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.
Today after class, I had a meeting with parents and the nine students I have going on pointe this summer. Most of these girls I have had since they were 3 or 4 and it’s so exciting to see this same group that have been together over the years starting their pointe work together including my oldest daughter, Laura. When planning my surgery date, I tried to plan around my summer session. I had every intention of being in class to help them learn how to tie their shoes, break them in and tell them the infamous story of how my toes bled so badly in class it turned my shoe red. Originally my surgery date was scheduled for July 26th and after two more switches due to the Doctor’s schedule, I have my permanent date of July 5th. This gives me one week of summer classes to see them on pointe until I return. That’s tough to swallow.
I feel like I am letting them down. Most of them knew I had back problems but I have never lead on to how horrible and serious they were. I just keep trucking along teaching as many classes as I can, dancing as much as I can, and pretending that the tour jete I just did doesn’t make me want to curl up in a ball and cry. My body is falling apart and having no control over the pain, my surgery date, post op etc., makes my Type A self want to go crazy.
After dinner tonight, I put on some music to dance to. Yes, I am that person. When I am not dancing at work, I am dancing at home. I asked my 3 year old, Will, to get up and dance with me. In his little voice he said, “But Mom, I don’t know how to dance”. I explained to him that dancing is just moving your body and soul to music and anyone can do it while I demonstrated a simple knee bounce and finally got him up jumping around. It opened my eyes to see that maybe my ballet dancing will be limited, but I will ALWAYS be able to move my body and feel the music. In that moment, my 3 year old helped me realize something so incredibly important. From the words of Gwen Stefani, I’ll just keep on dancing.
Short post today, but if you have time, go check out my health and Food section! I posted my first recipe for a quick and easy sauce that kids love!
scoliosis
Many of you on my subscriber list know about my healthy journey thus far. Talking …
Warning, this post is not about fashion nor accessories. It’s not even about a fancy …
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 ...
Today was spent cleaning the kitchen, painting the wood countertops for our built-ins, laundry and changed all the air purifier filters. Happy Monday! #hydrangea #blueandwhite #blueandwhiteforever ...
Comment TUXEDO for the details…. Tuxedo shirt but make it casual…. Also, the jeans linked are my FAVORITE right now.
Comment TUXEDO below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/56Jtw #ltkstyletip #ltkover40 #ltkitbag #tuxedo #momstyle #casualstyle #chloewoody ...
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 ...
This jacket is so darn cozy. Totally bringing this on all our camping trips going forward. 🙌🏻 ...
#happyvalentinesday from Hazel, my feisty little #dappledachshund ♥️ ...
Adding a little sparkle to my #valentinesday look ♥️
Comment LOVE below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/55Hwe ...
It’s a red Chanel ballet flat kind of day….. ♥️ ...
Can’t believe I forgot to post for #nationalpizzaday on Sunday…🍕🤣 Get this fun look below with my link!
https://liketk.it/55pWw #pizza #valentinesdaylook ...
Quiet corner of a clean room 💙 ...
mapoudret| 16th May 16
Yes April, you will keep on dancing! My heart leaps into prayer for my Lord to give you assurance in each and every challenge that awaits you. One day at a time I pray that fear will not cripple you anymore but you can rest assured in the goodness of your Maker. In this world that is so sickly bent on perfection, and the ballet world if not taught with a good heart can be the cradle of vanity. But your story April is the one of a diamond which shines so true because of not hiding its imperfection.
jewelli | 16th May 16
Keep on Dancing my friend!!
Brenda | 1st Jun 16
I’m a dancer too. But you know that already since you’ve been my dance partner💃💃💃. Hang in there April. You’re doing great. Hugs and prayers. Just catching up on your blogs since I was on vacation.