The Most Romantic Candy

 ~Pretty princess color

~Velvety soft texture

~Melt on you tongue wonderfulness

~Light as air goodness

~Comes in all cloud like formations

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If fairies ever had a favorite candy I'm sure it was of the cotton type.

Do you love cotton candy like I do?

Isn't it the most romantic and whimsical candy ever?

 

Friday's Jumping Blogger

This week's jumping blogger is Ashley (aka a.g.) from Other Than the Weather, an adorable blog that shows off her fun and sweet personality.

And here she is on her wedding day with her wedding party:

She was insistent that they take this picture and here's why:

I think people tend to let down their defenses when they get silly and get dancing and jumping so catching them in the air is a pretty cool moment to capture.

I totally agree!  And to send in your dancing or jumping photo just email them to me at tiffkaddy at hotmail.com.

Do you have any wedding jumping pictures?  I just love those!

Calligraphy

At the school I went to part of the curriculum was learning how to write Calligraphy.  We had our own special fountain pen, blotting paper, and cartridges.  In our sailor uniforms we sat upright at our desks, feet flat on the ground, and held our beautiful pens just the right way. 

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Our teacher, Mrs. Newman, would walk around and tell us (in her very thick English accent) what letters to write.  She commented that I had very nice "o's."  To this day I still enjoy writing my "o's." 

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Calligraphy is an art and I love seeing it on wedding announcements, invitations, and anything else that calls for special paper.  It's a nice touch to just about anything (even apples!)  Knowing that this was how princesses and princes wrote to their loved ones makes me feel so special when I write in this ancient style.

Changing Professions

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I admit that although I love my job in the dance world I still have dreams of changing my profession.  Why, you ask?  Uh, so I can wear really cute clothes, carry a beautiful attache, and not have to completely change an outfit in order to go out with friends.  

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What do you wear to work?  Am I crazy for wanting to play dress up everyday?

Guess the Secret Snack

~They are at the fair. 

~ They come in a cute little brown box. 

~They are cold. 

~They are salty. 

~They are sweet. 

~They are delicious. 

What are they?

Chocolate Covered Bacon.

My new favorite snack.

Sophisticated taste buds only.

What's the weird but delicious food you love?
(I also have a weakness for Mac and Cheese from a box. )

(And can you guess where the shirt I'm wearing is from?  New York readers?)


PS... a few updates:
My shoes from the previous post are here but it's hard to see them.
You can find my diary  at Marta Cards.
I haven't gone to the derm for my mole.  They cancelled and I have yet to call them back.
I need to go see my doctor about my wrist because it's getting worse and I flaked on my last appointment.
My birthday was two Saturdays ago and I didn't blog about it because I thought it would be a boring post.  Apparently chocolate covered bacon is more interesting to me.

My Own Cinderella Moment

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 The other night Mr. Branflake and I were riding our bikes to a friend's house for dinner.   I wore my super cute nude patent flats with a bow.  I knew they were not biking shoes but I couldn't resist- sneakers would not have matched the outfit.

As we rode through a busy intersection I realized my shoe had fallen off.  I yelled "my shoe!"  and before I knew it Mr. Branflake, who had already crossed to the other side, put down his bike, ran into the intersection, and ran back with my shoe.  He then knelt down to put it back on my foot and I seriously felt my heart swoon.  I told him "thank you" and he smiled his charming smile and said "no problem!"

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I think all women should have a few Cinderella moments in their lives.

Another Craving

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I have been craving a hamburger like none else.  Even after eating a very large meal I think to myself, "Humph.  I could totally go for a burger right now."  The craving is getting so intense I might have to eat a few this weekend.

I love bacon, avocados, and blue cheese on my burger.  

What are your favorite toppings?

Friday's Dancing Blogger and a Few Flexibility Tips

This is dancer Alexa from Ballet Fillet.  Impressive, yeah?

For those wanting more flexibility in the back, it's not as hard as you think.  Although you may not be able to jump like Alexa, gaining a more flexible and stronger back is key to good posture and good health. 

Some Tips:

~Try the famous cobra yoga position.  Go as far as you can and hold for thirty seconds. Try going a little farther each time.

~Lay on your stomach and lift up your chest and arms and hold it for a minute.  When you feel your chest lowering fight to go a little higher.

~ Traditional back bends and the camel pose not only help with back flexibility but also balance. 

~Stretch your back out the other way in child's pose.  This is important as to not stress out the back too much.  A forward bend is also recommended.

Remember, for each stretch go only as far as it is comfortable.  Also, I am not a yoga expert or a doctor so all my recommendations are purely things that have helped me gain more flexibility.  Tried and tested by yours truly.

And if you would like to send in a jumping, dancing, twirling photo just email me at tiffkaddy at hotmail.com.  It can be a professional one like Alexa or a "I just wanna have fun" shot of you on the beach.  We are all dancers!

A Diary Entry

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My awesome sister in law gave me a little book that everyday allows me to fill in the blanks.
I love it because it helps me to stop and smell the roses a little bit longer.


Dear Diary,


Today


i love the smell of
the three bouquets of birthday flowers on my dining room table


i love the sound of
the wind rippling through the trees.  Fall is near!


i love the taste of
brie on thin slices of a white nectarine


i love the sight of
a beautiful photograph.  
I also love calling them photographs.


i love the feel of
my strong muscles as I ride my bike along the levee




What do you love today?

Did you know that the drapey look is in?  I couldn't be more excited because all dancers are experts at draping, layering, and the wrap sweater.   It's part of our unending battle with cold studios and theaters and the tedious rehearsal process.  Gotta keep those muscles warm!

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Yesterday I had a two hour break in between ballet and modern.  I thought I would catch up on some blogging but instead I found myself at Anthropologie.  Oh dear.  I was surrounded by the cutest drapey sweaters and tops.  

Long Embrace Cardigan

Dawning Cardigan

Shadowsleeve Cardigan

Ripped Page Wrap

I left the store with two tops and the cutest pair of sailor pants.  I'm definitely looking forward to the Fall!  (Maybe a Fall in Italy perhaps? hee hee)

Anyone been in Anthropologie lately? 

My Number One Fashion Rule

My number one rule when I go clothes shopping is to only buy things I would wear if I were in a fashionable country like Italy or France.  Imagine my utter surprise and delight when I received news from the wonderful blog escapade that I had won this oh so chic dress from their Shabby Apple giveaway.  And guess what?  It totally arrived on my birthday.  Happiness all around!

  I can totally imagine myself wearing this dress while taking a ride in a gondola, on my way to eat some fresh pasta and decadent dessert.  

If clothes don't make you dream of traveling then I don't know what does. 

The Dreaming Tree

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I dream of having two dreaming trees.  One for Mr. Branflake and one for me.  And then we'll connect a hammock in between them and dream away together.

What would you do with a Dreaming Tree?
Anyone else a constant daydreamer?

Throwing Away the Past

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I don't know about you, but I have a plethora of cassette tapes stored away in Xerox paper boxes.  What should I do with them?  I don't foresee myself listening to them in the near future but throwing them out would be throwing away Color Me Badd and En Vogue (eeek!).  Although there is iTunes for some reason getting rid of the physical tape seems sacrilege.

What did you do with all your tapes?  And who even owns a cassette player anymore?

Friday's Jumping Blogger Is Way Too Cute

Becca from Adorable Optimism sent this photo in a few weeks ago and I could not help but smile when I saw it.  How cute is she?  And how many times have we wanted to do this but refrained because of the warnings from our mothers?

From her email:

"I am certainly not a dancer! But I do like to jump on my bed..."

 

Her blog is just like this photo- fun, happy, and so cute you just want to hug her.  Or join her.

Anyone going to jump on their beds today?  I sure hope so!

To send in your own jumping/dancing/twirling photo to be featured, just email it to me at tiffkaddy at hotmail.com  And send me a link to your blog if you have one. 

Traveling

I have dreams of traveling all over the world and when I do I want to look like this.  

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~Cute colorful dress 

~sweet cardigan 

~fancy nancy camera 

~chic yet casual bag 

~and stylish yet simple accessories

I imagine she's at a Farmer's Market in Southern France and has just taken a photo of the bright blue Mediterranean Sea.

If you could go anywhere in the world with unlimited funds, where would you go?

Gaining Weight

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The amazingly beautiful Audrey Hepburn suffered from body image issues (and "survivor's guilt").

Over at Dance Advantage you can find an article I wrote concerning body image issues within the dance community.  I start the article writing about something I found on a "health" website.  On this website you can upload your picture and see what you would look like if you lost or gained weight.  What the what?  Who in their right mind would ever want to do that?  (raises hand slowly and silently)

It got me thinking: What purpose is this supposed to serve?  All it did for me was make me more neurotic about looking at myself.  Could it be that (gasp!) the website wants us to be even more obsessed about our looks and therefore invest more time and interest in their website?  Of course me, the sucker for all marketing, fell right into this trap and clicked over to the "how to fight weight gain" button after looking at myself ten pounds heavier.  (hangs head slowly and silently)

Anger.  At myself and at this very popular website that I refuse to name.  Why would anyone want to promote anything but a healthy attitude toward our bodies?  All I want to say to myself and to this website is:

Who Cares? People gain weight.  People lose weight.  It's part of life. 

Do you freak out if you gain weight?  I know many of you don't even own a scale.  I admire you for that!


To read the article on Dance Advantage click here or look for: Guest Post: Body Image — Are You Looking For Perfection In Your Reflection?

Summer Love and Loss

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It seems that a lot of people find their loves during the summer.  Why is that?  Maybe it's the school day mentality that summer is a time for freedom, traveling, and meeting cute boys at parks.  I know Mr. Branflake and I fell in love during the summer.  When the days are hot and the sun is bright I always think back to our walks during the cool summer nights and hour long good-bye's under the star studded sky.  We had an awesome summer courtship. 


All my condolences to Marija's family.  If you have a chance, please send love their way.  This bright blogger was killed in a car accident a few days ago.  Her loving husband recounts their love in the latest entry on her blog, Holding Court.  A loss like this is surely felt through out the whole blogging community.

I'm Back!

The Repertory Dance Theater intensive is over and I can't tell you how much I loved it. Every moment was exciting and fun. You know how some things fall into place so well you almost feel like you're dreaming? That's how it was for me everyday for the last two weeks. I wish I could have stayed two more weeks but duty (and husband) called and I knew it was time for me to go home. All great things can't last forever, right?

The intensive for Dangerous Lorraines Dance Theater (the company I dance with) starts tomorrow so my mind and body has had two days to recover before gearing up for another round of dancing.  I love dancing with DLDT and I'm excited to get to know the new company members a little better.

Me during my first year with DLDT in 2007

I can't believe we are half way through the season.  My birthday month is just flying by and every part of me never wants to let this summer go.  It's filled to the brim with dancing, dancing, and more dancing.  I love it!

What's your summer filled with?
(by the way, I came home from the airport to a beautiful vase of red roses.  Thank you, Mr. Branflake!)

Green Gables

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Yesterday I watched Anne of Green Gables and now my head is swirling with green fields, wooden bridges, and kindred spirits.  I would love to visit Prince Edward's Island one day.  Who's with me?

Jumping Bloggers

Diana from One Crafty Fox, Size Medium, and Baby Nook sent in this photo of her on the beaches of St. Lucia. 

In her own words:
"Mind you, I'm not a dancer... I am anything but graceful... but I thought you might like this beach photo.  He (the boyfriend) wouldn't stop snapping pics of me, so I got all silly, lol.  I was definitely jumping for joy :)"

I love it because she obviously knows how to have a good time.  I believe we are all dancers and find our truest joy when dancing and jumping around.  And the fact that it's on the beach?  Perfection! 

To be like Diana just send in a photo of yourself jumping or dancing to me at tiffkaddy at hotmail.com.  And let me know if you want me to mention your blog.  Have an awesome Jumping Friday!

Jewels in the Sky

 True Story:
Before last night I had never seen the movie "Up".  I had no desire to see it but EVERYONE told me I HAD to see it.  So I did and my life is forever changed.

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How could a love story be that awesome?  

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How could a movie be that funny?  

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How could balloons have made such a comeback without this awesome movie?  

(In case you've been in a blogger cave, balloons have been huge since the movie came out.) 

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SQUIRREL!

Natalie Portman's Boyfriend

 I love Natalie Portman and I am more than proud that she is dating New York City Ballet dancer Benjamin Millepied.  This reminds me of the days when dancers dated famous people and were always seen in fashion magazines and tabloids.  Those were the days...

Alas, here are some photos of Natalie's boyfriend. 

 

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Anyone here ever dated a dancer?  How about an actor?

  And don't photos of dancers make you want to workout? 

Sweet Ice

Williams-Sonoma has these fun ice pop makers and my mind is buzzing with all the flavorful possibilities.  What would you put in them? 

(I wonder what a piece of cake or cheesecake would taste like)

Peanut Butter: Another Love Story

Mr. Branflake:  Where's the peanut butter?
Dancing Branflake: In my purse.

 Mr. Branflake: Why is it in your purse?
Dancing Branflake: Because I like peanut butter.  It's a good snack.

Mr. Branflake: Oh, yes, of course.  That makes perfect sense.
Dancing Branflake: I knew you would understand.

For all peanut butter enthusiasts, please take a moment and appreciate this Peanut Butter and Jam Wallet to go along with the jar of peanut butter in your purse.

Cutest Idea Ever!

How cute are these Williams-Sonoma Apple Pocket Pie Molds? 

Step 1: Press

Step 2: Fill

Step 3:Assemble

Step 4: Voila!

Ah, apple pie- The great American treat!  
Happy Independence Day, America!

Friday's Dancing Blogger

Sara, from C'est La Vie (who I think you all know), blogs about her life in Utah as a lover of all things beautiful, interesting, and inspiring.  She sent this photo in and I loved it immediately.  And after hearing her story I loved it even more.

 This photo, explained in her own words:

"I went through an abusive divorce and after I decided that I needed to
set some goals, one was to take an adult ballet class because I always
wanted to! So why not?! haha  So this is my and my sisters first dance class ever, as adults."

Talk about amazing!  I think it's awesome that after adversity she set goals and achieved them.  I also recommend everyone to take an adult ballet or dance class at their local dance studio.  For more motivation see my post about adult ballet classes here.

Anyone here have things they have always wanted to do?  

To send in your own dancing or jumping photo just email them to me at tiffkaddy at hotmail.com.  Professionals and all lovers of dance are invited!

Birthday Cakes

July is my birthday month and all I can think about is what kind of birthday cake I want.  I am loving these Miette Cakes.  If you've ever gone to the Ferry Building in San Francisco, you know how jaw dropping this bakery is. 

I am in love with this stunning Scharffen Berger chocolate cake.

This one is called "Princess."  Very fitting.

I love the simplicity of their "Old Fashioned."  It reminds me of a perfect hot fudge sundae. 

They also have amazing Parisian Macaroons and the most beautiful shortbread.  And their cupcakes?  Incredible!

What kind of birthday cake do you fancy?
(or are you a pie/brownie/ice cream person?)