High Five 4 Friday

It's linky link time with Lauren @ Lauren Elizabeth for

another round of H54F!

Happy Friday!

Had a glorious long weekend with friends and family!

X had an excellent visit with the specialist :)

Ears are clear = No surgery = Happy Mommy!
Celebrating @ Mimi's Cafe

Short work week = The weekend is already here!

We received our disc of photos from the awesome Christy Rice!
Seriously....check out some of these pics! Love them!

My AdvoCare 24 day challenge package arrived yesterday! Can't wait to start on Monday!

To find out more info and/or purchase today click here!

The blog every day in May challenge is officially over today!

While I didn't keep to the assigned topic each day,

I did do a pretty good job :)

Some of the topics just didn't apply to me :(

Oh well, maybe next time!

Day 31: A vivid memory

I have too many vivid memories!

My memory is good, it fact pretty darn good!

It can be a blessing and a curse all at the same time.

Anyways, here is one of my many memories....

When I was in 7th grade we (my family) went down to Myrtle Beach for our annual
summer vacation.

One night we stopped by a "make your own sundae" shop before heading over

to the North Myrtle Beach Grand Prix (no longer there).

We finished our ice cream and started walking over to the grand prix

when out of nowhere a big Stick Bug lands on top of my head!

I started screaming for my dad to get it off of me! I was a mess!

Let me step back here, because this bug didn't actually come out of nowhere....

my dad threw it onto me (on accident...he says)!

He went to throw this little stick and realized it was a bug once he touched it.

I just happened to be right in the way of him throwing it and it landed IN my hair!

Now back in 7th grade hairstyles were much different than they are these days.

We curled and teased our bangs to the highest of heights and then sprayed the crap of them to stay in place.

My hair looked something like this all those years ago.

Not good for when a giant bug gets stuck in those bangs :(

After what seemed like a lifetime my dad got the stick bug out of my hair,

but not before scaring me for life!

I hate stick bugs!

I feel all itchy and creeped out as I type this! YUCK!

Tell me a vivid memory of yours!

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Thirsty Thursday - Bomb Pops

Bomb Pops have always been one of my favorite summer time treats.

As a kid that is what I would ALWAYS get from the

ice cream truck when it came by my street :)

Click here for a homemade popsicle recipe.

I still love bomb pops today, so when I came across this recipe I just had to share!

WARNING! This is a shot, not an actual cocktail!

Ingredients

1/2 a shot of Cherry Vodka

1/2 a shot of Blue Curacao

drizzle Grenadine

1/2 a bottle of Smirnoff Ice

Instructions

Pour the Smirnoff Ice into a mug, then drizzle in the Grenadine.

Put the Blue Curacao and Cherry Vodka in a shot glass.

Drop the shot glass into the mug and CHUG! :)

I did find a couple recipes for a cocktail version as well.

Check them out by clicking here or here.

What was your favorite ice cream truck treat?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Anything Goes Wednesday

WOW does it feel good to be back to my routine!

Don't get me wrong, I love having days off but my routine is what keeps me sane! lol!

So what did you do over the long weekend?

I can't contain my excitement right now!

Presale tickets for JT in Cleveland are available starting at 10am today!!!!

Super pumped! I can't wait to buy my tickets!

I feel like a giddy little kid :)

UPDATE: Just bought my tickets and it is only 10:08am!!! YEH!!!!!!

Mic and I took X down to Columbus yesterday to see a Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist

since he has had so many ear infections.

Great news to report!

The doctor said his ears look good and are clear!!!

What does that mean you ask?

No tubes/surgery for X right now :)

As long as he stays healthy and doesn't get another infection we will be in the clear for awhile.

Super pumped about that news!

So glad things are looking up for him.

I just want him to enjoy being a little boy :)

Now for blog every day in May



Day 29: Five songs or pieces of music that speak to you or bring back memories

ACDC - Shook Me All Night Long

You will have me on the dance floor singing along within seconds when this is played!

My absolute favorite ACDC song!

Madonna - Material Girl

My very first concert when I was only 8 years old!

My dad and I went dressed to the 9's in our complete 80's attire :)

He looked like Don Johnson from Miami Vice,

and of course I dressed as much like Madonna as an 8 year old could! lol!

We had floor seats at the Richfield Coliseum and it was an AMAZING show!

I still can remember that concert like it was yesterday!

Warren G - Regulate featuring Nate Dogg

This was my very first "rap/hip hop" CD.

I honestly love this album from beginning to end!

I still listen to it often :)

Rap/Hip Hop just isn't the same :(

Bon Jovi - Wanted Dead or Alive

This is my go-to karaoke song.

Probably because my dad and I actually recorded this song (karaoke style) together when I was about 8 years old :)

I am beginning to think being 8 was a great time in my life! lol!

Meatloaf - Paradise By The Dashboard Light

Now this song is literally as old as I am, but it was always played at my high school dances.

It was so much fun too!

The girls and guys would kind of line up across from each other and sing along

to each part :)

It was always a great time, and kind of made high school feel a little bit like one of

those movies that the kids break out into song. lol!

I know, I am lame!

I don't care!

I love movies and songs like that!

What songs speak to you or bring back memories?

What was your first concert?

Do you sing karaoke? What is your favorite song to sing?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Weekend Recap/Style Me Pretty

Long weekends are great and crazy at the same time!

Our holiday weekend started on Thursday evening,

and actually just ended about 1pm today!

Here is our very LONG weekend of photos...

 X at the funeral home in Erie, Pennsylvania

 Playing with mommy's shades

 Ready for another week of swim lessons!

 Visiting with grandpa at Whispering Hills Campground

 Hugs :)

 Fingers as utensils...of course!

 Playing "catch" with Uncle Richie :)

 LOVE visits from my brother!

 "Do you need help daddy?"

 X LOVES to look at pictures/videos of himself! lol!

 Playing at the doctor's office

 Complementary cheerios at Mimi's Cafe = Happy kid!

How many can I put in my mouth at one time? Yum!

Style Me Pretty

My weekend casual look :)

Sorry for the delay and lack luster post today folks!

My work day didn't officially start until about 2pm, so I am rushing to get this post up

and get some work caught up :(

Better post tomorrow...I swear! :)

So what did you do this weekend?

Any new food or drinks I should try?

What have you been wearing lately?

Until next time....

XoXo ~ V

Holiday

Just a quick post to say



Back tomorrow with my Weekend Recap & Style Me Pretty :)

Hope you are all having a safe, happy, and fun holiday!

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

High Five 4 Friday

Linking up with the Lovely Lauren @ Lauren Elizabeth

for H54F!

Received our online album of photos from Christy Rice Photography :)
Love them all!!!

 

Had a great annual review at work! Bring on the auditors!



Witnessed a beautiful rainbow after the storm on Wednesday night :)

Prom season is one of my favorite times of the year since the local newspaper posts photo galleries of the kids in their prom attire on the website. I just can't get enough of them!
Check out some of the photos here.

This is a photo that someone took of me at my senior prom (1997)...I sure look happy! lol!

It's Memorial Day Weekend folks! Relax, have a drink, grill something!!!

blog every day in May

Day 24: Your top 3 worst traits

I have a ton of bad traits I could name here,

but it depends on the day of the week which ones are the worst!

I hold a grudge.

I refuse to break the rules.

I care way too much about what others think.

What are you up to this weekend?

What are your worst traits?

Until next time...Have a Wonderful Weekend!

XoXo ~ V

Thirsty Thursday - White Russian

The White Russian

This is my other "go-to" cocktail :)

Super easy, super delicious!

What you need to make it...

Vodka

Kahlua/Coffee Liquor

Cream/Milk

Cocktail glass

Ice

No shaker or blender required here!

If you hold the cream/milk in the drink, you end up with a Black Russian :)

Have you ever had a White or Black Russian?

Do you like creamy drinks?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Anything Goes Wednesday

I can't believe it is only Wednesday!

This week is kicking butt and taking names :( UGH!

 

I have a new food love :)

New York Style Bagel Crisps!

Can you say AMAZING!!!

The Sea Salt and Roasted Garlic flavors are delicious!

I don't recommend eating the garlic ones if you need to be around people,
but they are delish!

They come in 7 different flavors!

Seriously, you MUST check them out today! You won't regret it :)

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend!

That means I get 3 luxurious days away from the office :)

After the last 2 days, I need them!

Technically, I will be taking a fourth day due to the funeral we have in Erie on Friday.

blog every day in May



Day 22: Rant about something. Get up on your soapbox and tell us how you really feel.
(pet peeve, current event, something someone does that drives you crazy, etc.)

With the way this week has been so far, I could rant about everything,
but I won't :)
Plus I am trying to keep this whole blog a bit more upbeat,
even if I am in a terrible mood!

So here it goes...I have a remarkable sense of smell.
SERIOUSLY!!
While it can be great for sniffing out the smell of gas in a home,
it also can be a complete curse :(
If someone burps...I can tell you what they had for lunch :(
I can't be around perfume/cologne because all I smell is the alcohol in them :(
But the worst is the smell someone has on them after being outside!

So my rant is about the stinky, horrible smell that you just naturally get from being outside.
You don't have to be sweating either, it is just there! YUCK!
If anyone I know even is outside for a few minutes I can smell it and it just gags me!
I seriously tell my husband he has to shower, because I can't take it!
Every night I have to give X a bath just to get that smell off of him.
It literally drives me insane!
I know I even have that smell on me if I have been outside at all,
and of course I have to shower before bed or I won't be able to sleep!

Just because you can't smell it, doesn't mean it isn't there!
Grrrrr!



Moral of the story? Shower, take a bath, rinse off under a hose, whatever!
Some of us have a keen sense of smell and have to suffer with it!

 

What are your pet peeves?

Any big Memorial Day plans?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Style Me Pretty Tuesday

Question for all of you friends & readers...

What do you wear to a funeral on a hot spring/summer day?

I always tend to over dress to play it safe,
and I always, I mean always wear black to calling hours or a funeral.
Actually I usually wear a really nice black suit that I have with some black heels or boots.
In recent years every funeral or calling hours I have been to has taken place in the winter months, so this outfit choice works perfectly.

Unfortunately, we have a funeral to attend this Friday in Erie, Pennsylvania.
While I always dress appropriately for the winter months,
my mind is going crazy trying to figure out what to wear during the summer.
My closet is pretty lacking of summer attire in black/gray/navy
that is acceptable for this type of occasion.

Hence my question for you all...what do I wear?

We will also have to bring X with us since this is a funeral for a relative.
I have no idea what to have him wear!
How do you dress a 17 month old for a funeral?

Please understand this...
I know celebrating one's life and comforting the immediate family is our main concern,
but I also want to look appropriate while doing so.

Suggestions? PLEASE!!!

Weekend Recap

Another weekend has come and gone!

Here is our weekend in photos...

Chocolate chip cookies for dessert = Chocolate face!

Received a sneak peak of our photos from last weekend from the amazing and super talented Christy @ Christy Rice Photography!

LOVE!!!

Saturday morning fun :)

Driving cars on the walls, ready for swim lessons

Naps in mommy & daddy's bed are so much better!

Went home to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom :)

The day isn't complete without dessert!

Menchie's frozen yogurt = YUM!!

Who doesn't want to play with their food at every meal?

That is all folks!

We had a pretty low-key weekend :)

How was your weekend?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Linking up again with Sami @ Sami's Shenanigans

for Weekend Shenanigans :)

Sunday Reading



blog every day in May

Day 19: Five of your favorite blogs and what you love about them

Trying to not repeat one I have mentioned before, so....

The Sunny Side Up Blog
I enjoy following Erin's journey of life.
Between raising her 3 children, decorating & organizing her home,
and the biggest thing I love to follow is the updates on the new home that her family is building.

Where We Can Live Like Jack & Sally
Holly is ABSOLUTELY hilarious!
I am a new follower, but I feel like I already know her so well.
Her stories of home/family life are so relatable!

Love, Fun & Football
Erin is a fellow Ohio girl and football fan,
it's just too bad she cheers for the Bengals :(

Penny Pincher Fashion
If you guessed this is a fashion blog, you are correct!
A lot of the clothing that is featured are items I can actually afford :)
That is a WIN in my book!

So Wonderful, So Marvelous
Another great Ohio blogger here :)
Again, super relatable life stories that I just can't get enough of!


I know I am supposed to list my 5 favorites, but I feel like I have exhausted all of you readers with the same few blogs every week or so.
I have to at least include my all time favorite blogs for you though :)

Bourbon & Glitter
floral & fudge
Lauren Elizabeth
Putting Me Together
and last, but certainly not least!
The Small Things Blog

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Childhood Stories

Keeping up again with

blog every day in May



Day 18: Tell a story from your childhood

It was October of 1982, and I was 3 years old.
I was sitting in the living room of our house on Irving Park watching Happy Days :)
(I love TV today, but it is not like it used to be!)
At 3 I was already a huge fan of the Fonz :)
The story gets a little sketchy from here (remember I was only 3!).
For some reason I remember my parents asking me what I wanted to name my little brother...
like he was already there with us, but without a name.
Anyways, since I was watching Happy Days I said Richie after Richie Cunningham :)
(I think they were super thankful I didn't say the Fonz!)
Well, to my amazement they agreed!
My new little brother was Richie Cunningham...well not quite.
They (WE) ended up naming him Richard, but have called him Richie his entire life.

Now I obviously can't say that is exactly how it went down,
but in my 3 year old world it sure did!
I came to find out a few years later that my dad's brother who died at only 18 years old
was also named Richard.
Crazy if you ask me!
I mean I had no idea at 3 that I wanted to name my brother the same name as my deceased uncle!
Of course it went over very well with my family!

Moral of the story?
I take full credit for naming my caring, amazing, completely ridiculous (at times)
 little brother Richie :)

 

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V