The Ranch @ Las Colinas - Recommend/Restaurant Review

The Ranch

If you're traveling to Dallas and flying in via DFW International Airport this is a must stop for you or perhaps even suggest it for your company lunch! This restaurant has the tasteful masculine taste, flair, and colors while still providing a rustic lodge feel (but without that awful dark coloring or style). There are plenty of windows and different sitting areas to accommodate for the business lunch, business formal discussions, etc.

If you live in the DFW area then you need to put this on your to do list, because its both satisfying to all the senses - taste buds, coloring for the eyes (whether you sit in the bar area, the main seating area, the nicely fashioned enclosed patio, patio area, or the front larger party seating where these large enough windows are laid out to allow enough light for the area but not too bright where you feel the Texas Summer Heat); ears because no matter how full it is you can still carry an actual conversation, touch because their seating is leathers and wood and smooth to the touch, and the nose because the aromas coming from their kitchen are DELICIOUS! As always can’t forget the restrooms-no worries there because their tastefully done and not gloomy dark like other places like to style their restrooms AND I know it sounds silly, but the sink is pretty smartly done!

The layout of the restaurant is both intriguing yet extremely functional and works well no matter the size of the attendees. The flavors, styles, textures, lights, coloring, and staff really just make the accommodations an experience. Their staff from Hostess to the buss boys are all amiable, smiling, and have kind eyes. So having attended as my first time experience with my kids, let me tell you both a relief and an experience to really enjoy-EVEN WITH KIDS. After being seated, drinks were taken in a timely manner and of course spirits were also ordered! ;) So the two that were ordered was the "Hibiscus Haze" (floral, fresh, a smooth affect/hit, and deliciously addicting) and now one of my personal favorites, the "Bourbon Smash" (personally better then their old fashioned if you ask me). Thats the image below by the way ;)

My suggestions for their appetizers would be the "Lump Crab Dip" (which is true to the statement by the way) satisfying the need for seafood as well as that creamy texture that isn't overpowering and a delicious mixture of flavors with the cheese thats melted. For the table, their "Chef's Favorite 4" is definitely one for all and has great flavors as well as sauces mixed in. Actually if you've been to Haywire at the Legacy West in Plano, TX then this will be something similar and just as delicious. 

I did attend for lunch SO their menu is different than dinner time (don't worry I'm working on rectifying that ;) so stay tuned for the dinner experience). With that being said, I ordered two plates (yes that's right I did order two) and the main reasoning being that I WAS hungry, but also because I wanted items that I could get the best of all worlds in; so what did I order you ask? I ordered the "Butchers Cut Steak Salad" which is anything but small but all flavor, the steak beautifully cooked at medium, and truly satisfying. Don't worry fulfilling enough for sure but my stomach and appetite is different SO yes I still ate my second plate ;) My second plate that I ordered was the "Chicken Fried Chicken" that comes with their potatoes and green beans.

Can't say enough about their desserts either SO guess you'll just have to go to and try them yourself!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Rocker Recliner - Amazon Product Review

NEWBULIG Rocker Recliner Chair for Adults, Swivel Glider Sofa for Living Room, Adjustable Modern Single Couch with High Back Footrest, Massage, Grey

I don't know about you but I'm a huge dan of chairs that can both rock and recline but it's the best bonus when it can also swivel completely! I'm also the typer of person who likes to get the most for her buck and also a logical purchaser. So what does it mean to be a logical purchaser, at least to me anyway? Well that means that whatever I'm purchasing serves a purpose in my home and isn't just about purchasing something I like or want. It's both functional and comfortable/useful! 

Contrary to belief (at least from my family who knows I purchase a lot from Amazon anyway) I actually do a lot of shopping around before settling on a specific purchase especially if it's an online purchase. So for the chair I'm describing above made no difference to my methods of research. I looked in the stores, then online because sometimes the online options for the same furniture stores are a little more extensive. Then there's just the straight online shopping like on sites such as Wayfair or Amazon. I've made some big purchases on Amazon and have trusted a good bit of their specific manufacturers/distributors so if you want something from there but are a little timid about the purchase send me the info and I can look intent for you...you'll see what I mean as I go through more of my product reviews ;) anyway!

So after looking at the store prices who had products similar but were either too big/bulky or also costed more of an arm and a leg! Yea no thanks! There I went to my reliable Amazon shopping techniques! I settled on my top five choices then literally research and looked at all of the details of the product before settling on the one I purchased-which is what this post is about! Also on a side note-great packaging and easy setup!

Whether you're wanting is as a focus piece for a reading nook area or just a complimentary seating area for a living or an entertaining area for guests, this is definitely a good one! Though the product only has three color options they are almost on point to the real color when purchased and delivered to you. So what you see in the picture isn't what I like to call "false advertisement" and you know what color you're actually getting. 

Now about the product itself! It's just the right size I feel for the needs of what it provides, meaning: 1) that comfortable cushiony feeling of a chair you're seating in that doesn't swallow you up but molds to you nicely and you can sit there for a while 2) the rocking feature I know isn't for everyone but when you dont have that rocker feel outside in your patio and just want a few moments of peace to rock to your thoughts or perhaps to a soothing rhythm you have playing on speakers somewhere; even just to relax for a while with that rocking motion calming you and soothing you-yea it's nice to have indoors not just in a patio or outdoor seating area 3) the swivel part might not seem like something important for someone but for me and liking to make most of the space of an area without bothering other guests in the area that they're seating, yea it's important for me and it helps to keep personal spaces separated 4) the reclining capability of this piece of course is awesome, whether just wanted to have your feet up while sitting up, or you're wanting to fully recline and be comfortable for a nap or a long movie, this product provides! 5)the best part or at least the part I didn't realize I needed and have with this particular product is the reclined feature that still allows you to swivel! So if the recliner is in an area that someone perhaps needs to pass through, NO WORRIES! you can swivel the chair and allow someone to  pass through. An awesome feature I think not thought of by many but like I said it's been awesome since I purchased the chair! 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

The Navy Blue Angels - General/Recommend/Family

This one goes out to all of my military men and women…I’ve always had a fascination with the military and no JUST because of the men in uniform, its more so because of what the military stands for or what the “codes of honor” are within each branch of the military. It stands for something and is something honorable as well as virtuous in its own way. 

That being said, if you want to feel close to the military yet not really be a part of the military, watching the Air Force Thunderbirds and/or the Navy Blue Angels in action is the best way. And guess what!?! It’s family friendly a well! Though both are great shows I personally enjoy more the Blue Angels air show. I think it's more because of the technique and the display of techniques that they do that makes it more enjoyable. 

As for the family friendly bit, it’s usually everything and then some. The accessibility or extra things to do at the event itself is dependent upon where the air show is being held and then you will know what specifically is open for your kids to also enjoy, not just the air show itself with the planes on display on the ground as well as in the air. 

The best part I think in general of the air show is that if you want to make an adventure of it close to where you live, you can look up either one of their schedules for the year and see where they will be at and obviously if its in your town then you don't have to go anywhere but to the event; if not however, then you can easily make a quick family road trip of it and enjoy the air show in a town close to you! 

The sonic boom is awesome and its just an all out, Top Gun feeling as a whole; so I dont know about you, but there’s nothing really not to like about it! Unless you really don’t like the military, or perhaps don’t like/approve of the loudness of the jets overall…Seriously you need to go! Its awesome! 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman