Santa’s Toy Factory at the Parks at Arlington
Santa’s getting really generous by letting kids get hands-on at Santa’s Toy Factory at the Parks at Arlington beginning Nov. 11.
Thanks to General Growth Properties and Mattel for sharing this sneak peek opportunity by sponsoring mamachallenge.com.
Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.
The Parks at Arlington Mall has partnered with Mattel to introduce a new holiday adventure that will be memorable for the entire family. Santa’s Toy Factory will open on Nov. 11 in the center court area of the shopping center.
To be honest every year I telling Santa (or grandma and grandpa) what to get the kids for Christmas and I don’t even know what they are! Not that Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, and Thomas & Friends™ or Santa ever disappoint (as all of them are always on the top of my kids’ Christmas list), but wouldn’t it be great to find out how a toy works or see if your kids really like it before it makes the FINAL CHRISTMAS LIST?
More about Santa’s Toy Factory:
Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.
Santa’s Toy Factory is designed to empower creativity through an interactive, immersive experience to meet Santa. Within the 1,600 square-foot space, young guests will have the opportunity to “test” new toys in Santa’s Factory before they get delivered to all the boys and girls on Christmas morning. After they “test” the toys, they visit different stations to digitally design, build and paint toys from Mattel’s iconic brands including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, and Thomas & Friends™. The grand finale, of course, will be meeting Santa himself for photos and to share their holiday wish list.
“We are proud to be partnering with Mattel to bring this new, one-of-a-kind holiday concept to life,” said Lorie Lisius, general manager of Parks at Arlington. “We are always looking for ways to introduce new brands and experiences to our community and can’t wait to showcase Santa’s Toy Factory this holiday season. We know our guests will embrace it.”
The experience with Santa’s Toy Factory is free-of-charge and photo packages begin at $39.99. To make reservations to ensure quicker access, please click HERE. If you’d like more information, please visit www.VisitSantasToyFactory.com. Parks at Arlington is located at 3811 South Cooper and is home to a plethora of high-quality tenants including H&M, Aveda and Dickey’s BBQ.
Check out these One-Day Special Events Too!
You Can Be Anything Barbie
Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.
November 11, 2017
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Center Court
Thomas and His Super Station
Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.
November 28, 2017
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Center Court
Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage
Image Credit: ©2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.
December 10, 2017
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Center Court
Get Social with Parks at Arlington
Twitter: @ParksArlington
Instagram: @theparksmallsatarlington
Facebook: @TheParksMallatArlington
Get Social with Mattel
Twitter: @Mattel
Instagram: @Mattel
Facebook: @Mattel
Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Bloggin’ Mamas & GGP Parks at Arlington to share these free family events with my readers, and am being compensated for this partnership. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lemon Lavender Cupcakes (Just like Magnolia Bakery)
Wish you could take a little bit of Magnolia home with you? With this copycat recipe for their signature Lemon Lavender Cupcakes you can!
A trip to Magnolia Market in Waco is like a checking off the ideal bucket list: a place for the perfect farm house decor, a destination for just enjoying the simple things with friends among the green space, and of course, a taste for the bestest cupcakes (like lemon lavender ones) from Magnolia Bakery.
There’s a reason that thousands of people stand in line just for the chance to order and bite into a few delectable treats and walk through Joanna’s sweet design. While we were there we ordered one of each and we’re lucky to get the last lemon lavender cupcake left.
And each bite was absolutely perfect.
Like each and every bite was better the one before it and you just kept wanting more as you glanced around panorama style at the Pinterest-perfect place they’ve built.
When we returned from our one-day journey, we yearned for a little piece of Magnolia Market to have with us all the time. So we planted our own piece of gardening heaven complete with lavender in our own little wine barrel and have enjoyed it all summer-long.
And we also yearned for that lavender cupcake.
So of course, with lots of lavender, logically I had a hundred reasons to make my own.
Unfortunately I had one BIG one that kept me from cranking them out…the recipe.
And while we all feel like Chip and Jo are our besties (and should be), she isn’t about to share that recipe (at least not yet.)
So I had to take matters into my own hands and make up my own.
After a few different tries having to slave over cupcake batter and icing recipes (and an education on all things lavender), I came up with what I think is a good reproduction. So much so that we even found the cupcake wrappers to put them in. While my icing skills still could have a little more practice, I was able to shoot a few photos before quickly gobbling these up.
And it was a good gobble.
It’s like sunshine, cream, summer goodness – in a cute little round package.
However, there’s always harvesting that lavender to enjoy this cupcake well after autumn and winter has set in.
So if you get a chance to go to Magnolia especially during this, go. If you can’t, this recipe might help you cope until you do (or make it a lot more fun to watch them on TV.)
Lemon Lavender Cupcake (Copycat Magnolia Bakery)
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
There’s nothing like this lemon lavender cupcake to make you and your mouth happy (just like a trip to Magnolia.)
Ingredients
Scale
Batter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp edible lavender, dried (Make sure it’s edible. I love this one!)
- 1 1/3 cups flour (preferably cake)
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract
Instructions
For batter
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a processor/blender, combine milk and lavender and pulse until blended. Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine dry batter ingredients (except sugar) until blended. Set aside.
- With mixer, combine butter and sugar until fluffy. Blend honey, then eggs, one at a time and lastly add vanilla and lemon. Slowly combine both wet and dry ingredients together, folding in the lavender mixture last, dispersing in the mixture.
- Pour into cupcake liners, filling 2/3 full. Back for 15 – 18 minutes until golden. Remove and allow to cool.
For Frosting
- Add butter and sugar together in a stand mixer, adding cream slowly until smooth.
- Then beat on high for 2-3 minutes.
- Add lemon and beat again for another 1 minute to blend.
- Spread on cupcakes or use a piping bag to complete the charm.
Notes
- Add lavender or lemon zest to the top of the icing for an added treat!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 432
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 123
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 49
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 96
Celebrate Your Favorite Disney Princess
What Disney princess does your child love most? More importantly, which Disney Princess is your favorite? Celebrate your princess with Madame Alexander’s new Disney Princess Collection.
Thanks to Madame Alexander for continuing to keep little girls dreaming big with this sponsored post.
When I was growing up Snow White was my princess du jour. At least until 1991 when Disney unveiled a new kind of princess.
She wasn’t just beautiful, but had brains and a pretty keen sense of humor. Her name was Belle and at 11 (that was how old I was), I thought she was pretty freaking amazing.
Through the years, I’ve loved some Disney Princesses and now with my own little princess, she has, too. I’m sure part of the reason she has every dress of every princess is that deep down I wanted to wear all those princess gowns, too…If I could just that genie out of the bottle (God bless Robin Williams), I’d rock that Jasmine get up too and believe me there would be a freaking parade as I hit a high note that Mariah Carey can’t even reach (well…)
[Dream sequence over and skip forward to 2017.] Beauty and the Beast hasn’t lost any popularity as exhibited by my little princess that loves her Belle dress she received last Christmas or any of the millions of fans that are counting down until March when the animated favorite comes alive in a new rendition of the timeless tale (go ahead, you should totally watch the trailer.)
So with a lot of negative things happening in the world and unfortunately many of them pointed at little girls, a heroine like Belle is exactly what I want my daughter to look to as a positive image. Belle is the whole package in my eyes and sees passed what’s on the outside of people (and what other people think), but to the goodness that is found in all people. And she prides herself on being independent and walking to the beat of her own drum.
Can’t complain about that.
And any movie that has Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts, I’m just as excited to be in line to watch this one, too.
Until the movie debuts and well after the classic runs its time at the local movie theatre, another classic continues to bring the spirit of the princess alive. A new collection of Madame Alexander Disney Princesses was just launched featuring Belle, Ariel and Cinderella.
Celebrate Disney Princesses with the new collection of 18-inch dolls featuring luxurious design elements that every princess lover will cherish. With three of the Disney Princesses to launch, your princess (designed for ages 3 and up) will love any of these to play or collect for many years to come.
Madame Alexander Disney Princess Collectible Doll is priced at $ 89.95 and available on their website for a limited time.
Best Christmas Casseroles
Christmas Casseroles will get you to the top of Santa’s list fast. If you put one of these together in the morning, it’ll be perfect to put in the oven Christmas morning while you open gifts!
Don’t you love the decor from JCPenney?!? #SoWorthi t#JoyWorthGiving
Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Savor the best part of Christmas with a Eggnog French Toast Casserole. Make it an advance and inhale the sweet smell take over the house while you see what Santa has under the tree.
I love Eggnog.
Actually let me rephrase that.
I love the idea of Eggnog.
One of my favorite drinks of the holiday season, I can’t wait for my first sip of eggnog – and then I’m done.
When I spot it in the dairy aisle, I get giddy because that means the holidays are officially here. But after the first drink, I don’t know what to do with the rest of it.
This Eggnog French Toast Casserole is the way to put that eggnog to work. And even better – you can use almond milk eggnog if you have any lactose issues and it’s just as good!
You can decide whether you need to add the bourbon or not. 🙂
Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Description
Take french toast to the next level this holiday with an easy make-ahead brunch casserole with eggnog!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup eggnog
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 tablespoons milk (use eggnog if you like)
Instructions
- Slice French bread into 1-inch each cubes. (We actually let the kids tear it up so they can help!)
- Arrange slices in a buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, eggnog, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly.
- Pour mixture over the bread, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F and cook until brown and bubbly!
To make glaze
- Mix powdered sugar, vanilla and milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until spreadable (mixture will thicken slightly as it sets).
Best Damn Chicken and Waffles Casserole
Chicken and waffles gets even better when it goes casserole! And with one sweet ingredient, you’ll be saying THIS IS the best damn chicken and waffles casserole.
I remember the first time I heard about chicken and waffles I was like…what? That doesn’t sounds good? Why is everyone freaking out about chicken and waffles?
…Then I had it.
Then I understood.
There’s something about the sweetness, the crunch, and the little bit of spice, sandwiched together into one perfect bite.
Yep, I like it…
But to time the fresh golden fluffy waffles at the same time as hot fried chicken is a little difficult and way more time consuming than I’m willing to put forward (or at least have time to!)
So in true #mamachallenge form, it was time to look to the world of semi-homemade and put it all together into one dish for a bigger dish of happiness.
Frozen waffles to the rescue!
Cooking everything together into Chicken and Waffles Casserole not only makes it easier on making, but also serving! And since you can make this in advance, this casserole is ideal for big breakfast/brunch moment like Christmas or when you really want to make an impression.
However, the impression really gets better when the chicken hits the tastebuds. One of our favorite chicken spots is hands down Chick-Fil-A. If you’ve had it, you know – it’s that good. There’s something about CFA and any drive by the eatery with lines of folks parked double-laned around the joint will verify – their chicken is THAT good. While I don’t know what makes it take like what dreams are made of, inspired by the sweetness of their chicken, we added powdered sugar to our breading, along with a little spice to cinch the deal on this chicken and waffles casserole.
Oh man, it’s THAT GOOD.
Best Damn Chicken and Waffles Casserole
Description
The best of both worlds come together for the Best Damn Chicken and Waffles.
Ingredients
Scale
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 9 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 8 frozen waffles, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- Serve with maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and spray with the cooking spray.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces.
- Mix together the flour, powdered sugar, chilli powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Beat 3 eggs in a shallow bowl.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs into a third shallow bowl.
- Toss the chicken in the flour to coat, then dip into the egg, and then place in the panko, turning to coat. Place onto the prepared baking sheets and repeat with the rest of the chicken.
- Spray the chicken with the cooking spray then bake, turning the chicken over halfway through, for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Set aside.
- Grease an 8×13 inch baking dish.
- Add half of the cubed waffles in a single layer.
- Top with half of the chicken and 1/2 of the cheese then layer the remaining waffles and chicken and cheese.
- Whisk together 6 eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a medium bowl until combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the chicken and waffles.
- Bake at 325 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or refrigerate overnight and bake the next day.
Notes
- If you really want crispy chicken quick, you can opt to deep fry the chicken instead of baking!
Eggs Benedict Casserole
Eggs Benedict is quintessential brunch food. It’s delicate, it’s heavy, it’s creamy, and it’s oh. so. good. Then make Eggs Benedict Casserole and you’ll never go back.
This with a glass of bubbles and this girl is oh.so.happy.
I don’t remember the first time I had eggs bennie, but I know I was young. When other kids were ordering pancakes, I’d put up my pinky and order the “eggs benedict, please.”
I thought I was so fancy having the bennies.
However, it does take a little work to make perfectly poached eggs and of course, the hollandaise sauce.
If you need to make it for more than one, it almost takes away all the fun that brunch can bring.
But when you make it in casserole form, you alleviate the work and even better, you can make it an advance.
Thus came the idea for eggs benedict casserole. Like eggs benedicts of today, you can add anything you want to it. Just stick with this basic recipe and modify as you see fit.
Just be careful not to make this and not invite anyone over – otherwise, you’ll eat it all yourself.
Eggs Benedict Casserole
Ingredients
Scale
- INGREDIENTSNutrition
- SERVINGS 10UNITS US
- 6 English muffins
- 12 ounces Canadian bacon / ham
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups reduced-fat milk (or whole milk)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- cooking spray
- 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
- Hollandaise Sauce
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
- cayenne
- salt
Instructions
- ut muffins into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside. Cut Canadian bacon into 1/2-inch squares. Set aside. Whisk the eggs well in a 2-quart bowl. Whisk in milk and onion powder.
- Spray a 9-by-13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking oil spray. Scatter half the Canadian bacon evenly in bottom of dish. Scatter muffin cubes on top of Canadian bacon. Top with the remaining Canadian bacon, scattering it evenly over the bread. Pour egg mixture over the casserole. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours, to let bread absorb egg mixture.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and uncover it. Lightly sprinkle the paprika evenly over the top. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove dish from the oven, remove foil, return dish to the oven and continue to bake, uncovered, until the eggs are set and the bacon on top begins to crisp, about 20 minutes more. Remove the casserole from oven and let it stand 5 minutes before serving.
- While casserole bakes, make a hollandaise sauce.
- Whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together until the mixture is thickened and doubled in volume. Place the bowl over a saucepan with lightly boiling water, the water should not touch the bottom of the bowl.
- Continue to whisk rapidly.
- Be careful not to let the eggs get too hot or they will scramble.
- Slowly drizzle in the melted butter and continue to whisk until the sauce is thickened and doubled in volume.
- Remove from heat, whisk in cayenne and salt.
Holiday Help: What to do with the Kids During Holiday Break
Now that the kids are out of school…what to do, what to do… Here are ideas on what to do with the kids to make the holidays special without all the work.
Go Elsa with Ice Skating
- You can sign up for skating school at the Galleria Dallas Ice Rink for a three-day workshop on the ice around the tallest indoor Christmas tree. For only $42 – your child can have three days of skate lessons, skate rentals, free skating – December 19-21 and December 26-28.
- Visit Panther Island ICE in Fort Worth for skating fun now – Jan. 16!
- Gaylord Texan Lone Star Christmas also is featuring an ice skating rink outside as part of their ICE! Activities this year, so you can make a day of it in Grapevine.
Let’s Lego with Sci Tech Discovery Center
- If you have a LEGO lover (ages 3-12), they’ll love seeing and learning about castles made with LEGOs and be able to make their own at the Castle Builder Exhibit at Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco.
- They are also offering Winter Holiday Wonderland Camps and Maker Space Camps for opportunities for learning about winter activities. Choose 1 day or all 5 days. Grades 1st – 3rd and 4th – 6th. $75/day member $85 non/member.
- Check out MindStretchingFun.org for all the details.
Celebrate German-Style with Lebkuchen and Lace
- Arlington goes big and the holidays are no exception! Head over to the 6th Annual Texas Christkindl Market now until Dec. 23.
- Saturday, December 17 the event hosts Vocal Majority singing at 4 PM. Next week you can bring the kids for extended Peppermint Park hours and slide down the Arctic Blast Tubing Run while getting your holiday shopping complete.
Reign them in with Reindeer
- These are my favorite because they are also great gifts for the kids to give to grandma or grandpa or friends. Love this tutorial from Everyday Best.
Fun with Frosty: Snowman Crafts
- Crafts don’t have to be complicated to be fun! Get in the spirit with these beautiful snowman crafts from Julie Measures.
- With a trip to the Dollar Store or Michaels, you can create making fun crafts while spending time together.
Visit mamachallenge.com for links to these recipes, ideas, giveaways and more!
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Last Minute Holiday Shopping with Grapevine Mills
Feel like an elf trying to get the holidays together before they’re over? With the help of Grapevine Mills you CAN mark off your last minute holiday shopping list – all in one place!
Thanks to Grapevine Mills for this special collaboration to bring you the lowdown on how it needs to go down this holiday season!
I love Christmas, so I thought I’d never be working to the nth hour to get it done.
Unfortunately, all the other stuff around this time of year made time to shop impossible! But with extended shopping hours (10 am – 10 pm), you can find a way to fit it all in, down to even pictures with Santa until Christmas Eve!
Reserve Your Spot with Santa
New this year to Grapevine Mills, you’ll find a whole new Santa’s World of Wishes in Center Court. With beautiful new decorations, Santa loves his new home away from the North Pole and you will too. However, what I love is the opportunity to skip the line to make the most of your few shopping days ’til Christmas with a new Santa by Appointment so you can reserve your spot! And as a part of a teachable moment, if you’re in the giving spirit (and we should all be), you can donate to Save the Children while you’re there and help other children in need!
Photo Credit: The Mills
Looking for a little more time with the big guy with your little guys? There are spots still available for Breakfast with Santa at Rainforest Cafe! Reservations for December 17, 18 & even December 23 can still be made – and include:
- Greet by Cha!Cha!
- Breakfast Buffet
- Fun Activities
- Visit from Santa
- Photo opportunity with Cha!Cha! and Santa
- Raffles
- Arts & Crafts
And then there was Shopping!
With more than 180 stores and 1.6 million sq. ft., you have plenty of options for whomever is on your list! I actually remember when Grapevine Mills open and how exciting it was with all the cool entertainment, outlet retail and restaurants! Recently, the center underwent a multi-million dollar renovation to continue to make it a cool destination for the whole family in the middle of DFW! So if you haven’t been here, you definitely need to check out big changes as well as the small details that have revitalized the look of the center as well as the comfort to its guests!
Photo Credit: The Mills
Just a few of my favorites here:
- Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH
- H&M
- GameStop
- Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop
- Coach Factory
- LOFT Factory Store
- Disney Outlet
- Jack and Jill
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Helzberg Diamond Outlet
- Ross Dress for Less
- The Children’s Place Outlet
- Oakley Vault
And those are just the highlights! I mean you really can find what you need and at the price point you need it for everyone on your list (hubs totally loves his Bass Pro Shop!) Get the full list of stores here and especially the deals you can only find at Grapevine Mills!
Still looking for ideas? Then join us December 16 at 3 pm for a special FACEBOOK LIVE! with Grapevine Mills! We’ll be sharing some of our favorite holiday finds and tips to how to get ready for the holidays! And you’ll be able to win $50 Simon Gift Card just for joining in. Visit Facebook.com/mamachallenge at 3 pm CST whereever you are – on your desktop, phone or tablet. Just consider us your holiday helpers!
Looking for Holiday Fun
you bring the crew or are looking to ways to spend time together without driving all over DFW, then Grapevine Mills is your place. With AMC Grapevine Mills 30 with Dine-In Theatres, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Rainforest Cafe you have it all! And if you still need to get in your ice skating, holiday lights, and more, then just only a few miles away, you’ll find the Gaylord Texan Lonestar Christmas and the rest of the Christmas Capital of the World!
Photo credit: SEA LIFE Aquarium
Now aren’t you ready to hit the ‘Mills for the holidays?
