happy new year's eve!

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Happy New Year's eve!  Hope you have a wonderful time ringing in the new year!  I can't believe 2011 is only hours away.  How will you be celebrating tonight?  Big bash or small gathering?  We are keeping it low-key this year with a few friends and a lot of fun.  Then it will be time to get real with resolutions... but for now, it's party time!  Good-bye 2010 - you were good to us... but can't wait to see what 2011 brings!

restaurant review 2010: across the country

I travelled quite a bit this year {11 states, 19 airports, 22 cities} through work and a little bit of vacay.  I've found some pretty fabulous restaurants along the way I would totally recommend or revisit if given the chance.

New Orleans: NOLA {buttermilk fried chicken}, Sucre {everything!}, Pierre Maspero's {chicken and sausage gumbo}, Rocky and Carlos {french fry po-boy}, Cafe du Monde, Pat O's {hurricane}

*We have made many a trips to New Orleans to see family and go to Mardi Gras.  Can't wait for MG 2011!

 Savannah: Vic's on the River {mint julep and fillet mignon}, Lady and Sons {buffet and banana pudding}, B&D Burgers {any burger}, Caraway Cafe {chicken salad}, Holland House {hole in the wall amazingness}, Rocks on the River {french dip} 

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Nashville: Germantown Cafe {plum pork}, Bread and Company {Iroquois sandwich or anything else on the menu}, Jackson's {scottsdale blt, john daly, root beer float - this place was so awesome we ate their twice in one weekend}, Mafiaoza's {fabulous pizzas}, Naticakes {amazing cupcakes from a super cute store}, Dumplins {poppyseed chicken}, Las Paletas {hot chocolate popsicles}

*Follow our friend Matt's blog here; He gave us recommendations for all of the above places in Nashville and definitely did not disappoint!

San Diego/Coronado Island/Laguna Beach: Burger Lounge {turkey burger}, Lou & Mickey's {chicken parmigiana sandwich}, Indigo Cafe {california or santa fe wrap}, Studio Diner {anything - this place was on Triple D}, The Cliff {unbeatable view}, La Sirena Grill {fabulous tacos}, Pink's {unfortunately I didn't get to try Pink's thanks to food poisoning, but Jeff loved it}, In-N-Out {a must visit - rumor is there will be one in the big D soon}

Austin: Juan in a Million {don juan - featured on man vs. food}, Trudy's {mexican martini and migas}, Moonshine {harvest moon tea, spinach and artichoke fondue, green chile macaroni, waldorf salad}, Shady Grove {monterey chicken}, Hoovers {chicken wings, dumplings, and homemade sides}, The Salt Lick {sandwich plate}, Magnolia Cafe {everything - also featured on Triple D}, Homeslice {seriously good pizza}, Z Tejas {southwestern caesar salad}

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Other fabulous finds this year include: Papa Haydn {portland - chocolate hazelnut torte}, Pizzicato {portland - awesome pizza and great downtown people watching} Sticky Fingers {charleston - bbq}, Pie in the Sky {conroe - pies galore!}, Rookwood {cincinnati - fried bacon}, The Pit {raleigh - pulled pork and fried chicken}, Raleigh Times {raleigh - limoncino and roasted turkey sandwich}, Pam's Patio {san antonio - everything on the menu looked fabulous}

Looking forward to 2011 travels and fabulous food finds! 

restaurant review 2010: american{ish}

These last favorites of the year don't really fit into a specific cuisine... so they get their own post.  First up and top love has to be Tillman's Roadhouse.  They have the best decor and amazing food.  I had been here once with some of my dear work friends and then the mister took me there this year for our anniversary weekend dinner before seeing Wicked.  Their menu is incredible but I always order the chicken fried hanger steak {absolutely wonderful}.  The drinks are great and so are the desserts... who doesn't love smores you can cook tableside with fun marshmallows?

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Continuing with fried chicken, we love Babe's.  You just don't find a lot of family-style restaurants these days.  Of course the fried chicken is great... but we try to only indulge once a year in this greasy goodness.

Other favorites include: Victor Tango's {chicken and waffles}, Zea {thai ribs and happy hour please!}, Red's Patio Grill, Kelly's Eastside {spicy chicken finger sandwich}, and Blue Plate Kitchen {everything}. Let me know if you have any suggestions for fun places we should venture to this upcoming year!

restaurant review 2010: mexican{ish}

We love mexican food.  Thank goodness there are some awesome places to meet our taco needs.

Torchy's Tacos is our latest and greatest discovery this year and we are hooked.  Between the mister and myself, I think we have tried nearly every taco on the menu.  My faves include the republican, brushfire, trailer park, and fried avocado.  The mister enjoys the green chile pork and the crossroads.  To top off all the taco goodness, they have cane cola and dublin dr. pepper.  Pure love.

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Continuing with taco favorites, we have found love for Fuzzy's Taco Shop this year.  At $2 a taco, this makes for a pretty cheap date night.  The ground beef taco is pretty solid.  Be careful with the habanero sauce {a little bit goes a long way}!

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Our other favorite taco deal comes from beloved Rosa's.  This was a college staple - you just can't beat three tacos, rice and beans {preferably double rice}, and two tortillas {best enjoyed when covered in honey} for $3.99.  Thankfully, they have built a Rosa's one mile from our house... we are there every Tuesday for Taco Tuesday.  Come join us sometime!

Other mexican{ish} faves include: Yucatan Taco Stand {fried plantains}, La Duni {cake!}, Sangria {everything - it's tapas}, Blue Mesa {tacos for a cause or weekend brunch}, Mattito's {fajitas}, Fuel City {no website - tacos from a gas station - absolutely awesome}.  What mexican places should we add to our ventures?

restaurant review 2010: pizza

We don't venture out to italian restaurants very often outside of pizza {love a good pizza} but there are some pretty good places we've discovered here.  Our latest favorite is Campisi's.  The sausage/jalapeno pizza is amazing and their house salad is truly delicious.  And even better, this place has supposed ties to the mafia - how cool is that?!

Urban Crust is also at the top of the list for yummy pizza.  They have a fabulous rooftop bar and a fun atmosphere.  {Here's a tip: this place is tiny so get there early}.

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Our all-time favorite pizza place is Fireside Pies.  They have a pretty amazing jalapeno/sausage pie.  Delicious.  Not a new discovery this year, but it's definitely a favorite for us.

 

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Other faves include Palio's {Hawaiian Sunrise}, Grimaldi's {everything is good}, Patrizio's {chicken parmigiana salad and penne caprese}, Brio {bellini}, Maggiano's {if you order any classic pasta you get one to take home}.  What are your favorite pizza/italian restaurants around town? 

restaurant review 2010: cafe

So, we eat a lot of sandwiches in the Stringer household.  I'm not a big fan of your super chain sandwich stops {especially subway} but sometimes they meet my needs for a quick re-fueling that is somewhat healthy.  I do enjoy trying new places that offer more than your average turkey and bread combination.

We have always enjoyed Magnolia Cafe and Bakery.  This place is seriously delicious, although the mister tends to joke that he has to check his manhood at the door before entering.  It's a bit girly, but they make great sandwiches and fancy treats {cakes, pies, cookies}.  My favorite item on the menu has to be the avocado sandwich.  I'm not vegetarian, but this sandwich is a must.

LePeep is a new{er} find for us.  There's a LePeep we pass around town quite a bit and we always said we would try it... so one Saturday morning we had 'brunch' at LePeep and walked away pretty impressed.  I had the lite migas and the mister had some kind of skillet dish that tasted pretty amazing.  This place had a neighborhood feel to it - kind of like everyone knew each other.  That feeling seems to be pretty hard to find these days and it was pretty cool to know there are still a few places like that.

Recently, we visited Garden Cafe.  This place is super cute.  They are only open from 8am to 2pm six days a week for breakfast and lunch.  It's a little tucked away place with a charming garden {would love to go back when the weather is a little warmer to enjoy the patio} and great food.  I had their chicken salad sandwich and the mister enjoyed some breakfast tacos.  Next time I think we will have to venture out on a Saturday just to try the herb roasted chicken {pictured}. 

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The mister and I have seriously discussed re-visiting Main Street Bistro and Bakery.  They have the best mac n cheese with bacon {delicious}.  They also have crepes on the menu, which I can't wait to try...along with everything from their dessert counter!

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We have a few other favorites around town including Cafe Brazil {migas}, Baker Brothers {kowloon salad or Texas star}, Cafe Max {chicken salad}, and Snappy Salads {make your own}.  What are your favorite cafes in the Dallas area? 

restaurant review 2010: burgers

I love a good burger.  We don't indulge in burgers very often and most of the time I get a turkey burger.  But every once in a while we crave a juicy burger.  And the Dallas area has a few solid establishments to meet that need including our favorites.

Scotty P's Hamburgers has always been a favorite in our family.  We've been going there for years and it has become the mister's go-to restaurant {we go there every year for his birthday}.  The food is great and the onion rings are better.  I'm not a big onion ring person normally, but these are pretty legit {and not greasy}.

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We also really enjoy Twisted Root Burger Company.  It has been featured on Triple D and they make funky burgers from buffalo, venison, elk, ostrich, emu, boar, antelope, and lamb.  I'm not that adventurous and generally stick to beef {I like the green chile burger}.

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One of our new burger loves discovered this year is Burguesa.  Oh my!  This place is absolutely delicious.  It is mexican meets burgers.  The food is cheap and fresh.  Their menu is pretty short, but always good {I love the spicy fries}.  When Mr. Stringer works downtown, he likes to partake in team building activities like 'La Monumental Mondays.'  This burger includes crazy things: ham, tostada, refried beans, & a whole jalapeno. 

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Our latest burger love is Kenny's Burger Joint.  I've been to Kenny's Woodfire Grill {which is amazing - especially the truffle oil mac n cheese} so we knew his burger joint wouldn't be too shabby.  The onion rings are pretty close to Scotty P's caliber and the burgers are awesome.  The mister indulged in the queso burger, which required a steak knife {he went home happy}.  They also have adult milkshakes that are oh so tasty.  The Insomniac might be my new favorite dessert!    

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What are your favorite burger spots in Dallas?  Any suggestions for new places the mister and I should visit?

catch up {again}

Merry Christmas!

I can't believe Christmas has already come and gone...time really does fly when having fun.  We had a wonderful time with both families and once again I'm reminded of just how blessed we are.  We kept it simple this year with few presents.  It was a year to focus on quality time with family and those who have needs far greater than we do.  That's what Christmas is about anyways, right?  We enjoyed this video during Christmas eve service at WM and I hope you enjoy.

I was a little ambitious this month by trying to blog about all my Christmas loves {I have a lot}...but let's be real here: things were a bit chaotic this month.  I'm finally home for a bit {no travel until feb} and really looking forward to feeling 'settled' for a bit.  I see a lot of craft projects in my near future...and maybe some more blogging.  I've got some new ideas for next year I'm pretty excited to share...starting with the 2010 Restaurant Review!  I love food and can't wait to get started blogging about some fabulous finds!

all wrapped up

Christmas Love: Wrapping Paper

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I love wrapping paper.  Well, maybe I love well-wrapped gifts more!  I always loved wrapping presents for family and friends growing up.  I worked at James Avery for four Christmas seasons during college and perfected my quick wrapping skills and can now wrap just about anything.  I'm a fan of having fun with wrapping paper and am {almost} okay dropping $6 per roll... I said almost.  The Container Store and Papyrus always have the best selections, including these:

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Fab Find: Throw

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I'm a huge fan of snuggling up during the cold weather... so much that the mister often compares my wrapped up slumber position to a taco.  Just like you can never have too many pillows or necklaces, you can never have too many blankets or throws {especially good ones}.  I'm digging this monogrammable version from West Elm.  Simply gorgeous.

ornamental love

Christmas Love: Ornaments

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 A tree is not complete without ornaments.  I love ornaments {especially fabulous ornaments}.  They are like jewelry for trees.  We keep our tree pretty simple with only solid ornaments in red, silver, and white... but I'm thinking we should branch out next year {no pun intended}.  Maybe something along these lines...

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My friend Shelbi made the snowflake ornament for a contest.  I think it is amazing... I just may hire her to make all my ornaments next year instead!

Fab Find: Egg Crate

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Call me crazy, but this lovely egg crate is at the top of my wishlist this year.  I adore it.  And it would provide a perfect home for all of my rings and earrings.  And the color is fabulous.  I think this is meant to be.

lovely little lights

Christmas Love: Lights

I love Christmas lights.  Find me someone that doesn't.  It just makes me so happy to see all the houses lit up at night... especially when people go all out.  Go big or go home.  Last weekend we enjoyed the lights at Frisco Square and Deerfield while sipping our peppermint mochas and hot cocoa.  Pure love.  

Fab Find: Mini Tree

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I kind of want one of these trees.  I would use this all year long... to bring Christmas cheer to all of my fabulous co-workers.  And... this lovely find is only $6.99 at Target!  Now that I am on vacay, I may just wait until the 26th to make this big purchase for a deep discount.  I figure if I am going to be working, I might as well be happy and shed a little light!    

 

gingerbread goodness

Christmas Love: Gingerbread

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Normally I am not a fan of gingerbread goodness, but I sure do love it during the holidays.  It just doesn't seem right to indulge in gingerbread unless it is the holiday season.  How amazing is the life-size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian resort?!  I so need to go to Disney for Christmas one year.  Or what about the gingerbread playhouse from Nieman's?  It's only $15K.  Talk about one expensive gingerbread wonderland!  I would like to meet the person who buys this and the person who receives this delightful and delicious abode.  And I would like to see their waistline after consuming the 900+ pounds of gingerbread and sugar. 

How do you like your gingerbread?

Fab Find: Festive Bakeware

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I love baking during the hoidays {especially for other people}.  It's the perfect time of the year to try new recipes or ideas and it's so much more fun with fabulous bakeware.  How can you not love the over-priced goodness at Williams-Sonoma?  Rarely can I truly afford any of their fabulous items, but every once in a while we will spring for something cool {like our beloved ebilskiever} since they really have such awesome finds.  What is your favorite thing to bake during the holidays?

let's go shopping!

Christmas Love: Holiday Shopping

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I love shopping all year long, but especially during the holidays.  There is just something wonderful about shopping a well-decorated mall bursting with holiday design and transformed into a winter wonderland.  I love going to the galleria because they have the awesome Christmas tree in the middle of the ice rink and all of their trees outside are lit up at night in red lights.  And I love the Shops at Legacy during the holidays because the streets are lined with bright-white lighted trees.  It just makes me so happy and really puts me in the spirit... and makes it easy to get over the amount of cash I just threw down on all my loved ones! :)

Where do you love to shop during the holidays?

Fab Find: Cozy Sweater Pillows

 
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I just adore these pillows.  I have loved the Lutz & Patmos options from West Elm, but never got around to making the purchase before they sold out.... however, there are other {less expensive} options on Etsy!  Etsy is simply wonderful.  I am a fan of supporting artists trying to bless the world with handmade crafts.  Maybe someday I will have an Etsy store {just not sure what I would sell yet}.  I'm thinking I may try to scrounge up an old cable sweater and see if I can create my own version of this cozy friend.  It can't be that hard, right?

i sure do like those christmas cookies, sugar

Christmas Love: Cookie Party



{this video posted for you, Melanie - enjoy!}

Today {this was Saturday - I'm a few days behind} is the annual cookie party through work... one of my favorite events of the year!  Everyone bakes like a mad person to bring enough cookies for everyone to take home with them.  This year I made peppermint mocha brownies {around 4 dozen}:

Don't these just look DELISH!  I may share my secret recipe someday if anyone wants it! 

What are your favorite holiday treats to make or indulge in? 

Fab Find: Mugs

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I love a good mug.  You just can't go wrong enjoying cocoa out of a gorgeous cup.  The C&B mug is festive, yet simple, and I want it!  The word 'JOY' is also a pretty special word to me.  And of course I love the anthro mug.  I already have a few that are pretty similar {thanks to a sweet friend}. 

What will you be drinking out of your fabulous mug this holiday season? 

have yourself a merry little christmas

Christmas Love: Holiday Music



I cannot get enough of good holiday music.  I'm not afraid to admit I still enjoy my NSYNC Christmas album.  Find me someone who doesn't enjoy the classic tune 'Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays'.  I listen to these jams all year long whenver I need a good pick-me-up and feel like I just can't seem to find my joy.  The mister thinks I am slightly nuts for blaring 'Winter Wonderland' in the middle of July in Texas... but he gets over it by seeing the joy on my face.  My favorite all time song has to be 'O Holy Night'... but a close second is 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' {Bebo Norman and James Taylor versions}.  What are your favorite Christmas songs and sung by which artist?

Fab Find: Ceramic Owls

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I would be more than okay if Santa wanted to bring me a few of these fancy forest creatures.  They are just too precious... and I would give them a great home.  They would already have many friends between the various figurines {birds, rooster, alligator, mermaids} I have collected over the years from Canton or the Dollar Tree.  One of these would look super cute in our office or in the kitchen... and makes a nice {and cheaper} substitue for the amazing cookie jar I adore from Anthro that costs way too much for someone who just doesn't make enough cookies. 

peppermint mocha please!

Christmas Love: Peppermint Mocha

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I love peppermint {but really only during the holidays}.  I'm not a big coffee person these days {mainly because I normally don't have time in the morning to make anything and I require lots of cream and sugar which defeats the caloric benefits of plain coffee}.  But I sure do love the peppermint mochas starbucks makes... and it's that much better served in a red cup.  Love it.  Go get you one.

Fab Find: F21 Scarf

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I hate cold weather... but I do love that there are so many cute cold-weather accessories out there.  I cannot get enough scarves.  BUT, I'm not willing to fork over an arm and a leg for an expensive scarf that gets wear during one month of the year in Dallas.  Scarves during the winter are like necklaces to me.. you can never have too many, and they all have to make a statement {unless you are wearing another statement piece}.  Bundle up, kiddos - it's getting cold around here! 

what's a christmas gram? i want one!

Happy December!  I am so glad it finally feels like the holidays are among us and right around the corner.  I simply love Christmas.  How can you not?  I mean, really?! 

I really loved writing my thanksgiving challenge and being reminded of just how blessed I am.  I read back through my lists and am so glad to know the things that matter most to me are not material goods that can be bought, but honest relationships built with wonderful people.  I've got some great peeps in my life!

I also loved having an agenda... a reason to write... a purpose for this crazy journal.  So, to my 5 blog readers, you are in luck!  I have a new agenda for the ENTIRE MONTH OF DECEMBER!  My goal is to write everyday up to Christmas what I love most about it along with one fabulous find {that may or may not be on my wish list}.  I'm already a day late {I blame my work schedule for that} so let's get going.

Christmas Love: ELF

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I love ELF.  I could watch it all year long {and I do}.  I won't go into just how awesome it is because you should already know.  This movie never fails to cheer me up and put me in a good spirit. 

Fab Find: Anthro Necklace

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Anyone who knows me knows I love necklaces {especially statement pieces} and I love Anthropologie.  This combination makes me a pretty easy person to shop for... I know the mister appreciates that {I don't think he always enjoys the price tag, though}.  I really should buy stock in anthro necklaces.  My dream job is to be an accessory buyer for their stores... think how much fun that would be!  Someday when this auditing gig falls apart I may leap into the fashion world... someday.  Until then, Santa can fill my stocking with plenty of fabulous goodies from my favorite store, like this gorgeous necklace that would be perfect for a holiday party!