Summer Slurpy Love

This could be my new favorite habit! Get Enticed with shaved ice by Sydney Brown and take a personal stance to fight the Dallas heat.. My Dallas must have mantra...

If the temp tops 100 degrees - it is time to find the shaved ice truck.

After the 1st episode of The Great Food Truck Race I am starting my food truck search and recovery.  Next will have to be the DFW Food Truck Festival on August 27th.  See you there.

Easter Kisses

Easter was delightful and Jack loved the bunny. We participated in the annual Easter Egg Hunt for members of the Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center.  Petting zoo, face painting, lunch in the park and thousands of eggs. This kiss says it all.  And no tears that day, not even when facing a 6ft Easter Bunny!

Eco-Friendly Sprout Watch

Love this purple watch from Sprout.  They are about at least 87% made from eco-friendly material, super cute and totally affordable. This one retails for just $52 from Amazon. But I recommend checking out the whole collection at Sprout Watches and check out all the yummy summer colors.  I might have to go purple since Jack is obsessed with all that is even close to violet in hue.  Another favorite is this lovely green option that makes me happy.

Lastly, I really like this white option with a printed tree motif from Amazon.

Easy summer accessory!

Dallas Symphony Parks Concerts

Over the last couple of years our family has thoroughly enjoyed the Dallas Symphony Community Concerts at local parks.  We grab our blanket, pack the cooler and head out for what has always been a great concert under the stars.  The shoes come off and Jack can dance, dance, dance that night away. Highly recommend checking out the schedule and at least stopping by one this year. The concert is usually about an hour and the last two we attended had a playground, balloon artist, adult beverages for purchase (or bring your own) and even a petting zoo.  The Exall Park concert in Bryan Place is our fave!

The Cupcakery

My Monday was dragging along when my co-worker pops in my office with a box of the most lovely cupcakes from The Cupcakery on McKinney Avenue. I chose this one and true love struck as the Strawberry Shortcake cupcake fumes floated down the hallway.  I must say, this cupcake, with its intense flavor and scent won me over.  I swooned over each bite.  Immediately I had to check out The Cupcakery website and search for more flavors.  There was no let down on creativity as I drooled over each one.  After much debate, my next adventure without a doubt will be the Trip to Graceland.

Elvis inspired cupcake. Much like the King himself, its decadent, its delicious, and it might induce shock to the system. Eat in small doses. Chunky peanut butter cake, layered with a light banana cream frosting, rolled in applewood smoked bacon, and drizzled with honey.

Freerider

I saw this on Dallas Kids Daily Candy today and I just had to share the coolest kid contraption ever. The Freerider from Mountain Buggy.  Simply attach it to your stroller so your slightly older, too cool toddler can  "skateboard" or "scooter" like a big kid. I know my little guy would love it. At 2 he is already oogling at scooters & skateboards and this is the pefect way to introduce one without an ER trip and get where I need to go without a struggle about sitting in the stroller. Once he is ready to go it alone, simply pop it off and it goes solo - how cool is your guy now? Freerider currently connects to the whole Mountain Buggy line but don't fret, they are producing connectors for Baby Jogger, bebe confort, BOB (my fave), bugaboo, Quinny, phil & teds, Brio, TKF and many more.

The Pearl Cup Latte

One of my favorite things about living in Dallas are the local gems in and around my neighborhood. As you can see from the picture there is not much left of my latte from The Pearl Cup on Henderson Avenue. If you haven't visited yet, don't hesitate to try the signature Pearl Cup Latte or the Mexican Spiced Hot Chocolate. Even better, try a breakfast panini with your choice of peanut butter or Nutella with jam, bananas or fluff! They also try to think "green" whenever they can, are pet friendly, and they carry local baked goods that are always yummy. I can't wait to get Jack his first "fluff" panini!

This is what it started out looking like! So delicious!

The Floppy Hat from Magid

I want this hat to sport all summer. By the pool, at the beach and for cocktails on the patio.  This one from Majid is on sale today on ideeli for a steal at just $11 bucks. While I was hat shopping, I found this chic version of my Bag & Tote for shopping with the girls or for when I just want to feel nautical! Throw on a black bikini or a black sarong and I am out the door. It truly lures me to pour myself a gin & tonic.

L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag

I think Spring is finally starting to stretch towards us in Dallas and it feels oh so good. If there is one thing I use consistently all season, its my Boat & Tote Bag from L.L.Bean.  Sturdy, indestructible, cleans easy and never falls over.  I can get all three beach towels, sunscreen, and our essentials along with a must-have magazine easily in mine and head out the door - one bag in tow.

I carry this one in large, it is just right for roadtrips, the beach, and the gym!  Of course mine has the legendary L.L.Bean personalization of my initials.  I would say I have a little prepster sometimes hiding in me.

Fore!! Axel & Hudson

This boy's line of country club meets California cool golf inspired clothes from Fore!! Axel & Hudson makes me blush.  I just picked up this jacket at miniME - Snyder Plaza for Jack and I can't wait to snap some hip pics of him sporting it on the weekend.

This little vintage button down polo is next on my list.  Jack might swagger in this with a fedora.  I will just walking with him. This little guy is precious.

Our truck collection is growing past the point of easy storage options! Check out Jack's Valentine from Grandma. I might have to buy stock in Bruder Toys!

Bruder Trucks

Jack's favorite truck in the world.  A Bruder German made truck with real working parts. When I can't find my jewelry or anything else that is smaller than the palm of my hand, I look in the garbage truck.  Unfortunately I am now versed in all garbage truck parts from the packing panel to the hopper. Great quality, Jack has played with it every day since last September.  Winner!

Grandma picked up the Bruder Cement Mixer for Christmas. Big hit! We used dried beans as cement (easy to clean up) and we build, pour and create masterpieces. 

Next Aunt Carrie purchased him the Jeep Wrangler & horse trailer. Wheels turn 360, the top comes off and you can even check out the engine.  The Jeep is beyond realistic - looks just like the one I had after college!

O.N.E. Coconut Water for Kids

Like all kids today, Jack has been exposed to the "juice box" phenomenon.  However, I believe we should eat our fruit vs. drink it for better nutrition, healthier teeth and less obesity in children.  Coconut water is one of my faves for Jack and I feel great giving it to him. Coconut water is high in potassium, no sugar is added and works as a great replenisher of electrolytes.  And...I can get it in a little box that looks just like all those juice boxes my son sees other kids toting around from O.N.E. Drinks.  Coconut water is the purest liquid next to water. It is isotonic which means that it easily slides into the body's cells to hydrate and nourish as well as water does. Plus CW has potassium, magnesium, other vitamins, and minerals that will help small (and big) bodies stay in a nutritionally balanced state. I rely heavily on it when Jack is sick - it is a great way to rehydrate and in no way as sweet as Pedialyte - he won't drink the stuff. The straight coconut water is a bit of an acquired taste, but you can find naturally flavored ones too. Jack likes the pineapple, pink guava and mango from O.N.E. drinks. Check out their page on Healthy Drinks for Kids. They also have a kid specific line called O.N.E. KIDS with more kid friendly flavors like apple, orange, fruit punch and raspberry lemonade and are about 1/2 the size.  I recommend all of the O.N.E. products.  In Texas it gets hot and this is a great way to make sure my little crazy guy stays healthy & hydrated!

Snow Angel

If I told him once, I told him twice, snow angels are easier to make on your back! Snow in Dallas makes for a great day. Maybe next year Jack will stop trying to eat the carrot!

Alphabet Cookies by Newman's Own Organics

ABC! We love these alphabet cookies in our house by Newman's Own Organics, a division of Newman's Own, who create old time favorites with the highest qualify of organic ingredients.  Jack's favorite is the Cinnamon Graham (okay, my favorite too) and I have to change where I store them each time he has a few or he will track them down and gobble them up.  There is a heartiness to them that gives a nice "full feeling" to your tummy after just a few, but to a toddler it is still a cookie buffet.  We are working on our alphabet now and I like to give him enough cookies to spell a word like "cat" or "fly" which he really loves.  And when is the last time you saw Arrowroot Cookies?  When you are Whole Foods picking up the Sammy Jammy, your sushi and a bottle of wine, grab a bag!  And feel good about it, Newman's Own Organics donates to charity just like Newman's Own.

Jammy Sammy in my bag

Kids? Healthy and easy snack? Then one must try Jammy Sammy by Revolution Foods. You can find them at Whole Foods or Babies R' Us but I prefer a shopping trip Whole Foods any day.  I think we would all prefer shopping at Whole Foods over Babies R' Us or Toys R' Us any day, do it at lunch time and grab some quick sushi while there. Call me if you want to meet up!  Anyway, check out the nutritional content, I promise it is not a bad deal.  They are totally handbag size, you can even fit one into a tiny clutch.  They have been lifesavers for us on road trips & while flying. Jack has been eating them since about 12 months and they fill him up and he loves them because they look like a little treat!

Jack & Daddy Day

At least twice a month Jack and his Dad head out at 9am for the Dallas Zoo. The new section "Giants of the Savanna" is amazing. They can hang out in this section for hours. And then they always top off their trip by having lunch with the lions.  The zoo has designed the restaurant in the Savanna with a glass wall adjacent to the lion's den.  It is shaded there so the lions naturally gather here to sleep. Jack sits on the floor against the glass and the only thing separating him from the lion is the glass - literally. It looks like he practically holding hands with a lion. Fabulous guy time for Jack & his partner in crime.

Jack's 1st Photo Shoot

Jack had his 1st Photo Shoot with a friend of mine, Jen Hughes.  It was absolutely fantastic. His pictures turned out just perfect. I think this one says it all. If you have a crazy little guy or gal who won't sit still like me, don't think its not time for pictures. Jen was able to run all over with Jack, entertain him just enough and take "real' pictures - nothing posed - which are my favorite kind.  This one makes my heart melt.

Grimaldi's again!

Birthday time again!  I have mentioned it before, but Grimaldi's Pizzeria, West Village offers a free large pizza (sign up online) for their birthday club. Totally worth it -fabulous New York style pizza and great wine.  But most importantly, they are totally kid friendly and I can enjoy a glass of wine while my little guy plays with the big ball of pizza dough they bring him to keep him busy.  He loves it!  He is 2 and it is like playdough to him. Wine, pizza, happy kiddo! Kudos to our server - he was quick and took a moment to talk to Jack, which always makes him feel a part of the evening!

Living for Two: A little inspiration

Living for Two: A little inspiration: "This little doll has me yearning for Burberry. She is so simple and chic, and just a little bit shy. Notice the bubble wand...what a perfe..." If I only had a girl! But I feel the same -I want a trench coat. Just love it!