High Five 4 Friday

This post will be quick and to the point since I have a head cold

that is trying like crazy to take me down :(

It will also be filled with X things :)

Linking up with Lauren @ Lauren Elizabeth for H54F as always.

We had a great time at pirate themed birthday party on Saturday!

They had face painting, a pirate pinata, a treasure hunt, etc.

5.75

I can't say enough about the barre & Pilates classes I have been taking!

That number up there?

How many inches overall I am down since starting the classes!

Whoohoo!!!

Oh, and down 2.4 lbs. too :)

This banana lovin' fool is just too cute!

Just found out that Firehouse will be one of the bands performing

at the Rock-n-Ribs Festival!

And it only costs $5!!!!

One of THE greatest hair bands of all time (IMO)!!!

This weekend is the Ashland Balloon Festival.

Hoping to take X to the balloon glow :)

That is it folks!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Thirsty Thursday - Patriotic Spirits

In honor of Independence Day next Thursday

I figured I would showcase a few patriotic recipes!

source here

Red, White, & Blue Shot

1/2 oz. grenadine

1/2 oz. blue curacao

1/2 oz. peach schnapps

Pour the grenadine into the shot glass.

Float the peach schnapps on top of the grenadine.

Float the blue curacao on top of the peach schnapps.

source here

Red, White, & Blue Sangria

Strawberries, sliced

Blueberries

Pineapple cut into star shapes

2 bottles of dry white wine

1 cup Triple Sec

1/2 cup berry flavored vodka

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup simple syrup

Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher and stir.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

source here

Fireworks Red, White, & Blue Daiquiris

Blue:

2 cups ice cubes

1/3 cup blue passion fruit liquor (Hpnotiq or Alize)

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)

2 tablespoons blue curacao

2 tablespoons white rum

2 tablespoons sugar

Red:

1 cup ice cubes

1 cup frozen strawberries

1 cup watermelon chunks, frozen

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

2 tablespoons white rum

1 tablespoon sugar

White:

1 cup ice cubes

1 cup coconut sorbet

1/4 cup rum

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

Begin by making the blue layer: Put 1 1/2 cups of the ice cubes in the carafe of a blender. Add the passion fruit liqueur, lime juice, blue curacao, rum and sugar. Blend until slushy and there are no chunks of ice left, adding the remaining 1/2 cup of ice if needed. Transfer to a large measuring cup or small bowl and place in the freezer while you make the next layer.

For the red layer: Rinse out the blender and then add the frozen strawberries, watermelon, lime juice, rum and sugar. Blend until slushy and there are no chunks of fruit. With the motor running, add the ice, a few cubes a time, until thick and smooth. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons water if the consistency is too thick. Transfer to another small bowl and place in the freezer while making the final layer.

For the white layer: Rinse out the blender and add the coconut sorbet, rum and lime juice. Blend until smooth and thick. With the motor running, add the ice, a few cubes at a time, and continue to blend until thick and no bits of ice remain.

Pour the red layer into the bottom of six 8-ounce glasses, about 1/3 cup each. Gently spoon 1/3 cup of the blue layer over the red layer so they stay separate. Finish by spooning 1/3 cup of the white layer over the second layer in each glass.

Here are few sweet treats to make as well :)

source here

Fourth of July Cookie Bark

1 dozen crushed Oreo cookies

Several handfuls of mini pretzels, crushed

1 lb. of vanilla melts or Wilton melts

1 bag of red, white & blue M&M's

Red, white, & blue sprinkles

Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.

Place crushed OREO's and pretzels on cookie sheet.

Melt the chocolate in the microwave (be careful not to burn it).

Pour melted chocolate over top of the crushed mixture.

Sprinkle with M&M's and sprinkles.

Let the chocolate harden.

Break into pieces and serve.

source here

Red, White, & Blue Rice Krispie Treats

 

1 1/2 tablespoons of butter

2 cups of marshmallows

3 cups of crisp rice cereal

red food coloring

blue food coloring

 

Start each batch by melting down the butter and marshmallows.

Leave one batch plain.

Add the food coloring to the other two batches.

Layer each batch on top of each other.

 

source unknown

Red, White, & Blue Parfaits

Fresh strawberries, sliced

Fresh blueberries

Cool Whip

Place a small portion of the one of the berries in a clear bowl/cup.

Place a layer of Cool Whip on top.

Place a layer of the other berry on top of the Cool Whip.

Continue this pattern until you reach the top of the bowl/cup.

Do you have any special eats/treats/spirits you make for July 4th?

How will you be celebrating this year?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Style Me Pretty...Kind Of

If you didn't stop by yesterday (shame on you),

you are probably thinking you I am completely off on my days.

However, I just wasn't feeling it yesterday to talk about style and such.

But today, I am good to go!

Stephanie @ Bourbon & Glitter loves to make lists

and so do I!

She has done a 101 things in 1001 days.

Now I wish I had a enough time to come up with 101 things,

but let's be realistic....I don't really care to!

However, I do like to make lists so that is what we are doing today!

Summer Style Bucket List

Wear a skirt/dress to work at least once a week

Soak up some Vitamin D, while soaking up some sunscreen as well

No heat styling of my hair at least once a week

Get a pedicure

Get Pin-spired with my summer outfits (2 completed already)

Buy a pair of Keds/Vans in a fun color

I know there aren't many items on the list,

but I have an 18 (almost 19) month old at home!

This list is more than enough for right now :)

What is on your summer style bucket list?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Anything Goes...Because I Said So

I know today is supposed to be
Style Me Pretty Tuesday,

but I am just not feeling it today.

Instead...Anything Goes Wednesday has been moved up to today :)

I can't express to you all enough how much I am loving the barre class I have been going to!

I went again last night, and I literally was sweating my butt off!!!

It is such a great workout!

I know, I am using tons of exclamation points here but I just can't help it!

This class has made me feel better immediately :)

I am old folks, but I am already noticing results after just 2 classes!

That is right, I said 2 classes!!!

The Pilates class is great too, but the barre class is such an intense workout!

Work has been super stressful lately and this class has really helped me burn off some steam!

You must try a barre class soon, you won't regret it I promise!!!!

If you can't find a class near you, here are a few DVD options...

pure barre

Burn at the Barre for Beginners

Burn at the Barre Intermediate to Advanced

We finally put together the Pirate water table we got X

and he seems to love it!

Now we just need to get it outside and fill it with water! lol!

Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship

Every summer I seem to have a song that just speaks to me

and makes me want to get up and dance :)

There have been some great ones in the past...

And now it is time to reveal my 2013 Summer Anthem!

Drum roll please XXXXXXXXXX

I MUST get up and dance when this song comes on! :)

I need a night out soon so I can request this bad boy!

Do you have a summer anthem?

What songs get you up and shakin' it?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Parent Failure

Lately I have been feeling like a complete failure in the parent department :(

X is great, but he can be a handful!

I understand being a good parent is hard work,

and I truly do my best to make sure X will be a good person.

Unfortunately, he has entered into the tantrum stage! GRRRR!

This drives this mommy crazy!!!

I can't stand to hear that gorgeous little guy cry,

so tantrums are extremely hard for me to deal with.

I have gotten better at letting him cry, stomp, etc. through it,

but boy oh boy has it been rough!

He also is a go, go, go kid!

On most days I love that,

but when out with other families it can be a problem :(

X does not sit still EVER!

Example: The birthday party we were at this weekend.

It was a kid party for a 2 year old little boy, so there were lots of little ones there.

However, my child was the only one running all over the place.

All the other little kids would just play with the water table,

or eat there lunch at the kid's table,

or sit still while getting their faces painted!

Not my kid :(

He wanted to be out in the yard running around.

Running into every other yard but the one we were supposed to be in.

Oh and it happened be 90 frickin' degrees outside!

So here Mic and I are sweating uncontrollably chasing after the only kid running around.

It was a nightmare!

Playing with the Birthday Boy one minute....

And chillin' in someone else's yard the next!

He does it anywhere we go.

That is why we have decided we won't be going anywhere for awhile :(

I love to get out of the house and go do things.

I can't stand to sit at home and do nothing.

X unfortunately is grounding me and I don't like it!

He also loves to throw things.

I can't stand kids that throw things.

I think it is horrible parenting if you can't control your child.

Hence why I am a complete and total failure in the parent department.

This kid throws everything!!!!!

Balls, toys, food, bath products, my makeup, you name it!

UGH!!!

I am seriously going crazy!

Add that he finds it hilarious to pull my hair as well!

This kid will be the death of me!

Or at least an only child at the rate he is going :(

HELP!!!!

What do you do to teach your children not to throw things?

Or at least not to throw anything other than a ball?

How do you keep your child from running all over the place?

And how do I stop him from pulling my hair out (literally)?

I would seriously love to hear that every child goes through these stages in life,

but it can't possibly be true!

I have watched the other kids when we are out and they never run away from their parents!

They don't throw everything in sight!

And they sure don't pull their mom's hair out!!!!

Any suggestions/ideas would be greatly appreciated :)

I refuse to be a failure!!!!

Love this little monster!!!

Mad because daddy wouldn't let him have some of his rum & coke!

I don't know what I am going to do with this kid!

I feel like he is 18 instead 18 months!

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

High Five 4 Friday

It is link up time with Lauren @ Lauren Elizabeth for H54F,
Darci @ The Good Life Blog for 5 on Friday,
& Jenny @ The Jenny Evolution for Friday Flash Blog!

Happy Friday!
Boy am I sure glad this work week is over!
While outside of work this week has been great,
the during work hours have been crazy busy!

Here are my High Fives/Good Things/Etc. for the week...

I took my first booty barre class on Monday night and LOVED IT!!!
I was sore, but OMG what a great workout!
Can't wait until next week :)
I also took a Fusion Pilates class on Wednesday night and loved it as well!
Super pumped about heading back to that one too!

The season finale of The Voice aired on Tuesday night with some great performances.
The Swon Brothers didn't end up winning, but Team Blake still came through with the win :)
Danielle Bradberry is the season 4 winner!
I loved seeing her perform something younger finally with Hunter Hayes :)

Watching Mic & X play together just warms my heart <3

Hair Appointment =  :)....Enough said!



source here

We have a pirate birthday party to attend this weekend for an adorable little boy
that is turning 2!
I can't wait for A and X to finally meet!
I am sure they will have lots of fun together :)
Bonus: Mic and I get to hangout with A's parents (who we never get to see!)




No more weekend recaps for this girl.
Yes, you read that right folks!
I have decided to include my weekend happenings & such within my normal posts for the week.
What does that mean for Monday posts you ask?
That is my question for you!
Give me some suggestions of what topics you would like to hear about from me :)
It can be anything at all!
Well, almost anything ;)
Maybe every Monday will just random posts based on your suggestions,
or maybe it will be a suggestion that works for every week.
The possibilities are endless :)
Can't wait to see what you have in store for me!

Until next time...Have a fantastic weekend!

XoXo ~ V 

Thirsty Thursday - Screwdriver

The Screwdriver

source here

When all else fails you can always have a screwdriver.

I have been to many weddings, parties, etc. that the bar is very limited :(

For a liquor drinker that can be rough!

I not a big Rum & Coke fan

so the Screwdriver has always be my go to drink in those situations.

Here is what you will need...

2 oz. Vodka

Orange juice or Sunny D

Fill a cocktail glass with ice.

Pour in vodka.

Fill balance of glass with orange juice.

Stir and serve.

Garnish with an orange slice if you wish :)

My husband recently put his own twist on this delicious drink :)

It has just a slight lemony/lime twist to it, but very refreshing!

3/4 oz. Vodka

1 3/4 oz. Fresca

3/4 oz. Club Soda

A splash of Sunny D

Fill a cocktail glass with ice.

Pour ingredients into glass - vodka, Fresca, club soda, then Sunny D.

Stir slowly and serve.

Click here for a Screwdriver Cake recipe :)

What is your go to drink at weddings?

Had you ever had a Screwdriver with some sort of twist?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Anything Goes Wednesday

I apologize now for the lack luster post that is headed your way.

I.AM.EXHAUSTED!

Monday night I went to the barre class I mentioned here.

OMG! It was an amazing workout!

However, I realized just how out of shape I was :(

The class lasted a little over an hour, and it was go, go, go the entire time.

My legs are stilling burning from all the squat action that was going on!

While I definitely struggled through a lot of it,

by the end I felt good :)

I am looking forward to going again next week

and hoping that I will do a little better.

Side Note: When they say your muscles will shake from the moves..

THEY AREN'T KIDDING!!!

My legs were trembling like crazy through the whole class!

I still am having a hard time walking up and down stairs because they are so sore!

So last night I had every intention of taking it easy since my legs were so sore,

but I decided to help my husband out by mowing the lawn.

Oh my goodness, was that a mistake!

While I am happy I got another great workout,

I only made matters worse for my legs :(

Today = Can barely move!!!

Still I am going to push myself to hit up the Pilates class tonight :)

Determined to get back in shape!!

X moved into the Toddler group at daycare on Monday

which means no more sleeping in a crib.

Yikes!

Thankfully the girls at his school said he did really well :)

Took his nap on the little cot just like the rest of the big kids.

So proud of him!

Now if I could just get this tantrum stage to go away we would be golden :)

I just love looking at this little guy! He just makes me smile :)

I honestly had so many ideas for this post the other day,

but of course today I am so drained I can't think of a thing to write :(

Sorry folks!

I promise tomorrow will be much better!

So how is your week going so far?

Any big weekend plans?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Style Me Pretty

What I have been "pinning" on Pinterest ~ Style Edition

source here

source here

source here

source here

Do you see a theme here?

I LOVE comfy, casual clothes!

While I could easily go without the accessories in the above pictures,

the clothes themselves are totally me!

And I think I own quite a few similar items :)

So my goal/assignment for myself over the next couple of weeks

is to recreate these outfits

so I can then participate in "Get Pin-spired"!

Can't wait to see how my creations turn out!

*Challenge Time*

So I challenge you readers to do the same!

Take an outfit that you have "pinned" on Pinterest and recreate it :)

You can even take a photo from Pinterest that you like the colors of,

it can be pants instead of shorts or a skirt,

the colors can be flip flopped....

The possibilities are seriously endless!

I want to see these outfits,

so please make sure to post your photos in the comment section below.

You can also post a link to your photos,

or even just email them to me @ leota6@gmail.com.

Make sure you include the Pinterest photo as well as your recreation photo!

I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

I will make sure to post mine for the link up with Sheaffer @ Pinterest Told Me To!

Do you already link up with Sheaffer?

Have you tried recreating an outfit from Pinterest?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Weekend Review

It was a great weekend!

See for youself :)

Cupcakes I made for the dad's in my life :)

Recipe courtesy of Stephanie @ Bourbon & Glitter

Last swim lesson is all wrapped up!

Eating at Hog Dog Heaven!

One of my favorite places as a child, and now!

Happy Father's Day Mic!
X & I love you very much :)

Sunday morning fun at Grandpa's house :)

Indians baseball & Mickey Mouse = Great day (photo op)!

 Happy Father's Day to the best dad a girl could dream of!

Lunch at Panini's and a Tribe game :)

Can't beat it!

What did you do this weekend?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V