Category: Reviews

Making Memories at The Gaylord Texan ICE!

Christmas festivities are in full swing and every year for the past five years we’ve made it a family tradition to visit ICE! at the Gaylord Texan.  It’s one of our favorite things to as a family.  Every year they have a new theme and this year it was “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.  It’s so neat to see all the ice sculpted into these beautiful figures and colors.  It’s been a rather warm fall here in Texas…so walking into a 9 degree atmosphere is quite shocking!

The atrium at the Gaylord is gorgeous in itself, even if you don’t do anything else there.  Just walking around will put you in the Christmas spirit!

There is so much to see…I’ll give you a little sneak peek of what we saw this year!

The Ice Bar

Connor looooooves the ice slide!  

There is snow tubing too.  Where else can you do these things in Texas?

I live for these family moments and as everyone knows time is fleeting.  Your kids grow up before you know it and in the blink of an eye everything changes.  Experiences like this don’t always happen…it takes planning, money, and time.  I’m thankful for companies Vanguard who help families invest in their future.  Investing doesn’t have to be a sacrifice now so you can live later, you can have it both ways – the security of planning ahead and the gratification of living a fuller life today. Make those special moments count, because you can’t get them back.

With Vanguard clients experience things that truly matter – whether that’s date night, spending time with your kids, or enjoying your passions.  Clients think long-term, tune out the noise, and keep investment costs low, but that’s not all. They laugh and make time for date nights with their partners. They spend time with their kids, and they believe they can achieve whatever they set their minds to.

Thanks to market research firm Kelton Global, we know for a fact (with statistical significance) that Vanguard clients experience these things more often than clients of other investment firms.

Did you know Vanguard clients spend 6 more hours per week, on average, with their kids compared with clients of other investment firms?

WHAT FUN HOLIDAY ADVENTURES ARE YOU PLANNING WITH YOUR FAMILY???

Learn more about Vanguard here & check out this fun video of our day at ICE!

 

The Where Investors Belong survey was conducted by market research firm Kelton Global in 2016. It polled 1,000 Vanguard clients and compared them with 1,000 clients of other investment firms. All differences between Vanguard clients and clients of other investment firms are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. The parental stat refers to clients with children of any age who provided the number of hours per week they typically spend with their children or who, compared to other people they may know, believe to be more involved in their child’s life. . The experiences of these Vanguard clients may not be representative of the experience of other Vanguard clients and aren’t a guarantee of future investment performance or success.

Christmas Home Makeover with At Home Stores

 
This post is sponsored my At Home.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tis’ the season and if you know me I’ve had my tree up for WEEKS now!  I basically turn into Buddy the Elf during the holidays…I just can’t help myself!  It’s my favorite time of year and I love to decorate!

We moved into our house at the end of last year, so we didn’t have much time to do decorations.  This year I wanted to add some festive fun to the house…I mean why should you watch a Hallmark Christmas movie without the ambiance of Christmas and twinkling lights around you?  YOU SHOULDN’T!!!

My go-to place for all things Christmas decor is At Home.  If you’ve ever been to an At Home store then sister you know what I’m talking about right?  I could basically spend hours in there going up and down the isles.  At Home has thousands of holiday items available at everyday low prices, items that are perfect for a refresh of your indoor mantel, guest room, kitchen and more. And don’t forget the outdoor spaces: entryways, porches and yard. At Home is the one-stop-shop to decorate your whole house – from an entire room makeover to smaller refreshes for every season, on any budget.

Here’s what I did this year to get our home in the Christmas spirit and I’m super excited to share with you!

Gingerbread house– This one lights up and changes colors….even better!  There is a great collections gingerbread houses at At Home stores (not just this one) but so much more.

Mantle Decor– From light up Christmas trees, candles, or nutcrackers….At Home has it all.  No matter if your theme is “Winter Wonderland”, “Classic Red & White”, or “Woodland Christmas”.

That one special ornament- I saw this cute little camper and had to get it!

Entryway – Our entryway was so boring…so to at some holiday pizzazz I added nutcrackers, this huge Noel sign, candy canes, and my favorite…this BEAUTIFUL wreath.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Check out this video of our Christmas decorating extravaganza with At Home!

 

Enchant- Christmas in Arlington, TX

Last weekend my family and I attended Enchant in Arlington, TX.  I’m officially in the Christmas spirit now & you can be too!

What is Enchant you ask?

“Enchant is a world of Christmas wonder.  Surrounded by millions of dazzling lights, the memories you make at Enchant will last well beyond the holiday season. Whether you’re navigating through the world’s largest light maze, gliding around the ice-skating pond, waltzing through the Christmas marketplace, or sharing hot cocoa with your loved ones, you’ll find enchantment around every corner.”

It may still be 80 degrees in Texas, but we can still get in the holiday spirit.  I’ve shared with all of you how much I have loved attending the Christkindl Market in years past.  Now the market is included along with this beautiful light display.

The ice skating rink

Christkindl Market

There are also lots of food trucks at Enchant & plenty to choose from!

Where else are you going to ice skate in DFW???

See the entire scene from the center bridge.

VIP Lounge

Entrance to search for all of Santa’s reindeer.

We found all of the reindeer! YAY!  Each person gets a scratch off card and when you find a reindeer you scratch it off with a special coin.

Sooooo pretty and you can take some great pictures there too!  Check out my Instagram for some more fun pics and videos.

If you are planning on attending, book your tickets soon because they sell out fast!

Get a 20% discount with code: SANTA

Purchase tickets at: EnchantChristmas.com
Valid days/ dates: Nov 26-30, Dec 3-7, Dec 10
Valid Ticket Types: Adult, Kids, Senior, Military/EMS
Offer: 20% off base price!

Discovering What You Really Want in a Car

This post is sponsored.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Most of you know I get to test drive a LOT of cars and it’s so much fun!  If you want to see all the cars I’ve reviewed in the past just go to the “Search” tab on this blog and search “Car Review”.

This past week we were very thankful to drive a Mazda CX-5!  Let me tell you this car was smooth as BUTTAH on the freeway and off.  If you live in DFW then you know that most of us drive everywhere.  So, the question is…do you really need all those bells and whistles?  Let’s chat about what you do and don’t want… and what you really need.  For more information on ALL kinds of cars check out Cars.com.  You can search any car, for any price range, and you can even narrow your search by area too!  I highly recommend the Mazda CX-5 if you are looking for a stylish mid-sized SUV.

First of all crank of your radio to the nearest Christmas station and let’s talk!

1. Plenty of trunk room

This is a MUST for me y’all.  I’m always hauling around photography gear or sports equipment, etc.  Having plenty of trunk space is a no brainer for me.  I do have good trunk space in my sedan now, but when I purchase a future car I really want to go for a mid-sized SUV.  Also, having fold down seats is another thing I love.  I don’t have that in my current car and I REALLY wish I did!

2.  A Backup Camera

I think I heard this feature was going to become mandatory in all future cars and I totally agree with that.

Case and point:  A couple of weeks ago I’m about to leave for the movie theater to meet with friends to see Bad Moms and I side swiped my husband’s car.  OOPS.  In my defense he doesn’t normally park in the driveway and was airing out a tent from a cub-scout camp out…but yeah I should have paid more attention.  It also would have been nice to have a backup camera and I’m sure this whole fiasco could have been avoided.   The cameras also light up at night and beep if you get too close to something.  Definitely a MUST in my next car. 

3.  Room for the kiddos

In our family have just one child.  We go on lots of road trips and he needs space to spread out and bring all his toys and gadgets.  If you have more than one child then all I have to say is “bless your heart”.

Growing up my Mom drove one of those huge vans that had two captain seats in the middle.  Heaven forbid my sister or I touch each other, let alone breathe in the other person’s direction.  The arguments we had about personal space in the car are epic.  LOL!

I love having a separate cup holder down the center that gives a little bit of a divider between people. 

4.  A great “Command Center”

These days everything is at your fingertips….even in your car.  Everything can be handled from the steering wheel or the middle console.  From the volume, or navigation system (which I do NOT have now, and let me say having in dash navigation would have saved me a lot of driving anxiety), to heated or cooled seats.  Everything is pretty much at an arm’s length.  The Mazda CX-5 definitely had a fabulous command center for this Mama!

5. Good looking AND functional

The Mazda CX-5 is so purrrrrrrdy.  I know looks are not everything people, but nobody wants to be rolling around town like Uncle Buck dropping their kids off at school.

NOPE.

Yes, she’s a pretty car and has all the bells and whistles.  We sure did have a fun time driving the Mazda CX-5 and it’s definitely in the running for a future SUV.   Smooth and sleek with just enough edge to make this Mom feel too legit to quit.  I really enjoyed the XM radio too, especially for the devoted Christmas stations….let’s just say there were a few carpool karaoke sessions 😉

So, these are a few of my must have and favorites in a car.  What are your favorite additions to your vehicle or features you can’t live without?  I would love to know!

Don’t forget to check out Cars.com to figure out exactly what YOU want.  You can even sell the car you currently have on their website too!

Bourbon-Spiked Pumpkin Pecan Bundt Cake #InTheRaw

The product, information, and gift card have been provided by In The Raw® so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of In The Raw®.

Happy ALMOST Thanksgiving everyone!  I’m so excited to spend the next week gathering with family and friends.  Connor is out of school and I think it’s just going to be a chill week all around.  I’m already full steam ahead and have my Christmas tree up…but that doesn’t mean I forget about Thanksgiving!

What do you think of when you hear the word THANKSGIVING?

Family?

Things you are thankful for?

FOOD?

Yes…food.  Memo to everyone out there, wear your stretchy pants on Thanksgiving Day.  You can thank me later.

I have a delicious recipe to share with you, it’s a Bourbon-Spiked Pumpkin Pecan Bundt Cake featuring Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag.

I’m always looking for healthier options during the holidays, but I still want to enjoy good food too!  That’s why I love the Stevia In The Raw Bakers Bag for all my holiday baking.

Information about Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag:

  • Stevia In The Raw® is a zero-calorie sweetener, perfect for any baking and cooking needs
  • It contains an extract from the sweet leaves of the stevia plant
  • Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag measures cup for cup with sugar so it can easily be used in recipes to reduce sugar and calories with no conversion necessary
    • Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag is formulated so that 1 cup has the same sweetness as 1 cup of Sugar
  • When using Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag for baking recipes, it is recommended that the user replace about half of the sugar in order to achieve the proper browning, rising and caramelizing that only sugar can provide
  • Up to 700 calories are saved for every cup of sugar that is replaced with Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag

Bourbon-Spiked Pumpkin Pecan Bundt Cake

RECIPE:

Bourbon-Spiked Pumpkin Pecan Bundt Cake

STEVIA IN THE RAWⓇ | PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES | MAKES 12 SERVINGS

Ingredients

Cake
———-
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup Stevia In The Raw®
1 cup canola oil
3 large eggs
1 can 100% pure pumpkin (15-oz.)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 tsp. baking powder
Sauce
1 cup caramel ice cream topping
2 Tbsp. bourbon or apple juice
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preparation

Heat oven to 325°F. Spray 12-cup bundt pan with cooking spray. Beat brown sugar, Stevia In The Raw®, oil and eggs until combined. Beat in pumpkin. Add flour, pumpkin pie spice and baking powder; beat on LOW just until mixed. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 60 to 70 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 15 minutes. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, combine caramel and bourbon in a small bowl. Drizzle over cooled cake and sprinkle with pecans.

This cake was so delicious y’all!  I hope you try it during the season & check out more great recipes and information about In The Raw® on the website, or Facebook,  Instagram, & Pinterest.

Let Jason’s Deli Cater to You! #JasonsCaters

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.

 

It’s Going to be an ENCHANTED Christmas! Enter to WIN 4 VIP Tickets to Enchant!!!

This post is sponsored by Enchant Christmas.  All opinions are my own.

I’m so excited that the holiday season is FINALLY here!  You all remember when I shared with you about Enchant? This is the first year this fabulous display of lights will be in DFW.  We are so lucky to have this experience right here so close to home.  This is the U.S. debut of Enchant Christmas.

Here is a little sneak peek of what Enchant will be like:

Also, if you’ve never experienced Christkindl you must go.  It’s the best German Christmas Market and the food…oh my!

Now is your chance to enter to win the opportunity to attend the BIGGEST (and brightest) holiday premiere in North Texas this season! This is an outdoor event, so dress warm!

When:  Tuesday, November 21, 7-9PM

Where: Lot F at Globe Life Park in Arlington. (Complimentary parking)

Your world of Christmas wonder awaits at the U.S. debut and VIP premiere of Enchant Christmas Light Maze & Market. Surrounded by millions of dazzling lights and brilliantly lit sculptures, you and your family will be the first to navigate through the world’s largest light maze, visit Ole Saint Nick in his one-of-a-kind golden palace, glide around the ice-skating pond, waltz through The Enchant Christmas Market (including Texas Christkindl Market Lane), and toast our opening of with hot cocoa and holiday treats. You’ll find enchantment around every corner!

PRIZE WINNER WILL RECIEVE:

  • Winner will win a Family 4-pack – no extra tickets are for purchase.
  • Winner must be able to attend the event on Nov. 21. (No exceptions.)

ENTER TO WIN!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway