Prayer for Memorial Day : Lord, Please hold our servicemen and women and their families in your strong arms.  Cover them with your grace and protection as they protect us and our freedom. In your Son’s Holy Name, Amen.

Mini Burgers

 8 ozs. ground beef

2 teaspoons ketchup

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

All-purpose flour for dusting

1 sheet (from a 17.5 oz. package) puff pastry

2 ounces ( about 1/2 cup) Cheddar cheese, shredded

1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water

 Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchmentpaper, set aside.

 In a large bowl, mix together beef, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.  Form the mixture into 8 equal size patties.  In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the patties for 1 to 2 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, unfold the pastry and roll out.  Cut the pastry lengthwise into 4 equal strips, then cut strips in 1/2 crosswise.  Place 1 patty on each strip and top with cheese.  Fold the pastry up around the burgers and pinch the edges together to seal, molding to fit around the patties.  Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg mixture.

 Place the mini burgers on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until puffed and golden.  Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

]]> http://www.wherewearinthecity.com/food-beverage/05/simply-sunday-mini-burgers/feed/ 0 http://www.wherewearinthecity.com/dallas/05/plant-a-seed-seeds-of-africa/ http://www.wherewearinthecity.com/dallas/05/plant-a-seed-seeds-of-africa/#comments Thu, 24 May 2012 18:39:25 +0000 Allison Edwards http://www.wherewearinthecity.com/?p=15272

“Creating a long-term and self sustaining model for education and community development that can be replicated in other African communities” is the mission for the Ethiopian born organization Seeds of Africa. Raising awareness in our community by former Dallasite Atti Worku, Seeds of Africa began in Ethiopia, helping to educate and nurture gifted children, young adults and communities with support that meets basic needs, and innovative curriculum and community development programs.

Founder of Seeds of Africa Atti Worku and Allison

Dallas friends, family, and supporters gathered last Thursday night for a fashionable feast to celebrate Seeds of Africa and the difference they are making in the community. Held at one of the newest editions in Oak Cliff, Bolsa Mercado was the perfect atmosphere for old and new friends to gather for an evening of delectable bites by Executive Chef Jeff Harris and Executive Sous Chef Matt Balke and support this charitable cause!

Bolsa Mercado

The menu for the evening

The fashionable crowd

Ricotta Cavatelli

Roasted Wagyu Petit Filet

Ethiopian coffee, ice cream and pudding cake for dessert

Amongst the crowd: Scott, Chuck, Abby, Atti, Lisa, Allison

Make a donation today and help plant your own seed!

Where Wear will we be next….

Planting a seed for the kids,

A&C

If you're HAPPY and you know it give two thumbs up!

If someone would have told me two months ago that I would be sharing close-up pictures of my face WITHOUT any make-up on I would have told them they were crazy! I had no idea how much improvement I was going to see in my skin. I am so impressed (and super happy) to report that I am now one of those people who doesn’t have to wear any make-up if I don’t have too. HOORAY!  Ok, so I’m not to the point yet where I do that every day, but I’m so close that I just had to tell everyone.

Take a look at these pictures – the first one is from back in March and the second one is from two weeks ago. You can notice a big reduction in redness in my skin and few to no breakouts at all. You can also see that the lines on my face have also diminished! No Botox for me!

March 2012 just after first dermaplane

May 2012 after elite facial

Two weeks ago I went back to Facelogic Spa for a regular elite facial, no dermaplane and no microderm. It was of course, amazeballs but the best part was the results. For the next couple of days my skin was glowing! I had multiple people asking me if I had gotten my hair done, changed my make-up – NOPE! I wasn’t even wearing any make-up. Talk about a self-esteem booster! Definitely loving the skin I’m in!

I can’t even begin to tell you how nice it is on the early mornings when I have to be at the gym before the sun gets up – not having to put on any make-up makes my getting ready process so much quicker. AND not wearing make-up while working out is so much better for your skin too. I was never wearing a lot of make-up to the gym (we all know those women I am talking about…) however, I was always putting on concealer to cover up my red spots and I’d put on some powder too. Not anymore! Now I just cleanse, put on my moisturizer and go! It’s awesome!

I know what many of you are thinking – “she sounds crazy!” While we all know I can be crazy from time to time…I promise you when it comes to this I’m being serious. Everyone can have healthy glowing skin if you just take care of it. You’re probably also wondering how you can afford it – EASY! Facelogic Spa has a fabulous membership program (at different levels) that is totally affordable. If you aren’t sure which membership option is best for you they are so great about helping you figure that out. To me, the best part about the membership (besides the amazeballs service AND free perks!) is the fact that they educate you along the way about what you need to do take care of your skin. After all, your skin has to last you for a long time and you want it to stay looking young and healthy…just something to think about.

Corrie at Facelogic Spa

I now have to give major kudos to the person that has helped me accomplish all of this greatness – Corrie at Facelogic Spa! Thank you Corrie for teaching me everything I never knew I needed to know and so much more! That’s a picture of Corrie – I assume she is ok with me sharing it since she took it of herself haha! And another big THANK YOU to Facelogic Spa for giving me this wonderful opportunity!

The fun isn’t over! Next time you will learn about my two newest facial product obsessions (I’m in love!) and see more pictures of my skin transformation. Yay! In the meantime – please take a few minutes to VOTE for Facelogic Spa in the D Magazine’s Best of Big D competition! It only takes a minute AND if you vote Facelogic Spa for Best Facial every day you could win a year of monthly massages and/or facials! Each time you vote- take a screen shot of your check mark and sent it to votefacelogic@sg-pr.com.  www.dmagazine.com/bestofbigd2012

Until next time…what will I do next?!

XOXO,
Courtney

Follow me on Twitter- @TexasWhoDat

Previous Posts:
Now Showing 30 Before 30
Start of Something Good
Task #1-Bake A Cake
Task #2- Bartending
Task #3- Palm Reading
Task #4- Get a Facial
Task#5 – Drive Heavy Machinery

Hard to believe the Spring flew by and Memorial Day Weekend is upon us….

Checkout some fab finds and weekend happenings to get you in the holiday spirit!

ASOS Skinny Jeans Floral Print #4

Vila Multi Stripe Tie Front Dress

Pieces Noleta Cross Body Bag

Splendid Marcel One Stripe One Piece Bathing Suit 

Jack Rogers Hamptons Thong Sandals 

Weekend Happenings:

• Texas Rangers play at home this weekend vs. the Toronto Blue Jays
• Checkout the new restaurant SNACK
• Lady Gaga Fan? Checkout the cover version with Bad Romance at the House of Blues!
• Join Deep Ellum Brewing Company for a Saturday Brewery Tour or Brew-B-Q on Sunday!
• Visit the Dallas Holocaust Museum Center
• Get on the Food Truck train and checkout the Food Truck Event at Lonestar Park!
• Pool Party at Ku De Ta!

Where Wear will we be next….

Enjoying the long weekend,

A&C

P.S. Also checkout….

     The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-26

Beef in Wine Sauce

 3 lbs. of sirloin steak, cut in 1/4 inch strips

2 Tablespoons of flour

2 cans creamy onion soup

2 cups of Burgundy wine

Season meat to taste.  Dredge strips in flour and brown in skillet.  Add wine and soup and stir.  Simmer covered.  Serve with noodles.  Serves 6 to 8 people.

“She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy”

Everyone has memories of the stories their parents used to tell them when they were little. For me, it’s the story of Willie Lump Lump. No, this wasn’t a Dr. Seuss book or nursery rhyme or a character on Sesame Street. Willie Lump Lump was a little boy who used to get himself into trouble all the time. I guess you could say he was like Curious George, except Willie Lump Lump stories always involved bulldozers, tractors or some sort of heavy machinery. I can recall countless stories about Willie Lump Lump jumping fences or escaping from his grandmother’s house stealing bulldozers and dump trucks. It never failed, Willie Lump Lump always did something he wasn’t supposed to, got caught and of course learned his lesson. If you ask me, Willie Lump Lump never learned his lesson because I don’t remember my Dad ever telling us any stories where Willie Lump Lump didn’t steal something… haha. Growing up I just assumed that these stories were from some book that my Dad read as a child or something. It wasn’t until my sophomore year in high school that I learned that my Dad and grandmother just made up all the stories.

After all of those Willie Lump Lump stories it should come as no surprise that I have always dreamed of driving a big bulldozer, or any type of heavy machinery for that matter. Thanks to my friends over at Big City Crushed Concrete I was able to fulfill one of my childhood dreams. It was seriously one of the coolest things I’ve ever done (I feel like I’ve said that a lot since the start of #30before30!). I’m pretty sure I had a huge grin on my face the entire time. It was just like Willie Lump Lump, except I had permission to drive the machines! This adventure started with a safety talk and the fitting of my very own hard hat! The hat made me feel totally official. This adventure was another perfect opportunity for me to wear THE boots! I have a feeling the boots are going to be seen a lot during my adventures. Makes the purchase all the more justified!

I think this adventure is another story best told through videos and pictures but I wanted you to know a little more about the machines I drove…

Machine #1: Case landscape loader (started out small to learn the basics)
Cost: approx. $45,000 (FYI that’s more than my car costs)
-bucket holds 1 cubic yard -used to clean up around the rock crusher

Machine #2: Komatsu, model WA500 (I called this one Big Bertha)
Cost: approx. $450,000 (tires run about $15,000 – crazy!)
-7 cubic yard wheel loader (about 12 tons in one scoop)
-used for loading up material into trucks
-I drove JR’s machine, he’s been with the company for over 20 years and is the main truck loader

Ever since this adventure I have not been able to look at any construction the same. I have found myself looking at the different machines to see which ones are similar to what I drove. It’s crazy to watch and see how quickly they maneuver those machines around. I decided that I was too delicate/afraid of breaking something and I was only in first gear…for obvious reasons…so I couldn’t really test my skills haha. Check out my video/picture montage and let me know what you think!

A big THANK YOU to Trey and Big City Crushed Concrete for letting me live out one of my childhood dreams! And course, a huge THANK YOU to Angie and Manny with Ochoa Photography without whom I wouldn’t have the fabulous pictures and video to document my adventures. Yay!

Until next time, what will I do next?!

XOXO,
Courtney

Follow me on Twitter- @TexasWhoDat

Previous Posts:
Now Showing 30 Before 30
Start of Something Good
Task #1-Bake A Cake
Task #2- Bartending
Task #3- Palm Reading
Task #4- Get a Facial

“Ligne Roset is synonymous with modern luxury and invites consumers to revel in a contemporary, design-forward lifestyle.”

Renowned French furniture and lifestyle brand, is offering a discount of up to 75% below retail price. This sale is available only for those in the Dallas area!

Where: Ligne Roset’s Dallas showroom-4516 McKinney Ave.

When:  May 19^th and 20^th, 2012

What: Discounted items include the Optimum table, originally $1,525, now $895; the Exclusif sectional, originally $10,425, now $7,295; the Extensia table, originally $2,865, now $1,895; the Jul chair, originally $2,865, now $1,195 and many more.

Known for its artful collaborations with both established and up-and-coming talents in contemporary design, Ligne Roset offers consumers and design professionals an entire lifestyle in which to live both boldly and beautifully via its furniture collections and complimentary decorative accessories, lighting, rugs, textiles and occasional items. A family-run business with a focus on environmentally conscious design since its inception in 1860, Ligne Roset matches its deeply-held belief in design with investment and technical innovation. Ligne Roset has continued to grow from a small business to a multinational company headquartered in Briord, France, with several factories throughout the beautiful Rhône-Alpes region, and over 600 retail distributors worldwide.

Finders Keepers Losers Weepers,

A&C

The Finley Shirt

Looking for some fun tops to spruce up your white denim or summer shorts? Checkout Finley shirts Spring 2012 and Fall 2012 Collections.

Shop their Classics Here or visit a Boutique near you.

Guinevere Ruffle Wrap Spring 2012 Collection

Finley Fishing Shirt Spring 2012 Collection

McKenzie Papaya Spring 2012

HomeMint

You have seen StyleMint and ShoeMint….add HomeMint to your list!  Created by Justin Timberlake and Estee Stanley bring luxury home goods specific to your taste! Get STARTED Here!

Lifetime Collective

Calling all males looking for new summer wear! Checkout Lifetime Collective’s Men’s Summer 2012 Looks…..

Buy Here 

Distressed Pocket Crew

Buy Here 

Biosanes

Looking for a new healthier and happier summer you? Checkout Biosanes for health and weight loss solutions complete with weight management, cleanse, energize and maintain health products! Don’t forget to check out the Magic Cookie! So yum!

Losing weight never tasted so good!

Herff Christiansen Clothing

Looking for great designs that do more with less? Checkout Herff Christiansen Collection tees, tanks, dresses, cardigans and shorts! The name speaks for itself! Loving the knit shorts, trapeze tank, and classic tee for summer!

Where Wear will we be next….

Until next Wednesday,

A&C

In town to help benefit the Vince Young Foundation and The Leadership Foundationwere Texas football alumanes Earl Campbell, Vince Young, Matt Nordgren, Bo Scaife, Cedric Benson, Jamaal Charles, Ahmard Hall, Terrell Brown, Selvin Young, Kasey Studdard, Derrick Johnson, Aaron Ross, Rodrique Wright, Michael Huff, Jonathan Scott, Marcus Griffin, Michael Griffin, Brian Orakpo and Quan Cosby.  Guests enjoyed photo ops with their favorite Texas players, as well as Eddie Deen’s barbecue, Paint Jamz Artist Dan, and music by the one and only Jerry Jeff Walker!

Co-Chairs for the event included: Anne and Steve Stodghill, Lynn and Allan McBee, Cecily and Scott Gooch, Alex and Tommy Hicks and Bryan Reeder. Honorary Chairs were Earl Campbell and Mack & Sally Brown.

Matt Nordgren, Steve & Anne Stodghill, Candace Young, Vince Young

Artwork won by Vince Young in the Live Auction! All Texas players signed it!

Jerry Jeff Walker

About the Vince Young Foundation

The mission of the Vince Young Foundation, a 501c(3) non-profit organization, is to provide empowerment, resources and leadership opportunities to equip our next generation of leaders, from all walks of life to believe, to achieve and to succeed. Young was inspired to start the foundation because of his own experience overcoming life’s challenges as child. He and his mother, Felicia Young, established the 501c(3) in 2006 in efforts to give back to community that has made him who he is today. Through a myriad of events and activities, hands-on educational programs, and personal visits and participation from Young himself, the foundation is dedicated to providing the support students need to be successful and productive leaders. To learn more visit http://thevincentyoungfoundation.org/home.htm.

About The Leadership Foundation

Founded in 2011 by Matt Nordgren, of Bravo TV’s Most Eligible Dallas, The Leadership Foundation provides financial assistance to local charities and helps develop leadership skills through camps and leadership symposiums. The Foundation also provides a platform for individuals, or groups, to raise and donate money for charities that are in need of additional financial assistance so that they may continue making a positive difference in our communities. For more information, please visit www.theleadershipfoundation.org.

with Courtney Kerr of Dallas Most Eligible & What Courtney Wore

Carla & I with Cedric Benson

Where Wear will I be next….

Texas On My Mind,

C

P.S. Thanks again to the fabulous Strauss PR ladies for an opportunity to cover the event!

Simply Sunday: Recipes from friends, family, and favorite cookbooks

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Italian Creme Cake

For the cake:

1/2 cup shortening, room temperature

1 stick butter, room temperature

2 cups sugar

5 eggs, separated and at room temperature

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

2 cups shredded coconut

1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature

1/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar, sifted

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and grease and flour 3 (9-inch) cake pans.

In the bowl of an electric mixer cream the shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt together onto a sheet of waxed or parchment paper. With the mixer on low speed, add the sifted ingredients in batches alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff, and gently fold into the prepared batter. Add the coconut, pecans and vanilla and fold into the batter. Divide the batter among the 3 prepared cake pans and bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and a tester comes out clean when inserted into the middle of each cake. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. When the cakes are completely cool, stack the layers with the frosting and frost the sides and top.

While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl combine the cream cheese, butter and vanilla and, using an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy. Add the sifted powdered sugar and mix until thoroughly combined. Add the nuts and fold together. Keep refrigerated until you are ready to frost the cake.