Tag Archives: sweet

Jun17

Bonus Birthday Surprises

Posted on June 17, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Howdy!! I turned the dirty thirty on June seventh and had the most wonderful time celebrating. The beauty of birthdays is that you can prolong the festivities and I definitely do. With insanely busy schedules between myself, my family, and friends some of the hangouts have had to wait and I am eagerly awaiting them! Although some get togethers are on the back burner, I have still been treated to lots of birthday love, especially from my work family. It is so nice to be thought of and I adore these sweet surprises:

During the work week, I run on sheer willpower and lots and lots of caffeine lol. You can almost always catch me with hot or iced coffee or a Diet Coke and my work fam knows this, which inspired my Stanley Cup gift. Yes, the super viral Stanley Cup! I will be honest with all of you, when these tumblers blew up the internet, I had zero interest in buying one. I have plenty of to go mugs and they have always served me well. However, now that I have this lovely sea foam green Stanley, I can’t believe I didn’t get one sooner. It is the bee’s knees! This cup keeps my drinks either piping hot or icy cold and you just can’t beat it. I also couldn’t have gotten it at a better time because it is officially summer weather and it’s so nice to have a tumbler that keeps my water cold all day. Highly recommend!

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a birthday without some sweet treats. I am not a huge candy fan, but one of my favorite families made a guess at what I would like and they were actually spot on. My Johnny freaking LOVES Mike and Ikes and was simply thrilled when I tossed him the candy box upon my return home from work. I am much more of a chocolate girl than chewy or fruity candy so the peanut M&Ms will pull through in the clutch when my sweet tooth acts up on the rare occasion. Normally when this happens, I have nothing in the apartment to staunch my cravings. Not anymore. 😀

Between the birthday greetings and gifts, I have felt so loved and appreciated and this is the best of all. The fact that people took time out of their day to do something just for me really does mean the world. Turning thirty wasn’t so bad after all… I guess! 😉

Do you have a Stanley Cup? What is your favorite candy? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun11

Sweet Surprises: Birthday Edition

Posted on June 11, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hi! This past Friday, I celebrated my thirtieth birthday and had the most wonderful time. I felt so loved and spoiled and that definitely helped cushion the blow of entering into a new decade. On Friday, Johnny stopped at his parents’ house after work to pick up the remainder of his birthday gifts from me – a new record player. He returned home with his prezzie and a sweet little something from my beloved in laws for my big day. As always, the gifts from Johnny’s parents are so thoughtful, lovely, and totally perfect for me. Check it out:

Johnny’s mom loves to shop at the cool little boutiques that are in the greater Akron area. It makes gift giving occasions really exciting because I don’t shop at those stores so everything is something I haven’t seen before. Like the gorgeous silver earrings, for example. My mother-in-law knows that I am all about pretty things with an edge and my new jewelry is that description to the T. The flower stud that goes into dagger blades is *chef’s kiss* and fits me so well. I have several pairs of dagger earrings, which I am most fond of. These will fit in beautifully with my collection and I can’t wait to wear them!

I was also gifted with a gift card to the Cashmere Cricket and that is just the sweetest. The Cashmere Cricket is the most charming martini bar and is both mine and Johnny’s favorite. It also happens to be where we had our first date and went to celebrate after we got engaged. Needless to say, the Cricket is very special to us both. During the summertime, Johnny and I love to go have a drink or two on the balcony at the Cashmere Cricket. It is decked out in fairy lights and an ideal spot for an evening date. This gift card will definitely come in handy for drinks and dinner too. Not only are the martinis the best I ever had, but their food is literally to die for. I see a date night in my future, for sure. ❤

The best gift of all is feeling like a true daughter to Johnny’s parents. I love them both so much and am really looking forward to our belated birthaversary celebrations together!

Where did you and your partner have your first date? Do you still like to go there together? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May26

New Industry Republic Clothing Sweater Vest

Posted on May 26, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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New Industry Republic Clothing Sweater Vest

Hello!! Who all remembers the store Charlotte Russe? Talk about a throwback, right?! When I was a teenager, that store was my jam and my absolute favorite thing I ever got was a sweater vest. It was tight fitting, cobalt blue, and had black houndstooth print. It was SO cute and nobody could tell me nothin when I had it on. Since then, I have tried on several similar sweater vests (Try saying that five times fast!) and none of them ever did anything for me. There was always just something off about them, whether it be fit, shape, or pattern. Until now, that is! Check out this fab new Industry Republic Clothing sweater vest that I got during my last TJMaxx shopping trip:

I purchased my vest for twenty dollars and it was originally sixty-eight. SCORE!

While perusing the clothing department, I saw a whole lot of nothing lol. This was quite the rarity because I can usually find something that is worth trying on. The racks of clothing were all featuring loud summer prints, awkward fits, and the dreaded tie in the front of shirts that I detest. Then, I locked eyes with my new sweater vest on an end cap and knew I could work with it. Although it didn’t have bold colors or patterns, it was remarkably similar in fit to my old A1 vest from Charlotte Russe and that was good enough for me. After some more shopping, I found the tennis skirt that you saw in yesterday’s post and we were back in business!

This sweater vest is just too cute. I love the creamy color, the flower details, and the soft knit. I was a bit fearful that this vest would be too warm for summertime, but it was actually nice and light. It can also double as a cold weather piece if you wear a tight fitting sweater underneath. When paired with the Kyodan tennis skirt, it was magic and made for such a flirty and fun OOTD. I had been hoping to find a new outfit for the next Misnyland picnic and I got exactly that. I am also so happy to find some new pieces to shake up my summer wardrobe because, as you know, it is my least favorite season to dress for. Maybe these fresh new finds will make me change my mind. 🙂

Although I have never played tennis, I can’t wait to wear my on the court with a fashion twist inspired outfit. Both the skirt and vests were awesome finds!

What was your favorite store to shop at as a teenager? What is your favorite store to shop at now? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May19

Sweet Surprises: Fresh Ink Edition

Posted on May 19, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! Ever since becoming Tim Misny’s social media manager, I have received SO much support and encouragement and it makes me feel SO good. Everyone from immediate family and friends to random people online have shared their excitement with me and I appreciate it more than words can say. I have felt so celebrated and it’s not even mine and Johnny’s birthaversary yet! This past Monday, we visited Johnny’s parents for a belated Mother’s Day dinner. As a Sweet Surprise, Johnny’s mom didn’t gift me with tattoos – but something else that involves some Fresh Ink! Check it out:

Ever since I was little, I remember my mom having a few pens in her purse. She always kept that thang on her and when I first started my big girl jobs a decade ago, pens were the first thing I added to my work bag. The pens we had handy were never anything special, but they wrote and that was the most important thing. I used to think about getting fun pens with pompoms and streamers because I am that extra and ten years later I still don’t own any lol. Until now, anyways!

For my new job gift, my amazing mother-in-law gave me the cutest set of polka dot pens with huge diamonds on the top. Pompoms and streamers, who? Because diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend! I was so touched by this kind gesture and can’t help but smile every time I see my new ink. I, of course, have one in my purse, one at my computer station, and one in my desk upstairs for safe keeping. These adorable pens were the perfect little something for a writer and I love that my mother-in-law thought of me immediately when she saw them. ❤

More often than not, the best Sweet Surprises come in small packages. I am thrilled to finally have some pens with personality – it only took ten years to get them! 😀

Have you gotten any sweet surprises recently? How do you like to celebrate your loved ones? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May7

Midweek Date Night

Posted on May 7, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Johnny and I have very demanding schedules for work and we both tend to be up around three in the morning most days of the week. Because of this, it is extremely rare for us to do anything during the work week because we are too tired. Not to mention that we both go to bed around six o’clock lol. On Monday, I accepted a new job as Tim Misny’s social media manager. On Tuesday, Johnny asked if I wanted to go to our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Meson, on Wednesday to celebrate. I was absolutely shook when he brought it up and happily accepted his offer!

All day on Wednesday, I was looking forward to our date night and was using all of my strength to will time into going faster. We left for El Meson as soon as I got home from work and I was buzzing the whole way there. I literally can’t remember the last time we did a dinner date during the week! At the restaurant, we were having so much fun sipping on tasty margs and feeling dizzy with delight over my new opportunity. Our first date was on a Thursday and I told Johnny that this felt like our first date.

After we finished our meal, Johnny asked for a to go cup for the rest of his margarita. I realized I needed one too and followed our server to the bar to ask him for one more. As I returned to our table, I got stopped by a few people sitting at the bar. One of the ladies asked if Johnny and I were on our first date because we both looked so happy. She couldn’t believe it when I told her that we have been together for almost five years and I actually just told Johnny that our evening felt like our first date. We both got a little weepy about it and it was so incredibly sweet. Then, Johnny and I joked that we were just really good at faking our happiness lol – classic!

I truly did have all of the first date feels during our celebratory dinner date and I love that this was apparent to other El Meson patrons. I felt so spoiled to be taken out to my favorite restaurant and am so thankful to have such a stand up guy! ❤

What was the best first date you have been on? What is your favorite restaurant? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar31

Happy Easter!!

Posted on March 31, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and Happy Easter to those who celebrate! I hope you all have a fantastic day. 🙂 This past week was an absolute doozy in the worst way possible and it has been nice to take the time to unwind this weekend. Tuesday was literally horrible and I am hoping for sunshiny days ahead… Well, as sunshiny as you can get with April showers! Despite Tuesday being awful, I did have a little Easter pick me up that I thought I would share with all of you:

On Wednesday morning, I was still reeling from the day before and was feeling really blue as I went to pick up my transport client. All I wanted to do was sleep, but seeing my clients always perks me up and I am so glad that I powered through. As my client approached my car, I noticed him carrying a pretty wrapped package and card. It was an early Easter gift and it couldn’t have come at a better time. In fact, this is not the first time I was gifted a sweet surprise from this family when I desperately needed a pick me up. They must have some type of telepathy!

After I got my client to work, I parked my car to unwrap my prezzie because I couldn’t wait till I got home. I was delighted by a beautiful card and some Bunny Hollow hand soap! It was such a thoughtful gesture and is a true testament to wonderful things coming in small packages. Even though the week was extremely trying times for yours truly, this was such a welcome reminder of all of the good that is in my life. I was so thankful for this perfectly timed surprise. ❤

This little token of appreciation went a long way and it feels so good to be cherished by others during the holidays. Happy Easter to all of you and I hope this spring brings you flowers, rainbows, and happiness!

Have you had any sweet surprises recently? How are you celebrating Easter? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar7

Double Sweet Surprises!

Posted on March 7, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy! One thing that Johnny and I love to do is surprise each other with little odds and ends when we are out and about. It could be anything from wall art and plushies to Halloween decor, and it is just as fun to give a surprise as much as it is to get one! This past Friday, I was delighted to find some adorable bunny trinkets at Target for our knick knack shelves and couldn’t wait to show Johnny as soon as I got home. Coincidentally, he had a treat for me too! Check it out:

Thanks to a recent shopping trip to TJMaxx, I learned that this time of the year is prime for finding bunny themed decorations. You might be thinking “duh” because we’re entering spring and that means Easter. In my defense, lol, I don’t celebrate Easter and I also never shop around this time of the year. I prefer to hit up the post winter sales and wait till it gets completely warm out until I invest in new spring clothing. However, knowing what I know now, it makes me want to shop even more! As a proud bunny mom, I want all of the options that dog and cat parents have year round. The trick is that I have to cram it into a few months!

On Friday, I had a most excellent outing to Target with my brother to grab some new duds for his upcoming vacation. I genuinely had no intention of getting anything, but Target knows how to get you with the one to five dollar or so items right as you walk in. Immediately, small bunny statues in gold and white caught my eye and I just couldn’t help myself. Johnny and I are literally obsessed with the bunny decor I got from TJs and since he won’t let me get more bunnies, this was the next best thing. 😀

With my new bunny friends in tow, I made my way home after shopping to show the #1 Bunny Dad. My jaw hit the floor when he told me he had a surprise for me too! What are the odds?! For my treat, Johnny first presented me with a new kind of Warheads candy which we later determined to be disgusting. The real treat was a Gengar squishmallow that he picked up while running errands!! I have never had or even held a squishmallow before and, guys, the hype is real. It is SO soft and this gift couldn’t have come at a better time; I got sick the following day and cuddled with it as I rode out a cold from hell. It was even more comforting that it came from my Johnny. ❤

Johnny and I must have had some telepathy that told us we needed a little extra something this past Friday! It was a banner day for Double Sweet Surprises, indeed!

What is your favorite Pokemon? What is your favorite holiday to decorate for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar5

Sweet Surprises: Knitted With Love Edition

Posted on March 5, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Sweet Surprises: Knitted With Love Edition

Hello!! My mom is my number one girl. She is my absolute best friend and I just love being around her. Everyone who crosses her path will tell you the same thing too – she is simply amazing! One thing that my mom and I like to do together is watercolor painting. However, there is one hobby that my mom has that I can’t wrap my head around and that is knitting! My mom has knit the most precious sweaters and baby blankets for my sweet nieces and nephews. She makes a mean scarf and has recently added a new item to her repertoire – headbands! This past week, my mom gifted me with one that she whipped up in no time at all. Check it out:

I knew that my mom was making a headband for me, but it was still a huge surprise when she presented me with the finished product. She literally just started it and I blinked and it was done! I was beyond thrilled with my prezzie and it’s far better than anything that I could buy at the store because my mom made it. I love the soft grey color she picked out for me and it is the perfect neutral to keep from clashing with whatever my hair color is at the time. My new headband also fit like a glove and was just right – not too tight or too loose. She did an excellent job!

Anything that my mom gifts me is instantly very special to me and my handmade headband took the cake. It made me feel so good to know that she made it just for me. In fact, it actually has me hoping for a few more cold days so I can wear it! Knitting is a craft that makes zero sense to me and I think it’s so impressive that my mom can make something beautiful out of a skein of yarn. She is making a headband for my niece next and I know that she’s going to love hers just as much as I do mine. ❤

Huge thank you to my mom for this most wonderful Sweet Surprise. I know that every single stitch was Knitted With Love and I’ll cherish it for always! I love you!!!!

What is your favorite craft? Do you have any knitted with love clothing or accessories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb5

Sweet Surprises: Painted Parrot Edition

Posted on February 5, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy!! This past Wednesday, my darling niece, Val Gal, came over for a slumber party. It is something we both always look forward to because it is such fun!! I make us dinner, we have ice cream sundaes for dessert, enjoy a movie, and play, play, play. For our entertainment while we noshed on Mint Chocolate Chip sundaes, Val chose Mulan and I was stoked. That was one of my favorite Disney movies as a kid and we were also eating my favorite ice cream. And I was with my favorite person! As always, our partay was a raging success and a full on rager. I was also presented with quite possibly the sweetest gift ever. Check it out:

Val is a huge fan of crafting. She loves to paint, color, and make masterpieces with Play Doh. For Christmas, I got her a set of animal figurines that she could paint because that is one of her favorite activities. I had honestly forgotten about it when Val told me she brought me something. She handed me a parrot from the set that she painted and said “This is for you, TT. You got it for me for Christmas, but I wanted you to have one too.” Believe me when I say, I completely melted. Out of the mouths of babes!!

My sweet niece is just the coolest kid and Johnny and I cherish the time we spend with her. Val is the best big sister to Raya and is so kind, talented, and absolutely freaking hilarious. That girl keeps me in stitches and I am constantly quoting the ridiculousness she says on the daily. The parrot that she made with love is a testament to what an amazing little girl she is. It was yet another reminder of her thoughtfulness and it really moved me. We are each other’s best friends and she makes my life infinitely better. ❤

My parrot has a prized spot on our knick knack shelf and I smile every time I look at it/think about it. Here’s to many more slumber parties and fabulous memories with my lil BFF!

What is a gift that you cherish? What is your favorite thing that someone made for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec16

Sweet Surprises: Lovely Ladybugs Edition

Posted on December 16, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Sweet Surprises: Lovely Ladybugs Edition

Hey darlings!! Tuesday was a banner day for your girl because I got Santa Mail from my sweet Kate of Live In The Nautical AND from the beautiful Carlie of Bombshell. These lovely ladies have been my blogging besties since lifewithlilred started all the way back in 2014. In this almost decade tenure of being in the blogosphere, I have had the joy of collaborating and becoming friends with Carlie and she is nothing short of a delight. She is cool, crafty, and the spooky match to my spooky soul. Carlie gifted me with the most adorable pair of earrings that I have ever seen and I just had to share them with all of you:

When I saw my package from Carlie, the vampire goddess herself, I tore it open like a rabid animal. In the packing envelope, I found a little red box and that was already perfect in and of itself. As my blog tagline goes, Life is better in red, and that applies to jewelry boxes too! After smiling to myself about Carlie’s perfect gift box choice, I opened the lid and was delighted with my findings. These delicate gold ladybug earrings are so precious and they warmed my little heart. I absolutely love ladybugs and I love them even more when they are gold and have pink rhinestones! 😀

Being a blogger is awesome because writing is my passion. What makes it the awesomest, however, is all of the wonderful people I have been able to connect with through lifewithlilred. Carlie lives in California and I would have never met her otherwise. Through my page, we became fast friends via text and FaceTime and meeting her was like meeting my blogging big sis. Every day, I am SO thankful to the blogosphere for bringing such amazing friends like Carlie and Kate into my life. And, of course, all of you too. ❤ ❤ ❤

My girl Carlie is an absolute queen and you can keep up to date with all of her fabulousness by giving her a follow on Instagram: @carliemichelle66 . Thank you for my earrings, doll – love you!!! ❤

Have you met any friends through blogging? What is something cool that your blog has done for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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