For The Love Of Fringe
This seems to be a great title given the last month I have had and oh so fitting because, well, I’m wearing plenty of fringe in these pictures. I am a bonafide denim lover and denim that has a fun detail is right up my alley.
If you have followed me over from Scolimom, then you have already read the news I delivered yesterday and can skip down to where I list all my fun fashion links. I have kept these two blogs separate for a reason. One lets me vent my frustrations and anger going on in my personal life and this one helps me forget about those frustrations and anger and focus on more light-hearted things like clothes and shoes. Nevertheless, this is a “lifestyle” blog and so sometimes, I will add in a post here and there that shows a little aspect of my life. I think it’s important for my new readers to learn a little about the face in all the pictures I post. I have copy and pasted a long excerpt below of a post I released yesterday over on Scolimom about my daughter Emma. If you would also like to read more there you are totally welcome to.
Begin Excerpt….
“The last month I have come to realize that this pain will never go away. I have the same pain as before surgery. I often think to myself how will I continue living like this for another 50 plus years? Anyone with severe chronic pain will be able to relate to this. It literally eats at you each day mentally and physically. Some days, I am so emotionally drained dealing with this that I become depressed and don’t want to do anything. However, the reality is I can’t do that. I have four kids, a husband, and a business I need to run. I am still struggling to find the balance and get back to normal life. Well, normal for me life.
There are days I feel like I can manage it until, for example, I try to get Nicky in the car seat and just from leaning in (from my waist) to buckle him causes pain. Every activity I try to engage in turns into pain. Doing dishes, which consists of squatting and standing over and over, folding clothes, making dinner all cause pain. I can’t even dance around the house to music without needing to sit down after 5 minutes because of the pulling and throbbing in my back and spine. I continue to do all of these things, because I have to. I don’t want to look weak in front of the kids or show them that Mommy can’t do anything anymore. So, like always, I suck it up and march on. There is also a new reason I must do all of this with a smile now as well….
When I was thinking of a blog name for this site, I came up with Scolimom because, well, I am a mom and I have scoliosis. The term Scolimom has now taken a whole new meaning which I never ever wanted it to. Ugh, here come the water works.
Emma, my precious little mini me Emma, was diagnosed with scoliosis last month. It was me who caught it. Before school, she had asked me to put on a necklace for her. Standing in her underwear, I had noticed her ribs were a tad uneven and so I asked her to turn around and touch her toes. I have become neurotic about this ever since we found out how bad my curves had gotten and have checked the kids pretty regularly like a nut job. Every time before, I didn’t see anything. This time, what I saw instantly made my heart hurt. I felt like I was sucker punched in the gut over and over. I couldn’t breath. I felt panicked and while all of these emotions took over my body on the inside, I had to smile and say, “You look perfect” after she asked if everything was ok.
Once Neil came home that afternoon, I told him to go check her back. I was hoping my eyes were playing tricks on me. I prayed all afternoon that I was wrong; that I didn’t see what I did. He confirmed it and I immediately emailed our fabulous pediatrician. I took her in the next morning and our Doctor confirmed the diagnosis with an exam and wrote out an order for an X-ray. From there, I took her down to X-ray. She looked so cute in the little gown, but the look on her face as all of this was happening breaks my heart every time I think about it. All I could do was give her a smile and a thumbs up. As they put her in position, the techs asked if there was a history of scoliosis in the family…..Oh man…. is there ever. I am a walking talking specimen of scoliosis gone wrong. I stood back by the computers so that I could see the images as they popped up. In that moment, it all became too real. I wanted to drop to the ground and scream. Sure, I knew this territory somewhat with my 4 year old son, Will. He has a couple medical issues that have kept us worried and these feelings have been felt before. It’s hard not to worry about your kids, period. Maybe it’s because I know the long road ahead for her. A road I didn’t want ANY of my kids to experience. Isn’t the timing wonderful?
Yesterday, we met with her new orthopedic spine specialist. He let us know she has a small thoracic S curve, like mine, with degrees of 15 and 10. These are larger than what we were hoping for and the fact that she is only 7 years old and hasn’t even hit puberty yet, is a HUGE sign that this will be progressive like mine. At this point, they won’t do anything for her except monitor her. Originally, the doctor let us know that they don’t start bracing until the curve reaches 25. At that point, the mama bear in me came out and I basically said that we were not comfortable waiting for her to get to 25 degrees and then brace her and hope that it works. He let us know, the smallest curve he has braced was 20 and we agreed that was a better idea we could come to terms with. This brace will have to be worn at least 18 hours every day. That means any activities after school will have to be done in a brace. Its hard and plastic and from experience, I know it’s not comfortable. It upset Emma when she heard she will eventually need a brace. She got in the car and began to cry because she doesn’t want to wear one. She said all the kids at school will make fun of her. I wish she was wrong but the sad fact is there will be mean kids who say horrible things along the way.
I feel so incredibly guilty this is happening to her. I would go through what I have 10 fold if it took this all away from Emma. It’s my fault she has this to deal with. It’s my fault my husband has to watch not only his wife suffer from this but now his daughter too. I feel horrible. The guilt now eats at me EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I also feel extremely helpless. Right now, our hands are basically tied. We have to sit and wait for her to get worse before anything else will be done. I have to let her body twist more and her spine to curve more before actions can be taken. I don’t want it to progress past this. 15 and 10 are 15 and 10 too many. I sometimes wish I didn’t know how this was all going to play out. I wish I was naive and didn’t know anything about scoliosis and could listen when the doctor said calmly that we can brace her at 25 degrees. Every part of me is freaking out by this. Bracing isn’t 100%. She could still need surgery eventually. Last week, she told me I was ruining her life because I wouldn’t let her eat a popsicle. I can only imagine how she will feel about me as she goes through all of this now.
For now, while she continues being a kid, I will spend my time researching anything and everything that could possibly help her. I refuse to let what has happened to me be her reality too. I cannot sit back and wait for her to get worse while we do nothing. It’s bad enough she has watched me go through the last 8 months of hell. Her immediate reaction to being told she has scoliosis is fear because all she knows is what has happened to her mother. I don’t blame her one bit. Luckily, her stubbornness, feistiness, and bigger than life personality will help get her through this. If I have to sleep with her every night to keep that brace on her, I will. I will not let her feel alone for one second.”
Thank you for taking the time to read that. Now….on to the outfit details. The top and jeans were on sale for over 60% off. My earrings are from a few seasons ago as well as the bag but I have listed similar ones that I love as well.
Top | eri + ali
Jeans | 3×1
Earrings | Anthropologie (similar)
Shoes | Christian Louboutin
Bag | Free People (similar) (similar)
About The Author
April
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SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
Did ya read the newest post on our latest #DIY over on Apriljwagner.com (link in profile) Get in depth details on our recent entertainment space including step-by-step directions, photos, before and afters AND I linked ALL the items as well. #diyproject #diyhomeprojects
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This is an insanely easy way to make Raspberry Lemon Tarts with minimal steps and ingredients! As much as I love making lemon curd from scratch, sometimes, it’s just nice to cut some corners!
•6-7 oz of Lemon Curd (I used @mackays) you will have left over. I showed the second half of my tarts being made.
•2 packs of puff pastry
•8 oz of whipped cream (I made my own with heavy whipping cream and a little vanilla extract and sugar)
•20 raspberries
Preheat the oven to 400°. Using a cookie cutter or top of a cup (approx 2 inches), cut circles out of the puff pastry. Place the circles of puff pastry into each mini muffin pan cup. Don’t forget to spray the mini muffin pan with nonstick spray like avocado oil! Place on the oven for 10-12 minutes. In a bowl, add the lemon curd and whipped cream and mix well. Stick in the refrigerator until the puff pastry is baked and cooled down. Add the lemon mixture to the puff pastry cups (tip: take a spoon after the puff pastry comes out of the oven and push the centers in). Add raspberry to the top and a little powdered sugar and there ya have it! Super easy, mini bite size desserts that are perfect for that Mothers Day brunch coming up! #puffpastry #minidesserts #easyrecipes
It’s that time of year where I can wear white pants again 🙌🏻🤣 Yay for Spring….
Always sad leaving our favorite camping spot…we’ve been bringing the kids here 2-3 times a year for the last 5 years and it never gets old. Sure, we could bring them to SoCal, where it’s warmer and packed with a crap ton of people. However, we much prefer the cooler weather (helps with my POTS), rocky cliffs, less people and you travel through the redwood forest (which looks like a storybook). We love it up here and fantasize about moving somewhere like this once Nicky graduates. See you in June Westport….
In my happy place for a long weekend….Comment COAST and I’ll send the link for this cute sweater (comes in East Coast too)!
https://liketk.it/59GmV #ltktravel #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert #coastalstyle #california #oceanview #beachday
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from Dakota Timber Co! I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from @dakotatimberco I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
It’s the ultimate twirling dress! 🙌🏻
Comment TWIRL below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/59b8R #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert
SAVE AND SHARE THIS POST! Check out my Strawberry Cheese Heary Pastries! Perfect for that #galentinesday brunch or for dessert with your loved ones. So yummy and the perfect serving size!
•Preheat oven 400 (this bakes approximately 15 min)
•2 sheets Puff Pastry
•1 egg yolk and 1 egg (for egg wash)
•1 8oz package cream cheese
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•10-12 strawberries
Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake for approx. 15 min) Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out your puff pastry hearts and then use a knife to trace a heart into them. Brush on egg wash and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, egg yolk and sugar. Add the cheese mixture to your little hearts (only spreading it up to the line you scored). Add fresh sliced strawberries and bake for 15-20 min! This is SO EASY AND SOOOOO GOOD! #recipeoftheday #danish #dessertrecipe #brunchrecipe #recipereel
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This recipe, by far, was a follower favorite last year! So so easy and omg so good! It’s a great brunch #recipe or dessert!
•store bought puff pastry
•raspberries or raspberry jam (I like fresh fruit better)
•6-8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1 egg YOLK only
•powdered sugar
•sliced almonds
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Roll out your puff pastry and cut slices down each side (approximately 1 inch) leaving the center intact and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Place the cheese mixture in the center of your puff pastry ( you may have extra leftover). Sprinkle fresh raspberries on top of the cheese. Fold each side of puff pastry one at a time in a lattice pattern. Brush some egg wash on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and fresh almonds on top for the finishing touch.
This is perfect for Valentines Day and I dare you to try it! #RECIPE #easyrecipe #recipeshare #brunchrecipe #dessert #recipereels
SAVE AND SHARE MY MOST VIEWED RECIPE! This is one of my favorite and most watched recipes and for good reason! My Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is SOOOO easy to make and perfect for brunch! This can also be frozen and eaten later!
Don’t take my word for it...make it and let me know how fast it was devoured.
•4 large croissants
12-16 oz of cubed ham
•6 oz of shredded gruyere cheese
•6 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped chives
•6 eggs
•1 cup half and half
•1 tsp. honey
•1 tsp. Dijon mustard
•salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 375. In a baking dish (spray with non stick spray) add in croissants, ham, cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bake and press down with a fork. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 50 min. This is such a great family recipe and feeds a good amount of people. So before ya come for me with how much cheese is used ( remember that!
#easyrecipe #breakfastfordinner #recipereels #easterbrunch #brunchrecipes
#AD Who loves a good facial exfoliant?! 🙋🏼‍♀️ I ran over to Walgreens to get my favorite @stivesskin Apricot Fresh Skin Exfoliating Facial Scrub. It’s made with 100% natural exfoliants (including milled walnut shells and apricot pits), free from parabens and oils and provides a deep cleanse leaving my skin feeling super clean and oh so smooth. I use this 3 times a week and it makes my skin glow. Dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic, vegan and fur baby friendly! It literally checks all the boxes! Want glowing skin? Try #StIves at #Walgreens #StIvespartner
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These ham and cheese hand pies are the perfect #stpatricksday snack! Super easy and so so good! You only need a few ingredients and a cookie cutter!
•clover cookie cutter
•puff pastry sheet
•Dijon mustard
•Swiss cheese
•corned beef (pastrami also tastes great)
•egg for egg wash
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use your cookie cutter on the puff pastry. Smear a good amount of Dijon mustard on half of them. Add the corned beef and cheese. Place the puff pastry on top like a sandwich. Using a fork, press down around each clover. Brush egg wash over and poke 4 little holes in the top. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. These are SOOOO YUMMY and quite a hit in our home! The kids love them! #puffpastry #cornedbeef #easyrecipe
I just binge watched Renovation Aloha and now I NEED another trip to Hawaii. It doesn’t look like it’s in the cards for us this year with Emma going to Boston for singing (we are tagging along for the last week). Buuuutttt, if we were to go……Which is your favorite and why? Big Island or Kauai? We’ve already been to Oahu and Maui and I love each of them for different reasons. PS, I painted all my doors in the house blue on a whim and I think I love them 💙
Comment DENIM and I’ll send you the details! I call this my errand running look….if you are on the fence about this denim jacket….DO IT!
Comment DENIM below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/57uSO #ltkover40 #ltkactive #ltkstyletip #denimjacket #momstyle #momfit
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