The Toyota Highlander Is Worth The Hype

Hello Everyone!  So, I just got back from the DFW Auto Show this past week and it was AMAZING!  I was super excited to be covering Toyota this year and check out all the new and upcoming models.  Terence and I have talked a lot about what our next car will be and we’ve decided on an SUV or a truck.  Just this weekend he had to pick up some shelves from the home improvement store and he said “Man…if we only had a truck to pick up those shelves I ordered”.  I get so excited when we get to drive new cars and try them out.  It definitely helps narrow down what we like and don’t like.

Late last fall we were able to drive a Toyota Highlander SE model.  I think someone was a little bit excited about this car???  Ya think???

The Toyota Highlander was basically the perfect vehicle….if it were up to ME!  We have gone back and forth between the Toyota Highlander and a Lexus RX.  They both have great qualities, but the Highlander price point fits more in our family budget.
I really enjoy being a bit higher up off the road in an SUV.  For some reason this makes me feel more “large and in charge” while driving.   The automatic trunk opens and closes with a push of a button.  You know those days when it’s raining outside and you have your hands full of 20 things and can’t dig through your purse for the keys?  Just press the button on the trunk and “viola” it opens for you!   Of course Connor’s favorite thing was the TV.  Oh my goodness I’ve never had a more quiet car than when I was driving this Highlander! LOL!  It comes fully equipped with headphones and a remote.  Roadtrips would definitely be much more smooth with these fun extras.

I’m sure a lot of Mom’s have heard this before….“Mommy…Mommy…the sun is in my eyes!!!”  The built in sunscreens are a life saver on those hot, sunny Texas days. The dashboard and command station have everything at the press of a button.  This car was sooooo COMFY y’all!  I didn’t find myself reaching and extending for things or pressing certain buttons because they were all within an arms reach. That third row seating is a definite bonus too.   I could car pool ALL the kiddos in this Highlander!  The third row also folds down for extra storage, so the next time we need to pick up a bulky item…like shelves for the garage…just pop that seat down.
Do you ever find the smallest things to be your favorite as well?  This little shelve that was in the front dash was my FAVORITE thing!  My phone is usually sliding all around my car, but I found it so easy to just pop the things I needed right there on this little shelf.  
The Highlander is definitely one of my most favorite Toyota vehicles. It’s got just about everything you could ever want and need for any adventure.

Until our next adventure…..xo Becky

2018 DFW Auto Show + Enter To Win!

This post is sponsored by A Girls Guide to Cars on behalf of the DFW Auto Show and Toyota. All opinions are my own. #DFWLovesAutos #ToyotaDFW #Avalon

This year will be my fourth year to attend the DFW Auto Show.  If you have never attended an Auto Show then now is your chance!  Toyota is now a HUGE part of North Texas with their new North American Headquarters right here in Plano.  I’m super excited to be covering Toyota this year and you can check out some fun videos and coverage on my Instagram and Facebook pages.  I’ll be sharing throughout the day on Valentine’s Day!  I’m excited to see the new Toyota Avalon in particular.  I had an Avalon for 11 years and to this day I still think it was the best car I ever had.

The new 2018 Avalon:

What can you see at the DFW Auto Show?  The answer is just about everything.  You can see all kinds of makes, models, and even get inside them to see how comfy they are!

You can even participate in ride and drives and test out cars ranging from all different makes and models.

 

NEW & NOTEWORTHY TOYOTA INFO:

Toyota

  • Designed and Assembled in the U.S.A., Five Generations Strong
  • New V6 and Toyota Hybrid System Powertrains Offering More Power and MPG
  • New TNGA K Sedan Platform with Multi-Link Rear Suspension and Available Toyota-First Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
  • Standard Entune 3.0 with WiFi Hotspot, Qi Wireless Charging, Toyota Remote Connect with Smartwatch and Amazon Alexa Connectivity, and Apple CarPlay
  • Standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P)
  • On Sale in Late Spring 2018

C-HR

  • Bold, Eye-Catching Style Signals New Direction in Toyota Design
  • Sharp Nürburgring-Tuned Handling
  • C-HR Receives Two Toyota-First Features: Driver Distraction Secure Audio and Brake Hold Function
  • Standard 18-in. Alloy Wheels, Dual-Zone Climate Control, Bucket Seating and 7-in. Audio Display
  • Only Vehicle in Its Segment with Standard Pre-Collision System with Active Braking – Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) with Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Camry

  • Best-Selling Car in America for the last 16 years
  • Standard Toyota Safety Sense-P
  • New Emotionally-Charged Design and Performance Experience
  • Aggressive Exterior Character Lines and Low Center of Gravity

RAV4 Adventure

  • RAV4 Adventure has Dirt-Inspired Styling and Higher Ride Height
  • Active lifestyle inspired

Tundra

  • Built here, lives here; built at Toyota’s San Antonio facility – TMMTX

Tacoma

  • Built here, lives here; built at Toyota’s San Antonio facility – TMMTX

ENTER TO WIN TICKETS!!!

Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

DFW AUTO SHOW INFORMATION

Dates

Feb 14-18, 2018

Times

Wednesday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ticket Prices

$14 for adults

$7 for senior citizens 65 and older

$7 for children 6 to 12 years old; children 5 and under admitted free

$10 for active and retired Military members (ID is required)

Kid’s Eat Free at McAlister’s Deli on Valentine’s Day + Enter to WIN!!!

This post is sponsored by McAlister’s Deli.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Valentine’s day is next week y’all….NEXT WEEK!  You know Terence and I are pretty low-key on Valentine’s day.  When you have kids in the picture it’s just as important to make them feel loved too!  Not that it’s not nice to go out with just your hubby…but you know what I’m saying.  Sometimes life gets busy and things get put on the back burner.  Especially if Valentine’s day falls in the middle of the week.

And please don’t make your Valentine COOK…give them a night off….soooooo…..

Next week Kids eat FREE on Valentine’s Day at McAlister’s Deli!!!  I love a free meal and a good deal y’all!  (Adult entrée purchase is required. Up to two free kids meals with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only.)

Now let me just say McAlister’s has always been near and dear to my heart.  My very first job 20 years ago was at McAlister’s Deli and I worked there for 2 years with my twin sister.  It’s nice to see how much it’s changed, but I’m also glad my favorite things have remained the same over the years- like the chocolate spoon cake, the TEA, and the potato salad.

Let’s throw it back for a minute…

Oh the days of working at McAlister’s and eating spooncake and not gaining any weight!  I remember them fondly! LOL!

Tea…tea…tea…or ME…ME…ME!!! Everyone loves McAlister’s tea.  It’s always been so good and it still is…I can testify to that because I made it for many years.  I love how you can now add flavors like peach or mango to your tea as well.  I’m a mango girl myself.

The cookies are the best too!  They have these premade treat bags ready to go.

I think someone is hinting at something….

Nothing can come between me and my mango tea!!!

Ter-Bear eating his sandwich and mac n’ cheese.  My forever Valentine….oh how I love this guy!

Connor is our little joker.  Is that a cookie or a mustache?

McAlister’s has something for everyone, whether it’s the enormous spuds, a sandwich creation, or a yummy bread bowl full of soup…you won’t leave until your tummy is happy!

Oh and you better believe I brought home a chocolate spoon cake!  Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

I have a great giveaway for you and your family from McAlister’s Deli! 

Enter to win a $25 gift card, just enter using the form below.

VALENTINES DAY DETAILS: 

Where: McAlister’s Deli

When: Wednesday, February 14th 10:30 AM – 10 PM

Kids Menu Entrées:

INCLUDES CHOICE OF SIDE

Turkey & Cheese • Ham & Cheese • PB&J • Toasted Cheese • Mac & Cheese

ENTRÉE ONLY

Kids Spud • Kids Garden Salad • Kids Nacho Basket • Cheese Pita Pizza

Promotion Details: Up to two free kid’s meals per adult entrée purchase. Dine-in only. Kids 12 and under. Drink not included.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Valentine’s Day Cookie Bar Recipe + Enter to WIN! #SweetYourself

This post is sponsored by Stevia In The Raw.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Valentine’s day is right around the corner and what is Valentine’s day without a little sweetness in your day?  I made the yummiest Valentine’s day cookie bars earlier this week and wanted to share the recipe with you!  Thanks to Stevia In The Raw® zero-calorie sweetener I can indulge and feel a little less guilty.

These Valentine’s day bars were super easy to make and pretty quick to whip up too.  I’m all about fast and easy recipes.

Valentine’s Day Cookie Bars with Stevia In The Raw

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks of butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup Stevia In The Raw
  • 1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups of Valentine’s M&M’s, plus more for topping
  • 1 cup of mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line a 9×13 baking dish
  3. Spray generously with nonstick cooking spray.
  4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, Stevia In The Raw, and brown sugar together until fluffy.
  5. Add in eggs and vanilla extract and continue to beat.
  6. Lower speed of mixer and add flour, baking soda and salt and mix until combined.
  7. Add M&M’s and mini chocolate chips and give a final stir, reserving some M&M’s and mini chocolate chips for topping cookie bars.
  8. Transfer cookie dough to prepared baking dish.
  9. Press additional M&M’S and white chocolate chips into top of cookie dough.
  10. Bake 35 to 40 minutes on oven rack in lower third of oven to prevent over browning.
  11. Let cool completely and cut.

Mix…mix…mix…

Before:

Bake and let cool:

YUM…YUM…YUM

Stevia In The Raw® is encouraging fans to share how they’re treating themselves for a chance to be rewarded. From February 1-14, fans can share photos using #SweetYourself and tagging @InTheRaw for the chance to win product samples daily.

Plus, one lucky winner will get the ultimate #SweetYourself experience with a $500 Spa Finder gift card.  GO ENTER NOW!!!

Follow @InTheRaw on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter.

Here are some other yummy recipes with Stevia In The Raw:

o   Chocolate Truffles

o   Flourless Chocolate Sunken Lava Cake with Raspberries

o   Red Velvet Cupcakes

o   Chocolate Cherry Sparkler

ENTER TO WIN!!!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Lil LoveBug!

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

Keeping your little ones and YOURSELF well during this season is sometimes hard to do…or even think about.  I have been taking a probiotic for years now and it’s the easiest part of my morning routine.  Probiotics promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and can help promote weight loss, digestive health, immune function.  If you haven’t been adding a probiotic to your daily diet, then maybe it’s time to start!  What have you got to lose besides feeling your best right?

Here’s my little love bug…gosh I would do anything for this kiddo!

I take LoveBug Probiotics and here’s why:

  • LoveBug® Probiotics is a premium line of award-winning probiotics for the whole family
  • With a patented delivery technology, LoveBug® Probiotics are 15x more effective in delivering the microorganisms to the digestive tract than other leading probiotics
  • LoveBug® Probiotics were developed by a mom for moms
  • Rooted in science, LoveBug Probiotics were developed in partnership with internationally recognized doctors and scientists
  • LoveBug® created the first staged probiotic for babies specifically designed to support their developing microbiomes

I’ve been adding The Skinny probiotic to my breakfast every day. It has a proprietary blend of eight probiotic strains, Here’s the Skinny repopulates your microbiome to streamline digestive function, quell sensitive stomachs, improve energy levels and elevate mood.

I also give Connor the Little Ones probiotic and it’s super easy for him to take.  This kid has a gag reflex like something terrible…and he has NO problems swallowing these!  Amen!  Little Ones probiotic is formulated to populate kids’ guts with beneficial bacteria which is critical for their lifelong physical health and mental well-being.

So, I’m curious…do you take a probiotic?  What benefits have you seen while taking one?  I’ve been taking LoveBug probiotics for the last couple of weeks, I always try to really TRY products out before I recommend them to y’all and I can honestly say I’ve felt good and my gut is doing great!

For more information on LoveBug visit their website,  Facebook, Instagram, & Pinterest

I’m so excited for Valentine’s day coming up!  It’s one of my favorite holidays 🙂  This “Be Mine” sweater from Target is a favorite find this season.  Muah!

xo – Becky with the good coffee

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


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!

Christmas, Camrys, & the Ultimate Catch Up…Oh My!

Shame…shame…you know your name.  That would be MEEEEEE!!!

I have seriously been slacking on the bloggity blog so let’s catch up again shall we?  I have so much to recap and write about before 2019!  Ha!

Starting with Christmas 2017.  We had a lovely visit back home to Arkansas and to the farm.  We stayed with my twin sister Bonnie and her family.  I finally got to meet my new niece Ella, who seriously is the sweetest, most calm baby in the entire world.  She’s absolutely precious!  My sister and I always have a good time catching up and of course the boys (Connor & Jarrett) are pretty much inseparable.  They are exactly like their Mamas, they love hard…but they fight hard too. Lol!

My poor Mom at the flu.  We finally got to see her on the last day we were in town.  Thanks goodness for technology, we were able to face time during Christmas so she could see the kids open presents.  Still, it wasn’t the same at the farm without her there.  The flu has just run rampant this season and so far we’ve been lucky not to catch it.  Everyone I know that has had it has said it’s THE WORST EVER!

So, if you’ve been following my on Instagram you may have seen some of these pictures, but I like how I can go into more detail here on the blog.

We were super excited to drive a brand NEW 2018 Camry to Arkansas for the holiday and it was sooooooo nice!  It was a hybrid model, so we got great gas mileage and it was so smooth up and down the hill country of Arkansas.

 

The 2018 Camry was super sporty looking and we really enjoyed the drive.

I’m just a little excited to drive this baby!  I had an Avalon for 11 years and I loved that car so much…I still miss it to this very day.  Terence works for Toyota Headquarters and he sent me pictures of the new Avalon design and OH.MY.WORD.  It looks on the sporty side too and just as luxurious as I remember.

I absolutely love the “command center” which included a backup camera, audio, USB ports, and heated seats for the win!

It was a little different driving a hybrid, but overall I really like the gas mileage aspect of it.  Also, you couldn’t even tell the engine was running when the car was turned on.  Talk about STEALTH mode 🙂

I also really liked the clean and metallic looking details of the interior.

It was a comfortable ride indeed.  We were all three able to “plug in” with our phones, iPad, and my Kindle.  

The middle console displays the battery and engine charge.

 

Once we got into Arkansas we headed to my sister’s house and Larry’s Pizza buffet…we officially made it HOME! LOL!

Me and my sweet Ella girl 🙂

The boys were reunited and had a great time at Dave & Busters! They love gaming together and talking about the most RANDOM things…

Bonnie and I had a great time drinking Starbies, watching Hallmark movies, and shopping a bit.

Then we headed up to Nannie’s house on the farm and had so much good food to eat and opened presents.  The boys each got a Nintendo Switch, something they both have been wanting for quite some time!  The farm is beautiful during Christmas, and for some reason we all just take the best naps up there.  It’s like you don’t have a care in the world when you step into Nannie’s house…I guess that’s part of what makes it so special, well, besides Nannie herself that is!

On the road again! We just loved the blue Camry so much! It was the best Christmas sleigh ever!

After Nannie’s house we all headed back to Bonnie & Vinny’s and my Mom was feeling well enough we got to see her and my Daddy for breakfast the morning we left. I love me some Cracker Barrel…


OH! And I got together with my besties from highschool for the best meal EVER at Ya Ya’s! If you saw my Instastories then you saw how they made this dish- in a huge hollowed out bowl of parmesan cheese. They light it on fire so the cheese melts and then add the pasta and some herbs. BEST. EVER. I’m still dreaming about this pasta!

We made it back home to Texas and now I’m homesick to go back again! We had the best Christmas…until next year…it’s been real 2017!

Some of my FAVORITE CHRISTMAS GIFTS!!!