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Veterans Day 2013 Dallas Deals

10 Nov

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF VETERANS DAY DISCOUNTS AND FREEBIES!!!

VD2013

NOVEMBER 11

BOSTON’S RESTAURANT & PIZZA BAR IN IRVING : FREE ENTREE for military, veterans & 1st responders

Choose from:
Indy Size Pizza with up to 3 Toppings
Mama Meata Calzone
Boston’s Cobb Salad
Boston’s Burger
Spicy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

CHILI’S : FREE ENTREE – Veterans and active military personnel
View Veteran’s Day Menu

ON THE BORDER : FREE MEAL from the “Create Your Own Combo” Menu (Choose 2 or Choose 3 selections) – Military ID or proof of military service

RED ROBIN : FREE Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries for Veterans and active duty military

Veterans-Day13-image

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF VETERANS DAY DISCOUNTS AND FREEBIES!!!


Lamar Street Festival Dallas – October 19

14 Oct

Typically you have two choices: You can either “call Tyrone” or call Lamar. This Saturday you should be able to catch both in their own individual, rare forms when Erykah Badu headlines the Lamar Street Festival. lamarLocated right outside of downtown Dallas, the Lamar Street Festival is a one-day music festival featuring an eclectic array of Texas bands around restaurants like Bill’s Records, Poor David’s Pub, Full Circle Tavern and The Cedar Social. There will be a total of four indoor stages in addition to the main outdoor stage at the 2013 Lamar Street Festival. Admission is only $5 for adults but bring your cash as there will be no ATMs on site. Kids 12 and under get in free!Tickets are available an hour before the festival commences.

Click below to see all the bands performing live!

2013 MUSICAL LINEUP

The following neighborhood restaurants will be serving food at the festival!

Don't miss this live DJ at 6pm - JT Donaldson

Don’t miss this live DJ at 6pm – JT Donaldson

The Cedar Social
• Spiral Diner & Bakery
• Nylo Dallas South Side
• Opening Bell Coffee
• Full Circle Tavern
• Off the Bone Barbecue
• Jack Daniels Saloon
• Four Corner’s Brewery



Between Baduizm, breweries and bands galore, you’re sure to have a fun time in Dallas this Saturday from morning til night with a music festival unlike any other!

Ms. Badu headlines the 2013 LSF - www.laineygossip.com

Ms. Badu headlines the 2013 LSF – http://www.laineygossip.com

Get a close look into D-town’s live music scene all day long with art on display, a short film competition and other outdoor festivities. Not to mention PETS ARE ALLOWED! Cyclers are more than welcome to the 2013 Lamar Street Festival and bike valet can be found at the Bellview Street Festival Entrance between 11am and 11pm. The area is safe and secure.

Multiple stages (indoor and out), live DJ’s, local bands, good food, works of art, featured films and hours of music = a successful DFW community event. The easiest way to find the Lamar Street Festival of Dallas is to follow the large red “SOUTHSIDE” letters to the east of downtown. See you on Lamar!

Soul Track Mind - 4:15pm

Soul Track Mind – 4:15pm



SATURDAY

OCTOBER 19 | NOON – 10PM

Location: If you can get to Southside on Lamar building (1409 South Lamar), then you can get to the Lamar Street Festival

South of downtown and one block from Cedars DART Rail Station

The side of Lamar you WON'T see on Saturday!

The side of Lamar you WON’T see on Saturday!

2013 State Fair of Texas Discounts

6 Oct

One regular admission ticket for an adult to the State Fair this year is $17. Children and seniors get in for $13. Unless you’re under the age of 3 (which means you wouldn’t be reading this) you can’t get in for FREE. A season pass will cost about $40, and one sheet of 20 coupons is $10. Another way to save a little change is to buy your fair ticket ahead of time online. Then it’ll be $14.95, as opposed to $17.

You’re best bet for getting the biggest discounts on admission to the Texas State Fair is to go between Tuesday and Friday.

Here are ways to save money on admission to the 2013 State Fair of Texas!!

TUESDAYS DEALS

Bring an empty Dr. Pepper can for $5 admission on Tuesdays, or $8 admission any day after 5 pm.

Go see BIG TEX and head straight to the Midway on a Tuesday so you can hop on even more amusement rides because all rides (except for thrill rides and the Texas Star) are ONLY SIX COUPONS each – a savings of anywhere between two to six coupons (or $1-$3) per ride.

WEDNESDAY’S DEAL

Thanks to the North Texas Food Bank and Kroger, if you bring 3 canned goods (per person), you’ll receive $3.00 admission on Wednesdays. Help fight hunger in North Texas!

THURSDAY’S DEALS

On Coca-Cola Thursday, bring an empty 20-ounce bottle and get $6 admission in exchange.

Every Thursday is also Senior Day, meaning fairgoers over the age of 60 get in absolutely FREE! On any other day seniors can still get $4.00 off admission.

Also, save your ticket stub from Cinemark Theatres, bring it to the fair on a Thursday, and receive FREE admission!!

FRIDAY’S DEAL

Save money on admission every Friday, by using the special coupon offer on KISS-FM’s website for $5 OFF admission. Click here to get the printable KISS FM Fair Coupon!

stfr

2013 STATE FAIR OPERATING HOURS

September 27, 2013 – October 20, 2013

Exhibit Buildings
10am – 9pm (Sunday – Thursday)
10pm – 10pm (Fridays & Saturdays)

How Sweet the Sound 2013 – Verizon Theater Grand Prairie

26 Sep

Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound” is back and in search of the 2013 Best Gospel Choir in America. In its  6th year the Dallas regional will feature a gospel grudge match! That’s right, it’s a rematch of epic proportions as some of the greatest choirs from across the Southwest take the stage at the Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie. How Sweet the Sound Dallas is not only a celebration of gospel choirs, it’s a celebration of the directors whose musical arrangements and animated directives are a show within themselves.

HSTS Dallas is held at the Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie

HSTS Dallas will be held 9/28 at the Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie

How Sweet the Sound is your opportunity to see and hear some of the nation’s greatest choirs. The audience will be replete gospel connoisseurs, church family and even some gospel artists. The judging panel for this year’s event will include local gospel chart topper, Tamela Mann; rising star Vashawn Mitchell and unrivaled choir master Bishop Hezekiah Walker. The event’s hosts return in the personage of gospel legends Yolanda Adams and famed choir director Donald Lawrence who is also celebrating a milestone with his latest release.

Hosts: Yolanda Adams & Donald Lawrence

Hosts: Yolanda Adams & Donald Lawrence

Surely there are no grudges in Christ, but as with all competitions there are winners and losers. And with a returning cast from last year’s competition, you can expect the timbre of their joyful noise to reach fever ‘pitch’. Come lift your voice as the diaconate of doxology duke it out!

Last year's judges in worship mod

Last year’s judges in worship mod

Last year’s competition was so tight that the tension to decide a winner was palpable even backstage. The St. Mark Sanctuary Choir was crowned champion and closed out the HSTS 2012 season as National Runner-Up. This awesome choir will return to defend their regional crown. Last year’s “People’s Choice”, the St. John Church Music Ministry will also return to try and capture their prized place on the winners’ platform. The St. John Church Music Ministry won the Dallas regional in 2011, held at the American Airlines Center.

IMG_7928Marquinn Middleton and the Miracle Chorale returns this year to try and win the elusive top prize. Middleton and his phenomenal group got the crowd on its feet with their innovative harmonies and the stunning arrangement of the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness”. Even without taking home a single prize, Middleton and the Miracle Chorale earned the prize of crowd favorite and most anticipated performance at HSTS Dallas.

Rounding out the list of metroplex praise pugilists and worshipping warriors, the United Voices from God’s Tabernacle of Deliverance return with expectancy. Each performance is critiqued and The United Voices have taken notes and return prepared to build upon their impressive performance at the 2012 Dallas regional.

Throwing their hats in the ring with these choir contenders are the 2009 Houston regional “People’s Choice” and Verizon Hopeline award winner, the Royalwood Sanctuary Choir as well as Montrae Tisdale-Johnson and the Friends Chorale from Oklahoma.

Get ready for a night of praise and worship you won’t soon forget. Since last year each of the choirs have grown impressively. Most notably, The St. John Church Music Ministry was featured on Bishop Richard “Mr. Clean” White’s release: “I’m Glad”. Marquinn Middleton and The Miracle Chorale have been featured across the country now have an increasing presence locally. Of course the St. Mark Sanctuary Choir finished the season as runner up and has reaped the benefits of such a lofty achievement.

There’s so much to see and hear at this year’s “How Sweet the Sound” Dallas Regional, you still have time to get tickets to one of the hottest gospel events to hit the metroplex. For ticket info, click here . Tickets are going fast so get yours today! We will see you there!

IMG_8006
The National winner is awarded a recording contract. Click here to sample and buy Dexter Walker and Zion Movement’s new release on the eOne music label.

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Gospel Music writer for the Examiner, Win Willis, is a musician and sound engineer from Fort Worth, Texas. Win Willis is a lover of all styles of music and loves to share and discuss music with other avid music lovers.

2013 Preview of the Chinese Lantern Festival – Dallas Fair Park

26 Sep

The Chinese Lantern Festival: Light A New Dream is back in Dallas!! Here’s a sneak peek at some of what’s going on behind those walls at Fair Park! The State Fair of Texas opens on September 27th and you can enjoy the Chinese Lantern Festival located within Fair Park’s fairgrounds as a special paid attraction all throughout fair season and beyond!

Tickets to the Chinese Lantern Festival are
$14 for Adults and $9 for kids (ages 4-12).

Hours during the State Fair:
10:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.

Hours after the State Fair ends:
October 24 – December 8
Evenings – 5:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M.

Hours during the Holidays:
December 5 – January 12
5:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M.

Tickets during the Holiday Season are
$22 for Adults and $14 for Kids.

National Guacamole Day at Uncle Julio’s – September 16

10 Sep

We love guacamole! Yes we do! We love guacamole! How bout you?? If you haven’t noticed already, some legendary foodie in America (or just some coalition within the restaurant industry) is somewhere coming up with all these “national holidays” that honor almost every single food item. You’ve got every day from Apple Pie Day, Ice Cream Day, Chilli Dog Day and Fried Chicken Day to GUACAMOLE DAY! This year, on Monday, the 16th day of September, all avocado eaters will rejoice in the next “made up holiday” that promotes a favorite dip of all kindreds and tongues.

Photo from chillipeppermadness.com

Photo from chillipeppermadness.com


If you’ve heard of good Mexican food in Dallas, then you’ve heard of Uncle Julio’s. Now HERE is a place you want to celebrate Guacamole in all its zestiness. September 16th is also Mexican Independence Day, the anniversary of the Grito de Dolores (“Cry of Dolores”). In celebration of Guacamole Day, Uncle Julios will be serving up its special house guacamole (along with chips and salsa) for only $2! This guacamole is made FRESH with Haas avocados and quality ingredients. That day the ‘ritas will be only $4 all day long!

mammaonthemove.org

mammaonthemove.org

According to The Produce News, over 1.5 billion pounds of avocados were consumed by Americans in 2012, and I’m sure a major part of them were North Texans! I know one of them for sure, was me. We could eat sliced avocado with dinner – steak & rice, breakfast meals, sandwiches, etc. Then mash it up when you want to eat it with chips. In fact, Uncle Julio’s has been kind enough to provide us with a delicious recipe. Stop by Uncle Julio’s Monday, 9/16 or, if you live to far from the restaurant, take advantage of the exclusive recipes found below and the saying “Holy Guacamole” will take on a whole new meaning:

Recipe Yields 6 cups

Ingredients:
• 6 avocados
• ¼ tbsp olive oil
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1 tsp salt, to taste
• ½ cup chopped tomato
• ¼ cup chopped white onion

AvacadoChrisStock Directions:
1. Halve and pit the avocados. With a tablespoon, scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
Using the same bowl, mash the avocados using either a fork or potato masher, leaving them a bit chunky.
2. Stir olive oil into avocado.
3. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Salt to taste. Serve with tortilla chips.




UNCLE JULIO’S LOCATIONS:

Uptown Dallas | 4125 Lemmon Avenueunclejulios
North Dallas | 16150 Dallas Parkway
Fort Worth | 5301 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Grapevine | 1301 William D Tate Avenue
Allen | 190 East Stacy Road, Building 3400

For hours, please visit http://www.unclejulios.com/locations/.

Now dip, baby dip!!

DFW Happenings Spa Experience at Massage Envy Cedar Hill

8 Sep

It was a sunny Sunday afternoon in September…

I had a 4:00pm appointment with Shannon at the Massage Envy that just opened on August 1st, 2013 in Uptown Village at Cedar Hill. IMG_9152For those of you living in Southwest Dallas you can probably appreciate a nearby massage location and with services at an affordable price in case you need a last minute fix. Located next to Black Eyed Peas, Massage Envy Spa Cedar Hill has very inviting entrance where the therapists/front desk will greet you with a smile. The greeters as well as the therapists make it a point to ask what brings you in and understand your needs.

Upon arrival I filled out a form that one of the therapists sat down and explained to me. This sheet is to help the Massage Envy therapists get a full glimpse at the client’s needs and note any important health information or medical issues. Laura was quite helpful in walking me through it. Once that was all filled out I was taken into the relaxation room and in no time was headed to my massage room! They ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment because of this (the paperwork).

305 W. FM 1382, Suite 110, Cedar Hill 75104

305 W. FM 1382, Suite 110, Cedar Hill 75104


My friendly therapist, Shannon, whom I highly recommend, was very warm and sweet. She walked me back to the room where we’d be for the next 50 minutes, talked to me about my massage needs and went over my form. Then I was left to strip down to my “birthday suit” or what I was “most comfortable with”. (The massage beds are heated, by the way.)

I got all comfy under the cover with my face situated in the cushioned face cradle and laid there until the specialist came back in. A couple of knocks at the door and we were ready to begin! I won’t say the entire experience was painless, but that’s all a part of working out the kinks, and boy did I have some kinks! Shannon did a very good job at working out all the knots and pressure points in my neck and back where most of the tension was, and where it is for most women. I never realize just how much stress my body is carrying up and down I-20 until I go get a massage. Deep tissue methods, massage oils, heated beds, some water to sip on, dimmed lights and relaxing music is all you need to set the tone. IMG_9140Oh, and of course a great massager! You’ll have the chance when making your appointment to give your preference if you want a male or female – I wasn’t partial to either. With just the right kneading and rubbing done to the muscles you won’t be either. Aside from the pressure points (emphasis on pressure), while I laid in that room covered in a very calming dark lilac paint, I quickly went from passing the neighborhoods of Pleasant Run to a mellow “Japanese Oasis”. The music helps take you there.

At one point – about midway through – I may have come close to falling asleep, but I’m a light sleeper AND this was a full body massage. Not to mention, I had knots, and I could tell that Shannon had already made it her goal to get those suckers broken up! It’s not always the easiest road but well worth it in the end. Intense is one way to describe it, if you’re in similar shape as I was. My therapist’s arm became the rolling pin and my muscles were the dough. She was very attentive and communicated with me exactly how I was feeling and whether or not to ease up. She covered the back, neck, arms, legs, hands, shoulders…just about anywhere you have muscle. By 4:59pm right on the dot she finished me up and gave me a time to gather myself and switch out any “birthday suits” for public Sunday afternoon attire. As I stepped out of the room, my therapist was there patiently waiting for me and encouraged me to drink plenty of water.

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Following my 50 minutes of massage ministry, the young ladies at the front ask how it all went and then review your therapist’s recommendations with you. They sent me home with a little booklet the goes over what was done in today’s visit, what is recommended and then your therapist’s schedule and other contact information for the spa.IMG_9143

If you don’t like to drive far and are on a budget, but would like to have monthly massages or facials to enhance your body’s health and wellness, consider Massage Envy for the most affordable and thorough treatments this side of the Trinity. It may not be the ritziest of Dallas spa’s and you can’t get $10 champagne, but you’re paying for mostly for the medical services more than the luxurious ambiance at America’s favorite spa chain. Get the attention your body needs and at a cost your bank account want! For $49 you can get a 1-hour introductory massage session or an introductory 1-hour Murad Health Skin facial session for just $10 more ($59). On top of that I was informed that, once you have membership, for only $10 extra your friend or family member can use your account to go get a massage or facial one month in your place.

To set up your appointment at the newly opened Massage Envy Spa in Cedar Hill call 469-272-3689.

IMG_9142It was no secret that Massage Envy’s nationwide event, Healing Hands for Arthritis benefiting the Arthritis Foundation, was coming up on September 18th. The balloons, signage and flyers posted in the lobby reminded clients of the 3rd annual one-day event to build awareness and raise funds to fight arthritis. All of the 32 DFW Massage Envy spas will donate $10 from every one hour massage or facial to the Arthritis Foundation.

2013 Celina Balloon Festival – Sept 13-15

8 Sep
UP

UP

There’s only one direction to look when attending this year’s Celina Balloon Festival – UP. Besides just balloons, the 8th Annual Celina Balloon Festival is a fun family event packed with lots of activities like bumper boats, zip lines, helicopter rides and more. Special guests, the Emerald City Band will provide live upbeat music – including some of your favorite pop songs. Some of the most colorful balloons will fill the sky, floating across Celina at 5pm Friday, 7am and 5pm on Saturday and 7am on Sunday – pending weather conditions.

The top featured balloons can be seen here. For those of you looking forward to the Balloon Glow, a number of balloons will light up the night at sunset on both Friday and Saturday night .

Performing LIVE

Performing LIVE

TICKETS: A single ticket to the Celina Balloon Festival 2013 is just $5.00 and can be purchased here. Check out the family packs also!

To enjoy a Balloon Tether ride you only have to pay $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Balloon flights are $200 per passenger and occur in the morning and afternoon. You must arrive no later than 6:30am on Saturday/Sunday and 4:30pm on Friday/Saturday. Click here for more info on Balloon Rides.

On Saturday, the Faith and Family entertainers will hit the stage featuring the Celina High School Choir, hundreds of choir singers from across Collin County and the Relevant Life band! Sunrise service, sponsored by Lifeway Church, will take place on Sunday morning in the Balloon Fields.
celinab

Here are a few other family activities at Celina Balloon Festival 2013:

  • Inflatable insanity
  • Carnival
  • Zip line
  • Classic car show
  • Ponies and pals petting zoo
  • Coconut Climb
  • Helicopter rides
  • Adoption Alley
  • Hamster Balls
  • Bumper Boats
  • Kite Expo from DAKO
  • Home Depot Kids Pavilion
  • Baseball Tournament

Parking is available at $5 (cash only) at the Old Celina Park

2013 SCHEDULE

Friday 9/13…………..5pm – 10pm
Saturday 9/14…………7am – 11pm
Sunday 9/15………….7am – 5pm

Click here if you’d like volunteer information for the 8th Annual Celina Balloon Festival.

Old Celina Park | 12670 FM 428, Celina TX 75009

Paint Nite Dallas | 2013 Paint Nites Across DFW

28 Aug

paintnited

The coolest new activity to strike the canvasses in DFW only require a brush, a brew and a creative point of view. Become an “arteest” in just one night at one of the many Paint Nite Dallas events hosted across the metroplex. Paint Nite Dallas will unlock the “Picasso” within that you may have never realized you had. If it doesn’t do that, then you still have fun trying and sipping on other kinds of “creative juices”.

Remember me?

Remember me?

The PBS Legend

The PBS Legend

Whether you have more of a Bob Ross style or a Pappy Drew-It stroke, Paint Nite Dallas is the perfect spot for you and your friends to hang out and try something a little different. Unwind after a long day at the office or surprise your better half with a new Date Night! You’ll both design masterpieces or at least bond for two hours at a desperate attempt. Don’t let the name fool you either! Paint Nite Dallas hosts art sessions all across North Texas from downtown Fort Worth to Lewisville to Addison! You’re bound to find an event near you.

PAINT NITE DALLAS CALENDAR!!

Choose your Paint Night Date night according to:

DATE | LOCATION | ARTIST | PAINTING

Paint Nite Dallas is always open to new local artists who have a flair for teaching aspiring painters and wanna-be’s. Click here if this sounds like you!

paint-nite-group

Set aside a couple of hours one night and about $45 to dibble and dabble your brushes into some acrylic paint as you attempt to recreate a popular piece along with a room full of other adventurous Texans in one of your favorite neighborhood bistros. Paint Nite provides all the supplies. Go hard in the paint and make not only Bob Ross proud, but you would’ve done yourself a favor by simply trying on your own and adding your own style in the process. At the end of your DFW Paint Nite, you’ll get to take home the masterpiece you created on a 16″ x 20″ canvas. The awesome thing about Paint Nite Dallas is no experience is required! Catch you at the next PND!

Movies On Main Rowlett – September 2013

25 Aug

Lights, camera..….Rascals! The 2013 Movies On Main movie series in Rowlett return September 6th with family-friendly flicks like the classic film Little Rascals, Paranorman and Hotel Transylvania. Starting in September North Texans can gather on the lawn of downtown Rowlett’s city library. Seating begins at 6:30pm as the movies begin at dusk!

M.O.M. Attendees are invited to bring their blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Free popcorn and sno-cones are available at showtime! School is back in session so reserve your Friday nights with the family at Movies On Main relaxing under the stars in downtown Rowlett. Make it a movie night with complimentary sno-cones and popcorn for the kids!

    2013 MOVIE SCHEDULE
    September 6 ……….ParaNorman
    September 13………The Little Rascals
    September 20………Hotel Transylvania

rowlett-movies

Parking is worry-free at Rowlett’s Movies On Main also! Free parking can be found at Coyle Middle School located at 4500 Skyline Drive. On Sept. 6th be sure to use the back parking lot of the school as previous school program is scheduled that evening. Should the weather get rainy or stormy check http://www.rowlett.com to find out if Movies On Main has been moved inside the community center where it was last summer. See you at 6:30pm!