Welcome to the Jungle!

Well I went today and I was in heaven... to be more specific a leopard and rhinestone heaven. Seriously, they have totally channeled my heart with their new spring line of goodies. As I walked in I was greeted with the most wonderful array of leopard print 'sleepwear' (in case dad is reading) and workout clothes.

Among my favorites were a pair of A.MAZ.ING fold-over yoga pants. Now I know that to most of you yoga pants are not exactly exciting right, but I am a dance teacher so this is like work clothes for me. The best part about the heavenly pants are that the fold-over part was brown leopard with little pink details and this cute rhinestone writing on the back. Perfection. I loved them so much I bought them in capri and full length. Now let's just hope the fiancé isn't reading the blog today because I promised I wouldn't bring home any more dance pants... but come on - they were leopard and rhinestones... I couldn't resist.

They also had this beautiful silk leopard robe. Now, I already own a leopard robe, actually two... but this one is totally different. It is silk and sexy, not warm and cozy like my other two. I was thinking how perfect it would be to get ready for my wedding in with the addition of a cute little monogrammed K or Mrs. K... But I resisted... for now. I just had prioritize which was more important right now... having electricity for the next month or having the cute little robe. Sadly, TXU won out.

There are so many other cute leopard and animal print things that VS has to offer right now. Here are some of my other fave's:



















So... if you love leopard or me… run on over to VS and snag some before it is all gone!

Love it!

Funny Fiance

This is a direct quote from my sweet hubby-to-be. So cute. I am one lucky girl.

Each year, I pick up on subtle signs that I'm getting older. Like last year, I only really mowed the lawn because I had to. But this year, damnit, I want to have the best looking yard on the block... and I'm not going to let a little crab grass get in my way!

God love him :) haha.

Here's to you Mother Earth!

Today, in honor of Earth day...

I will not cook dinner.

I will not get a mani/pedi (got one on Monday anyway).

I will not make Ricky mow the lawn (today only, honey).

I will not go through the drive through at Starbucks, but will park and walk inside.

I will wait to turn on the straightener until I turn off the hair dryer.

I will not spray tan (until tomorrow).

I will not do a single load of laundry.

I will not run the three AC units at the studio (under 74 degrees).

I will not run the jets when I take a bubble bath tonight.

I will only run on the treadmill for half the time.

I will take advantage of the recycling program at MAC and pick up a free lipstick.


Today is not about me... Happy Earth Day :)

A Day in the Life...

My life... it is crazy. Now I am sure everyone else has a crazy life too... I just like to think mine is crazier! So let me, ok... :)

I haven't been on in a while. It is our busy time of year at the studio with recital prep and competitions in full swing! I looked at my calendar yesterday and realized that my next weekend off work is June 19 & 20.... b.u.m.m.e.r. Oh well... at least I love what I do.

This past week has been so fun even if it has been crazy. My mom and I are working with the Miss Texas Organization as the directors & choreographers of their first Dance Troupe. We held auditions last weekend and had a great turn out. The opportunity that these little girls are getting is something I would have died for at their age. We also have 3 feature dancers that will get to perform live on the Miss Texas Stage. Seriously, a dream come true for a little budding pageant princess! We are holding a second audition on the 20th of May if you know anyone interested between 6 & 12 years old, or if you would like to donate anything (it’s a scholarship pageant) I couldn't resist :) Even though it has been a lot of long hours so far, I am sure it will be a great outcome in the end - plus it feels great to give back to a program that gave so much to me as I competed for Miss & Teen Texas.

We had a normal week at the studio and were lucky enough to have Friday night off, so my mom and I took the opportunity to go wedding dress shopping. We went to the Bridal Boutique in Lewisville where several of my friends have found their dress and had a wonderful time. So ladies if you are looking for a dress, head on over. After trying on close to 100 I put back on the first one, added a veil, a little bling and…. started crying. That was it! Whoohoo! Major check off the to-do list!!! It is wonderful and I could not be more excited about wearing it on my special day!

After rehearsal Saturday I took a quick trip to College Station to celebrate my BFFs birthday. We went wine tasting and had so much fun. Even Ricky! So glad we could make the trip and have some extra time together before she and her husband move to Chicago next month.



The craziness sort-of wrapped up with our master class last night at the studio. Our kids had a great time and Michael Schwandt was awesome. He did some chorography on our older girls that he originally did for Britney’s Circus tour, but he said it ended up being too hard for Brit so they didn’t use it… but neat for our kids none the less. Check out the video here.

What a wrap up… whew… here we go again!

Fabulous Friday - Lindsay Phillips Ballet Flats

Hello World & Hello Friday! Welcome to Fabulous Friday #2!

Today I want to tell you about the best new thing going on in my life. The Lindsay Phillips Ballet Flat. Now don't get me wrong I love a good heel and am all for rocking them whenever I can. However, there are times that call for a slightly more comfortable shoe; without sacrificing style. Insert the ballet flat. I have tried my fair share of flats, only to arrive home with blisters and a pair that will never be worn again. They always feel great in the store but after trip to the zoo with my niece they are less than kind to my perfectly pedicured little tootsies.

And then I found them... the Holy Grail of ballet flats.... Lindsay Phillips!

Not only are these flats totally adorable but they are SOOOOOO COMFY!!! I own 3 colors already, brown, black and of course LEOPARD, but I can totally see myself owning every color in the near future. Seriously, they are amazing!!!

In addition they have this cute little embellishment detail that snaps on and off. They all come with a sweet little flower top. but they have a ton of options so that you can totally coordinate your outfit to your shoe. Seriously, this is a woman after my heart!

The flats are only $64 and each embellishment is only $12... Such a deal... You will never buy another pair of flats. Oh and their fab website allows you to choose the shoe and embellishment snap and see how they look together before you buy!

This is truly a Fabulous Find – run, not walk, to buy these amazing ballet flats people!

Taco Soup

Tonight I am going to make Taco Soup. It is a dear friend of ours recipe and one of our faves! I always make it when I am taking food to another family because it is quick, easy and healthy. Plus, it makes enough for a small army so we can munch on it for a few days!

You will need:
1 lb ground turkey
1 can of pinto beans
1 can of green beans
1 can of corn
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 packet of buttermilk ranch dressing (powered)
1.5 cans of water

Brown meat and drain off grease. Mix all ingredients together (including juices from cans) in a large pot and let simmer over medium heat for one hour.

Serve with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream and enjoy. Yum!

Wedding Update!

Well we have less than year officially! Guess I should get on that wedding diet stat! ha... seriously though, haha.

We ended up having to push back our wedding date one week because the chapel we wanted was booked on our date. I feel like it was fate though because I am so happy, actually thrilled with the way things have turned out. We will be getting married at Perkins Chapel on the campus of SMU. This is very exciting for us because of course SMU is where Ricky and I met and fell in love, not to mention were we donated over 100k in tuition dollars between both of our undergraduate degrees and Ricky's JD. Oh well, right!?

We are so so excited about our reception venue as well! It is totally crazy and fun and totally US! What could be better!

Even though we are still 11 months from our wedding date I am so ready to do all the "fun" stuff! We picked a few hotels this last week and I am so excited about the suite all my girls will be getting ready in. It is called the Mary Kay Suite at the Anatole and as cheesy as it sounds it is all sorts of pink wonderfulness!!! I can't wait.

I am so ready for CAKE tasting, yum, and showers.... so fun! Even though we don't need to register for some time I already have thought some about it. Our plans are to register at Macy's, Bed Bath & Beyond and Crate & Barrel.

The whole registry process seems a little overwhelming!? Good thing that have lists for that sort of thing now!

OK friends - help me out... What was the best thing you registered for, the thing that you use the most or most unique. And what was the worst, something you never use or that was a waste!?

I would love to hear any helpful hints you may have!

April Fool's Day

My grandfather passed away 9 years ago today. It was just like him to do it on April Fool's Day. He was so so special to me and taught me so much about living life to the fullest and treating people with love and respect. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him, see something that reminds me of him, or use the knowledge he taught me.

Cherish your grandparents.

I miss him dearly...