Strapped Olympians

I’ve been watching the Olympics since I was in primary school. I remember putting the tape in the VCR (those of you born in the 90’s, think pre-DVD times) and recording the winter games so I could watch them over and over. I think I had convinced myself that if I watched them enough times I’d somehow absorb their talent and have my own chances at being an Olympian.

I also love watching the Olympics because I can feel like part of the winter festivities, without actually having to get cold.  I love the snow, but only if I’m actively participating in it so as to keep my body hot.

Speaking of being active in the snow, have you all seen the US Women’s Ski Team in action this year???  And apparently they weren’t just getting after it in Vancouver, but they were also gettin busy in Jackson Hole, Wyoming!  What exactly were they doing there you ask?  Getting Strapped of course!  Jackson Hole is home to StrappedBelts.com and recently 3 of our US Women Skiers (Hailey Duke, Megan McJames and Sarah Schleper) partnered up with StrappedBelts.com to get schooled in the art of wearing some seriously eye-catching bling.

The girls had just walked in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics and had some free time before hitting the slopes.  They were told to do anything, but nothing athletic.  From the looks of these photos, Hailey, Megan and Sarah even know how to make fashion a sport!

Strapped Belts was launched in 2008 by John Frechette. After his employer went bankrupt, John found himself Strapped; strapped for cash and strapped for a job (boy can I relate to that)! Using his new found time John began dabbling in some of his passions, photography and painting, which eventually led him to discover his unknown love for glass!  Beyond belt buckles, Strapped Belts also offers fused glass cufflinks, earrings, rings and even some houseware items!  For BurbMom Readers: John is offering 25% your entire order if you simply enter the code OLYMPICS at the checkout. Go ahead, try your hand at the sport of shopping…

The girls obviously scored big with this partnership but it’s no surprise they would gladly put their Strapped treasures aside to sport some Olympic Medal bling…and we sure hope they will!

The women will participate in the final games Friday, February 26th.  For more Olympic Ski coverage, check out the U.S. Alpine Ski Team or NBC.

Photos courtesy of Kelli Baxendale.

Candy Haven is Pure Heaven!

Personally I love birthday’s, especially my own!  There’s no greater excuse to throw a party than surviving another year of adulthood, right?  And what party would be complete without cake???

Several years ago (who’s counting) for my 21st birthday I chose to celebrate with my close girlfriends and since it was the big 2-1, we decided no ordinary cake would do.  Luckily I lived in the DFW metroplex and so my landlord at the time decided to get me a cake from Candy Heaven Haven.  Have you ever had one of those cakes that melts in your mouth? It’s not too sweet, but definitely flavorful and of course totally cute too? If not let me tell you that you are missing out!

Another thing that I love about Candy Haven is their specialty in making custom cakes to fit the theme of your party. Each of their cakes are baked to order, so that means they are fresh and moist, and they have an excellent creative team that makes all their custom designs possible.

I especially love the birthday cakes for children’s  and baby shower cakes, because what’s cuter than baby stuff?!?!

Additionally, Candy Haven offers a unique package for baby’s FIRST birthday.

When you order a baby’s first birthday cake, you also receive a “smasher” cake. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.  It’s a cake, simply decorated in coordinating colors of the “real” birthday cake that has a simple number 1 on it and it’s used for the baby to play, mash, poke, etc. so they can enjoy their cake time without destroying the cake the guests will eat. It’s a super cute idea and one that I’m sure many of us wish we had thought of. (Note: there is a minimum order price to get the smash cake deal)

To order a Candy Haven cake, simply contact the owner (Jane Boyle) or any other associate at (940) 565-1474, or you can visit their website.  They also accept emails at candyhaven@yahoo.com, or drop in for a visit to their store at 301 N. Interstate 35-E, Denton, TX  76205.

If my opinion isn’t enough to sway you, let the business speak for itself: Candy Haven is locally owned and operated and has been in business for over 25 years!  They are unique to the area in that they are the only specialty cake/candy shop up here in our area.  In addition to the cakes they make, Candy Haven also offers handmade chocolate, caramel apples and double dipped strawberries – yum.  If that isn’t enough to fill your mind with sweet thoughts, then try their Jelly Bellies, gummy candies and chocolate covered nuts in the jars along the walls.  Trust me, the moment you walk in you’ll smell pure sweetness in the air…and since it’s only a 15 minute or so drive, go check it out for yourself and be sure and let us know what you think!

The Top 15 Most Romantic Restaurants in DFW

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether or not you believe this is a true holiday that couples should participate in, or if you’re more of a cynic like myself and think it’s a bogus ploy by society to boost the economy after sluggish January-post-holiday shopping, you are more than likely going to participate in some way.

Lately, getting take out has been the status quo, but why not consider some of these romantic restaurants in DFW to enjoy either a quaint, quiet night out with the hubby, or to go all out in luxury and gourmet style fare for your most beloved holiday dinner!

Top 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in DFW (in no particular order):

1. The Melting Pot in Southlake. The Melting Pot in Southlake boasts predominately private and comfortable booth seating, soft lighting, original artwork pieces and a walk-in wine room.  Larger rooms are also available should you choose to make Valentine’s Day into a dinner party for you and your closest friends.
2. Thai Ruby in Flower Mound. Indulge yourself with a fine dining experience featuring vibrantly fresh and deeply flavored classic Thai dishes served in a beautiful authentic surrounding.
3. Sambuca 360 in Plano. A spin off the Sambuca’s sophisticated dinner clubs, 360 brings it back to a more casual ambiance and live music.  For the music loving couple, this place is a must!
4. Nick & Sam’s in Uptown. Part of the ambiance is the low lit dining area and the extensive wine list including over 450 selections .  Nick and Sam’s was founded in 1999 and continues to remain a favored spot among locals.
   
5. Reata in Fort Worth. Legendary Texas Cuisine is only part of what you’ll experience the next time you visit Reata Restaurant. From the moment you pass through our doors, the unmistakable ambiance of Reata embraces you. Hosts and servers welcome you as if you were an old friend as you are enveloped by museum quality artifacts from the old west.
6. Rouge in Flower Mound. Make plans now for your Valentine’s Day dinner.  Rouge will be offering a couples dinner featuring a four course meal paired with either a bottle of premium champagne or a bottle of specialty red wine and a half bottle of champagne.
7. The WildWood Inn Bed & Breakfast & Restaurant in Denton. Secluded on four heavily wooded acres, The Wildwood Inn, combines Old World elegance with today’s most progressive technology.  Join them for dinner Thursday and Friday evenings in their four-star restaurant. Local chef Pam Chittenden offers a deliciously varied menu along with new specials each month, including a custom Valentine’s Day menu.
8. Hotel St. Germain in Dallas. Hotel St. Germain offers a full service European Style dining experience, enjoyed by candlelight in the intimate, Old World ambiance of the AAA Four Diamond Award Willing Dining Room which overlooks an ivy-covered French Quarter style garden courtyard.  Open to everyone. ***Note: Hotel St. Germain is BOOKED for Valentine’s night 2010.***
9. The Italian Bistro in Roanoke. A local favorite restaurant, Italian Bistro features the area’s finest Italian cuisine including pizza, pasta, chicken, steaks, veal and seafood.
10. The 560 by Wolfgang Puck at Union Arena in Downtown Dallas. From the moment guests enter, they are greeted by floor-to-ceiling windows that line the restaurant, offering 360-degree views of Dallas as the room revolves.  The cuisine draws inspiration from Puck’s renowned signature fine dining restaurants including Spago, Chinois and CUT.
11. Bonnell’s in Fort Worth. From the time Bonnell’s Restaurant opened its doors in 2001, it has been hailed as the beginning of a new chapter in the book of fine Texas cuisine and the premier restaurant associated with both Fort Worth and Texas. Chef Bonnell has gone to great lengths to provide a unique and memorable experience to his customers by serving up certified Texas organic beef, wild game specialties and fresh gulf seafood. His dishes exhibit regional style with spices that fuse Southwestern, Creole and Mexican influences.
12. Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant in Denton. Their Italian cooking follows the traditions and styles one could only find in Italy. Giuseppe’s is about authentic northern Italian cuisine…it’s about family and celebrating occasions…and it’s about warm and attentive “old fashioned” service. Nestled in an old re-purposed house just North of The Square, Giuseppe’s is romantic all around!
13. III Forks in North Dallas. Located in North Dallas, III Forks serves the ultimate in Texas French cuisine. III Forks is a restaurant that has recreated the grandiose lifestyle experienced by Texans who believed that fine dining was a perfect combination of great food, great service, great atmosphere and great music all spent with the ones you love.
14. The Monte Carlo in the InterContinental Hotel in Addison. Monte Carlo’s South-of-France setting is an interesting backdrop for a modern American menu with hints of Southwestern élan. Sunlight washes the restaurant’s soft pastels and neutrals to create a summery atmosphere at breakfast and lunch, with dinner’s Mediterranean mood being equally relaxed.
15. The Classic Cafe in Roanoke. The Classic Cafe is a fine dining gem tucked away in the small town of Roanoke.  Set in a quaint house, which lends to the intimate dining experience, this restaurant offers top-level dining in a casual setting.

Homemade Peanut Butter Pie

I love peanut butter. It’s kinda sad but I only realized that in the last 4 years.  Crunchy, smooth, honey-infused, with chocolate, warm and gooey, ice-cold, with crackers, on waffles, in Thai food – it’s all heaven in my mouth!  Peanut butter has got to be one of the best foods of all time.  It can be portable, decadent, quick, savory – the options are limitless!

During Thanksgiving Thomas and I were in West Virginia staying with his parents and I had the wonderful honor of cooking with his mom (the future M-I-L!) and one of the many recipes we made was Peanut Butter Pie (one of Thomas’ favorites).  Below is our adventure from my point of view.

Start with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.  Put it in a mixer and beat it on low/medium until it’s light and fluffy.

Next add one cup of creamy peanut butter to the cream cheese.  I like JIF!

This is me and Thomas’ mom, Becky.  She’s probably one of the world’s best bakers. No really…I’m not just saying that!  I love her cute red island and matching Kitchen Aid Mixer…which by the way let me say that is my one MUST-HAVE on my wedding registry! Gotta get the mixer!

To the fluffy cream cheese – peanut butter mixture, add two containers of Cool Whip and about 1/3 cup chocolate shavings – you can add more or less, depending on your tastes.

Beat on low just until the Cool Whip is mixed in.  At this point you must resist the temptation to detach the mixing bowl and devour the whole thing in secret. Resist!

Divide the “batter” evenly between two graham cracker crust pie shells.  Spread the top out nice and smooth.

Place the lids on the two pies and place them in the freezer.  Allow to set, about 2 hours.  Once you have cut into the pies, keep them stored in the freezer until they are gone – this allows them to keep their firm texture and makes it easier to slice them!

Finally, reward yourself for making two pies at once and lick the spatula! Go ahead – do it!

vase crafts

Looking for an easy way to decorate your house for the holidays? Try this at home:

You will need:

• A clear vase
• Ornaments, plastic fruit, cinnamon sticks, pine cones, acorns, or any other small decorative thing that you can fill the vase with.

Directions:

1. Wash and dry the vase thoroughly.
2. Fill the vase with one of the decorative items from above – keep it consistent (either all the same size or all the same color schemes).

This is great way to get the kids involved in decorating the house and you can display the vase anywhere – from the middle of the table, to the coffee table to the bathroom counter.

Get creative and tell us what you’d fill your vases with!

Short Attention Span Interview VI

It’s time to give in to our craving for 140 characters or less of your opinions…

The short attention span question:  What movie is the ALL TIME best family-friendly Christmas movie?

The short attention span answers:

@BobbiJanay: the original Miracle on 34 street and A Christmas Story

@jamieharrington: Santa Clause, The Movie. Greatness.

@greedygrace: I have great love for The Santa Clause!

@twinsmom03: So many classics to choose from! The new Flintstones one seems to be a hit with my kiddos.

@kaykoa: a Christmas carol

Chocolate Therapy

Thanksgiving Left-over Recipes–YUM!

So the meal is over, you’re stuffed and so is the fridge.  But it’s not too early to start thinking of ways to use those leftovers…so try one of these yummy dishes that take the ordinary and turn it into something that might just rival your actual Turkey-Day meal!

Turkey Waldorf Pita

• 1 cup cubed cooked turkey
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped, peeled tart apple
• 1/2 cup halved seedless grapes
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 2 (6 inch) pita breads, halved

Directions

In a bowl, combine the turkey, celery, apple, grapes, walnuts and mayonnaise. Place a lettuce leaf in each pita half; fill with turkey salad. Thanks to www.allrecipes.com for this wonderful “turkey leftovers” recipe!

Smoked Turkey Tortilla Wraps

10 whole wheat flour tortillas

10 slices smoked turkey, cut into thin strips

1 avocado – peeled, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup sour cream, for topping

1/2 cup Cheddar cheese

Directions

Heat flour tortillas in a large skillet over medium heat until slightly browned. Divide turkey strips, avocado, sour cream, and cheese among the warmed tortillas. Fold in half and serve.  Thanks to www.allrecipes.com for this wonderful leftovers recipe!

Turkey or Chicken Bake

• 7 oz. (2 C.) elbow macaroni
• 1/3 C. butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1-3/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic (in oil or water)
• 3-1/2 cup warm milk
• 2 10-oz. cans chicken gravy
• 4 cups cooked turkey, cubed
• 1 15-oz. can early June peas
• 2 oz. diced pimento, drained
• 2 4-oz. cans mushrooms, drained
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 C. breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp crushed parsley flakes

Directions

Cook macaroni in salted water (1 tablespoon salt per 2 quarts of water); drain. In a 4-quart saucepan, melt 1/3 cup butter. Blend in flour, salt, pepper and garlic. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Stir in chicken gravy. Stir in turkey, peas, pimento, mushrooms and cooked macaroni.