Tag Archives: vaca

Jul29

Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD Bloopers

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Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD! I always look forward to taking OOTD pictures and TikTok videos, but was especially excited for this particular look. I had just got my hair done, was sporting a new favorite dress, and was feeling my goddamn self and have been every day since my appointment at the Shear Shop. It’s amazing what a new do can do to crank the ol’ self esteem up to eleven! The shots you are about to see definitely don’t fall under the feeling myself category but let’s take a look anyways:

Major Pale Man from Pan’s Labyrinth vibes and I’m living for it!

The prettiest smile just for you ❤

Hanging on for dear life

Tyra Banks would be proud because I am finding the light SO hard

Lmaooo I’m sexy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top notch John Cena impression

To blog or not to blog, that is the question

Being self employed is a wonderful, beautiful thing. Not having PTO, however, freaking sucks lol. Because I’m losing money when I take a day off, it is a rarity for me to do so outside of holidays or being sick. This is not a good habit in the slightest because everyone needs a day or two off and one of my goals has been to be more lenient when I need a break. Which is why I am so happy to report that I am on staycation, baby!!!!! Outside of two easy peasy shifts, I have THREE full days off and I am ecstatic.

What am I going to do during my me time? Probs nothing but vegging out and enjoying every minute of it! Since mine and Johnny’s birthaversary, our weekends have been jam packed. We have legit had plans every weekend since June first and while it has been so much fun, it was exhausting and a staycation reprieve on my couch is exactly what the doctor (me) ordered. I plan on binging documentaries, TV shows Johnny has no interest in, and kicking it old school with my Nintendo 3DS. I recently acquired the only game in the Paper Mario series that I don’t have, Sticker Star, and playing it has been a blast. I can’t wait to utilize my couch time to the fullest and beat it! 😀

Staycation all I ever wanted, staycation got to stay home or however that one song goes. I’m stoked!!

What would you do during a staycation? Where would you go for a dream vacation? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul21

Beach Bombshell OOTD Bloopers

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Beach Bombshell OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Beach Bombshell OOTD! Or more like BOTD (Bikini Of The Day) while I got my Little Mermaid on at Geneva On The Lake. 😀 I literally could not tell you guys the last time I was on a vacation and this two day getaway sparked the travel bug in me something fierce. As a self employed gal, I rarely take time off because I can’t give PTO to myself lol. I definitely feel like I will be more lenient with that in the future because I have been ready for another vaca since we got home from our Fourth of July trip. And, yes, there would be OOTDs and Blooper Reels galore from the travels! Take a lookie loo at some yikes shots that won’t be gracing sexy swimsuit calendars any time soon:

Here comes the Creature From The Black Lagoon

Talk about wind in the hair, amiright?!

Willow Smith would be proud of my hair whipping back and forth all afternoon

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition look no further!

I ❤ Vacation!!!!!

Sun, surf, sand in my eyes

Featuring Johnny’s knees lol he was SO happy he could take these pictures sitting down!

Vacation has been weighing very heavily on my mind and I have found myself daydreaming about taking a trip constantly. Nothing gets you out of the same old same old funk better than new sights, new foods, and new experiences and it has been fun to even think about planning a getaway. Of course, if Johnny and I were to go anywhere, we would remain in the USA. That will NEVER stop me from fantasizing about my dream honeymoon, though!!

Ah, yes. The dream honeymoon. In my perfect, happy, filthy rich world, Johnny and I would have jet set to Europe after our nuptials. And I’m not talking a week or two trip, I’m talking like a whole month lol. Shopping in London, theater in Paris, smoking hella weed in Amsterdam, gazing at the horizon from a cliff side in Ireland – the works! To appease my sweet history buff Johnny, we would visit different WWII battlegrounds and it would be a win/win for both parties involved. I can see it in my mind’s eye so clearly and I know my dream honeymoon will happen eventually… I’m just so damn impatient for it! 😀

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a full fledged journey, it is so exciting to think about a brand new to you place. Let’s hop on a plane and go!

What is your dream vacation? If you could teleport, where is the first place you would go? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul19

What You Need For A Great Camping Trip

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What You Need For A Great Camping Trip

Are you thinking about going on a camping trip? This is a great choice if you want to enjoy the outdoors and have a fantastic time whether you are traveling alone or with all of your family. Let’s explore some of the key things that you need for a fantastic camping trip:

Food Choices:

First, you should make sure that you are getting the right food choices for your camping trip. There are lots of different options to explore here. For instance, you might want to think about looking at organic chicken bone broth online. This is an excellent option as it means that you can quickly prepare meals for your family in the evening, when you only have the most basic cooking equipment. In terms of other food and snacks, you might want to think about exploring choices that gives high levels of energy. Particularly, if you are planning on exploring lots of different activities like going mountain biking or hiking.

Tent & Sleeping Bag:

Another point to think about is your tent and sleeping bag. There are lots of different elements that you should consider including the size of the tent. You might think that a bigger tent is always going to be better but this isn’t the case. A smaller tent can be useful because it will allow you to keep things nice and cozy which is particularly useful if you are planning on traveling by yourself. In terms of sleeping bags, you need to make sure you are thinking about the temperature where you are sleeping. For instance, you can get a zero degree sleeping bag. As the name suggests, this will keep you warm and toasty even when it is zero degrees outside.

Camp Site:

When you are planning your camping trip, make sure that you pick the best camp site for the activities you want to do. You might also want to think about checking out the reviews for a camp site because some are always going to be better than others and offer more accommodations. This is especially important if you want to be somewhere with bathroom facilities, grilling options, or have the opportunity to charge any of your handheld devices.

1000W portable power station

Activities:

Finally, you should make sure that you are thinking about the different activities that are available while camping. Fishing is a great, relaxing way to spend your time. However, you do need to make sure that you are following the rules required in the specific area. In a lot of places, you’ll need to return any fish that you catch back to the lake or pond. If you would like to hike, make sure the trails in the area are ones that you can complete safely.

Camping is a surefire way to enjoy the weather and all of nature’s beauty. Plan your trip and have lots of fun!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jul17

Beach Bombshell OOTD

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Beach Bombshell OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Or, rather, welcome to some pictures of me in a bikini lol. In one of my favorite shows, Superstore, one of the characters claims that bikinis and Halloween costumes are the same thing. You wear them every year until they’re threads and then get a new one. I can confirm that to be true, in regards to the bikini part anyways, because the one you are about to see is probably over a decade old at this point. However, it’s one of the only ones I have so that was good enough for me when Johnny and I went to Geneva On The Lake! Check it out:

^^^ You can peep more from this look on my TikTok @lilred6794 !!

As I was saying, I purchased this bikini a long time ago. In fact, I was still working retail at PacSun when I got it which means I was around nineteen at the time. I still remember it. My coworker went to Victoria’s Secret on her break, bought the exact same bikini you see above for her vacation, showed it to me when she returned, and I fell in love. As a bustier gal, it can be hard to find a suit that is supportive enough and my mind was blown when she told me that the tops went by bra size as opposed to Small, Medium, and Large. It was exactly what I needed and I went on my break and followed (swim)suit by getting the same one lol. Total poser, yes, but I just couldn’t resist because this was the best fitting bikini I have ever tried on and that still remains to be true.

It’s not like I haven’t bought other swimsuits in the twelve or so years since I got this bikini. I just can’t seem to part with it though because it still fits and it’s still cute AF! The bustier top, the sweet and sunny pastel hues, and the sassy strap sides on the bottoms are truly a match made in fun in the sun heaven. And the thing is, regardless of the age of this suit, it really hasn’t been worn all that much for two reasons. 1) As a very pale gal, beach and lake situations aren’t my bag because I burn so easily. As I write this, it has been ten days since visiting Geneva On The Lake and I am still peeling constantly. And 2) I refuse to get my hair wet to increase the longevity of my colorfully dyed hair. In the twelve plus years of having this bikini, I’ve probably only worn it twenty times and even that feels like an exaggeration. Here’s to another twelve years of my Beach Bombshell bikini because I fear I well never find one as good as this!

My beloved Victoria’s Secret swimsuit is blessedly not in threads yet and fingers crossed that it stays that way for forever!

Do you have any super old clothes in your wardrobe? How do you keep them looking brand new? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul15

Fun In The Sun OOTD

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Fun In The Sun OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! For the Fourth of July weekend, Johnny and I enjoyed a lovely little getaway to Geneva On The Lake. We stayed in a fantastic Airbnb with a few of our friends that was literally right on Lake Erie and it was like having our own private beach! On the Fourth, we posted up on our oasis on the water and had a blast soaking up the sun all afternoon. The sunburns that resulted in our lake day were anything but!! Take a look at what I wore before busting out an itty bitty bikini and my skin wasn’t fifty shades of Lil Red. It simply screams Fun In The Sun!

Who? What? Wear?

Kerchief Top: Altar’d State

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Platform Sandals: Sbicca, ModCloth

Sunglasses: Lucky Brand, TJMaxx

Dagger Earrings: These were bought on vacation in the Poconos!

When I was packing this outfit for our trip, I didn’t even put two and two together that it would be featuring a red, white, and blue motif on the Fourth. I was in no mood to celebrate America, lol, it just happened and that’s okay because I love this look and it is a super easy one to replicate. Normally when I am building an outfit, I start from the top down. This time, however, I started smack dab in the middle with the jean shorts from American Eagle Outfitters. I absolutely adore this high waisted, distressed pair and they are oh so sweet with any summer OOTD. They are such a classic summer staple with some extra flare, fit like a glove, and go with anything meaning you can’t go wrong with them!

Next on the agenda was visiting the top department and I knew exactly what I needed: My gingham kerchief top from Altar’d State. This was my first kerchief top I ever purchased and it certainly started an obsession because I can’t get enough of them. They are sassy but not overly sexy and such a unique take on summer clothing. You can only have so many tanks and spaghetti strap tops! This little number paired beautifully with the high waisted shorts and just as I love the Gingham line from Bath & Body Works, I loves me a gingham pattern too. This top gave a somewhat retro pattern a modern update and will always be one of my favorite summer tops.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I opted for a delightful pair of platform sandals by Sbicca. Yes, they were a pain in the butt to walk on the sand in but beauty is pain and I couldn’t imagine a different pair with this look. The straps are an almost perfect match to the blue in the top and they both feature a flower motif. It was like they were made to be worn together! Since I was going to wade in the water as I refuse to get my hair wet, I kept jewelry at a minimum with a pair of cream colored dagger earrings. Sunglasses were a must, of course, and I wore my beloved pair by Lucky. And, no, I didn’t lose them this time! 😀

This fit was Fun In The Sun, fashion fun, and vacation vibes to the T and I felt like the star of our private beach in it!

Are you going on any getaways this summer? What was the best vacation you have been on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul12

Geneva On The Lake Getaway

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Geneva On The Lake Getaway

Hello!! A few weeks ago Johnny got an invite from one of his coworkers for us to join him and his partner for a Fourth of July weekend getaway at Geneva On The Lake. They rented an Airbnb right on the water, had a spare room, and said the more the merrier. We happily accepted the opportunity for some fun in the sun and had the absolute best time! The last and only time Johnny and I had been to GOTL was for a work event for my dumb old boss and it was the freaking worst. To go back there in good company and actually enjoy the sights was a gift because I didn’t realize how awesome it was when I was punching the clock in misery lol. 😀

^^^ Hell yeah!!!

Johnny and I headed to our getaway as soon as I got home from work on Thursday and arrived at Geneva On The Lake in about an hour and a half. The travel traffic for the holiday weekend was blessedly nonexistent and that was great because we couldn’t wait to start our mini vacation. The Airbnb that our friends rented was seriously perfect. It was cozy, quaint, and was like having our own private beach. After getting settled and having a quick tour, we decided to hit the boardwalk for drinks, dinner, and visiting an awesome arcade bar.

The boardwalk at GOTL is the cutest and I would love to go back and explore it more. It was old timey, bursting with color, and bustling with activity between the shops, restaurants, and snack booths. It felt like going back in time and enhanced the vacation vibes even more. No stuffy offices, no chain stores or eateries, just quirky local establishments. It’s exactly what Johnny and I like! After stopping at a bar for a bevvie, we decided we were famished and went to a lovely beach side restaurant. They had the best Peach Sangria I have had in a long time and their pierogie platter was to die for! Once we finished our meal, we headed straight to an arcade bar for more drinks (Hey, it was a vacation!) and ALL of the skee ball before calling it a night. And, as per ushe, Johnny and I totally crushed at skee ball which is our all time favorite. I wish we had one in our house!

The following day was Fourth of July and our plan was to hit the beach for the day, head to the boardwalk, and watch the fireworks over the water. We made our way to the actual beach area of Geneva On The Lake and there were no parking spots in sight. Rather than make endless loops trying to find a place to park, we just headed back to the Airbnb and made use of our own slice of paradise instead. We brought chairs, coolers, and beaucoup sunscreen and spent all afternoon on the water. There wasn’t another person in sight and it was absolutely wonderful! It sure beat being in an endless sea of people and I didn’t want to leave! However, there came a point when all of our sunburns got too bad to ignore so we packed up and went inside. (As a side note, my sunburns were BRUTAL so I’ll be in my closet for the rest of the summer!)

We hung out at the Airbnb for a bit and freshened up, then we made our way back to the boardwalk for the rest of the evening. We, once again, had an incredibly difficult time finding parking which ate up a ton of time and ended up finding the last spot in an entire lot. It was a miracle! After playing some more games at the arcade, it was about time for fireworks to start and we just stayed where we were for a while to watch. It was spectacular and the most amazing way to commemorate our mini vacation!

Geneva On The Lake might have only been an hour and a half away but we felt like we were on another planet entirely. It was just the getaway Johnny and I needed and I would love to plan a long weekend trip for us this summer. I’m thinking Hocking Hills for sure!

How did you spend your holiday weekend? Where is your favorite weekend getaway spot? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

From Amalfi To Ibiza: A Journey Through Europe’s Iconic Coastal Getaways

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From Amalfi To Ibiza: A Journey Through Europe’s Iconic Coastal Getaways

Europe’s coast is a patchwork of beautiful landscapes, cultures, and views. From the Amalfi Coast’s cliffs to Ibiza’s beaches, a trip to these iconic coastlines is a chance to relax, explore and sunbathe. Each has its magic so whether you’re a beach lover or an adventurer this guide will take you through some of Europe’s most iconic coastlines and what makes each one special:

1) Amalfi Coast, Italy:                                                            

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in southern Italy that has been a favorite with travelers for years. Famous for its villages like Positano and Ravello, the Amalfi Coast has cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can eat fresh seafood, shop in charming boutiques, and enjoy views from cliff-top terraces. Whether you’re wandering the narrow streets of Amalfi or lounging on the beach with a good book the area has the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear for a dip in the blue waters!

2) Costa Brava, Spain:        

In northeastern Spain, Costa Brava is known for its rugged coastline, hidden coves, and fishing villages. From the French border to the bustling city of Barcelona, this region has something for everyone, especially when planning a road trip never to forget. Spend your days on beautiful beaches like Cala Montjoi with its turquoise waters and cliffs or take a leisurely walk along the coastal paths that reveal stunning views of the Mediterranean. Costa Brava is also steeped in culture with Salvador Dalí’s surrealist art and the medieval castles of Tossa de Mar giving a glimpse into the region’s history.

3) French Riviera, France:        

The French Riviera or Côte d’Azur is all about glamour and luxury. Along the southern coast of France, this beautiful region is home to glamorous cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco. The beaches are lined with beach clubs and restaurants so you can sunbathe and people watch. You can try water sports like jet skiing or sailing or simply relax on the sand with a glass of rosé in hand. The views of the Mediterranean, the nightlife, and the cultural experiences make the French Riviera a must-stop on your coastal journey.

4) Ibiza, Spain:        

Famous for its nightlife and beaches, Ibiza is the jewel of the Balearic Islands. This island has the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Spend your days on iconic beaches like Playa d’ Bossa or Cala Comte where you can sunbathe at beach side bars. As the sun sets, Ibiza becomes a party destination with world-famous clubs like Pacha and Amnesia drawing crowds from all over the world. But the island also has peaceful spots like the charming village of Santa Gertrudis where you can eat local food and enjoy art in a quiet atmosphere.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the towns, or party the night away this coastal journey has it all. So pack your bags, gather your friends, and get ready for a trip you’ll be talking about for years to come!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr30

Hawaii Haul

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Hawaii Haul

Hello!! In mid April, my mom, dad, and brother went on a guided vacation to Hawaii. This was their dream trip and we were all thrilled that they got to go on such a wonderful adventure. Although I was happy for their fun in the sun, I was missing them something fierce. Honestly, I couldn’t wait for them to come home as soon as they left! Prior to their departure, they asked all of the family what kind of souvenirs they might like. I answered with jewelry and my history buff husband wanted something from Pearl Harbor. I am pleased to report that my travelers delivered! Check it out:

image_50730497(2)image_50756097(1)image_50407169(7)image_50448129(4)image_50439425(7)image_50421761(4)

When I visited my family after they returned, it was like a mini Christmas on the dining room table. It was laden with gifts for the kids and grandkids and it warmed my heart that all of us were thought of no matter how far apart we were. Johnny received some guitar picks and a model of the USS Arizona Memorial. He was SO excited to build the model and when I returned home from work the following day, he was almost done with it already. In fact, he enjoyed the build so much that he plans on buying more from the brand. Both the picks and model are proudly displayed on our knick knack shelves.

For my gift, I got exactly what I wanted – a stunning necklace and earrings! I am loving the shell necklace and it will be a fabulous accessory this summer. I am going to wear it wrapped as a bracelet and the pretty, neutral palette will allow me to wear it with anything and everything. The piece de resistance, however, was the earrings for sure. The delicate gold cutouts of sea turtles blew me away and they are also highly sentimental. Sea turtles are my brother’s favorite and what he was most looking forward to seeing. Like the necklace, these earrings are going to enhance any outfit and it will be like a hug from my family every time I wear them. ❤

My family had the best time on their trip and I had the best time welcoming them home. I call dibs on next vacation!!!

Do you have any vacations planned? Where are you going? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar21

She Sells Seashells

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She Sells Seashells

Hello!!! I work as an Independent Provider for people with special needs and specialize in community inclusion and daily living skills. I have worked in the field for almost a decade and all of my clients new and old will always hold a very special place in my heart. It is the best job in the whole world and I am so thankful to have assisted so many amazing families. It means so much to be trusted to provide quality care and I deliver nothing less every day at work.

Whenever I can’t see my clients due to vacations or days off, I miss them terribly! My days feel so off without my normal shifts and all smiles and I couldn’t wait for one of my clients to return from a family vaca. I know for a fact this young man was missing me too because he collected seashells on the beach just for me and proudly presented them when I saw him again:

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When I was given my seashells, I seriously almost cried. I was SO touched that my client took the time out of his vacation to search for shells that he thought I would like. He was completely right, because I LOVE them. He told me that they have to drive to the beach next time because all of the shells that he wanted to bring me wouldn’t fit on the plane! I cannot wait to find a pretty jar to house my shells in and display it on my knick knack shelves so I can see them and smile every day. ❤

Between three jobs, I am a busy lady. However, I will never be too busy to see my clients; I simply could not imagine my life without any of them! It brings me such great joy to teach new things when I am at work, but every day, I am the one who learns something new. My seashells will serve as a reminder to always be thoughtful, generous, and kind – just like the dear young man who gave them to me. I am the lucky one to even know him and feel proud to continue to grow as people together!

As the weather in Ohio remains awful, I will be on the beach in the sunshine every time I see my seashells. Always turn your face towards the sun and have the best day, darling friends!

Where is your dream vacation location? Who has seashells on display in their home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Feb20

Surprise Vacation

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Surprise Vacation

Hello!! After writing about my desire to achieve a better work/life balance, I had the opportunity to put my money where my mouth is. However, it wasn’t for a great reason. Unfortunately, my parents tested positive for Covid last Tuesday and I genuinely have no idea where they got it from. Thankfully, both of their symptoms were quite mild and they are on the up and up!

Usually, I am at my parents house almost every day of the week for work or just hanging out. Of course, that wasn’t a possibility while my parents were sick and I miss them and my brother terribly! The first day I couldn’t come over, I honestly didn’t know what to do with myself and the free time that fell in my lap. I felt bad all week that I was lounging in the comfort of my home but I also knew that there was nothing else to be done until there were negative tests all around.

During my Surprise Vacation, I caught up on my sleep a lot. Since the beginning of the new year, I have been waking up between 4:45 and 5 every morning to take care of the bunnies, get myself ready for work, work from home, then go to my other job. It was exhausting but necessary, especially as I started a new online gig. During my break, I was able to sleep in until… Drum roll, please… SIX O’CLOCK and it was awesome! I didn’t know how much I needed that extra sleep until I actually got it and it was just what I needed to rejuvenate myself. The extra sleeping in sessions also made it much easier to get up early again when I had morning clients.

I got a lot of work done online during my staycation and I also had time for extra cleaning, cooking, and enjoying some TV time before Johnny returned from work. You already know I watched lots of Hoarders while Melvin and Penelope romped around their bunny-proofed area. I also binged the first half of the new season of You in one afternoon flat. I can’t remember the last time I was able to do that and it felt so good to have a binge-watching session with a show just for me. Also, can we please talk about how freaking crazy that show is? Lol freaking Joe Goldberg, dude.

As wonderful as my mini work vaca was, I was ready for it to be over each day because I missed being able to hug my parents and brother. I can’t wait for negative tests so I can get back to my normal schedule feeling as refreshed as I have been in weeks!

How do you relax during time off? What did you think of the new season of You? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah