Sneak Peek Backstage at TTPDA 2016 Recital

"It's not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters."

I love this quote.  I think it sums up the important things quite well.  Family, friends, teachers, mentors... those are the things that matter.  Those who are there for us, cheer us on, love us, lead us, support us and guide us. 

To The Pointe! Dance Academy in New Prague recently had their dance recital over the weekend of May 13-15. It was incredibly entertaining, from the littlest dancers to the most experienced dancers, and I was so happy my girls were a part of it! It was my Sweet Girl's third year so she knew what to expect, but it was my Little One's first year and it was so fun to see it all through fresh eyes.  They were both so excited to get on that stage and give it their all! 

It was a show filled with dedicated, hardworking dancers, pulled off by an amazing group of leaders and helpers. To be invited backstage and take photos was such a wonderful experience, and I got to take part in and witness all of the above at it's finest.  

I could go on and on chattering, but I will let the pictures do most of the talking for me. (Because I included A LOT of pics in this post!  It was hard to narrow them down to just a few.)

I loved this. I was told one of the girls mother is a police officer for special forces and was called off to an emergency before the show.  This little girl had a friend who was willing (and incredibly able) to help her friend apply the show make-up.  Seriously.  I watched for like, 5 minutes and took tips from this kid.  She was applying eyeliner like a pro!  (Minutes earlier I was struggling and cursing under my breath as I applied that same type of liner on my own kiddo... yikes!)

Last minute touch-ups...

A little encouragement from mama.  I mean... how precious is this picture?  The tiniest group of all and this wee one was getting hugs and lots of mama love before going on stage.  She kept leaning in to give her kisses and I was melting.   

This little dude was handsome as could be!  But sometimes little guys need help with shoe tying...  Thank goodness for moms!!

Even big kids need their moms!  Pictured here is Angela, owner of To The Pointe! Dance Academy in New Prague with her beautiful daughter, Sophia, right before the Production group went onstage and performed the first dance of the show, Seize The Day.  This performance was choreographed by the super talented Ms. Kris AND won platinum, 1st place and the Outstanding Choreography Award at the Encore competition earlier this Spring.

This darling duo is dance dedicated 100%!

Don't forget about the dads!  You can see how proud he is of his girl!

Kristie (one of the founders of To The Pointe! Dance Academy) with her mom and her daughters, Ellie & Maggie.  I love this picture.

Would you believe me if I said dance brings siblings closer??!!!  Well, it's the truth in this case!  Caught this adorable brother & sister duo in the cutest hug!!

AND in this case as well!  These sisters are the sweetest support to each other!

These next pictures are of my girls with their mentors.  To The Pointe! Dance Academy has a mentorship program that is second to none.  If you have children, you know how much they look up to the big kids who do what they love.  The mentorship program pairs an older dancer with a younger one and they exchange letters of encouragement, support and it's the best to watch!  My Sweet Girl was beyond thrilled that she had her mentor watching her from the side of the stage, cheering her on.  I saw the moment she was on stage and she saw her mentor, Sydney, watching her because she got a HUGE smile on her face and those nerves seemed to just wipe away!

Here's my Sweet Girl and her mentor, Sydney.

Here she is again with another one of her mentors, Avery.  My girls love to watch Avery dance!  She is a powerhouse and a part of the dance group, Amaze, which won a bid to Nationals for their crazy awesome performance to the song, Dancing in September.

Here's my tiniest dancer with Miss Morgan.  She adored Miss Morgan and stuck right by her side all year long in class.  She was so happy to see her backstage and I had to snap a pic of this adorable pair.

Here's my oldest with Miss Kaitlyn.  Miss Kaitlyn is a Senior this year and one of the hardest working dancers out there!  She's not only a graceful dancer, but she is so full of grace and sweetness when it comes to these little ones that look up to her.  She always takes the time to talk to the littles, give them hugs and encouragement and snap a pic at their request. 

This has to be one of my favorite pics that I snapped this recital weekend.  The bigs with the littles.  Priceless. Ellen (holding my little blondie) is our babysitter and our girls can't get enough of her!  She's incredibly sweet and she even yelled, "GO AVA!!" from the audience to cheer on my tiny dancer.  Needless to say, it made Ava's night.

This is a scene that you find often backstage.  These older girls act just like big sisters to the younger ones.  They play with them, give them high-fives after they perform and just really cheer them on.  It really is wonderful & heart-warming to watch.

My Sweet Girl getting a big hug from our neighbor Maddy.  Maddy is AHH-MAZING to watch dance!  Her dance group, Encore, took home first place at The One Nationals Competition this year in Chicago for their jazz routine to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.  That whole group is crazy talented.  They're going to be so much fun to watch as they grow and become even more incredible than they already are!

The fun backstage doesn't end!

I mean... these cuties could pretty much get away with anything.

The Encore group (National Champs) playing games between performances.

Let's hear it for the boys!!  These cool dudes were SO much fun and their hop-hop routine rocked the house!

This close-knit group of cuties is the Show Choir group, and they go together like rama lamma lamma!

Last, but most certainly not least, is this extraordinary group of young women... the Seniors.  Let me tell you, it was not an easy task to gather up these talented, busy beauties for a photo between all their performances and costume changes, but when I finally got them all together they were such a delightful dozen.  I watched at the end of the night as they stood on stage with pictures of their childhood on big screen behind them.  Memories of their pasts, snippets of their lives shared with us and plans for their bright futures.  All intelligent.  All beautiful.  All so kind & talented.  I have to admit, I got a bit teary eyed as I watched their proud parents join them on stage.  Someday, God-willing, that will be me watching my girls as Seniors in High School, thinking of them as little as they are now, adoring how proud I am of the young ladies that have grown into, with dreams of what's to come.

They were a great example of poise, kindness, hard work and dedication... and leave the younger groups in good hands at To The Pointe! Dance Academy in New Prague!

Congrats, Seniors!  And congrats to Angela and her team of teachers, volunteers and everyone who made this 2016 dance year and Spring Recital a successful one!

Want to learn more about To The Pointe! Dance Academy or to check out their upcoming summer classes?  Check out their website at www.tothepointedanceacademy.com or email them at tothepointedanceacademynp@gmail.com for more info.

Minimal Effort, Maximum Cool

Let's talk time.  How much time do you have to get yourself ready in the morning?  I usually get anywhere from 5 minutes (seriously) to 30 minutes.  Hopefully once summer vaca rolls around and the kids are out of school that will free up more time, or at least be more consistent, and our schedules won't be so tight.  (YAY for taking showers when I want to versus have to!) Often times I give myself extra time by taking showers in the evenings after the girls go to bed, so that helps a bit. 
One thing that seems to take up much of my "getting ready" time is deciding what to wear.  Some days I can't predict the crazy morning, but when I can I try to set aside something in the closet to save me the time and hassle the following day.  It saves the extra "what to wear" time in the morning which, let's face it, I think we are all guilty of.
I like to wear comfortable clothes that look cute but take minimal effort to throw together.  So when I walked into Mainstream Boutique in Savage this week, I was pretty thrilled that I could pull together 5 outfits in less than 15 minutes.  (Why can't my mornings at home be that easy??!!) These are all pieces that would layer and work well with others in your closet and I paired a few of the outfits with the newest jewelry line in the shop... Em & Gem Designs. Emily is one of the super stylish sales associates at Mainstream Boutique in Savage and happens to be the creative mind behind Em & Gem Designs.  She's a doll.  You'll meet her in a bit...


Some of the other outfits I just went without accessories because I didn't feel they needed them and another I used a super cute chunky red necklace because it went perfect with my red shorts.  (Yes, red shorts.  More on that later as well!)
So anyway, having "uncomplicated" pieces in your closet that seem to work with other items you have can be a definite time saver on those busy mornings!  I also generally choose accessories that will pair with numerous outfits rather than just "that one outfit."  I like effortless.  But I don't like to look like I spent little time on myself. (Although if you see me at drop off at the elementary school, you know that some days it's unavoidable... YIKES! *see 5 minute days*)
Of course, that's not to say I don't enjoy getting fancy now and then.  Mainstream Boutique in Savage is my go to place for those outfits as well.  I happened to come across a long layering dress/tank with soft tulle that I topped with a popcorn poncho.  This would look gorgeous for date night.  But you could also throw a loose tee over the layering dress/tank and make for a chic jeans and tee look.

Without further ado, here are my choices this week from Mainstream Boutique in Savage that will leave you looking effortlessly cool...

First up is this maxi dress. 

 I love this style of maxi dress and I thinks it's such a flattering style. Plus, it boasts floral, which if you know me, you know I'm a fan of!

I grabbed a frayed jean jacket for an extra layer of warmth.

These accessories are the BEST. 

 The Em & Gem necklace is my fav.  Jesus is my homeboy so anything beautiful that includes a cross gets me.  I love how dainty it is and it balances out the fun, chunky turquoise ring.

Next?  Red shorts, you guys.  But I have to admit, these had me thrown.  When I first saw these shorts laying on the new arrival table, they looked long and I didn't think they'd be very flattering.  I kinda wondered what Dyana was thinking! (Sorry Dy!)  But something told me to just give them a try and I was SO HAPPY that I did. 

I learned a few things.  Never judge an item of clothing without trying it on first and never question Dyana when it comes to fashion. She just knows things.
This ended up being one of my fav outfits I tried on.  The shorts were super cute and totally comfortable.  I loved them!  They bring out the red in this top perfectly and the chunky red necklace was a no-brainer to pull it all together.

Soooo... this.  It's a slacker day dream.  It screams "I JUST WANNA BE COMFY ALL DAY" all while looking completely adorable.  

Confession:  I could save so much time by wearing these shorts to bed with a tank, waking up, throwing on a bra and this tee, brush my hair and teeth and then poof!  Done. (Don't judge)  Perfect for those mornings I need to pull myself together in 5-10 minutes. Add some shades, cute shoes and this lovely little Em & Gem Designs necklace and nobody will guess you have half your pajamas on!

Ok, I told you earlier that you'd get a chance to meet the adorable Emily.  Here's the delivery...


Meet Em!

Emily has been working at Mainstream Boutique in Savage now for about 1 year.  She's attending U of M and working on getting her Masters in Integrated Behavioral Health.  Emily has been designing jwel for a few years and this is her first official launch in a retail store. 10% of all purchases are donated to Proj Semi colon which is dedicated to providing hope and support to those suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts, self harm and addiction.  If you'd like a customized piece feel free to email Emily at emandgemdesigns@gmail.com .  She will be sure to create something you'll love!


We wear short shorts!  

Ok... only sometimes.  But they have to be comfortable and not tooooo short.  These shorts from Mainstream Boutique in Savage totally fit the bill.  The denim is soft, the fit is comfortable, they don't ride to low and they don't show your butt if you bend over.  All good things, right!?!? 
I feel like this outfit defines casual cool.  I put on this super cute tank and threw a red, white and blue flannel over it for a warm layer.  PS: This would be super cute for the 4th.  Just saying...

Here's my chance to fancy things up a bit!  Here's the tulle layering tank/dress I was talking about earlier.  ADORABLE, right?!?! 

I dressed it up with a pretty gold Em & Gem necklace and a popcorn poncho, but you could dress it down with a tee or tank to and make it more casual.



I hope you enjoyed looking at these outfits as much as I loved putting them together and posting them for you to check out.  If you see something you love, stop on by Mainstream Boutique in Savage if you're close by!  Experience that unbeatable customer service first hand.  Otherwise, give the ladies a call at (952) 440-4020 and they're more than happy to help you out and ship you your purchases.  Not only are they sweet... they're quick to ship because they know you're excited to get your new stuff.
 You can also follow them on Instagram @mainstreamboutiquesavagemn or FB at Mainstream Boutique Savage MN

*you can follow me on IG @HauteDishHousewife , on FB Haute Dish Housewife , on Pinterest @HauteDishHousewife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.  You can also catch me live on Periscope at HauteDishHWife

Kielbasa Stew

I'm a bit upset that it's come back to this... cold weather recipes in May.  Mother Nature has once again pulled a cruel trick on us Minnesotans considering this time last week it was sunshine and 80's.
I usually try to find the bright side in all, and the bright side of gross weather is that I got to turn on the fireplace today and snuggle with my Little One while we watched movies and I caught up on some blog work.  A relaxing Friday after a busy week and before a busy weekend of dance recitals isn't so bad.  Another bright spot is that I get to share this delicious recipe with you! 
I've made this kielbasa stew a few times and it's sooo yummy.  I feel like I've finally perfected it and feel comfortable sharing with you.  Like the recipe for my Hunters Soup, this recipe boarders on a soup and stew.  It's thinner than stew, but thicker and heartier than soup, so I'm going with stew for this one!  The sour cream helps to thicken it up at the end and gives it such a delicious flavor.
This recipe is super easy to throw together and it can be stretched to feed a bigger crew.  Serve with a crusty French baguette or some garlic bread.

Here's what you need to make this kielbasa stew on a chilly day!

Kielbasa Stew

*one pound kielbasa, cut up into chunks

*one Tbls butter

*one can beef broth

*one can (15oz) muir glen tomato sauce

*1.5 cups of water

*1.5 cups of diced potatoes

*2 cups shredded cabbage
*2 stalks celery, chopped
*1.5 cups baby carrots

*one sweet yellow onion, chopped

*one green pepper, diced

*1.5 teas salt

*1/2 teas pepper

*one bay leaf

*1/4 cup sour cream, plus more for a dollop when serving

In a soup pot cook kielbasa, onions, celery and green pepper in butter for a few minutes over medium heat. Pour in broth, tomato sauce, & water.  Add salt, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and add cabbage, carrots and potatoes.    Turn down heat a bit and bring to a simmer for 45 minutes.  Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream and heat through before serving.  Pour into bowls and, if you choose, top with a small dollop of sour cream.  I also like to throw some chopped green onion on there for garnish sometimes.

This stew is definitely the trick to warming up on a cool night!  Pin it, share it, and thank you so much for your support!

*you can follow me on IG @HauteDishHousewife , on FB Haute Dish Housewife , on Pinterest @HauteDishHousewife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.  You can also catch me live on Periscope at HauteDishHWife

A Few Hours Well Spent

A few weeks ago my husband was on a fishing trip and between sleepovers, hosting a girls wine & appetizer night and driving back and forth to dance rehearsals, my girls and I spontaneously decided to take a few hours out of the weekend and go on an "adventure."  We decided to take a little trip to Northfield, MN.  Northfield is only about 30 minutes from us and while I've been there before, my kiddos hadn't. It was a cool, cloudy day, but we were so excited to get out and do something fun. 
We parked the car and walked (checking out the stamped sidewalks along the way) to The Tavern of Northfield Restaurant, located in the Archer House River Inn.  This restaurant is located in the basement and is such a super cool looking little place.  We had about a 15 minute wait since it was a Saturday so we took that time to do a bit of exploring the Inn.  We came across a shop called A Bag Lady and while it was filled with pretty accessories and handbags to your hearts desire, my personal fav was the racks of clothing.  They had a really fun vibe going on in there with the clothing and while I promised myself window shopping only, I came across a dress that I just had to have.  (Ok... and a pair of sunglasses) The price was right, it was totally flattering and I was head over heels for the neckline.  Plus the sales associate, Sue, was such a sweetheart and so helpful.   I wore the dress this past weekend for a girls night out and styled it with a pair of pearl earrings, a matching bracelet and red heels for a fun pop of color. (see photos below)  A Bag Lady is located right on Division Street in Northfield and they also have a location in Minneapolis.

Above: Girls Night Out in my new dress

Below: A nightcap at Charlie's on Prior with my dear friend Amy

We enjoyed our lunch at the Tavern.  Their potato chips were seriously my favorite ever and I had the veggie quesadilla off the appetizer menu.  It was the perfect size portion for my lunch since I knew I'd likely be eating whatever my kids left on their plates as well.  #momlife

Then we were back on Division Street to do some more shopping.  We passed by a little art supply store and my kids insisted on going in.  I'm SO happy we did because I found they had large sheets of textured paper and I found myself a really cool piece that works well as background for my food photos.  I love those unexpected treasures! 
We fell in love with a little book store called con*tent.  Libraries and book stores, my friends.  They're where it's at.  We spent a good chunk of our time in there looking around at all the books.  I'm so happy my girls share that love with me.

We were just wrapping up the shopping when we came across a lovely store called Tagg 2.  Obsessed.  They have the most adorable kitchen stuff, gifts and a small clothing selection which is where I found my latest tee.  I feel like I'm wearing the heck out of this tee for everything from daily wear to gardening.  "Locally Grown"  I mean... how fun??!!

This next part was my kids FAVORITE portion of our little adventure... a little bakery called CakeWalk.  OMG.  The best cupcakes ever.  Ever.  EVER.  Tough decisions were made here as it was beyond difficult to choose just one.  My Sweet Girl went with a s'more inspired cupcake, My Little One chose a M&M cupcake and yours truly went with a vanilla cupcake with raspberry filling and frosting.  Decadence.  We indulged heavily.  It was worth it.

Afterward we just had to check out the new Mainstream Boutique on Division Street.  I met Jean, the owner, and she is adorable, sweet and so welcoming and helpful.  The space is absolutely beautiful and totally trendy.  Such a fun addition to Northfield and I'm looking forward to going back. 


The girls and I wrapped up our trip by sitting down by the river to watch a group of kids fish while we chatted about the last few hours spent together.  It was such a fun few hours with them and I can't wait to go back this summer and check out all the things we didn't have time to see on our little Saturday.

Perfection.

*you can follow me on IG @HauteDishHousewife , on FB Haute Dish Housewife , on Pinterest @HauteDishHousewife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.  You can also catch me live on Periscope at HauteDishHWife

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

No joke.  I get asked to make this bread at least once a week, usually by my youngest who is the fiercest lover of banana bread you'd ever meet.  My husband and kids gobble it up.  It's their fav breakfast, snack and dessert.  But for real... do you blame them?  I mean, look at this!

I have no problem saying "yes" to this request because it's super easy to throw together.  I usually have over ripe bananas on hand in the freezer and it's something my kids enjoy helping me make so it gets them in the kitchen as well to help out, which I absolutely love. 

It's no secret that my kitchen is one of my very favorite places in our home.  It's where I spend a good chunk of my day and that's totally ok with me because it's where I really truly enjoy spending my time.  I love to cook up a big meal for friends and family, have a glass of wine and chat around the kitchen.  I love to help my Sweet Girl with her homework at the kitchen counter.  I love sitting down with my family every night for a home cooked meal.  But one of the things I love best about the kitchen is when my girls help me in it.  I'm thrilled that they enjoy cooking and baking with me.  It's our very special time together and they get a kick out of seeing a meal or a dessert come together.

If you have little ones, please encourage them to help you out with this recipe.  With my youngest, I usually measure everything out, let her pour ingredients into the bowls and then she helps me with the hand mixer.  My oldest helps me measure since she understands numbers a bit better.  It's fun to  show her on more than just paper how 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup makes one whole cup.  Or she reads off the ingredients while I gather them all up on the counter.  After we get it in the oven, we usually try to keep ourselves busy with games, puzzles or the like while the smell of delicious chocolate chip banana bread wafts through the air.  Then things get even more tough when we have to wait for it to cool.  But then....  get out the butter and plates because everyone's going to be wanting a piece.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

*one cup of sugar

*1/2 cup vegetable oil

*2 large eggs

*4 ripe bananas (I keep mine in the freezer and thaw out before mixing)

*one teas vanilla extract

*2 cups flour

*1.5 teas baking soda

*1/8 teas salt

*1.5 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350.  Grease bread pan. Mash up bananas, and then add sugar, oil, eggs & vanilla. Mix well with mixer. Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a separate, larger bowl. Slowly add wet ingredients to dry and mix thoroughly. Gently fold in chocolate chips, pour mix into pans and bake for 55 minutes. Use a toothpick to check and make sure bread is done.  Then, ENJOY!

*you can follow me on IG @HauteDishHousewife , on FB Haute Dish Housewife , on Pinterest @HauteDishHousewife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.  You can also catch me live on Periscope at HauteDishHWife

Sun's Out, Bold Prints Out

Last week was a mayyyyjjjjjaa downer.  It was cloudy, cold & rainy.  Total ew.
This week?  Mother Nature took a percoset and we've got warm sunshine and blue skies.  MUCH better.  I've been working on cleaning out our strawberry patch (we already have little flowers!) and getting the garden all planned out.  But Tuesday morning was a much needed Mainstream Boutique in Savage break and I was thrilled will all the newness!  So many bold, fun prints and colors.  The little dresses and rompers have me feeling summer, summer, summertiiiime!
I'm sure I've already told you before but when I walk into Mainstream Boutique in Savage I rarely have a plan.  This weeks looks drove me straight to a dressing room full of great prints and patterns and BANG!  There was my plan.  These outfits are going fast so if you see something you love, be sure to swing by Mainstream Boutique in Savage or call the ladies there at (952) 440-4020 for sizing and price info.  They're happy to help and will ship to you speedy fast because they know how excited we all are when waiting for something new!  There's something about sunshine and beautiful weather that just makes shopping so much fun... who's with me??!!


It was super hard to narrow it down this week, but I've come up with a handful of my fav ensembles.  Rompers with lacey edge details, dresses with fun cuts and hemlines, lots of "cold shoulder" cutouts and one of the prettiest, most flattering tops I have come across to date.  Check them out and then let me know your favorite look of the fab five!


First up!  This dress deserves alllll the heart eyes.  I threw a bandeau on under it and let it peep through all the gorgeous cutouts in this dress.  I absolutely love the shoulders and the sleeves.  Such a feminine, boho type vibe to it.  Totally dig it. A bonus to all these bold prints is that you don't need much, if any, accessories.  Just pair with some cute shoes and your golden.

This next look was totally out of my comfort zone.  I wondered if the color would be "too much." The answer is no, it's not!  This romper is ideal do to it's soft fabric and fit.  (Plus, psst: it's got a little button on the chest line that makes bathroom breaks in a romper a total breeze!) Once it was on I took one look in the mirror and any hesitation about the bright colors went away.  Such a cute, fun addition to a summer wardrobe!

Ok.  This dress.  I'm crushing so hard right now.  It's flowy, the triangle cut is gorgeous, and the pattern is beautiful.  It's the perfect summer dress for pretty much any occasion.  Birthday party, date night, drinks on a sunny deck after dinner... a definite must have!  Plus I got to wear it with my favorite gladiator sandals from Mainstream Boutique in Savage.

Here's the top I was telling you about.  This is super soft and feminine, I love the floral print and even with the sleeves, it's so lightweight that it's perfect for a breezy day or an evening when the sun goes down.  I cuffed and cropped some white skinnies from Mainstream and I had myself one of the cutest outfits ever.

Last and most definitely not least is this totally swoon worthy romper.  You guys.  EVERYTHING about this makes me think I need it in my closet.  The colors.  The shoulder cutouts. The little tie in front and lace detail on the sleeves. It's just all pure perfection. (Please excuse my ultra white legs... Wowza!  OMG. #MNgirl)

Don't you just love all these bold prints??  I love how easy and effortless they are to style.


I hope you enjoyed looking at these outfits as much as I loved putting them together and posting them for you to check out.  If you see something you love, stop on by Mainstream Boutique in Savage if you're close by!  Experience that unbeatable customer service first hand.  Otherwise, give the ladies a call at (952) 440-4020 and they're more than happy to help you out and ship you your purchases.  Not only are they sweet... they're quick to ship because they know you're excited to get your new stuff.
 You can also follow them on Instagram @mainstreamboutiquesavagemn or FB at Mainstream Boutique Savage MN

*you can follow me on IG @HauteDishHousewife , on FB Haute Dish Housewife , on Pinterest @HauteDishHousewife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.  You can also catch me live on Periscope at HauteDishHWife