Private: Celebrate Fall

Name: No Churn Pumpkin Snap Ice Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar (feel free to add more if you want a sweeter ice cream); 8 pumpkin snap cookies crushed; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; *optional* store bought caramel syrup

No Churn Pumpkin Snap Ice Cream

October 22, 2019

Make this easy, homemade, no churn pumpkin snap ice cream recipe. It's great for Fall and simple enough to make with kids.

Fall in Dallas is so fickle, one minute I'm in a cardigan sipping pumpkin spice lattes, and then the next, I'm in a tank top eating ice cream. So to keep things consistent with Fall, and this inconsistent weather, I decided a no churn pumpkin snap ice cream would be fun to make with the kids.

I try to find fun ways to get them in the kitchen with me like here. Since we are falling so hard for pumpkin over here (see what I did there) these pumpkin snap cookies I found in my local Sprouts were an obvious choice.

easy, homemade, pumpkin snap cookie, no churn ice cream recipe

What does no-churn ice cream mean?

No churn ice cream just means you don't need an ice cream maker. Since I don't have an ice cream maker this no churn pumpkin snap ice cream was perfect. It's super easy because you can use hand mixer or a food processor to combine the ingredients. I used an electric hand mixer, however this recipe really doesn't require any equipment. You could use a whisk or a wooden spoon to whip the cream.

Does no-churn ice cream taste good

No churn ice cream is delicious! It has a smooth creamy texture. What I enjoy about this recipe is that once you establish the base it's customizable, which is what makes it so great to do with kids.

No churn ice cream flavors

I added a caramel ribbon and crushed pumpkin snap cookies to my no-churn ice cream. However, the kids created individual flavors. My son added sprinkles to his to make a funfetti flavor. My daughter added chocolate chips and crushed Oreo cookies.

No churn Ice cream without eggs

This no-churn ice cream doesn't have eggs, so it's perfect for anyone with egg allergies, which is another reason it's perfect for little ones.

How to make no churn pumpkin snap ice cream

Yield: 4

No Churn Pumpkin Snap Ice Cream

Prep Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar (feel free to add more if you want a sweeter ice cream)
8 pumpkin snap cookies crushed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
*optional* store bought caramel syrup

Instructions

1. In a large bowl mix the heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and cinnamon together. Whip the mixture until you see stiff peaks forming.

2. Put the pumpkin snap cookies in a sandwich bag and crush them until they are in crumb size pieces.

3. Gently fold the cookie crumbs into the whipped cream mixture.

4. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or any baking dish. *optional* drizzle caramel syrup on top of the mixture

5. Freeze for 6-8 hours.

6. Scoop and enjoy.

Notes

You can add more caramel syrup when serving and garnish with a whole ginger snap cookie on top.

If you make this recipe be sure to post it on Instagram and Facebook and tag @mochasandmimosas!

Boys Shark Birthday Party

October 2, 2019

I am the mother of a whole 7-year-old! How and when did that happen?!! A few weeks ago we celebrated my little (guess I may not be able to say this for much longer) mister's birthday, with a shark themed party. Today I'm sharing all the details on how you can host your own shark birthday party while keeping cost low and stress at a minimum.

Location

My son said he wanted a pool party, and although we have a pool at our house, I opted to have the party at Emler's Swim School. I decided against having it our house because I knew there would be quite a few kids, and I didn't want the parents to feel obligated to get in the pool with their kids. I also wanted a lifeguard present for my own peace of mind. In addition, although we are in September, it's still very hot in Dallas. I like that Emler's has an indoor pool, they provide life guards, and provide an area for parents to sit and watch their children, without having to get in the pool.

Theme and Decorations

My son is all boy. He loves dinosaurs (we've done a dinosaur theme party before too) and sharks. So a shark party was a no brainer. I reached out to *AdorePaperCo. for my invites. Their invites are so creative and they are timely with requests. The table cut outs and the cake topper were from Hobby Lobby. Everything else was from my local Dollar tree. I found this tutorial for the balloon tower. It was surprisingly easy to create, and I'm not crafty, so I'm sure you can do it too. I created food labels on my computer, with a clip art shark, and straws I found in Dollar Tree.

Food

My go to menu items for kids parties is pizza, it's inexpensive, easy to serve, and most kids enjoy it. Because it was a pool party I knew the kids would be famished when they got out the pool, so I provided plenty of snacks. I also wanted to have snacks for the parents while they waited. Keeping with the theme I had gold fish, Doritos, and blue apple sauce cups I found in my local grocery store, topped with Swedish Fish. The snacks were a big hit.

The cake was from Walmart! People are always surprised when I tell them this. Kids seem to love the white cake from Walmart, so that's my go to. I ordered a simple blue cake and brought my own cake topper that I asked the baker to add. When I tell you these kids were asking for second servings of cake, the Walmart birthday cake has never failed me. And for the size of the cake and how many people it feeds, it is very affordable.

Favors

The shark cake pops are from Big Top Cake Pops. They were delicious and so fitting for our theme. I made favors with store bought rice crispy treats dipped in blue candy melt and a fondant fin. I was pleased with how everything turned out, and my son and his friends really enjoyed the party, which made it all worth it.

*Disclaimer: This post contains items gifted to me. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

Why You Need to Visit Your Local Asian Market

August 7, 2019

Fun fact, I lived in Korea for a month. When the Hubs and I first moved to Dallas, he had a consulting assignment in Seoul and I was still job hunting, so I joined him for a month. It was a great experience, being immersed in a whole new culture. I learned how to say common words and phrases, took the subway to all the markets and museums, and grew a love for Korean bbq and Kas beer. I still can't get down with kimchi though.

When I discovered that my neighborhood had a great Korean market, I was shook. If you live near a Korean or any type of Asian market for that matter, you need to check it out.

Korean Beauty Products

Korean beauty and skin care products are all the rage now. My local Korean market had a stall with face masks and beauty products. I purchased a bunch of face masks to try at home for much cheaper than you would find in your big name beauty store. There were so many options too, I wanted all of them.

What to buy from your local Asian grocery store

The Bakery

You can find lots of fresh baked breads, pastries, and cakes in the bakery section. One of my favorites are these fish shaped cakes that are like a hybrid between a pancake and a waffle. They're delicious for breakfast or as a snack.

The Produce

I'm obsessed with Korean pears, and I find the best ones at my local Korean market. They are fresh and crisp. If you've never had one, you must try them. The texture and flavor is like a cross between an apple and a pear. In addition to the pears, I find other fruits and vegetables that are generally cheaper than my neighborhood grocery store.

Bubble/Boba tea

I've mentioned here that I'm a big tea drinker. I really enjoy tea in any form, iced or cold. My local Korean grocery store has a tea stand that offers all types of iced and milk teas. My favorites are the green teas infused with fruit flavors like mango or pineapple and I have to add bubbles. The bubbles are basically little tapioca balls.

The Food Court

You know how sometimes you get to the grocery store and you're starving, and make all sorts of reckless purchases (maybe it's just me)?! Well that's not a problem at the local Korean market because there is a whole food court inside. There are stalls that offer different types of Asian cuisine. I went for a bibimbap. It's a rice bowl that includes vegetables and a protein topped with a fried egg. It sounds random but it's actually really good.

Don't sleep on your local Asian market, I'm telling you there are lots of gems to be found there.

Graduation and Back to School Party at Home

July 31, 2019

I can't believe Summer is winding down and the kids will be back to school soon. As much fun as we've had this Summer, with the kids I am looking forward to settling back into our regular routine. Before school started, I thought it would be fun to host one more big play date. Hosting a graduation and back to school party at home was the perfect thing.

Decorations

Graduation and Back to School Party at Home

The party was hosted at our home, and I made it a back yard pool party. If you've been following me, you can probably guess where the decorations came from see here, here, and here. The decorations are from my local Dollar Tree. You can also order decorations online here.

I had water guns and water balloons for

What to serve graduation and back to school party at home.

When I have a party I try to make the food simple and easy for guests to help themselves. I created a taco bar with tortillas, chips, and all of the common taco and nacho toppings. I also had chick fila for the kids.

For dessert, I got chocolate and vanilla cupcakes from Whole Foods. Don't sleep on Whole Foods. Their cupcakes are delicious and very reasonably priced compared to your local bakery.

Favors

I created a favor station with vases and candy I found in Dollar Tree. I made the print outs on my computer that went well with the Back to School theme. How cute are these class ring pops!

The kids had fun and enjoyed one last hooray before heading back to school. This was also a great way to celebrate and acknowledge my kids transitioning from one school to the next. My son starting elementary and my daughter starting pre-school.

Let me know if you have any ideas for celebrating graduation and back to school at home.

Supper Club: Summer Dinner Party

July 24, 2019

I hosted a Summer dinner party for my latest Supper Club dinner. I talked about my previous supper club dinner here. My goal for each dinner is to continue to elevate and enhance the dining experience for our members. I try to bring something different to each dinner, while maintaining that we sit at one long table, enjoy amazing food, and have a sense of community.

When I think of a Summer dinner party, I think of back yard bbqs, picnics, and fresh citrus flavors. Natasha of So Chic Events executed my vision perfectly with the tablescape.

Summer tablescape, dinner party table ideas, lemon decorations

Summer tablescape, dinner party table ideas

Smithy on Henderson

Our Summer dinner party was hosted by Smithy on Henderson. I chose Smithy because they are a relatively new restaurant in the Knox/Henderson area of Dallas. Their chefs locally source all ingredients and make the dishes fresh-to-order for undeniable flavor. They also have a progressive and spirit-forward cocktail menu. The Smithy staff was great to work with. Jean, the event coordinator, was helpful and accommodating. Our server, Sean was attentive and never let our drinks go past half, before asking if you were ready for another one. Smithy also has a private dining room that would be great for a large private dinner or corporate event. I highly recommend them.

Summer dinner party ideas
What to wear to a Summer dinner party
What to wear to a Summer wedding

The menu:

We stared this dinner with a cocktail mixer. Guests were immediately greeted and offered the drink menu. I stuck with white wine, but the "That's My Jam," a vodka cocktail infused with strawberry and cucumber flavors, was the most popular drink of the evening. We played a fun game of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner while we noshed on flat bread (my favorite appetizer), garden rolls, and chips and guacamole. The appetizers were fresh and flavorful. What I really enjoyed about Smithy is their blending of unexpected flavors. For instance, the flat bread had heirloom cherry tomato, champagne grapes, capers, basil, arugula, EVOO, boursin cheese, and feta, on a naan crust. The flavor profile was unique and delicious.

Summer drink ideas. — That's My Jam Cocktail

Summer Dinner party menu ideas — Flat Bread

Following the mixer we sat down to a dinner selection of hot chicken or cedar plank salmon. The salmon was cooked perfectly and served on an actual cedar plank. The hot chicken also received raved reviews. The chicken was served with a corn dish that was striking, as it combined roasted corn, onions, and hard boiled eggs to create a delightful dish.

There's always room for dessert.

In line with the Summer inspired theme, we enjoyed a selection of assorted cupcakes provided by Marisa of Southern Hospitality Treats. When I tell you these cupcakes were so moist, and full of flavor! The members got to choose between, strawberry, vanilla, or a lemonade cupcake. Please check her out the next time you are hosting or just feel like having cupcakes (because really, who needs a reason).

We had a fun and delicious time. Connections were made, Facebook handles were swapped, and Instagram pages were followed (hey, this is millennial networking at its finest). The next dinner has already been scheduled for September 12th. Mark your calendar because I have so many surprises planned! Make sure you are following me on Instagram and Facebook . Subscribe here to get updates on the next dinner.

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Naked Coconut Cake

June 7, 2019

I tend to do most of my baking in the Fall and reserve cool desserts like this and this for Summer. However, lately I’ve been trying out some fun and easy Summer cakes. Coconuts scream Summer, so naturally I gravitated to a recipe that allowed me to showcase this ingredient in a cake. When I think of Summer I think of pina coladas by the pool...maybe it’s just me. So I went exploring on Pinterest and was inspired to create this naked coconut cake. What makes it naked, is that it’s not fully frosted, but if you love frosting you can make it a fully clothed cake (insert giggles). There’s no alcohol so it’s safe for the kids, but it is full of rich coconut flavor. Also this cake is semi-homemade, so it’s super easy to make but the flavor and presentation will have you looking like you put in real work to create it!

Tips:

I used yellow cake mix but you can use white cake if you prefer.
If you want to frost the whole cake use 2 containers of frosting
You can toast the coconut that you top the cake with for added color and texture.

Ingredients:

Box of yellow or white cake mix (one box will make a 2 layer cake)
2 round 9 inch cake pans
1 can Cream of Coconut (I used Coco Lopez)
1 jar White buttercream frosting
1.5 cups dried unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions:

Cake

Prepare cake according to package directions, but substitute the water listed on the box, for Cream of Coconut. Reserve the remaining Cream of Coconut from the can, you will be using it in the frosting.
Evenly divide cake into 2 round 9 inch cake pans that have been greased and floured.
Bake cake according to package instructions. Cake is done when you can insert toothpick in the center and it comes out clean.
Let cake cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

Mix 2 TBS of Cream of Coconut in a bowl with the entire jar of frosting.
Fold in 1 cup of dried unsweetened coconut flakes into the frosting mixture

Assemble

Place 1st 9 inch cake on a plate or cake stand. Frost the top of the cake.
Place the 2nd 9 inch cake on a plate or cake stand. Frost the top of that cake.
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of unsweetened coconut flakes on the top of the cake.
If you are serving cake immediately or that day it can stay out at room temperature. Refrigerate cake if you are not serving it until the next day.

Enjoy!

Supper Club Dinner: Spring Fling

May 15, 2019

If you've been following me on social media or read this post you may know that I launched a supper club. My idea to start a supper club actually started brewing last year, when a number of people reached out to me about joining my brunch club. I mentioned here that my brunch club is really personal and more of an outlet for some of my close friends and I, so I wanted to do something that would be more conducive to people who aren't familiar with each other to come together. I mulled over the idea for awhile, if I'm being honest, I was kind of scared to start it. I worried about it being fun, and if people would actually show up. I seriously had to have a chat with myself and figure out what I was so scared about. I realized that I was scared of looking silly. Because, what if no one came, or people came and I disappointed them. The Hubs and some of the women that make up my girl squad told me to get out of my head and make this thing happen. So, that's what I did! And guess what? It turned out amazingly well.

The Mochas and Mimosas Supper Club is a curated dining experience, where foodies come together to sit at one (beautifully designed) table and connect over a good meal. I customize the menu and we have ice breakers and conversation starters to keep things interesting. Oh, and the location is a secret. That's right. diners have no idea where they are going until a few days before the event. After the date is announced and tickets go on sale, clues are released on my social media accounts to give diners an idea of where we will be dining as well as the menu.

Our first dinner was hosted a Jasper's in Richardson. The staff there was attentive and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend them for your next corporate or special event. The theme was Spring Fling. Natasha from So Chic Events slayed this tablescape and captured the theme perfectly. You can learn more about Natasha and her beautiful design tips here.

We sipped on crafted cocktails and enjoyed a three course meal. Some of the favorites were the blue cheese chips, the brisket burger, the lemon butter trout, and the chili smoked chicken. I also enjoyed the key lime pie and my grapefruit martini.

I have already started planning the Summer supper club dinner, which will be in July. Make sure you are following me on Instagram and/or Facebook and subscribe here to get updates on the next dinner. The last dinner sold out weeks before the event!

Mom Squad

April 17, 2019

Before having kids, the Hubs and I had very full lives. We both had demanding careers that required frequent travel. When we weren’t traveling for work we would pick up and travel on a whim for fun. On the weekends we would hang out with friends, for dinner at the newest restaurant or drinks at that latest trendy bar. Once we decided to have children we knew our lives would change. I read the blogs, spoke to friends who had kids, and felt like I was ready and okay with what was to come. Well, as any parent will tell you, nothing can truly prepare you for parenthood.

As a new mother, I struggled to find my footing. We lived in a city without any family, so it was just the three of us---well four if you count our dog. It didn’t help that we were the first couple in our immediate group of friends to have a child. We would often get calls at 8pm to meet up for dinner, “um, that’s when I’m starting the baby's bedtime routine.” I had to decline and explain to our friends that we needed more notice to find a sitter. Gone were the days of last minute plans. In all honesty, I did not miss the bars and late dinners, but I did miss connecting with other adults. While on maternity leave, I missed work, but the thought of leaving my child and having to return to work terrified me. I would have anxiety when I consider how I would manage my career as an attorney and an infant. Even when I returned to work, I slowly felt as though my life had become a series of work days and mom nights. I was trying desperately not to completely lose myself and all sense of who I was as a person outside of my roles of wife and mother. I decided to go on Meetup and join some mom groups in my area. I thought it would be a good way to connect with other women who were perhaps dealing with the same issues. I am so grateful for these groups. They saved me!

I met women who had careers but decided that at this season in their lives they wanted to focus on being mothers. As well as women, who like me were trying to balance both. We got together for play dates with our kids, and Mom’s Night Outs, where we met for nice dinners and cocktails, and tried to talk about something besides our kids. We vented, we listened without judgment, we talked about how tired we were but still somehow felt we weren’t doing enough. I formed real, authentic friendships with these women. Three years after joining the groups, when I had my daughter, these women came to visit me. They brought me flowers and meals (I had over 2 weeks worth of meals) and I leaned on them again as I adjusted to becoming a mother of two.

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you know I started a brunch club and it includes some of the women I met in one of my mom groups. We meet at least once a month for brunch and bellinis. It’s really about food and fellowship. Our conversations range from what we’re doing to get our kids prepared for school, how we navigate raising children of color in not so diverse environments, work challenges, and even relationship woes. I always leave our brunches so inspired and motivated to slay the rest of the month. My brunch club happenings lead me to start this blog and I recently launched a supper club ( I’ll have more about my supper club soon). Finding balance is still a daily struggle, but my mom squad is helping me master the tightrope. Do you have a mom/girl squad? Let me know in the comments.

Parisian Brunch

March 6, 2019

If you've been following me on Facebook and/or Instagram you know I had a Parisian themed brunch to celebrate my birthday last month. I wanted to share some tips on throwing your own Parisian themed brunch. I've mentioned here and here that sometimes I like to host theme parties at a restaurant rather than at home because it gives me a chance to enjoy myself and just show up.

I chose to host my brunch at Toulouse because it's French and the decor is chic and screams Parisian glam. From the floor tiles to the details in the chandelier. Not to mention the service and food were excellent. Find a French restaurant or Bistro to go with the theme.

I like to bring in a few of my own items to add to the tablescape to help bring my theme to life. I found Eiffel Tower favor boxes and napkins at my local Party Supply store. I got macrons from Trader Joe's and put them in the favor boxes. I like when your decorations act as favors, and who doesn't enjoy an edible favor.

My friend gifted me with Sprinkles cupcakes which were also a cute accompaniment to the table. I found plastic champagne glasses at my local Dollar Tree, which I used to hold each person's cupcake.

Of course I had to dress the part. It's fun to encourage your guest to get into the theme. Berets are all the rage now and stripes are always in, so it was easy to put an outfit together that was French inspired. I just pulled out my tutu (what, you don't have one laying around?!) to bring it all together.

For more tips on hosting a themed party see my posts here and here.

Original Chop Shop Review

February 26, 2019

The post “Original Chop Shop” is brought to you by our sponsor, Orginal Chop Shop. The opinions expressed below are my own.

The Original Chop Shop has healthy Menu Options

One of my goals this year was really to find balance with my eating. Brunchies, it's been a struggle for me as a foodie who wants to be fine. Last year, while I was pretty consistent with working out, my nutrition was not balanced. I especially found it difficult when I dined out. This year I'm trying to make better food choices and not have FOMO (fear of missing out) when I opt to eat clean. The whole "treat yo self" mindset that I often have when I'm at a restaurant, has led me to make some really unhealthy choices.

Picking a restaurant with a health-conscious menu that is also tasty is probably the easiest way to stay on track with your fitness goals. I love that Original Chop Shop's menu consists of delicious Buddha bowls that you can customize to fit your dietary needs (i.e. vegan, vegetarian, etc). Finding a place that I can enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner makes sticking to my fitness goals that much easier.

Original Chop Shop Breakfast

I find when I eat a good protein-heavy breakfast, I stay full for most of the day and I'm less likely to snack too much before lunch. I enjoy a good smoothie bowl and it's a great way to get greens in at breakfast. When I start my day off with a good breakfast it helps keep me on track even if I dine out for lunch or dinner.

Original Chop Shop has a variety of yummy smoothie bowls that you can top with fruit, granola, shaved coconut, and many other toppings. These bowls are filling and delicious. You can stop in for a quick smoothie bowl to enjoy for breakfast or to take with you on the go. These bowls make a great snack too.

Original Chop Shop lunch

When you think of healthy lunch options, salads often come to mind. And oftentimes salads are thought to be boring. However, that's not the case with the Original Chop Shop lunch menu. There are no boring salads here and if you're not into salads, you got options.

Buddah Bowls

A Buddha Bowl is a bowl of veggies, starch, and protein that all comes together to create a delicious concoction of flavors. Chop Shop has build your own Buddha Bowls as well as some combinations that are already created for you. You can get your bowl with a layer of rice or sweet potatoes. They even offer forbidden rice also known as black rice. It has a nutty flavor similar to brown rice. Atop the rice is your protein of choice, which includes tofu. Then there are roasted veggies. These bowls are hearty and packed with flavor. My favorite bowl was the Thai Coconut Chicken.

Non-Boring Salads

Chop Shop has a variety of salads to choose from and these salads are far from boring. My favorite salad was the beet salad. Even if you don't like beets, which I don't, you will enjoy this salad. It's bursting with flavor and texture from the beets, sliced apples, feta cheese, and nuts. So good!

Healthy drinks that aren't water

I enjoy a good cocktail or glass of vino and bubbles, but those empty calories definitely add up. When I dine out I always order water with lemon or a flavored unsweetened ice tea and make an effort to finish my glass during my meal. I appreciate that Original Chop Shop has a drink bar with a few different flavored ice teas and flavored waters. It's a great alternative to soda and an excellent way to make sure you're getting your water in for the day. There are also a variety of smoothies you can enjoy if you're looking for something more than tea and water.

If you are looking for a healthy option for dining out or takeout and you have an Original Chop Shop in your area, you should visit. They offer a variety of healthy meals without sacrificing flavor. If you found this helpful go ahead and pin this post to Pinterest to spread the word.

This post is sponsored by Original Chop Shop. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

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Best Children's Books about Diversity

February 20, 2019

Happy Black History Month! Yet, another reason I love February (I mentioned my other reasons here). Today I'm sharing the best children's books about diversity.

Children's Books with Black Characters

The Hubs and I have made a concerted effort to include books by black authors and with black characters in our children's library. I think it's so important for our children to see characters who look like them and read stories they can relate to. In celebration of Black History Month, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite books from the kids' library that include black characters.

After seeing Black Panther it became even more apparent how much representation matters. Having our children see characters in books and on-screen of people that look like them, and people in their family is so affirming. I want my children to know and believe that they can be superheroes and princesses and the main character in their own stories.

Children's Books that Celebrate Diversity

I believe the books I've included on the list should be read by and to children of all races. When kids see books about people that look different than them, it gives us as care gives the opportunity to have open and honest conversations about our similarities and the things that make us each unique.

When our children are exposed to books about children from all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, it gives them a greater understanding of the real world and fosters acceptance.

10 Best Children's Books for Black History Month

Mary Had a Little Glam - My daughter loves this book. It's a great modern-day twist on a classic fairy tale.

Full, Full, Full, of Love - The foodie in me loves this story about a family gathering together for dinner at grandma's house.

I Love My Hair - This story celebrates the complicated relationship black girls often have with their natural hair and helps them embrace it.

Penny and the Magic Puffballs - This story of how a little girl's afro puffs are magical, is the epitome of black girl magic.

I Just Want to Say Goodnight - The illustrations on each page could be framed as a work of art. The story of a little girl who lives in an African village is also beautiful.

The Snow Day - This Caldecott Medal-winning story is a classic that I grew up reading and had to share with my own kids.

Dancing in the Wings - This story by Debbie Allen about a budding ballerina who doesn't fit the stereotypical standards of a ballerina is fun and inspiring.

Good Morning Superman - My son enjoys this book so much. A little black boy aspiring to be superman ---sign us up.

Amazing Grace - This story about a young Trinidadian girl and her many adventures is exciting and relatable to my children who have two Caribbean parents.

The People Who Could Fly - This folk tale of slaves who possessed ancient magic that enabled them to fly away to freedom, opens up lots of room for conversation about America's history of slavery.

I hope this list of the best children's books for black history month encourages you to add some of these books to your library. Please leave a comment for any books you think should be added to this list.

If you found this helpful go ahead and pin this post to Pinterest to spread the word.

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Reflections: Two Year Blogaversary

February 6, 2019

It's my two year Blogaversary and yesterday was my Birthday! It's no coincidence that these two mile stones are within days of each other. Two years ago as my birthday was approaching I finally decided to take the leap and start Mochas and Mimosas, after sitting on the site for months and trying to make sure everything was perfect before I launched. Spoiler alert, it's still not perfect, but I'm learning as I grow that, that's okay. With February being my birthday month, this is when I get the most reflective about the past year. Here are a few things that 2018 taught me:

Faith over fear. This was definitely my theme for 2018! Sometimes we have our plans and life throws some things our way that completely takes us off course. I don't consider myself a religious person, but I will say I am spiritual in the sense that I'm more focused on my relationship with God, than I am about going to church. This past year led me to lean into my faith significantly and to really acknowledge that at the end of the day, God's got me! I found great comfort in knowing that ultimately I have to step out on faith and trust that everything will workout. It's the same energy that has helped me with blogging despite my fear that no one would show up (thanks for showing up). Last year, I was interviewed for a podcast (I'm episode 8), became a brand ambassador for an awesome networking group, and had so many other wonderful opportunities. These experiences were confirmation for me to continue to push past my fear and lean on faith.
No is complete sentence. The older I get, the more comfortable I get with saying no. There once was a time, when I would be so worried about hurting someone's feelings or offending them by saying no. However, I would then begrudgingly perform what ever task I didn't have the courage to say no to. I realize this doesn't serve anyone, and it left me resentful and burnt out. Try it. It gets easier the more you do it.
It's okay if something is not a good fit. My biggest lesson last year is that if something is not a good fit, it's okay to move on, and that doesn't make you a quitter. Maybe, it's how I was raised, but I take my commitment to something very seriously. If I agree to do something, I will see it through to the end, even if I'm not feeling it. Last year I took an opportunity that I soon realized was not conducive to the way I operate. The environment sucked if I'm keeping it all the way real. Being in that environment started to become so stressful, that it was affecting other areas of my life. Yet, I felt I had to try and make it work to honor my commitment. I eventually realized that if something does not suite me, it's in everyone's best interest, especially my own, to move on.
You can do anything but you can't do everything. I've mentioned before how I am continually striving for balance as I juggle wearing all of my many hats (wife, mom, attorney, blogger, etc.) while trying to workout, follow the 80/20 rule for eating, be a conscious parent, and drink enough water. It's tough! What I have come to accept though is that balance is going to look different from day to day. There are days I will kill it in two out of four of these categories and that's actually the goal. I'm letting go of feeling guilty for not being 400% which is essentially what I'd have to be in order to kill it in all the areas of my life, and that's just crazy talk.
Enjoy each season. 2018 helped me understand that events in our life often don't make sense in real time. One of my on going struggles is being present, because I often live for the future. 2018 was a season of surrender for me. Surrendering my plan and really digging deep on why I stared blogging as well as why I began practicing law. I also had to get real about the type of mother I want to be. In the past getting ahead in my career was very important to me, and because of that I had to forgo being wholly present as a mother. I missed school events, was exhausted when I came home so I felt spent and had very little left to give to my family. However, I'm even more committed now, to being more present and enjoy every season I encounter.

I'm looking forward to all the joy and lessons that 2019 has in store for me.

Walk On's Is Not Your Typical Sports Bar

January 23, 2019

I will be the first to tell you, I'm not a huge sports fan. I know that's blasphemy when living in a city like Dallas, where even little league sports is a big deal. I'm that girl who is at the watch party for the food and drinks! The problem is most sports bars leave a lot to be desired if you're a foodie. At last, I found a place that gets it! Walk On's definitely understands that some of us are more here for the food than the game.

The latest sports bar on the DFW scene is Baton Rouge based Walk On's Bistreaux & Bar. The first location recently opened in Las Colinas, but there are plans to open another location in Arlington. From the name, and the fact that the establishment originated in Louisianan, you know there will be some Creole and Cajun flair on these dishes. I had the pleasure of speaking with the head chef, who boasted they are a kitchen focused sports grill.

There menu is vast, with options that range from your typical sports bar favorites, like loaded fries and burgers to unexpected items like seared ahi tuna, which was one of my favorite appetizers. As well as a pepper jelly shrimp salad, which was fresh and flavorful.

The standout items for me were as follows: Appetizers: The queso which has venison. My friend enjoyed the boudin balls.

Entree: Shrimp and grits, although I would tell them to hold the bacon wrapped around the shrimp. I don't eat pork, but even my friend who does, found it to be a bit much. The grits however, were very creamy. My friend thoroughly enjoyed her catfish atchafalaya.

Dessert: I love a good beignet but I found this one to be a bit gummy and not as light an airy as I prefer. The Krispy Kreme bread pudding is sinful. It's literally a donut bread pudding. It was way too sweet for my liking but other people at our table enjoyed it. My favorite dessert was the skillet chocolate chip cookie with ice cream. They also have some delicious milk shakes if you'd rather sip your dessert.

Whether or not you're going for the game or just for the food, head over to Walk On's.

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

5 Reasons to Visit the We Ate Well Food Tour

December 28, 2018

I saw pictures of the The We Ate Well food Tour floating around on Instagram and jumped at the opportunity to attend. Now I can't wait to do another tour with this group. The cocktail tour looks pretty amazing! Here are 5 reasons you need to get in on this tour:

1.The food is delicious.

I mean what's the point of a food tour if the food isn't delicious?! From the sandwich at Patina Green, to the bread pudding at Rye, and the wine tasting at Landon Winery, every bite was so good, and had me ready to head back for a full course meal.

2. You get a history lesson.

The food tour takes places in historic downtown Mckinney. Along the way, our guide gave us fun facts about the history of the buildings we were visiting and tid bits about what the town was like before its current state. It was interesting hearing about the different families and business that were there before.

3. It's fun.

Our tour group was so fun. There were locals celebrating a birthday, and people visiting from out of town who wanted a unique way to get a taste of Texas flavor. You can't help but get to know the other people on the tour and chop it up about food (pun intended). I did the tour with one of my girlfriends and we enjoyed it. This would also make a great date or a fun activity to do with out of town guests.

4. You discover hidden gems.

I have been to downtown Mckinney a number of times, and I didn't know about half of the places we visited on the tour. I expanded my "places to eat" list after the tour (I can't be the only one who has such a list). As I mentioned at #1 all of the food was good. Since the tour, I went back to Harvest with my family and had an amazing meal.

5. The tour guide is awesome.

Our tour guide Tricia, is the owner and founder of We Ate Well Food Tours. She was so bubbly, informative, and all around cool. Her personality along with the food, is really what makes the tour so enjoyable. I also love supporting women owned businesses and a woman of color. Be sure to check out on her tours. I promise you wont be disappointed.

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

Party Planning Tips with The Cake Exchange

December 4, 2018

I shared in this post some table decor ideas for hosting a bomb dinner party. I talked about hosting a holiday brunch in this post . Well, today I collaborated with Amy and Anna of The Cake Exchange to bring you tips to host a fabulous, stress free party. I've attended parties hosted by Amy, who is a friend of mine, and they are always so cute and fun. She never looks stressed when she hosts so I had to figure out her secret. You met Amy before from this post when she gave us tips for having a Pinterest worthy holiday playdate. Lets welcome Amy and Anna to the brunch Squad!

How did the Cake Exchange come about?

We met at work and bonded over our shared love for planning parties. We literally spent hours looking at photos of birthday parties and events we had each thrown and talking about all the little details that made them special. Years and many celebrations later, we decided to create The Cake Exchange- a place to share ideas, tips and tricks for elevating life's celebrations. Our goal is to share tips and inspiration from real life parties to help others create memorable celebrations for family and friends.

How do you decide on a theme?

Ana: For kid birthday parties, I usually ask my kids what they want to do or pick something that they’re really into. It’s a collaboration. For adult parties, my husband and I like to do wine and beer-themed parties.

Amy: My process is a bit less collaborative #controlfreak. I generally pick all the party themes. For kid birthdays, I’m inspired by things that they like and then I determine what would make the best party.

What is your go to menu for a kids party? For an adult party?

Amy: My go to menu is taco catering (when in doubt, go with tacos!) and I always like to have multiple dessert options (usually cake, cupcakes/cake pops, and cookies though lately I’ve also really been into serving donuts).

Ana: My husband and I try to choose party menus that make it easy for us to feed a big crowd like taco bars, chili bars, and pulled pork sliders. I usually add kid-friendly options like nuggets from Chick-Fil-A and homemade sides. For dessert, cake, candy and Brazilian sweets are always a must at my parties.

What 2-3 tips do you have for hosting a party, so you don’t get overwhelmed with hosting?

Amy: I’m a hard-core planner so my biggest tip is to start planning as far ahead of time as you can. Knock out the big things like selecting the venue, menu planning, pre-ordering the food, buying decorations, and favors, etc. as early as possible.

Ana: I can give tips but it doesn’t mean that I actually do it 😊. Buy everything you need for the party a couple of days in advance; the fewer errands you have to do the day before and the day of the party the better. I always schedule my parties for late in the day to give me more time to prep the day-of.

Your parties always have such beautiful decor and details. What 2-3 items would you recommend someone have to make their party pop?

Ana: Balloons! Something I learned along the way is that you don’t need to buy helium balloons at all. You can make great party decorations blowing up your own balloons and stringing them together to form garlands or hanging them from the ceiling.

Amy: I love desserts so I put a lot of focus on creating a wow factor with the dessert table at my parties. I like to curate a table of treats that look and taste amazing and fit the party theme. Of course, I do all the taste testing myself 😊.

What are your favorite budget friendly places to shop tips for having a chic party on a budget?

Ana: HomeGoods, Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Target (especially the dollar bins in the front of the store), and Dollar Tree. I try to envision what I want for the party (ex. tissue tassels, balloon garlands, wine and cheese pairing) and then I learn how to do it myself online.

Amy: It’s true! She’s a DIY queen! I invest in a collection of entertaining/party supplies that I can re-use often like my drink dispensers and serving dishes.

With the holidays approaching what tips do you have for hosting holiday get togethers at home?

Ana: I’ve started making charcuterie platters for gatherings big and small and those have really been a hit. They look beautiful and give guests lots of options. My husband and I are also big on setting the mood with music and themed lighting.

Amy: I love creating signature cocktails and infused waters for all my gatherings. For the holidays, I like to do my infused waters with reds, orange and greens (ex. cranberry/mint water or ginger/orange/blackberry water).

A great party is really about the basics – plenty of good food and drinks will keep your guests happy. All the other special details are just icing on the cake!

For more amazing tips and inspiration from The Cake Exchange visit them on Instagram and Pinterest.

Create Your Own Burger at BurgerIM

November 20, 2018

My friend and I went to BurgerIM for lunch the other day and had a great time customizing our burgers. The concept of BurgerIM is that you choose from a number of different 3 oz burgers and add one or all of the nine different toppings they have available for each burger. You can order a single burger or if you're feeling hungry go for a duo, or a trio. They also have a party pack of 16 burgers that you can share with a group. My friend and I each got a trio...hey we were hungry. She had the Spanish beef, which had a spicy kick, dry aged beef, and salmon. I went for the lamb, chicken, and wagu beef. My favorite burgers were the chicken and the lamb. My friend really enjoyed the Spanish and the dry aged beef.

Of course we had to add sides, because what's a burger without fries?! We tried them all, onion rings, sweet potato fries, and a hybrid between a french fry and a potato chips. The onion rings were my favorite. They were crunchy and tasty. Along with the burgers and fries there are also tons of different dipping sauces to choose from. The garlic aoli and the ranch were my jam.

The portion sizes are perfect and all of the customizable options will please even the pickiest eater. Head over to the nearest BurgerIM the next time you have a burger craving.

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

Park and Palate

October 16, 2018

My absolute favorite foodie event of the year is almost here, and I want you to join me! Picture it (in my Sophia Petrillo voice) Dallas, in the Fall, at the beautiful Klyde Warren park, some of the greatest culinary minds in Texas gathered together to present tasty dishes. Cocktails, wine, and champagne to sip on as you take in the scenic downtown views. What is this magical event I speak of? It's none other than Park and Palate. And in case that wasn't enough to entice you to go, the event benefits Klyde Warren Park, the Central Park of Dallas. The quality of food is top notch and there is so much. I was so full that I didn't even have room to make a second trip to some of the tables I loved.

Okay, slight confession, I kind of have this thing where I get excited about meeting Chefs. It probably sounds odd, but it's true. I am so fascinated by their thought process when creating a dish. I'm intrigued by what made them blend particular ingredients, and how they are inspired to create a dish. At last year's event I met chefs from some of my favorite restaurants and got to talk to them about these very things. It was such a treat to pick their brains about food. I also found out the secret to making good mofongo and paella, hint: it's all about the broth. I'm telling you, I was in foodie nirvana. If I could only attend one foodie event for the year, this hands down would be it! The event is October 27th, which will be here before you know it so get your tickets before they sell out!

Since I love my Brunchies so much I want to gift one lucky reader with two tickets ($150 value) to join me at the ultimate foodie event of the year. To enter to win, leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite restaurant is in Dallas/Ft. Worth. To increase your chances of winning you can also enter on Instagram and Facebook. Check back here on October 20th to find out if you won. Use code: MOCHASANDMIMOSAS15 to save 15% off of your ticket.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

September Highlights

October 3, 2018

Hey Brunchies! Fall is finally here, and I couldn't be more excited! This time of year is foodie season (I'm mean technically all year is foodie season for me) because there are so many food festivals, the Texas State Fair, Oktoberfest, and Halloween events. This could be why Fall is my favorite season. September was such a busy month with events and new restaurants opening. I decided to highlight some of the events I attended this month. I usually post on my Instagram stories in real time from the events I attend so make sure you're following me here.

*Kilwins, Plano

I finally visited Kilwins and lets just say, maybe this was a mistake. You guys know sweetness in my weakness and this is basically like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Kilwins makes most of their items in house. I was there when they were making the batch of caramel apples (swoon). I sampled the ice cream (the NOLA praline was so good), some the creamy fudge that comes in a variety of flavors, and so much more. I'll definitely be back with the kids to try some of their new Fall items, like the apple pie ice cream (yum).

Medieval Times

This year for my son's birthday, in lieu of a party we celebrated at Medieval Times. Medieval Times is an interactive dinner show that includes knights on horses and sword fighting. The kids really enjoyed it. I would definitely suggest it for a family outing or a birthday celebration. TIP: Bring disposable silverware because utensils are not served with dinner, remember we're in Medieval Times, the food is meant to be eaten with your hands. The portions are huge, especially for kids. Save Your Coins: I purchased props from Dollar Tree for us to really get into the theme. This also saved money, because the souvenirs can be pricey. It also made it more fun because everyone in our family had a prop.

*Snooze, Dallas

The breakfast all day every day, eatery Snooze, opened it's second DFW location. Snooze is my jam, because as you know, brunch is my favorite meal of the day, and there are so many delicious options. Snooze also makes their items from scratch, none of that premade stuff. Some of my favorites are the pancake flight, where you choose three different pancakes (the pineapple upside down is a must), the avocado benny, and the OMG french toast, which is basically a dessert. Something else to feel good about is that Snooze partners with local community organizations. During their soft opening all of the tips went to Vickery Medaow.

*Moxie Grill, Plano

Moxie Grill brought their talents to Plano, so now you don't have to venture to uptown to feel cool and hip. The Plano location has a swanky bar and a cool patio area that will be a great hang out spot now that the evenings are getting cooler. This will be a good spot for date night or girls night out.

*The Ultimate Cocktail Experience

If you're a cocktail aficionado then this is your event. As the title rightfully states, this event is an experience. There are over 40 different cocktails, music, and something happening in every corner. I tried my first vaporized shot, there was an oxygen bar, an adult game of operation, vodka infused ice cream, a bodega in case you got the munchies. I'm telling you it was an experience.

*The Edge of Texas

This was my second year attending Texas Monthly Magazine's event, celebrating all things Texas! This is a two day event that includes a day full of seminars and workshops from some of Texas' best and brightest (think Mark Cuban, Dale Hansen, and Rachel Lindsay) and a party that featured food from some of the best restaurants in Dallas.

*Foodie Palooza

This was my first year attending the Food Palooza, but It will not be my last. As the name suggests there was tons of yummy food and cocktails from local restaurants and a DJ that had everyone doing the Wobble. There was also a silent auction with some amazing items (think $1k gift card to Highland Park Village and an item from Christian Louboutin, just to name a few). All of this was going on over looking the beautiful White Rock Lake. The best part was that we were partying with a purpose. All of the proceeds from the event went to the East Dallas Boys and Girls Club.

Be sure to be on the look out for these events next year so you wont have a major case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) next year. Just another reason for you to make sure you are following me on Facebook and Instagram where I'll be reminding you to get your tickets.

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

5 Tips for First Time Thrift Shoppers

September 11, 2018

One of the things I appreciate most about blogging is all of the people I’ve met, and continue to meet through this platform. Social media is a funny thing, it has allowed me to meet people, who in my head or even virtually are my homies. That brings me to today’s post. I finally met and hung out with one of my virtual homies, Tiyuanna, a self-proclaimed Thrift Style Maven, and that title is fitting. I've always admired her style because she wears the cutest outfits that she puts together with pieces she thrifted. We finally decided to meet up for brunch (my idea) and thrifting (her idea).

We brunched at the Woodland’s Grill. I have been to the Woodland’s Grill for lunch and dinner, but this was my first time visiting for brunch. The service and dishes are consistently good. Our server, Mary was friendly and gave us some good recommendations.

Tiyunna went with the crab cake benedict, and she let me try a piece. It was delicious. The egg, crab cake, and perfectly toasted English muffin melded so well together. I think I will be getting this next time I visit.

I decided to go in the other direction and went for a sweet over savory, with the stuffed French toast. It was delicious. The thick fluffy, lightly fried bread is filled with a sweet berry flavored cream and topped with mixed berries. I didn’t even need syrup!

After brunch we made our way to Thrift World, Dallas. I was initially intimidated by the whole idea of thrifting, but Tiyunna took the lead and did her thing. I left with 5 items for a total of $25. Some of the pieces I scored were from Banana Republic and JCrew.

Tiyunna’s Thrifting Tips:

Assess your closet and make a list of items you want/need to purchase. Thrift stores can be overwhelming and it’s easy to get caught up with the fact that there is so much and for so cheap. It may also be helpful to set a budget and stick to it!
Dress comfortably. Wear something fitted that you could try clothes over or something loose that you try clothes on under (I wore a peasant style maxi dress and tried the skirts on under my dress) because some stores do not have a fitting room and you cannot return items.
The best items to thrift for a newbie are blazers, skirts, vintage jeans, and accessories.
Dry clean or wash all of your items. Spray and wipe down accessories and shoes with rubbing alcohol.
Have fun and enjoy the experience!

Take Your Taste Buds on Vacation: Tommy Bahama Restaurant Review

August 15, 2018

Can you believe Summer is almost over! The kids are back in school and the ease of lazy Summer days are slowly winding down. If like me, you didn't get to have an exotic vacation this Summer (not sure if my trip to South Florida counts) I've got the next best thing, a review of Tommy Bahama at Legacy West. The menu is filled with Caribbean inspired dishes and tropical drinks that are so delicious, you'll be wondering if you should have brought your passport!

The Hubs and I started off with the coconuts shrimp and the chicken lollipops. The shrimp was crisp and perfectly breaded. The chicken lollipops were tender and practically falling off the bone. The jerk remoulade was a good contrast to the slightly sweet chicken.

For dinner the Hubs had the Sanibel chicken, which was stuffed with roasted red peepers and cheese, and lightly breaded. It was so good! I had the macadamian crusted snapper, served with coconut almond rice. The snapper was light and flaky and the rice was flavorful. Don't be intimidated by this flavor combination.

Before we get to dessert (oh you know I had to have dessert) lets discuss these Summer cocktails. I live for a great Summer cocktail see here and here My favorite was the frozen Mai Tai, with it's lush pineapple flavor. You can't help but feel like you have been whisked away to some beach resort while you're sipping on it. The Beachy Lychee was good too if you like your cocktail sweet and creamy. The froze was different than the typical froze I've had at other places. This one had hints of cinnamon and gave me Autumn feels. It's a good bridge from Summer to Fall.

Dessert was unique and scrumptious! I highly advise you to save room for dessert. My favorite was the Tahitian vanilla creme brulee that was served in a hollowed pineapple. With every bite of creamy custard, you get little chunks of fresh pineapple, just divine! The Pina colada cake was also moist and delicious. Picture white chocolate mousse and pineapple hugging each layer of vanilla cake that was sprayed with rum and finished off with toasted coconut. I could come back here just for cocktails and dessert!

If you have a Tommy Bahama restaurant near you, you should definitely drop in for a visit. If you're on Instagram make sure to enter my giveaway @mochasandmimosas (or click the Instagram icon in the upper right corner) for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Tommy Bahama. The card is good for the restaurant or store. The contest closes on August 18, 2018 at 11pm. Good luck!

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

Easy Watermelon Granita

August 9, 2018

With Summer in full swing and these three-digit temperatures in Dallas, I just want to have cool drinks and hang out in the pool all day. Today we're making a watermelon granita! This easy watermelon granita is a fun way to make a simple treat fancy.

What Is a Granita

A granita is basically a fancy snow cone or slushie. Granita just sounds so lux and upscale. Doesn't "would you like a granita darling" sounds so much better than, "you want a slushie?" My granita recipe is super simple and only has 2 ingredients---3 if you decide to make it boozy.

This watermelon granita is also great for entertaining. I have this theory that once you put something in a martini glass, it automatically becomes fancy. Try it, I'm telling you it works! Go ahead and make it this weekend and wow your family or if you have guests.

Watermelon Granita Recipe

Yield: 4

Watermelon Granita Recipe

This watermelon granita is the perfect Summer treat! It's easy to make, delicious and refreshing. It's great for entertaining too because it looks fancy.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups watermelon ( use a melon baller for easy scooping) with the seeds removed
2 Tablespoons your favorite sweetener (I used agave). Sweeten to your liking.
Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender.
Pour the liquid mixture into a shallow baking dish. Place the dish on a level surface in your freezer. Set your time for one hour.
After an hour, remove the mixture from the freezer and use a fork to scrape through the icy mixture.
Set your timer for 2 hours and repeat step 3. You should be left with slushy ice crystals.
Serve in a martini glass and garnish with fresh mint.

Notes

If you want to make this a boozy granita add ¼ cup of your favorite booze (I like to use vodka, rum, or Rose').

Watermelon Sorbet

If you want to make watermelon sorbet then you can skip the step where you scrape the ice after an hour. Instead, let the mixture freeze for 4 hours then scoop into a glass. Keep it fancy and put that thing in a martini glass or your favorite bowl.

Boozy Watermelon Granita

You know I live for a boozy frozen treat! You can serve this watermelon granita to kids but if you want to make it boozy and more of a cocktail then add your favorite alcohol to the mix as indicated in the recipe card. You can also top off the virgin granita with alcohol. Top it off with rum, vodka, rose', or your favorite sparkling wine. So yummy!

How to Store Granita

Store your granita in the freezer in a covered freezer-safe container. It could also be stored in a freezer bag.

If you found this helpful go ahead and pin this post to Pinterest to spread the word.

If you make this recipe be sure to post it on Instagram and Facebook and tag @mochasandmimosas!

Looking for more Summer cocktail recipes

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Mocha Moment: Wow Donuts

May 31, 2018

Since May is all about Mothers, I thought Mom themed book recommendations would be fitting. I also wanted to share with you this cute new donut shop I discovered when I attend a blogger meetup the other day. Wow Donuts has many unique flavored donuts that will make it hard for you to decide on which one to try first (you know you're going to get more than one). The shop is also chocked full of backdrops for you to get that ubiquitous shot for “the gram”. There is also a great selection of coffees and teas (which I was really into). Soon they will be featuring the option to have a tea experience, where you get a tray and a whole set-up for your tea. I can’t wait to try that. You know I know how I feel about tea.

The books:

The Mothers, by Brit Bennett

After I read The Mothers, I was telling every woman I knew that they had to read this book. It was on my list of favorite books for 2017. I even went on the author’s Instagram page because I just had to tell her how much I enjoyed it. It’s a simple story of boy meets girl, but of course, there are many twists along the way. The writing is simple and intimate, in that way of telling a story to your closest friend, not overdone or dramatic, but real. It’s also a story about community, love, betrayal, and family.

Mother, Mother: A Novel, by Koren Zailckas

This is definitely not one of the warm and fuzzy feel good Mother’s day books, but if you are looking for a thriller (think Mommy Dearest) then this is it. Mother, Mother takes you on wild ride as a family tries to find out what happened to their eldest daughter who disappeared. The story is told through first person accounts of the other two children, a son and daughter. What I found most interesting about this book is how children can grow up in the same house with the same parents and have such different viewpoints on their parents and the events that occurred in their shared lives.

Where’d You Go Bernadette, by Maria Semple

This novel is a bit unconventional as it is told mostly through letters and emails that a daughter discovers as she is trying to piece together what happened when her mother goes missing. It’s not a sad story though, it is actually very satirical and there are laugh out loud moments. If you’re looking for a fun light hearted story about how sometimes women lose themselves in motherhood and wake up one day not sure who they are and how they got there, then you should give this one a read.

Have you read any good books with motherhood as the theme? If so leave a recommendation in the comments. Also, if you’ve read or read any of my recommendations, please let me know your thought.

Brunch Review: Sugar Bacon

May 22, 2018

Downtown McKinney is becoming one of my favorite spots to hang out. Outside of the fact that it looks like the set from a Hallmark movie, with its small town feel, it also has several boutiques and eateries. I am determined to dispel the myth that all the good brunch places are in uptown Dallas. I met a friend in downtown McKinney for brunch at Sugar Bacon Proper Kitchen, and I spotted a number of other restaurants I plan to visit.

There is a huge bar and an open kitchen. For seating, you can choose from high top tables, or a traditional booth and chairs. I noticed families there, and it was loud enough to not feel self-conscience if your kids were not using their inside voices.

We started off with donut holes and mimosas. They had a great selection of mimosas. My friend opted for the pineapple, I went for the grapefruit. The donuts were tasty and the mimosas were strong!

I went for my go to brunch item, which is chicken and waffles. There were two huge chicken breasts and crisp Belgian waffle. The chicken was flavorful and juicy.

My friend enjoyed the shrimp and grits, which looked delicious. She confirmed that it was indeed, delicious.

After brunch we had a blog shoot because an impromptu photo shoot always ensues when bloggers get together.

If you find yourself in downtown McKinney, or are looking for a new area to explore, you should definitely visit Sugar Bacon.

Date Night at Fogo De Chao

April 3, 2018

Brazil is on my bucket list of places to visit. I can just picture myself sipping caipirinhas and exploring Rio. Until then, I’ll have to settle for the next best thing, which is Brazilian food, and there is no better place to have it than Fogo De Chao. They recently opened a new location in Legacy West, Plano. It’s the perfect spot to grab dinner to celebrate a special occasion or for a fancy date night.

There is an impressive selection of wines and cocktails. The caipirinha was mixed perfectly and it comes in some unique flavors, like coconut and passion fruit, as well as the traditional lime. I tried all three! My favorite was the coconut.

If you have never been to traditional Brazilian steak house, this is how it works. Once you’re seated, you can enjoy the all you can eat salad bar which has an array of vegetable, cheeses, and mixed salads. As well as the hot sides bar, that includes, grilled vegetables, rice, and soup.

You are given a sign to indicate to the Gauchos (the guys with the meat) when you’d like meat presented or if you are on pause. The Gauchos walk around with different skewers of deliciously prepared meats. You name and they have it, chicken, different cuts of beef, lamb, sausage, and pork.

Fried yucca, the creamiest mashed potatoes I’ve ever had, and baked bananas (trust me they are good) are brought to your table along with fresh Brazilian cheese bread. As if all of that wasn’t enough, there's dessert, and I suggest you do your best to save room.

Mocha Money Saver: Fogo has expanded their dining options so you can enjoy a wonderful meal at various price points. If you’re not in the mood (or the money) for the full Fogo experience you can go for the Select Cut where you get access to the full salad bar and choose one cut of meat. Fogo also offers an add on to your dinner service where in addition to the wide selection of meats, you can have exotic game. This is usually an additional price, but if you sit at the Churrasco Bar it’s included in the regular dinner price. There’s also an excellent happy hour with Brazilian bites and beers starting at just $4!

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews and opinions for items gifted to me are my own.

Date Night at Taverna

February 26, 2018

Hey Loves, Today I’m bringing you a a great date night spot, it's also a good place for dinner with a couple of your friends. The setting is very intimate, so I don't recommend coming here with a big group.

When I found out a Taverna was opening in Legacy West, I couldn’t be more thrilled that I no longer had to get on the Tollway to enjoy a great Italian meal. Even if you’ve visited the Dallas locations, you should still check out the one in Plano. This location is a bit different because it has a rotisserie that changes the featured cuts of meats often. This menu is also not as pasta focused, as the Dallas location. While it is definitely Italian, it lends itself more to Mediterranean flavors.

On the night the Hubs and I went, our waiter Garrett, was awesome and he offered great recommendations for both food and wine. He convinced me to step out of my go to Pinot Noir box, and instead I tried some delightful Italian wines. I had the Ripasso, an Italian red. When the weather is cold, I have to go with red. The Hubs went for the Antanori, an Italian Chardonnay.

The Hubs and I decided to go for all seafood everything. We stared off with the charred Spanish octopus, which was full of flavor and perfectly charred. If you are not a fan of octopus and want something more traditional, try the frittura misa di mare (say that 3 times fast). It is an assortment of fried seafood.

For our entrees, we had the Tagliolini Al Futti Di Mare. This isn’t your average seafood pasta. It has a light tomato based sauce with clams, scallops, and shrimp. I had the grilled Branzio, a flaky white fish. Both dishes were delicious.

Garret insisted that we save room for dessert. The Hubs is a chocoholic, so if there is a chocolate dessert on the menu, he’s all over it. He went for the chocolate hazelnut cake with homemade vanilla gelato (which is literally made in house). The cake was moist yet dense and chocolaty. But can we have a moment of silence for this gelato! I could eat a big ol’ bowl of just the gelato. I decided to get the Tiramisu, which was slightly different than your traditional tiramisu. Can you believe it was better. There is none of that layering because the marscapan is the star here. There are ladyfingers at the bottom and then a creamy texture of goodness with a dust of coco powder at the top. We also had some after dinner drinks to close out a great meal.

If you haven’t already, put Taverna in your date night rotation!

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

How to Host a Favorite Things Party

January 13, 2018

January 26, 2018 | Updated January 13, 2021

How to host a Favorite Things party? My brunch club did a Favorite Things theme for our January brunch. Today I'm sharing tips and gift ideas for how you can host your own Favorite Things Party.

What is a Favorite Things Party?

If you aren't familiar with a Favorite Things party, here is how it works: you invite a certain number of people to your party (the amount of people is completely up to you) my brunch club consists of 5 people.

Each person brings the same gift for all of the people who are attending. For our party we each brought 5 gifts. So, everyone left with 5 different items.

Favorite Things parties are so fun and a great way to discover new items. If you've ever discovered a product you loved and just had to tell all your friends (as well as everyone on your Instagram feed) about, this is your opportunity to share that thing.

Set a Budget for your Favorite Things Party

I like to keep the size of this party small because you don't want people breaking the bank here---unless you and crew ball out like that, then do your thang.

We set the budget at $5 per item. I find that people get more creative when you give them a small budget. I think anywhere from $3-$5 per item is good.

Pick a theme for your Favorite Things

This is optional of course. You can have each guest just share their favorite products. Our theme was self-care, which is very broad and allowed for many options.

You can decide if you want all of the items to center around a common theme, like beauty, travel, food, cocktails, coffee/tea, etc. (definitely thinking about this for next time).

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How do you play Favorite Things

There are few ways you can present your favorite things. You can put all of the items out and provide gift bags for each person to grab one of each. With this option you can have everyone guess who they think brought what.

Everything was so cute and thoughtful. The ladies really got creative with their items and everyone loved them.

What to serve at Favorite Things Party

For menu ideas see here and here. Al Biernat’s was also the perfect location for such an occasion. I highly recommend it for a celebratory brunch.

Favorite Things Brunch — Sausage Scramble

Favorite Things Party Gift Ideas

Favorite Things parties are very popular around the Christmas holiday, but I like the idea of doing them after the holidays, because it gives you something to look forward to after gift giving season is over.

This would also be a cute theme for a Galantines Day or Mother's Day gathering with other mom friends.

If you found this helpful go ahead and pin this post to Pinterest to spread the word.

Mocha Moment: Happy New Year

January 12, 2018

Happy New Year! I know we are already into the second week of 2018 and many of you have already jumped into your new year’s resolutions and goals. In this month’s Mocha Moments, I am reflecting on 2017, plotting for 2018, and sipping all the tea at this cute coffee shop in the Dallas, Harwood District. Please check it out when you get a chance. It’s the perfect place to sip a yummy drink, eat a pastry (only on your cheat day of course), and set your goals for the New Year!

For me, 2017 was a year of transition and manifestation. I had some big goals last year, and I really focused on developing the habit of goal setting and manifesting my goals. In the beginning of the year I started a journal and wrote out every goal I had that year. These weren’t lofty goals like, make more money and get fine! I was very specific about each goal and the steps I would need to take in order to achieve them. Last week when I reviewed my entries, I was pleasantly surprised that I accomplished 90% of the items on my list. Seeing it on paper, made it real and it served as a reminder that I could truly achieve anything, with the proper plan.

Some of my accomplishments included quitting my job at the firm I had been with for over eight years, and finding a job that met just about every requirement I listed in my journal. I was burnt out at my previous job with all of the travel, and it was very demanding. I finally decided that life was too short to continue to do work that no longer brought me joy and I sought out a job that would.

I let go of toxic relationships which allowed me to make room for genuine, positive, connections, with some really dope people. I made a point to have more fun with the hubs and the kids. And of course, I birthed my blog baby! I am amazed how many great people I have met and the awesome opportunities I have been afforded in the short time I have been blogging.

I think one of the most profound lessons I learned in 2017 is that we actually have a lot more control over our lives than we think. Another take away from last year, is that although we all seek to have joy and success in our lives, very few people can tell you what that would look like for them. That is where the manifesting came in for me. It forced me to think about what a great job looked like for me. What truly brought me joy, and how I wanted my home life to feel. These were the questions I had to think about, and the answers lead me to the goals I set. I envisioned myself already in that space and felt like I was already experiencing it, which I think was instrumental in helping my goals come to fruition.

In 2018, I want to continue to do things and spend time with people that bring me joy. However, I would like to be intentional about my time and energy, because if I am being honest, 2017 was exhausting. Creating this blog has been a great experience and it doesn’t feel like work when you enjoy what you are doing, but I want to make more space in my life this year for stillness (we’ll see how that goes).

Here are some books and podcasts I found helpful with setting my goals:

Year of Yes – Hilarious, especially if you do the audio book.

Present Over Perfect – Refreshingly honest and includes a spiritual component if that’s your jam.

Side Hustle Pro, Podcast – For all my boss babes who are trying to make their passion project into a side hustle.

Ideas for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner

November 15, 2017

The post Ideas for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner was updated in 11/2020

Whether you need menu ideas, planning to dine out, or ordering in I got you covered with some great ideas for hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner

Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost here?! This last quarter of the year, is flying by.

We usually host a big Thanksgiving dinner at our house with out of town guests, but this year, we are keeping it low key and it’s just my immediate squad.

I'll likely be ordering some items and cooking a few things. What I know for sure, is I plan on lounging in my stretchy pants, eating, and chillaxin all day!

Today I'm share tips and ideas for your Thanksgiving menu, tablescape inspiration, and even suggestions if you decide to dine out.

Thanksgiving décor

Even if I'm just having dinner with my family I like to set a nice table. Pull out the good dishes, nice serving bowls, and a festive table cloth to set the scene and make things feel special.

What are some ideas for Thanksgiving dinner?

Although I dine out often, I really enjoy cooking and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite occasions to cook. Thanksgiving is the foodie's Super Bowl!

I usually keep it traditional with a roasted or smoked turkey, and all the comfort food sides.

Here are some ideas for items to include on your menu for hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving menu

Here are some recipes for side dishes and desserts from some of my favorite foodies.

Air Fryer Turkey legs

Macaroni and cheese (hands down my favorite Thanksgiving side dish)

Rum Butter Sweet Potatoes

Collard Greens Salad

Caramel Pecan Cheesecake

Peach dump cake

Don't forget the cocktails!

How to host Thanksgiving without the stress

Keep in mind the point of Thanksgiving is to enjoy good food with your favorite people. This should not be a stressful occasion. However, if the thought of cooking such and important meal stresses you out, then I say order your meal.

We don't need you getting talked about in the group text because your dressing/stuffing was whack. Just leave it to the experts!

To me this is the best of both worlds. You get to have the feeling of cooking at home without the dirty pots and tired feet, and most importantly leftovers!

Here are some great options for ordering all or parts of your Thanksgiving meal.

Central Market

The Ranch at Las Colinas

Honey Baked Ham

Fried Turkey

Pies

Cheesecake

Dining out options in Dallas for Thanksgiving Dinner

The first Thanksgiving my husb and I celebrated after having our son, was at the Four Seasons. We were hosting out of town family and I was nervous that I would not be able to pull off making Thanksgiving dinner with a new born baby. So, the hubs said let’s just go out for dinner (clutches pearls in horror). I thought that was foodie blasphemy, who does that?! Really?!

I know my limits so I obliged and it was wonderful. We enjoyed a delicious meal, and all we had to do was get dressed and drive somewhere.

I recommend doing it at least once. Here are some suggestions for places that pull out all the stops for Turkey Day.

The Four Seasons

Fearings

Perry's

Al Biernat's

I hope you found these ideas for hosting Thanksgiving dinner helpful and you feel a little less stressed about the holiday.

Remember the point of it all is to enjoy this time with your family and friends.

Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

Click here for a Free Holiday Cocktail Guide

Harvest Autumn Salad

November 7, 2017

This harvest autumn salad packs so much flavor with roasted veggies, crisp apples and more that make it a hearty meal or a delicious side dish.

It’s fall but here in Dallas, it’s still pretty hot so I’m still enjoying salads. I plan to keep this salad in rotation as it gets cooler. I know sweater weather generally brings to mind comfort foods, I have been getting into Fall salads to balance out all the comfort food eating.

A friend put me on to this sweet potato and kale blend. I’ve only found it in Target, in the frozen vegetable section. The way my life is set-up, convenience is the key because the bag goes in the microwave for 5 minutes.

However, if you can’t find this blend then you can cube a roast a sweet potato and sauté a couple handfuls of spinach in a little olive oil. The full list of ingredients and instructions will be listed below. But this is a salad so let’s not make it too complicated.

What you need for the best Autumn salads

salad greens - I use fresh baby spinach but you can use spring mix, arugula salad, kale, or any of your favorite leafy greens. Even Brussels sprouts would make a good base for this salad.

sweet potato - sweet potato gives this salad the flavors of fall. Some other great options are butternut squash, roasted carrots, or pumpkin.

Apples - apples just scream autumn right?! I used Granny Smith apples to balance out the sweetness. The crisp tart flavor brings just the right amount of acid. Any variety of apples would be good here. Try gala, honey crisps, or Fuji.

goat cheese - The creaminess of goat cheese adds texture and richness to this salad. If you're not a fan of goat cheese, gorgonzola or feta cheese goes well with these flavors too.

Proteins - This salad is filling as is, but you can make it even more of a meal by adding a protein. I topped my salad with grilled shrimp.

How to make this easy fall salad

I mixed the sweet potatoes and kale blend with a bag of fresh baby spinach and I added a diced granny smith apple, and topped the salad with Craisins and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette and enjoy. If you’re vegan you can stop right there.

If you are pescatarian add grilled shrimp. If you don’t have any meat restrictions try adding grilled chicken breast or crumbled bacon. Don't forget to add in that creamy goat cheese. It just sets the salad off.

This salad is so tasty and can make for a healthy main course for lunch or dinner. It would be a nice accompaniment to a bowl of soup or served as a side dish with a sandwich to expand on the meal.

Toppings for this delicious Harvest autumn salad

Seeds - candied pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, candied walnuts, poppy seeds.
Grains - if you want to make this salad even more hearty and filling add farro, nutty quinoa, wild rice,
Fruits - Instead of apples or in addition to add pears
Dressing - mix maple syrup and lemon juice for a simple dressing
Onions - diced red onions for a crunch and to add more acid

Harvest Autumn Salad

Shanelle Fisher

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Ingredients

7 ounces salad greens
1 sweet potato, cubed and roasted
1 apple sliced diced
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons goat cheese
¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

Combine all salad ingredients into a large bowl and toss together.

Keyword Harvest Autumn Salad

Other recipes to try for fall

Pumpkin Fritters Recipe

Fried Goat Cheese salad

No Churn Gingersnap Ice Cream

Friendsgiving Brunch Ideas

Diner en Blanc

October 9, 2017

Well Hello there! This past weekend I attended my first Diner en Blanc, here in Dallas. You may have seen pictures popping up on your social media timelines of people dressed in all white with hashtag DEB. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, keep reading so you can be in the know.

Some background if you’re not a Francophile. Le Diner en Blanc (The dinner in white) originated in Paris years ago as a fancy picnic where foodies were invited to a secret location to enjoy dinner and bubbles, while wearing all white (think blanc and bougie!). Since then Diner en Blanc (DEB) has been featured in different cities all over the world. I was first introduced to the event when my friends in Miami attended, and told me how much fun it was. The pictures were so mystical and ethereal, I knew I wanted in on the fabulousness that was DEB. So, the whole appeal of the event is the mystery and the exclusivity of it. There is a process to get invited and there are a few ways to get in... or out the door 😉 I won’t give you a play by play on how to secure tickets because there are tons of bloggers who did that already like here. I will give you some tips on what to expect and how to make it a great experience. The real work begins once you secure your ticket.

The Table

As I mentioned above, this is a picnic. Well, as with any other picnic you have to bring your picnic items. In this case, you won’t have to sit on a blanket on the lawn, no you get to sit at a table with chairs, BUT you must bring ALL of your own stuff, meaning your own table, chairs, white table cloth, plates, flatware, and food (yes, you read that right!). There is an option to pre-purchase food on the website and if you want alcohol you must pre-purchase that on the website because you are not allowed to bring alcohol. For your table scape items I suggest checking my favorite place, Dollar Tree fpr most of your items, like white plates (paper or porcelain), as well as white candles, flatware, and glass vases. Part of the fun of the event is how fancy and whimsical people get with their table scapes. Some people go all out and include candelabras, canopies, and elaborate centerpieces. Get creative and have fun with it. Now remember you will be transporting all of these items from your pickup location to the event site. Therefore, I suggest packing items in a wagon or cart with wheels, as well as a wheeled suitcase.

What to Wear

This is another area where you can get creative. The only requirement is that your entire outfit must be white, although metallics were allowed for shoes and jewelry. Depending on where you live it may be hard to find white after Labor Day, (although I’m seeing that Winter white is totally a thing now). I lucked out and found my outfit at H&M and it was perfect because it’s still pretty warm here in Dallas. I wore white heels but I would suggest that if you are going to wear heels, bring a pair of slippers or flats for your walk from the bus to the site. Also, because we were on the lawn, my heels kept sinking into the soil, so I definitely think a block heel or wedge would have been better, and slippers as a back up.

What to Eat

I sat at a table by a sponsored group and the meal we had was catered by Chef Kevin Ashade who absolutely did his thing. The menu included shrimp skewers, pasta salad, kale salad, lamb lollipops, a charcuterie board, and brownies for dessert. The tradition is to have a three course meal. My suggestion is bring items that you can enjoy cold or at room temperature, such as salads, fried chicken, deviled eggs, sushi, diced cheese and fruit. Avoid anything with a sauce!

The Fun

The day of the event, you want to make sure you are on time to your pickup location with all of your items packed and ready...don’t be that person that gets left. There is so much anticipation in trying to figure out the location. The DEB organizers pride themselves on selecting some pretty dope locations. The first year it was held in Dallas, the Trinity Bridge was shut down and the event was on the actual bridge (epic!). This year’s event was held at the Dallas Arboretum. Seeing rows of white tables sprawled out on the lawn, overlooking White Rock lake, with a sea of people in all white, as the orchestra played, and the trees were lit with white lights, and Chinese lanterns, was breathtaking. It really felt magical.

Once everyone sets up, the event kicks off with the traditional napkin wave. Then you eat, drink, and enjoy as the sun sets and paints the sky. There were light-up fidget spinners on the tables that people held in the air in lieu of lighters, for the Light up the Night moment. After you eat the orchestra leaves and the DJ takes over. People walk around, mingle, and check out some of the other activities. Our event featured a henna table and a picture booth. DEB, Dallas was sponsored by Lincoln Motor group, who had a Navigator set-up for you to check out and take pictures; and Southwest Airlines had a Getaway Garden area. Other sponsors of the event included Merrill Lynch, and Evian.

I had a great time and I think everyone should do the event at least once, if you have the opportunity to experience it, especially if you like pomp and circumstance. One suggestion I would make to the organizers is to considering offering an option where people could show up with their tablescape items but not have to bring their table and chairs. If you’ve attended Diner en Blanc I would love to hear your thoughts. Or just drop a line if you’re considering it.

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

Meso Maya Review

September 25, 2017

Hey M&M boos! No posts for the last few weeks because your girl has been busy. I’m just getting back in the swing of things. I was in St. Louis for a week of training for my new job (yeah!) and I went straight from St. Louis to Miami (will have a post about my trip soon) to turn up with my sisters. Make sure you are following me on Instagram so you can keep up with me in between blog posts.

The new Meso Maya, Plano opens September 25th! The Hubs and I met up with some friends and had a double date at the soft opening event this weekend. The menu features classic Mexican dishes but with a sophisticated and more polished feel.

The cocktail menu features a variety of craft cocktails. Of course, there are the staples like sangria and margarita, but even those are updated. The Hubs had an avocado margarita and said it was great. I had the frozen mango margarita and instead of salt the rim had Tajin, a great twist on a classic. They also have a Mexican Mule that features tequila, it was delicious.

IMG_20170923_212454795 — Mango Margarita

IMG_20170923_204405350 — Mexican Mule and Avocado Margarita

The appetizers were fresh and tasty.

IMG_20170923_204345789 — Ceviche, Queso, and Guacamole

Everyone enjoyed their entrees.

The desserts were yummy too. The chocolate cake is served with vanilla corn ice cream. Sounds crazy I know but it was delicious. There was only a hint of a corn flavor and it complimented the chocolate very well. However, my favorite was the blueberry cake.

If you’ve got a hankering for Mexican, you should definitely check out Meso Maya. I’m looking forward to going back and checking out their brunch.

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

Dallas Restaurant Week 2017

August 6, 2017

Dallas Restaurant Week/Month is here! It’s that time of year again, when all of the hot restaurants in the metroplex give even those of us with shallow pockets the opportunity to dine like a boss. Over a hundred restaurants participate for one to two weeks (August 7 – 13) or the whole month of August by offering a three course menu for $39 for dinner. Some restaurants offer a lunch menu for $20 and there is an option at some places for a premium menu at $49. I have participated in restaurant week every year since I’ve lived in Dallas (this can’t come as a surprise to you). The list of participating restaurants is extensive, so no need to fret or try and look up every menu. I got you! I’ve curated a list of places where you get the most bang for your buck and where the menu offers a wide range of options. With the exception of Cafe Pacific, I have dined at all of these restaurants before (I do it for the people). Here are my top 10 picks

The Mansion at Turtle Creek
Eddy V
Ocean Prime
Dakota
Café Pacific ---where I’ll be visiting this month
Kenny’s Wood Fire Grill
Dish
Pink Magnolia
Woodlands American Grill

Are you participating in Restaurant Week? Let me know if I left someone off the list.

Cooking with the Kids: Flat Bread Pizza

August 1, 2017

As much as I dine out, people are often surprised when I tell them I cook regularly too. On most days I like to make quick easy meals, because with a full time job and two young children, it’s the only way to get a meal on the table. This weekend I decided to get my little ones in the kitchen with me. They love helping me cook and it can be fun activity for them. I wanted to keep it simple so we decided to make flat-breads. I also wanted to show off these cute apron and chef hats I found in my local Dollar Tree. Lets get cooking with the kids!

I used the mini naan bread because they are the perfect size for a personal pizza. I keep these on hand in my freezer. They taste great toasted. I’ve served them with hummus as a snack; or brushed with a little olive oil, and served with a pasta dish.

We topped our flat-breads with:

store bought marinara sauce
shrimp
pineapple basil
mozzarella cheese

Of course the possibilities are endless with flat-breads. Pick your favorite toppings and set them up and let your little sous chefs get creative.

We baked this pizzas for 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove pizzas from the oven and let cool before serving.

These flat breads make a great lunch, dinner, or even an appetizer. I served my flat bread with side salad.

Once I got over my kitchen getting a little messy I enjoyed cooking with my kids and the flat-breads were delicious. Here is a dessert recipe you can make with your kids if you want to keep the fun going.

The Best Alcohol Popsicle Recipes

July 27, 2017

Updated April 23, 2020

Summer, summer, summertime. Time to sit back and unwind.

- Will Smith Summertime

My favorite season is Fall, but since having kids, I’ve come to look forward to lazy Summer days, filled with water balloon fights, afternoons in the pool and yummy summer treats like ice cream sandwiches and popsicles. Today I'm sharing my favorite alcohol popsicle recipes.

What are boozy popsicles

alcohol popsicles also referred to as boozy, alcoholic, or adult popsicles are popsicles spiked with your favorite alcohol. They usually contain fruit and some sort of juice and liquor or wine. The flavor combinations are endless. You can basically make any of your favorite cocktails into an alcohol popsicle. Today I'm sharing alcohol popsicle recipes that include wine, vodka, and rum.

Alcohol popsicles near me

The last few times I dined out, I order drinks that came with popsicles and that got me thinking, these are so fun and cool (literally) I should make my own. Two of my favorite places in Dallas to get alcohol popsicles are The Rustic and Del Frisco's Grille

How to make an alcohol popsicle

You can use any popsicle mold to make these yummy alcohol popsicles. I found these cute ones. I also like these and these.

Vodka Popsicle

Popsicle with vodka: Moscow Mule Popsicle

I created Moscow Mule pops because as I mentioned in this post, I was obsessed with frozen Moscow Mules while in Vegas. They are so light and refreshing. A perfect combo for a popsicle.

How to make Moscow Mule Popsicle

Ingredients

6 popsicle molds
The juice of 2 limes
3 cups of gingerbeer (2 cans/bottles)
½ cup of vodka (more or less depending on how strong you want it)
Lime slices to garnish your popsicles.

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients in a pitcher ---except for lime slices and stir.
Place the lime slices in the popsicle molds.
Divide the cocktail mixture in the popsicle molds evenly.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
Remove popsicle from mold and enjoy it!

Wine Popsicle

Berry Rose Popsicle

Of course, I had to include a wine option because I’m all about rose' all day. These rose popsicles are fruity and refreshing. These wine popsicles would work with any light fruity wine. You can try them with Pino Griso

How to make wine popsicle

Ingredients

1 ½ cups strawberries sliced
½ cup blueberries
½ cup sugar
2 cups your favorite rosé wine

Instructions

Chop strawberries and add to a bowl.
Add sugar to the bowl of strawberries and toss.
Fill your popsicle molds ¾ of the way with rose
Add half a tablespoon of the strawberry mixture and a few blueberries
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
Remove popsicle from mold and enjoy.

Popsicle with rum

I included a rum popsicle just in case wine or vodka aren't your thing. If you're not into having herbs into your popsicle then leave out the basil. However, I think it gives another layer of flavor to these alcohol popsicles.

Strawberry Basil Popsicle

The lush red from the strawberries and the pops of green from the basil make these alcohol popsicles yummy and pretty. Definitely take a picture of these for the gram!

Ingredients

1 ½ cups strawberries sliced
Basil leaves
½ cup sugar
2 cups your favorite rum

Instructions

Chop strawberries and add to a bowl.
Add sugar to the bowl of strawberries and toss.
Fill your popsicle molds ½ of the way with the strawberries
Add a basil leaf to the popsicle mold
Add Rum to the popsicle molds
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
Remove popsicle from mold and enjoy.

Alcoholic Popsicle

Best way to server your alcohol popsicle

Your popsicles can be enjoyed as is, or you can get fancy and serve them in a cocktail. If you’re only trying to do a lightweight turn-up you can serve them in a glass with sparkling water, your favorite lemon-lime soda, or juice.

Let me know in the comments or over on my Instagram which of these recipes is your favorite.

Girl's Night Out at Earl's Kitchen

July 18, 2017

The Canadian franchise, Earl’s Kitchen is the latest restaurant to open in Legacy West, Plano. My friend and I attended the grand opening event and it was so fun. I can tell already, that Earl’s is going to be #lit. The opening event was a cocktail party of sorts, where there were different drink stations set up, each station featuring one of Earl’s signature drinks. My favorite was the remixed mimosa (big surprise right?!) The Spanish gin and tonic was also good and so instagramable (that’s a word right?). It was a refreshing summer drink that featured rosemary and cucumber.

IMG_20170613_203736 — The Spanish gin and tonic

We sampled tasty bites like sliders, avocado toast, sushi rolls, skirt steak skewers (hands down, my favorite), shared a bowl of queso and chips, and had a yummy mini coconut pie for dessert. Everything was delicious.

The restaurant has a retro’s 50’s vibe. The booths and chairs were covered in leather and tweed and had exposed wooden legs. There is a nice patio space with tables and lounge chairs. Inside there is a wall featuring framed art work , and the back wall has a beautiful mural created by a local artist. Although Earl’s is a franchise, each restaurant is unique in that it features decor and food common to the location. Hence the chips and queso bowl. I can’t wait to return to Earls and check out their brunch. I was told that they will have a DJ on hand during brunch and with those mimosas, it’s sure to be a good time!

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

Mocha Moment: Cafe Mila

July 11, 2017

New series alert! Mocha Moments will be coffee shop and café reviews as well as a review of what I’m reading and or listening to.

A few weeks ago I visited Café Mila in the Austin Ranch area here in Dallas. It’s a casual café where you place your order at the counter and they bring your food to the table. There is indoor and outdoor seating. I met the owner and she was so nice. I found out she is originally from Trinidad (one time for my Caribbean massive) and relocated to Dallas from New York. I ordered the strawberry banana French toast with a side of turkey bacon and a chai tea latte, my café beverage of choice. The French toast was tasty and not too sweet. I was so happy they had an option for turkey bacon for us non-pork eaters. But let me tell you about this chai latte. It’s served in this nice big mug and I had the option of sweetening it with honey, which is how I make mine at home. It had a nice cinnamon and vanilla flavor. I will sipping on their lattes while on their computers or

I am an avid reader. However, once I had children my kindle got shelved for Hello Moon, and Where the Wild Things are. This year one of my goals was to get back into reading. I recently discovered the OverDrive app. and it was a game changer. If you have a library card, the OverDrive app. allows you to download e-books and audio books straight to your e-reader or phone. No shade to Audible, but I canceled by subscription after getting into OverDrive ;). I love audio books for my commutes and even when I’m cleaning around the house or going for a run walk I’ll put my headphones on and listen to my book. I still do most of my actual reading when I travel for work and have time on the plane. My taste in books ranges from chick lit (is it PC to say this), suspense, romance. Sci-fi is probably the only genre that I haven’t really gotten into.

Americanah, by Chimamada Ngozi Adichie

Chimamada Ngozi Adichie is probably most famous for her voice over on Beyonce’s Flawless, which was a snippet from her Ted Talk. Americanah is the story of Ifemelu and Obinze, childhood sweethearts who are separated when Ifemelu moves to the U.S. for college. The story is told from both Ifemlu and Obinze’s points of view in alternate chapters. The book deals with race and what it means to be American. It talks a lot about the immigrant’s struggle to find their place in America, specifically the Black African struggle, and how different the American experienceis for Black Americans versus Blacks from other part of the world. However, at the heart of Americanah is a love story. The author writes beautifully and has a way of conveying a sense of familiarity in just a phrase. There were many points in the book when I laughed because her description was so poignant to a familiar person or feeling. As a Black immigrant (I was born in Jamaica and moved to the US with my parents when I was a 2 years old) I could so relate to the description of leaving a country for a better life and opportunity but having to live with family members, work odd jobs, go back to school, all in hopes of creating something better for yourself and your children. Especially with (illegal) immigration being a hot button issue these days, it humanizes the immigrant story. I can’t wait to read her other books.

Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert

I’m not generally big on self –help books, but every once in awhile I come across a book that is more inspirational or what I like to call “Get Yo Life”, than actual self-help. Well, Big Magic is such a book. Elizabeth Gilbert, the same lady who wrote Eat Pray Love, gives anecdotes and her own real life experiences as a creative person and how to tap into your creativity. She talks about creativity as something we all can possess but just need help bringing forward. My biggest takeaway from this book is that creativity is something you need to consistently work at to bring forth and that it is okay to be afraid when you are on the verge of a breakthrough. In fact she talks about how to be comfortable with your fears and that you actually need to make space for them in your life.

Rather You Than Me, Rick Ross

My taste in music is as varied as my taste in books. In heavy rotation is the latest Rick Ross album. I grew up in South Florida, so it’s no surprise I’m a Rick Ross fan. This album is so Miami. It’s full of songs that will have you milly rockin and head boppin. I reminds me of the glitz and glam of South Beach, but the grittiness of Miami.

Date Night at North Italia

July 4, 2017

I had the pleasure of being invited to the North Italia, Plano's opening event a couple of weeks ago. Legacy West is home to the first North Italia in the Dallas metroplex. The restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine, with a twist. As we stepped into North (that's what the cook kids call it) I noticed the huge bar, globe hanging lights, and the exposed kitchen. The seating is a mix of high top tables near the bar, and leather booths and chairs in the dining area. There is also a covered patio with colorful chairs.

Appetizer

The hubs and I started off with the mussels, which were delicious and the garlic toast served with it, is perfect for dipping in the flavorful broth. The crispy calamari was fried tempura style which made you get a real taste of the squid since it wasn’t coated in heavy breading.

Salad

For our salads, I ordered the heirloom tomato salad which was a beautiful array of colorful tomatoes, chunks of avocado and roasted corn. The salad that stole the show (yes, it is entirely possible for a salad to steal the show) was the Tuscan salad. I could have had this as a meal it was so good. Ribbons of kale (and I typically don’t like kale salads), charred red grapes (don’t ask me how you char a grape, but they did and it was great!) pistachio, cheese, and bits of bread crumbs so you got a nutty crunch with every bite.

Entree

The hubs had the short ribs which he said were tender and falling of the bone. I had the filet, which was cooked perfectly. The filet was served over sauteed mushrooms cooked in a red wine reduction and it was served with crispy smashed potatoes.

Drinks

I had the red sangria and the apricot limonata, both were fruity refreshing summer drinks. The hubs went with the Sicilian margarita and the strawberry mule and he enjoyed both of them.

Dessert

The hubs kept it traditional and had the tiramisu. I went for the lemon donuts which were divine! They were light and the lemon curd was the perfect accompaniment. We tried two dessert wines with our dinner (which I did not get pictures of). I had the raspberry limoncello which taste like summer. The hubs had the Montenegro which we both agreed tasted like Christmas.

North Italia is a solid spot with delicious food and creative cocktails. I can’t wait to try their brunch.

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews for items gifted to me are my own honest opinion.

Girls Trip: Vegas for the weekend

June 26, 2017

Vegas is the ultimate destination for a weekend girls trip. There is literally something to do for everyone, no matter what your interest is, you can find it in Vegas. I'm sharing how you can experience, fun, sun, great food, and still relax with your girls if you are in Vegas for the weekend.

My friend and I took a trip to Vegas to get some girl time and much needed rest. I know when you think of Vegas chilling and relaxing is not what initially comes to mind. However, that was on our agenda, and for that reason we booked a hotel that was not on the lit part of the Strip.

Since both of us had been to Vegas before and have done the whole walk-the-strip-visit-every-hotel/casino-and-party-hard thing, we had other plans for this trip. Our objective was to get some good meals, catch a show, and do lots of relaxing.

IMG_20170608_185001 — Seven Magic Mountain

Visit Seven Magic Mountains

We arrived on Thursday afternoon, grabbed an Uber, and headed straight to Seven Magic Mountains. It’s about a 30 minute drive from the airport. Our driver was so kind, he agreed to wait for us while we had a mini photo shoot.

The mountains are an art exhibit by artist, Ugo Rondinone. It’s seven colorful “magic rocks” stacked high, some as tall as 25ft, placed in the middle of the desert. The juxtaposition of the mountains, the deserts and the colorful strategically placed rocks is a great backdrop for some amazing pictures. We had so much fun snapping away. Our feet/shoes were so dusty and filthy when we finished. If you visit, I advise wearing closed toe shoes that are easy to clean or shoes that you give no efs about getting dirty.

Where to stay in Vegas for the weekend

After our shoot we headed to our hotel to check in and get ready for dinner. We stayed at the W hotel, located at the North end of the strip. The W is one of the newest hotels on the Vegas strip, it was opened in March 2017.

In true W fashion the rooms are modern and have an Avant Garde décor. So chic! The W does not have a casino but it is connected to the SLS hotel, which has a casino, restaurants, and a second pool. The W has a rooftop pool and spa that only W guests have access to. Because the hotel is located at the far North end of the strip it is much quieter (which is what we wanted), but a bit of hike to the center of the action. There is a Monorail located on site that can take you to the other parts of the strip.

Where to eat in Vegas

For dinner we went to Sake Rok which is near the Park's area, close to the Monte Carlo hotel. It’s a Japanese restaurant with an eclectic vibe. There was a DJ playing great music. The food was delicious and beautifully plated.

I had sea bass with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. My friend had the spicy rock shrimp. My only complaint with this restaurant and why I am hesitate to recommend it, was the service. It was horrible. It took so long for us to get our food. I had to remind the waiter that I ordered a drink, and we had to request refills of water. We were so over it after the dinner situation, and were tired from traveling so we headed back to our hotel for bed.

The next day we went to the Paris hotel for brunch at Hexx. I had the chicken and waffles. The waffles are unique in that the batter has apples and cheddar cheese, so it’s more of a savory waffle. The food was good and there is a decadent sweets shop connected to the restaurant.

Plus you have a great view of the Bellagio fountain and water show if you sit on the patio. After brunch we returned to our hotel and hung out by the pool. It was so nice to relax and sip frozen Moscow mules, which became our signature drink for the trip, because we ended up ordering them everywhere.

What to do in Vegas besides gamble

We returned to our room to get ready for our Cirque Du Soleil show and dinner. I am a huge Cirque Du Soleil fan. I make it appoint to catch one of their shows every time I’m in Vegas. They are so amazing.

We watched Zumanity, which is a sexy risqué show. There were topless women, simulated orgies, it was hot! I’m just warning you so you can be ready. The show ended in time for us to catch the last half of game 4 for of the NBA finals, Cleveland vs. Golden State and we wanted to watch the game, so we opted for a casual dinner at Tom Urban's, in the New York hotel. There were TVs everywhere so we could watch while we ate. The portions were huge and everything was tasty. After dinner we hung out in the W Library bar.

On our last day we had brunch at the Neighborhood restaurant in the SLS hotel. I had blueberry pancakes, they were so fluffy, with a side of chicken sausage. After brunch we lounged by the pool and just soaked up the last bit of “me time” we had before heading home to our loves and the chaos of life.

Other Trip Ideas

Miami Girls Trip

Napa Valley Trip

San Francisco Trip

Eating Clean at True Food Kitchen

May 25, 2017

I am on a constant quest to achieve balance, and that is especially true when it comes to my nutrition. It’s hard out here for a food blogger who is a foodie but wants to be fit and fine (all Summer '17). I really try to live by the 80/20 rule, by eating clean 80% of the time and giving myself some leeway the other 20% . I couldn’t be more excited when I found out True Food Kitchen was opening in Plano (my hood!). The menu is a fit foodie’s dream. I attended the soft opening with my MIL(Mother-in-Love), who is a pescatarian and this menu was perfect for her as well.

True Food Kitchen was started in Phoenix by physician Andrew Weil who wanted to create a restaurant that featured nutrient rich foods that did not sacrifice flavor. The menu features lots of organic and gluten free options. And most of the dishes could be served vegetarian or vegan . Not only is the food amazing, but the setting is beautiful.

The restaurant has rich oak tables, and wood beams on ceiling. Mint green booths and pops of canary yellow chairs look into the huge open kitchen, and the windowsills are lined with green potted plants, creating a fresh and inviting space. Our servers Claire and Charles were very attentive and knew the menu well. They offered great suggestions.

Appetizers

We split the sweet potato and poblano soup. It had a very Southwestern flavor with the pico de gallo. I couldn’t even tell it was sweetpotato because it had a smooth creamy flavor. For an appetizer I ordered the charred cauliflower and my MIL got the Torched Avocado. The cauliflower was savory but had a hint of sweet since it was tossed with dates and pistachios. It sounds odd, but these two flavors paired well together. The torched avocado was served cold with cucumber "noodles” that were crunchy and fresh. This is a perfect summer salad.

Drinks

True Food Kitchen has craft cocktails and a juice bar where all the juices are hand pressed and made to order. I got the Hangover RX juice which is made with pineapple, orange, honey and coconut water. It was fruity and refreshing. For my cocktail I got the Blueberry Royal because it has Prosecco and you know your girl loves bubbles. It was crisp and fizzy. My MIL got the Kale Aide juice, which looks like the perfect green concoction for breakfast or after a tough workout. It has kale,ginger, apple, celery, and cucumber. My MIL loved it. She got the citrus skinny margarita for her cocktail and said it was good and not too sweet.

Entree

For the main course my MIL ordered the spaghetti squash casserole. It came out bubbling with fresh mozzarella and chunks of ripe tomatoes. I got the Scottish Steelhead trout served on a bed of greens with roasted red and yellow beets, and farro. It was delicious. The fish was grilled perfectly, crisp on the outside and tender and flaky inside.

Dessert

We barely had room for dessert, but still managed to sample the chocolate cake which was my favorite. The key lime pie, was not as creamy as I prefer mine, and that may be because it is dairy free. However, the flan which is also dairy free because it is made with almond milk, was delicious. It was creamy and full of caramel and vanilla flavor in every spoonful (and let's just say I had a few spoonfuls).

My MIL and I truly enjoyed True Food Kitchen. Although we ate enough for the entire New Edition (just watched the biopic...again;) , we did not feel heavy and weighed down by our meals. I cannot wait to return and try the pizzas and the bowls. True Food Kitchen also has a Dallas location if you don't feel like venturing to the burbs. If you're not in the Big D, there are locations nationwide, so find one near you.

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews and opinions for items gifted to me are my own.

Plano Art& Wine Walk

May 17, 2017

Last Thursday the Hubs and I attended the Downtown Plano Art and Wine Walk. This is the second year Plano has had the Wine Walk. The Walk takes place the second Thursday of the month and runs from April - December, so there is still plenty of time for you to check one out.

Once we got downtown Plano, we realized there was complimentary valet parking, but we were able to secure a spot on our own. We made our way over to Event 1013, an art gallery, where we checked in and receive wrist bands, a souvenir wine glass and a map of the 25 participating businesses with the wines they were featuring. Yes, you heard that right 25 samples (pour it up, pour it up!), and you know your girl loves wine see here too.

We visited a few galleries like Ten20 and The Boyer Gallery and took in the Plano art scene. There were some really beautiful and conversation inducing pieces.

There were also some eclectic boutiques that included women and kids clothing, and home accents. I discovered Pipe and Pallet art studio that looked like so much fun. I plan on going back, now that I’m on my crafty kick. The XO Coffee Company was so cute, you can bet there will be coffee shop review coming soon from there.

We sampled chocolates at Dude, Sweet Chocolate and met some interesting folks there. We bought some bars and truffles to take home.

All that wine sipping had us hungry so we walked over to Urban Crust for dinner. I heard great things about Urban Crust but this was my first time visiting. Let me tell you, it lived up to all the great reviews. The Hubs and I split the Urban chop salad(green olive, pecans, feta, cranberries and oregano vinaigrette) and the Black and Blue Pizza. The crust was thin and crisp and the steak, mushroom, and blue cheese flavors melded so well. Next time I visit I want to try the calamari and the frozen sangria. I was eyeing these items at the table next to us. The restaurant was busy with all the wine walkers so we were seated by the bar where we got a front row seat of the pizza artisans at work. Urban Crust has three levels for dining. The 3rd floor has a sports bar feel, with TVs at each booth and an ice top bar where you can rest your drink and keep it cool. There is also a nice rooftop patio.

I have been sleeping on downtown Plano. There are so many eclectic shops and restaurants I plan on visiting soon. Do yourself a favor and make sure you don’t miss the next Wine Walk. Each month has a different theme and features different wines. I promise you’ll enjoy it!
*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All reviews and opinions for items gifted to me are my own.

Private: Celebrate Fall

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