Dallas - I need some help

Dallas, I'm going to need the following ASAP:

• Social Media events/networking organizations - like Social Media Club Dallas or Ignite Dallas...but free?
• A place to live. I'd like to live in Uptown - maybe within 1 mi of Breadwinner's ish.
  
• Gym - near where I live. Need treadmills.
• Races to sign up for. Short races for now, a longer race (1/2 marathon) in April maybe?
• Recommendations on who to follow for local events.

Thanks for your help!

Next post will be on restaurants and bars in Dallas...probably.

What to drink to stay healthy

Everyone is sick. It's cold/flu season. Below are a few drink recommendations for when you feel like you're getting sick:

• Emergen-C + Vodka - L (aka Lenora) taught me this one. Order (or make) a vodka + water, then add one of the emergen-c packets (some people mix these with water to prevent sickness)
• Screwdriver - A classic. The OJ is packed with vitamin C to ensure you get enough to stay healthy. The vodka kills any germs
• Hot Toddy - Hot tea, whiskey and honey. Use green or black tea packed with anti-oxidants.

Note: I am not a doctor.

Raleigh: I'm going to miss you. Dallas: Round 2.

Dear Raleigh,

I'm going to miss the following:

• Runs on the greenway trails
• Fall (colors of leaves)
• Having Umstead so close to where I live
• Local breweries - especially my favorite, Big Boss
• Food trucks - will miss Only Burger the most
  
• My townhouse - I love my home, it's the perfect location and perfect size for me
• Highways - surrounded by trees/nature instead of construction and strip shopping centers
• BeerFest - both Durham and Raleigh
• Krispy Kreme Challenge
• Restaurants/Bars - Raleigh Times, The Pit, Lilly's, Issac Hunter's, Bu-ku, Boylan Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, Hibernian, Tasu...just to list a few favorites
• Being 2.5 hours from the beach and from the mountains
• Running into people I know every night I go out
• The great concerts and music scene from Lincoln Theater, Pour House, Berkeley Cafe, NC State Fair
• Reading a book at Fred Fletcher Park when it's nice out

I'm not even going to begin to list the amazing people...

Dallas, bring on the good times.

LOVE
JESS

Nashville Adventure

I took a long weekend and headed to Nashville to explore and visit some great friends - Hunter and Molly (and their almost 2 year old Jackson). Going into the trip I didn't really have too many expectations of seeing all things Nashville, given that my friends have a toddler, but was really just looking forward to catching-up. Hunter and Molly couldn't have been better hosts - we spent a ton of quality time hanging out and playing with Jackson and I got to see a lot of Nashville.

Some highlights:

• Pancake Pantry - Everyone told me I had to go here - a line actually forms around the building (even when it's freezing out). Hunter & I went Friday morning and I got the sweet potato pancakes. They were sooo delicious! I see why people line up around the block!
• Music Row - Totally different than what I was expecting - all of the production companies are holed up in adorable historic houses. Really cool to drive through this unique area.
• Patterson House - This cocktail bar is amazing! They specialize in high end drinks and the atmosphere is really cool. We kicked off our night out here and it was the perfect spot to begin our night.
• Broadway - Whew! This is where all the honky-tonks are. I had a blast going out here. Hunter may have been hesitant to go to this part of town, but we all had a blast. Between Legends, The Stage and Lonnie's we had a blast. I also witnessed Molly and a friend doing some STELLAR karaoke.
• Karaoke Cab - We took a karaoke cab home - it was hilarious. Hopefully the pictures from this will never appear.
• PM - Another delicious restaurant - one of the chefs here was on Top Chef. Apparently they have the best burger in Nashville, but I opted for some great sushi.

My sweet potato pancakes from Pancake Pantry:










We also hit up various neighborhoods, parks, Franklin, Sub Stop, had a play date for Jackson, drank lots champagne and wine, all participated in nap time and more fun. It was a perfect 4 day adventure. I'm already planning my next visit.

I should also note that I have a new respect for parents. Jackson is an adorable kid, but man, kids are "on" non-stop! Hunter and Molly are amazing parents - I don't know how they do it!

True love.

I've pre-ordered 14 boxes of girl scout cookies from moms and a troop leader in my office. That's 10 Samoas, 2 Thin Mints and 2 Tagalongs. Can anyone top that?

And before you judge me, I just ate my last Samoa from last year yesterday. I ration them. I never eat more than one a day. So good.

I can't wait until they arrive!

How many did you order? What's your favorite?

Hellllllllo 2011

Quick recap of week 1:

Brought in 2011 at House of Blues in Dallas listening to the Old 97's with a bunch of great people - amazing! ...followed by a less than amazing walk from downtown to uptown due to lack of taxi...

First meal of 2011 = Burger House! My fav! Photo from 2009:














Back in Raleigh, I've been to Big Boss Brewery twice for beer and to check out some food trucks:

1. Slippin Sliders - so good - I had a west coast and a diablo (on veggie) - both were delicious
2. Klausie's - wow - their crust is this thick garlic crust that is amazzzzzzing

I look forward to trying both again very soon!

Tried out some Harpoon brews for free at a local Friend of Harpoon event - can't beat free (delicious) beer!

Went to the Pour House for a concert - the opener was a band from Asheville, Big Daddy Love - some solid rock/bluegrass type music, great times. Whitey Morgan and the 78's, an outlaw country band (as Karlie described them) put on a great show AND we got to meet them. I love country concerts.
Here's Whitey Morgan and the 78's (compllments of Karlie):











Looking forward to what the rest of 2011 brings because week 1 was a close to perfect start.