Three Cheers for TTPDA!

False Eyelashes. Costumes. Tap Shoes.  Ballet Shoes.  Rhinestones. Hair Spray.  Big Smiles.  Supportive Moms.  Encouraging Friends.


What do all these things have in common?  They were found in abundance at the Chanhassen Performing Arts Center, through the front doors, down the hall and behind the last door on the left...  To The Pointe! Dance Academy's dressing room for the Encore Dance Competition. As first timers to this amazing world of dance competition, I noticed so many cool things right when I walked through the dressing room door.  Suitcases that dubbed as closets, garment bags with compartments for all the extras needed for each costume, extra tights, lashes, jewels.  Best of all, I noticed warm, welcoming smiles from the "been there, done that" dance moms, who all seemed WAY more together than me and helped calm my jitters.


First up was ballet.  I helped my Sweet Girl into her costume, put finishing touches on make-up and hair, and gave that sweet face a kiss.  I told her that she knows the dance, that I'm so proud of all her hard work and that this is all meant to be fun.  More than anything, I wanted her to have fun.
I let her go with her group to practice and ran to the seats to meet up with my husband and our Little One to await her arrival on stage. 
Our group was called and all those tiny dancers walked out on stage and gave it their all.  Their dance was to Once Upon A December and it was choreographed perfectly by my Sweet Girl's dance teacher, Ms. Kris.  Ms. Kris is 100% AMAZING... from the beautiful dances she choreographs, (she was recognized for her hard work and talent with the well-deserved Best Choreography award at the awards ceremony) to the way she patiently teaches so many giggly girls their dances. 
One of the many things I love about To The Pointe! Dance Academy is  that they are always tasteful.  The dances, the song choices, the costumes.  Everything is done with class.  As a mother of a young girl (who like most young girls, look up to their older peers) this is something that makes me so happy.  She could cheer for her mentors, her babysitter, her neighbor... and I knew their costumes would be tasteful, their dancing and songs would be appropriate.
As soon as her first dance was over, I ran back to greet her in the dressing room.  ALL those girls came off stage with the biggest, proudest smiles!  It helped that the very girls they look up to and admire were giving them high fives and telling them what an amazing job they did!
We helped them with a quick costume change, watched their tap routine to Lollypop (Which seriously couldn't have been cuter) and then enjoyed a well-deserved snack and break.  My Sweet Girl was reunited with her Daddy and her sissy for some pictures and hugs and then after they went home we enjoyed some "big girl" time.  Just the two of us.  We got to check out all the older girls' routines while we waited for the awards ceremony.
To The Pointe! Dance Academy had such a wonderful presence at the competition and all groups did such a wonderful job!  My sweetie took home High Gold for both ballet and tap and then placed 5th all around for their Once Upon A December routine.
The rest of To The Pointe! Dance Academy's well-deserved awards are as follows:
Production – Platinum, 1st place and Outstanding Choreography Award (CONGRATS to Ms Kris on an amazing accomplishment – you deserve this! Special thanks to Miss Allie for all of your help with the practices and adding the musicality piece!)
Platinum Elite – Ultra high golds (3), high gold (1), finalist
Tribute – Platinum, ultra high gold (2), finalist, 1st place, overall high score for senior category
Acclaim – Platinum, ultra high gold, high gold, finalist
Heaven – Ultra high gold, high gold (2), 1st place
Amaze – Platinum (2), high gold, finalist, 1st place, Crowd Pleaser Award (jazz), Judge’s Choice (tap) and paid Nationals bid to Dallas or Las Vegas
Encore – Platinum, ultra high gold (2), finalist, 1st place, overall high score for junior category
Harmony – High gold (2), gold, finalist
Escalate – Ultra high gold, high gold (2), finalist
Spirit – High gold (3), finalist
Praise – High gold (2), finalist – great job at your first competition!
Admire – High gold
Soul – High gold, finalist
Bravo – High gold, finalist
Faith – High gold (2), gold, finalist
Solos, Duets, Trios:
Alison - High gold, finalist
Katelyn W - gold
Katelyn F - Gold, finalist
Sophia – High gold, finalist and recipient of National Scholarship to Dallas or Las Vegas to compete for Encore Performer of the Year
Lana – Ultra high gold and finalist
Erika – High gold
Skyler – Ultra high gold, 1st place and recipient of National Scholarship to Dallas or Las Vegas to compete for Encore Performer of the Year
Allie – Gold
McKenzie and Sydney – High gold and finalist
Abby, Taylor, Olivia – High gold and finalist
Avery and Lana – Ultra high gold and finalist
Ashlyn, Charlotte and Leo – Ultra high gold and finalist
Evie and Ashley – Ultra high gold
Reagan and Abbi – Ultra high gold and 1st place
Laura and Alysha – Gold
Anna and Emilee – Ultra high gold and 1st place


Here are some pictures from the big day!

Tiny Dancer

Me and my Sweet Girl

A trio of cuties

The crew

Lunch break with Daddy & Little One

Biggest Fan.  She looks up to her sister so much!

To The Pointe! Dance Academy's Spring recital will be held the weekend of May 13-15th at the New Prague High School.  For more information regarding the upcoming show or classes, please check out their website at www.tothepointedanceacademy.com or email them at tothepointedanceacademynp@gmail.com

To The Pointe: Put Your Best Foot Forward

At the beginning of the dance season my Sweet Girl received an invitation from To The Pointe! Dance Academy to join the Praise! competition group. She has been dancing with To The Pointe! Dance Academy for a few years now and was thrilled at the opportunity to spend more time on stage performing.
This Saturday will be the very first time she will be competing.  While we have been excited and a bit nervous, we have been so fortunate for all the preparation that To The Pointe! Dance Academy puts forth into their dancers and parents.  We have been taught how to do hair and makeup for the competition, we have been told what the judges look for, but most importantly, my Sweet Girl has been encouraged to smile, do her best and to have FUN. (which is a good life lesson, period.)
Recently, the girls were invited to a competition workshop.  (pictures below) To The Pointe! Dance Academy coached the girls on polishing their routines, did teambuilding activities as well as talked about good nutrition and healthy snack choices. I can't even begin to express the many things these dancers learn from being part of a To The Pointe! dance team.  My Sweet Girl is learning that practice makes perfect, that hard work and determination pays off, that it's important to work together as a team, to help each other out when one is struggling and to encourage and support one another.  She has made friends, built confidence, and learned the meaning of "team" all while having FUN.  These are all skills that, while learning at the young age of 7, will help her in years to come.

One of my daughters favorite parts of dance is the support of the older dancers that she looks up to.  Through To The Pointe! Dance Academy's mentorship program, my Sweet Girl has been encouraged by the very girls she inspires to dance like.  Nothing is more heartwarming than to see the older girls find their little mentorees at the recitals and shows and give them big hugs and good luck wishes before they perform. 
I know that every dance company is different, but I know in my heart that we are lucky to have To The Pointe! Dance Academy in our community.  Angela, TTPDA's owner, is 100% present, involved and invested in each dancer and family.  The instructors are absolutely wonderful, encouraging and supportive to all dancers. They choose age appropriate costumes, songs and choreography, which is so important to me as a mother. 
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. 
See the To The Pointe! Dance Academy competition groups perform this upcoming weekend (April 22-24) at the Encore Performing Arts Competition being held at the Chanhassen High School PAC.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Bipolar Minnesota decided to have a good week and we have been blessed with sunshine and warmth.  Bring on the shades and the smiles!
The style associates are the best of the best at Mainstream Boutique in Savage and just walking through the door gives you the feeling that you're going to have a positive experience.  Don't get me wrong... I looooooove myself a mall.  But when it comes to customer service and unique styles, there is just no comparison.  I love wearing something that I know not everyone else in the Midwest is going to be wearing as well. Plus, Mainstream Boutique in Savage has associates that are as knowledgeable as they are helpful.  They know the styles.  Every body type is different and that is taken into consideration when buying for the store.  Dyana (owner) does an incredible job of keeping all customers in mind and stocks the store with the cutest styles to flatter one and all.  Not sure if what you have on brings out the best you or you're having trouble putting together an outfit?  The Mainstream ladies LOVE to help you and are willing to give their honest opinion, so don't hesitate to ask!
If you aren't lucky enough to live close to Mainstream Boutique in Savage to experience that incredible customer serve first hand, CALL!  Or you can even check out their Facebook page (link below) and check out the daily new arrivals.  The sales associates are just as helpful over the phone and online.  They know how exciting it is when us ladies treat ourselves to something new and are quick to ship because they know you're looking forward to receiving your new purchases.

I'll be honest.  I woke up on Tuesday and my mood (despite the sunshine) was a bit foul.  I think we all have those days and while I like to chose happiness, some days just seem more difficult to do that than others.  My kids weren't being stinkers, my husband had no idea I was cranky... I just was.  I had no excuse and resorted to having a bad day in my mind.  Gave the kids kisses, dropped one at school and the other at daycare and made my way to Mainstream.  It's something I really look forward to during the week.  Fashion and girl talk... it's all good!  However, my cranky mood was filling me with worry and anxiety.  I finished my coffee, (ok... feeling a little better) stepped into the sunshine (getting even better) and then walked into the store.  Emily (one of the sweet sales associates) looked up, gave me a big, bright smile and a happy hello.  I took a deep breath and that's when I decided that despite a crabby, crummy morning, it was going to be a wonderful day.
And it really, truly was.


Here are this weeks picks.  Fun patterns, bright colors... Springtime, we are so ready for you!


Mainstream Boutique in Savage has a fun new line of clothing filled with bold patterns and bright colors.  This shirt is so light, airy and I absolutely love the sleeves.  I paired with cropped jeans but it  would be a great shirt to throw on with some shorts over your swimsuit as a quick way to pull yourself together for a quick errand.

Talk about fun sleeves?  This coral (Spring/Summers hottest color) shirt not only has the cold shoulder trend, but the sleeves are kinda the coolest.  Ever.  I like how the shirt itself is fitted but the sleeves take on a personality of their own.  Pair with some destructed boyfriend jeans, fab sandals and a cute necklace.  You'll be looking like 100% perfection.

I'm a sucker for simple dresses.  AND black and white. SO this pretty much spoke to me the minute I walked in the door.  Nude shoes elongate the legs (bonus if they have a bit of heel to them) and the belt brings in the waist a bit.  I added a unique necklace with a pop of color for some extra fun.

Layers are the best when transitioning to Spring.  Mainstream Boutique has some pretty lightweight scarves in the store that are perfect to add a layer of warmth to your springtime ensemble.  The little cutout details in this shirt are so lovely, and again, a belt to give me a bit of shape. This simple navy maxi is available in other colors as well and is so easy to style. I slipped on my fav sandals (just restocked!) from Mainstream Boutique.  They sold out speedy quick the last time so be sure to hurry and get your before they're gone again!

Are fun patterns your jam??  Then these lightweight pants are for you.  They are so fun and I LOVE the tank.  "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."  (I'll just give you a  few minutes so you can sing the song a bit...)  The stackable bracelets were a fun addition to this outfit as well and would add a perfect pop of color to nearly any outfit.

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 https://www.facebook.com/MainstreamBoutiqueSavageMn

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife or on Twitter and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.

(The Best) Chicken Enchiladas

I think most households have those "staple" recipes.  The ones that are made often enough but that nobody gets sick of.  This is one of those recipes, my friends.  I hope it becomes one of those recipes for you as well.

These chicken enchiladas are not only completely delectable and easy, but I like to make a double batch of filling because it freezes so well.  Just thaw it out, spoon it in the shells, roll them up and ta-daa!  Another great recipe for busy days/nights or when you get some extra dinner guests on a short notice. 

Plus, just look at how delicious these look!!

I love to make homemade enchilada sauce when I can, but there's no shame in using can enchilada sauce in a pinch.  (Thanks, Old El Paso :) ) 

This recipe was posted along with a kids Halloween craft a year or so ago on my blog but I keep kicking myself for not letting these enchiladas be the star of the show, which is why I'm reposting it.  Chicken enchiladas just really are that good!

I wrote sharp cheddar cheese into the recipe below, but in fact, I often times use a blend of sharp cheddar and a white Mexican queso cheese by the brand Supremo.  It's a red package and I've found it at Cub Foods.  It's awesome.  I use a cup of each cheese for a perfect combo. 

In short, you guys totally gotta try this recipe!

Chicken Enchiladas

*3-4 cooked and shredded chicken breasts

*can of cream of chicken soup

*one cup of sour cream

*an 8oz bag of shredded cheddar cheese (I use sharp cheddar for an extra kick!)

*1 small can of corn

*1/2 can green chili's

*1.5 cups of Muir Glen Organic Medium Salsa (it's my fav)

*2 cans of your fav enchilada sauce (OR make your own using the recipe below!)

*12 soft tortilla shells

*one handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

Mix together chicken, soup, sour cream, half a bag of cheese, corn, chili's, and the salsa.  (You can prep this ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days if you'd like.) Top each soft shell with a heaping spoonful of filling and roll up.  Lay them in the pan seam side down.  Top with at least one can of enchilada sauce (two if you like a lot of sauce) and the remaining cheese.  Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.  Top with fresh cilantro.  I serve mine with lettuce, sour cream, guac or avocado slices, more salsa and sometimes I toss on some black olives.  YUUUUUUUUMMMM.

***If you only need half of the filling, save the other half!  Spoon it into a freezer bag and store in the freezer for a quick meal later on in the month! This filling freezes really well.

If your feeling up to making your own enchilada sauce (and you may as well because this recipe couldn't be easier) here are the deets:

*2 tbls canola oil

*2 tbls flour

*4 tbls chili powder 

*1/2 tsp garlic powder

*1/2 tsp salt

*1/4 tsp cumin

*1/4 tsp oregano

2 cups of chicken of vegetable stock

Heat oil over medium-high heat. Add flour and mix it in there for about one minute.  Then stir in your other seasonings. (chili powder through oregano) Gradually add your stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce heat and simmer about 10-15 minutes until your sauce thickens up.  Store in an air tight container for up to two weeks.

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife , Snap Chat username: HauteDishHWife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife for more food, fashion and family.

My Graphic Tee Love Affair

Friends, my love affair with graphic tees goes waaaaaaaaay back.  I mean, what's not to love?  These days the graphic tee has come back so hard for summer and you will see them paired with jeans, skirts... even pinstriped trousers.  Say whaaaaaat??!!
I walked into Mainstream Boutique in Savage this week and imagine my delight to see the store has been stocked full off super fun graphic tees.  Like, "kid on Christmas morning" happy.
While I'm completely open to the fitted band graphic tee or a retro team style shirt, these days it's tees with a statement that does it for me.  I find it kinda fun to go into my closet and come out with something that pretty much says how I'm feeling. Literally.


Like...

Today, I remember my youth.

Today, I'd give anything to hop in the car, carefree and see where the road takes me.

Today I want to let all my partners in crime know I'm ready for a night out!

Today, I'm going to tap into my creativity, brainstorm and see what it brings.

Today I'm going shopping aaaaalllll day long!

The thing I really like about this line of graphic tees is how soft they are.  Not only do they look good but they feel good too.  Who doesn't love a comfy tee?

I also want you to take a good look at the super cute accessories I used in my outfit picks for this week.  Mainstream Boutique in Savage has such a great selection of earrings, necklaces and bracelets to choose from. I especially love the bright yellow earrings I wore with the "gypsy soul" tee and the jeweled earrings with the "wild at heart tee."  Let's not forget the shoes!  They are as comfortable as they are stylish.

If you're feeling unsure about what fit flatters you most, what top goes with what bottom or which accessory would look the best with your latest purchase, fear not friends.  That's what the sales associates are for at Mainstream Boutique in Savage and they love to help you out and answer any questions you may have.  And they really know their stuff so they're great at it!

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

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife or on Twitter and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.

Love My Lashes

I have always said that the one beauty product I couldn't live without (other than chapstick, because, duh...) would be mascara.  On the days I choose to go without or just run out of time to apply it, I get remarks such as, "Ooooohhhh, you look tired." Or even, "Are you coming down with something."  Yeaaaahhhh.  Then at the end of the day when I'm washing my face and removing makeup, it never fails that my mascara is the biggest pain in the butt to get off.  Or, God forbid you cry during an unexcpected sad book or movie (or if your at your wits end with a crabby kid) and you find yourself looking in a mirror with mascara streaks down your face.
None of these things are fun but totally worth it to have longer looking lashes, right?? But wouldn't it be even better to have those stunning lashes without the hassle of mascara?? I've tried numerous mascaras and haven't really achieved the long, natural lash look I've been hoping for.
But behold!  I've found an answer!

Check out my before and after.  Sweet, right?

Before

After

After

I've been curious about lash extensions for a long time now. The idea of waking up, looking in a mirror and not looking like death just seemed super appealing to me.(heehee)  But for real. 
I hesitated because I worried they'd be super high maintenance, (wrong) maybe kinda painful to put on/have (wrong again, completely pain free and they feel like your natural lashes) and that they wouldn't be worth the money spend on them.  (Totally off base as they are so worth it. Plus mention my blog and you'll get a deal.  More on that later...)
I recently got in touch with my friend Mary Beth, whom I worked with years ago BK. (Before Kids)
Seriously... isn't she adorable!?!?!

I found out that she has been doing lash extensions for women all over the Twin Cities area for SIX years.  That makes for many happy clients!  (She recently applied lash extensions to her first post-chemo patient and said that seeing her so happy at the end of the appointment was one of her best moments being in this profession)   She owns her own business called Love My Lashes by MB and works out of a cute, cozy little office in Savage.  I decided to take the plunge and make an appointment. 
Not only was it wonderful to see MB, catch up on life and get advice on motherhood, I got to lay down, relax and just let her go to work on making my eyes beautiful.  Mary Beth gently glued the extensions onto my own eyelashes, one by one and it was completely pain free to apply them.  No pulling or poking. In fact, she said many of the women who come into her office fall asleep during their appointment.  Imagine that!  Then you get to wake up to lush, gorgeous looking lashes?!?!  I'd call that a positive experience, FOR SURE!
I was absolutely thrilled when I opened my eyes and saw my new lashes.  It was even better knowing that I was going to wake up the next day and they'd still look just as long and pretty.  I'm totally addicted and I'm so glad I gave Love My Lashes by MB a try. I'm a super happy client!  

So here's the big bonus for you...
Call Mary Beth to make your appointment (or just to have her answer any questions you may have) and mention my blog.  You will get your lashes (reg. $200 for a full set) for $100.  Seriously.  50% off... that's to good of a deal to pass up.  Let your curiosity get the best of you and give these lashes a try.  I really couldn't be happier with my results and I'm willing to bet you'll be thrilled with yours as well.
You can follow Love My Lashes by MB on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LoveMyLashesBymb/?fref=ts or feel free to email Mary Beth at imhoff.mb@gmail.com with any questions.
And, of course, you may give her a call as well...

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife , Snap Chat username: HauteDishHWife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife for more food, fashion and family.

Campanelle Carbonara

I. Can't. Even.
Friends, this is the real deal.  If you're looking for perfect carbonana, this is it.  Even if you weren't seeking out the perfect carbonara recipe, you need to try this.  I urge you.  It's easy and incredibly delicious.


So, a few weeks ago a friend of mine had a meeting scheduled and asked if I wouldn't mind driving her daughter (who is in the same class as my oldest) home from school since her husband was out of town with work.  Of course!  Us mama friends have to stick together!  We figured since I was over there that we'd let the kids play while we chatted and caught up.  She's one of my fav people to talk to and hours just pass by so quickly when we are together.  She insisted we stay over for dinner and wanted to treat us to her very favorite recipe... carbonara.  Not one to turn down a plate of pasta and fantastic company, I graciously accepted her invitation and then proceeded to watch her every single move as she created the most mouth watering, incredibly delicious bowl of pasta ever.  Feast your eyes...

It's so simple, but it tastes so amazing.  She insisted that if I share this recipe with you, that you must understand the importance of using fresh garlic, the correct cheeses and, perhaps the most important of all... Nueske's brand bacon.  It makes a world of difference.  It can be found at Cub, Lund's or Byerly's. 

Most people make carbonara with spaghetti but we are not most people.  You're certainly welcome to use any shape of pasta you'd like, but my friend used Barilla's campanelle and I thought it was perfection.

Here it is, my dear reader.  The treasured recipe for the most amazing bowl of carbonara you'll ever taste.  It's better than in a restaurant and perfectly easy to whip up when you have guests over.  They'll be totally impressed... I know I was!

Campanelle Carbonara

*one pound of Barilla brand campanelle (or whichever pasta shape you choose)

*3 egg yolks

*6-8oz thinly sliced Nueske's bacon

*one shallot, thinly sliced

*3 tablespoons of olive oil

*4 cloves of garlic, minced

*1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes

*8oz of parmigiano-reggiano & romano, grated

Boil a big pot of water and once the pasta goes in, start your cooking.  Heat olive oil over low-medium heat in a sauté pan.  Add bacon, garlic, & shallot.  Stir often and until bacon is cooked.  You do NOT want crisp bacon or overdone bacon.  

I mean, look at that.  Beautiful! 



Place three egg yolks in the bottom of a large serving bowl.  Cook pasta to al dente and drain.  Add the hot pasta to the large serving bowl along with the bacon mixture. Toss it all together, add half the cheeses and toss again.  Serve with the rest of the grated cheese, some black pepper, and be sure to place some fresh garlic on the side for those who can never get enough garlic.

Share, share, share!  Share with family, friends or anyone else that may need a delicious, comforting bowl of carbonara.  This one can't be beat.  Enjoy!

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife , Snap Chat username: HauteDishHWife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife for more food, fashion and family.