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

Ophir Pass, CO - General/Recommend

So if you haven’t ready my “Silverton, CO” post yet, I suggest you start off with that one first before you go reading this one. This post was inspired as a spin off practically, after writing that other blog post. You’ll understand better once you read that other post…

Meanwhile back to what I’m trying to say-this particular route through the mountains is a faster method to get from Silverton to Telluride Mountain Village. When I mean faster I really do mean faster by the way-see the actual highway takes (if I remember correctly, since its been a while and I’ve slept since!)-about an additional two to three hours more, granted it a beautiful scenic drive BUT if you don’t get squeamish to heights and some serious “country road” style pathways, then you’ll want to take this route every time you want to enter into Silverton from the Telluride side (and and of those little cities in between). 

The route itself is some serious elevation course and you better know how to handle your vehicle as well as narrow roadways-if this isn’t your niche or if you aren’t a confidant person or you get timid/scared easily-I DO NOT recommend this roadway adventure for you! You go up a steep slope driving away from Silverton and onto this path, it's not paved and it’s not even a dirt road, purely mountain rock AND mountain boulders in your sights the entire time. The path is so narrow in some area that you better keep an eye of for oncoming traffic and find that little patch of wide path to allow for both vehicles to pass each other, otherwise you’re going to have a nice tumble down the slope just just a few cars below did before you-and yes they are still down there with the battle scars of a good tumble down! Honestly, though slightly dangerous for beginner trailhead drivers, it truly is a spectacular drive and one breathtaking view no matter the direction you start in (meaning going towards Silverton in this path or driving away from Silverton). 

So now that you know this path isn’t for the faint of heart, make sure you have some balls or a backbone of steel and you’ll be J-U-S-T fine ;)

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Silverton, CO - General/Recommend

When you’re looking for adventure, history, and a small town authentic feel then you need to make your way to Silverton, Colorado! I mean visiting Colorado in general is a must, so if you haven’t managed to make your way there (whether driving or flying because both are worth it) then ahem! You really need to put that on your to do list or bucket list or whatever method you have in order to try new things!

Not only is it a quaint little town filled with history, but near by are some great historical markers that you wouldn’t believe until you see for yourself…towards the top of a ridge, on the Southend outskirts of town, are some of the old coal mine spots in addition to some water treatment job sites. Then there’s a trailhead you can take on your 4x4 vehicles or on the ATV’s that you can rent in town. Then the town itself is historical in the age of some of the buildings and also for the fact that they have one of the oldest and still full functional, coal running/engine train! It’s gorgeous and the way it sounds! It’s fascinating to watch how it works, hearing the sounds of an old fashioned train, and the little station where it ends is pretty quirky and unique (well in comparison to some of the newer or more modernized train stops/stations anyway. 

Everyone in town is super friendly and welcoming, whether you're a tourist visiting or one of the locals making their pit stop of the day.

The ATV rental is in a pretty old looking building at the entrance of the city, there you can park your car securely while exploring the town or you can enjoy the trailheads and various country roads that intersect the town. Just a heads up there’s literally only one way in and out of the town if you’re wanting to use the main highway/paved road. When I mean country roads I literally mean country roads and NOT like anything you find on the east coast towns or even in Texas, where country roads mean  rock/pebble or dirt roads. No country roads in Colorado are more like the “passes” that go through mountains and mountain ridges, you’ll see once you get there but I’ve posted some of the pictures on here of what you’ll find. Some breathtaking gorgeous where others are the “Scary pretty” landscapes. Regardless, nothing in this area will disappoint. 

In the middle of town there’s a “diner” of some kind that’s been on the Diners, Drive In’s, and Dives and its pretty good. I dont know what the hype was really all about BUT I know that there was so many people ordering the biscuits and gravy and something else I can’t remember for the life of me, as I write this. When you park or walk to the restaurant you’ll notice the storefront first and then you have to continue to walk back to really see the seating area for the diner. It’s decorated in lots of woods and with a log cabin rustic feel to it. The staff seem to always know everyone that walk in. 

The trails that being at the north side of town, that takes you on a winding dirt and rock road up the ridge of some mountainside, only to find at the top the unexpected surprise of another elevation level landscape. What do I mean you may ask, well if you take a look at some of my photos then you’ll notice that you dont even feel like you’re on top of some mountain ridge but basically on another plane, where there’s lush green pastures and more surrounding mountaintops, then the further on the trail you go you’ll find a beautiful natural lake/pond. I highly suggest that you consistently keep an eye on the weather conditions should you take an ATV and not a 4x4 vehicle with heat/AC, because my goodness that dramatic drop in temperatures is significant and could easily get cold - well during the month of August anyway. 

The town itself isn’t too far from Durango and Telluride, so I personally would recommend staying at one of those locations and making a day or couple days worth adventure so you can really soak up what this, though small, town has to offer because it definitely has lots! So where it’s say you’ve been, or to enjoy the scenery or to just simply go on an off road adventure - maybe even take a hike or two-this is definitely a place to go….even frequent for some peace and quiet with a taste of adventure! 

Oh and if you’re wondering who the man is in the picture and how I even came across this little gem of a city-thats thanks to the recommendation of my ex-husband…hey I don’t care, I’ll admit he was awesome for adventures and new how to plan them too…

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

KidKraft Wooden Bookcase - Amazon Product Review

KidKraft Wooden Bookcase Reading Nook

If you're wanting something that's both functional AND accommodating for your space this is the item for you. My oldest was always big on getting into the crook of a couch and settling in for her coloring or her "reading". Purchased in 2018 and it lasted us up until 2020 where it was finally put to retire.

When I had purchased it, it was the gray and white finish for a clean look and easier clean up. So, when you click on the link above, you'll notice that it doesn't seem to have the one I ordered in stock anymore but I'm sure you can easily find one on Amazon regardless. The cushion was attached well to the product and though my kids were never obnoxious or rowdy with their furniture pieces, it handled an adult sitting on it just fine AND the continued use of not one but two children on it. I personally used the shelves for books as well as for their toys and then I would alternate out with little cubbies or just as you see in the picture. 

I've had it in their toys room, as a nice little corridor reading book for them, and it's been moved around a lot. Well worth the buy, material, and easy install/setup. 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

White Oak Lavender VA - General/Family/Recommend

I know I've written before about the beautiful landscapes in the Virginia state area but believe me when I say, that you just won't get enough...This particular place I'm writing about is on the nice open lands of the Harrisonburg area and it doesn't disappoint. 

The White Oak Lavender is definitely not your typical vineyard, but I think probably quainter and more enchanting overall. As you're driving there, be careful because you could miss the entrance! It is both a vineyard, lavender filled land, and a quaint little farmhouse. The little shop has some creative and delicious items for you while you're perusing and of course the wine tasting. Honestly, though not one I would claim to be a favorite on the vineyard list, it's a favorite for a family outing to enjoy the peace, quiet, and open nature feel with just a hint of livestock (without the horrible smell) and the lovely breeze caressing your face and carrying that natural lavender scent around you. 

The owner is both humble and a conversationalist :) So whether you intended to put this on your places to visit or not, its well worth the stop regardless of your plan for the day...

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman