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...

Fabulous Friday's... 5 days late and on a Wednesday!

I have been a bad blogger lately... I feel bad about it too. It isn't that I don't have enough to write about, (I have enough drama and craziness going on in my life to write about 5x a day), or that this blog isn't important to me, (I look so forward to my little 'all about me' sessions), it is just that... well nothing, I don't have a good excuse. So sorry, I promise I will be better!

I am loving blog world! It is taking a little while to get the hang of it and after a quick 15 followers (my mom and closest friends) I found myself in a 'follower fall-off' state of depression. ha - silly I know, but if you don't already or think you know someone who would, send a little follower love my way.... only so I have something to look forward to each day :)

Well, back to my post...

I am totally aware that today is Wednesday. I also am totally aware that this blog is named "Fabulous Friday's." My plan last week was to start a weekly shout-out to something specific on Friday's that is super FABulous in my life. However, Friday came and went and I am just now getting around to it. That's me... take it or leave it!

So this Fri/Wednesday is my first FABULOUS FRIDAY and the shout out goes to: my DIVA COMPETITION TEAM!

As some of you may know my family owns a dance studio. My mom and I spend nearly every waking moment working, thinking, doing cleaning, teaching, rehearsing, (you get the picture)ing for the studio. Which of course, I wouldn't have any other way because I am amazed at the fact that my "job" is to dance around with kids all day and the appropriate dress is sweats. And as a little cherry on the top, I love what I do; how many other 20-somethings can say that about their jobs.

A lot of what consumes my time, energy, and rhinestoning habit is our Diva Competition Team. The DCJ DIVAS are a group of 30 girls ranging in age from 6-18 that competes locally and nationally against other dance studios. Last year our studio was ranked the #1 Dance Studio in Texas and #29 in the Nation thanks in part to their high scores at competition. These girls put in a lot of extra hours and money just to get out there and strut their stuff.

We just finished our second competition of the season this last weekend and our girls walked away with extremely high marks both times they competed. This weekend alone we took 7 of the top 10 overall spots in junior solos! During our first showing of the year we swept the 1st overall spot in EVERY group category, yes, every one!!! We won top Mini Group, Top Junior Group, Top Senior Group and Top Production! Our senior girls competed 4 dances and had 4 dances in the top 10....crazy right... I could go on listing accolades or I could just say how FABULOUS my DCJ DIVAS are and how absolutely proud I am of all they have accomplished already. You are all such a bright life in light in my life and I am so thankful for all of you.

Check out our 2x Top Junior Group and OVERALL High Score of the ENTIRE COMPETITION here!

Oh and DIVA LOVE – y’all are truly FABULOUS!

Spring Has Sprung

Well it's official, spring is here! My trees are budding, the sun is shining and thank goodness for temps in the 70s. Spring has sprung and I couldn't be happier!

Crafty Moment

For those of you that don't know I am in the process of planning my March 12, 2011 wedding. We have nearly a year to go and I have a feeling that this blog will have updates and tidbits about my wedding, because after all, that is that is going on in my life.

Well this past weekend we had our Engagement Party. It was so much fun and more perfect then I could have imagined! My mom & Ricky's mom really outdid themselves to create a wonderful party in every way!

I didn't really have anything to do with the weekend, except that my mom wanted me to create something 'wedding themed' for the front door and maybe to use at future showers to identify the home. I now realize that I should have taken how-to, in the process pictures - beginner blogger mistake! (next time, I swear)! And I am well aware that these two 'colors' are a little wild in terms of wedding colors, LEOPARD & PEACOCK - whoo-hoo, THANKS, that's what I was going for. I love this color combo and love this fab new wreath I made - complete with a "K" for my new last name!

Feathers, glitter, rhinestones and a leopard bow, that's my kind of wreath :)

Any wedding crafts you can share with me?

Hiking Done Right!

As some of you may know, Ricky and I went on a mini-vacay this past weekend. It was a gift from his parents, so of course we were grateful for any offer of a free vacation. But you know the saying "if it looks too good to be true then it probably is," well these were my thoughts exactly when he told me where we were going.... CAMPING!!!

Now those of you who know me well would probably never use the words 'Jordan' and 'Camping' in the same sentence, except to say "Jordan would never go camping." But I put on my big-girl-I’m-a-trooper pants and packed up the car to head to Turner Falls, Oklahoma.

Now let me be clear that this blog post is less about our trip and more about our HIKE, that’s right, I went on a hike!!! Whoo-hoo, look at me, outdoorsy girl!!!

Now, while I had a surprisingly wonderful time on our "camp out" which was really in a cabin with TV and running water :) and Ricky did make me an amazing breakfast in bed of french toast... all and all a wonderful trip!

But the highlight was one afternoon when we went on a wonderful hike. It was so beautiful and quite challenging - but after three long hours, an "injury" via a cacti needle and a few tears (for fear of dying by falling off a cliff) we made it to the top. Now as much as I am not a camping person I am probably even less of a hiking type of person. And let me be clear, this was a hard core, could have died a few times, lots of dirt and bugs and twigs type of hike, but rest assure I wore diamonds, a hot pink fleece, and OF COURSE a rhinestoned leopard t-shirt!

Hiking done my way!

Hello BLOGWORLD!!!!

Well Hello Everyone!

It's official - I have jumped on the blog bandwagon! It isn't that I particularly have anything important to say or that I feel like anyone will even read this, but it seems fun! Thanks to my BFF Allison and her blog, Smart & Sassy I have become slightly obsessed with reading other people's blogs and just thought, what the heck, why not start my own!?

I look forward to a fun outlet of writing for myself as well as a way to stay in touch with friends and family along the way!



Eek! How fun and exciting!

All I have to say is WELCOME TO MY WORLD! It is filled with lots of love and talk about my great new fiance and our upcoming wedding (363 days in counting), our 2 beautiful doggies, dance studio drama and of course lots of LEOPARD and RHINESTONES!!!