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06 Nov 2024

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Fable & Fire in Rockwall, TX 

The latest hot spot in Downtown Rockwall is part book shop, part coffee shop, and part bistro. Fable and Fire, located at 104 S San Jacinto St, has all the charm of a quiet small town coffee counter by day, and comes to life with...
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Christmas at the Gaylord Texan 

Visiting the Gaylord Texan at Christmas time has been a tradition in my family for many years. My dad would load us all up in the car, drive an hour from Rockwall over to Grapevine, and buy everybody a hot chocolate to sip while we...
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Fair & Square Imports in McKinney, TX 

Shopping and strolling around charming Downtown McKinney is one of my favorite pastimes in DFW. There are dozens of unique local businesses to explore around the McKinney square, where I can always seem to find something delicious to snack on or something pretty that needs...
Travel

Visiting Muir Woods National Monument 

One of the most memorable experiences from our one-week California road trip was our visit to Muir Woods National Monument. Just a short drive across the San Francisco Bay near Strawberry, this magical redwood forest looks like something straight out of the pages of a...
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XOXO Dining Room in Dallas, TX 

As Miley Cyrus once said, “Pink isn’t a color. It’s an attitude too.” And there’s no better place to embody pink than XOXO Dining Room in Dallas. Being a huge fan of all things pink myself, I’ve had this adorable restaurant on my Texas todo...
Travel

Tanglewood Resort Weekend Trip 

This summer we spent a relaxing weekend beside the calm waters of Lake Texoma at Tanglewood Resort. We were amazed by our comfortable suite, the beautiful new swimming pools on the grounds, and the delicious food. Here’s everything we experienced on our lovely couples getaway...
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My Gnome Cones Review 

Is it a gnome hat… or an ice cream cone? If you’ve seen pictures of Gnome Cones on social media, it has doubtless captured your imagination with its inventive treats. Have you ever tried the cutest shaved ice/ice cream shop in Denton, TX? Here’s my...
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AAPI Heritage Month Block Party 2022 

May is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the Asian Grub DFW Facebook Group decided to celebrate big with a Bishop Arts Block Party! Saturday, May 14 more than a dozen Asian-owned food vendors will gather in the parking lots near Krio in Bishop...
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Pokémon Pancakes from PANKY Doodle 

Did you know that there’s a business in Allen, TX that will transform your favorite cartoon characters into custom pancakes? Meet PANKY Doodle, the pancake business serving up smiles founded by Aanchal Gupta in 2020. Aanchal originally started doodling on frying pans to entice her...
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My Fiatto Review 

This year is a big milestone for Austin and I: we will celebrate our 5-year wedding anniversary this fall! I can hardly believe it. Since this year also marked the 5-year anniversary of our engagement, Austin decided to treat me to a whole weekend of...
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My Dahlia on Ross Review 

Austin surprised me with reservations to the cutest Dallas restaurant simply because he knew how much I love all things floral. And Dahlia on Ross has flowers everywhere! Here’s everything we tried at this iconic Dallas spot and some detailed pictures of the ambiance there....
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Spring at the Dallas Arboretum 

The weather is warming up and the flowers are starting to blossom here in Dallas, which means it’s time for one my favorite annual spring festivals: Dallas Blooms at the Arboretum! Spring at the Dallas Arboretum brings 500,000+ colorful flowers, larger than life topiaries, and...
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The Best of Broadway on Lyric Stage 

Live performances are back at last, and there are some fantastic shows coming to Dallas next year! This fall, Dallas County’s locally produced musical theatre organization Lyric Stage invited us to celebrate their return to the spotlight. We heard talented performers belt out classic Broadway...
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Haunted Cocktail Party in Dallas, TX 

This spooky season, we experienced fright and delight at Fever’s Haunted Cocktail Party inside an old Dallas mansion. I’m normally way too wimpy to go inside any traditional haunted houses, but I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to dress up, sip drinks, and enjoy some...
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Immersive Van Gogh in Dallas, TX 

To celebrate our anniversary this year, Austin and I planned a date night in downtown Dallas at the world-famous Immersive Van Gogh exhibit. As a big fan of impressionist painters, this exhibit was a must-see for me! Whether you’re an art nerd who wants to...
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Fall Fun at YesterLand Farm in Canton, TX 

Tucked away in the East Texas countryside in Canton, TX, there’s a fall farmland full of festive fun. If haunted hayrides, creepy corn mazes, or zombie paintball sound like the perfect way to spend an October weekend, you’ll love YesterLand Farm. Here’s our visitor’s guide...
Travel

Visiting Petrified Forest National Park 

The Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park turned out to be my favorite stop on our entire trip through Arizona! It was the most unique landscape I have ever seen, and it reminded me of something out of a fantasy world.  Many people think...
Travel

6 Austin, TX Desserts You Have to Try 

One of my favorite things about traveling to a new city is the opportunity to sample new food! On our regular weekend trips to Austin, TX, we’ve quickly become dessert aficionados for all of the tastiest treats in the Lone Star State Capital. Here are...
Travel

My 12 Favorite Austin, TX Murals 

Austin, TX is one of my favorite destinations for a weekend trip from Dallas. There is some much amazing local art, food, and nature to explore!  Something I always do while we’re in town is hunt down some of the most famous murals in the...
Travel

Visiting Jacob’s Well 

Jacob’s Well is karistic spring that flows from Cypress Creek near Wimberly, TX. It is the mouth of an elaborate system of underwater saves, descending 137 feet below the surface of the water.  Jacob’s Well is known for its deep jewel-tone colors of blue, green,...
Travel

Visiting Hamilton Pool Preserve 

If you have an Instagram account and wanderlust, you’ve probably seen Hamilton Pool Preserve. It’s a  natural pool with a dramatic cliff overhang that was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago.  If you’ve ever...
Travel

6 Beautiful Beginner Hikes in Arizona 

This spring, we took a one-week road trip through Arizona that included Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, The Grand Canyon, The Petrified Forest, and more. After we got back home, we agreed that it was our favorite vacation we have ever taken as a couple!  When we...
Travel

The Perfect Arizona Itinerary 2023 

Recently, we went on an epic one-week road trip through Arizona. I always do hours and hours of research before each of our trips so that we won’t miss out on any of the beautiful scenery or delicious food in the area, and it definitely...
Travel

Our One-Week Arizona Road Trip 

This spring, we crossed off several of our major travel bucket list items with a one-week road trip through Arizona. From the arid deserts and prickly cacti of Phoenix to the deep red mountains and sunset views of Sedona to the snowy foothills of Flagstaff,...
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POP! by SNOWDAY Dallas Photo Booth Fun 

This week I was invited to preview a new interactive art installation called POP! at the Galleria Dallas. It’s a series of 24 retro-themed photo spaces, complete with lighting effects and props. I ended up exploring this Instagram playground for an hour and a half...
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Tiptoeing Through Texas Tulips 

One of my favorite spring traditions in the Dallas, TX area is our annual trip to Texas Tulips. The beautiful tulip fields look like something lifted straight out of Holland and dropped into the Texas countryside. Here’s everything you should know before you go, and...
Lifestyle

Easter Carrot Cupcakes Recipe 

Carrot cake is my husband Austin’s all-time favorite dessert. But somehow, until this week, I’d never attempted to make it at home from scratch before! Since Easter is coming up this weekend and we have some family dinners on the schedule, I decided to give...
Travel

8 Instagrammable Places Around Denver, CO 

Are you looking for the most beautiful photo locations in and around Denver, CO to capture your vacation memories? You have come to the right place! My husband and I recently spent a weekend in Denver enjoying the beautiful Rocky Mountains and vibrant city life. ...
Travel

My Denver Biscuit Company Review 

On our recent weekend trip to Colorado, we fell so in love with the Denver Biscuit Company that we ate there twice in just four days! Here’s everything you need to know about this breakfast gem. The Denver Biscuit Company Concept When you hear the...
Travel

The Boulder Dushanbe Tea House 

One of the loveliest places we visited on our recent Colorado weekend trip was the Boulder Dushanbe Tea House. On our way from Denver out to Rocky Mountain National Park, we stopped for brunch in Boulder, CO. Having seen lots of beautiful photos of the...
Travel

My Denver, CO Packing List 

As a lifelong Texan, packing for the snowy peaks of Colorado in February required some extra research on my part. I was sure what to expect from the temperatures and precipitation since the coldest it typically gets in Dallas is approximately 40-50 degrees.  I wasn’t...
Travel

Denver, CO Weekend Trip 

This winter, we took a long weekend trip to the Rocky Mountains and flurries of snow in Denver, CO. We visited for four days total, and we felt like it was the perfect amount of time to see just about everything on our Colorado bucket...
Lifestyle

Hosting Galentine’s Day Brunch 

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays, because it’s a celebration of love!  But it doesn’t have to only be a time to focus on romantic love. You don’t need a romantic partner in your life to be complete. But you can and should...
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My Rise Soufflé Review 

I’ve had Rise No. 1 (AKA Rise Soufflé) on my Dallas foodie bucket list for over a year, and I finally gave their French feast a try last weekend. It absolutely blew my expectations out of the water!  Here’s everything to know before you try...
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Grapevine: The Christmas Capital of Texas 

Did you know that the Texas State Senate officially named this Dallas-Fort Worth suburb “The Christmas Capital of Texas”? Grapevine wears its title like a badge of honor and shows up to celebrate the season with plenty of festivities every year.  We visited Grapveine at...
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Holiday Tea in the Adolphus French Room 

Ever since I studied in London back in college, I’ve been obsessed with high tea service. The dainty sandwiches, the delicate pastries, and the decadent table spreads just make my foodie heart happy.  It’s hard to find many opportunities for tea when you live smack...
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My Amor Y Queso Review 

Deep Ellum has welcomed a new restaurant to its lineup this month, and it’s so gouda it’ll have you cheesing as soon as you take your first bite. Amor Y Queso (which means Love and Cheese in Spanish) sells charcuterie boards of all sizes and...
Lifestyle

How to Make Hogwarts Textbooks 

The decorations are the most magical touch to any Harry Potter party. But buying licensed merchandise from the Wizarding World can be exceptionally expensive! Plus, some of the most noteworthy items from the books and movies aren’t available for purchase. That’s why it helps to...
Lifestyle

Harry Potter Party Decorations 

This October, I decided to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine to host an epic Harry Potter Halloween party. Since my husband and I live in a small apartment, I knew making things look magical would all come down to the details. I spent a...
Lifestyle

Pumpkin Walnut Chili Recipe 

Now that the weather is finally turning chilly in Dallas, this warm and filling recipe will be making frequent appearances in my house!  I recently made my pumpkin walnut chili as the main course at our Harry Potter Halloween party, and I even served it...
Lifestyle

Harry Potter Party Food 

partAre you hosting a Harry Potter party and wondering what to serve your guests?  While there are lots of obvious candy choices like Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans or Chocolate Frogs, you might be looking for a heartier, more filling option.  We threw a Harry...
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Pitchfork Pumpkin Patch Murder Mystery 

There hasn’t been much good about the year 2020, but there is one bright jack-o-lantern light amidst all the heavy darkness. 2020 is the inaugural year of the new Pitchfork Pumpkin Patch! I’m always looking for local pumpkin patches and fall festivities to celebrate the...
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Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum 

With so many 2020 events canceled due to Covid, it warmed my heart like a cup of hot cocoa to learn that Autumn at the Arboretum would still be welcoming visitors this year. To celebrate their 15th anniversary creating elaborate pumpkin villages, The Dallas Arboretum...
Lifestyle

Alice in Wonderland Party Food 

It wouldn’t be a Very Merry UnBirthday without plenty of delicious food! When I decided to host an Alice in Wonderland Party inspired by The Rose Table Disney Dinners series, I knew I wanted to keep things simple while still maximizing the cuteness. I’m still...
Lifestyle

Alice in Wonderland Party Decorations 

Recently I hosted an Alice in Wonderland UnBirthday Party for my husband and a couple of our friends. We ate tons of food, exchanged presents, and even enjoyed some flamingo croquet! But what made the event so magical was the party decorations. Here are some...
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My SomiSomi Ice Cream Review 

The Dallas area is lucky to have some pretty unique ice cream shops, where crazy flavors meet unique serving shapes. SomiSomi is no exception, and it is one of my absolute favorites! SomiSomi Soft Serve and Taiyaki was founded in Los Angeles, CA in 2017...
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My Bonafide Betties Pie Shop Review 

Did you know that DFW is home to USA Today’s Best Pie in Texas? You can order up an award-winning slice from Bonafide Betties Pie Shop in my hometown of Rockwall! Even if you don’t normally venture far outside the Dallas city limits, I promise...
Travel

150+ Magical Disney World Instagram Captions 

Searching for the perfect caption to match your magical Disney moment? I’ve got you covered! Here is a master list of over 150 Disney World Instagram Captions separated by locations, events, and characters.  General Disney World Instagram Captions Never too old for fairytales. I like...
Travel

Ultimate Disney World Packing List 

Walt Disney World is definitely the happiest place on earth, but sometimes planning a magical adventure there can feel a little bit overwhelming. I grew up taking family vacations to Disney World with my parents, and now that I’m a married adult the magic still...
Travel

6 Tips for Planning a Disney World Vacation 

Walt Disney World is definitely the happiest place on earth, but planning the best possible vacation there takes lots of time and effort. Sometimes, especially for Disney newcomers, this can make the whole experience feel a little bit overwhelming. I’ve become our family’s “magic coordinator,”...
Lifestyle

How to Throw a Dog Birthday Party 

If we’re all being honest, we don’t deserve dogs. They love us unconditionally, greeting us at the door every day with a wagging tail. They lick away our tears when we’re sad, and they jump up to celebrate with us when we’re happy. Have you...
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My 3 Favorite DFW Pizza Places 

While pizza is loved pretty much universally, opinion on the best place to grab a slice can definitely be diverse. Since I was born and raised in the Dallas metroplex, I’ve tried quite a few local pies and narrowed down a few favorites.  Curious about...
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5 Unique Dallas Ice Cream Shops 

I scream, you scream, we all scream Dallas! Those sweltering Texas temps provide our hometown with the ideal ice cream eating conditions 10 or 11 months out of the year.  I love the Braum’s drive thru as much as the next girl, but sometimes I’m...
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Rockwall Rubber Duck Regatta 

Every year as summer transitions into fall, the fountain at The Rockwall Harbor transforms into a gigantic bathtub full of rubber ducks. What brings on this puzzling transformation? A fundraiser and a high stakes duck race: The Rockwall Rubber Duck Regatta. I grew up in...
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My Baldo’s Ice Cream Review 

Austin and I always looking for new DFW dessert shops, and National Ice Cream Day offered us the perfect excuse to cool down with a cone last weekend. I discovered through social media that Baldo’s Ice Cream Shop was offering a buy one get one...
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Game of Thrones Feast Watch Party 

Last year around Christmas time we hopped on our broomsticks and flew to The London Baker shop for a special Harry Potter Tea. This spring, The London Baker team decided to bid farewell to the epic saga Game of Thrones with a feast! We were...
Travel

San Antonio, TX Weekend Getaway 

This April we continued our Texas travels with a four-day weekend getaway to San Antonio. It was easily one of our favorite trips we have ever taken together! We did plenty of research beforehand to pick out the best sights to see, and we were...
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My Cauldron Ice Cream Review 

Have you ever eaten your favorite ice cream out of a waffle surrounded by a cloud of mist? It might sound like I’m describing heaven, but this dream can become your reality right here in DFW. One of the latest additions to the Dallas dessert...
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8 Tips for ICE! at the Gaylord Texan 

It’s not just beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Gaylord Texan Resort. It’s an explosion of Christmas cheer in every hallway of this enormous hotel! I’ve always loved to visit the giant Christmas trees, nutcrackers, and holiday lights inside the main courtyard....
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My Sweet Daze Dessert Bar Review 

If you spend a lot of time looking at food pics on Instagram, you’ve probably seen all the hype about Sweet Daze Dessert Bar in Richardson. If you’ve never heard of Sweet Daze, you are in for a treat (literally). Sweet Daze has an in-store...
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The Trains at NorthPark 

All aboard the Polar Express! The Trains at NorthPark have officially arrived at their mini stations, and we couldn’t wait to see them for ourselves. This year exhibits included the Golden Gate Bridge, Grand Central Station, The White House, Downtown Dallas, and even the State...
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My Dallas Grilled Cheese Company Review 

Now that the weather is turning chilly in Dallas, I’ve started craving comfort foods like grilled cheese and tomato soup. Recently Austin and I visited Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff to create a shop local holiday gift guide, and we couldn’t resist stopping by...
Travel

Granbury, TX Weekend Getaway Trip 

Even though we love to explore all of the fun things to do right here in the Dallas metroplex, we get the itch to travel pretty frequently. This Labor Day weekend we desperately needed some relaxation, but we wanted to keep our travels budget-friendly since...
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The Dallas Museum of Art 

Are you constantly searching for fun things to do in Dallas like me? During the sweltering summer months, Austin and I like to find activities to do indoors where we are less likely to burn to a crisp (we are very pale people). Usually our...
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Plant & Sip DFW 

Although I love the succulent craze going on right now and think the tiny little plants are so cute, I’ve never had much of a green thumb when it comes to planting things or keeping them alive. But after an evening learning from an instructor...
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My Chills 360 Ice Cream Rolls Review 

No matter what form it takes, ice cream is always a good idea. But there is something really special about indulging in uniquely prepared food (especially in the Instagram era). The novelty of eating a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious is...
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The Rustic Warehouse 

If you’ve ever ventured up to the northeast corner of the metroplex to shop, dine, or swim on Lake Ray Hubbard, you probably know all about the charming suburban town of Rockwall. Rockwall has a bustling downtown square with a historic courthouse building, countless lovely...
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Ruibal’s Plants of Texas 

  If you’re visiting the Dallas Farmers Market or you just happen to be strolling down Pearl Street, you can’t miss Ruibal’s Plants of Texas. With a store front and long side patio covered in bright multicolored blooms, it makes for a beautiful contrast against...
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My Edo Japan Review 

In my personal opinion, Edo Japan is the best sushi restaurant in Rockwall, Texas! Edo also serves delicious hibachi meals and has an enormous bar stocked with authentic beverages from Japanese culture. Edo Japan Price Range: $-$$$ Depending on how much you food you need...
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My Charlie’s Burgers & Street Tacos Review 

Whether you’re in the mood for some Tex Mex goodies or a classic, juicy, cheeseburger, Charlie’s delivers. Charlie’s Burgers & Street Tacos is located in the historic downtown square of Rockwall, Texas. It is locally-owned and operated and the whole menu features fresh, quality ingredients....
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My Chiloso Review 

If you are a Rockwall, Wylie, or Rowlett native, then the deliciousness of Chiloso is probably old news to you. But for anyone new to the area or living on the opposite side of the metroplex, you might be missing out on one of the...