With so many incredible food options in Dallas, it can be hard to narrow down where to dine on a Friday night! I prefer a restaurant with good energy, good food, and great service.
After working a long week, I cherish the moments I get to sit down and be humbly served a delicious, thoughtfully prepared meal. I typically cook meals Sunday-Thursday evening for my little family. But the weekends are my time to unwind, reward myself and enjoy my loved ones!
Sometimes [often times] I find myself having a creative block when it’s time to come up with effective hashtags and unique ways to caption my Instagram posts. Instead of spending hours trying to think of something catchy, a pun-inspired caption or lyrics related to my pic, I use the following blog posts to get my photos hashtagged and ready for viewers. Enjoy! (more…)
The Digital Summit Dallas 2016 was simply awesome! So, I decided to talk about it.
I know what you might be thinking. Saturday mornings??? This is sleep in time…
Studies show if you wake up on the weekends around the same time you do during the work week, you won’t feel as tired when Monday/the rest of the week comes along. I’m still testing this theory because I am a BIG sleeper. I could sleep all day if I could. But – I know how it feels when you sleep too long (normally 10 hours or more) and it really does ruin the day when your sleep tank is too full.
With a full work week taking up a lot of time and energy, you owe yourself some “me” time. Do something all alone, something new and something that might bring you out of your comfort zone. You’ll be surprised as to what is in store 🙂
There are some really fun things you can do on Saturday mornings to get your day started, and perhaps not feel as guilty once brunch time rolls around.
| 1. Yoga At Klyde Warren Park |
Every Saturday at 10AM, enjoy a FREE yoga class at Klyde Warren Park, hosted by the Dallas Yoga Center. Wake up and start the day feeling centered, stretched and positive. Chicken and waffles at brunch? You got this! You already completed a work out today.
| 2. Dance It Off |
At Lifetime Premier Club, join top fitness instructor Bobbi W. as she leads over 100 students in a dance jam sesh – guys AND girls! Rumor is, a famous Dallas billionaire makes some appearances at this class, you may want to try it. Just don’t try and pitch your latest business venture, he’s not in business mode here.
| 3. Feel The Breeze At White Rock Lake |
White Rock Lake is gorgeous in the mornings. You can watch sail boats or rowing teams drift across the lake as the sun slowly moves towards it’s peak for the day. The dog park is huge and has a separate section connected to the lake. The trail is over 8 miles long leaving you plenty of room to bike or jog along with other Dallasites ready to start their weekend right.
| 4. People Watching At Katy Trail |
If you’re feeling extra Dallas-y this morning, you can head over to the Katy Trail and see what Dallas looks like up close and personal. You’ll see a somewhat diverse crowd, all in some way shape or form dedicated to that Saturday morning work out or walk of shame. Sometimes it’s hard to tell, but on your way down you can stop at Katy Ice House for breakfast or beer.
| 5. Knox & Henderson |
If you’re not into fitness and just trying to get your brunch on, I love eating at Toulouse Café & Bar. You almost feel like you’re not in Texas anymore. Here’s their morning spread. Once you’re done, you can walk around and explore the different stores. Some of my faves include:
Betty Lou: great for cute gifts for any occasion, lots of books, cards, mugs, cups & knick knacks
Apple: I don’t need to explain
Z Gallerie: if anyone wants to give me a $20,000 gift card here, I won’t be mad 🙂
As I spend more time in Dallas, I plan to continue to explore and find new fun places to share. What’s your favorite thing to do Saturday morning? Have you tried waking up around the same time you normally do for work? Push yourself to try this next weekend with a plan to do something new and fun. I promise you won’t regret it!
XXXO ~Mary
Finding a clothing store that fits your style, your body and your budget actually takes a little more thought, time and research than I anticipated. For someone who gets impatient with shopping in the first place, taking time to find these stores was not at the top of my list [does this make me less of a girl?!]. Well, I finally began my quest when I decided to ask Facebook friends for their thoughts & suggestions. After a little more research and visiting numerous stores, I have found my top 5 favorite boutiques in Dallas! (Favorite department/chain stores will be a topic in the near future). Shoutout to everyone who gave me suggestions on Facebook – this is why I’m a HUGE advocate for social media! Let’s Connect <3
Please note – I know that I’m not a stylist, fashion was not my major, and I shop with a budget in mind. Nothing is free and I work hard for my money. I’m here to share my findings with others who may be like me – wanting to find cute things at an affordable or “worth it” price 🙂
| 1 | Francesca’s
This store takes first place because it simply never lets me down. I actually am more drawn to the accessories i.e. shoes, jewelry, hand bags and home goods, but I never, I mean NEVER leave without something. My most recent fave at this store are these shoes (also in pic above) that I can wear with literally anything. Funny thing is, I didn’t pick them out. The nice girl at the store said you have to try these on. I took one look, thought hmmm… okay… I’ll try them on… just to be nice, then walked over to the mirror and it was love at first site. Ever since, I’ve been watching their site like a hawk waiting for a shoe sale. Obsessed is an understatement.
| 2 | Accents
I love the cute dresses and tops in this store. I’ve managed to only buy dresses and tops here, but every time I arrive at this store I feel inspired. I’m not a natural fashionista, and I’ll never claim to be, so I love stores that piece things together for you and make you feel as though you have a shot at this game of looking effortlessly put together. The store is very well organized and just has a refreshing atmosphere. It’s quite peaceful and I love it!
| 3 | Milk & Honey
This is one of my most recent discoveries, and every time I go here I leave feeling *almost* like a real bad bi*ch. I mean, Honey, Hello I am here and have arrived. They have really cute rompers, shoes and dresses. Not to mention they have local celebs dressing in their clothes. Whenever I save up more doll hairs, I’ll be back real soon to play. See you soon Milk & Honey | TBD.
| 4 | Gypsy Wagon
I had to list this store not because I’ve ever bought something here, but because I aspire to. I plan to go here at least three more times before making my first purchase. I gotta plan for my first purchase because girlfriend wasn’t born with an Amex linked to Daddy’s bank account. Every top I picked up was no less than $100. The jeans, the shorts, the tops, the purses, the rompers, the shoes, the jewelry, the home goods, the stationary – it was all so cute & girly yet carefree. And I will buy pieces from here, but I try to limit my visits to stores like these because as I go deeper into the store, I feel the devil prying me with his pitchfork, bringing out the gluttonous, envious female we all have to push down from time to time. #RantOver
| 5 | Upscale For Less
Do you like clothes from boutiques? Do you like paying full price for the clothes you like to buy at boutiques? This store is a hidden gem because it carries the same brands you find in boutiques, but for half, sometimes a quarter of the price. It’s set up is similar to Forever 21 in that it can be difficult to find a place to start – it’s way over-stuffed with clothes. But it’s definitely worth the trip if you want more bang for your buck. Just plan to take your time and look for something you really like.
What are your favorite Dallas boutiques? My adventure has just begun, and I look forward to hunting for more boutiques and clothing stores in Dallas. I think clothes are fun and I love to hear what other young working women like myself have found!