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25 Inexpensive Dallas Date Ideas Under $25 For Two
It’s no secret: Dallas can be an expensive city. But even with inflation and cost of living constantly rising, you can still have fun and spend quality time with your loved ones. My husband Austin and I are trying to stick to a strict budget...
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Where to Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Dallas, TX 2024
Lunar New Year is one of most significant celebrations in East Asian culture, and the Dallas area is lucky to have dozens of local events for everyone to celebrate and learn! From multi-course feasts of traditional food, to beautiful lantern displays, to festive lion dances,...
25 Inexpensive Dallas Date Ideas Under $25 For Two
It’s no secret: Dallas can be an expensive city. But even with inflation and cost of living constantly rising, you can still have fun and spend quality time with your loved ones. My husband Austin and I are trying to stick to a strict budget...
10 Fun Things to Do in Wylie, TX
Experiencing Culture in Small Town Texas The Dallas area is well known for its urban skyline and bustling city center. But in my opinion as a lifelong native to DFW, one of the most special things about this area is the surrounding smaller towns. Each...
Eyeris: A Photography Pop-Up Experience
They say the eyes are the window to the soul — and with Eyeris, you can turn that piece of your soul into a piece of beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork. Eyeris is a local business founded by Ellen Yang and her partner Marcello Zamorano that invites...
The Eyeboretum Garden Party at The Joule in Dallas, TX
EYE can SEE you might be wondering what this blog post is all about. Don’t worry, I’m just having a BALL! This weekend we explored the whimsical Eyeboretum Garden Party at The Joule in Dallas. Located on the lawn in front of the iconic Giant...
Fairytale Afternoon Tea at Hotel Crescent Court in Dallas, TX
I know you… I walked with you Once Upon a Tea! If you do know me, then you are probably well aware of my afternoon tea obsession. I recently joked to one of my friends that I planned the itinerary for my trip to London...
Top 20 Tips for Attending the Taylor Swift Eras Tour
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is easily one of the most significant musical events of our generation. Spanning 10 albums, four of which had never been previously performed onstage due to the pandemic, Taylor performs a 3 hour 15 minute set with a total of 44...
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...
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...
15 Fun Things to Do for Fall in Dallas 2022
Did you catch a whiff of pumpkin spice latte wafting through the air? Is pumpkin merchandise magically appearing at all of your favorite stores? Despite the 90-degree temps, fall in Dallas is here! This time of the year is full of excitement with dozens of...
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...
18 Beautiful Stops on a Highway 1 Road Trip
In my opinion, the best way to experience the wide variety of stunning scenery that California has to offer is on a Highway 1 road trip. There are honestly hundreds of places you could stop to explore, everything from untouched beaches to staggering cliff sides...
The Perfect California Itinerary 2023
Are you planning a trip to California in 2023? This itinerary is for you! Any time we plan a trip, I spend the weeks leading up to our flight doing hours of research on everywhere we want to go. It builds my anticipation for traveling,...
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...
Our One-Week California Road Trip
California has so many uniquely beautiful destinations: the misty waters of the San Francisco Bay, the dramatic cliff sides of Big Sur, the sunshine and sea lions of San Diego. When we decided to plan a trip to California last year, we knew we couldn’t...
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...
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...
All About The State Fair of Texas 2022
For us, the State Fair of Texas is more than a casual October pastime – it’s a major family tradition! I’ve attended the fair with my dad every year of my life (minus my senior year of college, when I was studying abroad in London),...
Candle Making with MNC Candle Co at Grady Ln Boutique
I’m always excited about an opportunity to try a new craft, so when MNC Candle Co invited me a candle making class at Grady Ln Boutique in Downtown McKinney, my answer was an immediate yes! Here’s what we learned and how our beautiful candles melted...
Blueberry Picking at Blase Family Farm in Rockwall, TX
Austin and I have enjoyed the annual pumpkin patch at Blase Family Farm in Rockwall together every year since we got married as one of our favorite fall traditions. But this summer was the first year I made it over to the farm for their...
Everything We Know So Far About Meow Wolf in Dallas, TX
Last year, Meow Wolf announced they would open two of their world renowned interactive art installations in Texas: one in Houston, and one in Dallas. There are only three other Meow Wolf locations in existence, so this is pretty monumental news for Texas! As excitement...
The Official Stranger Things Store Debuts in Dallas, TX
Travel to the Upside Down right here in Dallas, TX! The Official Stranger Things Store opened this weekend on Saturday, May 21 at Grapevine Mills, and you can step straight into your favorite scenes from the show. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the premiere...
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...
Habitat Plants + Coffee in McKinney, TX
Downtown McKinney is one of my favorite corners of the DFW metroplex. It’s full of lovely, quirky local businesses that are all within walking distance from each other (which you can read more about here). One of the newest businesses to pop up in the...
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...
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...
The Rose Table: Jurassic Park Dinner Party
I’ve been a digital fan of Katie-Rose Watson and her blog The Rose Table for years. She plans elaborate dinner parties for her friends themed around her favorite movies, and her Disney Dinners series was the inspiration for my Alice in Wonderland UnBirthday Party and...
Mad Hatter Gin & Tea Party in Dallas, TX
We fell down the rabbit hole and wound up in Wonderland last weekend at the Mad Hatter Gin & Tea Party in Dallas, TX! If you’ve seen the online ads for this cute and quirky event and wondered what it would be like to attend,...
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...
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....
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...
Celebrate Lunar New Year 2022 in Dallas, TX
The Lunar New Year begins a new chapter in the Zodiac calendar with the Year of the Tiger on February 1, 2022. We are lucky to have a melting pot of so many different cultures enriching DFW, and as a result there are lots of...
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...
Van Gogh and the Olive Groves at the Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art has done it again! They are always updating their rotating exhibit space with something fresh and showcasing incredible collections of artwork at a low cost to visitors, and this season is no different. Van Gogh and the Olive Groves is...
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...
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...
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...
How to Make a Halloween Candy Snack Board
There’s nothing I enjoy more than arranging decadent boards full of snacks to share with my friends. The trick is combining the right flavors and ingredients that compliment each other and please a wide variety of taste buds. While a couple of my friends from...
Top 20 Tips for the State Fair of Texas 2021
The State Fair of Texas is one of my favorite things about living in Dallas! It’s been our family tradition to go every year since I was born, and now I typically go multiple times each year. While I’ve already covered everything new coming to...
12 Fun Things to Do in Dallas for Fall 2021
Do you smell that? There’s a hint of pumpkin spice wafting through the air. It’s the most wonderful time of the year… FALL! While fall in Texas still involves sundresses and ceiling fans, we find ways to enjoy the autumn vibes despite the occasional heat...
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...
Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
One of the things I was most excited to see on our one week trip through Arizona was the Grand Canyon. Even though it is one of the most iconic U.S. road trip spots of all time and a geological wonder, I had never seen...
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...
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...
Mayfield Park in Austin, TX: A Hidden Gem
Since we only live about 3 hours away from Austin, we take frequent road trips down to the capital from our Dallas home. But it was only on our most recent trip that we discovered one of the most beautiful places in the entire city:...
30+ Fun Things To Do on an Austin, TX Weekend Trip
Austin, TX: it’s known for live music, the Texas capitol building, and the UT campus. But did you know it’s also home to sweeping hills that beg to be explored, the best food scene in the state, and the largest urban bat population in the...
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,...
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...
The Buddhist Temple of Dallas Thai Food Market
Experience culture and cuisine this summer at the Buddhist Temple of Dallas! Every Sunday the temple hosts a Thai Food Market from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. We grabbed a couple of our friends and spent a lovely Sunday afternoon exploring the market. Here’s everything...
Jurassic World Exhibition Roars Into Grandscape
Traveling Jurassic World Exhibition Has Arrived at Grandscape in The Colony Travel to the mysterious Isla Nublar and enter Jurassic World—right here in Dallas! Round Room Live and Cityneon are kicking off the North American leg of their touring dino exhibition in the DFW metroplex....
New Things to Do at the Fort Worth Zoo
Trips to the zoo are one of my favorite summer traditions, and we are so lucky to have some of the best zoos in the country right here in DFW! Thanks to its unique exhibits and exotic animals, the Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked...
Visiting Medieval Times in Dallas, TX
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to step into a scene from Game of Thrones? Maybe not the Red Wedding or anything that involves mortal peril, but just one of those moments you feel in awe of the fantasy world? A trip...
What to Expect at the State Fair of Texas 2021
The State Fair of Texas is back for 24 days of fun in 2021. To me, the State Fair of Texas brings together all of the best things about our state and allows us to celebrate them together for a few weeks each fall. I’ve...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
Ennis: The Bluebonnet Capital of Texas
Ever since I was a baby, I’ve attended the annual Bluebonnet Festival in Ennis, Texas when it rolls around in April. It’s one of my favorite weekends of the year, and I’ve enjoyed so many happy family memories there. If you live in North Texas...
Georgetown: The Red Poppy Capital of Texas
There are a million things I love about living in Texas. But wildflower season definitely has a spot at the very top of the list! Texas is home to endless fields of primroses, poppies, and of course our signature bluebonnets. If you’re new to the...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
6 Tips for Visiting the Dillon Ice Castles
Have you ever watched Frozen and wished you could hang out in Elsa’s palace of ice? When you take a trip to Dillon, Colorado, it feels like you’ve been transported straight into a flurry of crystal magic! If the cold never bothered you anyway, you’ve...
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...
The Perfect Colorado Weekend Itinerary 2023
We recently took a long weekend trip to Colorado to explore the mountains and see the sights in the city. You can read all about our trip in detail, but in this post I just wanted to provide a quick and easy guide for creating...
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...
52 Cute Date Ideas for a Year of Fun
I may only have 3 years of marriage under my belt, but I have one core belief that I think applies to every successful relationship. Keep dating each other! When you and your partner make an effort to spend quality time together on a regular...
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...
8 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for a Disney Lover
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and finding the perfect gift to say “I love you” can be a challenge. Whether you’re shopping for your significant other, your child, or your best galentine, with a little bit of inspiration the process can go from...
8 Beautiful Topiaries at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Last spring we spent a week in Disney World just before Covid-19 spread across the U.S. and closed down the parks. Now that Disney World has reopened and we have kicked off a new year, I wanted to give park-goers a sneak peek of what...
Visitor’s Guide to the Epcot Festival of the Arts
Last year, before Covid-19 spread across the country and Disney World temporarily closed, we visited the Epcot Festival of the Arts with our whole family. Epcot is one of my favorite parks, and their seasonal festivals add so much extra fun to the experience! I...
Gaylord Texan Staycation Weekend
This month, my husband Austin was invited to cover a new event called WinterFest at the Gaylord Texan for the local newspaper where he works as an editor. He was offered the opportunity to stay one night for free at the Gaylord Texan, and I...
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...
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...
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...
10 Places to Celebrate Christmas in Dallas, TX
When it’s the most wonderful time of the year, we all go looking for places to celebrate with family! You might think you need to travel to experience that quintessential, Hallmark movie charm. But, (as Hallmark will be the first to tell you), there’s no...
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...
7 Creative Harry Potter Party Games
You’ve perfected your menu, you’ve decorated your house from top to bottom, and you’re all dressed up in your house robes. Your guests are on their way, and Harry Potter party is about to begin. But wait – what are you going to do once...
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...
How to Make Harry Potter Potion Bottles
Out of all the decorations I created for our Harry Potter Halloween party, my favorites were definitely the bottles and brews for the Potions Classroom. My Polyjuice Potion was served out of a cauldron to our guests as a cocktail punch, but the rest of...
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...
How to Make Hogwarts Letter Party Invitations
If you’re hosting a Harry Potter party or themed event, Hogwarts letter party invitations are probably one of the number one items on your todo list. But how can you make invitations that look the most authentically like a Hogwarts Letter if you don’t have...
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...
Pumpkin Pasties Recipe for a Harry Potter Party
When I decided to throw a Harry Potter Halloween Party, I knew right off the bat that I wanted to serve Pumpkin Pasties. I had never worked with pie dough before, so it took some trial and error to figure out the right thickness! But...
Butterbeer Recipe for a Harry Potter Party
Like I mentioned in my Harry Potter Party Food guide, the first time I tasted DIY Butterbeer was when my husband Austin made some for me on our second date! He knew we were both huge fans of the series, so he won my heart...
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...
Hosting a Harry Potter Halloween Party
Austin and I both love the Harry Potter series so much, we had a golden snitch on our wedding cake and spent our honeymoon at the Universal Studios Wizarding World theme park. I’ve always wanted to throw an epic Harry Potter party and go all...
Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, TX
This fall, my husband Austin and I went on a weekend getaway trip to Austin, TX. We love all of the bright lights, eclectic shops, and delicious eats in the city, but this trip we also wanted to spend some time in the beautiful Texas...
The Big Tex Fair Food Drive Thru
If you know me, then you know how obsessed I am with the State Fair of Texas. I usually try to keep my Texas pride to a minimum, but one causal mention of the State Fair in conversation and you’ll be stuck listening to me...
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...
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...
The Ultimate Dallas Fall Bucket List 2020
There’s a slight chill in the air, there are sweaters for sale, and there are pumpkin spice drinks on the coffee shop menus. Fall has arrived in Dallas! I love the changes in nature, the warm and welcoming colors, and the delicious foods that come...
How to Make Painting the Roses Red Cupcakes
One of my favorite details at my Alice in Wonderland UnBirthday Party was the tray of Painting the Roses Red Cupcakes poised and ready to greet our guests when they sat down at the table. The recipe for them comes from Katie Rose Watson at...
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...
How to Make an Alice in Wonderland Flamingo Croquet Set
When I started planning all of the special touches for my Alice in Wonderland UnBirthday Party, I knew playing a round of flamingo croquet just like Alice did would really be the cherry on top of the event. But creating this masterpiece definitely took some...
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...
Hosting an Alice in Wonderland UnBirthday Party
One of the pastimes that kept me sane during the early stages of Covid was binge watching videos of the beautiful Disney Dinners hosted by Katie Rose Watson on The Rose Table. Before social distancing measures kept us all 6 feet away, Katie Rose would...
The 30 Best Disney World Instagram Spots
When I visited Disney World as a kid, pictures snapped on my mom’s disposable camera were just a momentary distraction from all of the magical fun. But now when I visit Disney World as an adult, pictures are an integral part of the experience! For...
My 6 Favorite Small Businesses to Shop Disney
Finding cute Disney products is a passion of mine, especially when I’m planning a trip to Disney World. And while there are plenty of major retailers selling Disney merch, I love finding creative small business owners who sell truly unique products. Whether you’re packing your...
For a Dreamer of Houses at the Dallas Museum of Art
For the first time in months, Austin and I got out of the house and experienced some culture! We were invited to be special guests at the Dallas Museum of Art’s reopening weekend event and their new rotating exhibit. The museum has been closed since...
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...
Our Jurassic Quest Adventure in Dallas
Since my husband Austin is the editor of Blue Ribbon News in Rockwall, I sometimes get to tag along with him on media day adventures. Last weekend, he was invited to preview Jurassic Quest — a drive thru dinosaur experience touring the United States —...
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...
How to Support Local Businesses During COVID-19 Quarantine
The COVID-19 crisis has led to uncertain and unprecedented times for everyone, but especially for local business owners. Dallas closed bars, gyms, salons, and entertainment venues last week and just announced a shelter in place ordinance yesterday. Restaurants are prohibited to offer dine-in seating and...
How to Get a Rise of the Resistance Boarding Group
Since Rise of the Resistance opened in December 2019, Disney visitors have had one crucial question on their minds: how do I get a boarding group? Some say the boarding group “lottery style” system is much better than potentially standing in an 8-10 hour line...
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...
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...
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,”...
5 Reasons to Love Punch Bowl Social
A newcomer to Deep Ellum last year, Punch Bowl Social boasts online that they “take funning to a whole new level.” Do they live up to this promise? I say yes. Here’s why you need to visit Punch Bowl Social for your next date night...
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...
8 Creative Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her
Valentine’s Day is coming up sooner than you think. It’s only a few weeks away! If even the thought of hunting down the perfect gift is already giving you a headache, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a handful of creative and...
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...
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...
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...
The Ultimate Dallas Fall Bucket List 2019
Fall is my favorite season. And although we don’t get to start wearing warm scarves or watching the leaves change colors for a while here in DFW, we have no shortage of fun fall festivals and events across the metroplex. One of the biggest reasons...
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...
Dallas Museum of Art Murder Mystery Event
Hundreds of amateur detectives gathered in the galleries of the Dallas Museum of Art on a sunny June weekend. The paintings had come to life, and there was a shocking crime to investigate! Being an Agatha Christie fanatic, I knew I had to score tickets...
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...
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...
Tips for Visiting the Natural Bridge Caverns
On our most recent trip to San Antonio we decided to do something adventurous. We purchased two tickets for the Natural Bridge Caverns and hiked through a mile of stunning underground caves! Before we started our trek below the rocks, we didn’t know what to...
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...
La La Land Kind Cafe: Coffee for a Cause
Pour yourself a cup of coffee with some service on the side at La La Land. This new cafe on Lower Greenville has more than espresso and foam: they’ve got a mission. The Vibe When you walk up to the welcoming Southern-sized front porch and...
The Ultimate Austin, TX Weekend Itinerary
UPDATED 2021: 30+ Fun Things to Do on an Austin, TX Weekend Trip At the beginning of 2019, we took our first 3-day weekend trip to Austin, TX. We posted “The Ultimate Austin, TX Weekend Itinerary” right here. And it was a hit! But since...
Harry Potter High Tea from The London Baker
It’s no surprise to anyone who has read this blog before that Austin and I love all things Harry Potter. There was a tiny golden snitch on our wedding cake, and we spent a weekend last summer dressed up in Hogwarts robes at LeakyCon (a...
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....
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...
Bishop Arts District Shop Local Christmas Gift Guide
Are you always stuck when it comes to finding the perfect personalized gifts and stocking stuffers for your friends and family? Don’t let the season stress you out! We’re here to help. We visited local shops all over Bishop Arts District and saw hundreds of...
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...
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...
5 Ways to Celebrate Fall at the Blase Family Farm
As the weather finally cools down this October, we are always looking for opportunities to spend time together outside in the crisp autumn air. But finding cheap things to do around DFW can prove challenging. Fortunately for us, we live just a few minutes away...
Top 12 Tips for the State Fair of Texas 2018
Fall has arrived in Dallas, and that doesn’t just mean it’s time for pumpkin carving and candy corn snacking. September also rings in the first day of the State Fair of Texas! I have been going to the State Fair every year since I was...
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...
8 Things to Do in Downtown Grapevine, TX
When DFW residents think of Grapevine, attractions like The Great Wolf Lodge, The Gaylord Texan, or Grapevine Mills Outlet Mall probably come to mind. While we love these places (I’ve spent many hours and dollars in that outlet mall), Grapevine’s local scene has so much...
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...
What to Expect at LeakyCon: A Harry Potter Convention
Anyone who knows us well is aware of our slight Harry Potter obsession. Austin and I had Potter-related wedding cake toppers and spent part of our honeymoon at the Wizarding World Universal theme park in Orlando. Our distinct Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff personalities balance each other...
Craft Beer at Woodcreek Brewing Company
The art of brewing has been around for centuries, but only recently has the craft beer industry really begun to boom. Breweries are popping up all over the place as more and more people turn to alternatives to macrobrews like Budweiser and Miller Lite. We...
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...
Bastille on Bishop Arts French Festival
Last weekend, we spent some time in one of our favorite areas of Dallas: Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff. Each year around Bastille Day, local neighborhood organization Go Oak Cliff holds a French festival called Bastille on Bishop with food, wine, games, and live...
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...
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...
How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in New Braunfels, TX
This summer, we took a mini vacation to the Texas Hill Country! We roadtripped to New Braunfels/Gruene for two nights of relaxing fun, and it was just what we needed to take a break from our busy work schedules. From water parks to hidden caverns...
8 Things to Do in Downtown McKinney, TX
Downtown McKinney is one of the most charming places in the whole Dallas metroplex! It is home to dozens of unique local shops, tons of delicious food, and beautiful historic buildings are everywhere. McKinney also has a special place in my heart because Austin and...
5 Reasons to Fall in Love with Layered Café
One of my favorite spots to eat and shop around the Dallas metroplex is downtown McKinney. With so many unique boutiques, quirky restaurants, and gorgeous historic buildings, it makes a great day trip to the outskirts of DFW. McKinney is also home to one of...
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...
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...
NickelRama: Frugal Fun in Dallas
NickleRama: Dallas Fun on a Budget It can be tricky to find fun things to do in Dallas on a budget. But what if you could buy fun for just 5 cents? At NickelRama, you actually can. Here’s what to expect from one of our...
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....
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...
5 Reasons to Love the Half Price Books Flagship Store
Here’s Why the Half Price Books Flagship Store Belongs on Your Book Lover Bucket List Being bibliophiles on a budget, almost all of the books in our home were purchased secondhand from Half Price Books. We are long-time lovers of their excellent selection and terrific...
The Dallas Farmers Market
Spending a Day at the Dallas Farmers Market The Dallas Farmers Market is one of my absolute favorite spots in the city. There is so much to see, and most importantly, so much to eat! It’s kid friendly, dog friendly, and admission is free....
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