Random Fun Facts All About Me
Today, I am going to share with you, my readers, some random facts about me that you may or may not know. Another blogger friend of mine did this on her Instagram page, and I thought it was a neat idea. So today is Fun Fact Friday (with a little fashion).
1. I am a mother of four crazy, wonderful kids.
Yes, you read correctly, four. This seems to surprise almost everyone I talk to that I have 4 kids. As crazy and chaotic as it is, I wouldn’t change a thing. I love watching them play together and see the bond that continues to strengthen. Of course, sometimes they fight and can be difficult to control . And the WHINING…..oh the whining. It’s like nails on a chalkboard. My 8 year old, Emma, has a special talent for it. They are lucky they are so cute. Somehow, it worked out perfectly for us and the two oldest are girls and the two youngest are boys. We are even steven over here at the Wagner’s.
2. I trained to be a professional ballerina
I spent my childhood dancing every single day of my life. At the age of 11, I took a bus from middle school, by myself, an hour away to Contra Costa Ballet to train. After a year on pointe, I auditioned and was accepted in to New York City Ballet School, SAB (School of America Ballet) in New York City. I spent multiple Summer’s there as a teenager in the Julliard dorms learning from the greatest teachers in the World. My roommate one year was even Elizabeth Moss, from MadMen and I took class alongside Jessica Simpson’s sister, Ashlee. I will never forget all of the great memories I made and still talk with friends I made there to this day.
3. I had MAJOR spine surgery last year
In a nutshell…..I was diagnosed at eight years old with Scoliosis. While in NYC, during ballet class at 14, my ribcage twisted and my rib popped out my back. I was bedridden and sent to physical therapy. Once I came home from New York, I saw an orthopedic surgeon who told my parents my S curve had progressed too far and I needed surgery. My parents, in denial at the time, declined it and opted for a back brace that they never made me wear. Years later at 33, after 4 kids, my body just couldn’t take it anymore, my curve was now at 83 degrees. I had severe arthritis and kyphosis and the longer I waited the worse it would continue to get. I had surgery to fuse 14 levels of my spine. I suffered serious complications and ended up with a spinal cord injury affecting my left leg. Four days later, I also needed a bowel resection surgery where they took 15 inches of bowel. There are too many complications to even list and I was there for a month. I still haven’t regained full use of my left leg yet even after a year of physical therapy but I continue to push forward. For more information you can check out my other blog dedicated to this, Scolimom.com.
4. I own a ballet school
Once professionally dancing went out the window due to my condition, I couldn’t just give it up completely. My mother had a dance studio for 25 years and when she retired, I took over. It has become difficult to continue on with this, but I am determined to dance again. My new body and leg have made it a challenge, however, I have never backed down from a challenge in my life. I have approximately 125-150 students and many of them I have taught for 12 years and will see graduate this year. We do two performances a year at the local theater and I handle it ALL along side my husband who is my music man!
5. I LOVE to eat!
If I could choose a favorite past time after dancing and shopping, it would be eating! I have an extremely high metabolism that has it’s pros and cons. I used to hate being so thin growing up. I was teased daily for it at school. Once I had kids, I grew to love it. With surgery, I lost 20 pounds and it took me a year to gain it all back. That was tough. My favorite thing to eat is seafood. I could eat lobster, crab and shrimp every day of my life. Someday, I want to retire next to the ocean just so I can eat these things. When I was little, my parent still tell everyone stories of how I put sour cream on EVERTHING. I am still a big fan of it but have toned it down just a bit and only put it on things it should be on now. “April, do you want some baked potato with that sour cream?” is what I heard growing up.
Outfit Details:
Dress | Sea New York (Strapless version on SALE)
Hat | Preston & Olivia
Sandals | Joie
Bag | Free People
About The Author
April
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I LOVE when all the flowers are blooming in our yard but man, my allergies are HORRENDOUS 🤣 I went outside to garden and came right back in 10 minutes later.
Woke up with an insane migraine….but at least my closet it clean! 🤣 #blueandwhiteforever #springcleaning
Give me all the #gingham
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
Brianna| 15th Sep 17
You have such a bright personality I would’ve never thought you went through all that surgery and complications! You truly have my respect for continuing to fight forward! Now getting to the blog, I have to say I LOVE your pictures! That’s such a cute outfit! This was a great read getting to know you 🙂 I’ve subscribed to you via bloglovin!
April | 15th Sep 17
Awww you are so incredibly sweet! Thank you!
rebecca| 15th Sep 17
This is SUCH a fun post!! And the photos are absolutely gorgeous!
xx Rebecca / The Crystal Press
http://www.thecrystalpress.com/black-bridesmaids-dress-fame-partners/
Debbie Savage| 15th Sep 17
You are so gorgeous! This dress is lovely and I am amazed that you have four babes. So, sorry about your back surgery. I hope you are all better! I could tell right away you were a ballet dancer by your feet placement. My daughters used to dance ballet too! Happy Friday!
Antonia| 16th Sep 17
This is such a great post! I’m so glad I got to know more about you and your passion for dance! I’m sending good vibes your way that you heal up and hopefully hit that dance floor sooner than later!
shannon| 16th Sep 17
i am obsessed with this dress!!! and i love that you own a ballet school! i bet that is so gratifying ! and i bet the little ballerinas are the cutest things ever!! cute post love! xo
Jasper| 16th Sep 17
I knew the other three but you also own a ballet school?! Omg April you are super mom!!!
Jannine MacKinnon| 16th Sep 17
I always love random facts post. I actually loved doing ballet when I was younger, but gave it up in my teenage years. I like to mix it in with my workout routine every so often with a barre workout, but its really not the same.
xo Jannine | http://www.happystylishfit.com
Victoria Medina| 17th Sep 17
Nice getting to know you better! Ballet boss and mother of 4?! You are Goals!
Amber S.| 17th Sep 17
First off, your pictures are stunning!!!! But I really enjoyed reading about you! I did ballet as well (but not SAB level 😉), and I find that I miss it sooo much. I will be a loyal reader!
Monika| 18th Sep 17
Love those facts about you April! I am sorry to hear about all you had to go through with your surgery! Keep your head up high and come out stronger!