Bart Forbes

Happy 2012!

As you can gather from my absence, joining and promoting the 90 Day challenge has become almost a full time existence! What an amazing adventure!

While seeing what positive thinking and action can do for so many people, I could not put off any longer sharing with you a wonderful, wonderful man. We were fortunate enough to meet Bart Forbes, http://bartforbes.com/ , through his incredible daughter. What we quickly learned about Mr Forbes is that while warm, humble, and simply fantastic in his everyday life, he is a world renowned artist!!! What?!? In our very own backyard even.

We decided that the best gift my hubby and I could give each other was a painting of our boys by Mr Forbes. Not only did he deliver, the piece he created captures the very essence of our sons and thus, our hearts. YOU MUST CONTACT HIM! With Fathers Day, Mothers Day, and there's always Holiday Season 2012 to never be too ready for, it will be the gift of a lifetime.

Inquire with Mr Forbes about a custom painting for your family; while you have the honor of working with a world renowned artist who happens to also be local (double bonus), the piece he creates will forever be in your home and hearts, just as Mr Forbes is in both of ours.

Bart Forbes
http://bartforbes.com/
972.306.9753

Christmas in a Cup

It's the most wonderful (and expensive) time of year!!! You are very lucky you aren't hearing me sing right now. My children wish they were you.

So, no matter what holiday you celebrate this time of year, we all are giving gifts! I literally could wrap and listen to Christmas music for days people, days. Some of my shopping is very specific but there is always the exception. For the parties/events/people on your calendar/shopping list who require a more general gift, here is one I gave today at a PTA Board Holiday Luncheon.

Christmas in a Cup

- 4 (or 2 if on a strict budget) holiday old fashioned (size not necessarily style) glasses - I found AWESOME glasses at Marshalls for $2.99 a piece

- Bottle of Prosecco/Champagne

- Bottle of Cranberry Pomegranate Juice

- Bag of Fresh Cranberries.

- Christmas card/card stock with instructions as follows:

Christmas in a Cup

Place bag of cranberries in freezer.

Mix two parts Prosecco with one part juice.

Cover bottom of glasses with frozen cranberries.

Pour, toast, enjoy!

As you can see, nothing fancy, just a little different from the standard candle/lotion/I-don't-know-you-well-enough-to-pick-something-out gift. I have to put this in the Honey section because of Marshalls and all of their fabulousness but it really is just a little fun for your creative housewife mind! Cheers!

On the 90 Day Challenge front, 5 days in, 3 pounds gone. This is over a weekend with a hubby birthday and a good amount of vino! Check it out... http://azgwinning.bodybyvi.com/

Rugs to Riches

Referrals are the best. Ever. Especially when they surpass your already lofty expectations!

We are in the middle of a complete remodel (I'm talkin serious time commitment people) and while the upstairs is "this" close to completion, we won't start the main floor until post-holiday spending, I mean celebrating concludes. So.... long story short, I needed two rooms with carpets to be cleaned because I just couldn't take it any longer. And, the carpet replacement is way down the line since I picked the couture carpet (which doesn't make an ounce of sense since my own clothes come from Target).

Enter the fabulous neighbor, TC, and her fabulous carpet man!!! Ray Waits is the owner of Rugs to Riches. Back in Colorado, we lived and died by our carpet man, Mark (owner of White Stallion Carpet Cleaning) who while never on time, was the nicest, most affordable, and amazing carpet man. TC swore that Ray was the same so after seeing his work first hand at her place, I gave him a shout. Good thing for this a-type (and for him really), I knew he wouldn't be on time or call back right away. But I stuck with it! And boy did it pay off. He is nice as can be and such a hard worker. Our IVORY (clearly the previous owners didn't have children or kept them locked in the shed) carpet in our family room and master bedroom looks F-AMAZING. He removed one mystery stain and another not-so-mysterious stain wherein my two year old poured my coffee on the carpet. You get the point.

If you live in DFW, want your carpet to look fab for the holidays, and don't have millions in the bank (even if you do), CALL RAY.

Ray Waits

Rugs to Riches

972-241-0066

Oil Change Extraordinaire

Kwik Kar Willow Bend
www.kwikkarwillowbend.com
972.781.2700

I'm a franchise girl. Not gonna lie. I'm a big believer that the franchise car dealers have the latest and greatest service technology. For both warranty and non-warranty work, the manufacturer dealer is the place to go.

However, for a quick oil change, I am happy to visit the convenient and trustworthy local shop. What a find I have for you today! If you live in far North Dallas or Plano, you should know about KWIK KAR WILLOW BEND. Located conveniently on Midway just North of Park, the folks at Kwik Kar Willow Bend were impressive from beginning to end. I dropped my two year old off for his Monday morning MDO and needed to accomplish quite a lot in three hours. My usual oil change stop was just not within the realm of efficiency today. I found Kwik Kar online and also printed a $5 coupon directly from their website.

I arrived around 9:10am and was greeted in my vehicle right away outside of the service bay area. The gentleman said he could get me right in and it would take TEN MINUTES!!! Sold! I went inside their clean and welcoming waiting area and was able to see my Expedition while it was serviced. Not only were they fast, but they went above and beyond by cleaning the inside of the vehicle, topping off the fluids, cleaning the windows, and more! With my coupon I paid $45 and will be going back, no questions.

The next time you need an oil change, stop by KWIK KAR WILLOW BEND!

Paparazzi Pizza

972.820.8686
Northwest corner of Josey & Keller Springs

Do you think living somewhere for four years make you a local? What about three and a half years in the late nineties and then four years now? Enough with the local babble, the reason I ask is because the term "local spot" always conjures up an intimate, under the radar eatery far from the chain infested ways of Belt Line road. Good news for you, local or not, I have found one! If you travel a little West of Far North Dallas on Keller Springs Road, you will stumble upon a fabulous family owned restaurant called PAPARAZZI PIZZA.

You will be welcomed by George & Dasha Kadado, a wonderful couple who make you feel right at home. Whether you enjoy some of their Mediterranean fare or one of their gourmet pizzas, you will not be disappointed. For those health gurus out there, you will be elated to know that Paparazzi works with only fresh, never frozen, ingredients. If all of that wasn't enough, be prepared to be whisked away to Europe with one of the FOUR languages they speak. Whether it's date night or a quick family dinner stop, PAPARAZZI PIZZA will leave the entire crew with happy and full tummies.

The Mansion

15 minutes from home but a world away.
http://www.mansiononturtlecreek.com/

Being spoiled by a husband who works so tirelessly and is such a true partner in marriage and parenting almost makes one feel guilty about gifts and surprises. Almost. Now when a surprise is a night away with a girlfriend, how can you even begin to repay such generosity? We will leave that response to another post entirely. This is a time to focus on the surprise, the gift, the amazing night away. If you have not had the sheer pleasure of staying at THE MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK, please take notice. To appreciate its elegance, you must immerse yourself in it. Do not assume it is out of reach (keep reading, you know you want to).

There are a plethora of hotels throughout the world claiming to be luxury. If you've visited any, you know that while the rooms, and sometimes the property in its entirety, are blase and predictable, a truly luxurious hotel sets itself apart through amenities and service. Two things The Mansion knows a lot about. From the moment you arrive, little details hint to a wondrous world of well, fabulous. Bakery cookies, fresh peaches, and iced hazelnut lattes while checking in; a surprise knock on the door with chocolate covered strawberries and herbal iced tea brought to the room to celebrate your birthday; sincere smiles and genuine interest from the staff tell you that not only are you somewhere special, but the team at The Mansion thinks YOU are special. That's their job.

If, as a housewife, you've ever been given the second class-standard room booked-no husband with you type of brush off from high end establishments, you will be refreshed to know such ridiculousness does not exist at The Mansion. My girlfriend (who happens to be 8 months pregnant) and I were treated as if we had reserved the Presidential Suite and at any moment our famous high rolling husbands (only in our own minds) would be arriving as well.

So, if you are lucky enough to have a Happy Husband who spoils you as I do, don't forget to look these people up for a special occasion. Even if it's a Wednesday and you just need to create a special occasion. Call The Mansion and speak to their in house reservations department. It's like they've been waiting for you to call all day and with the affordable packages they have available, you will wish you had called earlier.

My job as a housewife is only glorified and appreciated by the people I do it for, my husband and my children. With a night away like this, I am rejuvenated and refreshed to spoil my boys every day of the week.

Five Star Ford

www.fivestarfordofplano.com

I have worked in two of the three most hated professions and I am only 31. First politics, second the car business; which means all I have left is law! My family background is the car business though, a unique animal providing me and my immediate family with an interesting perspective of other car dealerships sales and service department.

There is good and bad in every industry. Whether or not you love or hate the car world, I have recently had an OUTSTANDING experience at Five Star Ford of Plano in their Service Department. In the last week we have warranty and non-warranty work performed and our service advisor, DOUG, has surpassed all expectations. From follow-up, to communication, to general friendliness, DOUG and the team at FIVE STAR FORD of PLANO has been wonderful.

The next time you are in need of an oil change, recall work, or anything having to do with your Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury, give DOUG a call at 888-384-4958. Five Star service is what they do and who they are.

Photo Affections

Hello new friend, I love you. There are literally a plethora (great word) of online sources for invitations and the like. I am a little obsessed with them because they always have such fabulous looking things like invitations, stationary, etc. I love how my boys pictures look on these genius creative peoples' creations. A new recent online crush is www.photoaffections.com . Searching for Max's 2nd birthday invitations I selected them based on selection and price. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the RAPID turnaround time on the invitations. CRAZY fast, crazy. Now, being that I am awesome and would never make a mistake, it came as quite a shock to me when the darling invitations arrived with the date printed as SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11th. If you aren't already laughing, you soon will be since there is no such date, at least not this year. The party is of course on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11th. Now shocked as I was with this mistake I MADE, I put a note in the invite and sent them away to little friends. I received an email from Photo Affections asking me to take a survey to receive a discount on a future order, I love me a discount, and filled it out. Everything about the order was wonderful but I did note that due to my mistake the date was wrong. Not their mistake, MINE. Within a couple of hours, I had an email from some fabulous person at Photo Affections offering me a reprint at 50% off! And I made the mistake! I let this kind gentleman know that I had already mailed the invites but sincerely appreciated the gesture! Customer service awesomeness people! With the holidays coming, swing on by www.photoaffections.com and see what they have to offer. And check your dates.

A Drinker

How to categorize this post? Honey, Happy Husbands, or Full Tummies? Mommy tummies that is! A drinker is a bottle of wine that you never feel guilty opening it up and enjoying it because it's so economical. To be frank, that's my entire wine collection these days. Ha! Some people may have very expensive wine that is too sacred to enjoy, a concept far outside of my realm of understanding, and others may have expensive wine they get to drink because they have no wine "budget" per say.


For the rest of us, it's important to find "drinkers". My Dad always said that any guy can find a good bottle of wine for $40 but HE could find a GREAT bottle for under $20. Now that's what I am talkin about! My latest and greatest find is one I was a little embarrassed to admit I had purchased because it is a large producing label. A little small vineyard snobbery there. Once I opened it however, I was hooked! And the best part is, even at regular price it's under $15!! If you live in Texas, Tom Thumb has the best price on this bottle hands down. If you buy 6 bottles and receive their 10% off AND it's on sale, it costs about $9.50ish. If you buy 6 bottles and receive their 10% off and it's not on sale, it's right under $11.


Drum roll please!!!!
KENDALL JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE SUMMATION RED

Buy it, drink it, share it; LOVE it. Cheers!

Ivan & Mary

If you haven't been on Etsy.com you are missing out! Very unique and wonderful treasures await! One particular shop on Etsy is IVAN & MARY.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/IvanandMary?ref=pr_shop

This proprietor makes the most darling belts for children and is very reasonable. We purchased a golf belt for a little friend's 2nd birthday present who is obsessed with golf. Not only was it unique, affordable, and darling, it arrived so quickly and Mindy, the owner, was a pleasure to work with! So, if you are searching for different ideas from the usual Target trip for birthdays, visit IVAN & MARY on Etsy.com. You won't be disappointed Honey!

78 Fence

www.78fence.com
972.849.0781

I know a guy. A guy you can pay to protect you. Call him, give him my name.

Sound shady? Don't worry, it's not! But the fence industry in DFW certainly can be!! In our new home we decided to tear down the back run of our fence and build a power gate across our driveway to increase outdoor living space and add security. I researched and spoke to a large number of fence companies in the metroplex. While 78 Fence was not the least expensive bid we received, but it was the most informative, communicative, and detailed. When planning a 35 foot power gate, it was not our intention to "bargain hunt" the project. We knew how important quality and safety would be on our fence and gate.

Needless to say, we picked the right guys! Mike, Robert, & Miguel (*and his amazing crew!) have earned my recommendation without hesitation. From start to finish, our experience with 78 Fence has been superb. Platinum customer service that is sincere with a product that speaks for itself. If you are in the market for a fence, gate, or pergola 78 Fence is the way to go. You will be so pleased with the process AND the product. When you call them, tell them Austin sent you. Honey will flow abundantly your way!!

Elizabeth Starrs

303.592.5900
Starrs Mihm LLP
Trial Lawyers
www.starrslaw.com

A trial lawyer seems an odd choice for the honey category, but lets not generalize! After all, I'm a car salesperson at heart.

Should you ever need a trial attorney in Colorado, and I hope you never do, Elizabeth Starrs is your gal. Not only is Liz wicked smart, eloquent, and the winner of numerous accolades in her field, she is personable beyond belief. Hiring a trial attorney comes with the financial and emotional duress involved with such matters. Working with Liz will make it so much easier. A wonderful advisor, she is trustworthy and knowledgeable allowing her to work with her clients rather than simply "for" her clients.

So, if something comes up in your world requiring such services, contact ELIZABETH STARRS in Denver. Taking trial law to the platinum level of customer service is what she is all about!!

Craig Williams, DDS

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
214.691.0101

Sometimes you meet people and you just know. You just know this person is a really really good person. Down to their core! That is what I knew when I was lucky enough to meet Dr Craig Williams. We met when I was working for DirectBuy and became fast friends. Dr Williams is one of those "salt of the earth" people everyone talks about. I helped he and his wife while they were in the Club and always looked forward to our conversations.

My respect for him surpassed all expectations last year when we were told our five year old had to have his two front teeth removed. Immediately I called Dr Williams who got us in right away and called me back, himself! When we did go in for the procedure, he was so caring, considerate, and thoughtful. My five year old loved him and in the end, Dr Williams elected not to pull the teeth. It was his thorough evaluation, caring demeanor, and genuine concern that propelled me to feature his practice on my blog. Very few people care like Dr Williams cares. He is conservative and having been practicing for a very long time, knows what he is doing.

For you Dallas friends looking for an Oral surgeon, this is your man. You would be lucky to have him take care of you or your family. Just like I am lucky to call him my friend.

II Brothers Grill

= TWO THUMBS UP!
http://www.iibrothers.com
Preston & Frankford Location

I love eating local. I love eating period. Usually those who love to cook, love to eat. So this all makes sense here. We ate at II Brothers yesterday for lunch. It is so close to home and Mr G had eaten at the original Frisco location and said it was tasty so I took my Mom and her manfriend there for lunch with my 17 month old.

Located on the Northwest corner of Preston and Frankford, the atmosphere is somewhat sportsbar-ish but a little nicer. Not overcrowded with tables, it actually feels a bit warehouse like. The service was OUTSTANDING and while there weren't a million staff members, they made you feel like everyone was keeping an eye on you. Super kid friendly without being ChickFilA, and a great menu. Not just burgers! I started with the wedge salad which was literally half the head of iceberg! They brought out the grilled cheese right away for my son and it was on Texas toast, oozing yummy cheeziness with piping hot homemade fries. I enjoyed the grilled tilapia, huge portion, and my guests had a cheeseburger and one the tilapia as well. They make their own chips which seemed to be a hit.

Not only was everyone friendly but our server, who was new, was wrong about what was on tap so gave us one of our beers for free! I noticed their specials include kids eating FREE on Mondays and on Sundays, half price bottles of wine! Nice! Go on over to II Brothers, it's close, it's local, and it's delish. When you can't finish the large portions they serve, they will wrap it up for you to go with a smile!

Nordstrom Spa Heaven

Spa Nordstrom
Galleria Dallas
972-455-2402

Right before Christmas, Mr G surprised me with an ENTIRE day at Spa Nordstrom! Not only did he plan it all himself, he took care of our one year old all day, took and pickup our kindergartner from school, and left me to be spoiled in the lap of luxury! I had to share with you Housewives all of the fabulousness that was bestowed upon me that day!

The day began with a body scrub, body wrap, massage, yummy lunch, facial, and the grand finale was the best mani and pedicure EVER. I was lucky enough to have three different technicians work on me that day and they were all wonderful. So, if you are looking for a splurge gift for a loved one or possibly yourself, look no further than Spa Nordstrom at the Galleria! Their product line is impressive and their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and top notch at what they do. Make your husband a Happy Husband and you too could end up at Spa Nordstrom for a day of loveliness.

Pam Spray = Kia then Bak-klene ZT = Porsche

Mr G has taught me many ways to save a buck. There are a plethora of products out there where the less expensive option is just as good as the pricier one. That being said, there are items which may cost more but for good reason. Meet BAK-KLENE ZT. Available at Williams-Sonoma, a happy happy place with an abundance of over priced goods, I was introduced to this cooking spray because of some faulty Star Wars pancake molds. If you use Pam or another non-stick spray currently, get yourself some BAK-KLENE ZT instead. It's professional grade, whatever that means. Could mean Martha Stewart uses it or it could mean that Hostess uses it on the assembly line putting together those scary Twinkies. Either way, you need it. This morning I made a coffee cake in a bunt pan where the recipe called for buttering and flouring the pan. Being the great risk taker I am, I did neither and sprayed that puppy down with BAK-KLENE ZT. I am crazy like that. This coffee cake fell perfectly from pan to plate, a dream come true. Thanks BAK-KLENE ZT! (You think they'll ask me to do an infomercial?)

Artin's Grill

www.ArtinsGrill.com
at The Shops at Legacy

Venturing North can be scary. Especially to those of you residing South of LBJ. From the sounds of it, driving ALL THE WAY up to Legacy seems like a day trip. Not in fact true. For those of us North of LBJ but still in Dallas, Legacy is a mere 10-15 minutes up the Tollway sans traffic. And what may you ask awaits you there? Fine dining, shopping, and a little splash of urabinism breaking up the chain strip malls lining the service road from Plano to Frisco.

A number of the restaurants on Legacy are pricier than they are worth, in my opinion, with food and service equal to that of your nearby Chilis. Not a good thing friends. However, one restaurant I have visited now twice, is one I am happy to recommend to you. My fabulous husband, Mr G, and I went there last summer with friends minus children and then again last night, with family and children. The server we had last night, Kenton, far surpassed the mediocre waiter from last summer. We were there quite early (have you dined with my 16 month old?) so the restaurant was almost empty. From the hostess to the manager who opened the door for us, to our new friend Kenton, all was well.

The food was fantastic, with an eclectic menu which stayed unique without getting too weird. I strongly dislike places where everything is so weird, there is nothing to choose from. Their happy hour is worth dining early for as well, half price appetizers (spare rib nachos and shrimp taquitos, yes please) and $2 or $3 off wine, beer, and liquor. Presentation was great, food was hot, and they literally made the most magnificent macaroni and cheese for my boys and had it on the table within 7 minutes of me ordering it. No foolin. I had a delectable salad with chicken, beets, and an almond encrusted goat cheese which when I asked for a different dressing, they were happy to oblige and didn't look at me like, well, you know the look. Kenton was attentive, waived the split charge on the entree my Mom & her BF shared, and when we knew we had reached our kid-in-a-restaurant time limit, they waited to assemble Mr G's burger in a to go container until right before we left so it wouldn't get soggy. Awesomeness!!

So, put your big girl Hanky Pankys on and drive up to Legacy and stop in at Artin's. I don't know Artin personally but I bet he'll be glad you came and so will you!

Home Matters

http://www.4homematters.com
970.581.6739

Calling all Colorado housewives! How lucky are you to have Home Matters at your disposal?? Home Matters, owned by Pam Lampe, is a treasure which cannot be adequately described as an interior design service. Pam's real gift is turning your house into a home. A true interior designer, she works with you in every facet of design whether it be staging, holiday decor, or simply changing a room's look.

While you may be afraid that the Real Housewives are the only housewives who can afford help in this arena, you are wrong. Home Matters is the chic avenue for the budget minded housewife. You will not be disappointed when you see your home transformed (with a lot of things you already hid in your guestroom closet!) and feel at ease knowing Pam has enhanced your individual style while leaving your checkbook in tact. Keep your dollars local Colorado lovelies, give Home Matters a call.

Banana Leaf Thai Cuisine

Banana Leaf Thai Cuisine
Dallas, Texas
www.thaibananaleaf.com

I am a little afraid to go to Thailand. Have you seen Brokedown Palace?!?! Not that I would be involved with some hot bachelor/drug smuggler who was using my best friend and I to carry narcotics internationally. But still, you can understand the hesitation.

I am not, however, afraid of Thai food. The many delectable flavors of Thai cuisine cannot be fully appreciated by the token item featured on all Chinese takeout menus, pad Thai. To really embrace everything Thai food has to offer, you must embark on a personal quest to find a good Thai restaurant. And Dallas friends, you are in luck! Banana Leaf Thai Cuisine is right here!

Located on Preston Road between Frankford and Campbell, I have not dined in the restaurant but had delicious delivery this week. My oh my, what a treat! The staff on the phone was friendly as was the delivery person, the food was hot, plentiful, and DELICIOUS! So, step out of yourself and try something new, something local, yet exotic. You will be glad you did!

The Efficient Hostess

I may be efficient but recently I have been neglectful. Of you. And of this blog. I am sorry.

It's hard to believe Christmas is literally around the corner. We head home to Colorado this Saturday and as I pack the boys' things, I can't help but wonder where did 2010 disappear to? Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or what have you, December is a busy and hectic time for all.

This last weekend was a grand slam hit of events including but not limited to: birthday party, home improvements, cooking, hosting a baby shower, Christmas party, and a multitude of errands. What I want to touch on this morning is how to make being a hostess a snap for any event.

Let me lay the ground rules of true efficiency for you:

1. Planning
2. Time Management
3. Smart Choices (Just like I tell me five year old to make)

My mother is always telling me, "Make it easy on yourself" and for this baby shower this past weekend that's exactly what I did! Normally, I would spend countless hours creating from scratch every detail from food to decor. Knowing the weekend that lay ahead, I tried to optimize my time and the shower experience for everyone. My menu was simple since the shower was at one o'clock:

- Cinnamon Cider
- Cranberry Fizz Punch
- veggie tray with spinach dip (Sam's club items secretly arranged on one of my fab serving dishes)
- stuffed mushrooms (super easy and always a hit!)
Recipe:
3 cartons large whole mushrooms
3 1lb packages sausage (I used chicken sausage this time)
1 tub grated Parmesan
De-stem, wash, and dry mushrooms. Stuff with sausage. Place on foil lined baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan and bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.
- spanikopita (Sam's baby and since I have made these before I knew that wasn't happening this weekend)
- brie wheel with blueberry preserves (amended menu item, brie en croute was planned but had phyllo dough issues)
- hummus and pita chips (you guessed it, Sam's)
- white on white cupcakes with butter cream frosting decorated with pearlized pink sprinkles by the best husband ever. (this will blow your mind... 30 cupcakes for $13 at Sam's)

So there you have it. Throw a white table cloth down, some coordinating colored basket filler- the krinkly paper strips-, thank you notes for guests to write their name on address on for the guest of honor in a silver platter, and a homemade cupcake tower also constructed by the best husband ever. Don't forget the balloons, they make any occasion more fun!

My point is ladies, you can make this happen. There was a time, not so very long ago, where I would have mentally berated myself for purchasing all of those items rather than making them. But I have to tell you, not anymore. There is a time for making it easy and December is that time! My family did not have to suffer with pre-shower Mom and the friend I was honoring with the shower seemed to truly enjoy it! What more could you ask for? So, with the race to January 1st in full swing, do yourself a favor and be smart with your time and your choices. Holidays are for celebrating so let's get on with that part, shall we?