggings and the boot socks that were included too. As a practical gift, she gave us a hand vacuum which is really good motivation for me and Johnny to clean out our cars… Eventually, anyways. It is the holidays after all! 🙂

I have already been making great use of the gifts from Johnny’s family as well as buying some extra goodies for myself with gift cards. Check out those hauls soon!!

What is your favorite gift you received this year? What is a practical gift that you love? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec26

My New Year’s Resolutions

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My New Year’s Resolutions

Howdy!!! It’s that time of the year, people. When everyone announces all of the New Year’s Resolutions they’re going to break a month later lol. Hey, I am guilty of it too!! Making major changes sounds great until it’s time to implement them! So, rather than make goals that I am not fully committed to, I’m trying something new – To simply keep doing what I already am and improving upon it. Like the following:

Going To The Gym:

I started going to a gym to work out with my brother a little over a month ago and I never thought I would say it but… I freaking LOVE it! At first, I was definitely self conscious going there. I had no idea how to use the machines and on my first visit, kind strangers taught me how without me even asking. After those encounters, it was like any sense of embarrassment faded into nothing and I saw the gym for what it was: A safe space for people to improve upon themselves. The atmosphere, the people, pumping iron – there’s just something about it that clicked. My brother and I try to go to the gym at least once a week and we both plan on keeping up with that. I’m excited for the progress we are going to make and I can’t wait to go back after the holidays!

Being Firm In Answers:

In case you haven’t noticed, I take on a lot in my life and it can be really hard for me to say no to people. This is something that I have been working on for a long time and while I have gotten better, it absolutely still needs improvement. One of my goals is to not only be able to say no but to be firm with that answer. I am extremely guilty of wishy-washy responses because of the people pleaser in me and that’s not a good thing. This is a major focus of mine going into the New Year and it’s going to take some practice, but you can’t have perfection without it. I know that while it might be difficult at first, it will only get easier and I need to push myself to keep with it or I will just continue to be caught in the cycle of pure exhaustion.

Make More Time For Friends:

In complete honesty, by the time the weekend rolls around, it’s hard to make plans with my friends. It’s not because I don’t want to see them but because I am SO tired and SO stressed that I just want to be by myself. However, Johnny and I hosted a dinner party this past weekend and it was kind of a game changer. We all had the best time and it made me realize that I am missing out on a lot because I am not penciling in time to have fun. I’m not going to go crazy with it because I really do value my me time as I don’t get a lot of it during the week. But, a few extra hang outs now and then can’t hurt and I need to work on working up the nerve to plan them, stick with them, and have a great time. Despite getting much needed rest, my weekends always feel wasted and I know this goal will help rectify that.

These are my New Year’s Resolutions and I am sticking to them. In fact, writing them out gave me the push I needed to try even harder with these changes that I know will be good for me!

What are your New Year’s Resolutions? What is something that you are trying to improve? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec25

Merry Christmas!!!!

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Merry Christmas!!!!

Hello everyone and Merry Christmas!!! I will keep things short and sweet because I know we have places to go and people to see on this big day. I just wanted to let all of you know how thankful I am to be sharing the blogosphere with you. Ten whole years of being in this little corner of the internet is such a gift to me and it feels even more so because of my dear friends and readers. It is a huge bright part of my life and would simply not be possible without each and every one of you. I thank you a million times over and I love you all!! No matter how you spend your day, I hope it is the best one ever.

Merry Christmas!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Dec23

Husband’s Holiday Haul

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Husband’s Holiday Haul

Hello!! Johnny and I have been together for over five years now and I genuinely cannot remember one gift giving occasion when we gave each other our prezzies on the actual day. We are always too excited to wait so we just give each other the gifts as soon as they arrive in the mail lol. It should come as no surprise that we already had our Christmas gift exchange and my Johnny knocked it out of the park. He provided us with all of the fixings for an absolutely perfect date night in. Check it out:

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At the end of November, Johnny and I had an excellent Middle Class Fancy date night at the Olive Garden. We planned on going shopping for records afterwards and during our meal, I told Johnny that I would LOVE to have the cast recording of Hadestown on vinyl. And, in that moment, Johnny knew just what to get me! Hadestown is an incredibly special show to us and seeing it live at Playhouse Square was honestly one of the best nights of our lives. We listen to the music from the show and reminisce on our good fortune to see it frequently and I am simply thrilled because we will be seeing it again in February. Hadestown truly is our show and the vinyl is the crowning jewel of my minuscule record collection!

As we listen to the record, Johnny and I will build the Dobby Lego set that he got me too! Like I said, it is going to be the perfect date night in. Johnny and I just love building Lego together and it has been a fat minute since we have done so. This little set of the cutest House Elf in the world will be great to dip our toes back in after an extensive building hiatus. The most difficult part is going to be finding a space for Dobby on our knick knack shelves which runneth over lol. 😀

Johnny and I do Christmas Day our way and so we already had it days ago. My main squeeze couldn’t have done better with these gifts and I am so looking forward to our Hadestown/Lego extravaganza!

Are you an impatient gift giver like us? What is your favorite musical? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec22

Simple Ways To Spread Holiday Cheer

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Simple Ways To Spread Holiday Cheer

Howdy!! The countdown to Christmas is SO on and I am sure everyone is busy with their holiday prep. Me? I am officially DONE with shopping and wrapping so I am eagerly anticipating for the celebrations to hurry up and get here! It wouldn’t be the holiday season if everything didn’t feel a little bit crazy right now. However, it is always great to spread some happiness to friends, neighbors, and strangers. If you have some extra time to spare and holiday cheer to spread, let’s look at a few simple ways that you can make it happen:

Shovel Driveways/Sidewalks:

As of now in Akron, Ohio, we have had a snowy day or two and that has been it. If you live somewhere snowy, though, your neighbors will always appreciate some help with removal – especially if they are older. There is a reason why “heart attack snow” is a real thing! Take some extra time to clear off a driveway or two or make a path on some sidewalks if your neighborhood has them. This can really take a load off for those in your community physically and metaphorically and is an ideal way to spread some cheer if you are going to be experiencing a White Christmas.

Donate To A Shelter:

SO many grocery stores are running promotions such as “spend X amount and get a free turkey or ham”. If this applies to you and you don’t need the free item, donate it to a shelter instead where it can be used and enjoyed. This is exactly what my family did for Thanksgiving with the promo being ran at Giant Eagle. You can also take a look at the websites for shelters in your area. Chances are, they will have a list of items that they need in the moment like winter coats, winter accessories, feminine hygiene, and diapers. They also might have ways to sponsor a child so you can cross off some toys on their wish list. Whatever you choose to do will do a world of good.

Santa Mail:

I don’t know if this is a thing in your neck of the woods. But, in mine, I am constantly seeing posts from local nursing homes on social media asking for pen pals for their residents. If this is something that is doable where you are – go for it! Call a nursing home, get a batch of holiday cards, and send your well wishes. This has the potential to really brighten someone’s day. Better yet, you could form a lasting friendship with these correspondences and that is a gift in itself.

Sweets & Treats:

There is always sure to be an overflow of holiday sweets like cookies, pies, and candies. If you find yourself with WAY too much – you already know what to do. Make a delightful assortment on a tray and send it a neighbor’s way! If there’s a shortage of sweets, perhaps a neighbor with a bare yard would like a wreath on their door or some twinkling lights. Knock on the door and ask! Even if the answer is no, it’s such a thoughtful offer that will not go unnoticed.

Spreading holiday cheer doesn’t have to be a huge gesture. It can be small, meaningful things that make someone’s day and will show that you care!

How do you get into the holiday spirit? Do you volunteer in your community? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec20

Bestie Christmas Haul

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Bestie Christmas Haul

Hello!! It has honestly been an exhausting month and I am so completely drained. Can holiday break get here now or?! Despite not feeling holly or jolly in the slightest, I am feeling the slightest bit better thanks to Santa Mail from my A1 best girl, Kate of Live In The Nautical. I was surprised with a heated blanket that is simply the best over the weekend and was greeted to another package when I got to chez mom and dad on Tuesday. Kate spoiled me totally rotten this year and I cannot wait to spoil myself with these goodies from Rusted Acre Soap Co.:

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Kate got me hip to Rusted Acre Soap Co. last Christmas when she gifted me with these amazing horror themed bath bombs. I have to admit, I am a Lush bath bomb snob so I was curious to see how the set would compare with my tried and true favorite. I have used many bath bombs in my day that didn’t hold a candle to my beloved Lush so I was incredibly surprised that the ones by Rusted Acre were comparable, if not better. 1) There’s nothing better than being gifted with something that supports a small business. And 2) Has Lush ever made a Jason Voorhees bath bomb that actually looks like the mask in the water when it dissolves? I think not and I rest my case!

I am completely enamored with my Rusted Acre holiday gift set and I legit felt more relaxed just thinking about taking a bath with these goodies! The love potion is definitely my favorite one… Actually, maybe the skull haha but also how cute is that gingerbread man with a bite taken out of it?! This is just the treat I needed and I know for a fact Kate felt like I needed it too. Which is why she is the best friend/gift giver ever! My favorite thing about Lush bath bombs is how entertaining they are to watch dissolve. There is something about the ones from Rusted Acre that hit different, though, and I can’t wait to see how they perform. They also hit different because they’re from my ride or die. ❤

Being besties with Kate is seriously like Christmas every day because she is an absolute gift. Thank you to my doll for making my day merrier and brighter with this fabulous self care surprise! ❤

What is your favorite small business? Where do you like to holiday shop at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec17

Best Blanket EVER!!

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Best Blanket EVER!!

Howdy!! Every weekend, I have been diligently wrapping away at my cache of Christmas prezzies. I also got the very last gift I needed on my shopping list this past week at Elysian Nails. GREAT SUCCESS! On Sunday, I decided to finish my gift wrapping in its entirety and it was so nice to get some floor space back in my office once all of the packages had been opened! To my surprise, one of the boxes I opened contained something I didn’t remember ordering for myself at all. I questioned if I did some drunk Amazon shopping, but then I realized it was a Christmas gift from my A1 blogging bestie – Kate from Live In The Nautical. Check it out:

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One thing about Kate and I is that we are massive freeze babies lol. We are both literally always cold and Kate loves to cocoon in her heated blanket. Wrapping up in a warm hug of a blanket is something that is most appealing to me, but it’s something I would never buy for myself. So, Kate took matters into her own hands and I have an inkling that she has known exactly what to spoil me with for Xmas since this October. We had a massive drop in temperatures in Ohio and my apartment complex didn’t turn the heat on so Johnny and I were basically living in an ice box for a week. Kate is the most spectacular gift giver because she is constantly taking mental notes of situations like this and provides a remedy for it. ❤

My heated blanket was actually the last package I opened before it was a wrap on wrapping presents. As soon as I saw it, I ripped the box the blanket came in open and was ready to reward myself with a day of becoming one with my couch after a successful holiday shopping season. And become one with my couch, I did. From the comfort of my new heated blanket, I had a Degrassi marathon and vegged TF out. I live for a good Degrassi binge sesh and it was further enhanced by this Bwarm blanket because it is the freaking BEST. It is SO soft, SO comfortable, and has six different heat settings so you can adjust the temps as needed. I opted for a healthy “four” and it literally felt like I was wrapped up in all the comforters on my bed. It was also so soothing on my arms and back which tend to get a bit achy from never ending work on the computer. 12/10 Highly recommend!

Huge shout out to my main boo for this top tier present!! I have a feeling I am going to be living in this blanket as soon as I get home from work every day!

What is your favorite item that brings you comfort? Are you always hot or always cold? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec14

New Magenta & Gold Glitter Nails

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New Magenta & Gold Glitter Nails

Hello!! Last week, Johnny and I came down with a little forty-eight hour bug that knocked us out. I have to admit, it was freaking awesome having a few sick days. What sucked was having to cancel my standing nail appointment! You all know my talons are my pride and joys so I had to be feeling pretty awful to not get them back to perfection. I was extremely worried that my tech wouldn’t be able to fit me in her schedule because Elysian Nails is absolutely slammed this time of year. Thankfully, she was able to squeeze me in at a random time to get my nails looking right for the holidays. #blessed Check it out:

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I am so not a holiday nail girl and you will never catch me sporting seasonal designs. I think they’re nice for a while, but I can’t commit to a month’s worth of it in between fills. As I pondered what to do about this moral quandary for my color combination, my mind went to gold. I am a huge fan of All Gold Everything (The color AND the Trinidad James song) and knew I could work with that. Gold is ideal for the holidays for my preferences because it’s festive but not in your face about it. For the other color? I had no idea! All I knew was that the magenta glitter polish was calling my name and it was a done deal. Christmasy? Not really. On point with my personal style? Totally.

As per ushie, my amazing nail tech hooked it up and it was so desperately needed considering it had been five weeks since my last fill. Despite how jank they were, my girl breezed through the fill like it was nothing. In fact, she got done so quickly that I actually had time to let my nails dry before running off to my next shift. It. Was. Great. lol. We both agreed that while these are not holiday nails in the slightest, we are legit obsessed with the color combo anyways. That glitter magenta is just fabulous!

My Christmas miracle was my tech being able to fit me into her insane schedule and for that I am thankful. Here’s to no cancelled fills in the New Year!

What color of nail polish are you rocking? Do you like getting seasonal designs? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah