Let Me RE-Introduce Myself

Hey Hey!

How are you?

I know I have had some new readers over the last few months, so I thought this would be a great time to reintroduce myself.

I'm Vanessa, or V for short :)

I am currently 42 years old, and live in Central Ohio.

I have been with my husband for 20 years this April, and married for 14 years this past October.

X is our 9 year old son who is my whole world!

From soccer, to football, to baseball and more.

I love watching him do it all!

I'm originally from a small town about 30 minutes (or about 26 miles) west of Cleveland, Ohio right along Lake Erie.

In Ohio, we speak distance in minutes instead of miles ;)

We also say things like Pop, You Guys, and Tennis Shoes.

We recently just moved back into our home after tearing down 90% of it and rebuilding from the ground up!

Why leave 10%?

It was my husband's childhood home, so he wanted a little something from the original house.

Don't worry, there are plans to remodel that space very soon!

My home style is a combination of Rustic, Modern and Industrial.

Mic would love to add some medieval vibes in there too ;)

You can read and see more about it all here.

As far as my clothing style goes...I am a jeans and graphic tee girl!

I choose jeans over leggings any day/time of the week!

And I have more graphic tees than I can count!

I love wearing hats too.

I have a pretty good collection of all sorts of colors, teams, graphics - but I tend to stick with a baseball style.

I also love to wear tennis shoes (sneakers) or combat boots with everything.

I actually used to rock combat boots with my cheerleading warm-ups back in high school.

I am not a fan of shopping, so my purchases are definitely thought out.

And I'm a lover of quantity when it comes to clothes.

I need all the options!

I love to bake from scratch whenever I have the chance.

I don't mind cooking either.

I love all kinds of music (especially live music), but my heart really skips a beat when I hear country or hair band music.

Dancing and karaoke are some of my favorite things to do!

Speaking of favorite things to do.....I love going to sporting events!

Especially football games!

I am a diehard Cleveland Browns fan!

But I love to go to high school or pee wee games too.

Really, I'm down for just about any sport.

I like to share my favorite affordable fashion and home finds, our home building and renovating process, recipes, and more!

And that's the me behind the V in X-tremely V!

Anything else you want to know...just ask!

XOXO ~ Vanessa

Do What Makes You Happy

Do you listen to the radio when you are driving to work?

I am not a talk radio person, but I can't help but listen to The Bobby Bones show in the morning.

The whole crew is always so upbeat.

They can definitely put me in a good mood even on the hardest mornings.

With that said, today I wanted to share a few things that bring me joy :)

Music

It can instantly take me to a different place.

I have always had a love affair with music.

I swear when I hear a song I am transported into the most memorable time I heard it.

At a wedding, a school dance, at my grandma's house, riding in a car, etc.

There are even some that instantly take me back to a break up :/

I love the beat of the music and the story the song tells.

There are a few songs currently that put be in a good mood the second I catch them on the radio.

I also have these songs that I turn on the second I need to feel better.

Dancing

This obviously goes hand and hand with music, but there are a lot of people out there who don't dance.

Not even a little bit.

I have a hard time not dancing.

My Family

As much as they can stress me out, they can make me happy.

Working out

I swear in another life I was a personal trainer or professional athlete.

I really do love working out!

A straight cardio workout isn't the most fun, but I still feel great once I did it.

I love all kinds of exercise.

I think this stems from the fact that I don't like to sit still for very long. 

Spending time with friends

I mentioned before that while I have a lot of friends, I am loner.

I never really understood the importance of spending time with friends.
Now I crave it!

Books
I can't call myself a reader...I prefer pictures over words every day of the week!
However, I did listen to A Tribe Called Bliss and Kind is the New Classy on Audible and LOVED THEM!!!!
Keeping with the theme of feeling good about yourself,
I picked up the 52 Lists for Happiness over the weekend.

Have you heard of it?
It's from the author of The 52 Lists Project.
I dove right into List #1 this week and it totally fits with my post today :)

So now I want to know...What makes you happy?
Comment below or shoot me an email - leota6@gmail.com

Hope you all have a joy filled weekend!

XOXO ~ Vanessa

Linking up with The Blended Blog, Andrea, Narci & Erika today :)

Let's Be Real & Fall Style Finds

Oh what I wouldn't give to be that teenage girl again who thought she was "fat".

Over the last year I have struggled and struggled to figure out what is going on with...me.

At the moment I still don't know.

I just finished an 8 week long program of workouts, managed portions, clean eating, but cheats allowed.

I feel good.

But that is it!

I weigh exactly the same as I did when I started 8 weeks ago.

They say "don't focus on the scale".

And "you've probably lost inches".

Nope!

The scale nor the measuring tape have budged.

Yet, I feel stronger and my muscles feel firmer.

No other changes.

My clothes don't even fit better.

In fact, less of my "fat" clothes fit now than prior to the 8 weeks!

I put on clothes that I used to swim in just a year ago and I can't even get them on.

Heck, new "fat" clothes I bought just this summer don't fit anymore.

I have gained 35-40 pounds since the Spring of 2017 and I can't figure out how.

I workout...honestly I do.

I love working out!

And eating...I try to keep my portions small even when I think I want more.

I have turkey sausage every morning with steel cut oats or a protein smoothie for breakfast.

I eat simple salads for lunch every day with a piece of fruit.

I snack on Skinny Pop or Smartfood popcorn, but I don't overeat.

Dinner is my biggest meal of the day by far.

I try to have a protein, veggies, and a carb.

I typically do my workouts at night so that meal helps give me energy.

After I might have a protein shake and that is it.

Yes, I have cheats throughout the week.

I have coffee with almondmilk and creamer.

A serving of twizzlers throughout the week.

I don't drink pop or juice.

I have an alcoholic beverage about once a month, if that.

I drink a TON of water.

I have no idea what to do.

Yes, I am going to be 40 this year.

But that isn't an excuse for me.

Actually, to me it means I shouldn't be at this point of my life.

All I know is I am going to keep going.

Keep eating right, while still allowing for a little fun.

Still working out every day because it is the only thing that instantly makes me feel better.

The rest...I pray falls into place.

I am not posting this for pity, sympathy, etc.

I just feel like I need to get this off my chest.

Weight has never been something I struggled with.
And if I gained a few pounds here and there it came off with a few workouts.

Again, I know I am getting older and with that things don't bounce back as quickly as they used to.

But I know I am working like crazy for something that has not shown me an ounce of reciprocation in the last year.

And that is just frustrating!

It is also frustrating when you cry every morning or every event you get ready for because something that fit last week/month doesn't.

It makes you a complete mess.

Not gonna lie....I don't do well around people who cry.

And now here I am, tearing up all the time over this problem I have.

If you want to shoot me your opinions I would be glad to hear them.

First, let me give you my symptoms....

Ice cold hands and feet ---- like no circulation in them

The rest of my body sweats uncontrollably

My hair is drier than normal and falls out a lot

My skin is super dry and even burns when I am working out

I have a permanent sore throat and raspy voice

Ridiculous weight gain

Wake up exhausted after a full nights sleep

So tired at night but can't seem to fall asleep

Depressed- mainly due to weight gain/clothing not fitting

Stressed out

My joints ache

Memory issues
Etc.

Thank you for letting me ramble today.

I know so many people suffer through things like this and are afraid to share how they feel, or they feel like they are the only one this is happening to.

If that is you....I just want you to know you are not alone.

Heck, we can form a group if you want ;)

So due to to who knows what is going on with me I had to grab a few new items so I had something that actually fit me.
I headed to my go-to spot and found a few things that work well for work, but could easily crossover to hanging out with friends and such.

I grabbed this pale olive green sweater and loved it so much I went back and grabbed the white and gray striped option as well!
It's technically listed as a knit top because it is so lightweight.

This Black Boat neck Top was simple and classic.

And I loved the buttons on the shoulders!

I love olive green in the Fall/Winter, so grabbing this Utility Top was a no brainer!
It has a little bit of extra length to it, so I can pair it with some skinny jeans when I am not at work :)

Believe it or not, I don't own many tunics. 

I love the colors of this Plaid Tunic, and knew it would work well with the pants I have in my closet for work and fun.

I also picked up this sleeveless navy polka dot top (not online currently) and wore it the other day to work with my favorite denim jacket (same brand), mustard sateen jeans, and cognac booties :)

I also snagged these super cute White boots!

I mean, they are called Vanessa so how could I pass them up?

I mentioned this on Instagram, but I had pair super similar to these when I was in 1st grade!

I loved those boots!

Can't wait to wear these!

Side note: I am typically a 7 1/2, but had to size up to an 8 in these.

Now it is your turn!

Link your Wednesday Fashion Frenzy post below!

And then click on some of the other ladies who joined in the fun today and spread the love :)

An InLinkz Link-up

XOXO ~ Vanessa

10 Things You Didn't Know About Me

And just like that we are into the second week of September!

Today is all about things you may or may not know about me :)

1. I can't stand to walk around barefoot anywhere.
I can hardly stand to be barefoot at the beach, but it is much easier than wearing sandals or tennis shoes there.
I think this all stems from the fact that my first bee sting was on the bottom of my foot.
I was running out to the lake to swim with my friend at the campground we were staying at when I stepped on a bee that was laying in the sand.
From that moment on I have rarely been caught barefoot.

2. Almost my entire life I wanted to be a fashion designer despite not liking to shop.
I think that is probably why I don't like shopping though.
I know in my mind the look and piece I want, but have a super hard time finding it.

3. I am NOT a fan of Beyonce,

Kenny Chesney, 

or U2.

But despite all the negative comments I get, I do like Creed and Nickelback. :/

4. I can't stand to listen to anything Talk. 
Pod casts, talk radio, etc.
Yet, I love hearing every one's voices on Instastories!

5. I was kicked out of a bar for getting into a fight.

If you know me at all, fighting/confrontation of any kind makes me super nervous.
My friend Missy, Mic and myself stopped in Panini's after work on a Thursday evening.
We were sitting at the bar where they make the food minding our own business when some little (shorter than me) dude came up to me and starting yelling at me for not liking his friend.
His friend was a guy I worked with that apparently had a thing for me, but the feeling wasn't mutual.
He kept up the yelling, so Mic stepped in and just told the guy to leave us alone.
This guy had had his share of alcohol which must have given him the courage to try to throw a punch at Mic.
Mic stood up and was instantly a foot and a half taller than him.
He stuck out his arm to hold the guy back and the guy couldn't touch him.
Of course from there another guy jumps in, and then I started swinging before my friend pulled me away.
Thankfully no one was hurt, but since the problem guy was a regular there the three of us were kicked out :(
I have never been in any other fight, but man it gets my blood pumping just talking about it again!

6. Despite having a lot of friends, I am such a loner.
Which makes sense that I have a fear of being left out.

I have never been a girls girl, so I struggle with this feeling all the time.
I grew up with a younger brother,
and added four older step brothers when I got into high school.
So I have always been surrounded by guys.

7. I have never been a morning person.

Why must we set alarms and wake up early?
Why can't things just be open and operate late into the night?

Despite real life, I think my body and mindset were designed for 2nd-3rd shift life ;)

8. I will choose jeans over leggings all the time!
I can hardly leave the house in leggings!
And you better believe I am not going anywhere in sweatpants, pajama pants, or yoga pants (unless I am going to a yoga class)!

9. No matter how hard I try to like it, I just can't add any form of alcohol to my coffee.
Whiskey, Bailey's, etc. I just can't do it.

10. I am super traditional, and even old fashioned at times.

(Not looking to get into a huge debate about life here)
I just don't care for the way the world is turning these days - sports, women empowerment, the school systems, etc.

I am sure I will lose a few followers over that last one, so be it.
I am not the type of person that drops someone just because our thoughts are different :/
#keepinitreal


Still here?
Great!
I would love to hear something about you that most people may not know!
Comment below, or if it is super secret shoot me an email ;)


Thanks for stopping by today!
Make sure you link up your 10 Things post on The Blended Blog!

XOXO ~ Vanessa

Let me ReIntroduce Myself & A Giveaway

New around these parts?

Let me introduce myself.

Been here awhile?

First...THANK YOU!!!!

Now let me reintroduce myself to you :)

People change.

I am definitely not the exact same person who started this blog 5 years ago.
5!!!
Wow!

So first up, here is the face behind the words...

I was born and raised, and lived all but 2 months of my life in Ohio.
(I tested out the waters in Florida for those 2 months and couldn't get back to Ohio fast enough!)
I am 39 years old, but definitely don't feel that way.
Some days I feel 22, some days 82, and other days 12 :/

My husband and I just "celebrated" being together for 17 years and we have been married for 11 years this past October.
We actually met working together in the Cleveland area.
I asked him out him out about two weeks after he started working with me, and we have been together ever since :)
Now I won't sugar coat things for you about our marriage.
It is rough.
It takes work.
But we put in the work to make it work :)

I am also a mommy to (IMO) the cutest little boy to ever walk the earth ;)
X is 6 and going on 16, and all boy!

Name a sport and he probably has played it or wants to play it....right now.
He definitely gets his lack of patience from his mom :/
And he doesn't like to lose. He gets that from his dad :/
And he is a perfectionist like both of his parents :/
But he is also sweet, caring, fun, and WAY smarter than I remember anyone ever being at 6 years old!


Mic and I own our own financial planning business outside the home.
(Yes, we work together --- remember that is how we met, so we know it works for us)
Meaning, I work outside of the home M-F, just about 8 hours a day.
I say just about, because some of those days I may not log a full 8 hours because I am also a taxi driver to X.
I take him to school, pick him up from after care in the evening,
take him to basketball, baseball, soccer, etc.

I am a sports fanatic, especially Cleveland sports.
I grew up on Cleveland Browns football (my dad has had season tickets before I was born).

Meaning, I know how to lose ;)
I will choose going to a sporting event or watching one on TV any day over going shopping, watching the Oscars, or some reality TV show.

#tomboyhere

But that doesn't mean I don't like fashion!
Believe it or not, most of my life I had planned/hoped/dreamed of going to school for fashion design.
I used to draw up new things all the time!
I even had a portfolio that I kept all my drawings in :)
As a kid I was even in modeling for quite a few years.

Fast forward to my senior year of high school and some how things completely changed (I think my dad was involved some how), and I decided to go to school for radio and television broadcasting.
Strange, because at that time I still was pretty darn shy!
They only time I wasn't shy back then was a cheerleader or when I was playing softball.

Long story short...surprisingly I fell in love with radio while at school.
Unfortunately, Clear Channel was buying everyone out at the time so jobs weren't available.
I went in a different direction after school, met Mic, and work in believe it or not my favorite subject...Math!

I grew up in a small town right on Lake Erie, about 30 minutes west of Cleveland and 45 minutes east of Cedar Point (Sandusky).

Oh, that is another thing...Most people from Ohio talk distance in time vs. miles.
So 30 minutes would be equal to roughly 30 miles.
I left my hometown a little over 15 years ago and moved south to what I deem the country.
I am an hour and a half (about 80 miles) south of my family, and
about 45 minutes north of Columbus.
And there is pretty much nothing between here and there :/

Other Random Things About Me

I am a graphic tee junkie

Feet creep me out - and they must be washed before getting into bed at night (not just mine!)

My favorite color is Red

I would wear a hat every day of the week if I could

I have a really hard time not blending in

But I am also super set in my ways, aka stubborn

I am pretty competitive, but I can't stand when people try to one up each other

I LOVE to dance! I used to watch the videos on MTV for Britney, NSYNC, etc and be able to do them all (and then daydream of being a back-up dancer)

I am addicted to all things camo print

I could go on and on, but I would love to hear from you!
What do you want to know about me?
Ask away in the comments below or shoot me an email at leota6@gmail.com :)

Linking up with The Blended Blog today!

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