read more posts by
April
TGIF, right? Wrong. My day is off to a lousy start. Do any of you have days where you just feel off? Well, today is one of those days for me.
I am a little behind writing this post. It was migraine central over here this week and I wasn’t able to get much done; plus staring at a computer screen typing wasn’t going to help either. Migraines definitely are connected to my back issue and for the most part, I can handle it. However, this week was a doozy. It literally felt like my head was going to pop off and explode at any moment. Of course this is extremely horrible timing since I need to be in the studio working and I have a gigantic list of things needing to be done for the upcoming show, as well as the massive amount of planning we still need to do for this surgery in July. God help me.
Since going public with this blog, I have met some pretty amazing and inspiring people who have given me some advice regarding surgery. I have also been able to share my story with hundreds of people many of whom have scoliosis and needed someone to talk to and have now decided to go get their spines checked out. Writing about my journey and talking to others has been like therapy for me. It has given me purpose and the feeling of freedom that I no longer have to hide or be ashamed of what I look like or what I go through. 99.9% of the comments and messages have been genuine, sincere and very supportive. Last night I encountered my first “Negative Nancy” and although I knew when I began posting openly about my disorder that everyone has opinions and they are free to say what they want, I was amazed as some of the comments that this one person who I have never met in my life, could say. I’m sorry, or should I say type behind a computer screen? I try not to read into it, but it makes me wonder……Was this blog a mistake? Below are two comments posted on MY profile on my Xray picture on Instagram:
Being so busy has helped me keep my mind off of my impending surgery. My ballet school performances are coming up in June and this time of year is always stressful for me. Even though I love what I do, making sure everything is ordered, t-shirt designing, programs, costume alterations and then getting through rehearsals and performances, it can be tough to handle, especially when I still have to take care of 4 kids and a husband, insane back pain and then there’s that surgery looming over my head.
“Keep the change ya filthy animal” This Home Alone sweater/hat set is a staple come #holidaytime
Comment KEVIN below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/50D6k #ltkseasonal #ltkholiday #ltksalealert #sweaterweather #uglysweater #kevinmcallister #homealone
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This was a big hit last year so I wanted to share it again! These brie and cranberry puff pastry bites are SO EASY to make and a crowd pleaser for that Holiday gathering.
•mini muffin pan
•store bought puff pastry
•brie cheese
•cranberry sauce
•fresh rosemary
Preheat your oven to 425. Do not put these in until your oven is preheated! Place squares of puff pastry into the muffin pan, followed by cubes of brie cheese and a scoop of cranberry sauce. Bake for 10 min and add rosemary sprigs for garnish. It’s that easy!!! #easyrecipes #holidayrecipes
Brrrr it’s a cold one today! #holidayoutfit
Comment FAIRISLE below for the info to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/4ZWKS #ltkholiday #ltkfindsunder50 #ltkseasonal #holidaysweater
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! Super easy and fun to make with the kids, these Puff Pastry and Nutella Gingerbread men are the perfect easy holiday treat!
•1 pack of store bought puff pastry
•Nutella
•powdered sugar
Preheat the oven to 400. Roll out the puff pastry, spread a thin later of Nutella and add the second piece on top. Don’t forget to use the rolling pin to thin out the puff pastry. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the shapes and bake for 15 min. Sprinkle powdered sugar to the top.
#ad #WalmartPartner I LOVE the holidays! I especially love sharing my home with overnight guests and making them feel as welcome as possible! So that means, shopping at my favorite holiday go-to @Walmart 🙌🏻 This @Zinus mattress pops right out of the box and is SO comfortable. I’ve had so many compliments on how well guests have slept on it!! I use @Snuggle Blue Sparkle Fabric Softener on my sheets to give it that extra cozy flair, with 3x freshness ingredients & longer lasting softness*! Have overnight guests this Holiday season? Head over to #Walmart and snag everything you need to make your guests feel at home this Holiday season.
*vs next leading value detergent alone
SAVE AND SHARE THIS HOLIDAY RECIPE! I’m sharing this one again because it was a hit last year! My Fig and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are the PERFECT appetizer.
•puff pastry cut into squares
•fig jam
•goat cheese (cream cheese if you aren’t a goat cheese fan)
•walnut pieces
•mini muffin pan
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin tin with non stick spray and place one puff pastry square in each muffin area and push down. Add a teaspoon of goat cheese and add the fig jam on top. Sprinkle walnut prices on top and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!!! Happy Holidays! #appetizerideas #holidayrecipes
My FAVORITE Holiday sweaters and flannel dresses are 25% off today 🙌🏻 #holidayoutfit
Comment SWEATER below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/4Z1Ve #ltkcyberweek #ltkholiday #ltksalealert #sweaterweather
SAVE THIS RECIPE POST! It’s another #puffpastry #recipe for the win 🙌🏻 Check out this SUPER EASY appetizer that’s perfect for Holiday party or football game coming up! You really only need TWO INGREDIENTS!
•Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake 12-15 min)
•Puff pastry
•pesto (I love the Costco pesto!)
•egg for egg wash over the twists
Make sure to put a good amount of pesto on the puff pastry. Twist and put on a non stick pan. Brush egg over the top to give it that golden color and bake for 12-15 min. Serve with marinara sauce and voilè you have yourself a crowd pleasing #holidayappetizers Enjoy! #holidayrecipes
Having a plaid moment! #holidayoutfit
Comment PLAID below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/4YjUe #ltksalealert #ltkparties #ltkholiday #tartan
#ad I just LOVE the Holidays! #GladePartner Not only do I go to town decorating the home, I also want it smelling amazing too! I stocked up on my favorite @glade products from Sam’s Club 🙌🏻 This year I snagged the Glade Limited Edition Automatic Spray Holiday Variety Pack! It comes with three scents: Twinkling Pine & Cedar, Sparkling Pear and First Frost. You’ll have your house smelling like the holidays in no time! Make sure to pick up this variety pack, available exclusively at Sam’s Club!
Comment DRESS for the info! Love a good #fitandflare and this flannel one is a must! I have this dress in 8 different patterns and I LOVE THEM ALL. Plus, it has pockets! #thanksgivingoutfit
Comment DRESS below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/4XEr3 #ltkholiday #ltkseasonal #flannel #flanneldress
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This festive #holidayappetizers is soooooo easy to make and so cute too! Take your Holiday party to the next level with this simple and fun brie recipe!
•store bought frozen roll dough (thaw and let rise for 3 hours)
•8 oz of brie
•1/2 stick of melted butter
•1 tsp minced garlic
•1 tbsp Italian seasoning
•fresh rosemary sprigs
•fresh cranberries
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. On a piece to parchment paper and a cookie sheet, set your brie in the middle. Place the roll dough balls around your brie. Slather the rolls and Brie in the melted butter (mixed with the minced garlic). Sprinkle seasoning on top and bake for approx. 20 min. Add rose mark and cranberries as garnish once out to the oven. This is such a crowd pleaser and quick to make. We’ve also used fresh dough made by my hubby (he’s the bread baker 🤣) and that works amazing too! Let me know how you like it! Enjoy! #recipereel #holidayrecipes
You guys….it actually rained here today! And it’s cold! I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR. It doesn’t exasperate my #potssyndrome 🙌🏻 Today, all 4 kids were home from school and we all played Fortnite together with our neighbors. I love days like today. I didn’t run errands, I didn’t clean anything. It’s been marvelous! Tomorrow will be back to business with family photo session editing, brand jobs and getting my ballet school ready for next months shows. But today, today, I did nothing. 🤣 #mondaymood
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This one’s a MUST TRY! I love pumpkin, I love puff pastry and I love me some cheese!
•one package store bought puff pastry
•mini brie
•pumpkin butter
•egg for egg wash
•cooking twine
•cinnamon sticks
Preheat oven to 375. These will bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. Cut #puffpastry into 10 equal squares, scoop a teaspoon of pumpkin butter on the puff pastry and add a mini brie on top. Close up the dough and use cooking twine to secure it. I tie it around 3-4 times. Brush egg wash over them and bake them for 20-25 min. Use cinnamon sticks for a stem! I have also used cream cheese and goat cheese instead of the Brie! Enjoy! #holidayappetizers #recipereel
#ad #WalmartPartner I’m getting my home ready this Fall for all my overnight Thanksgiving guests with @walmart 🙌🏻 Through this holiday season, I want to make my guests feel at home and as comfy as possible. I have the @zinus 8 inch Cooling Mattress for ultimate coziness. It’s super easy and convenient to set up and feels amazing. Plus, I use @snuggle_bear Blue Sparkle Fabric Softener on my linens to give it that added touch! It’s formulated for longer lasting freshness* #Walmart is my Holiday go-to this season! #IYWYK
(*vs previous formula)
#happyhalloween from #freddiemercury and #edwardscissorhands Nicky’s chest hair is my favorite part. 🤣 #halloween2024
Comment JACKET and I’ll send you the details via DM to shop! I have this utility jacket in two colors. Such a great lightweight staple for #Fall 🙌🏻 #fallfashion #falljacket
https://liketk.it/4VcqV
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! Super easy and oh soooo good! These #pumpkinpie granola bites store perfectly in the fridge for an easy snack or treat! My kids LOVE them!
•3 cups quick oats
•3/4 cup pumpkin purée (NOT pumpkin pie mix)
•3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
•1/2 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
•1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
•3/4 cup Grade A pure maple syrup
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together. Using your hands, firmly roll balls together. Then, put them in the refrigerator for 30 min to set. I’m telling you these are AMAZING. Try them and let me know! #recipereels #easyrecipes
SO happy it’s not 100 degrees this week and we’re actually having cooler mornings. It’s Finally Fall! #sweaterweather
Added #Maui to the wall…… can’t wait to add to the collection next trip 🙌🏻🤣