Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg, TN

Rating: 5 out of 5 STARS!!!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
115 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-7318
http://www.smokiesinformation.org/

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a wonderful treasure filled with the beauty of God’s creations. If it’s adventure you seek, this is clearly the place for you. Explore the landscape on a nature hike, absorb the breathtaking views of the mountainside, cool off or fish in the streams, find a swimming hole beneath a visually stunning waterfall, climb the boulders, photograph animals in their habitat, or bicycle through Cades Cove and take in some history of this majestic environment.

I highly recommend the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the beginner as well as the enthusiast.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - Gatlinburg, TN

Rating:  5 out of 5 STARS!!!

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
88 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(Traffic Light #5 Downtown)
888-240-1358
http://www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com/

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an amazing place for both adults and children. There are many opportunities for learning in this interactive environment that is family-friendly. One of the best attributes of this aquarium is the tunnel where you will feel alive as the adrenaline is pumping from being up-close with sharks, stingrays, and various other sea life. You feel as though you are in the ocean with them as you gaze beside and above you…only much safer!!

You will find many kid-friendly activities as you explore the facility: touch-a-ray bay, penguin playhouse, touch horseshoe crabs in Discovery Center, crawl into tunnels inside mini-aquariums, glow-in-the-dark treehouse aquarium, and interactive displays with buttons to push so they participate in learning while having fun at the same time.

Since the kids are involved, you can stay for hours and enjoy their fascination. Along the way, you will find a Dippin’ Dots ice cream stand and a food court to feed the hungry kiddos so everyone can stay and have a pleasant experience.

The customer service was excellent and very friendly. I found this to be on the pricey side but well worth the investment for hours of fun entertainment! I highly recommend Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Come and explore the wonders of the water!!!

FYI:  Prices - $22 adults, $11 kids; Parking is cash only. The food court and ice cream stand take debit/credit.

Lefty's Lobster & Chowder House - Addison, TX

Rating: 3 out of 5 STARS!!!

Lefty’s Lobster & Chowder House
4021 Belt Line
Addison, TX
972-774-9518
http://www.leftyslobster.com/

Lefty's is hidden away in a corner strip center behind other businesses and restaurants. This was my first experience at Lefty’s and I was not impressed with its location. With the upscale menu and pricing, I fully anticipated a nicer setting and more ambience as well as superior service and quality food.

The food was good but the service and communication were awful. English was not spoken or understood well by the servers and wait staff thus causing a few problems. It took about 30 minutes after we ordered before they brought out bread for the table. Additionally, it was another 30 minutes before they began to serve the first meals. We were in a party of 17 and ordered an assortment to be served: lobster, Lefty’s pasta with jumbo shrimp, crawfish, and andouille sausage, ribeye steaks, filet mignon, King Crab leg, stuffed lobster, and several other dishes. I do not understand why we had such poor service when they didn’t appear to be overly busy and the place was not crowded this Tuesday night.

I recommend Lefty’s for the food only…for anything else, enter at your own risk!


FYI: One of the people in our party had 2 glasses of wine and found out at the end of the meal that it was $12 per glass, so you might want to ask this question first. The price range is $14-48 per entrée.

Pamela & Co. - Granbury, TX

Rating:  5 out of 5 STARS!!!

Pamela & Co‎.
102 North Houston Street
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-8114‎
www.pamelaandco.com

On this very hot day, we ventured inside to escape the heat and found a refreshing store with cool temps and unique gifts located just off the Square in Granbury, Texas.  Our gift of choice today was fudge - free samples are the bait and we allowed ourselves to be hooked and reeled in.  The fudge is amazing at Pamela & Co. I couldn't decide on a favorite so I took home 3...all were DELISH!!! The fudge is homemade right inside the store and served at its peak freshness for $13.99 a pound. In this large shop, you will find many gourmet jellies, sauces, dips, glazes, gift baskets, etc. Feel free to shop online if you can't make it in.

Eagle's Nest Sports Grill - Ft. Worth, TX

Rating: 4 out of 5 STARS!!!


Eagle’s Nest Sports Grill
8455 Boat Club Rd.
Ft. Worth, TX 76179
817-236-8881
http://www.eaglesnestsportsgrill.com/

On this fine Monday afternoon, we hit the jackpot in our search for a good burger and fries. When you walk in, you immediately notice the TV screens and décor indicative of a sports grill and a wait-staff dressed in the typical attire you would expect to see at a grill such as this...not exactly “kid-friendly” so keep that in mind when you consider bringing the family.

We ordered the Build Your Own Burger off the lunch menu. With the burger comes a choice of fries, onion strings, or pop chips for $6.95 which is very reasonable. The base one is a half-pound patty, lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes. You can add additional fixins’, about 12 to choose from, for $.50 each. I took away the tomatoes and added mayo, cheese, bacon, and avocado slices to mine making for a fabulously juicy and delicious burger that tops many I have tried. I chose the seasoned, thick-cut fries and found them to be the perfect accompaniment. The ingredients are fresh, cooked to perfection, and placed in a large-squared honey bun where the flavors mingle well together and you capture a little of all the ingredients in each bite.

The portions are huge and very filling. Our waitress was friendly and we did not have to wait long before our food arrived. Come and enjoy a burger or something else from the varied menu or live bands too!!

FYI: This establishment is located near Eagle Mountain Lake and caters to a night audience & has various events - check out the website for more info.

Frisco Commons Park - Frisco, TX

                                              
Rating:  5 out of 5 STARS!!!

Frisco Commons Park
8000 McKinney Rd.
Frisco, TX 75034
972-335-5555

Frisco Commons is a 63-acre park fully equipped for a day of family fun in the sun and in the shade.  A wooden play castle, spray park, grand pavilion, fully-stocked pond, amphitheater, Veteran's memorial and water sphere, walking/biking trails, covered picnic table area with BBQ grills, and a clean restroom facility are amenities you will find here at this wide, open-spaced park that was completed in 2004.

It was voted Best Family Park in the Metroplex and received a Park Design Excellence Award as well. Our group enjoyed rollerblading, scooters, frisbee play, playing catch with the baseball, jump roping, volley in the courtyard, the playground, water guns, the grills, and the shaded picnic area. These are just a few ideas of things to entertain you while enjoying this wonderful park and its masterful layout. Contrary to the name, this is definitely not a common park!

FYI:  You should reserve the pavilion area to get a guaranteed spot, especially for large groups. Otherwise, it's on a first come, first served basis.

After enjoying rollerblading, we observed a sign that said "No rollerblading or Skateboarding".

Sprinkles Cupcakes - Dallas, TX

                                                               
Rating:  4 out of 5 STARS!!!

Sprinkles Cupcakes
4020 Villanova Drive
Dallas, TX 75225
(in the University Park area)
214-369-0004
http://www.sprinkles.com/

We enjoyed the black and white cupcake as well as the red velvet cupcake today from Sprinkles in Dallas. The red velvet one is a southern style light chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting…it was outstanding!!The black and white is a Belgian dark chocolate cake with creamy vanilla frosting and chocolate sprinkles…it was delicious!!

Of the two we tried, the red velvet was our favorite. The cupcakes are heavily frosted, fresh, moist, and are kept at the perfect temperature. I have to say that I love the concept of individual cakes. It is much more convenient - no cutting, each person gets their favorite flavor, perfect portion, and you can have endless options for the overall cake/shape design…it just makes sense!

At Sprinkles, expect to pay a little more since these are not your typical cupcakes but it’s comparable to, or less than, many restaurant desserts which makes it a good option. Try a Sprinkle or two!!


FYI:   $3.25 each or $36 dozen. On the box they pack them in for you it says:  Our cupcakes contain no preservatives, trans fats or artificial flavors. As a result, we encourage you to enjoy them at their freshest, on the day of purchase. Do not refrigerate.

Scotty P's Hamburgers - Frisco, TX - Restaurant Review

Rating:  4 ½ out of 5 STARS!!!

Scotty P’s Hamburgers
4710 Preston Rd. #300
Frisco, Tx 75034
972-712-6556
http://www.scottyps.com/

I have never been to Scotty P’s and found it a nice touch being greeted by the heritage of this family as you observe pictures on the walls. You will also see the City of Frisco as it looked in its early days, which lends its history to you and future generations that will call Frisco home.

I ordered “The Original Scotty P’s Burger”. This is an old-fashioned burger piled high with thick-cut tomato and pickle nestled on shredded lettuce. I added cheese and bacon and substituted the mustard for the mayo version. They topped mine with shredded cheddar cheese that quickly melted on the bun. The adult burgers and frings served were large portions. The burger was juicy, fresh, and delicious and one of the best burgers I’ve had to date.

While the kid fry portions were large, the “Chris P. Chicken Strips” on the kids menu were not! They should think about changing the name to match what is actually served, which is chicken nuggets/large popcorn chicken. There were 4-5 chicken pieces served in their basket. I would say that this is fine for younger kids under 7 but not quite enough for 8 and up.

Since I could not decide between onion rings and french fries, they offer a great option called “Frings” which gives you both and is large enough to share. The fries here are good but not exceptional and the onion rings were okay but did not have much flavor. The chocolate chip cookies are huge, moist, and chewy goodness!

The prices are moderate to high for this sit-down. mostly burger, establishment. Offered on the menu are: Burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, hot dogs, salads, chili, and soups of the day like chicken tortilla, steak, and chicken noodle. If you are on the lookout for a burger that satisfies and has a wonderful taste, then I highly recommend Scotty P’s!!


FYI: Locations in Frisco, Allen, Plano, McKinney, Firewheel, Preston Forest, and West Frisco and all are family owned.

Celebration Market & Restaurant - Dallas, TX

Rating:  3 1/2 out of 5 STARS!!!

Celebration Market & Restaurant
4503 W Lovers Ln.
Dallas, Texas 75209
214-351-5681
http://www.celebrationrestaurant.com

I went to Celebration for lunch on this Thursday, just after 11am, with friends. Since the lunch rush had not arrived, it wasn't very busy at this hour. I was surprised with how slow the service was. Forty-five minutes had passed before we were served the food. After the meal, it took a long while to get our checks but the waiter was friendly and took good care of us. I had Sammy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich. It was a large portion and was served with chips and salsa, and a side dish. As it states, it was spicy, but delicious! It looked like it was of the buffalo variety, but it wasn't. Just spicy. Rolls and cornbread were served as complimentary appetizers. The restaurant was divided up oddly, probably because it used to be a house. There wasn't much for decor and the atmosphere was nothing more than average. The prices were close to $10 for lunch items and slightly more for the dinner menu. I would recommend Celebration on the food alone, but only if you have plenty of time to dine.

Submitted by:  Brad - Frisco, TX

Texas Land & Cattle Steakhouse - Frisco, TX

Rating:  4 out of 5 STARS!!!

Texas Land & Cattle
3191 Preston Rd.
Frisco, TX 75034
972-668-2832
http://www.texaslandandcattle.com/

On this particular day, I wanted to feed my craving for fried mushrooms dipped in ranch dressing and remembered that Texas Land & Cattle makes the best ones. I was quite disappointed to find out that they no longer serve them. I don’t eat steak often but I will tell you that TL&C makes a mean steak! I dined on the 6 oz. Sirloin and it was cooked to perfection and served medium-well just like I ordered it. My steak was juicy and flavorful as were the other steaks ordered at our table.

I don’t recommend the grilled-cheese sandwich for your child unless they prefer it dry because the cheese is not completely melted and becomes cold quickly, which means they are not likely to eat it, at least this was our experience today. Also, if you order a loaded baked potato, you may want to ask for additional toppings on the side so every bite will be moist and delicious, since they are a little stingy with the toppings.

Overall, the hostess and waiter were friendly and quick to attend to us with drink refills, bread refills, and sauce requests. We sat by the fireplace and enjoyed the ambience that this restaurant provides. Everything is clean and the booths are large enough to seat 3-4 people on each side which makes it nice for smaller groups to have more room or to accommodate extra family or friends. The prices are moderate to high.

If you’re on the prowl for a great steak and one that won’t cost you all your cattle, then I highly recommend Texas Land & Cattle. Happy Dining!!

Corner Bakery Cafe - Plano, TX

Rating:  5 out of 5 STARS!!!

Corner Bakery Café
941 N. Central Expressway
Plano, TX 75075
469-366-3639
http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com/

Today I got a sneak peak at Corner Bakery Café. After lunch, we decided to get dessert from this fine café. I had the Maple Pecan Bar and found it to be a slice of heaven. My lunch date enjoyed the chocolate baby bundt. If the meals here are as good as the sweet treats served, you will have an amazing dining experience.

Breakfast, various salad choices, sandwiches, panini’s, soups, and pastas are on the menu and all look scrumptious. This corner bakery offers a dining style that invites you to enjoy food while reading a good book or enjoying free WiFi. The atmosphere and lighting make for a great conversation area. I highly recommend you bring a friend here and enjoy the afternoon.

Strikz Bowling/Entertainment Center - Frisco, TX

                                                     
Rating:  5 out of 5 STARS!!!

Strikz Entertainment Center
8789 Lebanon Rd.
Frisco, TX 75034
972-668-5263
http://www.strikz.com/

I have been to Strikz many times since moving to the area and have even thrown a birthday party here before that everyone enjoyed, so I had no reservations about having another birthday party at this location. Upon calling to set things up, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they had recently renovated and now have more party rooms available, a new food area, and many new features throughout that offer a sleeker and more inviting look and function for various occasions.  The hostesses are friendly, detailed, and handle everything with ease.  The birthday package prices are far more affordable and give you more for your money than most other venues in the same area. Now available to you is online lane booking. (4 hrs prior)

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 fun group outing! During the cosmic bowling, they will play music and put up music video screens to enjoy as you bowl. 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 highly recommend Strikz for your party and entertainment needs.  Have fun!!

Ernesto's Mexican Restaurant - Prosper, TX

                                                                         
Rating:  4 out of 5 STARS!!!

Ernesto's Mexican Restaurant
120 N Preston Rd, #40
Prosper, TX 75078
972-347-2280

I have been hearing about Ernesto’s for a while now so I thought I’d check it out today when I was in the area. The waitstaff were friendly and the food is as good as I’ve been told, except for the guacamole. This particular batch was lacking an ingredient or two…hopefully it will be much better in the near future. The chips and salsa were up to par and I found the beef and chicken enchiladas topped with queso and sour cream to be exceptional, and the rice served was delicious. Ernesto’s is authentic mexican cuisine not Tex-Mex and is a gem in this small town. I highly recommend you dine here when in the Prosper or Celina area.  Happy Dining!!

Express Pest Control - McKinney, TX

Rating:  5 out of 5 STARS!!!

Express Pest Control
323 Industrial Blvd. Ste. C
McKinney, TX 75069
http://www.expresspest.com/

Express Pest Control has friendly and knowledgeable technicians that give you proper service in a timely manner while being less expensive than their competition. If you have needs beyond your quarterly treatments then they happily return between visits without extra charges and they do not continually try to sell you products or upgrade services that you do not need to invest in. I am completely satisfied with EPC and recommend them for your ant, spiders, and general pest control needs.

FYI: EPC has an office in Sherman as well.

Dos Charros Restaurant Review - McKinney, TX

Rating:  3 1/2 out of 5 STARS!!!

Dos Charros Tex Mex
4150 W. Eldorado Pkwy.
McKinney, TX 75071
214-726-1514
www.loscharrosmex.com

This was my first time to dine at this establishment.  It is located inside a strip center of other restaurants. The decor is simple and basic.  Who needs frills-not this girl...the food was quite good, the service was friendly and attentive, the restaurant was clean, and the pricing is low to moderate - that's all that matters, really.

Our party enjoyed the beef and chicken enchiladas, guacamole, chips, and salsa.  The kids liked being able to cut up the enchiladas without having them fall apart. At the end of the meal, we tried a Mexican Praline. I do not recommend this particular dessert choice unless you love cinnamon, lots of sugar, and a super hard texture like peanut brittle. I do enjoy a good praline but this one fell short for us.

I recommend Dos Charros when you're in the McKinney area or their other branches called Los Charros which are located in Allen, Little Elm, and Wylie.

The Back-up Plan Movie Review

Rating:  PG-13 - 2 1/2 out of 5 STARS!!!

Release Date:   April 23, 2010
Genre:             Romance/Comedy
Director:          Alan Poul

Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Alex O’Loughlin, Michaela Watkins, Linda Lavin, Tom Bosley, and more.

The Back-up Plan had the potential to be a hilarious romantic comedy with this storyline. Tragedy has struck this chick flick with predictability, bad acting, and little humor. There are a handful of good scenes throughout but not enough to make a really good drama or a delightful comedy. I usually like a good “girls’ movie” but did not overly enjoy this one. I did find some of the pregnancy experiences to be funny but humor was definitely hard to come by in this film.

I suggest you exercise your own back-up plan and see a different movie!!!

FYI: Rated PG-13 for sexual content including references, some crude material and language.

Date Night Movie Review

Rating:  PG-13 - 3 out of 5 STARS!!!

Release Date:   April 9, 2010
Genre:             Comedy/Romance/Thriller
Director:          Shawn Levy

Cast: Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Taraji P. Henson, Mark Wahlberg, Jimmi Simpson, Common, William Fichtner, and many more.

This couple is in need of an exciting date night adventure…and they get it! What they end up with is definitely not boring or the usual routine by any means, but is not exactly what they had hoped for this evening without the kids. The drama does help to grow their relationship into one of trust, contentment, and produces a love spark that ignites their marriage once again.

While there was plenty of laughter in this film, much of the dialogue and actions fell flat and did not make for funny moments on screen. I liked this movie but could have waited until the DVD release.


FYI: Rated PG-13 for sexual and crude content throughout, language, some violence and a drug reference.

Great Wolf Lodge - Grapevine, TX - Hotel/Spa Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 STARS!!!

Great Wolf Lodge
100 Great Wolf Drive
Grapevine, TX 76051
817-488-6510
www.greatwolf.com

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, snack bars, and adult beverages. 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.

**************************************************************************

Rating: 5 out of 5 STARS!!!

(Located inside Great Wolf Lodge)
Elements Spa
100 Great Wolf Drive
Grapevine, TX 76051
817-488-6510 ext. 720
www.greatwolflodge.com

When you arrive at the Elements Spa you immediately begin to be enticed by the calming scents inside. Shortly after, you are walked to a waiting room with low lighting, lemon and cucumber water, and a very comfy sofa and chaise chairs. The design of the space is oriental in its theme with nature as the essence to begin the relaxing journey that awaits you.

Once the massage therapist consults your questionnaire, you are taken to your spa suite to begin. Before your massage session, you are given a heated foot massage and soak in a large foot bowl as the pampering starts. I had the 60 minute elemental massage for relaxation and my masseuse was Christal. I highly recommend Christal and this type of massage as well. Christal has been in this field for over 4 years and is very talented. She is very good with pressure points in the hands, neck, head, feet, and shoulders that relieve pain and built up stress. I left the spa feeling rejuvenated and the soreness was alleviated by the end of my session.

The staff are friendly and the prices are reasonable for the length of service and quality that you receive. The Elements Spa is open 7 days a week - hours vary. My only complaint is that there is an automatic 18% gratuity for each service that is added to your bill.

** FYI: If you are a local, just enter through the Great Wolf Lodge and take the elevator to the floor marked Elements Spa.

If you are staying at the lodge, I recommend that you book your spa treatments as soon as you arrive, or before, because they book up fast.**

Thunderbird Roller Rink - Plano, TX - Entertainment Review

Rating:  3 1/2 out of  5 STARS!!!

Thunderbird Roller Rink
3200 Thunderbird Lane
Plano, TX 75075
972-422-4984
http://www.thunderbirdskatecenter.com/

Thunderbird Roller Rink offers indoor rollerskating, snack bar, music, and games on the hardwood skate floor. The building is outdated in its appearance but inside it is fairly large and can entertain you just the same. Thunderbird follows the Plano ISD calendar. Hours may vary so give them a call before leaving the house. Prices here are a little lower than others of the same venue. This is a great place to have a birthday party or to entertain the kids all year long. Skating is great exercise and it gives the adults an excuse to be a kid again. Come join the fun!

FYI:  This rink offers Stroller Skate days for moms.

The Last Song Movie Review

Rating: PG - 4 out of 5 STARS!!!

Release Date:   March 31, 2010
Genre:              Drama/Romance
Director:          Julie Ann Robinson

Cast: Miley Cyrus, Greg Kinnear, Bobby Coleman, Liam Hemsworth, Kelly Preston, and many more.

I love a good transformation movie and that is what happens throughout this piece. You will see a troubled teen allow herself to become vulnerable and transform into a beautiful person that matures from life experiences. The changing relationships with all involved will ultimately restore your hope and confidence in the potential that each of us possess and in the dreams we have for our families and for ourselves.

You will laugh, you will cry, and you will embrace this film as it has great depth and layered storylines that will make it endearing to most. If you can get past “Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana” and focus on the story and be entertained in the moment, rather than compare this with other Sparks movies/books, then you’ll enjoy it. I think The Last Song is worth the investment made to see it on the big screen.

FYI: Rated PG for thematic material, some violence, sensuality and mild language.

Massage Envy - McKinney, TX - Spa Review

Rating: 4 out of 5 STARS!!!

Massage Envy - Craig Ranch
8950 State Highway 121 Suite #340
McKinney, TX 75070
972-370-ENVY (3689)
http://www.massageenvy.com/

This Massage Envy is a fairly new establishment and offers low introductory rates on your first massage with them. I found the masseuse to be knowledgeable in her trade and focused on the areas that I requested on my questionnaire. I was thankful that she read it and tailored my massage based on this specific information that she received prior to my coming into the spa room this day.

I found the low lighting in the room to be relaxing, the fragrance was soothing, and the music selection calming. The therapist was silent so that I could de-stress and enjoy the tension being removed from my body. The lotion was warmed before putting it on me and plenty was used so that it would go more smoothly. She was able to manipulate my sore areas and work out all the knots.

I left Massage Envy feeling refreshed, relaxed, and no longer sore in my back and shoulders. Massage therapy is a great tool for pain relief and relaxation. I recommend the 1 hour Swedish massage technique.

** FYI:  Drink plenty of water before and after to help complete the detox process! **

Texas Tornado Hockey at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco, TX

Rating: 5 out of 5 STARS!!!

I enjoy professional hockey, usually from the American Airline Center in Dallas watching my favorite team, the Dallas Stars, but decided to change things up a bit thus landing me at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco, Texas. I found this smaller venue to be an outstanding choice. There is not a bad seat in the house and you can get up close and personal with the ice, players, and mascot.  The mascot for Texas Tornado is a bear that is highly entertaining.  He explores the audience, dances, and expresses his opinions on the game in a delightful way that the kids and adults will enjoy. 

The ticket prices and consessions here are less expensive than at a larger venue. Although the team that I was rooting for did not secure a win this night, the family and I had a great experience and will return in the near future. 

Mooyah Burgers & Fries - Frisco, TX - Restaurant Reviews

Rating: 4 out of 5 STARS!!!

Mooyah Burgers & Fries
5500 Preston Rd. #102
Frisco, TX 75035
972-377-4500
http://www.mooyah.com/

Have I been living under a rock? How could I have missed this burger gem. I found Mooyah Burgers to be wonderfully fresh and delicous.  I enjoyed being able to personalize it with my favorite toppings and condiments.  The fries here are amongst the best I have ever tasted.  The prices are a little higher but the portions will satisfy.  Plan to pay about $6.99 + tax for a single patty combo and $7.99 + tax for a double patty combo. 

The customer service was awesome.  Everyone wears smiles and is helpful to the newcomers. The restaurant has a fun and quirky feel to it. I highly recommend Mooyah for your next burger or fries fix.  Enjoy!!

Valentine's Day Movie Review

Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 STARS!!!
Release Date: February 12, 2010
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Director: Garry Marshall

Cast: Ashton Kutcher, George Lopez, Hector Elizondo, Shirley MacLaine, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Bradley Cooper, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Carter Jenkins, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner, Emma Roberts, Bryce Robinson, Taylor Swift, Matthew Walker, and more.

Valentine's Day is an enjoyable movie that entertains you and brings laughter into your day. There are many storylines going on at the same time but are woven well together. Valentine's Day explores all the various love relationships - senior citizens that are still in love years after meeting, new budding love on the horizon, a child/parent love, and many more. Gather a group of women and men alike and go see this film. Enjoy!

Amazing Jakes - Plano, TX - Family Entertainment Review

Rating: 4 out of 5 STARS!!!

Amazing Jake's
831 N. Central Expway
Plano, TX 75075
972-509-JAKE (5253)
http://www.amazingjakes.com/

Amazing Jake's is an all-you-can-eat-buffet restaurant and indoor entertainment place for all ages. Here you will find rides like go-karts, bumper cars, carousel, train, and more. Also housed in this amusement space are fun activities like putt-putt golf, laser tag, a rock climbing wall, and an arcade area with games like mini-bowling, skee-ball, air-hockey, basketball, jump rope, and many more fun games for toddlers as well as the bigger kids.

Amazing Jake's is a fantastic place to beat the heat in the summer or freezing temps outside in the winter and still be able to enjoy the activities--only INDOORS!!! There is enough inside to keep the entire family busy and happy for several hours. This is a newer facility and everything is clean and organized. The buffet offers salad, soups, pastas, baked potatoes, pizza, desserts, and drinks. I found the salad, pasta, baked potato, and most of the desserts to be good. I found the pizza to be improved over the last time we went. My family and I enjoyed the movie dining room. It contains 4 Big Screen TV's and glow in the dark walls. You will also find a Sports dining room with a few smaller TV's as well and quite a few larger dining areas throughout. This is on the pricey side but you can get an unlimited pass that includes the food, all rides and activities, and it also gives you 20 points on your playcard toward arcade games as well per person - for 3 hours! There are tickets given for each game played and can be traded in for prizes. I highly recommend Amazing Jake's for a family day out or for an amazing birthday celebration!

FYI: In order to participate on the rock climbing wall, you must be wearing closed-toe shoes. Save on the expense if you print off online coupons. Another way to save some money would be to purchase unlimited passes for the kids only. I do not recommend paying individually for every activity as it will exceed the unlimited pass price.

Custom Royal Roofing - Business Review

Custom Royal Roofing - 5 out of 5 STARS!!!
1234 Chippewa
Richardson, TX 75080
972-235-6029
www.customroyalroofing.com

A friend recommended Royal Roofing and its owner, Mike Amyx, to take care of our roofing needs after a hail storm. We spoke with the owner on the phone and at length in person during the estimate process. He is a very friendly Texan, hard working, and an honest man that you can trust and feel comfortable with. I believe he has your best interest at heart and will give you a fair price, monitor the crew, and go above and beyond to make sure that you are well taken care of and that your home will be secure with a new roof that he and his company lays down for you.

He will take care of filing the insurance claim for you and follows up with phone calls, walk-throughs, etc. I am pleased with the roof and the clean-up efforts that were done, both by the owner and crew, to ensure that no nails or debris were left behind for my kiddos to find in the yard.

Royal Roofing has been in business for almost 20 years and is a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. I highly recommend this company for your roofing needs.

All Pro Door Repair - Business Review

All Pro Door Repair - 5 out of 5 STARS!!!
P.O. Box 794275
Dallas, TX 75379
972-624-1515
http://www.allprodoor.com/

I called All Pro Door Repair today to come out and fix my garage door that came off the track due to a popped wheel and cable wire. The person I spoke with on the phone was nice, answered questions I had, gave me an estimate over the phone, and offered to send someone over within the hour that was in my area.

Craig, the technician that arrived, was very friendly and informative about my options. He did an outstanding job and gave me a fair price, even lower than the phone estimate quoted. I am completely satisfied and highly recommend this company for your residential or commercial needs.

The Blind Side Movie Review

Rating: PG-13 - 5 out of 5 STARS!!!
Release Date: November 20, 2009
Genre: Drama/Biography/Sport
Director: John Lee Hancock


Cast: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kim Dickens, Kathy Bates, and more.

The Blind Side is a very poignant story that will resonate with everyone. It tells of divides that exist but that love and compassion can conquer unconditionally. You will leave the theater feeling inspired to live a better, more meaningful life. I highly recommend you see The Blind Side.

Sandra Bullock was brilliant in this role and her performance was flawless. She deserves to win an Oscar for her portrayal in this film. This elevates her career to a whole new level of excellence. She embodied the character completely and you no longer saw the nuances of Sandra in this part. Child actor, Jae Head, gives a breakout performance as well on screen. Accolades!!

FYI: Bring tissues as it will tug on your heartstrings!

Warning: Rated PG-13 for one scene involving brief violence, drug, and sexual references.

Dear John Movie Review

Rating: PG-13 - 4 out of 5 STARS!!!
Release Date: February 5, 2010
Genre: Romance/Drama/War
Director: Lasse Hallstrom

Cast: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Richard Jenkins, Henry Thomas, and more.

Dear John is an endearing film about an improbable romance between two people from different worlds. You will experience many emotions when investing in this story that tells of two great loves; that of a father and son, and a new found love that tries to go the distance during war time while facing the challenges that presents.

Richard Jenkins delivers an outstanding performance in his supporting role. Dear John does not have the same appeal as The Notebook but does offer old-fashioned charm and romance and makes for a great date movie. Enjoy!

FYI: Bring tissue and wear waterproof mascara ladies.

Warning: Rated PG-13 for some sensuality and violence.

Great Wall Super Buffet - Frisco, TX - Restaurant Review

4 out of 5 STARS!!!

Great Wall Super Buffet
2750 Preston Rd.
Frisco, TX 75034
214-705-0200

I drove by the area in the afternoon and found it to finally be open with a Grand Opening Banner on display and immediately decided on it for dinner. We have been looking forward to another buffet in Frisco. Upon our arrival at 6:45 pm, we took a number and were told it would be a 30 minute wait. Pleasantly surprised, it only took 15 minutes to be seated.

The restaurant is draped in grandiose fashion with lovely chandeliers, art work, and niceties. It is inviting, spacious, and well organized. The buffet was clean and stocked often. I am not a fan of seafood but there was a large selection of sushi, oysters, shrimp, and crawfish if you enjoy these foods. You will find a nice soup, salad, fruit, and dessert bar as well. It was refreshing to find many items that even the pickiest kids will eat which makes for a more enjoyable dining experience. I sampled almost all of the dishes and found them to be delicious. My children said their food was good too and we plan on returning.

A couple of disappointments were the dinner price buffet for my daughter, she was charged the adult price of $12.95 for her buffet and the waitstaff did not speak or understand much English so communication is difficult when asking questions.

Overall, the staff were friendly and attentive to refills and the food was good. I recommend the newly opened Great Wall Super Buffet in Frisco, TX even though I have seen a few negative reviews. Go check it out for yourself!

Jump'N Land - McKinney, TX - Family Entertainment Review

Rating: 3 out of 5 STARS!!!

Jump'N Land
2040 Redbud Blvd. #100
McKinney, TX 75069
972-540-0800
http://www.jumpnland.com/

The best thing about this place is its free play hours. Jump'N Land is open 7 days a week and no prior reservation is needed. Most indoor bounce houses cater to only birthday parties on the weekends. Here you will find 5 inflatables to enjoy. These provide you with the opportunity to climb, jump, bounce, slide, and shoot baskets.

Also in the play area, you will find a plastic tunnel with soft pads, a plastic jungle-gym slide set, and a few plastic rocking toys. A mini-arcade, snack bar, and stuff-an-animal are located in the lobby.

The primary audience is for ages 7 and under. On your next rainy day or when you are looking for a spur-of-the-moment kind of place to take the kiddos, stop by and explore!

FYI: Don't forget your socks!

Weekdays $8.00 per child (all day pass)
Weekends $10.00 per child (all day pass)

Mon-Th 10 am-3 pm; Friday 10 am-5 pm; Sat 10 am-6 pm; Sun 12:30 pm-6 pm

www.PimpMyContainer.com - Business Review

See www.pimpmycontainer.com Affordable housing for the masses that is Green and takes half the time to build and set up your home. Perfect also for disaster victims like in Haiti and around the world. Check out this website. This CAN and WILL make a difference in the lives of others.

Cafe Brazil - Dallas/Addison, TX - Restaurant Review

Rating: 4 out of 5 STARS!!!

Cafe Brazil - Addison
4930 Beltline Rd. #100
Dallas, TX 75254
972-386-7966
cafebrazil.com

Cafe Brazil is located near many of Addison's entertainment venues and serves patrons 24 hours a day on Fridays and Saturdays. I dined on the BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger and fries. This was one of the best burgers that I have experienced. All of the ingredients were fresh and cooked to perfection. Our waiter was friendly and attentive to the table and prices were affordable. I recommend Cafe Brazil when in the area.

Classic Chrysler Dodge Jeep - Denton, TX - Business Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 STARS!!!

Classic Chrysler Dodge Jeep
4984 South I-35 East
Denton, TX 76210
940-498-9800
http://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 - McKinney, TX - Family Entertainment Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 STARS!!!

Young Chefs Academy
2107 W. Eldorado Pkwy. #109
McKinney, TX 75070
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.

Cracker Barrel - Lincoln, NE - Restaurant Review

Rating: 4 out of 5 STARS!!!

Cracker Barrel
6700 North 27th Street
Lincoln, NE 68521
(402) 476-4901
http://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!!

Gazeebo Burger - Plano, TX - Restaurant Review

Rating: 4 out of 5 STARS!!!

Gazeebo Burger
6009 West Parker Road
Plano, TX 75093
972-378-5531
http://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!