National Biscuit Day - May 29!

Okay, buttercups, settle in with a cuppa (or maybe a big ol' glass of sweet tea, this is Texas, y'all!) because your favorite tattooed, pink-loving, slightly shy singing-dancer-blogger-mama is BACK! And guess what glorious day is hurtling towards us like a perfectly baked, golden brown… well, biscuit? That’s right, my loves, mark your calendars for May 29th, 2025, because it’s National Biscuit Day! 🎉

Now, some of you might be thinking, "A whole day for biscuits, Elizabeth?" And to that, I say, honey, have you tasted a truly amazing biscuit? It's not just a side; it's a hug in carbohydrate form. It's the fluffy cloud your gravy floats on. It's the reason breakfast is the most important and the most delicious meal of the day.

So, how am I, The Review Ballerina, going to celebrate this momentous occasion? Well, first things first, there will be biscuits. Lots and lots of biscuits. My teenager, Lil' Ballerina (yes, she’s rolling her eyes at the name even now), will probably emerge from her cave (aka her room) if the aroma of freshly baked goodness wafts strongly enough. Even Daddy Ballerina, bless his heart, gets excited at the sight of a warm biscuit slathered in butter. It’s a universal language, people!

I’ve been known to get a little… enthusiastic… about food, especially when it involves butter, sugar, honey, etc etc. A biscuit has a certain grounded elegance, a rustic charm that even this sometimes-shy dancer can appreciate. Plus, you can FILL THEM WITH ANYTHING. Seriously! Talk about a dance on your tongue Mmm!

Think about it:

• Breakfast: Sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit? A classic for a reason. Drizzle a little hot sauce if you’re feeling spicy (like this mama’s dance moves after a few cups of coffee!).
• Lunch: Crispy fried chicken nestled between two halves of a fluffy biscuit? Oh. My. Goodness. It’s a Southern symphony in your mouth.
• Dinner: Biscuits served warm with a hearty stew or chili? They soak up all that deliciousness like a sponge… a very tasty sponge.
• Dessert: Strawberry shortcake with a sweet biscuit instead of the traditional sponge? Mind. Blown. (Okay, maybe not instead, but alongside? Absolutely!)

And speaking of deliciousness, did you hear about the biscuit who went to the doctor? He was feeling crumbly! 😂 Oh, I crack myself up sometimes. It's been over ten years of this blogging gig, you learn a few things – like how to tell a truly terrible food pun.

But seriously, National Biscuit Day isn't just about eating (though that's a HUGE part of it). It's about celebrating the simple joys in life. It's about that warm, comforting feeling you get from a homemade treat. It's about the memories made around the kitchen table, flour dusting your apron (and probably your hair, if you're anything like me).

So, on May 29th, 2025, I encourage you to get your bake on! Try a new biscuit recipe, support your local bakery, or just grab a tin of those pop-open wonders (no judgment here, we all have those days!). Share your biscuit creations, tag me in your photos, and let's spread the biscuit love!

What are your favorite ways to enjoy a biscuit? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to wear pink while you’re celebrating – it just makes everything better. 😉

Stay fluffy, my friends! 💖 

#NationalBiscuitDay #Biscuits #FoodBlogger #SouthernCooking #ComfortFood #Baking #HomeBaking #May29th #TheReviewBallerina #PinkLover #Foodie #TexasFood #ButteryGoodness #GetYourBakeOn 

How the Electronic Screen changed Society:

Before the internet (and yes, I was alive for that) you had to look at people in the eye when you worked with them. If you wanted to talk to someone you picked up a phone, dialed or spun the dial and you made sure that they could hear your tone of voice. Friday nights were usually met with pizza and movies. Saturday nights were game nights whether it was cards, board, but mostly you sat there with friends. I can't tell you how many Saturday nights I spent with my Dad out at a bar watching him play pool with his buddies, or we'd go visit Uncle Dave and I'd play with their daughter while they hung out and chatted for hours. If you debated? You did it in person. If you needed to talk to someone? You did it in person (most of the time). I find that these days the internet has taken away the ability for society to be able to accept you for you. They now want to hide you away from them if you are a bother to them. Or, they want you to hide from them so they can't see you because you bother them. When did this become acceptable?

My Weight-Loss Journey: How I've been doing it!

Left: Fall of 2022. Right: Fall of 2023

So I was told I should lay out what I've done to lose weight in the last year, and I figured I'd go ahead and tell! I mean it may not work for everyone but if it helps ya'll go for it! These are just some of the things I've been doing, because without health insurance I can't see a nutritionist, get weight loss surgery, etc.

Thinking Thursday: Thoughts on Nadine West:

I have been a Nadine West ambassador for a year now if not a little more. I find myself with every Nadine West package having a wide range of emotions and I'll tell you why in this article! I know so many people want the truth about subscription services, especially clothes, so today, you get the truth!

Recipe Wednesday: Summer Fruit Salad!

I don't know about all of you but Texas Summers just suck. I cannot stand Texas heat, I love cold. So when I wanted a fruit salad, this was the perfect one to make!! Although this calls for bananas due to my stomach I can't eat them, but you can make sure to add them to yours!

Ingredients

Sauce:

• ⅔ cup fresh orange juice
  ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  ½ teaspoon grated orange zest
  ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
  1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Salad:

• 2 cups cubed fresh pineapple
  2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
  3 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced
  3 bananas, sliced
  2 oranges, peeled and sectioned
  1 cup seedless grapes 
  2 cups blueberries

Instructions

• For the sauce: Bring orange juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
  
• For the salad: Layer fruit in a large, clear glass bowl in this order: pineapple, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bananas, oranges, grapes, and blueberries. Pour cooled sauce over fruit; cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours before serving.

Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!

#recipe #recipewednesday #summer #summerfruitsalad #reviewballerina

Mommy Mondays: I'm a Mom first, and a friend second!

The following is the opinion of The Review Ballerina and though it may not be shared by everyone, it is a proud opinion!

When I was growing up, I was raised by my Aunt, Uncle, and Grandmother. Sadly, my Grandmother was not really a "Mom" to me but moreso a friend kind of position. The other sad part is I spent Sunday night through Friday morning with her, and only Friday night through Sunday afternoon with my Aunt and Uncle. So I really did not have the "parental" influence in my life as much as I should have. I've seen so many people in the generations after me (with my generation as their parents) become disrespectful, criminals, smart-mouthed, and more all because in this time for some reason society has stopped parenting. Well, I continue to do so.

Recipe Wednesday: Five Minute Fudge!

Delicious, Decadent, Quick and Easy to Make! Take a look on how to make delicious 5 minute fudge!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 9 ounces butterscotch chips 
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Lightly butter an 8-inch square pan. 
• Heat chocolate and butterscotch chips along with the sweetened condensed milk together over low heat. 
• Stir until fully melted and smooth. Velvety!
• Stir in vanilla and remove from heat. 
• Pour into the prepared pan making sure the top is smoothed out, and chill covered in the refrigerator. 
• Slice and serve when fully cooled and you have some delicious, amazing fudge!

A Couple of Sweet Notes:

• If you’re adding nuts, make sure to add them before removing the mixture from the heat. It will set up quickly once removed and you don't want the nuts to just fall off.
  
  
•  Any type of chip can be substituted for the butterscotch. Some suggestions: peanut butter, mint, a different depth of chocolate flavor, or even those delicious peppermint ones from Toll House!

Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!

#recipe #recipewednesday

Mommy Mondays: Reasons I love being a Mom!

Hi Moms! It's Monday! I wanted to write something inspirational and something feel good. I realized, it's Mommy Monday! I should write about, being a Mom (duh!). I know how hard it can be sometimes. You are tired, stressed, running around cleaning and cooking, working, helping with homework. Sometimes you feel so guilty just wanting to hide in the closet with your glass of wine for five minutes. But, remember why you're so happy being a Mom!

1. My child brings me so much happiness! 

Has your husband/spouse ever just come up behind you and put their arms around you? They hug you close and smile and then you feel all your stress melt away? When my daughter rests against me, snuggles, cuddles, "Nuggles" (as we jokingly call it), hugs, or kisses me I feel that same feeling but times a thousand. She's my sweet miracle baby and finding that joy of Motherhood with her is completely a blessing. Life feels so incredible with her, and I know your children make you feel the same!

2. I'm so proud to impact someone's life and guide them in a positive way!

Growing up my childhood was split between two households: my Grandmother, and my Parents. My Grandma really didn't do a lot of "guiding" moreso she just kind of went through the motions in raising me. I wasn't taught how to balance a checkbook, understand about credit card debt, student loan debt, auto loans, etc. I wasn't even taught about how to live on my own and what happens if you don't pay a bill. I think if I'd had more time during the week with my parents they would've taught me so much more and helped me be an independent person. I'm so grateful that now as a Mom, I'm able to teach these things to my daughter. She already knows she doesn't have to attend college, but she can learn a trade (like auto tech) or something along those lines. She's learning about how to handle bullies so she doesn't skip school (like I would), and more. The fact is, being a parent is so rewarding because you get to help guide and lead a young soul into their own.

3. Being a Mother is something no one can take from me, or you!

My situation is very unique in the sense that my Mom, is not my biological Mother. She though, is my Mom and no one can take that from her. Just as no one can take from me that I am my daughter's Mom. I work very hard to ensure she is taken care of, she is loved, respected, and more and that feeling is something that will never be taken away. Do you know that feeling? Whether you carried your child, adopted your child, or helped raise them, you're their Mom!

4. Being a Mother has helped me to be a more caring and giving person, and being more of a nurturing individual!

I struggle with my own medical conditions, and sometimes I can appear grumpy even when I'm not. But when my daughter comes to me because she doesn't feel well, or wants to be snuggled, or wants to tell me something that is important to her, I get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside! I'm sure you do too, because you get to become this big cuddle bunny for your child to not only take care of them, but love and protect them. It makes you a better person too, because you put them before you.

5. I love getting to see my husband be such an amazing Father!!

I saved the absolute best for last, because this is definitely the best part of being a Mom for me. My husband did not grow up with a purely supportive household. His Dad really was never there for him, in fact his Dad was abusive at times. He went through that abuse until he was 15 or so, and then ended up homeless. The one thing he has always told me is he was going to raise his daughter, to never feel he wasn't there for her. My husband is an incredible father, and I adore knowing that I gave him that chance. He has always told me that having me in his life made him a better man, but having his daughter has made his life perfect. 

Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!

#article #mommymondays #reviewballerina #moms #parents

April 9 - National Unicorn Day!

Did you know that April 9 is National Unicorn Day? What a beautiful day for such a beautiful creature!

Unicorns are mystical, majestic and of course, fictional. Although you'll see many places add cute little horns to their horses for children to pet and ride. Remember, Unicorns do not have wings, but they definitely floated right into all our hearts with their sprinkles of magic flying behind them as they run!

For your own Unicorn photoshoot, check out our experience here or their official website here.

How about some adoriable (adorable, adoriable, you say tomato I say...) facts about the fictional Unicorn??

1. Unicorns are born, and are only found on Earth - Despite possessing beauty and power that seemingly defy the laws of our universe, unicorns call our Earth “home.” Aren't we blessed to have them?

2. Unicorns are energized and fed by the Sun! -  If you happen to stumble upon a unicorn in the forest, you won’t see it munching grass. That’s way too boring, and come on grass is pretty bland. They actually use their horns to absorb the sun’s light and convert it into energy. No wonder we have so much sunlight every day!

3. Unicorns are only found in Forests (Enchanted they must be!) - You’re pretty unlikely to ever see a unicorn unless you hike far and away. Of course, you should still stay vigilant the next time you take a stroll through the woods. Who knows, one could pass right by you.

4. Unicorns tend to have Blue or Purple Eyes - Sometimes if the prominent color of a passing Unicorn is green you may find their eye color matches. But just like humans, that is more rare than the sighting of a Unicorn! 

5. They are magical beyond all worldly feeling and love - If you manage to lay hands on a white unicorn, you’ll receive a special gift: Eternal Happiness. Finding one that happens to sheen rainbow in the sunlight will give you Everlasting Peace with Nature, but again those are even more rare!

Unicorns today can be found on clothes, shoes, furniture, wallpaper, and more. Try to get with your children today, and "find" a Unicorn in your home! Comment below, or tag @reviewballet (instagram) or @reviewballerina (Twitter) with the picture of you with your Unicorn!

Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!

Mommy Mondays: Top 3 Things to Remember Always Being Home!

I've been working from home since 2012. I have found over the years that many women have moved from working in person to at home, and even though my husband is a stay at home father (explained before and later in this) I tend to do a lot on my own. My daughter is also doing her school from home so during the day I'm not only an employee for a company, I'm a learning coach, and a Mother. Here are just some tips that help me get through the days that may assist you all as you transition!

Recipe Wednesday: Lemon Lush!

It is seriously like the best lemon merengue pie ever but in a different form! Enjoy!!

Recipe Wednesday: Strawberry Shortbread!

Delicious Strawberry Shortbread, a must have during a get together!

Recipe Wednesday: BLT Deviled Eggs (KETO)

BLT Deviled Eggs (KETO) Recipe

My husband makes these for every party practically that we go to. They are devoured and requested on numerous occasions! I'm sharing this amazing recipe with everyone because it's just too good to keep to ourselves...just know we'll still bring them to parties!!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten 90s Shows Kids of Today will Love!

I am definitely a 90s Mom. Seriously, I would prefer watching the original Roseanne or Grace Under Fire any day of the week over the current shows. BUT!! Thanks to the amazing works of Paramount+ we can now show our kids the awesome shows that we used to watch that they will get a kick out of! Each show will have a rating beside it letting you know if we think your younger kids 
or older kids! 

Mommy Monday: How to keep your Sanity as a Stay at Home/Work from Home Mom!

How to Cope with Anxiety and Panic -- The Review Ballerina Edition:

I have spent my entire life fighting what millions are dealing with now. COVID-19 has caused so many to have anxiety, panic, self-doubt, worry, depression, and more. I want to help people see there are natural ways to help these chemical imbalances in the brain and to know...you are not alone.

The Review Ballerina is not a medical blog/journal and as such should not be taken as a means to treat, diagnose, or cure any types of mental illness. These are just opinions and steps for this blogger to help those who are just like me.

Why I'm Losing Faith in Doctors:

I have always been a firm believer in the medical profession. I feel that those who take the time to learn how to do a medical specialty, are to be fully trusted to take care of you and your children. I believe in vaccinations, I believe in flu shots and yes, if a COVID19 vaccine comes out as long as there's enough medical proof that it's safe my home will be getting it. But, in the last two years I've begun to start doubting who I can trust...especially when it comes to my daughter. 

The statements made in this article are completely 100% the opinion of this blog owner. This is not an attempt to sway someone one way or the other of their own medical trust. 

Awareness to Suicide Prevention Month 2020:

*Trigger Warning: Verbal and Emotional Abuse, Suicide Discussion Below*

When I was a teenager, I lived with my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. Unfortunately, my relationship with my Great-Grandmother was not very good...in fact I will never understand why but she was verbally abusive towards me for years. She would tell me many things like I was too fat, my clothes were too tight, my hair was too long and that was considered dirty, and other things. My Grandmother was caught in the middle so she never defended me or had her mother stop and as an adult now I can understand why she didn't. I have myself been in situations like that so I will never hold it against her for not telling my Great-Grandmother to stop. 

One day, I was home sick from school (Truth was I was faking) and by mid-afternoon my Great-Grandmother was on a verbal rampage against me. My Grandmother was at work so she couldn't help and I just tried to endure it. But I remember walking into the kitchen in tears, and grabbing a kitchen knife. As I stood there crying hysterically I put the knife to my wrist and pressed down. I pressed, and pressed and just as I broke the skin I snapped out of it and froze in terror. 

I was lucky enough to bring myself out of it, and I told my Grandmother that night just how badly I'd been hurt by what was said to me. (I never told her what I'd done). I know that I was lucky to not do anything but many are not so lucky. So this post is to bring awareness to suicide and to bring attention to Suicide Prevention Month of September.

If you ever feel that you are lost, wanting to harm yourself, or think that suicide is the only way out please do not hesitate to call the Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255. They are there to help you and guide you. 

You can also reach out to me at ballerina@thereviewballerina.com and I will respond. I get my e-mail directly to my phone and if you put that you need a shoulder, an ear, or help please know I will respond to you. 

Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!

July 10 - National "Don't Step On A Bee Day"!

July 10th is officially National "Don't Step on a Bee Day!" This day is especially important, because bees are what helps us with just about everything we need to survive. Food, shelter, oxygen, everything. How is that you ask? Well let's take a look!

So I'm sure many of you every day see this kind of scene in your yards, around your cities and you can't help but wonder just how exhausting it must be to collect dust and pollinate right? Well, these bees help with that! When a bee lands on a flower and collects the pollen, it sticks to their their little legs while they also drink the nectar from the flowers themselves. Then, this little guy will fly around and find another flower landing upon it. The pollen from the first flower will now fertilize with the second flower, allowing for cross pollination to occur as well as reproduction. This is extremely important to allow us the change to continue to receive oxygen from plants but also importantly, it helps with our food sources. 

Above is a list of all of the foods that humans eat, that bees pollinate. You can see above we love so many things that bees are the source of the creation! I mean we can go all the way to the shirts you wear made out of cotton. Look at that, bees pollinate cotton seed. Without the seed being pollinated, they won't bloom therefore, cotton won't be created unless it's synthetically. I really prefer true cotton don't you? Oh and I could not live without my cucumbers, or my olives. 

Have you seen the movie Interstellar? In the film, "blight" is killing off all the crops and so instead of being able to eat hot dogs or peanuts at a baseball game, all that was available was popcorn or artificially made foods like candy and soda. In the film, the only food available to eat was corn. Did you notice corn was not on the list above? Interesting connection there, don't you think? Without the bees to pollinate, we will lose our food supply of many things. On top of that, plants will not grow into the ground which will cause the dust storms that were so large and violent in the film. Though this film doesn't come out and blame the loss of the bee population...I could see this happening.

We must preserve our small little friends! Make sure to plant their favorite flowers in your yard (I'd do it at the back of the yard lol), try not to freak out if you see them! Most of the time bees are doing nothing more than trying to find food, so let them do that! Let's help the bee population! 

Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!

The Struggle of Childhood Epilepsy (TLE) & The Return of The Review Ballerina!

I have been a blogger and reviewer now for, I want to say about four years? You all have watched me move cities, watched my daughter start school, and more. But nothing could've prepared me for the challenge that we have faced over the course of the last few years and now that it seems to be getting under control, it's time to tell everyone what's been going on!

First, to all companies that have worked and partnered with The Review Ballerina, thank you for your patience and understanding as we helped our daughter. We look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.