“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.

What a beautiful Saturday it was! The horses were off for the 138th Annual Kentucky Derby!

Arlington Hall at Lee Park hosted their fourth annual “Day at the Races!” The day included fashionably clad guests, live entertainment by Justin Cash, lawn games, race wagering and a festive cocktail feast of Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps,  Stella Artois, and Herradura Tequila Margaritas in honor of Cinco de Mayo! Our hats off to the winner of the evening “I’ll Have Another” (my chosen winner!) View some of the pics from Saturday’s Derby festivities:

Allison, Tevian, and Co-Chair Lauren Lapeyre

Allison, Stephanie, Christine

Carolyn, Allison, Tevian

Natalie, Allison, Carla

Carolyn, Jose, Allison

Allison, Lindsay

Lindsay's festive Derby hairpiece, featured in D Magazine

Allison, Rachael, Laura

Tevian, Allison, Rachael, Lauren

Allison and Sharla in head accessories by BelledeBenoir

Floral with butterflies fascinator by BelledeBenoir

Other looks by  BelledeBenoir !

Where Wear will I be next….

Traveling and more good times ahead,

A

Join us this Thursday at Uptown’s Mason Bar for a Thursday evening happy hour from 5:30 to 7:30 pm to celebrate Peace, Hope and Butterflies benefitting the Miracle Players Foundation. Cocktails, New Orleans style bites, and musical entertainment by the Ray Johnston Band. Come out to support a cure for childhood cancer!

Until next Wednesday,

A&C

Before I left for Mexico, I was in serious need of pre-vacation pampering! I went to Facelogic to try their Microdermabrasion Polish, Dermaplane and Airbrush Spray Tan! Also checkout their summer specials and my Peel Series in case you missed it!

Akumal

We arrived by way of DFW to Cancun  and drove an hour to Akumal, Mexico , located in the heart of the Riviera Maya! We stayed at a beautiful villa called Casa Bella which offered a view straight out of a postcard! With a balcony overlooking the Yal-Ku Lagoon, we snorkeled, swam and got plenty of rays!

Casa Bella Balcony View

 Not only is the beach and views breathtaking, Akumal has some great restaurants, beach bars, shopping and spa that made our trip even more worthwhile!

Checkout…..

La Buena Vida-the perfect beach bar complete with bar swings, a hut set in a tree where you can enjoy buckets of beer (there really is a bucket for the beer to be sent up to you!), and amazing ceviche, guacamole and fresh red fish to enjoy while dining on the beach!

Turtle Bay Bakery & Cafe-enjoy a Mexican brunch complete with coffee and fresh smoothies!

Lol Ha-enjoy dining on the beach or in the main tiki hut complete with TVs and full bar! I was there for Cinco de Mayo!

La Lunita-overlooking Half Moon Bay, this romantic beach bistro made our group night out complete with wine, fresh fish, ceviche and a full moon!

Budha Garden Spa-a spa in a tiki hut set on the beach who would have thought? Modesty is not option here! Enjoy manis, pedis and massages all for under $65 US dollars!

Akumal Dive Center-looking to snorkel, scuba dive or enjoy a fishing excursion…this is the place to go!

MexicArte-boutique complete with jewelry, artifacts, masks, trinkets, crosses, clothing and so much more! I purchased my mom’s Mother’s Day cross here!

Akumal

If you are looking to branch outside of Akumal you definitely need to visit Tulum (about 30 minutes south of Akumal). We went there for a late afternoon beach trip and checked out:

Ana y Jose Beach Club in Tulum

Ana y Jose Beach Club-enjoy a scenic ocean backdrop and kite surfing all while laying on a bed on the beach! (don’t order the shrimp soup!)

Hechizo-We enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail here, but the restaurant itself was booked for the night! Posh-est restaurant in town!

Posada Margherita-favorite restaurant of the trip! Organic Italian cuisine in Mexico? Si Si….the ambiance and handmade pasta made this place spectacular!

Backdrop of the beach in Tulum

Other recommended favs….Hartwood & La Zebra. Also visit Playa del Carmen (just north of Cancun).

Where Wear will I be next…..

Ready for more summer adventures,

C

P.S. Looking for good summer reads by Bethenny Frankel? Checkout In A Place of Yes & Skinny Dipping!

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to find the perfect gift to show your mother just how special she is! A few creative finds to present her on her special day:

Pamper the special woman in your life by blowing her away with The Hair Bar’s Mother’s Day package! From now until May 13th (redeemable through December 31st), spoil the special lady in your life with their one-of-a-kind special that includes a blowout service, make-up application, and the choice of a conditioning mask or scalp massage. These services are valued at over $100, but are available for $85. Call today or go online to book your gift of love and luxury this Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day White Vegan Classics

Mother’s Day Navy Vegan Classics

 

Toms‘ Mother’s Day Shoes are the perfect foot adornment to remind your mother just how wonderful she is!

Urrunaga Bros. – Avoca Coffee’s Peruvian coffee fudge squares by Dude Sweet Chocolate

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Show your mother just how sweet she is with some delicious goods from Oak Cliff’s Dude Sweet Chocolate!

 

Treat your mother to a beautiful Sunday Mother’s Day Brunch at the Stoneleigh Hotel on May 13th from  10:30am-3:00pm!   Indulge in an exquisite Bolla Brunch prepared by Chef Cesar Gallegos. Check out the delicious menu!

1940′s Schiaparelli Broach on chrysocolla druzy

The gift of jewelry is always a sweet gesture and something your mother can always cherish! Shona Gilbert’s By Shona collection is the perfect accessory for any stylish mother!

Rachelle by Ashard Richley

Mothers will love a little arm candy from Ashard Richley! Dallas Designer Ashley Burghardt is combining her unique take on handbags by making a statement with creativity! Fashion. Form. Function.

WE love you MOM!

Where Wear will we be next…

Celebrating our mother,

A&C

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.    Psalm 16:11

 Spinach Fruit Salad

 Salad:

1 lb. spinach leaves washed and chilled

3 green onions, chopped

2 c. whole strawberries, halved

1 orange peeled, sectioned, and cut into bite size pieces

1/4 c. chopped cashews

 Dressing:

3 Tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon mustard

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 c. salad oil

2 Tablespoons vinegar

Whisk together ingredients for dressing.  Combine salad and dressing when ready to serve.