Tag Archives: story time

May7

A Car Repair Cautionary Tale

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A Car Repair Cautionary Tale

Hello!! My car, AKA the Little Red Love Machine, is my little pride and joy. She is basically me in car form and I worked very hard to be able to buy my dream car. It is so important to me to make sure she is running in the best, safest way possible and I always stay up to date on regular maintenance. I began going to a shop down the street from me for oil changes and have had a positive experience every time. Except for the last time…

After my last oil change, I was informed that my car needed some extra work and that the price was going to be steep – the bare minimum being around $1340. YIKES! Right away, my feelers went up because what they were recommending was something that I had gotten done before and for way cheaper. Rather than commit to anything right away, I called another repair shop I go to on occasion and got a quote from them. The price just on the phone? $960. That was much more like it! Better yet, when I took my car to get fixed, the true price when they called me was $820. That was even more like it and over five hundred dollars less than the original quote!

While I was doing the happy dance for a repair that was even less than anticipated, I was a bit peeved. Did the people at the first repair shop think I was stupid or something? In fact, after they high balled me, I got a text from one of the team members saying I could get a free oil change if I wrote a review and I’m pretty sure they knew I had their number lol. (And, no: I did not write the review as temping as a free oil change is!)

This is why I decided to share my cautionary tale. If you are getting a major repair on anything done and the price seems way too high, get a second quote from a different source. Hell, get a few! If the prices are similar across the board, then that’s okay. However, you might find yourself in a situation similar to mine and will be so glad that you called around. This might seem like a no brainer but it is definitely worth the reminder so that you can continue to get the most bang for your buck and find professionals that are trustworthy. You couldn’t pay me to go to the original shop I went to again!

I am pleased to report that the Little Red Love Machine is back in excellent condition and my savings speak for themselves. You can’t beat that!

Do you have a story similar to mine? How much money did you end up saving by getting additional quotes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May6

Boo To You!!

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Boo To You!!

Howdy!! Once upon a time, I received a Stanley mug as a gift and it was glorious. It was a beautiful shade of sea foam green and no one could tell me NOTHING while I toted my gigantic mug of ice water around. Then, my niece came over for a slumber party a few weeks later. I didn’t have any sipper cups for her drinks or straws so I improvised and offered her my Stanley mug. She delighted over the fact that she could drink her chocolate milk “like a big person” and it was just the cutest! I put my mug in the sink for Johnny to wash and then he… didn’t lol. For some reason, he bypassed the mug and by the time he opened it up to wash, it was filled with mold and he proceeded to throw it out so no more Stanley for me. SMH.

Since then, I wasn’t bringing any type of tumbler mug with me as I went about my day and opted for bottled water instead. Then, my niece came over for a slumber party recently and the same song and dance of no straws or sipper cups played. I browsed my options in the cabinets and stumbled upon this mug that I had all but forgotten and we were in business!

I purchased this mug from our local discount store, Marc’s, during the Halloween season. It was a steal for three dollars and I considered it my replacement Stanley – until I brought it home, couldn’t open it, and chalked it up as a three buck loss. Oddly enough, the top opened up so easily when I used it for my niece and I have been using it ever since! Not only do the spooky ghosts make me smile but I cannot recall the last time I have drank so much water regularly. It’s so nice to have the mug with me so I can sip away whenever I need to wet my whistle and I couldn’t even tell you the amount of times I refill it per day. It’s a lot!

Drinking more water in and of itself is a positive and I have definitely noticed the benefits as I increased my normal intake. I feel like I fall asleep so much easier at night and that has decreased my morning dose of caffeine significantly, which is something I have wanted to change. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my coffee and Diet Coke but I am no longer slamming them back to back lol. From a beauty standpoint, my skin looks fresher and clearer and it’s like getting a free skin care treatment every time I fill my mug back up. Why didn’t I start doing this sooner?! I guess I just needed the right mug. 😀

This is your friendly Lil Red Reminder to stay hydrated. Get yourself a fun mug and you will be amazed at how quickly drinking more water becomes part of your daily routine!

What is your favorite mug to use? How much water do you drink per day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr28

Marvelous Maxi Dress OOTD Bloopers

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Marvelous Maxi Dress OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Marvelous Maxi Dress OOTD! Since starting my TikTok, I have had a crash course in the art of using the tripod. Mine is, admittedly, not the best and is pretty rickety. However, practice really does make perfect and I have noticed a huge improvement after shooting at least two outfits per week. Despite all of the time and effort, there are some things that I can’t improve no matter how hard I try – the weather! And let me tell you, the sky was angry the day I shot this OOTD. It was windy AF and made for countless moments like this lol:

^^^ Just a little taste of what you’ll find on my TikTok! 😀

Now, where was I? Ah, yes. The sky was angry that day, my friends. You can literally hear the wind howling! At one point, this was excellent. As I pretended to model, I was having full fledged wind in the hair moments and I was living for it! I flipped my new hair this way and that and you know your girl was feeling her damn self. I was well aware of my tripod being slightly tipsy (Too many mimosas before a morning OOTD shoot, perhaps?), but like the throwback toy – Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down. The ol’ tripod held on for dear life until it came toppling down with a resounding thud.

Blessedly, this whoopsy was no harm no foul to my phone and I assumed the position to shoot at least one decent video. And then the tipsy tripod continued to fall again, and again…. and you guessed it – AGAIN. I kid you not, this must have happened between five to seven times and I was getting irate at this point lol. Back when I first started shooting with my tripod, there always came a time when I just threw my hands up and called it a wrap because frustrated. This feeling came back tenfold every time I heard the thud of the tripod fall but, hey, it made for some fabulous blooper footage. It wasn’t a complete wash, either, because I still managed to find ONE good take amidst the rubble of tripod falling down videos. The sky may have been angry, but there was definitely a silver lining!

As one of my favorite theater warm up tongue twisters goes: Whether the weather is cold or whether the weather is hot: Whatever the weather we’ll weather the weather, whether we like it or not. I definitely didn’t like it lol but I think I weathered the weather the best I could!

What is springtime weather like in your neck of the woods? Have any spring flowers bloomed in your yard? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr23

Going Green OOTD Bloopers

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Going Green OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Going Green OOTD! This green with envy number was created to go see Peter Pan at Playhouse Square with my sister and nieces. The show was take it or leave it but I had the best time with my best girls and I was so happy to see everyone had green in mind when they picked me up. My sister had on a gorgeous forest green sweater and my eldest niece wore her Tinkerbell costume. So cute! Take a look at the yikes shots from this OOTD shoot as well as an intermission story that still cracks me up:

Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down

Trying to take a nice picture and my hair said “hold my beer” lol

Looking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Casting a spell on you to follow my TikTok @lilred6794 ! Did it work?

That face parents make on Christmas day when their kids open a gift they said no to

I’m ready for the big show…

If I make it there in one piece!

Story time!!!!

The intermission during Peter Pan couldn’t have come a moment too soon. My little niece was ready to get up and move and we were getting hungry. So, we made our way to the snack counter for soft pretzels and my traditional tiny bottle of champagne that I get every time I see a show at Playhouse Square. Everyone in the theater had this idea too so we got to the end of the line and stretched our legs as we waited patiently. While we chit chatted about the show, we noticed a crowd forming around people dressed as pirates and someone in a crocodile suit. I thought it was so fun that Playhouse Square had character actors come out and encouraged my sister to take the girls to see them while I held our place in line.

After a few minutes or so, my sister returned and said something that shook me to the core: This cosplay group was not hired by the theater but just came to the show dressed in full Peter Pan garb. All I could say was “Wait, what?” lol and I had to go investigate. So, my sister and the girls took up post in the concession line while I played detective. I approached this merry band of enthusiasts and they were so genuinely excited that I went up to them and wanted to know more. The crocodile suit person told me that not only do they have several pirates in their crew but a Peter and Wendy too. In fact, when they were led to their seats in the theater, the usher told them that they were going to be late for curtain call! Character actors they were not but, arguably one of the best parts of the theater experience, they sure were. 😀

I’m still very curious as to how the crocodile sat comfortably during the show but some mysteries are meant to stay that way. Their creativity and clearly excellent sense of humor made my day!

Have you cosplayed before? Do you have a favorite character you would love to dress up as? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr2

Dress + Pants OOTD Bloopers

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Dress + Pants OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Dress + Pants OOTD! This look allowed me to use a relatively see through dress that I absolutely love but genuinely had no idea what to do with. It turns out all I needed was pants to show off the dress and create an OOTD that is so perfectly chic for spring. As you know, I have been making an effort to shoot outfits with my tripod and it has been going pretty good! You wouldn’t know it judging by my RBF in all of these blooper shots, though lol. Check it out:

Is this thing on?

Listen, that sun was a killer when I was taking pictures. I truly believed I was smiling!!

TFYM when you don’t want to talk to anyone

Just standing here sweating and doing the best I can

I swear my hair has a mind of its own – forever doing the flips every OOTD shoot!

Lol – Sarah, say cheese!

The sunshine struggle is so real for a vampire

Despite it not looking that way in the slightest, I had so much fun shooting this fit in the great outdoors. And, it just so happens that I got a dose of the great outdoors inside that day too. After my picture party, I went into chez parents and the WiFi didn’t instantly connect on my phone like usual. I went to the basement to investigate the internet box or whatever it’s called and while my back was turned, I heard some scuttling. I turned around, saw a chipmunk running around, promptly had a heart attack, RAN upstairs, and called my mom lol. Of course, a chipmunk isn’t scary but it was quite surprising for one to be in the basement!

After my heart rate returned to normal, I found myself to be very curious as to how the chipmunk got inside in the first place as well as what it was doing while I was upstairs. So, I put on my big girl pants and went back into the basement to become friends with our uninvited guest. It turns out that the chipmunk was settling into its new digs very nicely because that little thing was running here, there, and everywhere. In fact, it ran on top of my brother’s drum set so I like to think the chipmunk was musically inclined.

I visited the basement several times that day and, eventually, the chipmunk was nowhere to be found. Since we had no idea how it even got inside, my dad got a humane trap from Lowe’s so we could release it outdoors. And, for the next three or so days, the basement was quiet and the trap was empty. The chipmunk must have went back out the way it came in and I am so glad the little critter figured it out. Not to say it wouldn’t have been nice to keep it as a pet. 🙂 (I kid, I kid!!)

Wherever my chipmunk friend is now, I hope it is safe and healthy. And, if it ever wants to come back and visit, it will know exactly what to do!

What is your favorite outdoor critter? Have you ever had a critter in your home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar23

Follow Me On TikTok!

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Follow Me On TikTok!

Hello to you!! Well, everyone, I finally did it… I made a TikTok lol. This is something that I truly had no intention of doing. As you all know, I am a word girl through and through. I always have been so when video content started to become increasingly popular, I simply had no desire to even think about following suit. So why did I make a TikTok? It’s funny you should ask…

While I was shooting an OOTD in Johnny’s guitar corner, the pictures were being taken “live”. I had an inspired idea to put one of the cords from his amp around my heel and pop my foot. In my head, I was SO amped up and thought it was going to be MAGNIFICENT. It wasn’t:

Magnificent? No. Hilarious? Yes. So, I decided to post it on my Facebook and it ended up getting over one thousand three hundred views. Is that a lot? No. However, it wasn’t bad for someone who literally never posts videos and that’s when I decided that it couldn’t hurt to at least give TikTok a try. I created an account, I filled it full of old videos, and am pleased to report that I have… FIVE FOLLOWERS!! Lol hell yeah. 😀

I’ll be the first to admit, it lightweight sucks starting a completely new page. Then, I started to see the merits of making a TikTok for myself and that’s what inspired me to keep going with it. It’s kind of cool that I can give all of you a further glimpse into what you are reading about here on lifewithlilred. Whether it’s food or product reviews, a peek at the bunnies zooming about, Johnny playing guitar, or OOTD shoots, I am viewing TikTok as a way for people to get to know me better.

I’ll also be the first to admit, that I am by no means a videographer lol. Once a word girl, always a word girl. But, if you want to hop on my TikTok train – please give me a follow at lilred6794 because I can’t wait to get to know you better too!

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

Mar15

What’s Cookin?!

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What’s Cookin?!

Hello!! One of my favorite things in the world is to cook dinner. I love being able to spend time doing my thing in the kitchen and creating something delicious for Johnny and myself after work. And, because I will never master the fine art of cooking for two, I always have plenty to share with my parents and beloved downstairs neighbor, Tony. Despite loving to cook and fixing a plate for my loved ones, I find that it is the first thing that falls by the wayside when I am having a mental health moment (Or week or month but who’s counting lol).

The lack of desire to cook and sheer exhaustion physically and mentally was definitely the case for me recently. However, I am pleased to report that your girl is back! I am feeling much better and it felt so good to be able to make some of mine and Johnny’s favorite dishes. I whipped up a big pot of Fettuccine Alfredo and chicken breast for him. I also made my world famous spruced up baked potatoes and jalapeno popper quesadillas! And, of course, Johnny ran a plate down to Tony and I fixed a plate for my parents too.

The combined act of not only preparing the food but sharing it is so satisfying to me and I take pride in being the neighbor and daughter that surprises someone with a home cooked meal. I expect nothing in return for this because it’s truly my pleasure. It’s always nice to be complimented, though, and this text exchange with my mom made my day:

I guess the moral of the story is a few things. First and foremost, if you are noticing that some of your favorite hobbies or passions are becoming difficult to do – it’s okay!! However, it’s going to be glorious when you get that desire back and this post is a testament to that. Don’t beat yourself up over taking a break because you’re just going to feel worse. Rather, get back in your flow little by little and when you are back – You’re back, baby!

Second, if you have something to share – share away! Whether it’s posting your artwork on social media, fixing an extra plate for a loved one, or mowing your neighbor’s lawn, doing good feels good. Your gifts, skills, passions, and hobbies are all valuable and I’m not talking money. These are all things that someone, somewhere is going to appreciate and that makes what you are doing even more special. For example, I love knowing that my neighbor or parents aren’t going to have to cook dinner for themselves when I share the bounty. This is not only an act of kindness for them but myself too so share liberally because it’s going to do your world a world of good. ❤

I am back to being genuinely excited about cooking and it’s an amazing place to be. I hope all of you are finding full passion in the things that make you happy too!

What is your favorite hobby? How do you share it with others? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar9

Something Silly

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Something Silly

Hello!! There is honestly never a dull moment in the apartment community that Johnny and I reside in. Crazy things are always happening and after living here for so long, you just eventually get used to it lol. This past Thursday, I had a difficult time falling asleep and was treated to something that I don’t hear very often: The apartment community at night. Johnny and I go to bed insanely early because we both get up for work insanely early. So, as I attempted to fall asleep, I was hearing ALL of the things that I would normally be sleeping through. There was a heated argument in the apartment beside ours (So juicy!), a car alarm incessantly blaring, and something that made me laugh hysterically and quietly as to not wake Johnny up!

As I was just laying there, I could hear a car zooming through the property. That’s totally normal, but what made this occurrence different was the music being played. Whomever was in the car was straight up BLASTING Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and I wasn’t even mad about it. They had great taste! And, of course, it was impossible not to immediately think of this iconic scene from Wayne’s World:

^^^ I have no rights to this song or video!

I like to think that the passengers in the car were recreating this video together and it was one of those goofy things that I felt compelled to share. That’s apartment life for you!

Have you ever lived in an apartment? Do you have any stories about your time there? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar1

American Murder: Gabby Petito Documentary

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American Murder: Gabby Petito Documentary

Hello! Sundays are always a lazy day with my Johnny. Typically, we’ll watch a few shows or a movie together and he will spend the remainder of the day snoozing away. After he heads back to bed, I get free reign of the TV and watch whatever my little heart desires. This past Sunday, I chose to watch the new Netflix documentary, American Murder: Gabby Petito. I’m sure all of you can recall when this tragedy went completely viral and the documentary truly broke my heart. Before we begin, I am going to place a trigger warning on this post for domestic violence and mental abuse. Now, let’s discuss:

A significant portion of this documentary featured Gabby’s interactions with boyfriend/murderer, Brian Laundrie, as she attempted to start a travel blog on van life. It was harrowing to watch. Brian was a rain cloud over such a bright young woman and while she tried to shine, he was sulking. Everything he did was an attempt to extinguish her fire and he simply refused to give a strong woman his support in her efforts to make a name for herself. It felt eerily similar to a past relationship of mine.

I felt compelled to write about this because NO ONE should have the power over you to direct where your life is going to take you. This is important for everyone to hear – especially those who are trying to carve a name out for themselves online. My ex loved to monitor all of my innocent online interactions and would hold them against me. It got to the point where I didn’t talk to any of my friends or go on outings without his permission, amongst a plethora of other BS. It was so mentally draining that I didn’t care about much of anything, even my writing. That hurt so much because blogging and social media was always something I could turn to and it would make me feel better. When that security blanket was taken away I was left with nothing. No friends, no self esteem, and literally no motivation to try to make anything better to prevent arguments. It sucked.

Watching Gabby and Brian together instantly took me back to those dark times because their relationship hit so close to home. I blessedly got out of that relationship and, sadly, there are people who aren’t so lucky like Gabby. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is: If you are noticing these glaring warning signs in your own partner, then you are not experiencing real love. Love gives and receives and it doesn’t take until there’s nothing left. Love is supportive, kind, and should never make you feel less than amazing. Everyone deserves to be loved and to shine in any medium they so choose. It could be online, as an all star at your job, or basking in the warmth of friends, family, and community. Anyone who tells you or makes you feel otherwise is a liar.

If you or a friend are struggling, there is help. Even if you feel like your voice has been silenced, use it. You aren’t crazy, you aren’t wrong in your feelings, and if your gut instinct feels off – you are one million percent right.

What are you currently watching? What are your thoughts on this documentary if you have seen it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb26

Just Something Silly

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Just Something Silly

Hello! Johnny and I live right down the street from a Circle K and it is a beautiful, beautiful thing. Whether I am in desperate need of a Diet Coke, we’d love a snack, or a refreshing White Claw after work, we frequent our go to gas station several times per week. Because of our high return rate, we have a very friendly relationship with all of the employees and it is always nice to pop in and exchange pleasantries. In fact, sometimes Johnny plays music with one of the guys who works there. What can I say, Circle K is a community!

This past Sunday, we needed a new lighter and, of course, a Diet Coke for me so Johnny made a quick Circle K stop. He told one of our favorite employees who calls him “rock star” every time she sees him (So cute!) to surprise him with whatever lighter she wants – as long as it was a fun one. When he returned home, he showed me her selection and we had to laugh because it was the most random choice ever lol:

I honestly have no idea why this is the lighter our fave employee handed Johnny, but I am SO glad she did. Maybe it reminded her of me and Johnny as a couple if we lived on a farm and weren’t emo AF, maybe she just liked it. Regardless of why, I can’t help but have a chuckle every time I see it sitting on our coffee table. It really is the little things in life and we have vowed to have her pick our lighters since this fateful Circle K run. I genuinely cannot wait to see what we get next!

Whether it’s your favorite store, restaurant, or gas station, I truly believe it’s a special thing to go somewhere where everyone knows you and you know them. Our Circle K is that place for us and we wouldn’t have it any other way! ❤

What store do you frequent regularly? What is your favorite snack to grab from the gas station? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah