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.
Writing a blog was always something I have thought of doing. I am a pro at finding sales on designer clothing online, Queen of coupon codes, and know exactly which celebrity is wearing what designer. I have often thought about what pictures I would have on my blog and which of my favorite shoes I would post about, etc. Never did it cross my mind that I would ever blog about scoliosis and posting pictures of my deformed back. It’s hardly “fashionable” and no coupon code can fix this.
I never realized how many people like me there were out there. Years ago, I would search and find no one going through what I was. I felt so alone and didn’t have anyone other than my husband to talk to about it and even then, I would be embarrassed and not want him to “examine” my back. Sure, my closest friends knew, but not really to the extent of how awful it actually was. Over the last few days looking at the pictures I posted, to me they don’t really do my back justice because I feel like in person, its a whole other level of “scary”. Maybe I am just so used to seeing these pictures, that it just doesn’t look as “scary” as it is? Just thinking out loud here…. scoliosis
#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 🙌🏻🤣
Had to share another landscape photo from our #maui trip. But I mean…..can you blame me?!? Love, love, LOVED our time spent there. #mauihawaii
SWIPE LEFT FOR A LAUGH I thought this deserved a permanent spot on my feed as proof I got @theeneil to do a couples massage while in #Maui complete with an outdoor soaking tub, shower and outdoor Hale for our massage. We went straight from Hawaii to Disneyland and when we got home from our 2 days at Disney and felt like we were 80, Neil asked if we could go get another couples massage. 🤣
Counting down until our next #Hawaii vacation. Last year was our first time visiting (we took the family to Oahu) and we loved it so much, @theeneil and I took a trip by ourselves to #Maui 🌊 Both islands have a completely different vibe but one thing’s for sure, they are both so beautiful. I took this photo of #blacksandbeach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park. We rented a bronco and drove the entire island. It was such a wonderful trip and we’re already trying to make plans for another vacay (still debating on whether to bring the kids or not 🤣).
We flew home last night, spent the night in our own bed and now we are currently driving to Disney with the kids. I’m going to need another vacation after this vacation. 🙈 Really loved our time in #Maui Already planning our next trip… 🤣
@theeneil says he took a @graymalin photo 🤣… how’d he do Gray? So many pretty things to take pictures of here…. #maui
#ad On my daily Target run, I grabbed some of my favorite @Ghirardelli Mint Cookie Milk Chocolate Squares! 🙌🏻 These rich milk chocolate squares are filled with mint and crunchy chocolate cookie bits. And did I mention they’re available all year long, not just during Holiday season. We LOVE all things #Ghirardelli and these are no exception. They make the best treat after a day of mom life! So pick up a bag or two @target
Love when my closet is organized. Does anyone else like to clean their house before leaving for a trip? I hate coming home to a mess, so I clean beforehand! #closetorganization #blueandwhiteforever
Sharing more of my Favorite @julievos jewelry 🙌🏻 The majority of these pieces are from the “Sanibel” collection! I love timeless, classic gold jewelry and @julievos is no exception! They pair well with just about anything and polish off a white button down perfectly! Do yourself a favor and snag a few baubles of your own. #julievos
Whatever your style may be, I think it’s really important to make your primary bedroom a sanctuary. The blue hues really cheer me up each day. I think I read somewhere once that blue is a calming and serene color. Well, that color has thrown up all over my house and I LOVE IT. 🤣 #blueandwhiteforever #blueandwhitedecor