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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Yoga Pose: Passing Wind

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This week’s challenge to make a BETTER ME was to try a hot yoga at a place I’ve been meaning to attend for way too long. I was so excited to get to finally go…And as I’ll share here, it was one of the best (and embarrassing) experiences ever. Read on to find out why.

I’ve done yoga in a lot of places for a many years…Don’t be fooled though. I’m not any good at it; I just can’t call myself a beginner anymore (but maybe a beginner II.) Since I was exploring fun ways to lose weight, it was time to finally take a “hot” yoga class. Lucky for me, they were also running an unlimited yoga for $25 introductory offer, so I signed up. 
 
The next day, I was so blooming excited; I put on my best yoga outfit and showed up for my 8:45 AM class (6 AM was too early to try something new.) When I arrived I was greeted by my a woman who was friendly and made me feel at ease about my *first time.* It seemed so yoga-riffic!
 
The room itself was also very warm, apparently more than 9 5degrees warm. The floor was made of cork and felt soft, yet firm on the soles of my bare feet. The interior was simple with clean lines, fixtures, and minimal décor. Yet, different than other studios, there were no mirrors. No music and no instructor at the front of the room. 
 
Oh, this was going to be different.
 
But I was already in this saddle, so I had to ride it out, no matter what.
 
The hour and half we spent practicing was amazing. While I had no one in the front to look at for demonstration or a mirror to try to copy the other students in the room, I was able to listen to the instructor on what to do with my body and how. I had to rely, listen and trust myself and my breathing to do each pose. It was kinda magical…(or maybe I was starting to hallucinate?) Either way, it was great.  
 
Did I mention by doing this you lose up to 600 calories an hour?  (Photo courtesy www.theyogaproject.net.)
But then after about 25 minutes of upward-downward dog, warrior 1 & 2 – it happened.
My bliss suddenly turned to embarrassment when I totally ripped one in the quiet classroom with no music and I knew no one. Well, not really ripped one, as passed one, as I would come to find out in my future research.
Lucky me. 
Thankfully, no one in the classroom snickered, so I was able to finish the class. While totally red-faced, I was able to blame it on the heat, so I could escape without making an issue.
Refuge.
When I got home, I went straight to one of my best friends, Google, for answers.
 
I couldn’t believe what I found!
 
First, I certainly wasn’t the only woman who ever did the Passed Wind “pose” in class. It actually seemed quite common, especially for women who have had children. This passing of air happens because of the loosening of the pelvic floor that happens during pregnancy and childbirth. I even found a story of a pharmacist who would see swarms of women come into his drugstore before a yoga class and consume large amounts of anti-this and-that in hopes to try to keep the “vart” (as AuntYoga described it) from happening.
 
While this made me feel better at home, I still had to faceup to the challenge: returning to the class that I was so excited and embarrassed to attend again.  
I’ll be happy to report I haven’t had any more embarrassing issues happen since the first one, but perhaps it looks like I was able to conquer “Passing Wind” for now. I’ve returned around four times now, upgraded my yoga mat and purchased my first yogitoes. 
 
Never heard of a yogitoes? I hadn’t either, but you better learn. For this class, you’re gonna need it. It helps to contain the euphoria and the other pose I’m trying to avoid: the falling on my face.  
 
The Yoga Project
2745 N Collins St #109, Arlington, TX 76001
817.548.0080
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Ready to Get Your Fit On? 

I See Your Epidermis! Newest Trends in Med Spa Treatments for the Face

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Want-it Wednesdays:

In Dallas where there’s just as many med spas as there are Starbucks and McDonalds (want proof, look here), I’ll take a look at the newest options for making you look like a million bucks (or at least take a few years off your face.)
I had no idea that most of these existed!  After researching all these procedures, I needed a graph to remember what each one was, what it did and to what. 
So to break it down even easier, I’ve got it down to the basics, starting out with the easiest and minor procedures until the more intensive. 

DISCLAIMER: This list is what I was able to research; it’s not by any means a complete list and none of the information here is medically approved as I’ve researched using each of the individaul websites, blind interviews over the phone with local med spas, and general knowledge.
First, before you consider going head first into making a BETTER YOU, remember, you are already beautiful just the way you’re made. However, I’ll admit, I think there are some things that were created to make you shine just a little brighter! Just remember there are some limits. REALLY. LIMITS PEOPLE!

Looking to get rid of some dark pigment on your skin, minor acne scars and just brighten up your complexion?  First, let’s talk about microdermabrasion treatments, dermaplaning and chemical peels.  (No needles here.)
IPL Photofacials:
Did you ever sunbathe on the trampoline or use Crisco oil to suntan like I did? Well that’s where photofacials come in to the picture. For those of us with sun damage, sun spots and rosacea, a program of photofacials give your skin an overhaul by using Intense Pulsed Light in a series of 4-6 sessions.
Results: Depends on each person and how you treat your skin.
Microdermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment that repairs the skin by reducing the appearance of acne scars, cleaning clogged pores, and smoothing skin while helping to fight signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Normally its recommended to have around five treatments at least a week apart. THINK: A big scrub down on your face.
Results: Can last around 2-3 months
Dermaplaning:
Sometimes Dermaplaning is a gentle, superficial exfoliation process that removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, and as an added bonus, it also removes the fine facial hair often referred to as “peach fuzz”. This is a safe and effective technique that leaves your skin with a smooth fresh look.
Results: Around 3-4 weeks (the hair cycle)
Chemical peels:
While they may tingle a little upon application, peels can produce even more dramatic improvement in skin texture, tone, skin tightness and wrinkles. It improves sun damage and brown spots as well.
Results: From immediate to 5-10 days after application and can last according to how you treat your skin.
Are crow’s feet tracking all over your face? Then let’s look at Injectables. (Yep, I said Injectable.)
Oh, reliable and what I considered to be the gateway medical treatment for many women. Botox is used to temporarily smoothen moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles. Also, Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)!
Results: Can last up to five months.
Botox now has a competitor…maybe that’s why “sport” is in the name?” Anyhow, similar to Botox, Prescription Dysport®is an injection used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults under 65 years old.
Results: Lasts around 90 days.

Xeomin, just like Botox and Dysport, is used for the treatment of wrinkles, lines, and the aging face. Xeomin is a highly purified, naturally occurring protein which has the ability to very precisely relax the muscles to which it is applied. This reduces muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows.
Results: Lasts around 90 days.
Need some more help to give your face more volume and create smoother skin while getting rid of those wrinkles for now? Then let’s move on to injectable gels.
Juvederm™ injectable gel is the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has been FDA approved and is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color. This smooth consistency gel aids in restoring your skin’s volume and smoothens facial wrinkles and folds. It helps get rid of “smile lines” and “parentheses.”
Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.
Using a clear gel formulation of hyaluronic acid, this family of cosmetic dermal fillers (there’s more where this comes from) adds volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds.)
Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.
This one was so new I actually got info on it today from one of the only places in town that performs the procedure. Belotero is a soft, dermal filler, comprised of hyaluronic acid-based cohesive gel made to assist in the correction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Results: Lasts around 3-4 months.
This “volumizing filler” is an injectable gel that works by immediately restoring facial volume to smooth out the signs of aging found in the smile lines, marionette lines, corners of the mouth, pre-jowl and chin wrinkles.  By acting like scaffolding under the skin, providing structure and stimulating your own natural collagen to grow, Radiesse is a long-term solution to consider.  
Results: Lasts around 12 months.

*While this one seems a little different than the others, it’s still an injectable and I couldn’t find anything that competes with this result time.

Are you scared to have instant results and everyone will know that you had work done? Then definitely look into aptly named Sculptra. However, if you are looking for a longer lasting solution for more intense aging and wrinkling solution, there are many options like ARTEFILL and AquaDerma.

Then there was more! Yep, there’s more and more, but I have to admit, I’m not a doctor so after a while, I just felt like it was SO over my head! Don’t consider any of these as recommendations for what you should have done; consider this a starter – a list of what’s out there and to learn more with someone with a license!

The last thing I must say, which should go without saying is TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR and know all the facts before making any choices about your skin! There are certainly downfalls to anything you do to your body or your skin, so make sure you know before you go under the needle, laser or light! 

Move over Pilates, Pole Dancing Builds a HARD CORE!

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Try-It Tuesdays: 

I’m all about trying to get off the weight, but I’m sure you’ll agree the idea of being on a treadmill day after day makes it hard to get motivated enough to get your hiney moving beyond all the other things you have to do every day. So in my pursuit of creating a BETTER ME in 2013, I decided to jump off the normal exercise routine and look at some unique options for working off the inches while keeping my interest peaked. 

Oh, mama, did I. 

This week’s Try-It Tuesday brought me to pole dancing. *blush*

Yes, I did folks, I walked right on in to that class and rocked that pole…actually, that pole rocked me in ways I didn’t even expect! 

I wasn’t sure actually what to expect, so in hindsight I probably should have done a few shots before going, but in the name of blogging I was committed to finding out how this could make me fit and not just feel fabulous. 

Once again, a Groupon caught my eye and I decided to buy a package for POLEITICIANS. Close to home in Arlington (with other locations in Richardson and Rockwall), I threw on my leggings and tank top and womaned up to whatever I was asked to TRY to do. 

After circling the parking lot for 20 minutes, I found myself in a small room with six poles, a group of ladies (including 3 newbies + myself) and a powerful professional pole teacher, all ready for Level 1. We didn’t waste anytime getting into working our bodies; only five-minutes into the class for the warm-up, I could feel my poor core and thighs just shaking. 

Man, move over pilates, pole dancing is where it is at to work that core!


I was able to continue to the actually routine portion of the class to learn how to do the Martini and a Rockstar…

Oh, my again I thought again after seeing Rashinda demonstrate the moves. There’s NO way I can do that. Between pointing my toes all the time (think ballerina), holding out my arms appropriately and then swinging my legs close to the pole, but not around the pole, I wasn’t even going to be able to complete my first class much less graduate to Level 2 in a few weeks. 

Well I’m glad to report, I did. Maybe not very well and let’s just say, if you paid to come see me at BabyDolls, you’d ask for your money back, but I felt like a Rockstar (which was good since that was supposed to be performing.) 

Now, I’m sure you are looking for that photo of me mid pole, but let’s just say: 

Hell, no. It ain’t happenin’…at least not at this point. 

This photo is one of the instructors showing how to do the pose properly, but I promise if I can actually make it to the last class, I will be happy to take a photo since my body, especially my abs, will look amazing. Now I know why people contunue to do this workout and lose mega pounds like 10-100 lbs. 

Now if that’s not enough reason to take to the pole, then consider it for your next girlfriend get together. And make sure you have socks, shorts and a little pole wax! Not only do you get an out-of-this-world workout, you do feel like a stronger, more confident and sexier you. 

Can’t beat that, right? 

To-Do: Do Dallas with your Sweetie with Dallas By Chocolate {Special Deal}

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To-Do Thursdays:

This weekend is MY mama’s birthday, so I’d like to share a “sweet” event in Dallas on how to spend some sweet time with your loved one (especially with a chill in the air!)

Sweeten Up Your Sweetie with Dallas Chocolate Tours This Weekend

Everyone loves chocolate (well almost everyone.) So what could be more fun than spending an afternoon Willy-Wonka style at some of the best places to eat chocolate in Dallas like Dude, Sweet Chocolate and wonderful treats at Paciugo Gelato.  Price includes private bus transportation, beverages (wine or water), samples and much more.



THIS WEEKEND ONLY:  Get $2 off per ticket if you book tickets for this Sunday, January 20! Just go to the “Book Other Tours” page here and do the “Special Tour Discount”!

Dallas By Chocolate Tours
Topics and Locations Vary
$30-$55
Price includes private bus transportation, beverages, and samples.
Looking for other events this weekend or to get on the books?

Get Hooked on Fishing and Trains, Jan. 19 in Keller and Hurst

Get Your Bump On! Expectant Family Workshop at Medical City Dallas

Go Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free with Best-Selling Author, Jan. 26-Jan. 30

Get Your (Pan)cakes and Eat Them, Too at IHOP National Pancake Day, Feb. 5

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To-Do: Round Up Your Herd for NYE 2013

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To-Do Thursdays: 

I’ll be honest and tell you the only thing I feel like doing this Thursday is sitting in my warm bed with a cup of cocoa…however, the to-do list is too long to just waste a perfectly good opportunity to enjoy my kids and the holiday season. 

So here’s my picks for a few things you and your kids can do this weekend and of course, the kick-off to the new 2013 year!

Living this close to “The Rodeo Capital of Texas,” take the family out to the Mesquite Pro Rodeo Winter Classic, Dec. 28-29 for bull riding, buck riding and best of all mutton competition and calf scramble!

And while there are several different options for NYE in Big D, the biggest one of course is the Big D NYE. It’s slated to be a [free] good time for the whole family including the biggest, loudest and best fireworks, entertainment, prizes and more. 

However, while we are still trying to figure out our New Year’s plans, consider all your options available with Your Holiday Helper: Celebrate New Year’s with Adventure Kids Playcare!

For those of you planning to be homebound on this special day, I’ll be sharing some great recipes for your own NYE party. 

Return, Exchange or Regift?

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Wow-Mom Wednesdays: 

Now that most the holiday gifts have now been unwrapped…the biggest question remains: 

To regift or not to regift? 

That is the question a recent national survey conducted by Bookoo.com, the online yard sale community, asked respondents as they prepare for the holiday shopping season. According to Bookoo’s 2012 Holiday Regifting Survey,  the holidays are the most common time of year for people to regive presents that they previously received from someone else. While frowned upon by some, a whopping 92 percent believe it’s completely acceptable to regift items, and more than 87 percent believe they too have been a recipient of a regifted item. And, with shoppers looking to save more and spend less this holiday season, more than 62 percent plan to regift an item to a friend, neighbor or colleague for the holidays.

Would you keep or regift these babies? (Found on Bookoo.com) 
Frequent regifters feel they have mastered the art of regifting and take precautions to ensure it stays a secret. Some popular techniques include re-wrapping the item to look new (53 percent), inspecting the item and removing any gift cards or receipts from the previous giver (50 percent) and planning ahead to make sure they do not give the gift to anyone associated with the original gifter (66 percent).
Most commonly, people regift because they feel that someone will appreciate the item more than they do (62 percent) or because they couldn’t use the gift personally (53 percent). Additionally, regifting has its cost-saving benefits with 82 percent of people estimating that they have saved up to $150 by repurposing gifts.
While most respondents suggest sticking to more commonly acceptable regifted items, including home decor pieces, antiques, books, toys and jewelry, others shared rather untraditional, less desirable regifted items that they received in the past, including: 
  • Two year old fruit cake
  • Box of chocolates with bites taken out of several pieces
  • Monogrammed items with someone else’s initials
  • Used toilet seat
  • Electric toothbrush
  • False teeth
  • Fingernail clippers
  • Outdated old desk calendar
  • Items the recipient had originally given to the gifter
  • Toys with broken pieces
  • Gift cards that were partially used
While regifting is most popular around the holidays, it is a common practice throughout the year. In fact, other popular times of year to regift items include: birthdays, baby showers and as housewarming and thank you gifts. No matter the occasion, women are more likely to regift items than their male counterparts 3:1.
To view more survey highlights, visit the Bookoo Blog.
About Bookoo
Based in Oswego, Ill., Bookoo offers a network of hyper-local online yard sales for hundreds of communities around the world. Each Bookoo site connects neighbors, allowing them to safely buy and sell their treasures locally, and to view a map of upcoming yard sales in their area. Free and easy to use, anyone can search and post items for sale on Bookoo.com or through the free mobile app for iPhone and Android. Inspired by their passion for finding hidden treasures at yard sales, brothers and yard sale fanatics, Adam and Austin Allgaier , founded Bookoo in 2004 and continue to expand into new markets worldwide. Today, more than a million people buy and sell just about anything on Bookoo every month.

Searches, Cards and Gifts that Give Back BIG

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Me Mondays: 


My “Me Monday” is all about checking off my holiday to-do list and perhaps thinking a little bigger – giving. Christmas is all about giving. So this Christmas consider not just giving a gift, but making a bigger impact with the gifts that you give. Here’s a great list of how you can make a difference by just buying a gift, creating your holiday cards or just searching for gifts online.

GIFTS

World Vision Gift Catalog | http://www.worldvisiongifts.org

The WorldVision Gift Catalog allows you to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. With the tagline, “Give a gift. Change a Life,” 86% of ever gift goes to programs helping children and families overcome poverty in nearly 100 countries.  As easy as thumbing through your Pottery Barn catalog, you can choose to make a specific donation for a specific cause like hunger, clean water, and medical attention for someone in need – like purchasing two goats and a cow to help a family be more self-sufficient to buying toys for children in a village.

Also, for those looking for something to give in honor of your donation, you can make a financial contribution, by selecting one of 36 Maximum Impact items that can be given to a loved one and at the same time help a person in need. And the items are as unique as the donations like an Artisan Beaded Necklace, a homemade, glass-bead necklace from Thailand.  However, the work of WorldVision and their need doesn’t end at Christmas, so visit their Facebook to learn more about this prolific Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential.


Inspired by the growing movement of Conscious Capitalism (think Tom’s Shoes), Ben Hurt and Blaine Iler endeavored to create a business that could change the world. So Dallas-based Impact Foods was born with a simple, but prolific concept:  for every bag they sell, a hungry child is fed.

While making it that easy to make an “impact” on someone else’s life is enough to eat another bowl of cereal, Impact Foods, an official partner of the World Food Program, they’ve upped the ante this December by feeding two children for every bag sold. With all-natural ingredients, whole grains, no fructose syrup and flavors like vanilla, maple oat and blueberry honey, when you pour it in a bowl, it’s just like it came out of the oven. So this year, if you’re a little short of time and creativity, consider a little Impact Foods in a pretty jar or bag with a spoon and a nice bowl for a neighbor, fitness friend or the gals at work.  They’ll be happy and you’ll done your good deed that might score you a few more points on Santa’s list. Get your bags of Impact Foods at Amazon, Whole Foods as well as many places in DFW.


Fresh Cup of Hope | http://www.freshcupofhope.com
Coffee baskets are one of the most purchased (and enjoyed) holiday gifts. Consider this holiday not only to give your obligatory coffee basket, but also to “make a difference, one cup at a time.” Because The Fresh Cup of Hope Cofee Co. works directly with the farmers and the principles of Fair Trade, they are ensuring that the farm they work with is self-sustaining and the lives of the workers are being improved with housing, better nutrition and overall health, tutors for the children and pastors who work directly with them. It’s amazing that something as simple as your choice in coffee can make a large, measurable difference in the lives of others, so consider pairing a bag of Jamaican Me Crazy, Cinnamon Pecan Brownie or Snickerdoodle with a $1 coffee cup from the Dollar Tree for a small gift that does big things.


HOLIDAY CARDS

Cardraising Greeting Card Fundraising | http://www.cardraising.com

Every year my mantle is full of Christmas cards from family and friends. Consider that each one of those cards sent could have also gone to help other organizations like your local school, church or even your child’s sporting team. That’s exactly what Cardraising does. Last year best friends Derek Sparta and Emil Jorge decided to create a sustainable business that could afford to give back 30% of its revenues to help others, so they developed Cardraising to help other organizations prosper when you create your holiday cards, birth or graduation announcements. While it’s still a growing business and 2012 is out for your organization to apply for the opportunity to participate, you can still pick out a lovely holiday card design that can benefit your preferred organization like Dallas-based Communities Foundation of Texas, one of the nation’s largest community foundations, in terms of total assets, gifts received and grants awarded.



ONLINE SEARCH


Save1 makes it even easier to make a difference, just by searching online for deals and discounts. Each time you use one of our coupons or special deals to save money, they use a portion of their commission to provide a nutritious meal for a hungry child. With 90,713 already purchased, they save you money and then they buy food for others (by doing what you are doing online to buy your gifts, anyways!) So consider using http://www.save1.com for your holiday shopping this year and while you are at it, you can buy a meal for someone else.


See what good you can do by just doing what you are already going to do this holiday. 
DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

7 Tips for the Perfect Experience at ICE! at the Gaylord Texan

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Disclaimer
 
Recently, my official family event reviewer (my son) and I took a much needed mother-son adventure to travel to the Christmas Capital of the World, Grapevine, Texas for the opening of ICE! at the Gaylord Texan. (Oh, the things we do for prosperity!) Since it was our first experience, we thought we’d give you some tips on how you can have your best first experience at ICE! based on our lessons learned. 
 
 
TIP #1:
Bring Your Hats and Mittens with You to ICE! 
 
During Christmastime, there’s nothing like driving through Main Street in Grapevine to put you in the Christmas mood with all the decorated store fronts up and down the street. (And the North Pole Express is an absolute must, but that’s another day trip!) 
 
TIP #2:
Make Time to Enjoy Yourself. 
We gave ourselves the afternoon to enjoy the whole experience to the Gaylord, so we took our time driving, talking about the holidays, the exhibit and everything else holiday at the Gaylord Texan. We spent around 3-4 hours for our excursion. 
 
Pulling up to the entrance to the Gaylord Texan you can see that they are all about the Christmas details…even before you past the gates. My son was already so excited at this point I wasn’t sure he was going to be able to contain himself. 
 
TIP #3:
Parking may be an issue if you are bringing lots of little ones or the stroller. 
If you follow the signs to “ICE Parking” you will be sent to the other side of the hotel to park. There is some Convention Center parking, but it’s hard to score. My suggestion, which is what I didn’t do, VALET if you can. It will cut your walking time in half. However, remember, your parking cost (a $17 value) is included with your ticket to ICE! 
 
Here we are with the “big blue jackets” and ready to enter the freezing temperatures of ICE! (FYI, the tent that houses the 2 million pounds of ice is kept at around 12-25 degrees, so get ready for the chill.)
TIP #4:
You can take photos at ICE!
However, your camera may react different to the temperatures so take that into consideration. But take into consideration, there are several people going through the exhibit as well and sometime trying to get that perfect picture can back up traffic. Note: if you don’t want to deal with photos, you can have your photos taken and purchased at the end of the exhibit. 
 
The first room you get to includes this great welcome from the sponsors. 
Each year the theme changes at ICE, so check the website for this year’s theme!
Can you believe these colors are made just using highly concentrated
FOOD COLORING!?!
In the center of ICE!, you’ll find an amazing ice slide just for the little ones. This was perfectly timed and so much fun for a photo moment! 
 
While the exhibit has some fun and colorful scenes for the kids, I simply loved this Nativity scene. It was absolutely beautiful and certainly made you remember the reason for the season. 
 
 

Once you’ve ended the ICE! part of the fun, you can take off your jacket and enjoy a perfect moment for hot chocolate and a sweet snack. We opted for two gingerbread cake balls and cocoa, but these Madagascar-themed chocolate rice crispy treats were a hot item. Just think of it like that mandatory food stop you make at Six Flags. Don’t think about the cost; just pay for it and take a little moment to appreciate your family and the holidays.
While the exhibit was fun, the SNOW Tubing was the ultimate experience for us. And best of all, we could do it together with family tubes (how else do you think I got this shot!) While this is a separate ticket than ICE! you cannot NOT do this. It’s just too mean to do that and too much fun. And best of all, you get to do it like 10 times with your ticket so it’s worth it.

TIP #6:
You’ll need some muscle.

While there is help to put you on the slide, you are in charge of carrying your tube to the top of the slide. The double tube was rather heavy and cumbersome to carry, so it’s not for the faint of heart. When we switch to just having my son ride with a small tube, he could hold it, but it was a chore. Basically, there’s not much to say here except be prepared and you might have to do some hauling. 

A trip to the Gaylord’s Gingerbread House/Candy Store was a great way to end our adventure. We grabbed some fun holiday candy for the rest of our family and then ventured on our way home. ICE! was a great way to kick off the holidays!

TIP #7:
Enjoy Yourself. It’s Christmas! 

Of course there’s a whole lot more to do at the Gaylord Texan during the holidays, so make sure you look at all the other fun activities like Gingerbread House Making and more!

ICE! at the Gaylord Texan
Gaylord Texan Hotel 
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051
817-778-2000
Website

Making dinner taste (REALLY) good – Jack’s Southern Comfort Food

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Food Fridays

While Jack’s Southern Comfort Food opened only last Friday, as soon as you walk in the doors at 1905 Greenville Avenue and take a seat, you feel like you are already home…at least a part of  longtime Dallas/Fort Worth restaurateur Scott Jones’. His latest comfort food eatery pays homage to this culinarian’s humble roots – Louisiana Cajun creole from his Mother’s side with the big bold downhome Texas cooking of his dad (for which the place is named.)  


Another perfect example of his southern hospitality can be tasted right at the counter with chocolate chip cookies, just like you would at home, giving you that I’m-home-kind-of-feeling.


Upside down pot pie, mac and cheese, real-deal gumbo, watermelon lemonade and deviled eggs served in vintage deviled-egg holders were just part of the warm and fuzzy afternoon spent at Jack’s. I love that the dishes were all served with mismatched plates all collected from sales and old cabinets to put together the spots plateware.


A perfect mix of bright colors among photos of retro toasters, deviled eggs and other fun finds (like Ross Perot’s smug mug) is a perfect example of Jones’ concept for the place.  Just make sure you show respect to his mom (she’s the beautiful woman in the center.)


I’m obsessed with aprons, so I love this one that seemed so perfect for the Jack’s staff. The hand-made aprons are made from old jean shorts, skirts and more! Best of all, they offer the“It’s All Relative” aprons and tea towels for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Bridge Breast Network, a non-profit that saves lives by linking low income, uninsured individuals to diagnostic and treatment services for breast cancer.


Chow-chow, onion relish and something I’ve never heard of called Mayhaw jelly makes eating at Jack’s like a Sunday supper at my Grandma’s. The centerpieces used on the tables also include fresh cut green onions in small mason jars (giving the feeling that they just came from the garden.)


The best part of Jack’s isn’t even at the restaurant – it’s at home. There are several options for casseroles, ready-made salads and of course, desserts and sticky biscuits that you can take home. And for me, not only is that option awesome, but the fact they’ll serve my kids complimentary after-school snacks like pimento cheese roll-ups and fruit salad (to die for) while I pick out our take-home dinner for the night, makes it a new S.O.S (save our supper) kind-of-place. For our custom casserole choice, we mixed a little bit of everything that our family liked (corn, chicken, pasta and more) into a dish and then popped it in the oven for 30 minutes to create Tuesday night’s dinner. (If I hadn’t brought in a sack,  no one would have know the difference…we’ll that and that it tasted good.)

While I can tell you the biscuits are reason enough to come on in for a spell, I know I’ll be back come the holidays with a special catering menu to make you look like a rockstar. Deep fried turkey, honey backed ham, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and of course, dessert and rolls will be packaged up to take straight from their kitchen to your dining room table. Just make sure you throw away the sacks before everyone comes in, so when you tell them it’s homemade, your family will believe you.

Jack’s Southern Comfort Food
1905 Greenville Avenue
BYOB
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
www.jackssoutherncomfortfood.com
214.821.0900
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This story also appeared on DallasFoodNerd.com on October 9, 2012.

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

#To-Do #DFW: Enjoy fall with Celebrate #Roanoke, Autumn in the #Arboretum, & Flower Mound #Pumpkin Patch

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To-Do Thursdays

This weekend is actually shaping up to be all about fall and family. With few opportunities left to enjoy the amazing Texas fall weather, I’m suggesting you get out outdoors and just spend time doing nothing, but enjoying each other. 

Here’s my roundup of a few events that will entertain your family this weekend in DFW: 

Here’s my son at the Flower Mound Pumpkin Village in 2010.


Celebrate all things Roanoke with Celebrate ROANOKE, Oct. 13

Enjoy Autumn. It doesn’t last long!

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