Release Date:   October 17, 2008                 Rating:  PG-13  -  4  1/2  STARS!

Director:    Gina Prince-Bythewood                Genre:  Drama, Adventure

Cast:  Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Bettany,
           Hilarie Burton, Tristan Wilds, Nate Parker, Shondrella Avery, Renee Clark, Sharon Morris,
           Nicky Buggs, Jasmine Burk, Emma Sage Bowman, and more.

During the civil rights movement, a child is connected with her caregiver and searches for the key to her
past after getting into trouble and wanting to stand up for this person that she has come to love like a
mother - regardless of her skin color.  The story is layered and brings adventure to the screen as you
uncover the mysteries surrounding her mom's life and truths about herself.  She has never felt
love, acceptance, or forgiveness but begins the journey that will ultimately lead her in this direction.  

In this film you will find many Oscar-worthy performances and heartfelt emotions that the audience will 
identify with.   The Secret Life of Bees delivers an amazing message about love transforming lives.  I highly
recommend this movie.


*** FYI:  Rated PG-13 for thematic material and some violence. ***

        

                                                          
Release Date:  October 24, 2008                    Rating:  G - 4 STARS!

Director:  Kenny Ortega                                  Genre:   Family, Comedy, Musical, Drama, Romance

Cast:  Zach Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Lucas Grabeel, Monique Coleman,
          Olesya Rulin, Bart Johnson, Alyson Reed, Chris Warren Jr., KayCee Stroh, Jemma McKenzie-Brown,
          and many more.

This movie is all fun, fluff, and energy with a simple story about friends and developing relationships thrown in the mix.  All of the HSM's have been this generations "Grease" - but more wholesome.  It is nice to have movies made that are clean family entertainment and bring positive messages to the audience.  I found HSM3: Senior Year to be very charming and to have great choreography throughout.  I highly recommend it - the parents will enjoy this film as well!

 

        

Mary Kay Mineral Powder                           Rating:   5 STARS!
Shade:  Ivory 1

I was very impressed with Mary Kay's new product line - mineral powder foundation.  It comes in various complexion shades.  I chose Ivory 1 for my shade preference - an outstanding match for my skin coloring.
I layered my face with liquid-cream foundation first and then applied the mineral powder over it with amazing results! This combination makes for a flawless and complete face.  Every blemish is covered and your skin will be radiant, perfectly smooth, and soft.  

I also tried the mineral powder foundation by itself without layering it and the results were a well blended face and great coverage as well.  I highly recommend Mary Kay's Mineral Powder Foundations for a beautiful and polished look!

        

Peter Piper Pizza                                        Rating:  3  1/2  STARS!
2058 W. University Dr.
McKinney, TX 75071
972-540-0909

Peter Piper Pizza is a fun place to take the kids for pizza, games, and prizes for a birthday party, soccer party, or just to play.  The salads here are fantastic and are served in large bowls.  We had the hand-tossed meat-lovers 
- I found the pizza and crust to be good - except for the sweet tasting red sauce - I prefer mine unsweet, unless it's a dessert pizza.  The arcade area was limited on space and games.  We dined here on this Saturday night and found it to be crowded and the service slow.  The restaurant and bathrooms were clean and the staff were friendly.


***WARNING:  Even though this is a family place, they do serve alcoholic beverages.  ***

        

My friend, I stand in judgment now
And feel that you're to blame somehow
While on this earth I walked with you day by day
And never did you point the way
You knew the Lord in truth and glory
But never did you tell the story
My knowledge then was very dim
You could have led me safe to Him
Though we lived together here on earth
You never told me of your second birth
And now I stand this day condemned
Because you failed to mention Him
You taught me many things, that's true
I called you friend and trusted you
But now I learned, now it's too late
You could have kept me from this fate
We walked by day and talked by night
And yet you showed me not the light
You let me live, love and die
And all the while you knew I'd never live on high
Yes, I called you friend in life
And trusted you in joy and strife
Yet in coming to this end
I see you really weren't my friend

                                                               Written By:  D.J. Higgins

        

I was an ordinary girl
Until I met the King
And He adopted me
In His family
And now I can see
He'll never let me go
Because He loves me so
In His Family

No more hangin' my head, no
I can lift it way up high
Jesus is the reason
I can look up to the sky

And my God, my God is good to me
And my God, my God is good to me

He covers me with His love
And He delights in me
And I'm so glad to be
In His Family
And He is in my heart
And He is teaching me
How I will always be
In His Family

And if you know that you need Jesus
And that He died for you and me
Give Him your heart and He will
Make you a part of His royal family

And my God, my God is good to me
And my God, my God is good to me
Yeah my God, my God is good to me
Yeah my God is good
God's so good to me

And my God, my God is good to me
And my God, my God is good to me
Yeah my God, my God is good to me
Yeah my God is good  God's so good to me
Yeah my God is good  God's so good to me

                                                                       Words and Music by:  Mike Northcutt & Mike Northcutt Music

        

As a nation, we are standing at one of the most crucial crossroads in my lifetime.

I don't know about you, but it seems that the world we're living in is an unfamiliar one.  More and more what the mainstream media and culture refer to as "normal behavior" seems utterly out of touch with everything you and I know is right!

The truth is you're not out of touch, they are!  The Word of God cautions us not to be seduced by the intoxicating attraction of a society that has lost its way.  In fact, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 says it this way,

              But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, 
              lovers of money... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying
              its power.  And from such people turn away!

Never has there been a time when it is more important for men and women of faith in Christ and belief in the principles of the Word of God to begin to influence our culture for good.

But how can you and I be influencers of the culture if we don't know what the Bible teaches-and what we must do to turn the tide of an increasingly toxic culture?  We must know what the Word says, and we must know how to equip ourselves to resist the magnetic pull of an increasingly secularized society.

Most importantly, we must know how to defend our children from its attraction.  

This is a critical moment in our nation's future.  The presidential election has had a lot to say about change, but we know that the only true and lasting change begins and ends with the life-changing truth of God's Word - this is an essential tool in your arsenal against the creeping deception that is so pervasive in our society.


                                                                         Written by:  Jack Graham October 2008
                                                                          -  Jack Graham PowerPoint Ministries


Rachael says this is the change we want - for Christians to stand up and be heard - Get the message out!

        

           

The Curtis Hotel                                                 Rating:  4 STARS!
1405 Curtis St.
Denver, CO 80202
303-571-0300
800-525-6651
www.thecurtis.com  

The Curtis Hotel is my new favorite spot when in Denver on business or for a fun weekend away. This hotel is conveniently located in the center of downtown within walking distance of hip areas and the convention center. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. This is a cool place with lots of personality and many quirky features throughout. I found the room service to be outstanding and prompt. You will find that each floor has a unique theme with art work and the decor to match. All the features found in this hotel make it a stand out from others and you will happily return in the future. Even with the fun and playful ambiance it is still a quality hotel. I enjoyed the turn down service that left taffy on the pillows for me, the mountain view from the 9th floor corner room, free wireless with an instant connection, flat-panel TV's, and all the fascinating pop culture displayed and heard. I got a great deal from hotels.com but if you wait until the last minute, your rate could be quite pricey.

                                                                                Submitted by: Keri - Brighton, CO

        

                                                                                
The Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa                                      Rating:    4 STARS!
2927 Maple Avenue
Dallas, TX 75201
800-921-8498
www.stoneleighhotel.com

The Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa in Uptown Dallas is a great place to stay when in the DFW area.  We were in town for an event at the American Airlines Center, 1 mile away, and got an awesome upgrade and price through expedia and with the preferred hotels membership.  We were in town for 3 days and spent two of those days at the fantastic spa here at the hotel!  The spa is located downstairs and offers wonderful services - very soothing.

The hotel decor is upscale and the ambiance is very good.  The rooms were big and comfortable with large plasma TV's and were very clean with spacious bathrooms .  The food at the restaurant was delicious but the portions were small.  The food and drink prices at the hotel are high and you will not find a coffee maker.  The hotel charges $14 for a pot of coffee - I recommend you bring your own if you want to save a little cash.  You will find cool areas in the lobby, bar, and lounge.  All parking is done by valet for $20/day. 

The concierge was amazing!  We have a few minor complaints about service, the air vents in the rooms not being adjustable, and the occasional noise heard from surrounding areas but overall, I highly recommend this hotel and spa.  Also for your convenience, there are many places within walking distance or a very short drive like The Dallas Museum of Art, Turtle Creek venues, The AA Center, shopping, etc.  Check it out for yourself!
 
                                                                                                                        Submitted by:  Melissa - Georgia

        

                                                                         Rating:  5 STARS!
John M. Hucklebridge, DDS F.A.G.D.                                     
Comprehensive Aesthetic, Implant, & Family Dentistry
Plano Smile Studio                                          
4701 West Park Blvd. #201
Plano, TX 75093
214-215-4346
www.PlanoSmileStudio.com
(located inside Dental Arts of Plano bldg.)

Dr. Hucklebridge and his staff are an amazing team and are very much dedicated to their patients - no detail is overlooked and you leave with a winning appearance and self-confidence in your smile.  I trust the entire family to him - if you aren't going to see Dr. Hucklebridge then I feel you are missing out on getting the best dental care in Dallas.  

My smile is as close to perfect as it can be without veneers or implants and I get compliments on it often.


                                                                                     Submitted by:  Gretchen - Plano, TX

        

                                                                 
Release Date:  October 10, 2008  (Limited)             Rating:  PG - 5 STARS!

Director:  Robby Benson                                          Genre:   Drama

Cast:  Armie Hammer, Stefanie Butler, Lindsay Wagner, Martin Landau, Kristoffer Polaha, Lily Taylor-Mortoff,
           Dan Beene, Josh Turner, Cliff Bemis, Rivkah Edelman, Neva Howell, Bobbie Daniels, Abbi Butler, and 
           many more. 

Billy: The Early Years is a highly entertaining and heartfelt film about an average man that went on to accomplish things beyond his control and inspire others with his words, actions, and passion for his life calling of serving others through his faith. 

You are lead on the adventure of personal development and self-discovery through a life both before and after faith is discovered and lived out in day-to-day life and at the core of every decision.  You will laugh, you will cry, you will feel the story that is being told on the screen.

The actor portraying Billy Graham looks amazingly similar to him at the same age and delivers a fine performance.
I highly recommend this thought provoking film for everyone  (PG rating is for disturbing thematic images, brief language, and smoking).

        

                                                                      
Release Date:  September 12, 2008                 Rating:  PG-13 - 4 STARS!

Director:  Diane English                                    Genre:  Comedy, Drama
 
Cast:  Meg Ryan, Annette Benning, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing, Eva Mendes, Cloris Leachman,
          Candace Bergen, Bette Midler, Carrie Fisher, and more.

The Women is entertaining, has moments of brilliance, and delivers laughter to its mainly women audience. I found this film to be quite good.  It deals with relationships between friends, spouses, and the parental roles and complexities of these among families.  This movie will ultimately empower women to do great things in their lives and be able to do it in a way that balances family, friendships, and career.  The message that it sends is that only you have the power to mold your life into what you want it to be.  Make no mistake - this is a girls film - so gather up your friends and go see it! 

Meg Ryan gave a strong performance - one that might very well put her career back on track. 

        

                                                               
             
Release Date:  October 3, 2008                    Rating:  PG  - 3  1/2  STARS!

Director:  Raja Gosnell                                   Genre:  Comedy, Adventure, Family

Cast:  Piper Perabo, Jamie Lee Curtis, Manolo Cardona, Drew Barrymore (voice), Andy Garcia (voice), George Lopez (voice), Edward James Olmos (voice), Cheech Marin (voice), Paul Rodriguez (voice), and many more.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua gets off to a slow start for the first 10-15 minutes.  The kids will lose interest in this movie until the adventure begins with all of the animals in the story.  This film has talking dogs, a rat, and an iguana.  The kids will find it funny and entertaining and they will be able to follow along.  I recommend Beverly Hills Chihuahua for the age group 5-13.  The overall message is that no matter what your size, you can do it, as long as you believe - you can overcome any challenge!  As an adult, I was not as impressed as my 6 1/2 year old was but I did like this movie and its message.     

        

Chipotle Mexican Grill                                   Rating:  4  1/2  STARS!
1800 S. Loop 288
Denton, TX 76205
940-565-0990
www.chipotle.com

Chipotle was our restaurant of choice this afternoon for lunch.  The decor is very modern and urban in design while still remaining an inviting space. Our table dined on chicken burritos and found them to be flavorful and delicious.  The portion sizes are very satisfying.  The restaurant was clean, the prices are low to moderate, and the staff are friendly here.  Also, Chipotle has shaded outdoor patio dining for your enjoyment.

                                                                                       

        

Release Date:   July 25, 2008  Eisemann Center                               Rating:  5 STARS!
                         Oct. 4, 2008  Fort Worth Community Arts Center
                         www.menopausethemusical.com

Book and Lyrics by:  Jeanie Linders          Genre:  Comedy, Musical

Musical Director/Production Administrator:  Larry Miller      Director/Musical Supervisor:  Michael Larsen

Cast:  Lisa Fox, Jill Hall, Linda Leonard, Yolonda Williams

My experience with this musical was at the Charles W. Eisemann Center in Richardson, Texas.  This musical has been in multiple cities and states.  Check in your area for the production dates headed your way.  The entire show is 90 minutes and it passes by quickly when your laughing out loud the entire time!  This cast is awesome and perfectly timed together and the singing is excellent.  I believe this is a show for women of all ages.  What a hysterically funny evening out with friends.  I have only one more word for Menopause The Musical - Hilarious!!!

I recommend you go with your friends for a night of fun!  The tickets are $45 each but it was money well spent.  You can go online to purchase tickets and select your seats - I recommend the seats in the front by the stage about 4-5 rows back for the best possible viewing.  Enjoy and pass this along so everyone can participate in the fun and laughter this stage production brings to its audience!

***FYI:   Please take a bathroom break before the show begins.  There is no intermission. 
                 (with all the laughter we wouldn't want leakage) ***

        

Cappuccino Italian Bistro                              Rating:  3 1/2  STARS!
1310 W. Campbell Rd.
Richardson, TX 75080
972-241-1417
www.cappuccinoitalianbistro.com

I found Cappaccino's to be a very elegant and inviting Italian restaurant.  Our table dined on the chicken marsala with mushrooms, tortellini, salad, and bread.  The cheesy tortellini topped with meat, bread, and the salad with the vinegarrette dressing were excellent however the chicken marsala topped with mushrooms and a brown sauce coupled with angel hair pasta with red sauce and the garlic dressing were not very good. 

The restaurant was clean, the prices were moderate to high, and the waitstaff were slow with their service.  Overall, I found the ambience of this eatery to be better than the food itself.  I was directed here because a few friends have been here for lunch and recommended it to me for the jalepeno chicken and the salmon.  Next time, I'll go with their recommendations rather than venturing out on my own with the menu.  

        

                                                                  
Release Date:  September 26, 2008                  Rating:  PG-13 - 3  1/2  STARS!

Director:  George C. Wolfe                                 Genre:  Drama, Romance

Cast:  Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Christopher Meloni, Viola Davis, Becky Ann Baker, Scott Glen, Linda Molloy,
           Pablo Schreiber, Mae Whitman, Charlie Tahan, Carolyn McCormick, Ted Manson, Ato Essandoh, Terri
           Denise Johnson, Jessica Lucas, and more.

Nights in Rodanthe is a film where two strangers are thrown together by there life situations and begin to learn from each others past mistakes and attempt to become happier, more fulfilled people.  The story takes place at a beach inn in Rodanthe.  After this long weekend, their lives are changed forever in a surprising twist not revealed to us in the movie trailer.  

Although Richard Gere and Diane Lane have great onscreen chemistry, this film was dragging without the material needed to make it a complete success to the audience. 

        

                                                            
Release Date:   September 26, 2008         Rating:  PG  -  5 STARS!

Director:   Alex Kendrick                             Genre:  Drama

Cast:  Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel, Kirk Cameron, Bailey Cave, Harris Malcom, Jason McLeod, Phyllis
          Malcom, Stephen Dervan, Eric Young, Dwan Williams, Renata Williams, Alex Kendrick, Blake Bailey,
          Anthony Brown, Walter Burnett, Janet Lee Dapper, Allison Dawson, Taylor Glow, Carla Hawkins,
          Sue Holt, Heidi Johnson, Kelly Johnson, Dot Majors, Stephanie Makulinski, Amberly Marquard,
          Jim McBride, Tommy McBride, Perry Revell, Faye Sharber, Bill Stafford, Deena Taylor, Melanie Tomlinson,
          Ray Wood, Eric Young, and more. 

I found Fireproof to be the perfect blend of comedy and drama.  This is a wonderful couple or family movie.  It tells a beautiful story about a fireman and his family situation at home.  This film pulls on the heartstrings of its audience and you leave the theater pondering your own life journey and your views of marriage are transformed by the story that unfolds between this man and women.  A true inspiration for all.

Kirk Cameron gave an outstanding performance with great emotional range and believability as the character going through this inner struggle deep within himself.


*** WARNING:  There are a few scenes in this film that have explosive arguments and footage from wreckage.  
                         I recommend this film for 13 years of age and up.  ***

        

Cavalleros Cantina & Steaks                        Rating:  3 1/2  STARS!
800 South Main (377) #206
Keller, TX  76248
817-753-6646
www.cavalleroscantina.com

Cavalleros Cantina & Steaks is a mexican restaurant with mostly good food.  Our group dined on the tacos, chicken nachos, and burritos.  The guacamole here is a bit different than any other place I've been to.  It has a kick to it - not to my liking but maybe others enjoy having their mouth on fire while they try to enjoy conversation with friends at dinner.  The atmosphere here is nice with a Texas themed decor.  The pricing is low to moderate, everything is clean, and the staff are pleasant and attentive to the table. 

This establishment does have a bar inside so you will be able to smell the cigarette smoke in the dining areas. Overall, a decent dining experience and would come back when in the area again.

        

RollerWorld NE                                              Rating:  4  STARS!
5817 Denton Highway
Haltom City, TX  76148
817-485-8222
www.rollerworldne.com

RollerWorld NE was recently restored with a new skate floor and cool, colorful lighting overhead.  This is a great place to skate or have a birthday party.  Inside it is clean and well situated for optimal space on the rink as well as the table and locker areas.  Here you will also find an arcade area and snack bar.  The prices are standard for open skate $6, which is comparable to other skate arenas.  Birthday party packages are reasonable and come with many things included in the package price that might be considered "extras" in other places of this venue - which saves you money! 


***FYI:  Call the rink for skate times are they change daily. ***

        

                                                   
 
The Claremont Resort Hotel & Spa                    Rating:  5 STARS!
41 Tunnel Road
Berkeley, CA 94705
510-984-2632  Resort 
888-234-7594 ext.# 1 - Reserv.
888-234-7594 ext.# 2 - Spa
www.claremontresort.com

The Claremont Resort Hotel & Spa was a 19^th-century castle before turning it into the beautiful and classic hotel of today. Due to its white presence on the Berkeley Hills, you will see the Claremont Hotel before you arrive and you will find the inside to be just as elegant as you'd imagine it to be from the outside.

The concierge was most helpful.  If you want to stay in and eat at the hotel the restaurants are quite delicious.  Jordan’s food is delectable and the setting with floor-to-ceiling windows at sunset can’t be beat.  The Paragon Bar & Café also has a great menu, a hip atmosphere, and seating on its balcony overlooking San Francisco Bay. Piano players accompany dinner at the bar, while the Paragon has a live jazz band most nights of the week. (Parking is validated for locals, by the way, who want to enjoy these restaurants.)

Lush grounds surround it with spectacular tennis courts, a great spa with gym, and my favorite part of the hotel -multiple jacuzzis and pools. The larger pool is heated so swimming in the evening is possible, and the smallest of them is a heated baby pool with fountains, perfect for little kids. Beautiful scenery surrounds you while you swim -the Berkeley Hills above and the view of San Francisco and the bay below which you can see from the deck of the pool. Outstanding!  You won't be disappointed with your stay at The Claremont Hotel.

                                                                                       Submitted by:  K.K. - California

 

        

                                                         
Release Date:  April 4, 2008                                  Rating:  PG  -  3 1/2  STARS!

Director:  Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin                  Genre:   Adventure, Comedy, Family                 

Cast:  Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler, Michael Carman, Mark Brady, Anthony Simcoe,
           Christopher Baker, Peter Callan, Rhonda Doyle, and more. 

Nim's Island is a film about adventure in books and in life - with both - you just never know how things will turn out.  This movie sends a message of hope, self-reliance, and conquering your fears.  Parents and kids will like this movie although it does tend to drag on throughout.  There are good performances in this movie but nothing that dazzles!


*** Warning:  There are a few scenes that might be scary for small children aged 5 and under. ***

        

Fuzzy's Taco Shop                                      Rating:  4 STARS!
115 Industrial
Denton, TX  76201
940-380-8226
www.fuzzystacoshop.com

Fuzzy's has an urban design and college feel atmosphere.  They offer many unique flavors.  People in our group enjoyed the tacos and I thought the chicken nachos were exceptionally good with the cheese that was offered on them.  Here at Fuzzy's they serve food like nachos, tacos, and other mexican food.  The prices are low to moderate.  The wait can be long at the lunch hour.  Overall, we had a good dining experience.

                                                                                 Submitted by:  Brad

        

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory                   Rating:  5 STARS!
2809 Preston Rd. #1250
Frisco, TX  75034
972-377-4050
www.rmcf.com

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a chocolate haven.  But let me warn you - this may quickly turn into a habit!
All the chocolate treats are amazing to the senses.  I found it to be on the pricey side, but most specialty shops usually are.  As long as you only indulge every now and again, your wallet should be okay.  This is an awesome find for the holidays, birthdays, valentine's, anniversaries, etc.  Chocolate is not just a fantastic gift idea for women - MEN will ENJOY all the SWEETS TOO - so mark it down on your list!

The fudge here is by far the best.  I really enjoy anything white chocolate and it can be hard to find but they do have it here.  The staff are friendly and the packaging is upscale.  I highly recommend this establishment for your next sweet tooth craving, for stocking stuffers, or for any sweet occasion.

        

Frilly's Seafood Bayou Kitchen                  Rating:   2  1/2  STARS!
1925 Denison St.
Denton, TX  76201
940-243-2126

I ordered the jambalaya and was surprised when they served it at the table - the rice was separated from the meat and sauce on the plate.  The meat portion was very small and I prefer it presented to me already mixed up and ready to enjoy.  Also, this entree was bland.  I found this restaurant to be overpriced - especially for the portions,  crowded, and to have slow customer service.  I do not recommend this place.  

                                                                             Submitted by:  Brad