See www.pimpmycontainer.com

Affordable housing for the masses that is Green. Perfect also for disaster victims like in Haiti. Check out this website. This CAN and WILL make a difference in the lives of others.

        

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store & Restaurant             Rating: 4 out of 5 STARS!!!
6700 North 27th Street
Lincoln, NE 68521
(402) 476-4901
www.crackerbarrel.com 

Our table dined on the home-style chicken special and the lemon-grilled trout. Both meals were served fresh and tasted wonderful down to the last morsel on the plate. The prices were reasonable, the staff are friendly and check on you often, and the restaurant is clean. I highly recommend this restaurant for delicious home-cooked food.

After your dining experience, take a look at the country store for gift ideas or to satisfy your sweet tooth. You will find a variety of goodies here!! 

                                                                                             Submitted by: Brad

        

Jalapeno Tree                                                    Rating:  3 1/2 out of 5 STARS!!!
1530 North Peachtree Road
Mesquite, TX 75149
972-329-9560
www.jalapenotree.com

The atmosphere at the Jalapeno Tree is quaint and casual. The waitstaff were friendly, prompt, and very attentive. I enjoyed the salsa, guacamole, chips, and enchiladas. Our group dined on a variety of food and found all the dishes to be delicious. If you enjoy the flavors of Tex-Mex, this will be a place to visit in the near future.  The menu pricing is very affordable and the portions are satisfying. Vanilla ice cream is offered for dessert at the end of the meal, a special delight for the children in your party.  I recommend the Jalapeno Tree for your future mexican cuisine when you are in the Mesquite area.

        

Gazeebo Burger                                                               Rating:  4 out of 5 STARS!!!
6009 West Parker Road
Plano, TX 75093
972-378-5531
www.gazeeboburger.com

Gazeebo Burger is a charming neighborhood establishment that serves up fresh-off-the-grill burgers and chicken sandwiches. You finish the touches yourself at the condiments & toppings bar. The portions are huge and can easily be shared.  The fries are thick and steak-cut with the perfect amount of crisp texture and softness to each bite.  You will also find many healthy choices on the menu: salads, veggie burgers, turkey burgers, etc.

This is a great place to enjoy long conversations with friends or to watch the game as you dine.  In the back you will find a mini-arcade area for the kids entertainment, so don't forget to bring your change. I recommend Gazeebo Burger when hunger strikes. Enjoy!

        

Classic Chrysler Dodge Jeep                                  Rating:  5 out of 5 STARS!!!
4984 South I-35 East
Denton, TX 76210
940-498-9800
www.classicofdenton.com

I highly recommend this Denton dealership when shopping for a new vehicle. We had a very pleasurable experience when buying our 2010 Jeep Wrangler. The person that walked us through the process and answered many specific questions about every detail relating to its performance capabilities was the Sales Consultant/Internet Manager, Toronto Spikes.

Toronto is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about his company's products. We also spoke with several others and received great customer service from everyone at the dealership, as well as follow-up phone calls and correspondence to ensure our satisfaction. Go see Toronto...you won't be disappointed!!!

        

Young Chefs Academy                                                     Rating:  5 out of 5 STARS!!!
2107 W. Eldorado Pkwy. #109
McKinney, TX 75070
972-439-9029
www.youngchefsacademy.com/mckinney

Young Chefs Academy is an outstanding choice for a birthday party, cooking classes, mini-camps, girl scout troop event, school fundraisers, end of season soccer parties, or end of year gatherings.  There is a menu full of variety for all different ages, skill levels, and food palette preferences. The academy staff give you instruction, help you to practice kitchen hygiene and cooking safety, and help you to prepare delicious food for the group. 

At the end of the party, the staff will assist the birthday child opening the presents, write down the list of guests to thank for which items, serve the birthday treat, and deliver the goodie bags to each child in attendance.  I highly recommend Young Chefs Academy for your next gathering of girls, and/or boys, that enjoy food creations that are their own. Bon Appetit.

        

Neurospine Surgical Consultants                                Rating:  5 out of 5 STARS!!!
6160 Windhaven Parkway #200
Plano, Texas 75093
972-378-6908
www.neurospinesurgical.com

We met with Dr. Colon today at his office on Windhaven. He has been taking excellent care of my mother-in-law in a rehab hospital for her back, knee, and hip issues over the last several weeks. He is a very compassionate, attentive, and hands-on doctor that truly serves you to the best of his ability and truly cares about his patients, not just the bottom line.  He has a wealth of knowledge to offer you and explains everything so that you'll have a clear and complete understanding.  He exhibits patience with you when asking numerous questions and is not trying to escape your concerns and dart out of the office with a 5 minute visit.

He graduated medical school from Ponce in Puerto Rico and did his residency in his specialty field from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.  He is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is a member of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Association of Academic Physiatrists, Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation, and the North American Spine Society. 

I highly recommend Dr. Omar A. Colon for all your physical medicine and rehabilitation needs.

        

Salad Creations                                                            Rating:  4 out of 5 STARS!!!
5404 Preston Rd. #100
Frisco, TX 75034
214-872-2422
www.saladcreations.net

Salad Creations is a new healthy choice restaurant located in Frisco, Texas on Preston Rd. They offer soups, salads, wraps, paninis, cookies, bottle water and fountain drink beverages. They create a salad for you and dress it with all you desire. You pick the ingredients that you "throw-in" and how many toppings, the portion size, the dressing, type of lettuce mixture, etc. I found it quite refreshing to be surrounded by only positive, healthy food without the interference of negative aromas filling the restaurant.

I ordered a jr. salad and bottle of water and was quite satisfied with the flavor and the fullness that I achieved. The prices are about what you'd find on any menu for a salad.  I spent at total of $8 and I had 4 "throw-ins".  There were only two things I was disappointed in:  the choice I made for my dressing and that they do not have a drive-thru option. I chose the raspberry vinaigrette, and while I wanted something different than I normally would get, I am not a fan of raspberry.  I highly recommend this restaurant for you and your family to participate in a healthy lifestyle.


FYI:  Delivery available at select locations. Order online for take-out and catering.

        

                                                                         

        

Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes                      Rating:  4 out of 5 STARS!!!
@ Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie 
1001 Performance Place
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
(972) 854-5050

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes show tonight was wonderful and will put you in the Christmas spirit and bring smiles to all ages. The ever-changing decor and illuminated screens were outstanding.  The timing of the dance sequences to music coordinated with the rhythm of the steps was superb and masterful.  The nativity scene and words were magnificent to hear and experience the true meaning of CHRISTmas publicly.  I highly recommend this show for your future holiday season's calendar. This is a must-see family event full of magical Christmas cheer. Enjoy! 


FYI:  My only disappointment was that I could not take pictures or video of the performances as a keepsake for my kids.

        

Gruene River Grill                                                    Rating:  4 out of 5 STARS!!!
1259 Gruene Road
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-624-2300
www.gruenerivergrill.com

After a little shopping in this touristy area, we set out to find a restaurant that could seat a large group together at one table and stumbled upon the Gruene River Grill.  Upon arrival, we were seated within 45 minutes, which was great considering the crowds and number of seats needed to accommodate us with no prior reservation, and on a holiday weekend.
 
We sat on the upper-level outdoor patio dining area with a scenic view overlooking the river, situated amongst the trees.  We observed a deer in his element and enjoyed nature while we waited for our food to be served. 

Our table dined on a variety of things (chicken enchiladas, burgers, chicken strips, salad, chicken pasta, chicken sandwiches, etc.) off the eclectic menu and found everything to be made with fresh ingredients and flavorful. Our waitstaff were friendly and attentive. The menu prices were moderate to high and an 18% gratuity fee was included in the bill but this may not be a regular occurrence, it may only be for large groups. Inside you will find a delightful fireplace and much fancier dining options for your gathering needs.

I enjoyed this restaurant wrapped up in a rustic setting and recommend it highly when you're in town.

        

                                                                        
Release Date:  August 14, 2009                             Rating:  R - 3 out of 5 STARS!!!

Genre:  Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi                            Director:  Robert Schwentke  

        

                                                                                  
Release Date:  July 31, 2009                                 Rating:  R -  3 out of 5 STARS!!!

Genre:  Comedy, Drama                                         Director:  Judd Apatow

Cast:  Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, and more.

Funny People takes you on a journey of one man’s life successes and failures both as a comedian and as a person. It explores every facet of his life from his career to troubled relationships to non-existent friendships.  The experience makes you feel as though you have been to a comedy club and had a backstage pass.  In this film, one minute you are laughing out loud and at other times, holding back tears.  Adam Sandler does a wonderful job in this role!  Overall, this is an okay movie, if you can get past the poor language and crude behavior, but drags on for the last 30 minutes.

WARNING:  Rated R for language and crude sexual humor throughout, and some sexuality.

        

                                                                                                                        
Release Date:  July 24, 2009                                                  Rating:  R - 4 out of 5 STARS!!

Genre:   Comedy, Romance, Romantic Comedy                Director:  Robert Luketic

Cast: Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler, Cheryl Hines, John Michael Higgins, Eric Winter, Nick Searcy, Bree Turner, and more.

The Ugly Truth gives both men and women what they want...an enjoyable night out filled with flirty fun and laughter.  Butler and Heigl are a great pairing onscreen with their comedic timing and undeniable chemistry, making for a superb romantic comedy that has a far reaching quality beyond the usual "chic flick".

This movie is filled with raunchy innuendos, sexually-charged jokes, and sex talk but offers a real story behind these back and forth male-female conversations.  These characters will reveal their vulnerability and you will gain insight into why men and women operate the way they do, as you watch them juggle their careers and personal lives.

I recommend you see The Ugly Truth, it makes for a great date movie and the man in your life won't regret seeing it with you!

WARNING:  Rated R for sexual content and language.

        

                                                                                          
Release Date:  June 26, 2009                              Rating:  PG-13 - 5 out of 5 STARS!!!

Director:  Nick Cassavetes                                   Genre:  Drama

Cast:  Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Sofia Vassilieva, Jason Patric, Alec Baldwin, Evan Ellingson, Heather Wahlquist, and more.

Movies have often meant an escape from reality for people for a few brief hours. In this particular film, you can still escape your problems by seeing how blessed you are not to be in the situation that this family finds themselves in.  My Sister's Keeper is an emotionally charged film about a family struggling with life and death choices made for the health and well-being of their oldest daughter.  You will see a family dynamic that is woven together delicately but that has deep and long-lasting love and commitment to each other.  You will see many powerful performances in this story.  Go see this film...it's life changing!

FYI:  Don't forget the tissue!!

WARNING:  Rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, sensuality, language and brief teen drinking. 

        

                                                                            
Release Date:  June 24, 2009                      Rating:  PG-13 - 4 out of 5 STARS!

Genre:  Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi                   Director:  Michael Bay

Cast:  Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Megan Fox, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, and more.

Transformers:  Revenge Of The Fallen is exactly what it is made out to be, a summer blockbuster with giant robots destroying everything and each other. Michael Bay's movies aren't made to win Academy Awards. They are made to make money for the studios. And based on the amount of robot action in this film, it will do just that. Make money. Lots of it. The visual effects are amazing. The action is crazy. The storyline is better than the first movie, in my opinion. The first movie was more of an introduction to the franchise while keeping the robot aliens hidden from the public. All bets are off in this one. Did I mention there are a lot of robots? The same cast (humans and robots) is back for the sequel with the addition of a lot more robots. The story follows Sam as he goes off to college and becomes inadvertently intertwined with the history of the Cybertronian race of Autobots and Decepticons. He now possesses information that the Decepticons desperately want. They will stop at nothing to get it, and the Autobots will stop at nothing to protect him and the planet. As with typical Michael Bay movies, there are a lot of explosions, comic relief (both verbal and sexual in nature), and carnage. Lots of robot carnage. New enemies emerge. Alliances are tested. Heroes are made. But, the ultimate question is, was revenge successful? Go see it and find out. If, for nothing else, to see giant robots fighting other giant robots. That's what everyone really wants to see.

                                                                                                                  Submitted by:  Brad B. - Texas

        

                                                                                   
Release Date:  June 19, 2009                                        Rating:  PG-13 - 4 out of 5 STARS!!!  

Genre:  Romantic Comedy, Romance, Comedy         Director:  Anne Fletcher

Cast:  Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, Betty White, Denis O'Hare, Malin
           Akerman, Oscar Nunez, Aasif Mandvi, and more.

The Proposal is a very charming romantic comedy that hands you laughter and tears wrapped in a delightful and
entertaining package that is enjoyable and offers you a brief escape. Although the storyline can be predictable, you
will find a good balance of the unexpected as well. Bullock's fans will not be disappointed as she and her co-star,
Ryan Reynolds, both deliver great comedic performances and capture your heart along the way. Sandra Bullock
reveals an amazing range in the film and you feel the vulnerability and depth of her character. I highly recommend 
The Proposal for your viewing pleasure!

WARNING:  Rated PG-13 for sexual content, nudity, and language.

        

Mattito's Tex-Mex Cocina                                                    Rating:  3 1/2 out of 5 STARS!!
6129 Main Street
Frisco, TX 75034
214-872-3411
www.mattitos.com

We were looking to experience a new place and decided upon Mattito's Tex-Mex Cocina.  As you enter, you will take notice of the festive atmosphere.  Many entertainment venues surround this establishment which makes it nice to go on a walk-about and discover many Frisco attractions at your leisure.  While it was raining this Saturday evening, I could not enjoy the patio dining but perhaps in the future I will enjoy the view as I dine.  Mattito's menu is pulled together from family recipes throughout the years.

Our waitress was very friendly and offered us a complimentary Bob Armstrong when she found out that we had never been here before.  Now, if you're like me, you're wondering what she will bring out.  I was pleasantly surprised...a Bob Armstrong is a dip...a queso dip with cheese, meat, guacamole, and sour cream -- it was delish!!  I highly recommend it. (if you're not a fan of guacamole you'll still enjoy it as my companion did - he's not a guacamole fan at all!) 

While our waitress was nice, this was not the most attentive service we've experienced and the communication was lacking this night between the wait staff and the kitchen staff thus reflected in the order that was served.  Our table dined on the combination fajitas and the chicken enchiladas.  The chips were fine but the salsa lacked flavor.  A few pros to this place are that it is close to popular entertainment venues such as Pizza Hut Park for concerts and sporting events, the menu is well-priced, and you can enjoy casual dining, private parties, and banquets here. Overall, I would rate this as enjoyable but this was not an overly sensational dining choice. 

FYI:  Mattito's does get very busy on weekend nights so be prepared to wait and it may be hard to find a good parking space.

        

                                                                        

Release Date:  April 24, 2009                                  Rating:  4 out of 5 STARS!!

Genre:   Drama, Music, Biography                          Director:  Joe Wright

Cast:  Robert Downey, Jr., Jamie Foxx, Catherine Keener, Justin Martin, Meggan Anderson, Halbert Bernal, and more.

Music is interpretative like the mind, it can have the power to transport you to another world like that of a good book and make you feel things the way you never have before. The musician in this piece is obsessed with his love of musical instruments and how they drown out life, people, noises, emotional shortcomings, tragedy in his life, and people judging his efforts.  It's like he is drowning and the only thing that can save him is the beautiful instrument that he cares for more than himself.

He makes love to the music and it becomes his awakening, his comfort, his everything, his life....only in this moment does he feel the calm in his head and with his surroundings.  This film is moving, thought-provoking, and inspiring.  It connects with the audience and shows a very real and human side to others, especially those lives you might not have encountered.

My only complaint is that it tends to drag along in some areas.  I think this movie is a must see....Jamie Fox and Robert Downey, Jr. are talented and give powerful Oscar-worthy performances!

        

                                                                                 
 
Release Date:  April 24, 2009                               Rating:  PG-13 - 4 out of 5 STARS!  (see Warning below) 

Genre:   Drama, Thriller, Crime                            Director:   Steve Shill                                         

Cast:  Ali Larter, Beyonce Knowles, Idris Elba, Jerry O'Connell, Christine Lahti, Bruce McGill, Matthew Humphreys,
           and more.

While the format for Obsessed has been emulated on screen before, the message this film carries is what draws you in...it serves as a reminder to every man and woman, single or married, that there is a potential for disaster by the mere temptation of an innocent conversation, glance, email, phone call, etc....even the happiest and strongest of relationships can unravel with these seemingly harmless gestures. 

I thought that Ali Larter and Idris Elba gave strong performances in this movie and that Beyonce Knowles handled herself quite well in this role.  This is a provocative thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds.


WARNING:  Rated PG-13 for sexual material including some suggestive dialogue, some violence and thematic content.  I strongly feel it should be rated an R and thus only be seen by those in that age group!

FYI:  The movie previews shown prior to this film are disturbing, demonic, and very graphic...I highly recommend you miss these previews and get there when it's about to start.

        

MiMi's Cafe                                                           Rating:  5 out of 5 STARS!!!
810 W. McDermott Dr.
Allen, TX 75013
214-547-1440
www.mimiscafe.com

I cannot begin to tell you enough great things about MiMi's Cafe.  This is a fantastic breakfast or brunch establishment....very warm and inviting.  The outside decor reminds me of a cozy cottage one might find in Holland on perhaps a cobblestone path...very pleasing to the eye and surrounded with beautiful landscaping and patio dining too. 

Our table dined on an outstanding banana chocolate chip muffin and a blueberry muffin, delicious breakfast new potatoes, and wonderful mardi gras omelettes.  All of which were extremely fresh, cooked to perfection, and served in large portions. 

The menu is well-priced, the staff are friendly, the ingredients are fresh, and the restaurant is clean.  When you are at MiMi's Cafe you will feel as though you are at a relatives house for a meal...comfortable, down home good-cooking.  Enjoy!!!

        

                                               
Release Date:  March 20, 2009                                   Rating:  PG-13  -  3 1/2 STARS! 

Genre:  Crime, Thriller, Drama                                    Director:  Tony Gilroy   

Cast:  Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Tom Wilkinson, Kathleen Chalfant, Dan Daily, Denis O'Hare, and more.

Duplicity is an intriguing film with many layers weaved into the story at hand.  The question that remains throughout its entirety is "who's duping who?"  You will have to wait until the very end before this is revealed.  I found the time sequences annoying due to repeating the same dialogue again and again. While this movie is highly entertaining due to the game being played on-screen by Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, it fails to produce excitement while going full steam ahead. 

*** WARNING:   Rated PG-13 for language and some sexual content. *** 

        

Uncle Julio's Mexican Restaurant                                Rating:  5 out of  5 STARS!
1301 William D. Tate Ave.
Grapevine, TX  76051
817-416-8416
www.unclejulios.com

At Uncle Julio's you are greeted at the door by a bright and festive decor on the exterior of the restaurant.  The aroma fills the restaurant to your delight.  Many publications have rated Uncle Julio's as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Texas and I most definitely agree - OUTSTANDING!!!  From the way the flavors mingle on the plate to the way they marry in your mouth, you'll want to savor each bite as you experience this superb dining choice.  You can clearly tell that only the finest ingredients are chosen and served at the peak of freshness.

Our table dined on the Guadalajara plate and the chicken enchiladas with sour cream/queso.  We also enjoyed the chips and salsa and a small order of guacamole.  The salsa is more of a chipotle/bean/smoky flavor.  The guacamole was fresh, creamy and delicious and the chips were thin and crispy.

The customer service was excellent, the restaurant and bathrooms were clean, and if you prefer, they have outdoor patio dining with a warm fireplace.  The menu can be a bit pricey but you will be able to find items that are affordable.  The only complaint that I would have is that they are in a hard to find location behind other establishments.  I highly recommend Uncle Julio's Mexican Restaurant for your dining pleasure.  Enjoy!

        

                                                                          

Release Date:   January 9, 2009                    Rating:  R - 5 STARS!

Genre:  Crime, Drama       Director:  Clint Eastwood   

Cast:  Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Ahney Her, Bee Vang, Brian Haley, Geraldine Hughes, Brian Howe, 
           and more.

Gran Torino is a film about two very different cultures colliding and all the fallout that surrounds this.  Friendships are forged between unlikely people and an understanding of each cultures way of life makes for a moving storyline.  I, along with the entire packed audience, was in laughter almost the entire movie.  

Clint Eastwood delivers an Oscar-worthy performance.  At 78, this could quite possibly be one of the best performances of his career. At the end of the movie everyone began to clap, which is rare in theaters.  I enjoyed this film and recommend it - not for the crude language but for the story it tells and for the transformation that takes place in the lives of these characters.


****WARNING:  There is crude language, violence, racism, and stereotypical comments, etc. **** 

        

NYLO Hotel                                                                          Rating  -  4  STARS!
8201 Preston Rd.
Plano, TX  75024
972-624-6990
www.nylohotels.com/plano

The NYLO Hotel is a new property located in Plano, TX just south of Hwy.121 at the corner of Preston Road and Headquarters Drive. It is quickly becoming a favorite of the locals from Frisco, Plano, and the surrounding cities. The exterior does not give you an accurate feel for the inside. Just off the entrance, you will find the restaurant, lounge club, bar area, and meeting spaces filled with modern decor, seating, and tables designed for intimate gatherings and conversation. Here you will also find an enjoyable and relaxing patio courtyard with cool swing seating, outdoor heaters, an outdoor lap pool, lounge beds, and bar area with tables and chairs.  These areas would make for an ideal bachelor/bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, adult birthday party, small company party, or simply to entertain guests in a unique space for any occasion.        

The hotel rooms are narrow with New York loft inspired funky urban style with concrete floors and exposed interiors - funtastic!  We received friendly customer service, a clean hotel and room, and a comfy bed.  The experience can be pricey but look for package deals to help make it more affordable.  The NYLO is nearby many attractions, such as:  The Shops at Legacy, Stonebriar Mall, Pizza Hut Park, Dr. Pepper Park, and many more venues.

        

The Black-eyed Pea                                                      Rating:  5 out of  5 STARS!
605 W. 15th St.
Plano, TX  75075
972-423-5565
www.theblackeyedpea.com

When you think of The Black-eyed Pea Restaurant you associate it with down home country cooking and all your favorite comfort foods.  The customer service was excellent!  The staff at this location are friendly, attentive, and well-trained.  Though the inside of the building is not a very exciting decor, the food was delicious!  Our table ordered the fried cod, turkey and dressing, and the chicken strips.  All of these dishes were very satisfying and served in generous amounts.  I was also impressed with the kid's menu and portion sizes for them - an abundant amount of  food with a very affordable price tag too!  Our waiter listened to our requests and delivered the correct order for all.  I highly recommend this restaurant for you and your family.

        

                                                                                
 
Release Date:  December 19, 2008                Rating:   PG-13  -  2 STARS!

Genre:    Comedy                                                 Director:   Peyton Reed

Cast:  Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, John Michael Higgins, Rhys Darby, Danny Masterson,            Sasha Alexander, Molly Sims, Fionnula Flanagan, Terence Stamp, and more.


I was disappointed in the movie Yes Man  - wish I had said No Man!  This film was mediocre at best.  I found the message to be one of the only redeemable things about this movie - when life has got you down, get back in the game and make things happen for yourself!  I expected this movie to be one filled with laughter and an enjoyable adventure but this was not the case.  Has Jim Carrey lost his ability for comedy or was the writing material just not there?  I found Zooey Deschanel to be kind of charming in a quirky kind of way.  The length of this film is 104 mins. - I thought it dragged on a bit.  I do not recommend Yes Man for your viewing pleasure!  I felt that the trailer leads you to believe that there is more action than there actually is.


*** FYI:   Rated PG-13 for crude sexual humor, language and brief nudity. ***

        

                                                   
                                                                                    Ghostbar - Outdoor Terrace

W Dallas Victory Hotel                                                    Rating:  3 STARS!
2440 Victory Park Lane
Dallas, TX  75219
877-822-0000
www.whotels.com

We booked a stay at the W Hotel for an in-town vacation based on a mixture of reviews by our friends.  The look of the hotel is beautiful with cool modern elements.  The W is situated in a central downtown location that is within walking distance to many hot spots, including the American Airlines Center and Victory Park.  However, they are lacking good customer service without which guests will not return.  If you are parting with this much money per night, you expect not only a quality hotel but also quality service during your stay.  Instead, we found stained carpets, couches, staff that were either not trained properly or that do not care about the job they are performing, and unpleasant views of rooftops. 

This is not a family-friendly hotel.  I believe this to be only a place for young single twenty-somethings to come and enjoy the night-life in the area or at the Ghostbar and then head to bed.  If this is what you're looking for,  I recommend it fully. 


***FYI:  Your room has a 42" flat screen TV but without HD support the picture is horrible.
              I recommend staying below floor 5 for better views - Victory Park instead of rooftops.
              Overnight parking is pricey.
              Pool was not great. ***
            

                                                                                                     Submitted by:  Leslie - Plano, TX        

        

                                                 
Omni Chicago Hotel                                                             Rating:  5 STARS!
676 North. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL  60611
312-944-6664
www.omnihotels.com

I flew into town for a friends wedding and stayed at this great hotel as part of the wedding party accommodations.  I found the rooms to be exquisite, clean, and spacious - they are all mini-suites.  The banquet hall was beautiful and the food was delicious.  This location makes for a great wedding reception venue and was centrally located to many attractions and offered a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan.  I recommend this very impressive hotel to you for future events or just when in town on pleasure or business.  The customer service was excellent!                       

                                                                                                                    Submitted by:  Jesse - NY

        

Snuffers Restaurant & Bar                                           Rating:  3 1/2 STARS!
2408 Preston Rd. #704A
Plano, TX  75093
469-467-9911
www.snuffers.com

Our dining choice today for lunch was Snuffers in Plano, Texas.  On the menu you will find mostly burgers, chicken strips, nachos, quesadillas, and various other dishes to choose from - see their website for the complete menu.  Snuffers is well-known for their Cheddar Fries.  We ordered the fries as an appetizer and found them to be delicious - they live up to their name and hype.  They are served with ranch and you can order them with many toppings as well, such as:  bacon, sour cream, jalapeno, etc.  I found the BBQ burger to have an awesome flavor:  hamburger and bun filled with cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, and sweet purple onion.  Another person with us ordered the chicken nachos and found them to be good but said that the marinade used on the chicken can be overwhelming after eating a few.

Our waitstaff delivered great customer service and were attentive to our table. The tables were spacious with plenty of elbow room for your dining companions and the prices are moderate.  Other than a minor communication problem with a child's order, we enjoyed this restaurant and recommend it to you.

***FYI:  Most of the food at this place is not healthy for you but does have a few healthy choices to choose from
             on the menu. ***

        

                                                                           
Release Date:   December 25, 2008                                Rating:  PG-13  -  5 STARS!

Genre:  Drama, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy                   Director:   David Fincher

Cast:   
Cate Blanchett, Julia Ormond, Brad Pitt, Taraji P. Henson, Faune A. Chambers, Elias Koteas, Donna DuPlantier, Jacob Tolano, Earl Maddox, Ed Metzger, Jason Flemyng, Danny Vinson, David Jensen, Joeanna Sayler, Fiona Hale, Patrick Thomas O'Brien, Danny Nelson, Marion Zinser, Peter Donald Badalamenti II, Paula Gray, Lance E. Nichols, Rampai Mohadi, Troi Bechet, Phyllis Somerville, Elle Fanning, Ted Manson, Clay Cullen, Edith Ivey, Robert Towers, Jared Harris, Sonya Leslie-Shepherd, Yasmine Abriel, Madisen Beaty, Tom Everett, Don Creech, Joshua DesRoches, Christopher Maxwell, Richmond Arquette, Josh Stewart, Ilia Volok, Tilda Swinton, David Ross Paterson, Taren Cunningham, Myrton Running Wolf, Stephen Taylor, Devyn A. Tyler, Adrian Armas, Wilbur Fitzgerald, Ashley Nolan, Louis Herthum, Katta Hules, Rus Blackwell, Joel Bissonnette, Deneen Tyler, Spencer Daniels, Chandler Canterbury, Charles Henry Wyson, Jessica Cropper, Katherine Crockett, Mahershalalhashbaz Ali, and more.     


The messages presented in this story can be seen in the eyes of its characters, which reveal their life stories of both lingering sadness and joy from the journey's memories and lives shared through connection with others that have taught them great lessons throughout their years.  Some are filled with regret while others are filled with happiness spread over a lifetime.

We all share our lives with someone whether it be a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, a child, or a friend but are we paying attention and listening to the stories of the people that we are surrounded by that can greatly impact us for years to come.  This movie focuses on relationships - no matter how long or short they are -- each brings unique experiences, special moments, worth while conversations, and teaching/learning experiences from which we encounter along life's course and trials that occur.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button teaches us that we are all special and that different does not have to be a bad thing.  We touch the lives of others just by being the person that we were designed to be -- you just have to find the hidden treasures in yourself and others that are everywhere if we would look with our eyes and hearts wide open.  We don't get to choose our circumstances, in this tale it is age in reverse, but we do get to choose our outlook and how to see the good and turn it into something positive.  Do not discount anyone and give up on them because our Creator has a plan for them and in this case, Benjamin was a blessing to another even though his family did not see that in him when he was a baby.

I enjoyed this film and will recommend it to others, even with it being a long film.  You will find the cast to be incredible.  Both Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett deliver amazing performances, as well as all the portrayer's of the character, Benjamin Button.


*** FYI:   Rated PG-13 for brief war violence, sexual content, language and smoking. 
                Make sure you get some snacks on the way so you can settle in for a while. *** 

        

May your dreams come true in 2009 and may you be blessed beyond measure as the new year unfolds!

May you enjoy the journey that lies ahead - HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

With Love,

Rachael

        

OmniTheater An IMAX dome at the Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History                 Rating:  4 STARS!
1501 Montgomery St.
Ft. Worth, TX  76107
817-255-9300
www.ftmuseum.org/omni

At the OmniTheater (IMAX) it feels as though you are placed in the film and become highly involved from the onset of the story.  With the dome shaped screen that surrounds you it offers a very unique experience for various films:  ocean life, animals in their natural habitat, nature, stars and laser light shows, travel, and high-speed films like skydiving and rollercoasters just to mention a few.  These are the ones that are made especially for IMAX screens and are the best fit for your viewing pleasure inside the Omni.

The stadium seating places you more upright than other types of theaters and leaves little to no leg room.  While viewing you are tilted back in an almost lying down position to view the movie and you may experience dizziness due to your surroundings and equilibrium being off.
 
I have experienced and loved many films here at the Omni over the years but did not fully enjoy the one I saw this afternoon - Polar Express.  While I found the story okay, I did not care for it in this particular format.  I believe Polar Express is better suited for the movie theater screen rather than an IMAX dome screen due to the overwhelming motion of the train, loudness, and scenery as well as a more comfortable viewing looking forward at a flat-screen version.

I highly recommend the OmniTheater for unique and fun experiences.  Enjoy!


***FYI:   I do not recommend this particular style of theater for toddlers, older seniors, or people with motion sickness. The surround sound can get loud and the walkways throughout the seating area are narrow and difficult to navigate. Currently, the Science Place and Museum are under renovation but the Omni is showing films daily - check for specific  times.  When everything reopens check out the other sites here as well and make a day of it.  

             Concession stands are located inside for your convenience. ***

             Currently showing:   Polar Express through January 4, 2009
                                                  Ride Around The World January 5 through February 8, 2009
                                                  Deep Sea through May 22, 2009
                                                  Dinosaurs Alive through March 22, 2009

        

Romano's Macaroni Grill                                             Rating:  4 STARS!
6300 North Freeway
Ft. Worth, TX  76137-2922
817-306-9722
www.macaronigrill.com

Today we dined at this Romano's Macaroni Grill for the first time and found it to be delicious.  Our table had the chicken cannelloni, chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, and the Carmela's chicken rigatoni.  All the dishes mentioned were excellent as well as our waitress, Jessica.  She was prompt and courteous.  The restaurant was clean and not overly crowded this afternoon.  I highly recommend this particular location when you are in the area. 

        

Christmas in the Square                                                            Rating:  5 STARS!
George A. Purefoy Municipal Center and Frisco Square
Frisco, TX 75034
(Main Street across from Pizza Hut Park)

The 2008 Christmas in the Square is the largest choreographed holiday lights display set to music in Texas.  Come and join in the merry main street festivities outside or from the warmth of your vehicle.  You are sure to leave filled with the Christmas spirit if you were not before now.  This year promises to be even better than previous years filled with many activities for the family on various nights throughout the season:  carriage rides, a snow slide, and Santa just to name a few.  The holiday cheer begins on November 28, 2008 and will continue each evening from 5:30 pm-10:00 pm through January 1, 2009.  Check out www.friscosquare.com/events for more information about specific activities on which dates.  

I highly recommend you visit Christmas in the Square in Frisco, Texas with your family during the holidays.  The kids and parents enjoy the splendor of the lights and all the trappings.  We saw the display when it was quite cold outside and do recommend wearing your winter gear so that you can stay and observe the Christmas scenery as long as you like without being interrupted due to the cold temperatures.  Also, right down the street is Frisco's Safety Town where you can walk through and see the mini-town all lit up as well - this one ends at 9 pm - make a night of it.  Enjoy!

        

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

Genre:   Comedy, Romance                              Director:  Seth Gordon     

Cast:   Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight, Jon Favreau, Mary            
             Steenburgen, Dwight Yoakam, Tim McGraw, Kristin Chenoweth, Katy Mixon, Colleen Camp, Jeanette
             Miller, Jack Donner, Steve Wiebe, and more.

I was pleasantly surprised with Four Christmases as I had fairly low expectations for this film and for the chemistry between Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon.  The audience was filled with laughter most of the movie.  The story revolves around dysfunctional families - a storyline most will be able to relate to.  Four Christmases is all slapstick comedy but it is hilarious!  While comedic timing and delivery are not Witherspoon's strong suit, it is not a disaster!  Vaughn does what he is best at - being Vaughn.  You will find many Oscar winning actors involved in this movie playing supporting roles but delivering strong performances worthy of notice while doing so.  Overall, this was an enjoyable film and helped to reduce stress this time of year!


***FYI:   Rated PG-13 for some sexual humor and language.***

        

        

Chick-fil-a  Restaurants                                            Rating:  5 STARS!
(specifically McKinney, Frisco, and Plano, TX)       

I don't usually write reviews about fast food restaurants but felt compelled to do so because of the great customer service I receive at the Chick-fil-a locations I have been to.  I frequent the McKinney, Frisco, and Plano establishments most often.  It is very refreshing to find a place of business that has friendly and positive people serving up a smile and good attitude towards the customer in front of them and seem happy to deliver the best possible service to all.  It is a true reflection of the owners, staff, training, and team effort involved.  I have also witnessed this same outstanding service when it is swamped on school spirit nights.  What a great example to set - not just as a business but a great example to follow for people - to remember what it's like to be respectful, nice, considerate of others, and to treat people the way that you would like to be treated yourself - what a difference this could make in the lives of others!

I commend you Chick-fil-a for serving both food and values to your customers and doing things different - because it's the right way to behave and an awesome benefit - a better world and repeat customers!  

        

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina                            Rating:  4 STARS!
4970 N. George Bush Frwy.
Garland, TX  75040
972-495-3000
www.ontheborder.com

On this very crowded late evening we were told our wait time would be 40 minutes.  An hour later we were finally seated.  When dining with children, like we were, an extra 20 minutes can make or break a dinner out with the family.  After being tolerant of the situation, I fully expected to salvage the remainder of our time here with good service and food.  Luckily, we had an awesome waitress named Megan that began to turn things around for us at this establishment.  She was prompt, friendly, attentive, and anticipated our needs without us having to ask.  We had a short wait time for the food once the order was placed. We dined on the chicken strips, nachos, flautas, and quesadillas - all were delicious!  The restaurant and bathrooms were clean. Overall, a very good place to eat.


*** FYI:  This restaurant has a bar inside and smoking is allowed - separate section - so make sure to mention your seating preference when placing your name on the list with the hostess.  It seemed to have a good vent situation here - it did not seem smokey on the non-smoking side.  ***

        

                                                           
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

        

Main Event                                                        Rating:  5 STARS!
2070 S. Stemmons Fwy
Lewisville, TX  75067
972-459-7770
www.maineventusa.net

This place has it all - cosmic bowling, glow-in-the-dark indoor putt-putt, laser tag, pool tables, arcade, and a snack area.  My kids loved the glow-in-the-dark putt-putt and bowling - a big hit with the parents as well!  Welcome to a full night of entertainment for the family or friends.  Main Street Cafe offers kid-friendly foods like pizza, burgers, hot dogs, BBQ, etc. 

The staff are nice and helpful.  Everything was clean and orderly.  The prices are comparable to other places offering similar activities.  Birthdays would be a blast here - no matter what your age!


***FYI:  Visit their website to find specials!

        

NRH2O                                                   Rating:  4  1/2  STARS!                
9001 Boulevard 26
North Richland Hills, TX  76180
817-427-6500
www.nrh2o.com

Today I experienced a first - an uphill watercoaster - and it was awesome!You get the same adrenaline rush that you would from a rollercoaster at an amusement park.  At NRH2O you will find:  a 3 ft. lazy river, a wave pool that creates good-sized waves, body slides, tube slides, a mat racer waterslide ride called The Accelerator, an uphill watercoaster called The Green Extreme, a 4 ft. pool with log and lily pad challenges, a waterfort area with dumping bucket and interactive water activities along with 7 slides for the younger kids, a wet walk path shortcut, picnic tables and covered areas, concessions, and movie/firework nights.

This is one of the very few waterparks that still allows you to bring in a cooler and food (a very budget friendly
concept).  Parking is free as well (other waterparks should take notice).  Tubes and lifejackets are free and available on a first come, first served basis.  A few things you'll find at the concession stands are:  pizza, burgers, hot dogs, chick-fil-a, dippin dots ice cream, soft pretzels, funnel cakes, brownies, chips, cookies, ice cream bars, fries, nachos, etc.

The staff were friendly and the lines were reasonably short and moved quickly.  I was pleasantly surprised by the prices at the concession stands - very affordable!  The park was clean but the bathrooms need improvement in their cleanliness and maintenance as well as updating the facilities.

Our favorites were the watercoaster and the mat racer waterslide.  At the mat racer slide, you have 4 opponents that race down at the same time and when you reach the bottom your time is revealed for each person.  It reminds me of the old sack race slide that you might find at a carnival, the fair, or at an amusement park.  This is a great place to come for an all-day outing with the family - especially this Labor Day Weekend when high temperatures are upon us.  NRH2O offers plenty of shade and refreshing water relief from the sun!


*** FYI:  Look for daily online coupons
               Bring in 1 Dr. Pepper can per person and save $4 per person
               Check the calendar for time changes from day to day and for upcoming movie or firework nights ***

 
                        

        

LaHacienda Ranch                                    Rating:  3 1/2 STARS!
4110 Preston Rd.
Frisco, TX  75034
972-335-2232
www.lahaciendaranch.com

This evening was my first dining experience at LaHacienda Ranch in Frisco, Texas.  I found the food to be good, the restaurant to be clean, and the atmosphere and decor to be unique.  I was not impressed with the overpriced menus, wait time, and waitstaff attentiveness.  Hopefully this is a rare occurrence and I will let you know my future findings. 

        

Release Date:  October 16, 2007                   Rating:  5 STARS!

The Hannah Montana Music Jam Nintendo DS game is a hit with both my girls (10 & 6 1/2).  You can play multiple music instruments on this game - guitar, keyboard, drums, etc.  Also, you can make the character look like you which is a favorite for the girls - customize it!  I recommend this DS video game for kids that like Hannah Montana, music, or have creative imaginations! 

        

                                                                
Release Date:  August 15, 2008                Rating:  PG  -  5 STARS!

Director:   Mark Pellington                          Genre:  Drama, Comedy

Cast:  Luke Wilson, Radha Mitchell, Adriana Barraza, George Lopez, Morgan Lily, Rachel Seiferth, Cheryl Hines,
          Richard Benjamin, Beth Grant, and more.

Henry Poole Is Here is an awesome film with substance.  This story will convey a very powerful and moving  message of hope, faith, love, and miracles.  A healing of sorts happens as the characters all come together sharing a miracle on their street and in the lives of the people they start to know and care about as neighbors and friends.  Your heartstrings will be pulled and you'll walk away with a profound insight into everyday miracles that surround us continually if we take the time to look around and witness them for ourselves and see how we're involved, connected, and touched by many of them as well - through events that happen to us or around us in all of life's moments.

Luke Wilson gave an outstanding performance in this film.  We were able to feel the pain of his past and see him begin to overcome it and fill himself with love and hope and start to live for the present opening himself up to possibilities of tomorrow.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this movie to all your friends and family.

        

Romano's Macaroni Grill                                   Rating:  5 STARS!
4535 Beltline Rd.
Addison, TX 75001
972-386-3831
www.macaronigrill.com

Romano's Macaroni Grill is an Italian eatery with friendly customer service and delicious food.  On this Saturday night, we dined on Marsala Chicken Ravioli.  It is plated with asparagus, mushrooms, almonds, and marsala sauce. I have not previously experienced this dish but found it to be delicious!  The toppings compliment this entree well.  As you wait for your meal, you are served a complimentary bread with a seasoned olive-oil to dip it in, no need for an appetizer.

I found the restaurant and bathrooms to be clean.  The one complaint that I have is that the bathroom layout is not designed for optimal space.  The pricing is low to moderate.  I recommend this Romano's Macaroni Grill when you are in the area.

        

Pete's Dueling Piano Bar                          Rating:  4 STARS!
4980 Beltline Rd.
Addison, TX  75254
972-726-7383
www.petesduelingpianobar.com

Pete's Dueling Piano Bar is a fun evening out with friends.  You will participate in sing-a-longs to the piano much like karaoke except that everyone sings outloud.  The men vs the women, dance-offs, etc.  Laughter is had by all and all will participate!   Food is okay - nachos, quesadillas, etc.  Admission is $8 per person.  Reservations are greatly suggested weeks in advance otherwise there is a long wait in line ahead and you may not even be able to get in at all.  Parking is limited so get there early, otherwise, valet parking is the only option at $5 per vehicle.

This place was a little smoky for my preference but tolerable for the occasional fun to be had here with friends for a night out to sing and hear some great 80's music played on the piano.


*** WARNING:  This is not an entertainment venue that is suitable for youngsters.  This is a type of bar, so 
                         smoking is allowed inside and alcoholic beverages are served.  *** 

        

The Keg Steakhouse                                 Rating:  5 STARS!
6101 W. Park Blvd.
Plano, TX  75093
972-403-0430
www.kegsteakhouse.com

We first experienced The Keg restaurants in Seattle, WA and in Canada - we were excited to have one open here in Texas. This location did not disappoint!  We were served a complimentary shrimp cocktail appetizer while we were waiting for our food to arrive - it was delicious.  We dined on the lobster, steak, and chicken entrées that were cooked and seasoned to perfection! The waitstaff were extremely friendly and attentive to our table.     

The Keg Steakhouse does not have your typical steakhouse feel.  Its atmosphere is charming, upscale, and conversation- friendly.  The prices are moderate to high but the food is well worth it, the customer service is outstanding, and the restaurant is clean and well maintained!  Go and enjoy.

        

Greers Ferry Lake - Arkansas                     Rating:  5 STARS!
     
                                                            

Greers Ferry Lake is an outstanding lake in the scenic north central Arkansas Ozark Mountains. Here you will find clean lake water, pretty scenery, a sandy beach and swim area, bathroom facilities, campgrounds, fishing, and hours of entertainment building sand castles, swimming, boating, waterskiing, picnicing, fishing, hiking, relaxing, etc.  The swim area is roped off from the boaters to help avoid large waves coming in to close to the shore.  Make this your next outing with family or friends.

At Greers Ferry Lake you will find park facilities operated by the Corps of Engineers that include 22 boat ramps, 14 campgrounds, 16 picnic shelters, 9 marinas, 15 designated swim areas, 3 national nature trails, and several hundred miles of undeveloped shoreline.

From Little Rock, Arkansas go 15 miles north on US 67-167, then 50 miles north on Arkansas Hwy. 5 to Heber Springs.

Swimming

Many parks offer designated swimming areas that are perfect spots to cool off on a sunny, summer day. These include Choctaw, Cove Creek, Dam Site, Devils Fork, Heber Springs, Hill Creek, Mill Creek, Old Highway 25, Shiloh and Sugar Loaf. Day use fees are charged for use of all designated areas except Mill Creek. Users may pay a daily fee of $1 per person up to $4 per vehicle or purchase an annual pass for $30.

Swimmers are reminded to:
-Swim and wade only where they are familiar with water depths and the bottom;
-Swim in the company of others;
-Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Distances are deceiving over the water;
-Watch children closely;
-Avoid boat channels, launching ramps and docks;
-Remember horseplay in the water can result in injuries. 

        

                                     
Posados Cafe                                            Rating:  5 STARS!
9506 State Highway 121
Frisco, TX 75035
469-633-1257
www.posados.com

As we entered this Mexican restaurant, we were greeted with friendly smiles from the staff.  Surprisingly, there was not a wait time for us on this late Saturday evening at 7:30 pm.  I enjoyed the chicken fajitas served with chicken tortilla soup, rice, and guacamole.  We experienced excellent customer service, had a friendly and helpful waiter named Brian, and found our meal to be outstanding.  The salsa was wonderfully fresh and delicious and the chicken tortilla soup was phenomenal! 

The restaurant was clean and the pricing here is low to moderate.  I highly recommend Posados for your next Mexican dinner experience. This is a kid-friendly restaurant and soft serve ice cream cones are complimentary with your meal.

        

IHOP                                                            Rating:  4 STARS!
315 Central Expressway North
Allen, TX 75013
214-383-3434
www.ihop.com

Usually when I frequent an IHOP restaurant it's when I'm on vacation with my family - that was not the case this morning.  This specific location is one of the nicer ones that I've been to.  The food was delivered to us warm,  fresh, and delicious.  Surprisingly, the wait was only about 20 minutes on this late Saturday morning around 10:30 am.  I enjoyed the stuffed french toast combo topped with strawberries and whipped cream.   

        

Kolache Heaven                                   Rating:  3 1/2 STARS!
3333 Preston Rd #102
Frisco TX 75034
214-618-1540
www.kolacheheaven.com

I enjoyed many of the breakfast pastries offered here but did not enjoy the sausage rolls.  I am from Texas and prefer a different sausage than the one served here.  I like it in a different type dough as well - preferably a croissant type - I found the roll dry and lacked flavor.  The sausage seemed like a German sausage - Bratworst or something which I don't care for its taste.  The staff are extremely friendly, the restaurant is clean, and the prices are low to moderate.  I do not particularly care for sweets in the morning as a usual breakfast but found the cinnamon roll here to be delicious. 

        

CurbMaster Landscape Edging That Lasts               Rating:  5 STARS!
1220 - G Airport Freeway PMB 403
Bedford, TX  76022
972-727-9093
www.curbmaster.com

CurbMaster came out to give a free quote, measure, and give an intended layout design.  The office staff are friendly and helpful.  After receiving a written quote, we scheduled the landscape curbing to be done around our trees in the front yard and around our flowerbeds in a very appealing design, shape, and color.  The crew came promptly when they promised, did a fantastic job, answered any remaining questions that we had prior to starting, cleaned up afterwards, and were friendly and informative about how to maintain the landscape curbing during the various weather changes.  The work leader, Ivar, and his crew did a quality job in a short amount of time.  We were pleased and recommend CurbMaster for your concrete edging needs!  

        

Double Dave's Pizza                                       Rating:  4 STARS!
220 W. University Dr.
Denton, TX 76201
940-243-3283
www.doubledaves.com

Double Dave's has a large variety of pizzas to choose from, a good salad bar and dessert pizza, and is wallet- friendly.  The chocolate chip dessert pizza is the best one.  There are TV's inside the restaurant for entertainment as you dine.  

                                                                                       Submitted by:  Brad

        

 

"I don't know why I have cancer, and I don't much care. We don't know how the narrative of our lives will end, but we get to choose how to use the interval between now and the moment we meet our Creator face-to-face."
                                                                                          
                                                                                               - Tony Snow 2007

        

The Great Wolf Lodge is an awesome weekend retreat.  This is no ordinary lodge - this is a playground for all ages - even adults!  Here you will find water fun year round with both an indoor waterpark as well as an outdoor waterpark.  Housed in these spaces are:  a wave pool, outdoor family lagoon, 2 hot tubs, 6 family pools featuring play activities for all ages, 9 waterslides, lazy river, a 4-story interactive treehouse waterfort, lounging chairs, and snack bars.  Inside the lodge you'll find themed hotel suites, restaurants, an arcade, gift stores, Magiquest, Elements Spa, Scoops Kid Spa, conference center, and a dessert shop that specializes in fudge, chocolate candies, and ice cream.  Parents will also enjoy the Cub Club that offers scheduled activities and bedstory times for the kiddos.  

The lodge has a very masculine decor but it is still welcoming.  The staff are friendly and accommodating.  The rooms are clean.  The common bathrooms throughout the lodge and waterpark areas have wet mats to help prevent falls and are kept quite clean as well.  The Elements Spa here is awesome!  I highly recommend it.  Great Wolf Lodge is on the pricey side per night but does include the waterparks that you can utilize before your check-in time and also after your check-out time.  During the week they are open until 9 pm and on the weekends they are open until 10 pm.  The outdoor waterpark is only open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

        

                                                                    
Release Date:  July 2, 2008                          Rating:  G  -  5 STARS!

Director:  Patricia Rozema                            Genre:  Comedy, Drama, Mystery

Cast:  Abigail Breslin, Julia Ormond, Chris O'Donnell, Glenne Headly, Jane Krakowski, Joan Cusack, Wallace
          Shawn, Max Thieriot, Zach Mills, Stanley Tucci, Willow Smith, Kenneth Welsh, Douglas Nyback, Dylan
          Smith, Madison Davenport, and more.

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl tells a story from the depression era when people faced very difficult times financially and morally.  This is a story that our current generations need to see and hear about to help develop a thankful attitude for what they have and to understand the hardships people face.  Bad times can come upon anyone and true friends will stand with you in the midst of these terrible times. 

This film also demonstrates a positive, never-give-up or give-in attitude towards helping others and making your dreams come true no matter what others might say and no matter what your age or how high your goals are.  My daughters and I enjoyed this movie tremendously and walked away with a new found appreciation for what past generations went through as well as receiving an appreciation for our life currently as we know it and for each other. 

        

Babe's Chicken Dinner House                         Rating:  5 STARS!
6475 Page St.
Frisco, TX 75034
214-387-9500
www.babeschicken.com

At Babe's you'll enjoy a meal that will not disappoint and you will leave very satisfied.  The restaurant owners were able to do a remarkable job making this brand new place look old and nostalgic.  The staff are extremely friendly and very attentive to your table.  Babe's serves up delicious family-style food where you choose the meat and they bring the salad, biscuits, and sides to your table to pass them around.  The country feel is very inviting and casual.  This is a family-friendly restaurant and will occasionally invite the youngsters to the center isle to participate in the hokey-pokey dance.  Also here you'll find a few talented singers that will entertain you with a song or two while you dine. 

With this being a new location, I fully expected to have a long wait but was pleasantly surprised on this late Sunday evening at 7:15 pm just a few short weeks after it opened.  Our wait time was 10 minutes and with this time we were able to enjoy the antique collection that you'll find at all the Babe's locations.  I highly recommend Babe's for your dining pleasure!

        

                                                                 
Release Date:  July 18, 2008                   Rating:  PG-13  -  5 STARS!

Director:   Phyllida Lloyd                          Genre:  Musical, Comedy, Romance

Cast:  Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, Christine Baranski,
          Stellan Skarsgard, Rachel McDowall, Ashley Lilley, and more.

Mamma Mia is a very entertaining film with an ensemble cast that is magnificant.  This is a high energy movie that is fun and comical throughout.  Mamma Mia is made for musical theatre lovers.  There is only a handful of scenes without singing in them.  The scenery is beautiful and makes you want to visit this island.  You will find many of the characters to have infectious smiles that will charm you and light up the screen.  A good time is had by all in the audience, made up of mostly women friends in groups. 

I highly recommend this film for you if you enjoy a great musical, want to have a fun night out with your friends, or are a fan of the singing group ABBA, whose songs are plentiful in Mamma Mia.  

        

Spa Botanica                                                Rating:  5 STARS!
7600 John Q. Hammons Drive.
Frisco, TX  75034
972-963-9222                                                
                                                    
While staying at the Embassy Suites in Frisco we decided to indulge in a little pampering at the Spa Botanica located inside the hotel on the second floor.  As soon as we entered the spa, the receptionist was friendly and welcoming.  She attended to us and brought us both a beverage of choice to enjoy as we waited for our appointment.  The spa area is relaxing and has a soothing aroma inside. 

Chenoa is a superb masseuse at Spa Botanica.  She massaged away stress with the use of pressure point reflexology and relaxation techniques.  This was one of the best spa experiences that I have had.  I recommend Chenoa at Spa Botanica for your future spa treatments.

 

        

Gloria's Restaurant                                        Rating:  5 STARS!
8600 Gaylord Pkwy. #5
Frisco, TX 75034
972-668-1555
www.gloriasrestaurants.com

This was my first dining experience at this fine establishment and I found it to be an absolute delight.  Upon walking through the entrance door, you will notice the upscale feel this restaurant has with its furnishings.  I would recommend business casual for your attire.  On the menu at Gloria's, you are presented with options for  Mexican food or Salvadorian food. 

The service we received was extraordinary!  The staff are friendly and attentive.  I had the shredded chicken chimichanga with rice and it was wonderful! Equally delicious and fresh are the guacamole and salsa.  The pricing is moderate and the restaurant is clean.  I highly recommend visiting Gloria's for an awesome meal!

        

                                                                      

Release Date:  May 22, 2008                         Rating:  PG - 13  -  4 STARS!

Director:  Steven Spielberg                            Genre:  Action, Adventure

Cast:  Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent,
           Igor Jijikine, Dimitri Diatchenko, and more.

I found this Indiana Jones sequel to be good in comparison to previous ones that had far more complicated storylines and were sometimes hard to follow.  Harrison Ford's character, Indiana Jones, still has charisma at his age on the big screen.  Cate Blanchett is a standout in this film with her precise movements and voice dialect delivering an outstanding performance.  Another strong performer was Shia LaBeouf who reveals his acting talents and shows us his leading man potential for future projects.  Some of the backgrounds used looked extremely cheesy but this movie was enjoyable and easy to follow.

        

                                             
Embassy Suites Hotel                                   Rating:  4 STARS!
7600 John Q. Hammons Dr.
Frisco, TX 75034
972-712-7200
www.embassysuites.com

The Embassy Suites Hotel is nicely decorated and the staff are friendly.  The two-room suites are spacious.  We were situated on the 9th floor and had a great view of the surrounding area.  The staff here perform a turn down service just like you'd find on a cruise, complete with chocolate mints.  The hotel room furniture was appealing and warm colors are cozy and inviting.  I found everything to be clean and well stocked.  The pricing is moderate.

Your stay comes with a complimentary hot breakfast that is delicious.  At the made-to-order chef area there is also an omelet station.  Your breakfast buffet has scrambled eggs, french toast, fried potatoes, sausage links, bacon, grits, biscuits and gravy, fruit, cereals, toast, bagels, muffins, and more.  At the Embassy Suites, you have several parking choices:  valet, covered garage parking, or the outside hotel parking lot.  Also, located on the 2nd floor, you'll find Spa Botanica for your pampering needs.  For your convenience, this hotel has a pool, fitness area, and business center on site.  We enjoyed our stay here and recommend it when you're in the DFW area. 

        

The Olive Garden                                         Rating:  4 STARS!
2886 Preston Rd
Frisco, TX 75034
469-633-0406
www.olivegarden.com 

At The Olive Garden we dined on stuffed chicken marsala.  This dish was wonderfully delicious!  The staff were friendly and gave us great customer service.  They said we'd be seated within a period of time and they were able to keep that promise.  With every dinner meal they bring you unlimited salad and breadsticks that are amazing. The restaurant and bathrooms were clean and well stocked.  The prices are moderate to high.  We had an enjoyable meal and conversation here and I recommend The Olive Garden for an Italian cuisine choice.

        

                                                                     
Release Date:  July 18, 2008              Rating:  PG-13  -  4 STARS! 

Director:  Christopher Nolan               Genre:  Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Cast:  Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Cain, Maggie
           Gylennhal, and more.

Batman is portrayed by actor, Christian Bale, who gives another outstanding performance in this role.  He maintains a certain mystery and charisma about him as well as conveys his inner struggle to continue on this path that has chosen him some years ago.  The Dark Knight is thankfully not played as dark as I thought.  The character, The Joker, played by Heath Ledger gives a disturbingly great delivery as this twisted person aimed at making everyone around him become just as he is -- evil and lonely.  He plays him with a bit of humor which helps to make it have less of a dark feeling about it.  Many scenes are quite disturbing in nature physiologically by the situations that are played out on screen.  The Dark Knight is a great sequel in the batman series of films.


*** WARNING:  I DO NOT RECOMMEND this film for anyone under 18.  This film contains violent content and 
                            influential graphic behaviors that can be disturbing for younger audiences.  Please DO NOT bring
                            young children with you to see this movie.  The rating, in my opinion, should still be an R like it
                            was previous to its release before they edited a scene or two. ***

        

WinShape Connect Day Camps                              Rating:  5 STARS!
www.winshapecamps.org

There are several WinShape Connect Day Camp locations in various states.  My daughter participated in the Plano, Texas location called WinShape Connect Day Camp C3.  This was an awesome experience!  The staff are extremely friendly and helpful.  You can tell that their hearts are in it to shape a young person's life during this time of fun and fellowship at camp.  This was a very rewarding time for the students, staff, and parents as well.  Everyone learned during the interactions of the week.  Friday is Family Day at camp and all are invited to attend a Chick-fil-a lunch and all the daily activities with their children. 

I highly recommend you send your children to this week long day camp, it might just change their life -- or yours!

        

Bugatti's Ristorante                                          Rating:  5 STARS!
3802 W. Northwest Hwy.
Dallas, TX 75220
214-350-2470
www.bugattis.net

Bugatti's Ristorante is a fabulous Italian eatery.  We dined on chicken parmigiana and lasagna.  Both entrées were delicious and the customer service was excellent.  The restaurant is clean, fancily decorated inside, and the prices are moderate. This would make a great place to have a rehearsal dinner for a wedding party or for a banquet occasion.  
                                                                                   Submitted by:  Brad B.

        

In light of recent events of death surrounding me, I have to stop and ask myself that question - how will I be remembered? Will my years on this earth have made a difference? I can only pray that I have made some small difference in the lives of others in a positive, soulful way that will be my lasting legacy -- after all, everyone’s journey and mission on earth is the same -- to fulfill God’s work by sharing His good news with everyone you communicate with, even if just a brief moment in time. Remember, in order to really experience living, we must die to self and bring glory to Him by going about His business NOT OURS! 

        

                                                           
Strikz Entertainment Center                        Rating:  5 STARS!
8789 Lebanon Rd.
Frisco, TX 75034
972-668-5263
www.strikz.com                                            

Strikz Entertainment Center has glow-in-the-dark cosmic bowling, laser tag, arcade, pool tables, snack shop, and prize redemption making for a great place for a birthday party or fun group outing! During the cosmic bowling, they will play music and put up music video screens to enjoy as you bowl. The facility is clean and the prices are comparable to others in the same venue.  For the younger kids, they have special ramps they can use to roll the ball down and will put up the bumpers to help them stay competitive and hopefully gutter-free.  There are certain times for leagues and parties so you might want to call ahead to make sure if you'll be able to get a lane(s).  The snack bar has good food compared to many other places.  We had an awesome time here and I recommend Strikz for your entertainment needs!

        

                                                                
Release Date:   January 18, 2008                  Rating:  PG - 13 - 3  1/2  STARS!

Genre:  Comedy, Crime, Romance                  Director:  Callie Khouri 

Cast:  Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, Ted Danson, Katie Holmes, Adam Rothenburg, Peyton Alex Smith,
          Charlie Caldwell, Richard F. Law, Meagen Fay, Christopher McDonald, Denise Lee, and more.  

This film is fun and an interesting idea for the big screen - you usually see this type script acted out by men only and it played well to its audience even with women in these roles.  There will be a twist or two so make sure you watch closely and see if you can figure it out. 

I do not condone the behavior and actions exhibited in this movie but it was still exciting to see it unfold.  Diane Keaton is right on with her mannerisms and delivers another job well done!  The more mature she becomes the better she has become at her craft.  Katie Holmes may be the younger one but it is Diane Keaton that steals the show and most of the scenes on screen!

        

Pizza Inn Buffet Restaurant                        Rating:  4 STARS!
6509 W. Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75093

        

                                                            

Prestonwood Sports Organization (PSO)                  Rating:  5 STARS!
6801 W. Park Blvd.
Plano, TX  75093
972-820-5000
www.psosports.com
                                              
PSO offers many summer camps and activities for varying ages for both boys and girls programs.  Some offered are soccer, basketball, volleyball, cheer/dance/gymnastics, tennis, golf, football, baseball, fishing, hiking, karate, etc.  The staff are wonderful with the kids and they have a desire to help change the lives and hearts of the kids that attend through fun, interaction, and learning about God's love for them through scripture.  I highly recommend the PSO programs and summer camps for your children.  An awesome foundation will be layed out for them while they are at camp and they will bring home the enthusiasm and desire to learn more and to share what they have learned and experienced while there.

        

Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark                           Rating:  5 STARS!
18814 Interstate 20  (P.O. Box 876)
Canton, TX 75103
903-567-0044
(Exit 526 - Interstate 20 & FM 859)
www.splashkingdomwaterpark.com

               
                                               
Just off the highway - this is an awesome Christ-centered waterpark! This park has it all:  lazy river, wave pool, tube slides, body slides, 3-D glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, arcade, kid water areas for under 52" tall, and more.  For the majority of the slides, you have to be at least 42" tall.  


*** FYI:  Over 10 Acres of FUN!
               Lifejackets are available on a first come, first served basis - feel free to bring your own.
               See Code of Conduct/FAQ on website for approved attire. ***
               Tubes are free of charge!

               Admission:   Adults - $18.48 & Over 65 years old -$15.48            
                                                                   Kids under 42" - $15.48
                                                                       Kids 2 & under - FREE
               30 Minutes East of Forney, TX
               30 Minutes West of Tyler, TX
               40 Miles from Dallas, TX
               
                                                                                             Submitted by:  Nathan

        

Tip Top Nails & Spa                                        Rating:  3 STARS!
5930 W. Park Blvd. Suite#1100A
Plano, TX 75093
972-250-6088

Tip Top Nails is situated in a nice area of West Plano. Everything inside is well organized, clean, and provides many spaces for clients.  This was the first time that I had been to this nail salon and I had a very disappointing experience.  I could have done a job like this at home.  The person working on my daughter's nails and toes did a very fast and sloppy job.  Polish was smeared under her nails, on the sides of her fingers, and on her sandals. The pricing was reasonable but the communication is lacking and hopefully this does not happen regularly. 

        

Frisco Dentistry for Kids                                  Rating:  5 STARS!
3333 Preston Rd. #104
Frisco, TX 75034
214-387-0099
www.drkelli.com

Dr. Kelli and her staff are wonderful with the kids.  They are all smiles when here - at the dentists office - can you believe it!  It was a great experience for both of my kids and myself as a parent.  The office and patient care areas are decked out in a variety of playful and fun designs that cater to both boys and girls. The kids leave with "goodie bags" and tokens for a toy treasure after the visit is complete.