Tag Archives: proud

Aug29

Happy Birthday, Best Friend!

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Happy Birthday, Best Friend!

Hi!! There was a very important birthday earlier this week – my best friend Lea was the birthday girl!! Between her recent engagement and big day, there has been so much to celebrate and it brings me an incredible amount of joy. Johnny and I loved being able to enjoy her post engagement party with friends and family and her and I shared a delicious Mexican meal at El Meson for her b-day. For the past eighteen years and change Lea and I have celebrated our birthdays together and I would say a hefty portion of our festivities took place at El Meson lol. It is the best! Regardless of how long we have been besties, it is always special to be together for our special days and I can’t wait for eighteen more years of summer birthdays! ❤

Lea makes life sparkle. She is one of the most vibrant, kind, hilarious, energetic, goofy gals I have ever met and being her friend is like having permanent sunshine. She single-handedly made high school not suck and all of the years that followed, for that matter. It’s kind of insane that we became best friends in freshman year of high school and have not had one fight that entire time. But that’s just what our friendship is. This sounds cheesy but we literally have a soul connection and have no care for anything but fun when we are together. Even during the hardships that life brings, we emerge from our hang outs feeling lighter because we have been laughing for hours on end!

My girl has accomplished so much in her life and is easily one of the hardest workers I know. It makes me unspeakably proud because even during struggles she still came out on top and is perfectly happy with where she is at. We all are too because she is going to make the most beautiful bride and I wish that her wedding was next weekend! The pleasure is truly all mine to be a part of her milestones and cheering her on every step of the way. Just like she does for me. ❤ I don’t know how I lucked out so hard to have a best girl like her!

To my darling best friend going eighteen years strong:

Happy birthday!!!! I love you so!!!!

Are you celebrating any birthdays soon? How long have you been best friends with your bestie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug20

Healthcare Heroes

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Healthcare Heroes

Hi! The month of August has been a whirlwind of appointments to prepare for my LEEP and tubal, have surgery, and a visit to Aspen Dental for a cleaning. This has all been a bit stressful but thanks to the expert care I received, it was basically a cake walk. My gyno, the hospital staff, and the team at my dentist’s office provided the absolute best care and I am so thankful for that. Through simple conversations and their genuine concern, so much of my anxiety was eased to the point that I walked into everything with the utmost confidence. It can be hard to track down medical practitioners that are an excellent fit for you and I feel lucky to have such a trusted team in my corner!

As you all know, my gyno has been monitoring the abnormalities in my cervix for quite a while through routine biopsies. Those were always a bit scary but it needed to be done and her calm, cool demeanor soothed the butterflies in my basket. What I have appreciated about my gyno since my first appointment with her is that she speaks in layman’s terms so I am never in the dark with even more questions. Leading up to the surgery I, of course, had a lot to clarify for my own peace of mind and she was so patient with me. By the time my surgery date rolled around, I had no questions for her or the staff as preparations were underway because all of that had been explicitly covered with my gyno. It made my surgery day such a breeze because I went in feeling totally ready for what would happen next.

A week out from my surgery, it was off to the dentist where I continued to receive exemplary care. I have been going to Aspen Dental for years and will continue to do so because I simply adore my dental hygienist. She is well aware of my nerves when it comes to dental care because of a horrible oral surgery gone wrong. During my cleanings, she allows plenty of time for me to take breaks and expertly uses story telling to take my mind off of the work she’s doing on my teeth. This past appointment, she told me all about the concerts she has attended ranging from David Bowie to Lady Gaga and I was entranced. So much so that I barely felt any nerves whatsoever throughout my appointment.

I have to go to Aspen four times per year because of my gum health and I am pleased to report that I had my best visit yet. It was so good that now I only have to go every four months! Score! Both my hygienist and dentist were so proud of me and I felt such a childlike wave of pleasure as they sung my praises. I have been working really hard on my oral health and applying their recommendations and the hard work paid off. After this great success, I just had to thank them for making going to the dentist not scary anymore and they both recalled my state during my very first appointment there because I was straight up trembling. Now, I can walk into their office with my head held high and a major phobia under control!

Having such amazing medical care is a gift that I do not take lightly. Thank you to all of the Healthcare Heroes out there for everything you do! ❤

Do you have any phobias? What is your least favorite medical appointment (I’m not fond of the eye doctor!)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

New Wool Buddy Drop

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New Wool Buddy Drop

Hi!! For the past several months my mom has been wool felting and it is so exciting to see her try something brand new. Every project she has completed is better than the last and she is constantly improving. I’m so proud of her and I love the bumblebee she made for me! Her most recent wool buddy was a unicorn as per her granddaughter’s request for her birthday and it is, easily, her biggest and best creation yet. Her first go at the unicorn, admittedly, looked more like a giraffe so she scrapped it and tried again. The end result is SO dynamite and my niece adored it! Take a look:

This unicorn wool buddy is giving My Little Pony and I am living for it! I am genuinely so impressed by this handmade plushie and I’d be a stone cold liar if I said I didn’t want one for myself. While I am blown away by the size of the unicorn and the skill it took to make it, what I love most of all is that she tried again. Attempt One was leaving a lot to be desired and the proportions were too thin. She knew what needed to be done to improve it by bulking up the size and did exactly that. And, in doing so, hand crafted something that she was proud of too. To try again is to put forth that extra effort and really lock those skills in and I think that is so commendable. ❤

It was a total joy to collaborate with my mom because she was open to any and all suggestions to make a special gift for the birthday girl. I picked out the colors for the mane and tail and, of course, that had to include green which is the b-day princess’s favorite color. I also thought some hooves would look nice and my mom made them yellow to match the horn. The last idea I had of a My Little Pony style marking on the side did not come to fruition as my mom was a bit nervous about it but that’s okay. Maybe she will try one if she makes a unicorn for me next. After she makes me a little ladybug to go with my bumblebee, of course!!

I am seriously on pins and needles to see what my mom crafts next because this unicorn exceeded all expectations. Fabulous job, mom!!

Do you have plushies at home? Which My Little Pony is your favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug17

Hurray For 37K!

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Hurray For 37K!

Howdy! As you all know, I am a word girl through and through and writing on my blog is my favorite form of content creating. I begrudgingly scroll through Facebook and very rarely watch videos because I just don’t want to lol. This sentiment remains even though I have a TikTok now! The only videos I watch are the ones my best friend posts and that is all I need! Although I don’t care to watch videos, I have learned that making them is kind of fun and have enjoyed making daily content for my TikTok for the past year and change. My expectations for my TikTok is negative zero but I do feel pretty proud of it as I am not a video girl whatsoever. Which is why I am pleased to report that I just had a 10K come up!

During my last TikTok check in in February, I had 27K likes and gained 10K more in the past half a year. Is 37K likes an outrageous amount? Not in the slightest. Is my self worth based on the number of likes I get? Only slightly. Lol, I kid!! But, hey, I think it’s cool and that’s all that matters. Yes, my videos get like three hundred views. No, I am not a Spielberg level content creator. However, making TikToks just opens up another pathway to be creative in social media and that it what I like the best! My TikTok is essentially just an extension of my blog and it’s exciting to introduce lifewithlilred to potential new viewers.

Starting my TikTok was such a spur of the moment thing that took me far outside of my comfort zone which is why it’s important to me to celebrate big milestones. I definitely consider this 10K increase to be one! Somewhere out there are three hundred people taking the time to watch my subpar videos and, to me, that’s meaningful. My blog started with the mission of making new friends and I feel the same way about my TikTok page. In the great big void of constant video uploads, there could be a new friend, a new reader, or someone simply just passing by. My videos are a little glimpse into Lil Red’s world just like my blog is and I SO appreciate any and all love for it. ❤

50K TikTok likes is my next goal and I am going to be elated when that happens. Stop by my TikTok to help me reach it!

What is your favorite social media platform? How often do you post on social media? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug12

Best Weekend Ever!!

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Best Weekend Ever!!

Hi!! This past Friday was the most fantastic, wonderful day because my Johnny and I got to celebrate the engagement of my best friend of almost two decades, Lea! Her fiance, Zack, planned this day so beautifully with a proposal at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens and a party with family and friends afterwards at the HiHo Brewing Company. We had the best time mingling with friends new and old and it was so special to be a part of my best girl’s big day. I am beyond excited to be included in all of the wedding fun but the most excited for Lea to be treated like the queen she is every day. She truly deserves nothing less! ❤

Ever since our freshman year of high school in *gasp* 2008, Lea and I have been with each other through thick and thin. For two years shy of twenty, we have been together for wins and losses, birthdays and holidays, and transitioning from clueless teens to slightly less clueless adults lol. I would not want anyone other than her by my side and am so incredibly lucky to have a friend like her. My Lea is the most hilarious, selfless, kind, intelligent person and to know her really is to love her. She lights up a room with her infectious smile and laugh and treats everyone she meets like a dear friend. It has been such a joy to essentially grow up with her and it has brought us into the here and now on her big engagement! ❤

Johnny and I were both so touched to have been thought of to join the engagement partay and it meant the world to share in the happy couple’s happiness!!! Both Lea and Zack were glowing and it legit radiated as if a spotlight were on them. My main squeeze and I have really been enjoying getting to know Zack since they started dating and he has always been a part of our ragtag family. It’s just official now!! I can’t wait to watch their relationship continue to blossom as they prepare for their biggest adventure yet. I will be there cheering them on and probably crying a little every step of the way!!

Here’s to my best girl on her engagement!! I love you forever and a day, darling!!!

How long have you been friends with your bestie? Do you have any special occasions coming up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul26

Dominating Duolingo

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Dominating Duolingo

Hi! Whenever I am asked the question of what super power I would like to have, my answer remains the same: To be fluent in every language in the world. Learning languages is one of my favorite hobbies and I think that would just be the coolest to be able to communicate with anyone in their native tongue. Accommodating people is so important to me and I can’t think of a better way to do so. That’s why I love learning on Duolingo so much! In fact, I just reached a three thousand day streak which translates to over eight years of daily language learning. Great success!

My primary focus on Duolingo has always been French and then I began adding other languages to my arsenal. I have been working hard on my Italian to be able to have casual conversations during my upcoming vacation. I even began learning Japanese about a half a year ago should my brother and I ever go on our dream vaca to Japan together! Over the years, I have started learning languages and dropped them. This isn’t for a lack of wanting to learn them but because I refuse to pay for Duolingo Plus and don’t have the amount of health to work on anything beyond four languages. This, I know for a fact because I just added Spanish back into the mix again.

When I started using Duo almost a decade ago, I got pretty far in the Spanish course and made it to level four. Then, other languages piqued my interest and took its place. However, I still know a lot of key words and basic phrases and recently got to put that knowledge to use. A few weeks or so ago at the gas station there was a man speaking Spanish to the employee who couldn’t understand him. I did and was able to help with his purchases and it felt SO good. Just having that beginner knowledge allowed me to assist someone else and that was my super power coming to fruition. So, I started relearning Spanish again in the hope of more interactions just like that.

Every morning I start my day by practicing French, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese and it brings me so much joy. I love learning new things and being able to take the time to improve my passion one lesson at a time. I might never be fluent in every language in the entire world and that’s okay. Because simply knowing a handful of words or phrases can open up entire worlds too and my gas station experience proved that. I am Duolingo’s number one fan and I encourage all of you to start learning a new language for free too. You will surprise yourself and have a lot of fun!

Huge shout out to Duolingo. I may never pay for your Plus membership but I still love you all the same lol!

Which languages do you speak? What are you learning on Duolingo? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul12

New Wool Buddies!

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New Wool Buddies!

Hi! My mom recently read a book in which a character created wool felted animals and it intrigued her enough to purchase a kit and try it for herself. This was in May or so and since then she has been making “wool buddies” left and right – she even gifted me with a bumblebee that I requested and I love it so much! I am beyond proud of my mom for taking a leap and trying something brand new because the hardest part is always working up the nerve to start. My mom claims to not be crafty but I say: FALSE! Every time she makes a new wool buddy, I can see her improvement and it is so exciting to watch her get better and better in real time. I am pleased to showcase her three latest creations – meet Baby Shark, Frog With Flower, and Bluebird:

I’m going to be completely honest with you… I have literally no idea what wool felting is but my mom sure seems to know a thing or two about it! She has been happily making the animals requested by her kids and grandchildren and it is so special to have a homemade gift made with love by her. My bumblebee is proudly displayed on my knick knack shelf and it’s impossible not to smile every time I buzz by it. It’s like getting a hug from her even when I’m at home! The first few wool buddies she made were, admittedly by her, questionable and that’s okay because you have to start somewhere. However, you can definitely tell exactly what the last several she has made are and that is a huge step in the right direction.

I have been posting my mom’s wool buddies on my TikTok (Please follow me!) because I genuinely think it is the coolest. I am so pleased to report that other people think so too! There have been lots of encouraging comments and I always delight in telling her the latest updates to affirm her craft even more. No matter your age, there truly is something to be said about having the courage to try something new knowing that the first attempts will not be great. I have said it before and I will continue to say it again, I am so crazy proud of my mom and seriously cannot wait to see what wool felted magic she makes next! ❤

To my without a doubt crafty mom – keep at it! You are doing wonderfully!!!

What is your favorite thing to craft? Have you tried a new hobby recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun19

WOOL BUDDY!!!!

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WOOL BUDDY!!!!

Hello!! My mom recently read a book in which one of the characters enjoyed wool felting. She was intrigued by this craft and decided to order a starter kit so she could try her hand at it. The kit that she got provided the materials and instructions for six beginner wool felt animals to make and she has steadily been working her way through them. She made a frog, penguin, owl, and fox and I can definitely see her improvement with each attempt. In fact, I think the bumblebee that she just made me is her best one yet!

Let’s be honest and call a spade a spade here… The eyes on my bee are, admittedly, a tad wonky lol. BUT, I think the body looks great and it’s perfectly obvious that this is supposed to be a bee whereas some of my mom’s earlier work was left up to interpretation! Regardless of the outcome of her wool felting, I am genuinely proud of my mom for trying something new! Starting anything from scratch as a beginner can be a daunting task and is sure to feel overwhelming. However, my mom has been practicing and even if it isn’t perfect yet, she is still having fun doing it. That’s the most important thing!

Whether it’s my dad’s biweekly guitar lessons with Johnny or my mom giving wool felting a go, I think it’s an awesome testament to keep trying new things no matter your age. All you have to do is start! There is nothing wrong with being a beginner because that means you are stepping out of your comfort zone and learning something new. And it’s exciting to see the progress! My dad practices guitar daily and my mom makes a new wool buddy per week. I would say that both of their skills have improved tenfold and I love seeing their hard work pay off. Being a beginner means you have the opportunity to keep getting better and both of my parents most certainly have. Yay for them! ❤

I cannot wait to see the next Wool Buddy my mom creates. The last one in her kit is a shark and she is a bit worried about making the teeth but I know she can do it!!

Have you tried a new hobby recently? How often do you participate in your favorite hobby? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May4

Yay For 30K!

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Yay For 30K!

Hello and hurray!! Way back in March of last year, I threw caution to the wind and decided to make a TikTok. I had just left a crappy job and had some time to kill so I figured why not? As you all know, I am a word girl through and through and video content was quite a big jump for me. And, honestly? I freaking HATED it at first! However, after a few weeks I realized that TikTok is kind of fun and have been dedicated to posting daily content since I started my profile. For over a year now, I have been posting silly little videos and I am pleased to report that I just reached the 30K like landmark!

When I made my TikTok, I had no intention of going viral or becoming an influenster. It was made purely with the thought of being an extension of the content that is already posted on my blog. Just a little extra insight into Lil Red’s world in short and sweet clips. Do my videos have a crazy amount of views? Hard no. Do I have a ton of followers? Also no. But am I proud of trying something new and sticking to it? Absolutely! Video content is WAY out of my comfort zone and it still feels weird to me. So, this 30K milestone really did feel like a pat on the back for giving it a go and having some laughs along the way.

When it comes to my blog, creating daily content feels like second nature because I have done it for so long. It has truly been an exercise in always looking out for the little things that make life special. With that mindset, making video content and maintaining a streak just feels good. TikTok really has become part of my daily routine and even if it’s not blowing up, it’s still there and that’s all I can ask for. It’s another corner of the internet carved out by yours truly with a lot of care. Somewhere that my creativity shines and if people like it, that’s nice!! 30K likes is even nicer, though! 😀

If you feel the urge, give me a follow on TikTok @lilred6794 . I can’t wait to see you there! ❤

What is your favorite social media platform? How do you feel about creating video content? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb23

Hurray For 27K!

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Hurray For 27K!

Howdy! Way back in March of 2025, I saw myself out of a crappy job and had a bit of free time to kill before booking myself up again with clients. I enjoyed some much needed downtime and while I was shooting some content at home, I decided to go ahead and make a TikTok too. As you all know, I am a word girl through and through and pivoting to video content was a big leap for me. Like when I started my blog, my main priority with TikTok was having some fun being creative. And you know what? It has been fun! For almost a year now I have been posting daily content on my TikTok too and I’m really proud of that effort because it still seems like a polar opposite world to writing on the ol’ blog. I am also incredibly pleased with the results as I just crossed the threshold to twenty-seven thousand likes!

If you have ever found yourself thinking “Wow, I wish I had more Lil Red in my life”, then I would so love it if you followed me on TikTok. Even if you have never had that thought, I would so love it if you followed me on TikTok! It’s a goofy little corner of the internet with my daily antics, bonus OOTD content, and delightful cameos that include Johnny, my parents, and Archie the family dog. My bunny babies, Melvin and Penelope, never sit still enough to bask in their cuteness! There’s no rhyme or reason to what I post and I refuse to follow trending content. Rather, I post what I like and the fact that I have 27K likes to show for it is crazy to me! 😀

I am so close to thirty thousand likes that I can taste it. To some, that might not seem like a lot. To me, it is a huge validation. My TikTok really is just a for funsies page and the fact that I am having a blast and have some likes to show for it is a major feather in my cap. Do I expect to be a major TikTok influencer? Absolutely not and that is a-okay! My reward has been far greater. It has given me even more confidence in my content creating ability and it feels good to carve out another space that is just for me. A space to explore a different medium of creating, give exclusive looks that you don’t see on the blog, and hopefully put a smile on someone’s face. This 27K might as well be twenty-seven million and I am so excited to continue with my daily content streak. ❤

When you are sick of doom scrolling, take a breather on my TikTok. I can’t wait to see you there!! 🙂

What if your favorite social media platform? What is your favorite medium of content? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah