Tag Archives: story time

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

Feb19

The Daily Catch

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The Daily Catch

Howdy!! Johnny and I had a glorious Middle Class Fancy Valentine’s Day at Red Lobster. Truly, it was one of the most fun dates ever! We got dressed up, started a Lobsterita Frenzy at the bar, and ate like kings. The meals were great but the presentation was simply thrilling for Johnny. He ordered his go to fish and chips and was elated to find that Red Lobster brought back their fake newspaper “The Daily Catch” to place the food on. The last time we hit up The Lob, they did away with The Daily Catch so its return was nothing short of a Valentine’s Day miracle:

Prior to meeting me, Johnny was dating some girl or another and ended up at Red Lobster with her and her father. As per ushe, he got his usual order and saw The Daily Catch for the first time. It humored him deeply and his date did not appreciate his laughter over the fake articles throughout the meal. Fast forward to us dating and he told me about this story. In case you hadn’t noticed, my husband and I share a very similar sense of humor. So, of course, I found delight in The Daily Catch too because it’s just objectively funny lol. Even if I didn’t find it funny, it was nothing worth getting upset over!

Having this backstory and seeing the comeback of The Daily Catch when our food arrived was the cherry on top of our V-Day date. Johnny vowed to take his copy of the newspaper home and I told him absolutely not because of the grease. Blessedly, we built a fantastic rapport with our waiter and had to shoot our shot by asking him for a copy. He brought us a non-grease stained edition of The Daily Catch and it was so sweet that he followed through with our odd request. ❤

With our Daily Catch in tow, we headed back home and have grand plans of framing it to add to our apartment’s decor. This is, honestly, such a typically “us” story and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What is one of your favorite inside jokes with your partner? What is your go to Red Lobster order? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb13

Best Husband Ever!

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Best Husband Ever!

Hello!! My love for Diet Coke knows no bounds. It is the air that I breathe, the water I drink, and the food that nourishes me. Okay, I guess I wouldn’t go that far. Just kidding I totally would – it’s the best! Whenever Johnny goes to the gas station over the weekend, I always ask him to pick me up a bottle of DC. Normally, he is pretty good about it. However, he completely forgot the past THREE times during his errands. It was nothing short of devastating to see him return home empty handed but he is forever at angel status, albeit a forgetful angel!

This past weekend, Johnny went to the store and as per usual, I asked him for my usual. Honestly, I was fully expecting him to forget my Diet Coke again and that would have been fine. At this point, it had become a running joke. So, you could imagine my surprise when Johnny came rolling into the apartment with not just one bottle of DC but a six pack! He told me he was paying back for his indiscretion with interest and it was seriously so sweet. Not only did he remember, but he surprised me with something even better and I was smiling about it all weekend long. It truly does not take much and he is simply the best. ❤

^^^ My precious!!

What is your favorite beverage? Do you drink it every day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan28

New Hair, Who Dis? OOTD Bloopers

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New Hair, Who Dis? OOTD Bloopers

Helloooo to you and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my New Hair, Who Dis? OOTD! After a refreshing day off to get my hair done a few Fridays ago, Johnny and I went on a fantastic Date Night. I was really excited because I left the salon, as always, feeling like a billion bucks and I couldn’t wait to show it off. With my hair and makeup already right, all I had to do was slip on the outfit I built in my head and hit the town. And, of course, absolutely SLAY in the following shots before dinner:

Cradling my future food baby:

This new hair sure tastes good!

In my defense, it was REALLY windy out and I was getting blown away mid foot pop!

About to spill ALL the latest tea!!

Remember when I said it was REALLY windy out?

I’M SEXY!!!!

Simultaneously giving “aw shucks” and “whoopsy daisy” vibes

This past week was an incredibly busy one from start to finish. For the first time in a long time on Thursday, I ended up working a sixteen hour day and had to drive home in total white out conditions. As much as I would have loved to take a me day on Friday, the grind don’t stop! By the time my shift ended, I hit a complete wall but, you heard it here first: the grind don’t stop lol. Friday evening was my annual Christmas celebration with my bestie, Lea, and I had to rally. I cooked Cajun pasta for our dinner and it truly was an eat, drink, and be merry hang out. I cannot wait to show all of you my gift from her – it’s perfect!!

Once the festivities ended, I lingered around for a bit to hang out with Johnny and hit the bricks. Then, I woke up feeling like I got hit by a ton of bricks. Lol, I was so unbelievably tired and achy and no matter how much water I drank, I still felt thirsty. I was honestly worried I had Covid or was coming down with some kind of bug, but Johnny was feeling A-okay. As the morning continued, I literally had to go lay down and take a nap and I never, EVER take naps. That was what really made me worried as far as being sick goes because the only time I take naps is when I’m seriously under the weather.

When Johnny came up to check on me, I asked him for the millionth time if he was feeling okay. He was still right as rain and then broke down the activities of my last few days for me… I worked sixteen hours Thursday and had a longer day than intended on Friday because Lea came over later in the evening. He chalked the fatigue and soreness up to being tired and I am pleased to report that he was right on the money. After getting a ton of sleep and plenty of lounge time, I am writing this on Monday morning feeling *almost* as good as new. I say almost because a few extra hours of sleep instead of getting up at three AM wouldn’t hurt! 😀

In conclusion, the grind don’t stop lifestyle caught up to me so let this be a cautionary tale to take some time to recover after a long day. It will come around to bite you if you don’t!

Is your job tiring? How do you relax after a day at work? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan25

What Would You Do?

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What Would You Do?

Hello!! Every job I’ve ever had has involved working with the general public in some way shape or form. I like to think I’m a people person, even if I’m not always feeling it! During my fifteen year tenure of working with the public, I feel like I’ve encountered every situation imaginable – good or bad. And, sometimes, I leave situations feeling like it wasn’t my best work lol. This past week, I found myself in a situation that I have never experienced before and it really left me scratching my head. So, I’m curious, What Would You Do? Story time:

This past week in Ohio has been BRUTAL. We have had temperatures in the negatives or close to with very strong wind, making it even colder. On Wednesday, I had a quick errand to run and it was a whopping two degrees by the time I got to the store. Allow me to paint a picture: This particular store is located in a plaza with a handful of other businesses. When I arrived, the parking lot was completely empty with only one car at the farthest end of the shopping center. Due to the weather, any signs of parking lines were invisible so I parked my car as usual and headed into the store for a less than five minute stop.

When I opened the door, a literal gale of wind followed me inside. I walked up to the front desk, only to be informed by the employee that I parked incorrectly because my car wasn’t on a slant. I said something along the lines of not being able to see the lines and now I know for next time. However, he insisted I take my sorry ass back out in the two degree weather and fix it. I almost thought he was joking until I realized he was serious.

Because I was on a time crunch to get to work and didn’t have the time to go to a different location, I did as I was told. I was greeted with a sarcastic “welcome back”, made my purchase, and promptly left. In the three or so minutes I spent in the store, not a single car entered the parking lot to be blighted by my poor parking job. *Massive Eye Roll*

Maybe I’m overreacting, but I thought this was so strange lol. I just feel like it’s not a good look to send paying customers back outside to fix a parking job in an empty lot. Had I had the time, I would have just left rather than go along with it. Trust and believe I was screaming profanities in my head, though! In conclusion, I won’t be giving that store any more of my business.

Was this weird or is it just me? What would you have done in this situation? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah