Paris Baguette - Recommend/Restaurant Review

If you're from the North Dallas area you've seen how much the City of Frisco has grown, developed, and expanded. From the start of first time small business owners to some of the popular delicious restaurant chains. It's also getting some high praise and marketing for being basically the "sports city" of the DFW area for not only athletes in general (due to the vast expertise in the area from doctors to trainers) but also for the show of the sports-outside Arlington, TX of course. For those just recently moved to the area you're going to have a lot of options and many little nooks and crevices to explore within the city. Granted the "night life" is more south Frisco (towards the Star and shops of Legacy area) but sorry my squirrel moment is sidetracking me.

In the wonderfully (annoying sometimes due to traffic) expanding area, there's been some interesting developments of "Asian" spots and "Indian" etc. This post is about the delicious quaint little shop of Paris Baguette. It's right off of Main Street, so that's going west bound on Main Street after exiting the NTTA northbound lanes. Be careful though, because though the directions are accurate via google maps or Apple Maps, if you aren't watching the turn you need to take to actually be able to park then you will surely miss it! 

The location has a nice selection of pastries, cakes, homemade in house breads, and both hot as well as cold beverages; whether complimenting your dessert/bread or just having one of their drinks AS your desert. The place is wonderfully tidy and clean. What they don't have on the shelf they stock fresh and if there isn't a re-stocking then they are freshly out for the day!

So the next time you want something sweet, craving a little quaint spot to sit and have dessert, or just in the area passing through - make a stop here! For a date or a solo adventure for your palette, it won't disappoint! 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Cribs to Beds - General/Family

This post is more primarily for families or adults who are parenting right and fair warning that this post might create some reactions out of you. So yes, I'm admitting to this post possibly being "harsh" and might ruffle someone's feathers (especially if you're a "sensitive person" even if it's someone's opinion). Not claiming to be an expert by any means but I have to kids that it's worked on beautifully so your nay-sayers can't say I don't have at least experience! Shoot it's also something my parents did in my education/upbringing and even before me! No psychological or emotional damage so don't go dissecting and trying to find a problem with this method either; you'll have your opinion, and I definitely have mine! 

So, I've noticed a serious increase in social media posts, some of the parenting books, and even parents' opinion on when you should swap out the crib to a toddler bed. I feel that this topic can be controversial and not because of the kids themselves but more so it's the parents who are screwing up the kid's progress; the parents fear that hold back the child's ability to transition! According to the Sleep Foundation for children and sleeping, they state that most kids make the transition from about one and a half years old (thats 18months for all you weirdos who keep using the damn months as they get older!) to three years old. Though the website is probably helpful for the first time parents or those who freak out about trying to figure things out themselves! I feel that the information they provide is more suited as guidelines, I'm going to say it again GUIDELINES...to be an actual parent (the good ones anyway-and yes, I said it, an actual good parent) you should be paying attention to EVERY SINGLE DETAIL about your child; moms from the womb and fathers since they've popped out! This is really how you will determine when to more appropriately transition your child. 

I know the post title states particularly about cribs to beds, but we're going to be discussing all transitions, the focus of course being more towards the bed. Solid parents will make sure that the child's transition or lack of transition isn't for their own selfish reasons, like "I'm not ready for them to grow up" or "they're still a baby" or "I just love having them near me (especially if still in the bassinet)". Children depend on the adult's ability to ensure and stabilize their foundation; this becomes an important factor in the children's success for their personal growth. Something as simple as sleeping arrangements and their fluid transitions is important and will have some lasting effects. The worst thing a parent can do is hold their child back because of the adults' own insecurities or mannerisms of "I don't want to me like my parents." Again, the moral of this post is a good parent observes, learns, created, and evolves daily WITH their child in their personal growth and in knowing when to move forward to excel at something; it really starts at breast feeding and sleeping habits of your baby, but the sleeping arrangements is that big life block for your child because it's beginning to level of independence...

Moving to another state and staying with my parents until I finally got us an apartment, I had my youngest sleeping in her pack and play until I was personally able to afford a crib at our new place. So, after observing her mannerism from sleeping on me post birth to the bassinet especially at night next to my bed, the circumstances surrounding my youngest's ability to have her independent sleeping habits was far quicker to that of my oldest (her factors were because of the birth overall). While traveling she always had her Uppababy bassinet (which helped immensely anywhere but particularly so in the hotel stays. Due to my parent's place being a little confined in space, my oldest slept in the toddler bed my parents had purchased and my youngest was sleeping with me on the couch. As a parent you get inventive for the safety and security of your child and their sleeping habits to I always figured shit out and made sure that I got my much needed sleep...my youngest began noticing her sisters sleeping arrangements and finally after noticing in observation what she seemed to be wanting, I began having her nap on my parents bed but at night she would sleep in her pack and play; smooth nights sleeps. 

Once situated in our new place and having had the crib set up for my youngest and the oldest her toddler bed, the girls were nicely situated in their bedroom. My youngest was excelling at crib naps and loved being in her crib no matter the reason, then she started showing signs of trying to stand up...yup looks like another transition was fast around the corner after about four months...

My oldest was a special observation and transition. If you haven't read my other posts about her and especially her birth you should...anyway! Like my youngest I had done the same thing with my oldest, post birth it was sleeping on me to bassinet time throughout the night. Due to my grandmother's advice and technique, I always had both daughters sleeping through the night, so noticing how quickly and astutely my oldest was picking up tasks independently (like eating by herself, standing, trying to clean her areas even while crawling, etc) I transitioned her into the crib by about the three-month marker. Then to our joy (and mother's internal panic) my oldest began walking at about nine months. Well, if she was now mobile and confidant in her going up and down the stairs (but she was smart because she would always let me or the adult, she was with known) the crib got sold and into her room was the toddler bed. Yes, if you are wondering after she began taking solids well and no longer needed the breast as much, I already had my oldest sleeping in her own room, right across from me and my ex-husbands bedroom (well at that time husband). 

Never had issues with nap time or bedtimes, but I also had this special routine with her, actually it's a routine I've done with both my kiddos :) No issues, repercussions, or emotional damage (like some of the dumbass parenting books or other fellow parents state there to be). I really do gate comparing but, it's like when you're training a dog. The correct way to train your dog to assert dominance and an alpha stance that your voice and command. When they do things correctly you praise and provide love of course! The fact remains though that the dog knows you are alpha, you are in charge, you are the one they trust and in turn they provide that dying loyalty. The dog looks to you for the assurance and guidance and leading role. SO, what happens when the dog picks up on your skittish attitude or discomfort or inability to lead/dominate - the dog WILL try to take over your actions and in turn be the one training YOU...

My methods with both my kids were similar, the only difference was in the timing of transitions and that was based off of what I observed in each of them. It really isn't rocket science but a mix of motherly intuition, instinct, and common sense really! Noticing how well my youngest was doing and my oldest starting to outgrow her toddler bed closing in on her third birthday I decided to make an executive decision, one probably many of you might frown upon or think I'm crazy for-Lord knows my sister decided she was okay to give me an earful...anyway! 

In noticing that I would have to upgrade my oldest to a different bed and in turn knowing that my youngest was looking to already be entering into her own need of a toddler bed...you see before my youngest was walking she liked having naps on her sisters toddler bed, so when she woke up she would get out of the toddler bed and crawl to the door to let us know that she was awake from her nap. SO what was my decision you might ask? I decided to upgrade their bedroom in anticipation of the upcoming transitions for all! Perhaps unorthodox but toddler beds aren't sheep once you add up everything you have to buy! I decided to bite the financial bullet sooner and Amazon was awesome! The queen bedframe, a memory foam cool gel mattress at 16" thick and the bedding, all came out to be $674.89. Something I decided would be an investment that would grow with them!

My oldest already had her brain/body trained for the "borders" of her sleeping space so she loved having a bigger bed and it made nap time easier for my mom when she was taking care of them both while I worked because yes, the goal and it was typically the norm for both girls to be napping at the same time. Like I knew it would, it didn't take more than about a month for my youngest to be out of her crib and wanting to be by her sister. The crib was donated, and their "big girl" room was finalized. Getting the girls ready after bath time, changing my youngest's diapers, and nap time in turn all came out to be easier on my mom (because she's obviously not as young as I am) and it was a heaven send on my back as well! 

Whether you decide to take my post/advice or not or whether you should decide to follow the suggestions made to you by reliable sources

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Creative Wedding Decor - General

So call me weird but I'm a woman who doesn't want to spend nor worry about all the pizzazz of a wedding and wedding reception. For me it's more about making sure we (my partner and I) have the money for our wedding altogether and if that means creative and cheaper ways to make it all come to fruition than hell yes and I'm still going to be a happy bride. 

If you're wondering is that what I ended up doing for my wedding, then the answer is yes. I personally was more worried about the church in which the wedding was going to take place and making sure that there was enough food (for the buck) to feed our guests. Yes, that's right I didn't care about some glamorous dress and I was even looking for bargains on the wedding dress too! My ex-husband (well to be husband at that time) was mentioning about going on a honeymoon. Something he wanted to do but something I didn't want to risk using money for at that time, because we had other financial responsibilities to consider at that time...guess that's neither here nor there; moving on! One way to cut costs was to really hanker down on the guest list. Yes, ideally what bride doesn't want all those who are important to her and then those who have loved and respected her family, to join in the celebration. I wanted to be frugal and creatively unique while also making it memorable. 

At our wedding for the guests to take-home I was able to find a great deal on these mini mason jars that would have some engraving black text on them and we were going to fill them up with white chocolates so that the black text/font would stand out and it was with a pretty white satin ribbon. That was specifically purchased through a cool website that does event products, especially for weddings, but not going to lie, outside of that almost 80% was purchased on Amazon for cost purposes, whereas the few other items were purchased at Hobby Lobby, Bridal shop, and Mens Warehouse. At the entryway of the reception area there was this cute little built in shelf to provide a natural guidance to the flow of traffic, that's where I decided I wanted to do something creative for our wedding. Since being a practicing Catholic not only in the faith but the cultural faith traditions that it entails. while also knowing that this wasn't a typical relationship like that of my many family members before us...well I was trying to put in more positivity and reinforcement to the vows and the celebration of the day (regardless of how fucked up it was and the whole thing altogether). I acquired all the wedding pictures from the family members that were married in our families to reinforce the importance of the relationship and that if him or I should come across problems we had this visual appearance of something special and family members who could help us as well. 

While writing this, I'm remembering all of my illusions at a happily ever after even with the chaos and storms...Lordy it sheds light for sure on how truly optimistic your nature/character is...Instead of your typical sign in station or book, I had this idea in my head which I had shared with my ex-husband. I was concluding that him and I and our daughter wouldn't be staying with my folks in their house for long and when we had our own place we would have an entryway or hallway/corridor of some kind. So there was this beautiful elongated mirror at Hobby Lobby that had shutter doors in a vintage light brown stain, so when you opened the lock and opened the shutters it exposed the mirror. I asked my ex-husband if he could find a way to have the shutter doors held open to be able to leave the mirror exposed at all times, so as you can deduce, he was able to get some pieces so that the shutters wouldn't be flimsy on opening and maintain staying open once we placed the mirror on a wall or something. We bought these cute little small wood frames and I developed some pictures of my ex-husband and I together, then pictures of him with myself and our oldest. This mirror is what actually became our guest sign-in. We bought an iron stand to be able to gold up the weight of the mirror then had some different color sharpies at the base. Guests were to use the sharpies to sign their names and create positive messages or words of wisdom for the happy couple. So in my mind for our future home I figured that would also help serve as a special positive reinforcement to any struggles that we may come across in our future as a married couple...

Sadly, I have no idea where that mirror is sine my ex-husband had rented out a storage unit for the business he had created and took some of our possessions over there when he took my fifth wheel to Colorado...then took more of his or what I thought was our things when I got the apartment my girls and I live in...how things can change in a blink of an eye. 

If I should get married again, in case you were wondering, yes I would probably do something just as creative whether the same or something creatively different for my spouse and I, because I like those sentimental positive reminders for us (the couple) to remember...Now if it is the same my spouse would of course have to be ok with it first off because I don't want him associating that idea to me thinking about my ex-husband or anything like that, its more of the open positivity that it will bring us is all. So what are some ideas that you've done, used, or perhaps assisted in your own wedding or someone else's? 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

The Nest Cafe - General/Recommend/Restaurant Review

If you're going to be in the Frisco, TX area between the breakfast and lunch hour and you're looking for a tranquil, chill, and delicious food then the Nest Cafe is the place for you.

It's not a large establishment but it's enough for enjoying your eating time. Its location makes it prime for being right off of the Tollway and it's not too far in after you exit the highway. The restaurant itself has great lighting should you decide to visit while working a meeting, having a breakfast/lunch date, family meal, or even perhaps just some quiet reading/laptop work while you enjoy your meal. 

Their meals are dietary needs friendly whether it's the dairy aspect, fat, or even gluten free needs. I've gone a few times and their consistency is commendable and their flavors are pretty good. I actually bothered to take pictures though when I went this last time with my kiddos! It was a pleasant and nice Sunday brunch time for us and with the storms that had just passed through in the morning it was well worth a cozy and chill place like this...

I ordered the girls the special hot chocolates while I enjoyed my latte. The girls meals were directly from their kids menu and I was happily content with their selection and their serving sizes for my kids. For the girls to share, I ordered them a Snowman Pancake and they ate that as well!

I ordered two things from their menu and yes I like to enjoy my food and I eat what I want thank you! I got the Avocado Toast with Salmon and their Chicken Wrap. Though I compliment their establishment and food, what I'm about to say isn't meant to deter you from visiting and ordering their food! Just being honest since I like my food...The Chicken Wrap was sadly disappointing, the flavoring was bland and though it looked full I was sadly left wanting more. By wanting more I mean the wrap being adequately filled because it was nicely squished in the middle of the wrap but I left probably a quarter of the wrap (on each end or half of what I was eating). So I do not recommend that wrap. NOW, the Avocado Toast with Salmon was delicious, healthy, fulfilling and I was only disappointed in the sense that it was a portion (though adequate) that was too small for my personal liking. So the next time I'm going to have to order two of them! Highly recommend that one though!

So take some time out of your day the next time you're in the Frisco area or make sure to visit this place if you live in that area!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Virginia Beach (Thunderbirds) - General/Recommend/Family Life

Living on the East Coast definitely has its pleasures, fun, and luxuries if you haven't seen from some of my posts on here. One of the memorable moments is witnessing the Thunderbirds in action at Virginia Beach, Virginia. Though it's where the Navy/Navy Seals sometimes are based out of it was truly a treat to see the witness the parachuters and the jets of the Thunderbirds. 

My family had decided to make a little trip out of my birthday celebrations and we ended up staying the weekend in Virginia Beach with some pretty cool moments from seeing the air show and then delicious memories and sights when we ventured into the actual Virginia Beach area, which is where we got the witness the parachuters jumping out of the Thunderbirds big airplane-yes I know but apologies because I don't remember the name of that aircraft, so no disrespect! 

So even though the thunderbirds or Blue Angles may not be at the Virginia Beach bases, it's still worth a trip out there to enjoy the city, seafood flavors, and most of all the beach! 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Rosary Popper - General/Family Life/Recommend

This post is more for the Catholic community, but anyone is welcome to read. So as I was saying, if you are a Catholic who is teaching the faith to their children then this item will probably be something for you and your household.

I actually saw this item on an Instagram post or advertiser and I have to admit that at first I was like eh and kept on scrolling. Then on another day it appeared again, but this time I did a double take and decided to read into the reviews of the advertiser. I was intrigued enough to bookmark or follow the page that was advertising it, which is the Gather and Pray. Then like I had done before I kept scrolling and moved on. Finally one day I noticed the same advertiser, and by this time my kids have had other popper products and items so I know that it engages them. So I not only clicked on the link but specifically on the product itself. I ended up ordering two of them for my kiddos and in their favorite colors.

Not going to lie, it's been one of the most beneficial investments for the kiddos when it comes to their faith and continual growth in their faith. It's so easy for them to follow along with the Rosary no matter where we are. I personally like when we pray the Rosary in the care on a road trip because my kiddos get the appreciation of the landscape while they concentrate on the prayers and get to observe the gifts and world God has created that they get to see outside through their windows. 

I highly recommend this product for all Catholic parents and their children, believe me it WON'T disappoint! So share in our faith and teach our little ones with this great product - The Rosary Popper!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

The Ritz and Tysons Galleria - General/Recommend

The very first time I had ever stayed at a Ritz Carlton was in New York City directly across the street from Central Park during my senior year of high school. Blessed enough to have experienced not only the beautiful Central Park view from the room we had but also enjoying the one-bedroom suite that was as spacious and elegant as a one-bedroom apartment! Then the overall top of the line customer service of full "turn down and tuck in service" and the chocolates on your pillows and concierge with the house car (which was a Bentley by the way). Definitely memorable times and moments during that stay and experience.

Why do I even mention that? Well as odd as it may seem the next time I'm staying at and am not only blessed enough to enjoy another stay at a Ritz location but then to be able to frequent it! Well, it's more than a decade later and I have my kids with me. So not only years later but it's on a non-planned moment where my family and I finished dropping off my sister at the airport to head back to Texas and the storms were pretty strong and dark! SO, instead of the almost two-hour drive back home in a pretty badly developed storm, turns into a mini getaway weekend and on Mother's Day weekend no less.

(image above not mine but a snapshot from Google Maps)

(both images above not mine but a snapshot from Google Maps and from Google pics)

The Ritz in Tysons Corner is pretty accommodating, comfortable, and a great location to many things in the area! It's truly ideal because of the easy access point in directions no matter where you're traveling from. Their staff are both smart, kind, ideal, family friendly, respectful, and very considerate starting at the host/check in station all the way to the restaurant chefs and staff all in between. If you're traveling with family (little ones in tow I mean), they are a hotel that's fully prepared for your needs with the provided cribs and friendly staff to both greet and assist you with your little ones. They even have these little tasty party favors in the evenings (whether during the week or weekend) for guests of all ages-it's really so quaint how they have it set up in the lobby outside of their bar and lounge/restaurant on the upper floor. 

Disclaimer though! My kids aren't like many other kids their age and I discipline them in the moment, so don't go giving them bad reviews because YOU don't have a handle on your little ones/kids - you KNOW who you are parents! Yea, you parents that don't believe in disciplining or just let you kids run around all over, scream, create tantrums, and wail their heads off all - yea NOTHING like my kids because even I hate that shit. Moving on!       

I never did stay in their suites, but it does leave me wanting to go back again for a nice R&R in one...no their simple guest rooms were very accommodating and spacious enough for our needs without a doubt. Their room service is exemplary not only in how it's visually plated but also in tastes/flavors and the fresh quality of their ingredients. They do offer a turn-down service and yes, they do provide chocolates. They did so many wonderful things for the Mother's Day weekend that it was pampering as hell that's for sure! 

Image above is the room service that we ordered for my kiddos. 

On a separate stay we were able to try out the full brunch buffet at the upper floor restaurant. First of all, the restaurant has an elegantly rustic feel with windows everywhere for plenty of natural light and comfortable seating everywhere! The buffet meal provided had plenty of options and this next part isn't necessarily because of the restaurant or Ritz itself, but it speaks to the quality and great staff that they've hired. See due to the amount of adventuring done before, my kids were given a slack on getting ready and waking up. So, it was a little crunching of time for the brunch time, at least before it ended anyway. My youngest was with me and it seems impressed all of the staff with her manners and mannerism that they began to wait on her hand and foot and once I mentioned that my other kiddo would be appearing soon as well, they began making sure that I would have what I needed to feed my oldest even before my oldest arrived and before they began cleaning up the buffet area. Truly endearing and sweet considering that the restaurant was almost empty, and they were just basically waiting on my family and me. So, when my mom arrived with my oldest, my youngest and I went to take a stroll, especially knowing that we would be going on the drive back home and sitting in the car for a little while.

The best part of this particular location in the Tysons Corner area of Virginia/Washington D.C. area is that it connects to a large indoor mall (basically a Galleria Mall) called the Tysons Galleria.

 

(image above is not mine but from a Google search)

Why does it matter so much that it connects to the mall? Well for starters, for those of you who don't plan but have spontaneous moments (like we did the very first night and first time staying here, and we had literally just the clothes on our backs) it helps to have literally any and all stores accessible to you! The coolest part is that there aren't just stores but a few good restaurants located inside the mall-the best part of the large multi-floor Galleria Mall is that since it connects to the Ritz, when the mall shuts down and locks up for the night it's not locked or hidden from the guests at the Ritz. The doors that lead from the Ritz to the mall are open for a VERY long time so even after everyone is gone and probably to bed, you can still walk off perhaps a late meal at the bar or a late meal from room service. Those same doors are also opened VERY early so if you aren't one to work out in their fitness room, then you can easily go use the stairs and walk a few miles in the mall - and yes for the record we actually saw a good chunk of guests (older mind you) that were up early and walking around before anything was open and way before the mall doors open to the public or those that were outside of the Ritz. Really a great setup and it helped with all the walking that my kids and I love to do! 

Everything really was within arm's reach every time we stayed and the fact that the Tysons Corner shopping center and other restaurants located outside of this particular location were just as easily accessible as far as commute goes, well I really can't express how awesome it all is! I know that if you're from the DFW area in Texas and know or been to the Galleria Mall off of the tollway and 635, then this Galleria Mall truly does knock that one out by the longest stretch! 

If you're going to stay in the Washington D.C. area or perhaps visit the area and some hot spots I highly recommend staying at this location; whether it's for pleasure, fun, couple getaway, or just a little R&R - yeah, I would definitely recommend it... 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman