Girls Trip: 2021 Toyota Avalon

February 12, 2021

My bestie Ellen and I recently went on a girls trip to celebrate a friend’s 40th birthday and we both also turn 40 in a couple of months…*cough* *cough*

Anyway, we will talk about that dreaded milestone later. On our road trip I got the chance to drive the brand new 2021 Avalon up to Hot Springs, AR. It’s so beautiful and scenic up there. We must have seen at least 100 deer and despite the rain all weekend we had a great time visiting, eating, and watching movies. We also took a trip to Ulta to check out makeup and hair goodies. Ya know all the stuff girls do 🙂I owned an Avalon for 11 years and it is still my VERY favorite car that I’ve ever owned. I miss it…and each time I drive the newer versions it just reiterates why I love the Avalon so much.

I shall point out a few of my favorite features for y’all in case you want to check them out:

Heads up display. Know your speed- day and night. It’s right in front of your eyeballs.

This midnight blue color is gorgeous! I’m rolling up picking Ellen up for our trip.

Navigation is key, especially on those city highways to country roads.

Booty warmers and Booty air conditioners make my life complete. This will DEFINITELY be in my next car. We sure did have a good time jamming to XM Radio and 90’s on 9 too. All the songs we grew up with. We always stop at Burger King…that’s our place to go. Their Impossible Whopper is LEGIT y’all!

Drivers side view. This tan/brown leather is the perfect color. It’s super soft and rich and the perfect go-between a dark and light shade.

Oh! I also got to visit with my twin sister Bonnie who drove up to Hot Springs to visit too! Yay!

Backup and overhead cameras

The back seat area is as spacious as an SUV, and even has more room than some SUV’s on the market. It’s definitely a luxury ride.

Front dash display and cupholders for all the different sized cups.

These are the adorable cottages we stayed at in Hot Springs. They were so nice and clean on the inside. Each one even has a garage- but they were in the middle of a reno so we parked outside. They are doing a great job at updating all the cottages though.

Check out the 2021 Toyota Avalon HERE or you can also go to my Instagram HERE and watch my “CARS” stories to see the entire video.

Thanks for reading…and looking forward to a healthier & happier 2021 and some fun TRAVEL!!!

Will you be my Galentine? Meetup + Fun Times at Dwell

February 2, 2018

A couple of weeks ago my little family visited a coffee shop called “DWELL” in Burleson, TX. I’m always up for visiting new places…especially when they involve coffee. There is an awesome mural right next door of a Cowboy and it was super cool!

Dwell is located in downtown Burleson really close to Babe’s Chicken. If you’re familiar with the area then you know exactly where that is.

The atmosphere inside Dwell is so cozy and inviting with the wood planked walls, eclectic picture frames, and comfy seating.

There’s the man himself…Jeff!!! He and his wife are the NICEST people ever and can pretty much whip up anything you can imagine.

They make AMAZING biscuits that come in all different flavors from savory to sweet. The flavors change seasonally. You can order anything from biscuits and gravy to a biscuit with Nutella, sliced strawberries & whip cream. I think I am going to try something sweet next time! The biscuits are melt in your mouth good.

After we devoured our biscuits I was talking to Jeff about different coffee and espresso drinks. At some point in the conversation I mentioned wanting to try a “glitter latte” I had seen a video of and it was sooooo pretty! I basically love anything that sparkles. Ha! Much to my surprise Jeff said “Well, we have some glitter in the back I can make you one of those.” I meeeeaaan…..seriously!!!

Ladies & Gentlemen…I give you the Dwell glitter latte….

Talk about a Caffeine Queen’s dream right there!

Terence loved his latte as well….smooth as BUTTAH! He’s also sipping on my absolute favorite drink…I’ll tell you about that in a minute!

I also had my favorite iced coffee beverage, an iced caramel macchiatto. It was fabulous!

Connor enjoying is biscuit and chocolate milk 🙂

Okay, so THIS was my FAVORITE thing ever….and this also came up in conversation when I said a red velvet latte would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. I’ve never had one, but again I’ve always wanted to try one. Jeff said “Oh we can make you a red velvet latte too!” I was literally beside myself because not only did I get to try a glitter latte, but a red velvet latte TOO! It did not disappoint and I can’t wait to go back and get another one. I’m seriously having dreams about this red velvet latte…it was that good!

I will probably pick up this shirt too…it’s so cute and entirely too accurate for my life. Ha ha! I love to cuddle and I obviously love coffee soooooo…..

SO…Let’s chat about a fun event coming up on February 13th! I’m going to be there and would love to meet you too! We can chit-chat and mingle over a red velvet latte and have some fun girl time <3

Thank you Dwell coffee for making all this gals coffee dreams come true! BEST.DAY.EVER.

Here’s the info for the Galentines Day meet-up and I hope to see you there!!!

Dwell Coffee & Biscuits

108 W Ellison St. Suite 101
Burleson, Tx 76028

February 13th – GALENTINES Day

What is GALENTINES Day? It’s ladies celebrating ladies! It’s a day you and your girlfriends run away from the real world, enjoy free mimosas and eat comfort food. Free mimosas from 7am – 11am.

* Breakfast served until 12pm! We will have throwback games on all of the tables, a photo backdrop, and much more!

Also check out:

February 24th – Little Image Concert

Dallas based Little Image will be performing an intimate, low capacity show inside of Dwell. Opening act will be NOVA (Chris & Hannah Hughes). Tickets get you admission to the show, 1 free drink, and a poster signed by Little Image)

Purchase tickets at : HERE– this WILL sell out!

Follow Dwell Coffee & Biscuits on Facebook & Instagram for the latest news!

Let Jason’s Deli Cater to You! #JasonsCaters

November 14, 2017

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #JasonsCaters #CollectiveBias

You know how life get’s busy sometimes and you just forget stuff? Well, as a working Mom who juggles a lot of different things I’ll tell you that what’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is at the bottom of my priority list. I know that sounds awful doesn’t it? Just thinking about it and planning the grocery trip, cooking meals, and serving them gets me in a tizzy.

Often times when I’m at work I don’t even eat lunch…I just work right through it. So when I found out that Jason’s Deli delivers right to your home or office I was so excited! We have staff lunches all the time and the girls like to eat together. So when I offered to order a “Garden Party” catering spread from Jason’s Deli everyone’s face lit up. We had a great time and the food was delicious. Jason’s Deli launched Catering for Entertaining at the beginning of October this year.

I placed the order online and it was delivered in less than an hour. Everything was included with our meal: Plates, napkins, toothpicks, silverware, etc.

Here is what The Garden Party includes (Everything but the Simply Orange juice):

There are also several different packages you can choose from the Jason’s Deli Website:

Modern Meat & Cheese Package
The Garden Party
Buon Appetito Package
Kid’s Party Package
Deli Sliders Tailgate Package
Reuben & Rachel Sliders Tailgate Package
Delivery from Jason’s Deli is free on weekdays 4-6 pm and all day on weekends (valid at participating locations) For free shipping, you must use the code FDSC when ordering online.

The Garden Party

Featuring assorted petite sandwiches – gourmet pimento cheese, veggie cream cheese & cucumber, and our family-recipe chicken salad with almonds & pineapple – on country white & multigrain wheat / Fresh Fruit & Cheese Tray with creamy fruit dip / Decadent Dessert Bites.

These sandwiches were so yummy! My favorite is Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad with the almonds and pineapple. I’ve loved this chicken salad sandwich for YEARS people!

Who can forget dessert?

This cheese and fruit tray was delicious and super fresh.

Jason’s Deli catering for entertaining is great for any occasion. Whether it’s a staff luncheon, an upcoming holiday party, or social gathering. There is an option for everyone!

Jason’s Deli is now offering 4 new packages (6 in Dallas and Charlotte) that will change the way you think of catering – all served with the same hospitality and reliability that is expected of Jason’s Deli. Their new packages are all free from: dyes, artificial trans fats and flavors, processed MSG, and high-fructose corn syrup.

Here’s why you should choose Jason’s Deli to cater your next event:
They are family owned and community focused.
They are catering experts – mastering catering over the past four decades
They offer Simply Orange products which are all natural, not-from-concentrate and made with simple ingredients. Simply Orange® is never frozen, sweetened or concentrated. Simply products have no added preservatives, colors, or artificial flavors.

I made some refreshing drinks using Simply Orange and cranberry ginger ale. I topped them off with slices of mandarin oranges and it was super easy and fun!

Even the Doctor approved! I just love our office and I love what we do. Lunch time is a great time to reconnect, talk, and EAT GOOD FOOD! I don’t want to stress about my meals or skip them when ordering from Jason’s Deli was so EASY. I can tell you that this entire meal made everyone’s day. Our Garden Party not only tasted good, but it lifted our spirits! It’s amazing what a good meal does for you right?

So, next time you’re in a pinch…don’t forget to contact Jason’s Deli. You can pick-up or have them deliver anytime!

For more information and to keep up with the latest Jason’s Deli news follow on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, & Instagram.

If I Had a Dream Car…That is…

August 23, 2017

Hey Y’all!

So, lot’s to catch up on here! A couple of weeks ago I went to a social media conference called Megaphone in Fayetteville, AR with two of my blogging gals Kim & Que.

We had a great time and a great ride thanks to Toyota. We headed to Northwest Arkansas on Friday and this car is basically a dream. It’s my dream car. Everything you could ever need is pretty much in the Toyota Land Cruiser and I could totally live in it.

The girls and I had a great road trip, and that was in large part due to our fabulous wheels!

Kim was a great driver & Que was in her own comfort zone in the back seat. We had plenty of plugins and gadgets…perfect for this social media bunch!

Connor and I got to drive the Land Cruiser for a few days before the road trip to Arkansas and he was in movie heaven with the two TVs.

Connor watched movies and Mama got some peace! Can I get an amen???

Also, a pretty cool feature is this front facing camera and aerial view of the car. This feature is super helpful especially when parking! My co-workers always make fun of the way I park…I have zero depth perception. If I had this it wouldn’t be a problem right??? The safety features were top of the line and nothing was left untouched.

Once we reached the conference we had a great time talking with friends and learning about different aspects of the blogging and social media world. You never know what you are going to learn and who you are going to meet. That’s the fun thing about conferences! Also, the memories made are priceless.

Thank you Toyota for taking us places and keeping us safe! We had a ride to remember!

Check out the fun little video I made of our week and the trip below:

Getting Ready to Party with Balloon Time! #SpringInFullBalloon

May 9, 2017

This post is sponsored by BSM Media and Balloon Time. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Well, school is almost out and these kiddos are ready for summer and we are ready to celebrate! Most of you know that I am a photographer and I find myself using balloons a TON as photo props. I will also say that it’s a hassle to get balloons blown up on short notice…because the last time I went to get some there was over an HOUR wait at the party store!

Ain’t nobody got time for that….

Aren’t these boys cute? I can’t believe they’ll be in second grade this fall.

I decided to get my own helium tank from Balloon Time because we have a lot of parties coming up this summer. We have my Grandma’s 80th birthday bash and my sister’s baby shower this summer! So I know that my Balloon Time helium kit will come in handy. You can pick one up at your local Target and Walmart stores.

Balloon Time is the first and best-selling portable helium kit in the world! They’ve been bringing color, life and fun to celebrations around the globe for more than 30 years with their DIY floating balloon kits.

I found my Balloon Time helium kit in the party section at Target.

There is also a $2.00 off coupon you can download HERE.

The Balloon Time helium kit comes with:

1- Standard Helium Tank

30 Latex Balloons

Ribbon

Life goes by way too fast not to have a little fun! I can’t wait to have our parties this summer and get some fun balloons to jazz up the space. I’m also excited that I don’t have to wait in long lines anymore…so next time I want a balloon for a photo prop I’ve got it covered.

Follow Balloon Time on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Need ideas for your party? Check out the Balloon Time website for some fun ideas!

Summerfest Fun at the Gaylord Texan!

June 26, 2016

Holy Guacamole y’all summer is here in Texas and it’s so hot the chickens are laying hard-boiled eggs! Just kidding….sort of….

I have a lot of friends from back home in Arkansas that love to come and visit and I always recommend the Gaylord Texan. The service is above and beyond and the rooms are so very nice!

We’ve been to several events at the Gaylord Texan over the years, including my favorite – ICE! If you come back in December, please for the love of all things Merry & Bright go visit ICE! at the Gaylord Texan.

Last week the boys and I attended a spectacular event called Summerfest: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. We got to visit with the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, and of course Alice herself. The characters were so good with our kiddos. We enjoyed a dessert bar and drinks while watching a 3D visual light show called “Breaking Through the Looking Glass”. It was so cool!

The sweets…oh my! 20160618_195558-2 20160618_195607-2

Connor and Brody enjoying the ice cream 🙂 20160618_200857-2

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The Queen of Hearts paid a visit 20160618_201434-2 20160618_202920-2

That silly Mad Hatter

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We also went through the Alice & Wonderland vortex maze with our 3-D glasses. It’s a tricky one let me tell ya! I posted some video of the maze on Instagram if you want to go see.

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The show begins….

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We had the best time & we never leave the Gaylord unimpressed. It’s our own little piece of magic here in Texas. 20160618_215802-2

The Queen of Hearts “Light Up The Night” Glow Party and 3D visual mapping show “Breaking Through the Looking Glass” are FREE events every Friday and Saturday (Sundays on July 4th and Labor Day weekends) starting at 9pm at the Gaylord Texan!

If you would like to see our past experiences at the Gaylord Texan visit HERE, HERE, HERE, & HERE.

Flashback to our Shrek experience in 2012…my baby!

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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! A Bachelor Party & #ASweetPairing

February 2, 2016

What’s better than a night in with girlfriends & jumping on the crazy train also known as “The Bachelor”? Add in some wine and chocolate and you practically have a love fest going on, not to mention the best commentary in the whole world! Ha ha!

My friend Kelly and I get together on Monday nights to have a Bachelor viewing party and girl’s night in. (Have I mentioned how much I just adore Kelly and the fact that she moved here from Arkansas recently???) It’s so hard to make friends when you move some place new. I know God put her here for ME…at least that is what I’m telling myself because we have become instant friends 🙂 We say Kelly is my future self or I am her past self or whatever that is…ha ha!!!

Bachelor night with the girls. I thought that was cute with my rose in my mouth. Ahem…

Anyway…we have the best time just doing anything! So, this past Monday night was extra special because we threw a wine and chocolate party to go along with our Bachelor get together.

First stop…Walmart for all the necessities.

What’s better than some Ghirardelli chocolate and Josh Cellars wine for a girl’s night in?

Will you accept this rose???

Me and Kelly aka “The Hostesses with the Mostesses” getting things ready for the night.

Fun little photo props I found at Walmart for around $3.00!

The way to a girl’s heart…chocolate. That’s how I knew my husband was the one. Within the first week he bought me a HUGE box of chocolates 🙂

Wine for all the girls. I thoroughly enjoyed the Josh Cellars Chardonnay. I’m a white wine gal. What is your wine of choice?

Next we made some Ghirardelli covered popcorn. Oh my goodness…YUM.

Almost party time!

I also dipped some pretzel sticks in Ghirardelli chocolate. The more chocolate the merrier in my opinion.

We have a party crasher and trouble over here. Doesn’t trouble look like Adele???

EVERYONE GETS A ROSE!

“Let’s Instagram that!”

Pouring a little Josh Cellars wine to get the party started 🙂

We also had some fabulous prize winners! Woohoo for Lindsey and Jessica! Parties are more fun when prizes are involved am I right?

Now we are ready to chill and watch The Bachelor while I binge on chocolate and drink my wine. I could not ask for a better night with friends. We had some significant others there too and let me just say the commentary from men about The Bachelor is hilarious!

Jeff giving Kelly a rose. Awwwww….

It’s Monday night ladies and The Bachelor is about to start! What are you going to do this Valentine’s Day? Mine is going to definitely include some wine and chocolate. That’s for sure!

Category: Friends, Meetups, & Linkups