Photo A Day August Challenge

Starting tomorrow, August 1st...

I challenge you all in blog land and beyond to take a photo a day

during the month of August.

There is only 1 requirement...
It needs to be a happy photo :)

Something that made your day,

or just makes you smile :)

This face at bath time always makes me smile :)

You can post your pics in the comments below,

post them to Instagram with the hashtag #xtremelyv,

or just email them to me (click on the Contact tab above).

*Additonal option*
Put your photo in your blog post and just attach
a link back to my blog :)
I just want to see what makes you happy!

Who knows...

It might just make someone else happy too ;)

Who's with me?

Any other challenges for the month of August I should know about?

Turning Over A New Leaf

Funny how you can have a million ideas for a blog post running through your head,

 and then when it comes time to actually write that post...

your mind goes completely blank :(

The last couple of weeks I have had so much on mind with work,

trying fit in working out, handling X, trying to live life....

Oh, and trying to actually clean our close once in a while too...
I have had no time to plan out my posts.

I want to say I am sorry to you readers who check in every day

just to find some lack luster post that swears I will be better tomorrow.

Then tomorrow turns into the next week, etc.

I am turning over a new leaf, literally!

Check out this brand new blog design by the amazing

Erin @ Love, Fun and Football!

Totally me!

Exactly the ME that I am, and want to be moving forward :)

Not the dark, all black and gray me that I was turning into.

So what do you think of the new design?

If you don’t think it is great,

Well than I don’t want to hear from you! Lol!

So moving forward I promise to do my best to bring you good blog content!

Posts that have meaning, substance, etc.

And if I don’t have anything for you I just won’t post that day!

Now more than likely you will get a M-F post from me,

but going forward that may not always be the case.

However, you may also get bonus posts on weekends too!

And with football season just around the corner,

you will probably receive a Sunday post (game recaps, etc.).

Also, I am hoping to have some guest posts in October while I am on vacation :)

(Only 2 months away!!!)

Once you read a post from some of these wonderful ladies out there,

you may not return to my little blog! Lol!

Oh, I am also planning some challenges, maybe a link up, etc. in the near future.

Again, hope you like the new design & layout by Erin!

 

Any ideas for challenges?

Anyone interested in doing a link up party with me?

 

Reality Television

First I need to apologize for the X-tremly late post!

I was completely swamped at work today and have had little time

to actually login into blogger,

let alone actually write a post for today.

Yes, I know, I should have had this post all ready to go...

but I didn't!

I have a 19 month old cutie pie to play with on the weekends :)
No time, nor do I want to write my posts during that time!

Anyways, onto the topic at hand...

Reality Television

I LOVE watching TV,

but I am not a huge "reality" TV fan.

Many, many moons ago I watched

"The Real World" on MTV.

I mean like the very first few seasons!
Way back in 1992 to be exact.
And anyone who remembers back that far,
has to remember Eric Nies!



Can you say HOTT?

I then went on to watch parts of the first season of Survivor (back when Richard won),
but reality TV just wasn't a big deal to me.

Until Laguna Beach, The Hills, and Big Brother came along :)

Oh my goodness did I love those shows!

I know, BB is still on these days,

but it kind of got old on me.

So other than The Voice and American Idol (which I also gave up on this year),

I don't watch any reality TV.

Which I know as my husband reads this he is saying "Thank God!"

However, I did come across a show called The Vineyard

on ABC Family and I am hooked after only 1 episode!

It is like Laguna, but on the east coast :)

I am totally an east coast girl!

I have always wanted to go on a vacation to 

Martha's Vineyard,

and now I can through the show :)

Seriously, if you liked LB

you will love The Vineyard!

And this time around it is 20 somethings

instead of teenagers :)

Tomorrow night @ 10pm is only the 2nd episode so you have

plenty of time to catch up and watch it with me :) 

So what reality TV shows do you watch?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

High Five 4 Friday

Seriously, TGIF!

It has been another exhausting week between work,

and X was sick & wouldn't sleep at night :(

There are some good things too though :)

So of course I am linking up with Lauren for H54F,

and Darci for 5 on Friday!

Much needed lap time with my favorite animal in the world!

My cat Diamond :)

Had a last minute date night with my main guy :)

Starting him young...

X learning how to play GT5 with daddy!

Practicing Pilates with mommy :)

Future NFL kicker in the house!

I refuse to admit it looks like soccer!

How was your week?

Any big weekend plans?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Ain't No Party Like A S'more Party!

I am itching to have a get together of some kind!

We seriously haven't had a big get together/party since X turned 1 in December!

While part of me wants to have something just to try to wrangle all

of our friends into one place (knock out some of the over due hangouts),

the other part of me thoroughly loves planning parties!

Themes, menus, etc. literally excite me :)

While I haven't picked a date yet,

I have completely settled on a theme...

S'MORES

Who doesn't love a S'more?

Or at least love some part of a S'more?

I have been compiling recipes for all kinds of S'mores for months now.

I am thinking of making some of the ones ahead of time,

but for the most part I want to have a S'mores Buffet!

S'mores don't have to be graham crackers, Hershey chocolate, & marshmallows

anymore people!

You can use Reese cups, York peppermint patties, fruit, flavored marshmallows, Peeps, Keebler cookies, etc.

The list of possibilities is truly endless!

Here are some of the recipes I have found on Pinterest

that I am dying to try out...

S'more's Dip

S'more Party Cups

S'more Bites

S'mores Cupcakes

No party is complete without a cocktail!

S'moretini Shooters

To see more of the S'more recipes I have pinned,

visit my S'mores board here!

Are there any S'more recipes I am missing out on?

Do you enjoy S'mores?

Do you add anything special to your S'mores?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Linking up with the wonderful Stephanie @ Bourbon & Glitter

for 

'Tude

As in Gratitude!

What did you think I meant? ;)

Decided to link up today with Steph @ Insert Classy Here

for Gratitude w/Steph :)

What I am grateful for...

Life & Good Health

After watching a good friend lay her (way too young) sister to rest last week,

it makes you realize how much we take our good health for granted.

My Job

While sometimes it can truly be a pain in the butt,

at least I have a good job, my hours aren't crazy,

and I have quite a bit of freedom.

My Husband

While I hate to admit it some days,

I know I wouldn't be where I am today without him.

It is been a crazy ride over the last 12 years,

but I wouldn't want to be on that ride with anyone else!

Oh, and he is an AMAZING dad too! :)

X

That little guy is truly the greatest thing in my entire life!

He may frustrate me to tears sometimes,

but he is the most fun kid EVER! :)

That laugh of his is one of the best sounds in the world!

My Family

There are too many of them to list,

but I am very thankful they are all in my life and helped

shape me into who I am today :)

Enough of the serious stuff!

Here are few more things I am grateful for,

but I am sure I could live without as well :)

Barre/Pilates Classes

You allow me to get out of the house for 2 hours a week,

have some adult only time,

and get a good workout in!

Thank you :)

Pretty Little Liars

You are one of only 2 shows I am actually watching this summer!

(That is a record low for me!)

Thank you for being an escape during my work week.

Target

You truly are a place of joy for me!

I can walk through your store without buying a thing,

and still feel better when I leave :)

It is something about how clean everything always is,

and how the products are lined up so perfectly that just puts me at ease.

X-tremely V

While I know I could live life without having my own blog,

it has helped me grow in ways I never would've imagined.

Just getting things out,

or reading that others are going through similar things has

really helped me in every day life.

It is great to know I have some wonderful blogger friends out there too!

Stop and think...what are you grateful for today?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Fall on the brain

If you read my post yesterday,

you can probably gather that my favorite season is Fall :)

So many things to look forward to in the Fall...

Of course Football season...LET'S GO BROWNS!

Cool evenings sitting around a fire

Sweaters with shorts

T-shirts with jeans

New seasons of TV shows begin

PUMPKINS (dinner in a pumpkin is amazing!)

recipe here

My 7 year wedding anniversary :)

Back to school supplies :)

I am not in school, nor do I NEED school supplies,

but I love the idea of stocking up on all those new notebooks, pens, etc!

VACATION!!!!

Smoky Mountains & Nashville you are only a couple months away!!!

Don't get me wrong,

I enjoy summer, well I used to enjoy summer :(

Working 5 days a week and trying to handle an on-the-go toddler

during the evening and on weekends

doesn't allow for much outside fun.

Plus, with the temps high and the humidity higher...

no one wants to be outside!

So yes, it is July 23rd

but I am more than ready for the Fall to arrive!

Are you ready for Fall to arrive?

What do you look forward to during the Fall months?

Any trips planned?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Football Season is so close, I can almost taste it!

I had mentioned before that I am a huge football fan,

specifically NFL and high school football!

I don't turn into a crazy person during football season,

but don't even think about trying to plan something with me on a Sunday,

or any other day my Cleveland Browns are playing!

I will either be at a game or sitting on my couch watching the game....

uninterrupted by your talking and such :)

Honestly, I love watching all NFL games...

especially the ones that the Pittsburgh Steelers lose! :)

I was born and raised a Browns fan...what did you expect?

On the flip side, I have no problem whatsoever with

Cincinnati or Baltimore :)

Back to my almost tasting it comment.

Training camp begins this week people!

Thursday to be exact.

That means (hopefully) a visit to watch my boys work out

and scrimmage each other.

We took X for the first time last year and my heart couldn't have been

happier :)

Then in just 2 1/2 short weeks preseason begins!
And then of course, the best part of all...
THE HOME OPENER!
It is only 49 days away people!
Oh....and THIS girl will be there!!!
I can't wait!

All of this also means it is time to get some new gear for the season!
I have my jerseys of course, but for the warmer weather games I need something new
and frankly not so hot!

Here are some of the items I have been eyeing up...

Love this faded tee!

A vintage tee with the old Brownie on them are a must!

An orange tee? Yes, please! :)

Another great site for some cool options is

Fresh Brewed Tees.

They are all about unique Cleveland (Indians, Browns, Cavs, etc.) t-shirts!

Here are my faves right now...

Rock On Cleveland tee

440 tee

Cleveland 'til I die tee...That's right!

Long Live Cleveland tee

Where is your favorite place to shop for team gear?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

It's Friday!

Linking up once again with Lauren for H54F,

and Darci for 5 Things Friday!

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with friends last weekend!

Chicken kabobs with onions and peppers, red potato kabobs,

and hot dog kabobs for the kiddos :)

My little guy got a fresh new haircut and decided to show it off at Target :)

With the temps in the 90's this week, we have had some fun with X's pirate water table!

My first Birchbox showed up in the mail this week!

So far I am LOVING the Marcelle BB Cream :)

source here

Less than a week from today, Cleveland Browns training camp begins!

I can't wait!!!!

How was your week?

Until next time....Have a great weekend and stay cool!

XoXo ~ V

Finish This...

Linking up with Holly & Jake today for

Finish the Sentence...

If I had one extra hour in the day...SLEEP! I have a 19 month old little guy who just wants to go, go, go all the effing time!

I wish my name...Honestly, I like my name :) But for fun's sake, let's go with Savannah....oh wait, maybe Six instead! I love the number 6, it is easy to say, etc.
Yes, let's go with Six :)

I think anything chevron is...Cute :)

My last nightmare...involved way too many people I know, and lots of ants! YUCK!

Sometimes...I turn on music in my car that represents the area I am driving in so I look like I fit in...or at least I won't be too scared!

My last meal on earth would be...from The Melting Pot! Gimme some fondue!!!

I would much rather be sleeping than drinking.

Mayonnaise...Yummy! I used to put it on bread and eat mayonnaise sandwiches as a kid all the time!

10 years ago, I didn't think...I would be where I am (central Ohio) or who I am(wife/mommy/co. bus. owner) today.

Selfishly...I like riding in the car alone so I can belt out any song I want to and as loud as I want to! I can't stand when someone doesn't like the song I want to hear.

My favorite show on TV right now...Hello! Pretty Little Liars!

And, George Zimmerman...Who? Seriously, I don't care. The news is depressing!

Sorry for the lack luster posts lately,
super busy around here :(
I will try to be back to my normal self next week!

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

PS. I have no idea why the color of my text is all screwed up today, and I don't have time to fix it. Sorry! Back to normal on Friday!

1st Birchbox Delivery

A few of the blogs I read daily receive a few

different home delivery boxes of goods/samples.

After reading about these different boxes I decided to give one a try :)

I signed up for Birchbox a little over a month ago

and quickly completed my profile based on the items I would be interested

in receiving in the mail.

My very 1st Birchbox arrived in the mail yesterday!

Having watched the sneek peek video above I couldn't wait to see what I would

actually receive :)

I have to admit,

I was slightly bummed by the size of the box when I opened it

and the samples are pretty small as well :(
However, I did receive a few items I was looking forward to trying

after watching the video!

Bummed I didn't get the bobby pins they showed though :(

As I use/try the products I will make sure to post updates,

but for now here is what I received....

1. Tan Towel - I NEED a tan, so I am super excited to try this out!
2. Coola SPF 30 for Body
3. Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect - Tried this on my hair this morning, but no noticeable difference.
4. Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow - I used it instead of my normal foundation this morning, and so far I am loving it! Great color/glow/coverage...so far ;)
5. Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips - Tried it out this morning as well, and again...so far so good :)

Do you receive a monthly Birchbox?

Do you subscribe to any monthly services?

Am I missing out on one that I really need to try?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Guilty Pleasure

I wouldn't call myself a

Celebrity News Junkie,

but I definitely like my daily dose of People!

source here

source here

I can't help myself!

I have to check the site daily for the latest updates!

I love knowing what is going on in the world of celebrities :)

I mean, I am not following when the royal baby arrives or anything,

but I do like to check out all the photos of

what everyone is wearing,

places they are taking their kids, etc.

Plus, these are FREE small talk topics!

Your welcome :)

On my radar today...

One of my faves is joining The View!

Jenny McCarthy

Oh my goodness do I love this girl!

I think The View just got themselves a new viewer! lol!

Well at least, a DVR viewer :)



Added bonus...she is now dating the one and only

Donnie Wahlberg!

Can you say DREAMY??? :)

source here

While I only recently starting watching the show Glee,

I have gotten into the characters and real life stars of the show.

It is horrible news to hear that the actor who plays Finn,

Cory Monteith,

was found dead over the weekend

in his Vancouver hotel room.

source here

One of my other faves recently announced that

she is engaged :)

Congrats to Kelly Osbourne!

I can't wait to see all the crazy decor, dresses,

etc.!

source here

And then there are wonderful little photo specials like these..

90's Supermodels Then & Now

Still LOVE Helena Christensen!!!

Hello Again! Great comebacks of 2013!

If you aren't excited about JT's comeback,

I am not sure we can be friends! ;)

Obsessed or Hot Mess?

I know you will have fun clicking through some of these

crazy outfits and such!

Do you have any guilty pleasure sites you visit?

Do you follow celebrity gossip?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V

Blog Design, Buttons, Advertisements...Oh MY!

 

source here

Everyone around me (or at least the blogs I read)

in this wonderful blog land

is updating their blog designs and layouts.

I want to update mine as well,

but I unfortunately suck at this :(

So I am turning to you blogger friends for some advice,

tips, suggestions, etc.

How do I make a button?

Are having advertisements on my blog that big of a deal?

Any recs on someone who could do all of this for me?

I am not trying to pump up my numbers or anything,

but I do thoroughly enjoy meeting new bloggers

and sharing our life stories with each other :)

I would love to even participate in the get togethers!

Hint, Hint Ohio (Midwest) Bloggers!

This blog land that we live in is huge

and I truly appreciate getting to be a very small part of it.

I hope to continue this journey

with all of you for many years to come :)

Are you a DIY girl with your blog?

Who have you taken blogs tips or inspiration from in the past?

What blog designs you absolutely love?

Until next time...

XoXo ~ V