Like a good neighbor

We hosted a party this last Friday night and from past experiences John and I both agree, when hosting a party of at least 20- it's best to get a keg. We like this for multiple reasons...

1. Less mess! I hate cleaning up all the cans and bottles the next day and have trash overflowing. With a keg, its simple to dump the cups and toss. Much better for that night and the next morning.

2. It probably is cheaper. I love to host- but my biggest problem is that I always want to please EVERY last guest- so we would probably have at least 10 different kinds of beer- and that gets super expensive! Plus, although a keg seemed like a million dollars in college- its actually quite cheap.

3. It gives a place for the guys to go. This should be the #1 reason, right? Guys need a place to gather around and talk about sports, and sports, and whatever else they talk about. And since college football season was on a break Friday night- we really needed a place for them to gather. I will ALWAYS have a keg for this reason. It does wonders for the conversations inside.

4. It takes us back to our college days- or me, anyway. And who would turn that down?

5. It makes me the COOLEST neighbor EVER! So, we live super close to TCU and because of that, we have some Senior guys that live a few houses down. Since we didn't come close to finishing the keg, and school is out for Winter Break I walked down yesterday and offered them the 80% of the beer left on our keg. ( I only offered on a Sunday since I knew they didn't have school today)

Yep, this pretty much sums up why I am an awesome neighbor! (But I think what they are really saying is...." Let us know the next time you have a party so we can finish that keg off for you!")

Frankie's comes to town!

John is always on the search for the next great Sports bar in Fort Worth- trust me, they have been hard to come by. So, when our friend Eric suggested the new Frankies (Dallas sports bar) that opened a location right outside Sundance Square- we decided to try the place out. And, wow- I only have great things to say about it!

Ben was a smart guy

The beer was super cold- (I forgot my thermometer- darn- will have to go back!). I loved that it came in this football- shaped mug.

Cute Mug

There were TONS of T.V.s. There was not a spot in the place where you couldn't see a game. They even had T.V.s in both the women's and men's bathroom mirrors.

Charging station- LOVE it! My cell phone is always needing a charge-and this is genius. This wall mount carries all the different chargers for every phone there is- and more than that- this could be a great place for a Meet. Cute.

Awesome!

So, cold beer, T.V.s, and well, that's all it takes to make this crew happy! Frankie's- you scored a touchdown with this one!

Smiles all around!

John's happy with Frankie's!

Hostess with the Mostest

A few days ago, John and I hosted our first Thanksgiving for 20 guests. I learned there are 5 things you need to have a successful Thanksgiving.

1.  A husband who smokes the turkey so I don't have to worry about ruining or drying it out.  #Biggest fear

John carving his 1st Turkey

2. A great sister (I mean sous-chef) who came Wednesday night to keep me calm and assist me in pie making, carrot peeling, and potato mashing

Sisters

3. A very, very helpful family who all volunteer to bring parts and pieces to create an amazing feast!

Turkey and Ham!

Feast!

4. An apron to complete the look! (That is part of being a great hostess after all- the outfit!)

Thanks Linds for my cute apron!

5. Plenty of Cold Beer.

Shiner? Yep, we are in Texas after all

 Yep, folks that's all it takes! Happy Thanksgiving!

Hottest Fall Trends- Buyer Beware!

This weekend my sister Terri came to stay with us. She and I went shopping Saturday afternoon for some of the latest new Fall trends. We found some super cute stuff at the Gap- including a cute scarf, a flannel shirt- super cute (and a little farm-like as well), and.....wait for it....

Terri found Green-Jean-Leggings!

If you know my sister at all- this is a bold buy for her- but she did it and I applaud her. They are really cute and totally hip- right off the runway!

So, of course, she needed to take a crash course with them on-so, we hit the town last night. (The things I do for her...)

Well, folks let me tell you- Green Jean Leggings...oh what the heck- Green Jeggings...that's better...were NOT made for beer! Beer was made for elastic pants, casual day on the couch, or being around someone who already loves you. (That's how I get away with it ;) ).

"This beer clashes with my jeggings!"

When accessorizing your jeggings- cocktail style-we can say from experience- Vodka is the way to go.

So, when you are buying those new fall trends and getting ready for a night on the town- remember your drink is more than just a drink- it's an accessory.

So typical

So, I have to admit- I think I am a fair weather Rangers fan. Don't get me wrong- I used to be a huge fan as a kid. I was part of the Dr. Pepper fan club, I loved Bobby Valentine and Oddibe Mcdowell. Those days have a special place in my childhood. But, as the years have passed- there has been a disconnect for me. The day Pudge left- it was all over. There were other things to think about, watch on TV- and as you know 4 years ago TCU football really took up all the room in my mind for sports.

However, I have been watching all of the post season games....and what has happened? I really, really like the team. I am learning all of the players names and picking out the ones I like.


Love Him!



I am cheering and even watching games by myself.

So, of course, with hopefully only one game left tonight I find myself wanting more....So typical!

Warm Hearts Trump Cold Beer

I have the privilege of knowing two of the most amazing people and have the blessing of being related to them.

If I live to be 92, I want to do it their way.

I absolutely believe in love. I am a total hopeless romantic- love the romantic comedies, love the idea of being swept off my feet, and believe in the idea that love can last a lifetime- whether that lifetime is 35 years, 60 years, 92 years, or more.

This past weekend John and I went to Florida to visit my grandparents. They were born 2 and a half weeks apart in October and we thought this would be a fun time for a visit. They are both celebrating 92 years- which in itself is quite an accomplishment. They still live on their own, my grandfather still drives, and they are full of stories and laughter. These are truly happy people!

But what I was most moved by this weekend is the love they share with each other. Next month, they will be celebrating 70 years of marriage, and this fall, 75 years of "dating". Almost every memory in their 92 years, has included each other. And to think, I feel like John and I have shared a lot- and we are just beginning!They hold hands, they make fun of each other, and they laugh...a lot.

This past weekend, there was laughter, there was tears, but most of all there was love. And, that really is the greatest of ALL things.

" You can tell a good pub the way it fits around your shoulders"

The Golden Bee!

Where all the magic happens!

 Wow! This is one of the most fun, special bars/pubs I have ever been to. The bar is actually a restored English Pub of the 19th Century. It came to American in the early 1800's from London and was in business in the London Terrace section of New York City. It was dismantled to make way for an apartment complex and stored in a warehouse where it was discovered by W and J Sloane and company, a decorating firm commissioned by the Broadmoor in the late 1950's. It opened its doors to patrons of the Boradmoor in 1961.

The history is a very cool part of this place- but the atmosphere is what makes it so special. You have to get the "Bee" early if you want to partake in the fun. We as a family of 8- needed to get there super early so that we would have a seat. There is no standing room in this bar- if you don't have a seat- you wait in line until someone leaves. And trust me- you don't want to leave.

Us before the music!

John and his 1/2 Yard

 We arrived at 6:00 PM and slowly got drinks and dinner. The cuisine was English with pot pies and sandwiches. Not my favorite- but I found a cup of soup and salad to enjoy. I say slowly- because the fun didn't really begin until 8:30. That is when rag-time and sing-along piano is performed.

The piano

I really didn't know what to expect- and then it happened. A song list! Yay!

Love this song book- brought it home!

So, the pianist began and we all sang along together in the whole bar. We stayed there until 11:00 PM, requesting songs, belting out the ones we love, still singing the ones we didn't. I have never had more fun with so many people I didn't know. It was a total blast!

Linds and Kyle singing

John and I singing

 Forget the food, forget the beer- if the food was cold, and the beer was hot- this would still be one of my most favorite places and memories. Luckily- the beer was pretty cold. Problem was- I was having too much fun to take the temperature. Now, that is a sign of a great night!

"You can tell a good pub by the way it fits around your shoulders". That's how an Englishman explained the very special atmosphere that tells you instantly you've come to the right place...a blend of warmth and friendliness, of dark wood colors and sparkling glass, of foaming tankards and good talks. The Golden Bee at the Broadmoor was for sure this place.

A Weekend in the Springs

The family all together again!

This past weekend my entire family met in Colorado Springs. We traveled from Phoenix, Fort Worth, and Nashville for a special weekend to take a trip down memory lane, watch some TCU football, and celebrate my sister's birthday- on September 11th.

 Honestly, I don't know which day was more fun. Friday was a total blast. If you like to gamble, and are on a budget, Cripple Creek is the place for you. I LOVE this place. 

A picture of the Blackjack Table

Vegas- You got nothing on Cripple Creek.

It's nestled about an hour away from Colorado Springs and boy, oh boy- this was fun. The town was a little sleepy, but right when you got into one of the 10 casinos-the fun began! There were $3.00 Blackjack tables- did you see that $3.00. What a bargain! We had a blast there- but started to all lose some money. So, we headed over and "opened" the Craps table. This is my mom's favorite game and boy was this table HOT. We played as a family for over 2 hours (all 8 of us) and we all won $$$$$! It was a $1.00 Craps table- so not millions- but it was a ton of fun and hey, money is money.

That afternoon we headed to the Broadmoor. This was such a special treat and a special place. This hotel not only has gorgeous views, amazing restaurants, but is honestly- a lap of luxury. I could go back again and again. That evening we hit my most favorite place ever, The Golden Bee. More on that another time.

My parents at the Broadmoor

Saturday, we headed to the Air Force/TCU game where we enjoyed football, sun, mountains, and an amazing tribute to 9-11.

We wrapped the weekend up with church, a tour of where we lived and grew up for the spouses, and an awesome Birthday Brunch for my little sister's 26th Birthday.

What a fabulous weekend.  Happy Birthday Terri!

Football RULES- Why didn't anyone ever tell me?

I grew up hating football. I thought it was totally dumb and decided that sitting in the kitchen talking with my mom was totally more fun than watching it on t.v. I have 2 sisters- and they didn't get that memo. Every weekend, my sisters, dad, grandparents, aunts, you name a family member all gathered to watch games. I refused! (Silly, silly me).  I didn't understand what was so interesting about watching guys run around in helmets and shoulder pads- I preferred where I could see the guys- like baseball. I do like sports; grew up playing soccer and really do love baseball- but football- I wanted NOTHING to do with.

Fast forward to age 25. I meet and fell in love with a die-hard TCU fan. I will tell you- I almost broke the guys heart by not attending one game while we were dating. I didn't like the sport and thought that was something that he could do on his "own time".  I had no interest in learning about what quarterbacks, tight ends, and running backs did. I didn't know why they were so big and bulky and just ran into each other. Still, was not interested.

But, he proposed, and life changed. He wanted me to go to games- to learn his passion, and maybe, just maybe- pick up some passion of my own.  So, I did.

Tailgating!

 And the passion actually started with the party. DUH! I love a party, I love being outside, and I love beer. (Lots of GREAT beer blog content to come this season)  Wouldn't it be a natural for me to love football? Isn't that what Football is all about? :)

However, week by week, I grew to love the game. I am totally competitive by nature and got into the teams and the plays and started caring about the players.

Fiesta Bowl

I also got lucky that the football Gods knew it would just take a trip to Fiesta Bowl and Rose Bowl to send me over the edge to a true and passionate fan.

Rose Bowl

So, on the eve of football season- I think to myself- Football Rules. Why, oh why did it take me this long to figure out?!!?

"When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you"

 This weekend we had BIG plans! My sister and her boyfriend were going to join John and I for a weekend at Possum Kingdom lake. I had it all planned- golf, boating, and plenty of blog material. Unfortunately, we got a call Thursday that because the lakes are so low from our Texas drought- that we were unable to get the boat off the lift and into the lake. Bummer! So, we decided to forgo the lake-since we couldn't actually get in the water- and stay at home in Fort Worth.

Me and John

Terri and Chris

******Last weekend when we were listening to music with our friends, Katherine and Jason, they were telling us about an amazing performer who sings Frank Sinatra tunes and Rat Pack music. That is MY favorite kind of music and I instantly looked up when and where he played.  He came to Fort Worth once or twice a month and happened to be playing this weekend.********

So, when the lake plans crumpled, I knew exactly what our back up plan would be. So, last night we headed to downtown Fort Worth for some fun. First stop, Mi Cocina- a tasty Mexican delight. Next and final stop, Scat lounge.

Scat is an underground jazz bar that has live music nightly. It is tucked away in an alley and you take an elevator down to get to the bar. The bar takes you back to another time. There are small tables everywhere- and if you don't have a seat- you can't come in. I love this- not super packed, and easy to see the show from no matter where you sit. Their cocktail list is a mile long where mixed drinks and martinis are a must.

One of these things is not like the other...guess which is mine?

And then there was Ricki. My heart went pitter, patter when he and the band hit the stage and brought back the music of old. Ricki Derek is a great performer who not only sings, but is very entertaining between songs. The Vegas 6- the band he performed with- gave me more appreciation for the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and bass. This is a group to see if you love this music.

Ricki Derek

And the people watching, oh the people watching. How do I always end up places where the people watching is such fun. Bonus! There were old and young, good and bad, over served and, well- over served.

All in all- this was a night that will repeat itself! I am his #1 fan and look forward to being a groupie! Thanks Ricki Derek for a great night and fabulous music!

My thoughts on the barcode....

" God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy"

- Billy Currington

I couldn't have said it better myself!

What's in a Barcode

Last night John and I met our friends Katherine and Jason out for dinner and music in Grapevine, Texas. Since they live in Dallas and we live in Fort Worth, we thought this would be a great place to meet. There are tons of restaurants and great places for live music. We started at a little restaurant called, Into the Glass. There are about 10 little tables in the place and serve amazing food. Katherine and I each had a pork tenderloin salad and the guys had french dip and chicken and waffles. We had some nice wine and I thought the atmosphere was great. The only complaint was the price. We got the check and nearly choked- it was price of a fine dining restaurant- without the white table cloth.

Next up, we wanted to try a bar that we had never been that has live music. We went to Willhoites. This place was packed and the band was awesome. They had a great mix of cover songs that we could all sing or dance along to. And the people watching! Wow!






We sat next to a gentleman with a barcode tatoo on his head. I had to get a picture of this! I asked him if I could- he was happy to oblige.

Well, we HAD to know what the barcode was----get this, it was of his favorite beer. Ha! I thought a beer blog was dedication- nope- that's nothing. His commitment to his favorite beer is inked on him forever. And what might that beer be..... Corona. (Must say- was hoping it might be a domestic beer of some sorts or something with a little pizzazz).

So, all in all, a great night with friends, food, music, and cold beer. Well, that and the barcode!

I knew it, I knew it!!!

"Don’t be afraid to knock back a cold one. Beer actually has a number of surprising health benefits.

Despite beer’s bad reputation, it contains numerous natural antioxidants and vitamins that can help prevent heart disease and rebuild muscle. It also has one of the highest energy contents of any food or drink. Of course, this means you need to set limits: one beer gets you going, four makes you fat.

For those concerned about dehydration, keep in mind that beer is 93 percent water. According to a Spanish study, beer may actually provide better hydration than H2O alone when you’re sweating under the sun.

Dark beers tend to have the most antioxidants, which help reverse cellular damage that occurs naturally in the body. A recent study has also found that dark beer has higher iron content, which is essential for producing red blood cells as well as for muscle and brain function.

Another thing to keep in mind is that microbrews are typically healthier than mass-produced cans, because they have more hops. Hops contain polyphenols, which help lower cholesterol, fight cancer and kill viruses."

-Dr. Manny

Guess we don't have to feel guilty about having a beer this weekend! I will drink to that!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Meredith, Katie, Lee-Taylor, Me, Terri

My friend and co-worker Meredith just moved back to Texas from Kansas and had never had a proper night on the town in Fort Worth. So, Katie, Lee-Taylor, my sister Terri, and I decided to plan one to remember.

We started at La Familia for dinner- the best Mexican in Fort Worth. The place was hopping- they have expanded the restaurant and have an awesome ice bar. We had a 30 minute wait that was well worth it. I ordered a Bud Light and got out the thermometer.  ( I love that my friends take the thermometer so seriously- it is a very important tool for my blog.) I was SHOCKED! The beer was some of the coldest I may have EVER had. It was 28.9 degrees!!! That was the coldest beer of the night and quite delish. Now- 2 great reasons to go to La Familia- great mexican and cold beer.

COLDEST BEER EVER!!!

 

From there we headed next door to the "M" Lounge. This place was dark and smoky so we only stayed there for one drink- plus the service was lacking.  And trust me, the way we were bar hopping one drink was plenty at each stop!

 Next on the list was the Durty Crow. This bar is about a year old and I really like it. It is totally open with concrete floors and large barrels act as tables. They have a pool table as well as some some video games for the guys and a few T.V.s for game day. I really like this bar a lot- it is a little smoky too and the beer is not the coldest- but a super fun atmosphere.

The gang at Durty Crow

Our last stop in the 7th street area was a staple to Fort Worth and has been around forever! Freds! This place is a greasy spoon with huge burgers and cold schooners. They pride themselves on serving "Cold Ass Beer". However, as we learned that evening- the coldest beer was at the most unexpected place. The beer was OK at 35.2 degrees. But, the atmosphere and people watching totally make up for that.  This place is one of a kind!

 Outside Fred's

 Beer Temperature at Fred's









Overall- it was a great night on the town. After all, girls just wanna have fun- and fun we did have!