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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Last-Minute Back-to-School Discounts

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To-do Thursdays:


While my kiddos are already back in session at Spanish Schoolhouse, most of North Texas will start another school year come Monday morning. With only a few days left, now is still a great time to get those school supplies and BTS wardrobe needs with some special opportunities available for a limited time at area Staples, Office Max and Grapevine Mills.

See? It does pay to procrastinate (some of the time.)


Staples: 
Save a bundle when you purchase a  Back-to-School Savings Pass for $10 and get 15% off  on school supplies until Sept. 21. (All eligible products can be found here.) 



Office Max: 

If you haven’t started your back-to-school shopping, then it’s time to to bag it with OfficeMax – at least until this Saturday, Aug. 24.  You can get 20% OFF everything that fits inside a brown paper bag during OfficeMax’s 20% OFF Brown Bag Sale Event, including tablets, eReaders, must-have school supplies from backpacks to paper, calculators, printer ink and more (some exclusion do apply.)

OfficeMax’s 20% OFF Brown Bag Sale Event is available in-stores only. Brown bags can be found in Sunday’s paper. While you are there, make sure you also take up on their rewards program, Office Max Perksfor 5% back in rewards with every purchase plus some other great goodies! 


Grapevine Mills: 
Grapevine is known for trying to offer a little bit of everything for everyone and for Back-to-School this is certainly the case at Grapevine Mills. Here are just a few of the great discounts you can take up on for a limited time: 


  • Receive 15% off when you show your student ID at Forever 21.
  • Nautica Factory Store and take an additional 30-50% off storewide.
  • Taking advantage of 10% off with a student ID at the Tommy Hilfiger Company Store. 
  • Spend $75 or more at G by Guess and receive a free messenger bag.
  • Buy one, get one 50% off at Stride Rite/Keds/Sperry Outlet
You can check out other deals on their deal page on the Grapevine Mills website. 

Happy Shopping!



Get to the Heart and Soul of Family and Food with El Corazon de Tejas

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Food Fridays: 

 Dislaimer: I was invited to sample foods from this restaurant for the purposes of this review. However, all my comments here are my own. 

 And in the heart of Oak Cliff in Dallas, you’ll find El Corazon de Tejas. While this Tex-Mex restaurant is relatively new to the restaurant offerings here in Dallas, the family that opened this neighborhood must-go is definitely not new to the Dallas Tex-Mex scene.


Owned by John and Gilbert Cuellar, grandsons of Adelaida Cuellar of the The Cuellar family, are well-known for their roots in opening the first El Chico and their hands in many other restaurants in Dallas. Taking their experience, family recipes and renovating a beautiful building in the OC from the early 1900s, these brothers have put their heart and soul into making El Corazon de Tejas something we can all appreciate: good food made from local foods from the hands of even more members of this incredible family. 

During the two-hours I dined, I met around 10 family members who either had come in to dine, make our meal or serve it to us. And as I looked around the large dining room, complete with a beautiful newly painted mural of a Mexican maiden and an incredible restored chandelier that like the name of the restaurant, sets as a heart in the circular-like room. Together, you would never know which of the fixtures has been there longer. 


Starting off the smorgasbord was a queso flameado with mushroooms that easily could make for a perfect meal for one, but who can stop there when there are warm, handmade tortillas brought to your table? Then the lineup of food began with all things that make Tex-Mex great: echiladas and tacos! However, the menu also includes parillas, taqueria tacos and some family specialities. 


Once the dishes came out to the table, I already felt that I may need to rethink my form-fitted pants for a pair of sweats. However, like any good experience eating with friends and family, you find a way to make it work, taking tastes from each of the plates and washing them down with fresh mango and watermelon margaritas, sourced from Urban Acres. While both were refreshing, the watermelon flavor tasted like the flavor of summer and paired perfectly with the chipotle quesadillas I kept being drawn to for seconds and thirds. 

There was something for everyone at the table – from vegan and vegetarian options to the more Mexican purist with rich and flavorful mole. And of course, everything came with delish rice and beans (both with bacon and vegan made.)

One of my favorite dishes we tried was a Mexican Fajita Martini – a fun presentation of some of the best things you love about Tex-Mex with guacamole, pico, sour cream, rice and fajita meat. Created from one of the owners’ daughter wedding, this dish isn’t on the menu right now, but it will be — and certainly is the great way to start the fiesta you are bound to have at El Corazon de Tejas.

El Corazon de Tejas
110 W Davis St
Dallas, Texas 75208
214.943.8610
http://elcorazondetejas.com

Get Ahead of the Class for Back-to-School with $15 Giftcard from Just Between Friends Fort Worth!

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To-do Thursdays: 

Disclaimer: I was provided a gift card in exchange for writing this post. But my stories, my photos and my love of saving is all my own. 

I. cannot. believe. I. have. a. kindergardener. 

 (Give me a minute, a need to take a breather.) 

 That means it’s the start of 12 more years for him of back-to-school preparations – supplies, clothes, backpacks and getting back to a routine (that’s a lot to digest and even more to have to spend.) And of course, I’ve got a 2 year old little girl to go right behind him very soon!

Can you figure out which of these Ralph Lauren Polo items were consignment sale finds?
(All of them but the two on the left!) 


Thankfully, my mama taught me the value of a dollar, so since day one, I’ve been a huge fan of consignment sales to keep my kiddos dressed nice on our budget. I’ve even been told my daughter has the cutest clothes and most the time they are outfits I have purchased from a seasonal consignment sale. With just $100 I can get my kids suited up for a whole season plus a little more. And considering we like brand names, it’s a great way to stock up without paying full price! 

 While there are all kinds of consigment sales in Dallas-Fort Worth, the one that started it all was Just Between Friends and the one in Fort Worth is huge. They’ve things you wouldn’t even think you need, but the price is so good you buy it anyway. The upcoming JBF Fort Worth sale is August 31 – September 7, but goodness knows I need a reminder…

 Lucky for both of us, my friend/optimizer/tightwad Jill over at Real Life Notes has answered both our prayers with a handy calendar to keep us in line on DFW consigment sales this fall. (Isn’t she organized?)

 Since JBF is all about saving you money, they are making this year even sweeter by offering you a chance to win a $15 giftcard! That means you probably are getting $50-$60 worth of clothes for free just by entering.) 

So let’s get back-to-school this year with money already in our pocket! 

7 Easy Tips for Being Green and Get Rewarded For It with Recyclebank

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Wow Wednesdays:

With 100+ temperatures well underway for DFW over the next couple of days, it’s hard even to think about being green when all you wanna do is run you’re air-conditioner at about 60 degrees. However, a new company called Recyclebank wants to rewards DFW residents for taking everyday green actions with discounts and deals from restaurants, products and more. In just three minutes, I was signed up and had my first reward, so it is actually “easy to be green” no matter what Kermit the Frog said. 

To help you get started thinking green to save green, Recyclebank  has gathered up some easy tips to help lower your carbon footprint while you have fun in the sun. With these small adjustments, everyone can help to bring about big change—while still enjoying the rest of summer.
1.  Grasscycle with the clippings your mower leaves behind. 
No need to bag up the grass clippings next time you mow the lawn! Instead, just let them lie and you’ll be reducing the amount of plastic and waste that gets sent to the dump while giving the lawn some of the nutrients it needs.

2.  After you rehydrate, make sure you recycle. 
Sometimes summer’s scorchers catch you by surprise. If you need to quench your thirst but forgot a reusable bottle at home, make sure that you purchase a drink that comes in a plastic or aluminum bottle that you can recycle when you’re done.

3. Celebrate summer more sustainably.
Whether you’re grilling in your backyard or tailgating before fireworks, make sure you have a separate bag to collect recyclable glass bottles and aluminum cans. Compostable serve ware can help make your cookouts more eco-friendly, too.

4. Don’t crank the AC in an empty house. 
You can easily conserve a surprising amount of energy when you adjust the air conditioner and water heater thermostats before leaving for a nice, relaxing vacation.

5. Get paperless tickets when you travel. 
Public transportation is already an eco-friendly alternative to traveling by car. Consider booking with electronic tickets when traveling by plane, train or bus and you’ll save some paper, too!

6. Recycle backseat masterpieces made from scrap paper. 
On long drives, keep the kids entertained with lap boards and a handful of scrap paper. They can draw, color or play games like tic-tac-toe on the road and you can still recycle those sheets when they’re done!

7. DIY sandcastles: creative, recyclable, and fun! 
Consider using aluminum soup cans and recyclable plastics on a trip to the beach. They’re great for offering a nice variety of sizes and shapes and, after a quick rinse, they’re totally recyclable, too!

To find out more ways to green your summer, visit https://www.recyclebank.com/green-15.



Snag an Invite to Grapevine Mills Private Shopping Event + Giftcard {Giveaway}

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Me Mondays:

Have you ever wanted to find out what happens at blogger events? Well here is your chance! Grapevine Mills Mall, one of DFWs premiere shopping + entertainment outlets, is hosting an exclusive, invitation-only event on August 1 complete with: 
  • A Style Presentation
  • Cocktails and Appetizers
  • A swag bag of special gifts
  • A $25 Simon Mall Gift Card
  • An interactive tour with a chance to win a $250 Simon American Express Gift Card!
Wanna go? 
I’m super excited, but even better, they are allowing me to bring one one of you for a fun night of shopping, girl time and good swag!  

Are you ready for a great evening of sizzling summer of style & savings? All you have to do is enter this giveaway, open now until July 30, 2013 at midnight via Rafflecopter. 

 So what are you waiting for? ENTER NOW!


Mom to Mom: Healthy Baby Food Delivery You’ll Both Eat

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Food Fridays:


 Disclaimer: I was provided products for the purposes of this review; however, no compensation was received. All comments and thoughts disclosed here are my own. 

We all have grandiose visions of what amazing things we are going to do for our children to be “good parents.” One of my biggest goals was to create my own baby food for my son so he would enjoy healthy eating and ate more than chicken nuggets, goldfish and strained peas. 

Unfortunately, my good intentions were ruined with work, unplanned obligations and pure exhaustion of just getting the absolutely necessary things complete – much less the things I wanted to achieve like whipping up some pureed carrots. 

Now, three years later, I’m here again, with a toddler and a wish to feed her healthy food BUT with even less time than I had with one child. 

Thankfully, this time I actually have an option: Half Pint Palates.



 Created by mom/chef/owner/amazingly cool gal Tara Anderson, HPP creates and delivers clean, non-processed, globally insprired baby and toddler foods to doorsteps across the metroplex (within a 30-mile radius of her Deep Ellum kitchen.) Packaged in either a three-day or five-day plan, a single day’s menu includes: breakfast, an entrée style lunch, light dinner, two dry snacks, a fruit puree and a juice all for only $17.50 per day. Basically everything you need for your kid’s menu but milk.


 Since as children we are born with more taste buds than you’ll ever have, priming a kids palate is important to appreciate and enjoy certain flavors and textures rather than the bland ingredients that processed baby food presents. So by using local and sustaintable producers, Tara handcrafts her proportionally appropropriate meals by introducing spices, herbs, grains, local meats and legumes (she opts not to use nuts in her foods, although the line is not totally nut free.) 

A sample menu of Half Pint Palates: 

BREAKFAST
Passionfruit Oatmeal
Summer Tomato and Aji Grit Casserole
Caramelized Banana Pudding
Arroz con Leche
Quinoa with Guava-Lime

LUNCH
Chicken and Summer Vegetable Tamale Pie
Vegetarian Chili Verde
Sancocho de Pescado
Fresh Corn and Quinoa Casserole with Chorizo
Argentinean Bistek with Chimichurri Rice

SUPPER
White Beans with Chimichurri
Sauteed Sweet Plantains
Potato Causa
Stewed Yuca and Collard Greens
Calabaza and Carrots with Coconut

SNACKS
Tomatillo, Celery, Lime, Cucumber
Carrot Pineapple Puree
Pan de Queso
Coconut Cinnamon Shortbread

And remember, this is for your KID!
 I was elated to share a week’s worth of Half Pint Palates with my daughter in efforts to try to change her finicky habits until I took out the container from the freezer and took a bite to try it myself. It was so good, I didn’t want her to have it. I mean I wanted to trade my dinner for hers. (Yes, I was chowing down on baby food that was full of flavor and took all of 1:00 to cook.) However, I made the sacrifice and ler her half it with me. 

 No longer was making healthy food my challenge. It was opening the homemade crackers, freshly squeezed juices with fun flavors like prickly pear cilantro juice and pimento cheese grits and letting her have them before I decided to eat them for my own meal. (Yes, really it was THAT good.)

 How it works:

  1. Clients of HPP go to www.halfpintpalates.com to order their food style preference (purees or ‘stews’), their desired amount of weekly meals and can choose from a selection of HPP snacks and juices as well as some adult treats. 

  2. HPP shops for seasonal ingredients, prepares them by hand, administers a taste test and freezes the fresh meals all within a week of the client’s delivery date. 
  3. All your food is packaged up and delivered to your home in a refrigerated bag in handy plastic containers that are easily placed in the freezer and pantry for quick cooking throughout the week. 

Like many momprenuers, Half Pint Palates was developed out of Tara’s own want to provide her daughter healthy food options and merging her own professional experience as am executive chef with Pepsi. And considering her husband also works with Wolfgang Puck Catering, preparing great food from local sources is a priority for this Lakewood family.


 Lucky for you, Tara also hosts monthly cooking classes and this month a special FREE Cooking Demonstration hosted by Dallas Moms Blog THIS Tuesday, July 23 at 11 AM at Central Market! However, you must register for this incredible event and reservations are limited. 

 My advice: sign up for Half Pint Palates and order two plans – one for your kiddo AND one for you. 

Half Pint Palates
http://www.halfpintpalates.com
214.208.7908



The Best Places to Find + Post Garage Sales

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To-Do Thursdays:

 Last weekend the rain convinced me to face up to a task that had been looming for a long, long time. 


I finally had to clean out my kids’ rooms. 

My youngest was getting ready for potting training so she was ready to move up to a big-girl bed and the oldest recently announced to me that it was time to move out the Thomas the Tank Engine and bring out the Legos. (There were tears when he told me.) 

 But to be honest, there was a lot more to do than that. I needed to pull out those old toys, clothes, shoes and whatever else that we had finally outgrown and send them to storage. You see I hadn’t gotten rid of anything from either of kids since they were born. (Shame, right?) 

 So before people started to make a call to the show Hoarders, I moved out the old stuff and put them in storage with all the other stuff we were holding on to. Except this time, I couldn’t close the door. And there wasn’t enough Rubbermaid to organize all this craziness. I needed to make like a cheerleader and purge (just kidding.) 

 And since all the junk was a big eye sore each time I walked by, I needed to rid my house of the crap quickly (especially before I began to think about keeping that “one” outfit that would without a doubt turn into 20.) 

 Considering there was that much stuff, everything pointed to the idea that I needed to host a garage sale. But since I don’t go to garage sales and the only one I ever had made like $20, I went on a mad search for how the age of technology had changed garage sales. 

Seven online sites you can find (and post) a garage sale in your area:

  1. Craigslist.org
  2. Yardsalesearch.com
  3. Gsalr.com (this one even has a cool app that maps your garage sales!)
  4. Yardsales.net
  5. Atgaragesale.com
  6. Online Private Facebook groups (you may have to research these, but they are controlled groups on Facebook that keep the “Craiglist experience” more local.)
  7. And don’t forget to look at your local newspaper. (Many of them offer really cheap online ads for garage sale listings that can be both print and online!) 

Good to Know: 
I also needed to add that BEFORE having a garage sale, make sure you check your city’s rules on hosting a garage sale. Some request a permit, some don’t and there may be other rules for signage, ordinances, etc. For instance in Arlington, Texas, we have all kinds of rules on garage sales like where we can post a sign and that you can only host a sale no more than twice a year. 

AND of course, if you are looking for GIRLS & BOYS BABY/KIDS CLOTHES,FURNITURE AND TOYS for ages 0-4, then come on out to see me on Saturday! 

Got Bugs? 5 Tips for a Bug-Free Summer 2013

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Does it seem like your house has been taken over by gnats and flies? I know I’ve had out my fly swatter every day and have been like a mad woman trying to clean up every crumb after my children in hopes that I wouldn’t wake up with some new friends swarming my sink. I mean we aren’t gross people, so what’s with all the bugs? 

After I had this same conversation with about five different people in one day, I figured it was time to go to the professionals. But who? It was easy to find the answer: www.gotbugs.com.


Arriving right on time after only making my appointment only about 48-hours before, my friendly “bug man” came out and take a look to give me some tips I could do my self on what I could do to not feel like I lived in Oscar the Grouch’s garbage can. 

I had several questions for him, but went straight for the biggie: 
“What’s with all the bugs?” 

He explained that since we had such a mild winter season with very few cold storms, the bugs from last year never died. “Basically, there was no kill season – so they had an extended mating opportunity.” 

Oh gross. But now it was on to finding a way to get rid of the little buggers. 

With just a quick walk around my yard, he was able to give me a few thing I could actually do. 

 {This is the part you take notes.}

TIP #1: Move the trash away from the door. 
One of the common places for people to put their trash and undoubtedly one of the easiest ways for bugs to get in the house is to leave it next to the back door. While it may not be as convenient, moving our trash just a few feet has greatly changed the number of bugs we’ve seen. 

We all remember last year we were all on West Nile watch. While there have been cases this year, it’s nothing compared to the issues we had in summer 2012, thank goodness. But there are things we can do to prevent as much risk as possible. 

TIP #2: Avoid going outdoors from 7-9 pm (dusk) to alleviate your risk for mosquitos.  
One of the things I learned was that mosquitos like to perch on the underside of bushes – so basically, you can’t get to them by just spraying them yourself. (Super, right?) That means you have to take other precautions to keep those pests away. But since I’m not going to put a timer on my summer entertaining, he also suggest another tip:

TIP #3: Whoa on the water. 
Not only does watering your yard too much add to water shortage issues, but it also makes it a nice environment for the skeeters to live. 

While we are also talking about water, make sure that you have all leaks and sprinklers fixed as well as any water sources at a minimal so the mosquitos don’t have a place to nest. Keep gutters clean and unclogged so it is unable to hold water as well as make sure your downspouts drain properly, without leaving puddles in the drainage area. 


 Tip #3: Mind the gaps. 
Bugs are always looking for places to live – including the cracks in your walls. So by filling in the cracks with sprayable insulation or even using a small square of folded window screen can help from bugs taking home in your home. 

 But there are a couple of gaps you actually should increase between you and infestation. First, make sure to trim back your shrubs trimmed back from the walls (basically overgrown plant life just help build easy road ways for critters to get around.) And thinking you’re being so smart to trim your trees and then pile them close to the house to use for firewood? Think again. Your pile just become an apartment complex for termites. 

Oh, how fast can I move those limbs, right? 


TIP #4: Keep your yard mowed and the garden mulched. 

A manicured lawn is actually an unhospitable place for critters – including ticks, ants, fleas and mosquitos. Basically, if they don’t have a comfortable place to hang out, they won’t (as much at least.) So keep those blades at bay with a weekly whacking. 

 And one more helpful tip he offered is if you find tick or fleas in your yard, you probably have another problem – a much bigger pest that is keeping them happy and fed. (That’s a whole other discussion that includes rats, squirrels, opposums…)

 TIP #5:  Go green and plant your own insecticides. 

There’s a whole industry built on sprays, fogs, powders and more to help cope with your yard. Unfortunately most of them don’t work (I say that from my own experience.) So consider natural options. While sage, jasmine, and mint are good for your herb garden, they aren’t good for bugs. So bring on the fragrant plants to help get rid of the bugs. 


While of course, there are many things I need to leave to the professionals, I was so appreciative of just the couple tips he shared for me to help get rid of my guests. And when you Got Bugs, then call the guys at Metroguard Termite Pest Control.


Disclaimer: There was no compensation or services rendered in exchange for this post. Metroguard Pest Control provided only their time and knowledge for the purpose of this review. 

Why I Was Called “The Sex Lady” – June 27 is National HIV Testing Day

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Wow Mom Wednesdays: 

While lots of people know I’m a mom, blogger and work in marketing, they don’t know that when I was in college I worked at the student health and wellness center on campus. 

Part of my job  was educating students in classrooms and in organizational settings about healthy decision making in regards to sex and conducting free HIV testing. That means sometimes I was talking to around 3,000 kids about sex and showing them photos of what Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections looked like. (I’ll spare you those, but they were pretty rough.) 




[Cue the music…“Let’s talk about sex, baby, let’s talk about you and me…”]
It makes me laugh to think about it now, but there were times I crossed campus going to class and a freshmen would stop me and say, “Hey, aren’t you the Sex Lady?”  and I would get to answer, “Yes, I talked to you about Herpes and HIV last week.” 
However, that was only part of my job. The other part was reaching out to the community to test people who thought they may be at risk for HIV. It really was was life changing to hear their stories, hear so many misconceptions people had and unfortunately, sometimes have to hear some really sad stories. 
While that part of my life may be over, the need for education and testing isn’t. So I’m getting on my soapbox since June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. 

 
Did You Know? (According to the CDC)

  • More than 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV infection
  • Almost one in five adults and adolescents living with HIV are unaware that they are infected
  • Men and woman in the African-American community make up close to 50% of all new HIV infections in the U.S. per year
  • Men in the African-American community make up 70% of those new infections
  • Women in the African-American community account for 9 out of 10 new HIV infections amongst women
  • The over 50+ age group has one of the fastest rising rates of infection due to physician bias/assumption and lack of HIV community education targeting seniors 

Risk for HIV
HIV is spread through some of the body’s fluids, like blood, semen/sperm, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. HIV is passed from one person to another by:

  • Having unprotected sex (vaginal and anal) with a person who is HIV positive
  • Sharing needles
  • Breastfeeding, pregnancy, or childbirth if the mother has HIV
  • Blood transfusion from contaminated blood 

Misconceptions and Myths about HIV infection

  • The biggest misconception about HIV is that you have to be “high risk.”


    FACT: High risk for HIV is anyone who has ever had sex with one partner, just one time. However, higher risk behaviors include multiple sexual partners, not using protection and IV drug use.

    • MYTH: HIV can be spread through non-sexual physical contact such as hugging, handshakes, sharing toilet seats, and from mosquito bites.
    • MYTH: HIV can be spread during contact with saliva, such as through kissing or the sharing of utensils.
    • MYTH: HIV/AIDS cannot be transmitted during oral sex. 

    Many feel as though HIV belongs to a “certain group”, and they are therefore exempt from the risk.  It is important to know that HIV can infect or affect anyone-male/female, married/single, homosexual/heterosexual, or young/old.

    Testing for HIV
    Make sure you are having the uncomfortable conversations regarding testing – not only with your partners and your loved ones, but also your physician.  Physicians sometimes inappropriately assume that you are not at risk for HIV, thereby missing an opportunity for testing and HIV education. 

    • Take it upon yourself to request testing for HIV if your physician has not asked you if you want to be tested.
    • It is now possible to know results of a testing in as little as 20 minutes with rapid testing, and it can even be done at home. 
      • If the test results are negative, you now have a responsibility to live your best life by protecting yourself and practicing safe sex each and every time you have sex.  
      • If the results are positive, you now have a responsibility to get counseled, get treatment, and then live your best life by protecting yourself and practicing safe sex each and every time you have sex.

    Prevention from contracting HIV
    Many are too afraid of the possibility of a positive result and therefore don’t get tested.  If the unfortunate happens, and you are exposed to HIV, it’s important to know that medical advances and treatments have made it possible for anyone living with HIV to live relatively healthy lives. 

    • Abstain from having sex
    • Practice safer sex: Use condoms
    • Get tested regularly (Know your status before having sex with a partner)
    if you are looking to get testing, then type in your zip code here to find a location near you. Most HIV sites will provide testing for free or at little-to-no-cost!

    Thanks for stats shared from The Urban Housecall
    Drs. Rob & Karla Robinson have established The Urban Housecall Magazine, an online health and wellness magazine with health information for men, women, and children as well as The Urban Housecall Radio Show to promote the message of health and wellness through the airwaves.

    Get On the SOUL TRAIN to Buttons – June is National Soul Food Month

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    Food Fridays: 

     Disclaimer: I was invited to a media event to sample and photograph dishes from Buttons for purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. 

    There’s nothing better then delicious food…unless of course, it’s great food accompanied by great friends and some great story-telling. 

     Then you know it’s GOOD.


     So when I had the chance to sit down to eat a little soul food during “National Soul Food Month” with Mr. Soul Food himself – Chef Keith “Buttons” Hicks of the award-winning Buttons, I brought my appetite and prepared myself to learn a little something about about soul food (something I know very little about.)

     “As a kid, I would watch my grandmothers’ cook by simply adding a little bit of this and a little bit of that and often just making something real good out of nothing,” said Hicks. “They would have the entire house filled with great soul food aromas that would have you anxiously waiting for the food to hurry up and be ready. I knew back then that I wanted to be able to do the exact same thing.”

     Can you dig it? (Which is also one of Hicks’ token phrases.) 

     His southern inspired menu includes: 

    • Signature Buttons’ Chicken and Waffles
    • oxtails
    • shrimp-fish-and-grits
    • chicken fried chicken
    • as well as tasty sides that include braised cabbage, collard greens, jalapeno cheese grits, sweet potatoes, corn cakes and garlic mashed potatoes.  

    However, some of things I was able to get my hands on included the new wedgeburg salad, Josh’s pasta, fire grilled chicken & plants, fried green tomatoes and sweet potato mini pie.

    Fire-grilled chicken & plants

    “Soul food has a deeply-rooted history that will continue to be told and experienced for as long as people continue to enjoy and appreciate great tasting food,” said Hicks. “I’m grateful to be able to continuously spread that history through each of my southern recipes, while also building upon the legacy of soul food.”

    Fried green tomatoes with an egg (to die for)

    Derived from the expression of “soul” music, soul food was a culinary movement spawned in the 1960s. Prior to that time, soul-style cooking was simply known as comfort food or southern comfort food, which originated with African slaves in the United States who were given food parts that their owners did not want to eat (i.e. pig’s feet, beef tongue, ham hocks, chitterlings, pig ears, and tripe as main delicacies of soul food.) Included are also many foods that came from the African homeland such as okra, black eye peas, watermelon, yams, and many leafy green vegetables. 

    Sweet potato mini pie

    And because there was a scarcity of meat, the people during this time learned to trap their own wild game and created meals such as shrimp, fish and grits. Meat was primarily consumed on Sundays because it was considered to be a special day.  Post slavery, many African-Americans in the South would enjoy hearty meals like chicken and waffles on Sundays to keep them full and satisfied throughout the day because church and many other related activities often would consume most all of their time.

     Now that’s food that is good for the soul. 

     So go give your soul a little love and get you some soul food this National Soul Food Month at Buttons.

    Chef Hicks and the restaurant have also been featured on several television programs including The Food Network’s Heat Seekers and Mystery Diners. 

    Buttons Food & Music for the Soul
    Website

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