Delicious Date Nights in DFW!

One of my favorite things is food. Seriously, I love a good meal! I love everything from a white table cloth restaurant to a hole-in-the-wall wooden sign kind of place! Good food is good food! Any time we are going on a date, it is centered around where we are going for dinner.

I have three solid suggestions for your next date night! They are sure to please!

First up is Acadia Parish! A hidden gem behind Blue Mesa off West 7th! It is a SUPER casual type place. The whole place is on a patio with wooden picnic tables. A native Louisianian owns the place, and opened it after missing real cajun food. They drive to Louisiana to buy their crawfish, and it shows! They are some of the best (and biggest...for real...they're HUGE) crawfish I've ever had! They have all the cajun favorites. From boudin to beignets!

Like I said...it's VERY casual!

As you are pulling up you might be confused. You park in a sketchy looking parking lot, and will find Acadia sandwiched between an outdoor country type bar, and a heavy metal scream-o type establishment. It's odd....but it's worth it!

The crawfish are literally the size of a small lobster! 

A pound of crawfish comes with potatoes, corn on the cob, and boiled eggs! Delicious! I always like to have sausage with my crawfish, so I just added a piece on. It was SO good! 

After we finished our crawfish, Matthew decided to order some beignets. I have to admit I was quite skeptical. It's hard to compete with Cafe Du Monde! 

Once I took a bite I realized I was totally wrong, but in order to adequately enjoy these I was going to need a real shake of powdered sugar. I took them back, and they gave me extra, extra powdered sugar! Is there any such thing as too much? I think not! I have to admit...these were comparable to Cafe Du Monde! I ate almost all of these, and had to stop myself so Matthew could have a couple of bites. 

With a belly full of delicious food, I'm a happy girl! 

Also in Fort Worth, but in Downtown, is Taverna! I had been there once a few years back, and decided I hated it. It took me like 2 years to try it for a second time. As it turns out, I didn't like it the first time because I made a poor choice when I ordered! Matthew ordered for me when he took me back, and I am now in LOVE! He ordered me a risotto with shrimp and lemon. It seriously tastes like summer! It is filling, satisfying, light, and bursting with the taste of sunshine! Matthew took me back in April, and I've been 4 times since then just to order it. I have even dragged Courtney along, and she is now ordering the same thing! 

I mean...doesn't that look like summer on a plate??? I always ask for extra lemon...

because I love lemon!

When Courtney and I went to Taverna, we were celebrating my kids finally being finished with the STAAR test, and basically my entire year being over! We went to dinner, shopped for sunglasses, and then enjoyed the beautiful evening in Sundance Square. 

Just two girls at the end of the school year, enjoying good food! 

Over in Dallas my go to is The Porch! I'm not in Dallas super often, but when I am it's very hard to turn down The Porch. When the weather is nice it is great to sit on....the porch! It is off Knox-Henderson, and sitting outside faces the street. The atmosphere is casual, and it's the type of place you can get dressed up for or come the way you are! 

They have a pimento cheese appetizer, and as someone who absolutely dislikes pimento cheese, its delicious!!! We didn't order it the night we went, but you wouldn't be disappointed. I almost always order the beef stroganoff! It is not a light, summer dish like the lemon risotto over at Taverna. It is a heavy, savory type of dish. It is nonetheless, bursting with flavor! I, once again, have Courtney ordering the exact same thing!

I always ask for extra carrots, because I prefer the ratios to be even...I know...I'm a strange gal! 😀

There are a few bonuses to dining at The Porch. On your way out, there is a giant container of Starbursts! I'm a sucker for the pink ones...they are THE best! I always grab one, or three! 😀 Also the valet for The Porch is THE BEST VALET ANYWHERE! I've had my fair share of valet experiences, and this is the best valet I've ever used. I'm not talking good service once...it's every time! I've never waited more than two minutes for my car, I've never had to open my own car door, and I've never been concerned handing over my keys! The service of a valet may be a small thing to most people, but to me it's the small things that matter the most! 

What are my suggestions?

1. Check out Acadia Parish!
2. Check out Taverna! (There are also locations in Plano and Dallas)
3. Check out The Porch!

Happy Eating! 😀😀😀

Be A Lobster!

(I wrote this blog post...and then found out it is "National Take a Chance Day!" I laughed when I read that because it is just a perfect "holiday" to go along with this post!)

Matthew and I were having an interesting conversation while riding in the car one day. He asked me how work was going, and I could tell it wasn’t one of those conversation filler type questions. He was legitimately wanting to have a real conversation about it. I’m pretty sure he knew what he was wanting to say to me before he ever started the conversation. We got in a deep discussion about work related topics. While we were talking he looked at me and said, “you need to become a lobster!” To which my response was…”WHAT?!” I thought he had lost it!

He started explaining that he had heard a presenter at a conference tell a story about a lobster. Lobsters (as you well know) have a hard exoskeleton shell. As the lobster grows, it must molt and get rid of its shell. If the lobster never gets rid of its old shell, the lobster will never grow any bigger. When the lobster has shed itself of its shell, it is completely vulnerable to other creatures who might be looking for an easy meal. Over time the lobster grows in size, and eventually forms a new shell.

(A quick Google search shows this is not a new story, but it was new to me!)

Then he looks at me and says, “maybe it’s time for you to be vulnerable.”

Y’all…that statement hit me like a train.

I am guilty of staying within my comfort zone. But the problem is, the comfort zone can become a stagnant place. I looked it up, and some synonyms for stagnant are “inactive,” “lethargic,” “depressed,” “dead.” None of those are positives!!! There is no power in those words….except for the power to bring you down!

If we never get out of our comfort zone, and get rid of the fear of making ourselves vulnerable, how will we ever grow? I’m not content with being who I am today in 10 years! I need to be constantly pushing myself to grow whether that be professionally, spiritually, emotionally, or personally. However, that might mean facing something that will end up making me vulnerable. It might mean doing something I don’t know everything about. You know what, that’s okay! There are always people around to help you, support you, and build you up!

So…are you a lobster stuck inside your shell? Have you wanted to make a career change? Get a different job? Start your own business? Finally start working out? Go back to college? Learn a language? Take an art class?

I’m sure if we really examined ourselves we have something we’ve held back on doing out of…well fear. I know I am guilty of it, and I have started the process of changing it.

Go be a lobster! 😀

Rainy Day Necessities!

We have had our fair share of rain lately! From what I hear, we have a few more rainy days ahead. I kind of enjoy a weather pattern like this. The change is nice, and I love an excuse to get cozy! 

The rainy and cold weather got me thinking about rainy day necessities that everyone needs!

Check out the video for the BEST umbrella ever!

Matt's mom is the first person I saw with one of these! I thought it was absolutely genius! I kept meaning to buy one on Amazon, and just kept forgetting. When I saw the forecast this week, I knew it was the perfect time to grab one. I'm OH so happy I did! An umbrella that keeps water INSIDE the umbrella, and keeps you from getting soaked? Yes, please!

I made it home nice and dry. Now it's time to get cozy! I named my Pottery Barn blanket a must have before Christmas, but I'd also classify it as a necessity for a rainy day too! (You can check out my post about that here!) I'm wrapped up in it basically every night, even if it's not raining. It keeps you warm and cozy, even on the coldest of nights!

(Side note: I've been soaking up the Winter Olympics! I think the Winter Olympics are my favorite. I love watching the short track speed skating. I was watching at dinner with my parents the other night, and was so wrapped up in the speed skating that I shrieked and startled people at other tables!)

Cozy feet = happy feet! Check out the video to sneak a peek! 

Field and Stream Cabin Socks

While I'm wrapped in your Pottery Barn blanket, I want to keep my feet cozy too! These socks are the softest, coziest, warmest socks! I believe they are an exclusive to Dick's Sporting Goods. You can't beat the price either! They are currently buy one, get one free! They have many different options. I got mine back around Christmas, which is why they have a "holiday" look to them!

I got in the house dry, wrapped up with the blanket, and made sure my feet were warm. What's missing? A good book, of course!  I've read two books for entertainment reasons recently. Class Mom by Laurie Gelman and The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena were both great reads! Class Mom is about an "older" mom who becomes the class mom for her son's kindergarten class. Lets just say she does things her own way, despite what the other moms think! All my teacher friends (especially you elementary teachers), and all of my friends with little kids, you should definitely check this out! The Couple Next Door is a page turning, suspense type book. It is not violent, but the kind of book that you want to see what happens next. I was not prepared for it to end. When I read the last sentence I literally said, "what?!?!" Since I was reading in public, I'm sure people thought I had lost it!

What do I suggest today?? (Shouldn't it be obvious?!)

1. The best umbrella ever!
2. Get yourself a Pottery Barn blanket!
3. Treat your feet to Field and Stream Cabin Socks!
4. Check out Class Mom or The Couple Next Door!
5. Soak up all of the Olympics you can! It ends Sunday, so I'll be over before you know it! 

The Protection of the Lord!

Hey there! It's been a bit since I've posted a blog and this is why...

On December 28th I was in a car accident. I was on Hwy 183 in Bedford when a pickup truck came into my lane, clipped my car, and sent me spinning out of control across three lanes of traffic. I didn't touch another car. The front of my car ended up slamming against the wall on the opposite side of the highway. The driver's side airbag deployed. I ended up facing the opposite way of traffic pinned against the retaining wall. I had to climb across my car and exit from the passenger side of the car. The truck that hit me didn't stop, but I'm so grateful to the people who did. They helped pry the door open so I could get out. Called 911 for me. Searched my car for my phone, and other contents of my purse that were thrown all over my car.

When I got out of my car and looked at it on the side of the highway, there was no question it was totaled. After speaking to the police and getting the car towed away, I ended up in the ER to get checked out because my shoulder was bothering me a bit. After an x-ray, it was determined that I had a broken collarbone, but otherwise I walked away unscathed.

The hospital gave me a sling, which I promptly replaced with an upgraded one from Amazon, and suggested I go see an orthopedic surgeon to get a better diagnosis. I will be "slinging" it for another month until the Orthopedic surgeon is satisfied with my healing progress.

I remember realizing what was happening, as it was happening. As my car was spinning across the highway I was praying and praising God that Psalm 91 is true. That He commands His angels concerning me to guard me in all of my ways and they lift me up in their hands! I knew I had nothing to be afraid of, for the Word says I am protected!

One of the police officers at the scene said the fact that I didn't hit a car as I was spinning across the freeway was a miracle. To which I responded, "that is correct!"

The ER doctor who treated me mentioned to me that I was in such high spirits for a person who had just been involved in a serious accident. Which got me thinking about a couple of things...

1. The peace of God transcends all understanding. Throughout the entire evening, I was completely at ease. 
2. Peace and joy are fruits of the Spirit.
3. God works for the good of those who love him, therefore He was working in this situation.

Given these things, why wouldn't I be in high spirits??

I have experienced pain, though as my healing is working it gets better by the day. My biggest challenge has been letting people help me do stuff, and realizing in order to let my body heal I have to cooperate with it. My family, friends, and boyfriend have gone above and beyond to be of assistance to me. 

I have had people ask if I was angry at the person who hit me and didn't stop. My response has been no. That person either needs to repent for what they did, or get saved. It does me no good to hold angst towards that person. I forgave them the moment it happened.

I have been asked if I am scared behind the wheel. I was the first time or two, but I was reminded that according to 2 Timothy 1:7 I do not have a spirit of fear. When I feel as though I am becoming frightened, I begin quoting the Word and it falls away.

What do I suggest today?

1. Read (and memorize) Psalm 91 in it's entirety. I'd give you a specific verse, but truly the whole thing is powerful. On the night of my accident, this is the scripture I prayed as my car was out of control.
2. Read (and memorize) 2 Timothy 1:7. Women tend to worry/fear, so this is a perfect one for women. 
3. Read John 10:10. The spirit of fear that tried to enter my thoughts in the days following the accident were nothing but the devil.
4. Read Psalm 27:1. The Lord is on your side, so you have nothing to fear.
5. If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, read Romans 10:9-10. Feel free to email me or send me a message! I'd love to talk to you!

Christmas Wishlist 2017

Beginning somewhere around the beginning of November, I start to get the question "what do you want for Christmas?"

 If you're like me, and still have no idea what you want, fear not! I have you covered! I have suggestions that will satisfy the questions being asked by your mom, family, friends, husband/boyfriend etc.

Let's get started! (I apologize for the marathon post. I promise it's good stuff! I have provided links to websites that carry most of what I'm suggesting. You don't even have to leave the house. #winning)

1.) This candle!!! It's currently ON SALE! Bath & Body Works has this scent in hand soap, wallflowers, and lotions. It smells like the most wonderfully, relaxing spa!

I'm telling you...this is the best! 

2.) This blanket!!! My sister-in-law (Hey LJ!) introduced me to this blanket forever ago. My brother and sister-in-law each have their own, as do my niece and nephew. They make them in a child size, so it's perfect for all members of the family! I finally asked for one for Christmas last year, and quickly became obsessed. I even gifted one to my best friend this year. (Hey Courtney!) Don't worry...I'm not spoiling it for her. I gave her Christmas present to her before Thanksgiving, because I just couldn't help myself!

Courtney snuggled up with her blanket as soon as she opened it!

Nothing goes better with your morning cup of coffee than this blanket! It's just so cozy!

Cozy with my blanket, watching Christmas Vacation, wearing Christmas pjs, writing this blog!

3.) These Urban Decay products!!! I started with the setting spray (the black bottle), then added the priming spray (the green bottle), then followed a suggestion from Courtney and bought the eye shadow primer. The 6,000 near perfect reviewers on Sephora agree on how awesome these products are! My makeup stays on so well that every night I'm shocked by how much comes off on my makeup wipes! 

They really help your makeup last ALL day!

3.) This foundation!!! I received this in a sample size from Sephora, and immediately fell IN LOVE! Then found out Sephora didn't have it in the store...

The lady at Sephora actually told me to go to Ulta. Isn't that their competition?? I just don't understand. Why give out samples, and not have it in the store?? They do have it online, but I wanted it in my hands!

I digress...it evened out my skin tone perfectly, and didn't feel heavy and caked on! It doesn't take a lot to get great coverage, so one tube of it will last you at least a few months!

4.) Rodan and Fields!!! I would like to be very clear. I do not sell R&F, and receive no freebies by putting this on the list. I just really like the products! I have NEVER felt more confident in the way my skin looks. My R&F lady posted something one time that made so much sense to me. It was basically that the most expensive makeup in the world would look bad on bad skin. Good skin is the base of all good makeup looks. I tell you, it's true! I haven't tried anything I didn't love. I use the Unblemish Regimen that is for acne, but I also use the Reverse Lightening Regimen to even out skin tone. I also use the eye cream, and active hydration serum. I'm telling you...obsessed! If you have any questions about any of their products, contact my R&F lady: Cindy Aldrete (caldrete.myrandf.com).

In this picture I have on full makeup to desperately try to cover up all the acne I had on my face. It's almost embarrassing!

(Campbell could not be cuter though!)

My hair wasn't the only thing that changed between these pictures. I always use to analyze people's before and afters and say, "well the lighting is different" or "the camera is at a different angle." These are my results after just a couple of months (like four I think), without any makeup, in the same place of my car, with almost identical lighting. In the picture on the right, I was headed to church...without makeup!

5.) Lipsense!!! Again, I'd like to make it clear I do not sell lipsense, and do not get any freebies from suggesting this! Just like with Rodan and Fields, I just love the products! Lipsense is amazing! My friend Caty sells it, and in April of last year I asked her if I could just try it to see if I liked it. She gave me a color to use for an entire weekend, and I was hooked! She gave me Praline Rose, since it's a great neutral. 

Praline Rose started everything. It is just perfection! 

My love of Praline Rose caused me to slowly start to add to my collection. I now have quite a few, and love them all. I'm going to share some of my favorites!

Purple Reign gives you a perfect, bold, pop of color!

Goddess is perfect when you want a noticeable neutral...is that even a thing? It is now. 

Lexie Berry is the perfect bold, fall color! It is a dark wine color, but not TOO dark. It's just right!

 Because a PERFECT red is a requirement for every woman, Blu-Red is a necessity! It just gives any outfit just a little extra pizzazz! 

If you're wanting to start your own Lipsense collection, contact Caty! 

6.) Apple Watch! You can read all about my love for my Apple Watch and all the reasons you need one on my Apple Watch review! 

7.) This perfume!!! I smelled this for the first time last summer, and it was love at first sniff. I immediately purchased it, and haven't stopped wearing it! I wore it visiting a friend over the summer. When I gave her a hug, she caught a whiff of it, and said "what is that glorious scent you're wearing???" I'm telling you...it is the BEST perfume I have EVER smelled. It is definitely not the cheapest perfume, but it is the best!

8.) The BEST leggings in the world! Seriously, they are a must have! These leggings are thick enough that you don't have to worry about your backside being visible! We've all seen someone out in the world whose leggings were thin, and her entire butt was visible! (Does anyone else think "do I tell her everyone can see her butt?" But then don't because you also think, "perhaps she wants her butt visible to the entire world!" so you just say nothing??) Trust me, in these leggings, that will NOT be you! Besides ensuring your underwear aren't on display for the world, the thickness also gives you a little control and holds everything in. We all wish our stomachs were smaller, flatter, more toned, etc. These leggings will camouflage an area you may be self-conscious of. They are priced at $49.99, and they are worth EVERY penny. However I prefer not to spend $50 on leggings, so I watch them and wait until they are on sale. With it being close to the holidays you can get lucky and catch them on sale. Lou and Grey doesn't go on sale super often at Loft, so jump on it when it is!

The best leggings EVER!

When it's Friday, and this time next week we'll be on Christmas break! 😀😀😀

What do I suggest today??

1. I'd suggest number 1-8 on the list above! 😂😂😂

DFW Christmas 2017

When the calendar hits November 1st, this is how I feel on the inside...

(Confession: I saw Elf for the first time LAST year! Why did it take me so long??? It is now one of my favorites!)

I start watching Christmas movies, wearing Christmas pjs, decorating for Christmas, Christmas shopping, and generally allowing the Christmas spirit to set in! 

I love all the ways DFW has to really experience and celebrate the holidays, but there are a few that stand out to me! I have conveniently compiled a list of my top three! 

1.) ICE! at the Gaylord! 

Each year the Gaylord has a new theme. In years past it has been Frosty the Snowman, Christmas Around the World, Charlie Brown Christmas, Shrek the Halls, and more! This year it is Twas the Night Before Christmas! Basically everything in ICE! is exactly that...ice! The video you can watch before you go in is great, and you really get an appreciation for all the work that goes it to making it what it is. It is 9 degrees in ICE!, so you may want to wear thick socks, brings gloves, and maybe a beanie. The super cute coats (insert sarcasm) they give you, will keep you warm enough, but I'd still suggest wearing a little something under it. 

2. Enchant at Globe Life Park

The Christmas Light Maze was more like a scavenger hunt, and you try to find all of Santa's Reindeer.

We found Rudolph! 

Within the "maze" there are so many great places to snap pictures! If you're going with a group, take your selfie stick and thank me later! 

I don't even really know what all these stalagmite type things are supposed to be, so we referred to them as stalagmites!

We found all of Santa's reindeer! You'd think my card would be the bottom, since it's scratched out all nicely. Nope. 

There is also a Christmas market where you can buy all kinds of things. Everything from candied pecans, to authentic Russian toys. We grabbed a hot chocolate as we strolled through.

There is also a real ice skating rink, which for us Texans is a big deal. With the weather being SO warm this season, I'm not sure how they are managing to keep ice on the rink! There were TONS of people ice skating, so we chose to avoid the rink! We were really surprised at how much we enjoyed Enchant. I don't think we expected we'd love it as much as we did! 

3. Highland Park Village/Highland Park

The first time I drove in to Highland Park Village at Christmas, this was my reaction...

I was with several other people, so I kind of had to keep it together. All I really wanted to do was jump out of the car and stare. It was one of the most magical things I've ever seen! 

I was not able to enjoy the trees near as much as I wanted to on that particular evening, so Matthew made sure to take me out there a few weeks later. Now we go every single year. We show up after the shops close, and wonder around the village drinking coffee (there's a Starbucks right in Highland Park Village), window shopping, and enjoying the magical lights. 

This is a picture from the first time we roamed around, and it has become a tradition each year! 

I only have the one picture of the Highland Park, which works because I don't want to spoil the magic for you! I promise, it is something everyone needs to see. The trees are huge, and every one is completely wrapped in white Christmas lights!

What do I suggest today??? I think it's pretty obvious!

1. Check out ICE! at the Gaylord. It runs until January 1, 2018, and is great for a date, family outing, or for groups of friends. There are great dinner options at the Gaylord as well. They have everything from Mexican, to a sports bar type place, to a great steak house!

2. Go to Enchant! Seriously, it was even better than I thought it was going to be. It runs until December 31, 2017. There are great dinner options close by, but my go to would be Pappadeaux! It's basically impossible to resist the shrimp and crawfish fondeaux, or shrimp and grits!

3. Go to Highland Park Village and enjoy the magic! You can head to Mi Cocina for dinner, Starbucks for coffee, and window shop at all the fabulous stores. (This is how Matthew realized there was a difference between Louie Vuitton and Louboutin!) There are also carriage rides that take you around the neighborhoods. Carriage rides aren't my thing, hence why I haven't done it. Though with little kids, it would probably be great! 

Do I Need an Apple Watch for Christmas???

When Apple Watches first came out I was basically horrified at the thought of having your phone on your wrist. My how my thoughts have changed!

My friend (Hey Courtney!) loves her Fitbit. When she first got it she told me all about it! Everything she told me really made it sound appealing. When she got a new one, she let me take her old one to see if I liked it before I actually bought one. 

I did enjoy the Fitbit, but I kept wanting it to do things it just didn't do. I decided to look in to the Apple Watch to see what it could do. I looked up comparisons between the Fitbit and Apple Watch. As it turned out, the Apple Watch did everything I wanted the Fitbit to do...plus more!

I ended up deciding I needed an Apple Watch, and got one for Christmas last year. I got the Series 2 watch, and have never looked back! With Christmas coming up, I thought it would be the perfect time to share all my favorite features of my Apple Watch.......aside from just telling time!

This is my "go-to" watch face!

I use this most often at school, because I can access my timers right from the face!

You can also set a picture as a face background!

These are my favorite Apple Watch features!

• I can look at text messages without ever picking up my phone. I can see if it's something pressing, or if it can wait. I can easily respond right from the watch. I can use voice-to-text, or actually write with my finger!
• I can answer phone calls/make phone calls. I answer phone calls on my watch often while I am digging through my purse/looking for my phone. When I find my phone, I can switch over from the watch to my phone and continue the conversation on the phone. I can also go from the phone to the watch!
• I can check emails. I can easily see if it is an email from a parent, something that needs an urgent reply, or yet ANOTHER email reminding me to put in my attendance....teachers you know!
• I can check the weather. I can see the current temperature, but I can also easily see the forecast for the next 7 days. With one of my weather apps, I can even check the radar!
• I can set a timer. This is so useful at school! There are preset timers, but I can also set a custom timer. This is handy when I know one minute isn't enough, but two minutes is too much! 
• I can control music. My watch works with the Apple Music app, and I can switch songs, control volume, etc all without touching my phone. Pandora, and TuneIn Radio both have apps that I can control from my watch.
• I can keep track of my activity. It keeps track of my steps, and heart rate. I recently found out that if my heart rate jumps higher than 130, I get an alert! I get notified if I have been still too long, even if it's a little judgmental! :-)
• I can follow my GPS. I don't have to have my phone out, and can look at turn-by-turn directions right on my watch. It will ding, and vibrate when I need to turn. It is so nice! 
• I can use Apple Pay! I don't have to open my purse, and dig for my wallet to get my card. I just double click, set my wrist next to the scanner, and done! It's great!
• The Series 2 is also water resistant up to 50m! I can leave it on while I'm hanging at the pool in the summer and not have to worry!

Some features I've used, but don't use all the time:

• I can request an Uber, and check the location of the driver, all from the Uber watch app!
• I can look at gate information, baggage claim, and show my boarding pass on my American Airlines app!

What do I suggest today?

1. Put an Apple Watch on your Christmas wish list! You will not regret it. The Series 3 recently came out, and you can actually make/receive calls without your phone around! I'm sure it has other features, but that's the one I know about!