Cirque du Soleil: Varekai Erupts in Ft. Worth and Plano This December

Photo by Cirque du Soleil 2014, Costumes by Eiko Ishioka

The Holiday Season is the most enchanting time of the year and Cirque du Soleil: Varekai fits the bill perfectly with its captivating storyline of an extraordinary world deep within a forest where anything is possible… the world of Varekai. Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world - a world where something else is possible. A world called Varekai. The sky lets go a solitary young man, and the story of Varekaibegins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world imbued with fantastical creatures, a young man takes flight in an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of pure and undiluted possibility, begins an inspired incantation to a life rediscovered and to a newly found wonder in the mysteries of the world and the mind. The word Varekai (pronounced ver·ay·’kie) means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies - the universal wanderers. Varekai enchants the crowd with its high-level acrobatics including Contortionists, Russian Swings, Aerial Straps and Skating Illusions. The Cirque performers give it their all with their perfectly-skilled and gravity-defying feats.

Varekai will be in Fort Worth from December 13 to December 17 presenting seven shows at the Fort Worth Convention Center Arena and will then move to the Frisco area from December 20 to December 23 presenting six performance at the Dr Pepper Arena for its final show and retirement after a 15-year run.

The State Fair Of Texas Offers A Secret Garden of Delights

Not all State Fair of Texas ticket holders realize that the Texas Discovery Gardens (TDG) and Butterfly House is open during fair hours and just a few steps from the Texas Star Ferris Wheel. TDG’s mission is to teach effective ways to restore, conserve and preserve nature in the urban environment, with a focus on organic and sustainable gardening. The not for profit garden houses thousands of unique butterflies in an enclosed environment designed to educate young and old alike. Texas Discovery Gardens is an organically maintained urban garden and the first public garden in the state of Texas to be certified 100% organic by the Texas Organic Research Center. The gardens are maintained using sustainable methods that conserve water and help to protect the environment. The grounds feature a two-story Butterfly House and a 7.5 acre organic botanic garden with native and adapted plants. This year TDG offers a change in scenery for those seeking a breather from the bustle.

State Fair of Texas Announces Winners of the 2017 Big Tex Choice Awards

Today's 13th Annual Big Tex Choice Awards, presented by VisitDallas, provided guests with an ample assortment of tasty treats. Tom Grace’s Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burger took home the titles for both “Best Taste – Savory” and “Most Creative.” With 28 years as a concessionaire under his belt, Tom Grace is no rookie in the world of Fair food. This is his second time to make the finals in the Big Tex Choice Awards and first time winning a title. To create his Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burger, he begins with two funnel cakes for “buns” that are fried to a golden crunch. The first funnel bun is topped with a juicy, freshly-grilled burger patty, a heaping helping of crispy bacon, and gooey queso! It is completed with another funnel bun and generously dusted with powdered sugar.

Don't Miss Arts In Bloom, April 7-9

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The annual Arts in Bloom festival has grown in popularity throughout the state of Texas and was recently named on GuideLive's list of 50 can't-miss festivals this spring. This year, the highly anticipated festival has been extended to three days. Art from local, regional, and nationally acclaimed artists will blossom throughout Historic Downtown McKinney Friday, April 7 through Sunday, April 9. The event, which features artwork, music, wine garden, food and shopping, is hosted by McKinney Main Street, the McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC) and the shops in downtown McKinney. The festival kicks off on Friday with performances by The Chuck Ligon Band and headliner Two Tons of Steel on the Deep Ellum Brewing Company Main Stage 🍺. On Saturday, families will enjoy the nearby Farmers Market at Chestnut Square during the day and in the evening the stages will be alive with the tunes of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Bluegrass Band and a blend of honky tonk Tex-Mex from the Tejas Brothers. 🎶 All weekend long, musical performances and decadent food will available throughout the downtown square.

Lil' Firefly Sparks Children's Fashion Imagination

I have a darling new client that I am excited to share with those of you who have little mini-me's. Lil’ Firefly children’s boutique recently opened at 6729 Hillcrest Avenue in Park Cities Snider Plaza. Shoppers will find fun, quirky children’s clothing and accessories in infant to tween sizes. The company began online two years ago, selling affordable clothing that reflected the bright, rebellious spirit within each child. The first thing you notice when you enter the store is the energy you feel from the bold, vibrant merchandise and décor. Brands are specifically selected to allow children to express their personality and spirit through what they wear. “Our customer is a child with a bright, strong spirit and although a ‘Lil’ Firefly’ might have a rebellious streak; he/she will accomplish extraordinary things in life,” said co-owner Sherri Rodebaugh. “Michele and I were ‘Lil’ Fireflies’ ourselves, who have grown into big fireflies that can accomplish anything we set out to do. We want to celebrate and encourage that spirit in children!” With a background in interior design, co-owner Michele Hines is used to working with color and texture. “l loved being a stay-at-home mom, but I also have a creative side that I wanted to express in a fun and exciting way. My three-year old son is the inspiration for the store,” said Hines. “He is a firecracker and I wanted to offer clothing that allowed him (and kids like him) to express themselves through what they wore.” Visit Lil’ Firefly boutique at 6729 Hillcrest Avenue, Dallas, TX. 75205, 469-509-6945. Store hours are Monday-Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm. http://www.lilfirefly.com

Toyota Celebrates Minnie's Food Pantry And Gives YOU The Gift Of FREE Tickets To See The Texas Legends Play On March 9th

I love bringing you a good, wholesome, family outing. The only thing I love more is a FREE wholesome family outing! North Texas families are invited to join Minnie's Food Pantry for a night of fun and philanthropy on March 9th when the Texas Legends take on the Northern Arizona Suns. In celebration of the 9th anniversary of Minnie's Food Pantry, Toyota is generously sponsoring the evening so that families can enjoy this exciting evening at NO CHARGE. Attendees will have the chance to hear the dynamic founder of Minnie's Food Pantry, Dr. Cheryl "Action" Jackson, speak during the game's halftime show about the growing epidemic of hunger that affects hundreds of North Texas citizens on a daily basis and the work that Minnie’s Food Pantry does to provide food assistance to children and families in need. 

Toyota supports Minnie's Food Pantry. You should too! 

Over the past 9 years, Minnie's Food Pantry has served over 6 million meals and with your help they will be able to feed many more! Texas Legends will "pass-the-bucket" around the arena during halftime to help fund the their mission to eradicate hunger in North Texas. Every dollar donated will provide three meals through Minnie's Food Pantry!

The Texas Legends are an NBA Development League team based in Frisco, Texas and the minor league affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. Discover the NBA stars of tomorrow and support the work of Minnie's Food Pantry on this special night!

Tickets are available by visiting texas.dleague.nba.com/minnies-food-pantry-night-driven-by-toyota/

KERA Launches New Children's Channel

Wild Kratts on KERA

KERA just announced the launch of a NEW television channel offering kids’ shows 24 hours a day, seven days a week. KERA Kids 24/7 will provide free access to the popular, curriculum-based programs from PBS KIDS to millions of families across the region. KERA’s acclaimed lineup of children’s programs, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad and Wild Kratts, reach 350,000 kids each week, representing the second-largest children’s audience among public broadcasting stations in the United States. With the addition of KERA Kids 24/7, children across North Texas will have greater access to engaging educational content on weeknights and weekend afternoons, when the majority of kids’ TV viewing takes place. KERA TV will continue to broadcast new episodes of PBS KIDS programs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every weekday. Beginning Monday, Jan. 16, children will be able to continue watching and learning after school and in the evenings by tuning in to KERA Kids 24/7, which will broadcast over-the-air on channel 13.2 and will be carried by select cable providers. KERA also offers the bi-weekly Full STEAM Ahead e-newsletter, which features science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics programming. KERA Kids 24/7 will broadcast over-the-air on channel 13.2, which currently airs KERA World. KERA World will no longer be available beginning Jan. 16. Spectrum Cable will offer KERA Kids 24/7 on channel 1268 in Dallas and 182 in Fort Worth. In addition to broadcasting on television, KERA Kids 24/7 will be available for streaming on pbskids.org and on the PBS KIDS Video App, which is available on a variety of mobile devices and over-the-top platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information about KERA’s educational children’s programming, visit kera.org.

Studio Movie Grill Goes "Rogue" With New Menu

Studio Movie Grill has made a name for themselves combining state-of-the-art sight and sound technologies with an ultra-comfortable viewing experience mixed with in-theater dining. Date night just got a little more exciting with the addition of more than 15 new dishes being added to their menu, including Seared Ahi Tuna, Hummus, Onion Rings, Blackened Chicken Pasta, Blackened Chicken Sliders, and a Chimichurri Steak Salad. But the innovative additions don’t stop there! As an ode to the new Star Wars movie, Rogue One - which will be released December 16 nationwide - SMG is also introducing a new Star Wars-themed breakfast menu, served only on Saturdays and Sundays until 3:30 p.m.

Casting Call: Family Feud

Steve Harvey hosts Family Feud

Since its premiere in 1976, Family Feud has remained one of television’s most popular and enduring game shows. I grew up watching Richard Dawson host the show and long before Jeopardy, it was the Q&A show to test your knowledge of pop culture. The show pits two families against each other to compete for cash and cars by trying to guess the most popular answers to questions posed to 100 people surveyed. The answers/guesses can be unexpected and hilarious! As host, Steve Harvey engages competing family members in hilarious repartee, and his honest reactions to their responses have brought a fresh sense of comedy to the show. Family Feud will be traveling to Dallas on December 3 and 4 to hold auditions. To pre-qualify, you must EMAIL the shows producers. Interested parties will be contacted for the December auditions. So what does to make the cut? First off, you must have 5 family members related by blood, marriage or legal adoption to make up a team. Your email should include pictures and video showing them your family's personality. Briefly introduce yourselves, tell them where you are from, and feel free to use props, costumes, play a mock round of the game, or anything to stand out! Send your email to Dallas@familytryouts.com.

Dallas Zoo's Baby Elephant Is Ready To Meet His Public

Earlier this year, the Dallas Zoo and two partners successfully completed a rescue mission to relocate 17 elephants from drought-stricken Swaziland, Africa, to new homes in the U.S. Five of those elephants ended up taking permanent residence at the Dallas Zoo. It was quickly discovered that one of the four females, Mlilo, was pregnant and in May she delivered a calf that was named Ajabu. “This birth validates the critical importance of our rescue efforts and why we worked so hard to get these animals to safety... I shudder to think what would have happened to Mlilo and her calf if this move hadn’t occurred, and without the last six months of food and water we provided while they were in Swaziland, plus the excellent care and nutrition they have received upon their arrival.” said Gregg Hudson, Dallas Zoo president and CEO. After his birth, Dallas Zoo officials allowed several months for the calf and mother to bond privately while staff worked to “baby-proof” every area the baby would inhabit, including two barns, behind-the-scenes yards, and the lower portion of the Giants of the Savanna habitat. Portions of the habitat, which includes 12-foot-deep ponds and gaps that needed to be closed off, were safeguarded for the well-being of the little fellow. A shallow portion of the pond remains for the water-loving calf to enjoy. And as he grows, he will be given access to deeper parts of the pond.

The Trains At NorthPark Get Personal(ized)

One of my favorite holiday traditions is visiting The Trains at NorthPark presented by Bank of Texas and benefitting Ronald McDonald House Dallas. This year's display will feature cityscapes, including Dallas, replete with the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and Fair Park; New York with Times Square and Grand Central Terminal; Washington, D.C. with The White House; and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Other highlights include New England’s fall foliage, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore and Route 66. Thomas the Train and his friends also draw families to the charming exhibit, which will honor Dallas Police with a special tribute this year. This year, you can make your mark - and support a great cause - by purchasing a personalized railroad car to be a part of the display. Railcars range in price from $175 for a standard railcar to $275 for the 2016 limited edition observation car, third in a series of limited edition passenger cars. Cabooses are available for $225, and engines for $325. Purchase by October 14 to be a part of the opening of the elaborate miniature toy trains exhibit on November 19.

Lantern Fest Is A Celebration Of The Spirit

Historically, Chinese Lanterns have symbolized good fortune, requested favorable weather, and celebrated the lives of loved ones. In 2014, The Lantern Fest translated this ancient tradition into a family-friendly festival with food, music, s’mores, and children’s entertainment. When the sun goes down, lanterns paint the sky in a spectacular release. This family-friendly event will bring its celebration of light to Texas Motorplex in Ennis on November 19th as thousands of Chinese Lanterns, decorated with hopes and dreams, are released. “This event is for everyone,” said Lantern Fest co-owner John Malfatto. “People come for different reasons. Some families attend to remember a loved one, others search for strength during hard times and there are always a few who just want to snap a few shots for Instagram.” Gates open in the afternoon and participants can enjoy a stage show, live music, s’mores, face painting, inflatables, food and photos with princesses prior to the lantern release. Lantern Passes are now available for purchase online at www.thelanternfest.com.

Orange You Glad It's Autumn At The Arboretum!

More than 90,000 Texas pumpkins are on their way to being featured in this year's Autumn at the Arboretum national fall festival. Named one of "America's Best Pumpkin Festivals" by Fodor's Travel and "One of the World's 15 Most Breathtaking Gardens" by Architectural Digest, this year's event at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will highlight the "Art of the Pumpkin," September 17 to November 23. For the 11th year, Autumn at the Arboretum will include the popular one-acre Pumpkin Village in the Pecan Grove, featuring artful arrangements of tens of thousands of pumpkins, gourds, squash, bales of hay and cornstalks. They will be used together to create pumpkin houses that represent naturally occurring patterns in nature to mirror the "Art of the Pumpkin" theme. Cinderella's Pumpkin Carriage will also return, courtesy of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center at White Rock, set amidst the garden's remaining summer flowers, as well as 150,000 fall blooms like chrysanthemums, ornamental grasses, copper plants and firebush, and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The popular Haybale Maze will also return with the Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch offering pumpkins for purchase, and the Great Pumpkin Search.

Survive This: Warriors Games on September 10

If you are a fan of the hit TV shows Survivor or Amazing Race, then you have just hit the competition/reality TV lottery because you will be able to meet many of your favorite former players in Dallas at a charity benefit hosted by Cheer 4 Your Life next weekend. The 2nd Annual “It’s A Jungle Out There” benefit will take place on Saturday, September 10, 2016. This year, the event is being expanded to add the Warriors Games, a NEW family-friendly aspect which held on the grounds of the Embassy Suites Love Field Hotel. Attendees will be able to watch teams comprised of former players from Survivor (other reality TV shows) and young adults from Cheer 4 Your Life’s teen Warrior program compete in challenges similar to those seen on the show. Get ready for twists and turns (and maybe a merger) as the games progress until the last player is left standing and is crowned the sole Survivor. Tickets are $10-$20. That evening, Event Chairs Leslie Madden and Laura Powell will gather with adult supporters at the Frontiers of Flight Museum for the 2nd Annual “It’s A Jungle Out There” benefit which will include a concert, dinner, silent and live auction. The doors to the Frontiers of Flight Museum will open to the public at 6:30pm. A private VIP Red Carpet cocktail party for upper level sponsors will take place from 6:30-7:30pm in the upper mezzanine of the Museum. Guests will begin the evening with dinner and live entertainment from talented teens from area Performing Arts High Schools, Competitive Club Cheerleading and Dance programs, and Acrobatic troupes. The evening will culminate with a performance from rising Country music star, Hudson Moore. Leave the stilettos at home and wear anything from a sundress to dressy shorts and a fancy camo top with sandals or sneakers. Anything that screams “jungle chic” will help you to look the part at this benefit.Tickets start at $150. https://igivehere.org/cheer4yl

State Fair of Texas Announces Finalists for the 2016 Big Tex Choice Awards

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photos c/o State Fair of Texas


Even casual readers to this blog know that I am #obsessed with the State Fair of Texas. It's an iconic part of our city's heritage and from a family outing on the Midway with the kids to date night filled with fried food selections and a romantic Farris Wheel ride, the State Fair provides endless opportunities for fun. The Fair is legendary for it's fried foods and each year, the best new selections are honored with a Annual Big Tex® Choice Award. A press release sent out by the Fair today said, "With an impressive 55 entries to choose from this year, only the eight most decadent dishes have earned the right to go up against the prestigious panel of celebrity judges in hopes of achieving fair food supremacy. Even if your favorite entry didn’t make the final cut, concessionaires can still choose to introduce their creation at their stand as a “new food” during this year’s Fair."  The State Fair of Texas is proud to announce the eight finalists who will be competing for the titles of Best Taste and Most Creative in the 2016 Big Tex Choice Awards:

5 Ways To Beat The Heat In Dallas

This morning, I met up with my friend, Paige McCoy Smith, to share 5 fun ways to beat the heat on WFAA's Good Morning Texas:

Architectural Digest Names The Dallas Arboretum One of the "World's Most Breathtaking Gardens to Visit This Season"

File this one under "News Locals Already Knew But Outsiders Are Just Catching Onto". I want to give my friends at the Dallas Arboretum a slow clap for being recognized by Architectural Digest as one of the world's most Breathtaking Botanical Gardens To Visit This Season.  "Whether you're interested in seeing rare flowers, relaxing in a gorgeous green space, or finding ideas for your own summer garden, you'll find what you're looking for at these celebrated botanical gardens around the world," says the international architecture and design publication. It goes on to describe the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens as a "66-acre haven for thriving ferns and azaleas... with one of the best views of the downtown skyline." The Arboretum sent me this news saying that they were gobsmacked to be "listed second in an elite group that includes Gardens of the Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France; Claude Monet Foundation, Giverny, France; Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden, Cape Town, South Africa; Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Chonburi Province, Thailand; Royal Botanic Gardens, London, England; and Singapore Botanic Garden, Singapore."

Dallas CASA’s Parade of Playhouses Heads to NorthPark Center

Dallas CASA’s Parade of Playhouses, which brings whimsical, custom children’s playhouses into NorthPark Center for display and to support abused children, runs July 15 to 31, 2016. The 15 playhouses are designed and constructed by local architects, builders and corporations who donate the playhouses to the event, which benefits the abused and neglected children Dallas CASA serves. Some of the unique playhouse themes for this event include an African adventure campsite, a mountain-shaped house with climbing walls on both the inside and outside and a house shaped liked a block of cheese. Other playhouses include a flexible accordion-shaped house, a spacecraft house called “Life on Mars” and a house with a working garage built for a child-sized car.

5 Best Family-Friendly July 4th Events in DFW

I love the everything about Independence Day - the patriotic music, the fireworks and the food! Many in North Texas will seek out pools and lakes to cool off and celebrate but others will seek adventure and look to gather with others wanting to pay tribute to our Country. I visited the set FOX's Good Day to share just a few of my favorite picks with their viewers. To see a slew of other options across the Metroplex, hop over to Fox 4's website.

The Market Offers 20 New Reasons To Visit Dallas Farmers Market

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photos c/o Dallas Farmers Market


Have you been to Dallas Farmers Market recently? They have been busy beavers over there and the place has a whole new feel to it! Locals who shop the iconic Dallas Farmers Market have enjoyed progressive achievements over the past few years.  The Shed opened in August 2014, which is a space now exclusively dedicated to local farmers and their locally grown, seasonal produce. This past January, locals celebrated the opening of Mudhen Meat and Greens, the freestanding restaurant and beer garden from restaurateur Shannon Wynne and led by executive chef Suki Otsuki. Its healthful menu highlights fresh, local ingredients from the city and The Shed. In May, DFM opened Dallas’ first food hall called The Market in the space formerly known as Shed 2. This European concept is a fully renovated indoor space, and features a unique selection of local merchants, artisanal food vendors and restaurants creating a vibrant and much-needed food hub in downtown Dallas. The Market’s current 20 restaurants, food vendors and merchants include: 