Tag Archives: picnic

Full Circle Moment

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Full Circle Moment

Hi! Way back in May of last year, I entered a contest with an OOTD to get invited to a picnic at Misnyland – the estate of Ohio’s most well known personal injury lawyer, Tim Misny. I still remember receiving the call that said I won. The picnic took place several months later in November and Tim and I became fast friends thanks to conducting an interview with him. We seriously could have talked all day! This too crazy to be true friendship turned into us creating content together and at the end of this past April, I accepted a job as his social media manager. It is the absolute best!

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Every day since starting my new job has been an exciting adventure. We just have so much fun and it feels amazing to have been given this opportunity. Tim and I are a dream time and I love being able to go to events with him and shoot content, do interviews, and interact with all of his fans. It’s always a good time, but this past week took the cake. On Friday the fourteenth, we hosted a Misnyland summer picnic. Rather than attending it as a guest, I got to be there working as an employee. It was such a cool Full Circle Moment and so awesome to reflect on. If you told me that I’d eventually become Tim’s social media manager after meeting him for the first time, I would have laughed out loud!

Last week’s picnic was a whirlwind and my only regret is that it went by too quick. I felt like I blinked and it was over. I guess that’s how things go when you love your job! Before the picnic, I got to help set it up and it was so nice to be able to see all of my coworkers IRL. Then, the guests arrived and it was time to rock and roll. Throughout the entire duration of the picnic, I was snapping pics, shooting content, and going live on Facebook for our viewers to see the festivities. My favorite part was being able to interact with the guests with Tim and the lively banter we shared. Everyone was having a great time and it was so special to have played a part in it. I can’t wait to do it again. 😀

It will be two months with my new job on June twenty-ninth, but it feels like I have been doing it for forever already – in the best way possible. Doing something you love every day is such a gift and I am eternally grateful for it!

What was the best job you ever had? What is one of your favorite work related memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Spring Picnic OOTD

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Spring Picnic OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Friday, Johnny and I attended a spring picnic hosted by our friend Tim Misny. This was a party for social media contest winners and it was such fun to mingle with so many cool new people at Misnyland. We had beautiful weather for the get together and it was the first day that truly felt like spring in forever. Naturally, I had to show out in a little something something! Check it out:

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Who? What? Wear?

Dress: Altar’d State

Cardigan: Candie’s, Kohl’s

Studded Mary Jane Heels: White Mountain, TJMaxx

Normally when I’m preparing an OOTD, I tend to know what I’m going to wear almost immediately. I plan outfits in my head and make adjustments as I’m putting the outfit on. For this particular case, I had an adorable outfit in mind with a bodycon skirt and button down. However, it was just not it once it was on because of the change in my hair color. It has been a while since I had gotten a full on hair makeover and I forgot how the new colors might not compliment every single thing in my wardrobe. At this point, I had to pivot hard.

With what felt like no options and endless options to pick from, I spent a bit of time floundering around my closet and wondering what to do next. With minimal time to get ready and make the hour drive to Misnyland, I decided the best route was the easy one – a dress. Dresses are fantastic because there’s a limit to what you can do with them. It was also the perfect something to throw on for a spring picnic because dresses just scream spring to me!

Once I figured out a solution, it was go time. I browsed the dresses in my closet, but felt bored with what I was seeing. Many of the dresses I own have already been featured on OOTDs before or weren’t appropriate for the weather. Then, I stumbled upon a dress that I had honestly forgotten I had – a pretty little black and white floral number by Altar’d State. This was definitely the one and I loved how it went from form fitting to a flirty flounce on the hemline.

Although I have no problem wearing this dress without anything covering it in the summertime, I needed something for the party. I didn’t want my bra straps showing around a bunch of strangers! The weather didn’t call for a jacket, but I could certainly get away with a light cardigan. I went with an emerald green cardi by Candie’s, which is old as dirt but I still like all the same. The jewel tone against the neutral palette of the dress helped liven things up and the fit was spot on because it ended right when the dress did.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I chose a sweet pair of studded Mary Jane heels. The embellishment added a unique touch and the heels were sturdy, which was essential because we’d be walking on gravel. As a heavily tattooed gal, I tend to shy away from accessories when my ink is out because those are my accessories lol. Anything more just looks like too much so I put on a simple pair of stud earrings and was ready for the party with a few minutes to spare!

My Spring Picnic OOTD was not what I had in mind originally in the slightest. However, it worked beautifully for the occasion and I felt like the Spring Fling Queen in my look!

What colors look the best with your hair color? What would you wear to a spring picnic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Misnyland Spring Picnic

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Misnyland Spring Picnic

Hello!! Way back in November of last year was the first time I visited my friend and Ohio’s favorite personal injury lawyer, Tim Misny, at Misnyland. This was thanks to a contest that I won for rocking his Misny Merch line in an OOTD post. Over the past month and change, Tim hosted a similar merch contest with the prize being a picnic at Misnyland last weekend. Johnny and I were invited to go and we were elated because it has been a while since we had some quality Tim Time. The picnic was an absolute blast and the weather was just right for an afternoon outdoors. I think we looked pretty snazzy too:

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The picnic this past weekend was basically a repeat of the party Johnny and I attended last year. Hey, if it’s not broken don’t fix it because Tim knows how to throw a get together! There was music playing, delicious pizza from Tim’s favorite shop, golf cart tours of the property, photo ops, and mingling with Tim and new friends. And, yes, I mean new actual friends because Johnny and I made some and we are thrilled. Their names are Grant and Amanda, an adorable married couple who were invited because of an artistic masterpiece:

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Grant is the owner of Matrix Tattoo and completed this piece of Tim Misny’s iconic eyebrow arch a week or so before the party (the recipient of the tattoo was invited too). As soon as this picture was posted, my Facebook was blowing up from people tagging me in it and I sent it off to Tim because I knew he’d get a kick out of it. I was assuming he would extend an invite to the picnic their way and am so glad he did because they were the coolest. Grant and Amanda had so much in common with Johnny and I and we are so excited to have a game night with them soon. 😀

Tim Misny’s parties are the best because you get to meet so many new people who you already have a perfect ice breaker with – You’re all fans of Tim! It can be so hard to meet anybody new when all you do is work and watch Criminal Minds lol. Johnny and I haven’t socialized in a group setting in so long and, I have to admit, we were both a little rusty. By the end of the party, however, we didn’t want to leave because we had so much left to say to all of our new friends. Whether it’s through his billboards or a party on his own property, Tim Misny sure knows how to bring people together. ❤

Be on the look out for brand new content with Tim and I soon for the release of the spring and summer Misny Merch line. It’s going to be a hoot!

Is it easy or hard for you to meet new people? Where do you like to go to meet new people? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Unique Gift Ideas That Are Sure To Satisfy

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Unique Gift Ideas That Are Sure To Satisfy

Some people (Like me!) really enjoy buying gifts. On the other hand, there are quite a few who can see it as a chore, especially when you’re getting something for someone known to be difficult to buy for. In those cases, coming up with something can be a challenge. With a few alternative gift ideas, however, it doesn’t need to be so difficult.

Though you’ll still need to put a bit of effort into it, keeping a few ideas in mind could be more than enough to come up with the perfect gift idea, regardless of who you buy it for:

Musical Instrument:

Instruments are a tried and tested gift for anyone musically inclined. It’s more than worth looking into this and seeing if it’s an option. Taking this approach doesn’t need to be as daunting as it seems as there are more than affordable guitars to choose from. The same can be said for drums and other instruments. If you decide to test this method out, it could also be worth springing for some lessons so they can start playing relatively quickly.

Zen Garden Sculpture:

If your loved one has a garden and takes pride in its appearance, then you could help add onto it. A zen garden sculpture can be an appealing choice, as it shouldn’t take up much space and offers a sense of calm while being visually appealing. You’ll need to make sure that the sculpture fits in with the theme of their garden to make it the perfect addition. If you’re not a fan of a zen sculpture, it could be worth thinking about similar choices.

Personalized Picnic Table Wine Carrier:

If your friend or family member’s birthday happens in the summer, it could be worth choosing something based around that. With the weather being nicer, picnics will become more and more popular for a while. Why not help your loved one take their picnic game to the next level?

With a picnic table wine carrier, you can do precisely that. The good thing about this is that it can be versatile enough to use with various other drinks without any extra effort. Even if it’s not used for a picnic, it can be put to use around the home. It can be a simple and appealing wine rack, for example. If your giftee is a wine lover, it’s more than recommended.

While gift shopping, remember the following:

  • Focus on their interests
  • Practicality can sometimes be better-recommended
  • Listen to them and base your choice on topics they keep bringing up
  • Experiences can be a better option than belongings

Regardless of what you get them, they should be sure to love it because it was from you!

Featured Image By: QuinceCreative from Pixabay

Outdoor Activities In Self-Isolation

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Outdoor Activities In Self-Isolation

Hello! Although I have been enjoying my time inside during Ohio’s stay at home order, I, like many of you, am looking forward to being able to go out and about like I used to. Despite most stores and restaurants not being open at the moment, there is still plenty to do in the great outdoors. Today, we are going to look at a few of those options in case you’re coming down with a case of cabin fever:

Go On A Walk:

Duh! I know this is an obvious one but it needs to be said. Take a stroll around your neighborhood or go for a brisk hike at a Metro Park – you’ll be amazed at how good you feel after a little exercise and fresh air! Turn on your favorite tunes, give a friend a call, immerse yourself in some social distance chats with your neighbors, or just take in the scenery as you take your walk. I think you’ll feel much better. 🙂

Start A Garden:

My dad has been working in his yard like a mad man now that the weather in Ohio is beginning to improve. He is busy preparing his garden for cool weather crops and I know how much he enjoys getting his hands in the dirt and helping something grow. Not ready for a full on garden? Start with some potted plants or herbs and go from there!

Eat Outdoors:

If you have a patio set or simply a few lawn chairs and the weather is nice, try eating outside. It will feel like a little private picnic! Make your favorite sandwiches and a pitcher of lemonade, bring out a good book, and spend an afternoon in the sun instead of sitting on your couch. Don’t forget to take your jigsaw puzzles, word searches, or even just the level of Candy Crush you can’t beat onto your porch, too!

There’s nothing like opening the doors to let some fresh air into your house or apartment, either.

Start A Tradition:

In Ohio, a lot of families have put teddy bears in their windows so parents can take their children on walks to the tune of the nursery rhyme “Going On A Bear Hunt”. Create your own fun tradition to get your neighbors involved like Where’s Waldo windows or a neighborhood game of I Spy. It will be nice to hear excited children participating in the game and it will sure feel good to spread a bit of joy in your neck of the woods, to boot!

Try Some Crafts:

There are plenty of great crafts you can make outside or create with materials you found on a walk so give it a shot! Create a self portrait with side walk chalk, pick some flowers and make a crown, or try your hand at painting or building a birdhouse. There’s nothing like a fun craft to pass the time and it will feel even better to have made something beautiful in your own backyard.

If you’re feeling increasingly bored during your stint with a stay at home order, get outside and participate in the ideas above!

What do you enjoy doing outside? What is the weather like in your area? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Perfect Summer Drinks

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Perfect Summer Drinks

Hello everyone and welcome to part two of this weekend’s guest posts by my darling friend, Zeighn, at oneselementblog! Yesterday featured some of Zeighn’s favorite healthy summer picnic food recipes and today will showcase some sweet drinks to wash it down with. Zeighn linked me to a Cranberry & Ginger Tea Punch that sounds fabulous and will be teaching us how to make a yummy smoothie and mango based beverage below. Cheers!

Peach & Oat Smoothie:

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe peaches, quartered, pits removed
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 frozen banana (peeled before freezing)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • Optional: 1 tbsp agave, maple syrup, or Stevia for added sweetness. (Or honey for non-Vegan.)

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender and let set for 5-10 minutes so the oats and chia seeds can soak. Then blend until smooth.
  2. To thicken, add another quarter or half of a frozen banana. To thin, add more almond milk or OJ.
  3. Taste and adjust flavor as needed. I added a touch of agave.
  4. Serve immediately.

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Super-Spiced Mango Ice:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped, frozen mangoes (or 1 fresh mango)
  • 1 heaping teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 pinch of chili powder
  • Optional: 1 tbsp honey
  • Ice cube tray (Not that you can eat that!)

Instructions:

  1. Thaw the mango for about 30 seconds in the microwave. It’s easier to chop if it’s still partly frozen. Alternatively, chop up a fresh mango. Chop into small cubes, about 1/4 of an inch, and divide evenly into the ice cube tray.
  2. Zest orange and sprinkle into each cube.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder into each cube.
  4. Optional: Squirt a dollop of honey into each cube.
  5. Fill a small cup with water and pour carefully over the tray to cover the fruit. Place in freezer over night.

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Thank you so much again to Zeighn for sharing her favorite recipes with us for a perfect summer picnic! If you want more from my lovely guest blogger, check out her blog at oneselementblog or follow her on Instagram. Happy summer! Much love. -Sarah

Perfect Picnic Food

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Perfect Picnic Food

Hi everyone and happy weekend! Today and Sunday are going to be kind of special here on lifewithlilred because both days will be featuring a guest post from my sweet friend, Zeighn, over at oneselementblog. When Zeighn first contacted me, she mentioned that she’s a total fashionista and lives a healthy lifestyle through Veganism and daily yoga.

Initially, my first thoughts were “Great, because I love to eat” so I asked Zeighn if she could create a post with some of her favorite recipes for summer time snacks and drinks. Today will feature some food perfect for a picnic while tomorrow will show you some mouthwatering beverages to wash it down with. Take a look at the post that Zeighn created special for my readers and please be sure to give her page some love:

Perfect Picnic Food

Pack up these delicious meals and head outdoors for a refreshing outing. Best part? Everything is healthy and Vegan! All recipes will be linked down below. 🙂

Make sure not to forget your picnic blanket! A picnic is not complete without a blanket, basket, and lots of fun!

^^^ Omg. Can you say YUM?! All of Zeighn’s favorite recipes sound amazing! If you want more from my lovely guest blogger this weekend, check out her blog or follow her on Instagram. Thanks again, beautiful!

My birthday party at the end of the month is going to be of a garden party theme so now I need everyone’s opinions. What recipe listed above should I attempt to make for my guests? What recipes do you plan on trying? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah