5 ways to stay sane during the Covid-19 Quarantine

With quite a bit of the country on some form of lock down right now I thought it would be great to share some ways to keep your sanity while being stuck at home.

1. Workout

Now that doesn't mean you have to have a home gym, dumbbells, etc.

Pick something you enjoy.

YouTube as so many free videos you can try.

From yoga and Pilates, to HIIT and cardio, to strength training.

There are so many possibilities!

You can even just walk out your front door.

Go for a walk with you kids, play catch, kick the soccer ball, etc.

Just get moving!

Even 10-15 minutes of moving around will put you in a better mindset.

2. Read a book

You know that collection of books you have that you never have time to read?

Grab one and dive in!

I have mentioned before that I am not fond of reading books, but sometimes even just sitting down and reading a chapter eases my mind.

Don't have any books at home?

Don't worry!

Head online and you can read blogs 👋, check out some free books here, or even buy some new books to check out :)

3. Learn something new

Is there something you have always wanted to do or try but you haven't had the time?

You could try yoga for the first time and knockout two of the five the tips I'm sharing.

How about a foreign language?

There are so many free tutorials on Pinterest and YouTube!

Is there an instrument or tool you bought years ago but never really tried to use it?

Do it!

I have a Cricut that I have only taken out of the box once or twice since I received it 10+ years ago!

Now might be the time to give it a whirl!

4. Get ready for the day

So many of us get up and get ready for work Monday through Friday.

Just because you are home, doesn't mean it is time to just lay around and mope.

Do your hair, or put on your make-up, get dressed for the day (leggings don't count😉).

You will feel so much better about the day!

You will probably be more productive as well :)

5. Call/Duo/Facetime family or friends

While being at home with our spouse and children 24/7 is truly amazing 😜,

we sometimes need some friend or mom/dad time too!

Think of it as you are checking in on them.

If you have the ability to Duo/Facetime with them do it!

You know those grandparents would love to see the kiddos faces.

Need some girl time?
Grab a cup of coffee, glass a wine, or cocktail and make a mom date with your friends :)

I hope one of these tips will help you from going stir crazy while being told to stay home during this difficult time.

Just know that you aren't alone.

This too shall pass and we will be back to our super busy lives before we know it.

Take advantage of your time at home.

Try to enjoy the screaming children while they are still there.

It won't be like this for long.

What tips do you have to stay sane in times like these?

Linking up with Ashley and Erika.

XOXO ~ Vanessa

Tuesday Talk | Enneagram Test

Most people have heard of an Enneagram Test.
It's all the rage these days.
I swear it is all I see on Instagram anymore is people sharing what number they are, what number their spouse is, etc.
Not gonna lie, I am intrigued by the whole thing.

So for my Tuesday Talk today I want to know which test you used?
What is your Enneagram number?
Your spouse?
How accurate do you feel it is?

I am thinking about taking the test, as well as Mic so I want to know which one we should use.

I'll report back to you which ones were suggested :)
I also want to see how alike or different we all are!

So make sure you share in the comments below, shoot me an email at leota6@gmail.com, or DM me on Instagram @xtremelyv


Looking forward to seeing all your suggestions and answers :)


Linking up today with Ashley & Erika for Tuesday Talk.

I hope you all have a great day!


XOXO ~ Vanessa

Tuesday Talk | Youth Sports

Today I am linking up with Ashley & Erika for their monthly Talk series.

I'm talking about Youth Sports today.

This is a subject that can be extremely touchy.

If you are new around here X has been involved in soccer, football, baseball, basketball, etc. since he was 3 years old.

Each year things get more competitive.

There are so many sides to youth sports these days.

I would love to get your take on it.

At what age/level does it go from the kids having fun to being competitive?

When does it go from everyone gets equal playing time to based on skill level?

Should they get participation trophies? At what age does that stop?

At what age/level are "cuts" implemented?

Like I said above, this is a touchy subject for most people.

I think your opinion can even change based on where your child may land.

I'm not looking for a fight or to offend anyone here.

It has just been a hot topic around these parts recently, and I would love to hear how it is handled in over parts of the country/world.

Thanks as always for stopping by!

XOXO ~ Vanessa

Tuesday Talk | Self Care

Hey, Hey Tuesday!

I'm linking up with Ashley and Erika for...

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty cheap when it comes to most personal care things in life.
Today I am specifically talking about razors.

Every blogger under the sun these days has been promoting the Billie razors.
Honestly, I thought $9 for razors was a bit much.
I typically buy the Bic Soleil Bella Four Blade package that has 3 (sometimes 4-5) of them for about $6.

I have tried cheaper and more expensive razors, but these always worked out the best for me.
However, no matter what I use I always end up with strawberry legs :(

I'm also someone that shaves every single day of the year.
I don't know how some of you do it less than that!

So a few months ago I decided to test the Flamingo razors.
Why did I buy that brand instead of jumping on the Billie bandwagon?
I'm not a huge fan of subscription services, and I like instant gratification :/
I want to walk in the store, buy what I want/need, and be done.

Honestly, I like the Flamingo razors.
I did notice I still need to change the blade head just as often as I change disposable razors.
I got a closer shave which I loved, but I still had spots of strawberry legs.
And the razor tugs ever so slightly on my skin.

Then one of my favorite beauty bloggers shared that she had been using the Billie razors and loves them.
One key thing she said that got me to submit an order for the Billie razor was that she shaves every day.
Every other blogger that mentioned this razor said they only need to shave once or twice a week.

So fast forward to a month ago...my Billie razor I picked out arrived.

I immediately started using my new Billie razor the next day.
Because I already had the Flamingo razor set up in my shower, I just set this one off to the side with I was done using it each time.

I don't recommend that :/

There is a charcoal strip on the razor that if not left hanging upright ended up all sticky and goopy :(
So I quickly added the magnetic holder next to the Flamingo one in the shower and the problem was solved.

The only other negative I have is that I tend to press firmly down when shaving.
A couple times now the razor head pops off because of the pressure, and isn't super easy to put back on.
I should say it is easy if the head has a cover on it, but by itself those blades are sharp!

I did go back and try the Bic Soleil and Flamingo razors to see if I really liked the Billie more, or if I just needed to switch out my razor/blade more often.
Even with a brand new razor/blade head I didn't get the shave I got with the Billie razor.
I also ended up with razor burn/strawberry legs as soon as I used them :(

In conclusion, I now totally get the hype of the Billie razors.
They really are worth it to me.
Since I shave daily I am set up to receive four new blades monthly, and my new blades just shipped :)

This is not a sponsored post. This is just my own trial and error of way too many years of suffering using the wrong razor :(


Do you shave daily?
What razor and shaving cream do you use?
Have you tried Billie?


XOXO ~ Vanessa

Tuesday Talk | Week Night Dinners

Let's Talk Quick & Easy Dinner Ideas!

Actually, I'm not doing the talking.

I need you to do the talking ;)

With X in soccer and football this Fall we are going to be super busy almost every night of the week.

I don't want to be grabbing fast food for dinner.

So I need your ideas!

Comment below with a link to your favorite, tried and true recipes or email them to me at leota6@gmail.com

Thanks so much friends!

Linking up with Ashley & Erika today :)

XOXO ~ Vanessa

So I hosted a Wine Tasting...

If you know me, you know I am not a big drinker.

But when I do have an adult beverage I typically go for a cocktail or cider beer.

So it makes total sense that I hosted a wine tasting at my house this weekend right?!?!

I actually attended a couple other tasting parties at friends houses and really enjoyed them.

Traveling Vineyard is the company that our gracious wine guide Jessica works for.

She brings 5 wines to your home to taste and keep for free.

She also supplies the wine glasses, the steps to tasting the wine, and suggests food that pair well with each of the wines.

As the host, my job is to gather a group of friends together to join me for a tasting.

I also am provided with a list of foods that pair well with the wines.

Since my event was so close to Valentine's Day I decided to go with that theme for decor.

So here are the wines we tasted and the foods we enjoyed with them.

Hoot (off dry white blend) - Chips and salsa/guacomole

Zeffer Hills (chardonnay - fuller body, dry white) - cheese and crackers/french bread and cheese fondue

Marula (Pinotage, red)- Meatballs with BBQ sauce

OJA! (Monastrell Syrah, medium body red) - Italian meats and bread

Fissata Blonde (fizzy white wine, dessert style, sweet) - Dark Chocolate fondue with strawberries, pound cake, pretzels, and marshmallows

And then I added a 6th bottle to the mix from my own collection.

I had purchased a bottle of Calamity Sue (Reisling - off dry white) from a wine party I had attended, but never tried it.

I figured it was a great night to break it out and see if anyone else liked it too!

I also shared some Double Date (sweet rose', dessert style) and Smirk (Mostacal - off dry white).

We had so much fun sipping on the different wines, nibbling on the yummy spread, and just relaxing with some great friends.

Honestly, that last one was the best part!

The party began at 6pm and the ladies all left around 1am!

You know that it was a good night! :)

We shared so many laughs together.

I just wish a few others were able to join us.

Next time for sure!

I also picked up a few extra bottles of wine at the store (just in case ;) as well as some party favors for the ladies to take home with them.

Have you ever attended or hosted a Traveling Vineyard or other wine tasting party?

Linking up with Ashley & Erika for Tuesday Talk :)

Don't Hate Me, But...

That title works because I hope that you won't hate/dislike me after I reveal a few things about myself.

Like....I am not a fan of Mexican food.

I can eat some chips and salsa, and have some super basic crunchy tacos but that is it for me.

Guac? No thank you.

Queso? I'll pass.

Margaritas? Nope.

I hope all my Southern/Texan friends don't leave me now.

Just think of it is this way...more for you!

Another thing that I apparently don't think the same as everyone else...Oprah.

She does nothing for me.

Never has.

I just don't get why people are so enthralled with her.

I don't enjoy talk shows of any kind (TV or Radio) so maybe that is why.

I just can't get into to reality TV.

Especially The Bachelor or any of the Real Housewives.

I just can't deal with all the fakeness and drama.

Honestly, sports rule our house and I am totally OK with that.

There is some sort of football or basketball game on the TV most the time when we are at home.

When I do watch reality TV, it is The Voice.

And even then I fast forward through all the talking.

I can't stand to listen to the "stories".

So I fast forward through the coaching, etc until they are on the stage ready to sing.

I don't even listen to the coaches comments afterwards because it drives me nuts.

I prefer a cocktail or beer over wine any day of the week.

I will have it, but it just doesn't do anything for me.

I know so many people that are so excited to kick their feet up at the end of the day or over the weekend and enjoy a glass of wine.

That is SO not me!

Honestly, I don't even need a drink.

I would prefer to workout :)

I've said this one before, but I will say it again....I am not an Apple fan.

I had an iPhone before my current Google Pixel and I couldn't stand it!

Everything about it just wasn't for me.

Unfortunately, I had that phone for 5 years!

Before it I had a Blackberry and other android phones.

I work on a computer dealing with Microsoft and such all day, so I want a phone that operates pretty close to that.

I would honestly have a Blackberry again if it could do everything I want it to!

Binge watching shows is not for me.

Especially if there are multiple seasons that I haven't watched.

I don't like not knowing what happened.

So I cheat and look ahead.

Like with Game of Thrones.

I don't know what happens in the last couple of seasons, but I have looked at pictures that indicate certain things.

It helps when you see someone die in a certain season, but you know they can't really die because you saw pictures of them in season 7 ;)

That probably goes along with why I can't stand scary/horror/suspense movies or shows.

I like to know what is coming before it actually does.

One more thing that I just can't seem to understand or get into...wearing beanies at home. The amount of photos I see on Instagram of girls wearing beanies around the house, in bed, etc just boggles my mind! 

What is the purpose?

So are you with me or against me on these topics?

I would love to hear what you think!

Linking up today with Erika and Ashley for Tuesday Talk :)

Tuesday Talk | I wish...

Linking up with Ashley & Erika for...

I wish I could remember why I wanted to write this post.

I came up with this idea because a million things were running through my head before I went to bed the other night.

I should have sat up and put a note in my phone or something, but I didn't.

I stayed exactly where I was thinking I would fall asleep soon and I will remember this in the morning.
UGH!

I wish...that someday I could walk outside of my house with sweatpants/yoga pants on and be OK with that.
Just kidding! I don't think I could ever do that unless I am heading to a yoga class.


I wish...that X could stay this age (5) forever!

It has always been my very favorite age of kids.
They say the cutest things, and sound smarter than their years.
They still believe in all things good and have an amazing imagination!
Yet, they are finally old enough to do real things...basketball, soccer, baseball, ride the big roller coasters and water slides, etc. :)


I wish...that when I am belting out one of my favorite songs in the car that I had enough courage to keep going when a car pulls up next me.

What are you currently wishing for?

What, Why & more...

Linking up with Ashley & Erika for...

Today's randomness is a lot of What's, Why's and more.

What happened to the LIKE button on Pinterest and where did all my LIKED items go?

Actually, I found the answer here.
But it doesn't mean I like it :(
I loved that little heart button.
Thankfully, my likes aren't gone forever but I don't like not having that option anymore.
#notbigonchange

How do you feel about the big change on Pinterest?

Why is it such a big deal if I say we have a pool at our house?
And why is it some how cooler to go to a pool than to have one at your house?

 vs.

When I was a kid we had a pool at our house.
Actually, so did most of my friends.
We swam All.The.Time!!!!
There was a community pool that you could join, but the only time I went there as a kid was to take swimming lessons before we put our pool in.

So fast forward to today and we have a pool at our house.
Reminder, this is Mic's childhood home and it is the same pool that he grew up with.
When he was a kid he had friends over from time to time, but they typically went to a community pool to see all their friends, flirt with girls, etc.
That seems so odd to me.
I am pretty cheap, so I can't imagine spending money on a membership to a community pool when you have one in your backyard.
Just invite those friends over!
Am I missing something?

Back to that first question...why is it weird if I say we have a pool?
We do have one.
Granted, right now it is a hot mess and not working correctly, but it is still there.

I told Mic how someone asked me what pool we belonged to and I said "we don't". And that we have an old one at our house.
He was like, "you don't tell someone you have one".
What the what?
Why not?
I am by no means bragging that I have one...I really laid it out how old it was.

Also, why do I feel like I am being looked down upon because I don't belong to a pool?
Ugh! I may never understand it :/

Do you have a pool at your house?
Do you belong to a community pool?
Am I am completely out of my mind on all of this?
Before you answer that last question, read the rest of this post ;)

Why is it so hard for some people to tell the truth?

Especially about something that won't hurt or upset someone!

Seriously, I get you don't want to hurt some one's feelings, but isn't the truth better than lying?

Examples:
Please don't tell me you are going somewhere and then just don't show up because you never intended to go, but couldn't face just saying so.

Or don't tell you like something if you don't.
Etc, etc.!

Plain and simple....don't lie to me.
And don't try to sugar coat things either.
Give me the truth.
Trust me, I will respect you for it.


I felt very Peter Griffin like writing this post ;)

And now I want to know...What grinds your gears?