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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Holiday Rundown: See the Lights at Grand Prairie’s Prairie Lights Powered by Gexa Energy

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for the Prairie Lights. I go every year, but this year they thought I could share my experience why I return year after year!
 
Holiday already? 
 
Actually, I’ve been working on it for about two months and now it is time! We are kicking off this holiday with your run down of all the best holiday events you should visit here in DFW! 
First one up: Grand Prairie’s Prairie Lights Powered by Gexa Energy

 
With four million lights and two miles of lights and ending in the world’s longest light tunnel, the Prairie Lights Powered by Gexa Energy in Grand Prairie is not just a holiday light display, but a holiday light experience.  For the second year, Gexa Energy is the title sponsor and is powering the spectacular drive-through display and Holiday Village attractions.  
The 2013 drive includes hundreds of new displays. Stop half way and visit the Holiday Village for food, gifts, carnival rides, and Santa – at Prairie Lights through Monday, December 23 – and two Holiday Magic attractions: Holiday Magic Live! at the Light Show Theater and Lighted Walk-Through Forest.  Also, visitors will be able to visit the Gexa Energy display at Holiday Village for an opportunity to take a free photo commemorating their experience.
 
 
Admission includes entry into the exhibit which features hundreds of all-new displays, but a stop into Holiday Village with cocoa, cider and funnel cakes for purchase, and a visit with Santa. For a little extra moolah (like $7 for adults and $4 for kids), check out the Light Show 4D Theatre and the Lighted Walk-Through Forest for the ultimate holiday evening.  
It’s a big exhibit, so get ready for a big time at Prairie Lights.
 
 

 
Graphic from PrairieLights Facebook
 
Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie
Thursday, Nov. 28 through Tuesday, Dec. 31
Thanksgiving Night through New Year’s Eve
Sunday – Thursday: 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 6 – 10 p.m.
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve: 6 – 10 p.m.
Lynn Creek Park
5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 7505
 
Cars: Mon. – Thurs: $20, Sat & Sun: $30 (other vehicle sizes more)
Holiday Magic Live!: $5 for adults and $3 for children.  
Holiday Magic Lights Walk-Through Forest: $3 adults and $2 children. 
Save on combo tickets for both – $7 for adults, $4 for children. 
There is a small charge for pictures made with Santa.
Carnival rides are free.  
 
 
And follow all the fun on social networks: 
https://twitter.com/PrairieLights

AND BEST OF ALL, YOU CAN WIN TICKETS TO SEE PRAIRIE LIGHTS!
 
 
 

 


Disney Villain Playlist to Set the Halloween Mood

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While it seems you’ve got everything complete – from costumes to candy – here’s a last-minute touch to get ready for trick-or-treat fun. 
It’s the soundtrack!

 

When you have little ones, you really can’t play Tubular Bells (the worst Halloween song EVER), screaming girl or squeaky door sounds – well not too much at least. Believe me, you’ll regret it when you do when you wake up in the middle of the night with them screaming of bad dreams. So you compromise. 

Forget princesses, this Disney-inspired playlist from Rdio, the ad-free online subscription service, is all about Disney villains. 
 

So click play and get the party started just the way Disney wants you to. 

  1. This Is Halloween – The Citizens of Halloween – Nightmare Before Christmas Special Edition
  2. Grim, Grinning Ghosts – Ghosts – Mickey’s Monster Bash
  3. Swinging Wake – Xavier Atencio, Buddy Baker – The Haunted Mansion
  4. Oogie Boogie’s Song – Danny Elfman – Nightmare Before Christmas Special Edition
  5. Friends on the Other Side – Keith David – Disney Villains: Simply Sinister Songs
  6. Otherworldly Concerto – Gaylord Carter – The Haunted Mansion
  7. Poor Unfortunate Souls – Pat Carroll – Disney Villains: Simply Sinister Songs
  8. Heffalumps and Woozles – Disney Chorus – Halloween Songs & Sounds
  9. The Siamese Cat Song – Oliver Wallace, Peggy Lee – Disney Villains: Simply Sinister Songs
  10. Pink Elephants On Parade – Disney Chorus – Disney Villains: Simply Sinister Songs
  11. Ghostly Music Box – Music Box – Haunted Mansion – The Haunted Mansion
  12. They Don’t Scare Me – Mickey Mouse – Halloween Songs & Sounds
  13. Monster Mash – Goofy – Mickey’s Monster Bash
  14. I Wanna Scare Myself – Tigger – Halloween Songs & Sounds
  15. Which Witch Is Which? – Goofy, Mickey Mouse – Halloween Songs & Sounds
  16. Pool Monsters Attack – Danny Elfman – Frankenweenie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  17. Night Creatures (Sound Effect) – Walt Disney Sound Effects Group – Halloween Songs & Sounds
  18. Haunted House (Sound Effect) – Walt Disney Sound Effects Group – Halloween Songs & Sounds
  19. The Witches (Sound Effect) – Walt Disney Sound Effects Group – Halloween Songs & Sounds
  20. A Dark & Stormy Night (Sound Effect) – Walt Disney Sound Effects Group – Mickey’s Monster Bash
Which Disney villain is your favorite? 
 
Happy (Almost) Halloween! 
 
 
 

Halloween Celebration Play Date Fun: Boo Bark, Spooky S’mores & Poison Punch {Recipes}

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As part of a sponsored campaign for Collective Bias®, I was inspired to create some fun and quick recipes for a Halloween play date using our favorite Mars candies, 7 UP and Hawaiian Punch. 
As I’ve been sharing on mamachallenge, I simply love Halloween. 

The decor, the fun and the candy make it a perfect opportunity to get together with family friends to catch up before the Christmas holidays. So we invited over a few of the neighbors for a little play date with a spooky celebration theme! 

 
The kids wanted to help with the party preparation fun, so we put on our aprons and began the creation fun! My little mad scientist (my 5 year-old) came up with the idea of Boo Bark; an inspiration from his recipe of Easter Day Bark. Using all his favorite Mars candies like Twix, Snickers, and M&Ms, he whipped together a delicious candy-coated treat, with a little help from mom (melting the chocolate.) 

#shop

 

Once in the Halloween spirit, he couldn’t stop himself! My little chef, wanted to have one more dessert for his party. Since he loves s’mores, he decided to make a Halloween S’mores using pumpkin marshmallows, Snickers miniatures and cinnamon-flavored graham crackers. I was surprised at how good they were and tasted just like Halloween! 

#shop

 

To wash it all down, we made up our own brew of “Poison Punch” with Hawaiian Punch, 7 UP and a little dab of sherbet for effect. We also used some other Halloween fun using juice ice cubes and gummi body parts to add a little more fun to the bow. Using a decorative cauldron and a fun little toy we found at the Halloween store, we were able to add a little spooky effect with fog. While you could opt to use dry ice instead of the vaporizer, we were able to find ANY anywhere, so this little device made it easy for us to use and could be used over and over. 

#shop

 

See? Having a little spooky celebration get-together can come together with little work or effort with just a few favorite ingredients! And best of all, after Halloween, what an easy way to use your leftover candy and create a treat perfect for giving in November (just change out your M&Ms for yellow, orange and brown.) 

 
Mars Variety Packs make getting ready for Trick or Treaters easy with Miniatures available in 230 pieces & Fun Size packs in 55 pieces.

 

#shop

 

Boo Bark

 Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 cups chocolate chips
16-20 Twix miniatures
15 Snickers miniatures, chopped 
20 bags M&Ms, separated into green, orange, brown 

Instructions
Line a cookie sheet with foil. Then spray the foil with cooking spray. 
Lay unwrapped Twix on the bottom of sheet spacing them out around 1-2 inches a part. 
Next either melt chocolate chips in the microwave or over the stove with a double boiler, until the chocolate has melted and pulls away from the pot. 
Pour chocolate over Twix bars on sheet. 
Place M&Ms over the top of chocolate bark. 
Then sprinkle Snickers over the top. 
Place chocolate pan in frigerator or freezer until firm. 
Break apart into pieces. 
Serve immediately or store in fridge until ready to gift. 
 
 
#shop

Poison Punch

 Ingredients
2 quarts Hawaiian Punch
2 cups 7 UP
1 cup sherbet (any flavor)
Gummi body parts

 Instructions
Refrigerate Hawaiian Punch and & 7 UP until ready to serve. 
Add to Hawaiian Punch and gummi body parts to a large bowl. 
Then add sherbet. 
Slowly add 7 UP to the bowl. 
Serve punch in a cauldron or other fun serving container! 

 

#shop
 

 

Celebrate Halloween & Dia de los Muertos with NEW SPOOKtacular Gluten-Free Halloween Desserts Cookbook {Recipe}

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I love Halloween. 

 However, with two little ones in a bilingual school, the shift of candy, horror films and slimy gore has turned into understanding the culture and history of Dia de los Muertos or “Day of the Dead.” 
In Latin America, on Dia de los Muertos, Nov. 1, the lives of the deceased are celebrated with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life.  The most familiar symbol of Dia de los Muertos are the calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls), that are often seen symbolizing the holiday. 

 Not always able to find ways to help my kids learn about Dia de los Muertos, I was excited to find this recipe in a new organic cookbook SPOOKtacular Gluten-Free Halloween Desserts.  A marriage made in heaven, this cookbook by Kanta and Vitura Barrios, also celebrates both Halloween and Dia de los Muertos through food with an added healthy bonus of gluten-free and dairy-free cooking. 


So I’m sharing the recipe the Barrios family has given my permission to share in hopes you too will appreciate and enjoy just one part of a beautiful, cultural event, Dia de los Muertos. 

MEXICAN CATRINAS & CALAVERAS (PECAN COOKIES)
(4 or 5 Catrinas and 6 Calaveras) 
INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup raw coconut oil or butter, softened
3/4 cup raw sugar (coconut or demerara sugar), pulverized
1 large egg
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 ½ cups quinoa flour (plus extra flour for rolling the dough)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
3/4 cup finely ground pecans (pecan meal)
Skull Template and Catrina Template and a gingerbread lady cookie cutter of a similar size
(for decorating)
2 batches Royal Icing (see page 6)
Food coloring in white, red, orange
Green, yellow, and black edible ink pen
Icing piping bags with #2 and #3 tips, 1 for white and another for the other colors
Edible orange sugar sparkles (plus any other color you like) a steady hand
ROYAL ICING (covers 6 – 8 cookies)
1 large egg white (could be pasteurized)
1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Using an electric mixer, beat the egg white for a few seconds before adding the sugar and half of the lemon juice.
  • The icing’s consistency should be smooth and heavy cream-like.
  • Add the remaining lemon juice (and more if you feel it’s needed) one drop at a time. You may also add more sugar to suit your liking.
  • Just a few drops of liquid, more or less, will alter the icing’s consistency. 
  • We recommend a thicker icing for outlining the cookie, and thinner icing for filling out the inside.
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the oil, sugar, egg, and vanilla until the mixture is a creamy consistency.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and ground pecans.
  • Add the dry mixture to the oil mixture and beat well.
  • Transfer the mixture to a board, and knead it just enough to make it a dough. 
  • Sprinkle some flour on the counter, and roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. If you are making skulls, cut out the shape using the template provided.
  • For the Catrinas, follow the template provided or find a gingerbread lady cookie cutter of a similar size.
  • Place the cookies on the lined baking tray and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. 
  • Let the cookies cool completely before icing and decorating.


 To Decorate

For the Catrinas, divide 1 batch of Royal Icing, and color it white, red, green, yellow, and black. 
You decide how much of each color you want to have. You have a couple of options for decorating this cookie. The first involves using the Catrina stencil and the writing pen. In the final Catrina, the background behind the skeleton will be the cookie itself. 

  • Start by drawing the outline of the Catrina with her skirt, hat, bones, and head straight onto the cookie.
  • Pick a color for the Royal Icing (red, green, or yellow) and use that color icing in a piping bag with a #3 tip to outline the skirt and hat. Once the icing sets, fill in the skirt and hat with the same color. Let the icing set. 
  • Using white icing in the piping bag with a #3 tip, outline the skull, vertebrae, ribs, bone arms, and fingers.
  • Fill the eyes, nose, and mouth with the black icing, using a #2 tip.
  • Finish with design details on the skirt, hat, and earrings using another color or colors and the #2 tip.
If you are looking for further materials and ways to teach your kids about Dia de los Muertos, check out this site at National Geographic! 



Best Pumpkin Recipes on Pinterest Put to the Test on TV

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When someone gives me a challenge, I take it. Head on. This time it’s the best pumpkin recipes on Pinterest. And I accepted gladly.

 


And when it has to do with Pumpkin + Pinterest, we’ll that’s the best kind of challenge, right?

This morning I put together three recipes I found on Pinterest to the test on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas for their Pumpkin-Palooza! Check out what I made and best of all, the recipes are here, too!

 

 

 

Three Ingredient Pumpkin Doughnuts

Inspired from http://sugarinhertea.blogspot.com/2013/09/three-ingredient-pumpkin-dooughnuts.html

 
 
Ingredients
1 box of spice cake mix (just the powder) 
1 15 oz can of pumpkin 
3 tablespoons of water

 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and spray your doughnut pan. 
Mix the three ingredients in a large bowl, and that’s it!! 
If the mixture seems a little dry, add a bit more water. 
Spoon the mixture into your pan and bake for 13 minutes. 

Optional:
Maple Glaze Recipe:
1 cup powdered sugar 
2 tablespoons maple syrup 
3 tablespoons milk

Pumpkin Pie Fudge with Nutella & Marshmallow Cream Swirl
 

Ingredients
1 bag Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses
1 cup White Chocolate Chips or White Melting Chocolate
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/4 c. Nutella
1/4 c. Marshmallow Cream

 
Instructions
  • Place chocolate in a medium sauce pot, pour sweetened condensed milk over top. Over LOW heat, melt the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate together, stirring constantly until smooth and pulling away from the edges of the pot.
  • Pour into a wax paper lined 8×8 baking dish (I usually lightly grease the wax paper too).
  • Use zip top baggies to pipe the nutella and marshmallow cream over top of the fudge. Swirl in with a knife.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set.
 

Pumpkin Better Than… Cake
 

Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
14 oz pumpkin puree (NOT PUMPKIN PIE FILLING)
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
8 oz. tub cool whip
1/2 bag Heath Bits
Caramel Sundae Sauce
 
 
Instructions
  • Mix together the cake mix, the pumpkin puree (DO NOT add the other ingredients on the cake mix box), and the pumpkin pie spice until a batter forms. 
  • Using the 14 oz. can of pumpkin puree will yield a thicker batter. You can add up to 1 cup more pumpkin if you’d like a thinner batter (which will yield a slightly fluffier cake).
  • Pour batter into a well greased 9×9 (9×13 if you added more pumpkin) baking dish. Bake at 350º for 35-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Let cool completely after baking. 
  • Using the bottom of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
  • Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, aiming to fill the holes. 
  • Refrigerate for 60 minutes or until the sweetened condensed milk has soaked into the cake.
  • Spread the cool whip over the top of the cake. 
  • Sprinkle on the heath bits, and drizzle caramel over top (just to your liking). 
  • Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or overnight (best).
Do you love or hate pumpkin?
 
 
 
 

 

How Do You Do Your Georgia Coffee Moment?

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This is a sponsored post written by me on the behalf of Georgia Coffee. 

Coffee.

The word alone is almost like saying “om” for me.

The aroma. The taste. The moment. Nothing else comes close to your lips meeting the hot, rich and satisfying beverage that has continued to go relatively unchanged no matter where I’ve been in my life. 


I can remember late nights in college that my coffee made a long day better when I had a test to study and papers to write. 

During my first job, when I was traveling from place to place, from airport to airport, a cup of coffee is what met me on my way out, welcomed me on my way to a new place and kept me company. 

Now, whether it’s at home in front of my computer, snuggled in front of the fireplace, or when I’m having lunch with a friend, it’s my coffee that makes me happy, comfortable and at peace. 

And while I enjoy a cup of java anytime of the day, it’s actually 2 p.m. that is my “coffee thirty.” 

With just one sip, all the tension of the day becomes focused; the stress melts away and things seem to be better – at least for just a little bit. However, I admit while I’m thankful for getting the opportunity to experience my coffee moment, if I have the chance, there are a few things that can make it even better.

1.  Cream.  And lots of it. Specifically, half and half. And on a really bad day – whipping cream. (Oh, wow that’s the ticket.)

2.  Good coffee like Georgia Coffee.  Made with 100% Arabica beans, the good ones that derive complex flavors and a richer coffee experience.  And to match my mood, I like to have options, even when it comes to my coffee. 

Light Roast: Nutty, sweet and fruity overtones with a mild finish
Dark Roast: Distinct, full-bodied with rich chocolate character
Decaf: Sweet, medium-bodied with mild acidity and a clean finish

But the way you take your coffee is a very personal request. And why shouldn’t it be when you are talking about how to make your day complete? 

So how do you take your coffee? Sugar, creamer, milk, sweetener, cinnamon, honey or basic black? 

What’s your Georgia Coffee moment? Before your day begins, with breakfast, mid-morning, or with dessert? It’s a discussion that really gets things percolating, at least amongst coffee drinkers. And there are a lot of us. So get in on the conversation with Georgia Coffee on Twitter @Georgia Coffee.

And of course, what a better way to talk coffee than by drinking it, just like I am right now!

To find your cup of Georgia Coffee, visit the locator and type in your zip code. 

I partnered with Georgia Coffee to write this post. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.

For more information, visit http://www.georgiacoffee.com.

It’s Coffee Time!



Make Life Easier with the Samsung Chromebook

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Tech Tuesday:


 Disclaimer: 
I was so incredibly happy to receive a Chromebook from Staples for purposes of this review. It came at the worst of times and the best of times, so I was able to really try it out and learn what makes a Chromebook unique. Read on to hear my fairy tale of making life easier with Samsung Chromebook. 

Let me tell you a sad story. 

 Don’t worry, it gets good in the end…so keep reading. 

 One day a girl had a wonderful tablet computer that she loved to do research on because it was easy to navigate and was extremely portable from a company called “Pear.” (Names have been changed to protect others.) 

Unfortunately, one fine day while she was carrying her tablet, a mean, horrible monster came and took it from her basket. She was so sad, she cried. And when she went home, her family cried. It was a sad day. Whatever would they do without it? 

 Then out of the blue, came a little fairy named Staples to bring her another computer called a Samsung Chromebook. While it wasn’t a tablet, it had other special powers, that she wasn’t even aware of yet. The fairy said, try this and see what you think. “You might be surprised what you find out.” 

 And so began a journey of discovery and exploration with the Samsung Chromebook. 

 Considering I was already a total Google fan, getting going on the device didn’t take long. Within a few seconds of logging into my Google account, I was working with all my pre-populated Google-everything platform. It was like I was working from my laptop, but instead much lighter at less than 2.5 pounds, quicker with its 10-second Fastboot technology and even more seamlessly with the integrated Google operating system. 

The Samsung Chromebook is thin and light with a lot of accessibility.

I was impressed. But what else could be so special about it? 

 Plenty.

  • The use of a keyboard is pretty obvious and unlike small tablets that can only connect to a keyboard via bluetooth, it’s ready to go once you open it and as easy to type on as a laptop. 
  • Built-in virus protection with the Google Chrome Operating System makes it a no-brainer for searching the Internet.
  • With 6.5 hours of battery life, the Chromebook creates a world of opportunity, especially when you run into Starbucks to get online and there’s not one outlet available. 
  • Ports!  You can actually connect to files on flash drive via the USB and HDMI port – meaning I can charge up my lovely smartphone while I’m working. And it also comes standard with WiFi and Bluetooth, giving you even more options to connect. 
  • Ready to conduct a quick Google hangout? Then start one in seconds with the quick button to the built-in camera! 
  • And the price? Starting at only $249, you could have two Chromebooks for the price of the leading tablet. 

Check out how thin the Samsung Chrome is next to my smartphone. (No judgement on the chipped equipment!)

However, it’s the machine that keeps on giving, too! 

 As part of Google’s interface, it also means that in addition to all the standard apps automatically in your Google account, you can add more apps to create your custom Google portal. And if you work off more than one machine like I do, it’s wonderful to be able to access all your files and everything without investing in an FTP or duplicating files in another system. Your files are updated in real-time, and if you are sharing documents with others, you don’t have to have all the other programs to update thanks to Google Drive. And Google Print, is nothing short of genius! 

Photo courtesy of Staples.com

One of the other great things about this low-cost laptop are the added goodies like more Google Drive space, a free trial of Google Play and even 12 free Gogo in-air internet passes to use when you are traveling!

 So with all the benefits of the Samsung Chromebook, it’s like a dream-come-true for those of us that are looking for a portable computer option that’s easy to use, can run tons of apps and access programs, and of course, fits into our price range. 

 And as the story goes, the girl lived happily ever after. 

Graphic courtesy of Staples.com

Create your own computer fairy tale by getting your Samsung Chromebook at Staples, where they make things easy. By purchasing at Staples, you can get free shipping as well as 5% back when you are a Staples Rewards Member.

Wouldn’t a Chromebook make your life a little bit easier? 



5 Must-Have Beauty Finds for Fall

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Disclaimer:
I received the best bag of beauty goodies from Nordstrom at their fall Trend Show for this review. Although I loved all the products, there were a few standouts I had to share. 

One of my favorite “holidays,” Nordstrom Trend Show, took over Galleria Dallas to reveal to hundreds of beauty-minded women the newest and coolest products coming to the market for fall. If you’ve never been to Trend Show, I’d highly advise you sign up for “beauty church” to enjoy a full morning of all things beauty with products, samples and services. 

It’s a great time to update your makeup bag and enjoy a fun day of all things beauty. There are lots of things to recommend, but these are at 5 musts for all women!  

1. Age Arrest from Kate Somerville
According to the folks at Kate Somerville, Age Arrest “is the first anti-aging treatment with Telo-5™ Technology to prolong the life of telomeres for a youthful glow.” While I don’t know what telemeres is, the formula is proven to effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles, increase firmness and elasticity, improve skin discoloration and hydrates the skin – making it feel soft and rich. And the container is pretty awesome too – with one pump, the innovative dispenser measures the exact amount you need. ” 


Every girl appreciates a product that multi-tasks and this bronzer/blush duo can also play on the lips if you are just looking for a slight bit of color. The colors are perfectly paired to give you the perfect glow throughout the year.

3. Chantecaille Supreme Cils Mascara
I’ve had all kinds of brushes over the years that promised to do all kinds of stuff, but this snowflake design from Chantecaille’s Supreme Cils Mascara lifts, coats and separates – clump free. And it’s water resistant so those lovely lids can stay in place all day long. 

I was sitting at a restaurant and noticed this gal, working her tail off had the best makeup – even while she was sweating and running around. I asked her what she wore and she immediately said Dior’s “air” line was the answer to her dreams! And this ultrafine mist is part of the reason that makeup can stay all day giving a velvety matte, shine-free finish so the way that you put make up on is the way it stays – all day!



5. Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser
Taking off your makeup is even more important than the make up you put on! Perricone MD has long been recognized as an industry leader for anti-aging, Nutritive Cleanser is designed to make skin, soft, smooth and radiant, while delivering anti-aging benefits plus lifting and contouring benefits. 



Taste a Little Mediterranean Life with Zoë’s Kitchen

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Food Fridays:

I was invited to a special grand opening experience and received a complimentary lunch from Zoë’s Kitchen for the purposes of this review. But I have honestly shared my review with you. Let’s just say their hummus could be eaten daily. 

In the Greek language, “Zoë” means life. Now in Addison, Texas as well as throughout the DFW Metroplex, Zoë’s means natural and homemade Mediterranean-inspired fare that’s perfect for lunch, dinner and your special occasion. Conveniently located at the Belt Line and the Tollway next to the new Whole Foods at Village on the Parkway, you’ll find the welcoming doors to DFW’s newest Zoë’s Kitchen. 



The space is a great refuge whether you’re coming to meet a friend for lunch or just ordering up a meal for the office or the family on the way home from work. Meeting you right at the door you’ll find a large community table ideal for the office to take a break and enjoy a great brainstorming session over a slice of Yaya’s Hand-made Chocolate Cake. The interiors are bright and fun and creative touches that give it a community feel (just check out the artwork from St. Alcuin school.

However, it’s the menu that will keep you coming to take a spot on the large patio space or to do a quick call in for a last-minute meal. As a girl that craves feta, olive and hummus on a pretty frequent basis, it’s wonderful to have options that are delicious, but won’t break the calorie bank. There are many options to choose from including dishes you wouldn’t expect at a fast-casual spot like shrimp kabobs and braised white beans. In a hurry, we ordered up two dishes to try and like many local folks will be doing, for take out. 

Our two best sellers, were delicious and still very warm after we got to our own table. Always a fan of shrimp, it was great to enjoy some fresh veggies and grilled shrimp instead of a hamburger or boring salad. The shrimp was large and not over-cooked and the veggies were the mix of crisp and plump you want in a grilled kabob. And the pilaf, we could have continued to eat for dinner if it had lasted. The orzo pasta had the perfect lemon-hint of flavor with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese. The portions were just the right size; for both eating now and maybe a smaller-sized dinner or for sharing if you just wanted a healthy snack. 

SHRIMP KABOBS
two charbroiled kabobs, zucchini, rice pilaf, cucumber raita, side greek salad

We could have just ordered two of the shrimp kabobs, but we wanted to try something a little different, so we opted for the Steak Stack, considered a big favorite. Packed with steak, onions and feta on sourdough, this was a good alternative for someone looking for something different than a pita wrap or salad. While the flavors were ok, we kept going back to that shrimp kabob plate and the little side of hummus that we ordered on the side. While we didn’t have enough pita to eat up all the hummus, we could eat it later with our own veggies or crackers since you just couldn’t bare to waste it! 

STEAK STACK
sliced steak, portobello, mozzarella, caramelized onions, feta spread, tomato, sourdough, rosemary oil

While I enjoyed our plates, the catering and party meals really caught my eye.  The “Guilt-free Girls Night” would be a super selection for one of those last-minute girl get-togethers as well as the “Game Day Goodies” when you are looking to feed a hungry bunch that may want to scale back on their wings and queso. And considering you can even get “rewards” for ordering their catering deals, it’s enough reason to make Zoë’s Kitchen a favorite on your iPhone. 

I’ll definitely be back for the spinach rollups, chicken kabobs and oh, yes that hummus…and the pilaf…well, I’ll be back for more. 

Zoë’s Kitchen
5100 Belt Line Road 
Suite 1056
Next to Whole Foods
Addison, Texas 
http://www.zoeskitchen.com










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