It's not too late to join us on November 14 for an immersive botanical experience with renowned landscape designer and author Stefani Bittner. Guests will explore the powerful benefits of herbal teas and personalized aroma selections, designing bespoke take-home sachets.  

Stefani’s San Francisco Bay area-based firm, Homestead Design Collective, is known for creating beautiful gardens of seasonal splendor across public, commercial and residential spaces. The Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is honored to present this intimate setting at Gardenuity in conjunction with Stefani’s presentation for A Writer’s Garden at The Dallas Arboretum. Tea, morning nibbles, and materials will be provided during the workshop.

We’ve also included a link here to secure one of our last remaining seats for A Writer’s Garden main event on Wednesday, November 13th. https://e.givesmart.com/events/ynj/

WHAT: A Fragrant Flower Garden Workshop

WHEN: Thursday, November 14th

10 A.M. to noon

WHERE: Gardenuity

2222 Vantage Street, Dallas, TX 75207

 Tickets are $60, and space is limited to 50 attendees.  Purchase workshop tickets here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/ynj/page/workshop/

Chairs: Colby Baer and Katie Kennemer

Questions: womenscouncilevent@gmail.com 

Sponsored by: Katherine Phillips

*****A Writer's Garden Auction Packages are now posted on The Women's Council website. Visit wcdabg.org to see what you'll be able to bid on during next week's event!*****

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S COUNCIL: Celebrating its 42nd Anniversary.
Since 1982 the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, a principal garden at the Dallas Arboretum. A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the United States conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women. Celebrating its 42nd year, the support of over 600 members of the Women’s Council makes possible the continued expansion and development of A Woman’s Garden. The Women’s Council is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  www.wcdabg.org

ABOUT A WOMAN’S GARDEN: Celebrating its 27^th Anniversary.
A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women. Ablaze with color in every season, A Woman’s Garden sits majestically as a living testament to the passion and vision of the Women’s Council founders and the boundless energy and devotion of its members whose commitment to creating a garden dedicated to the universal spirit of women across generations is realized in its inspired design. Our beautiful garden celebrates the power, creativity, resourcefulness, passion and unwavering commitment of the women who came before us and those entrusted with its care now, and into the future.

 Grab your family and friends and celebrate Thanksgiving with brunch at Omni PGA Frisco Resort. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Thursday, Nov. 28, indulge in a menu filled with seasonal favorites like Roasted Butternut and Sweet Potato Soup, Sage Roasted Turkey and a variety of mouth-watering desserts.

Brunch will be hosted in the hotel’s Ryder Cup Ballroom, where guests will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of Champagne. The buffet includes:

• A fall salad table
• Pasta station
• Roasted beef tenderloin carving station
• Sushi rolls
• Shrimp cocktail with house-made horseradish cocktail sauce
• Entrees including cedar-smoked salmon, bourbon and cherry-glazed ham and braised short rib
• Classic sides including Boursin smashed potatoes, roast sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole
• A kids' corner with mini mac and cheese, chicken tenders, crispy chicken fingers, assorted PB&J “tea sandwiches,” seasonal vegetables and fruit cups.
• A dessert table with more than a half-dozen options that include:
  • Pumpkin spiced bread
  • Maple bacon donuts
  • Pumpkin pie
  • Apple pie
  • Pecan pie
  • Salted caramel macchiato mousse
  • Chocolate cream tart
  • Sweet potato cheesecake
  • Caramel apple tarte tatin sticky buns
  • Decorated Sugar Cookies

Pricing is $100 for adults and $35 for children (ages 3-12). Children 2 and younger are free. Advance payment is required for the event and guests can reserve their spots at this link. Parties of 12 or more must email DALPGA.Special.Events@omnihotels.com for reservations.

Don’t miss the chance to gather with loved ones and enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving Day brunch experience at Omni PGA Frisco Resort. Reserve your spot today and make this holiday season one to remember!

About PGA Frisco

PGA Frisco is a public/private partnership between the PGA of America, Omni Hotels & Resorts, the City of Frisco, and the Frisco Independent School District. The 660-acre campus is a unique destination that includes: two world-class 18-hole championship golf courses, collectively known as Fields Ranch, and a state-of-the-art clubhouse; the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, featuring 500 guest rooms and suites and 10 exclusive four-bedroom Ranch Houses, four pools, destination spa and 127,000 square feet of meeting and event space; the Monument Realty PGA District which features The Swing, a lighted 10-hole short course, The Dance Floor, a lighted 2-acre putting course and an expansive retail, dining and entertainment district, including an outdoor area for concerts and events, the high-tech, data-driven PGA Coaching Center; the Home of the PGA of America and the Jerry J. Ransom Northern Texas PGA Golf House.

About Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Opening May 2, 2023, Omni PGA Frisco Resort offers a reimagined destination resort experience for the ultimate getaway. With a wide selection of unique experiences and remarkable year-round programming and activities, the resort provides a diverse and fun-filled destination for guests of all ages. The oasis of the 660-acre PGA Frisco campus, this luxury resort will be both one of the world's leading meeting and conference destinations as well as a bucket list leisure destination featuring two championship golf courses at Fields Ranch designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Welling. With comprehensive resort amenities featuring a signature spa, 13 restaurants and bars, and retail shops - there's something designed for all. Featuring subtle nods to Texas culture, each of the resort's 500 guest rooms and suites and 10 exclusive four-bedroom modern-Texas ranch houses, offer sweeping views of lush surrounds. The resort features more than 127,000 sq. ft of indoor and outdoor space for meetings and events, including 2 ballrooms; 19 meeting rooms; 9 outdoor event venues; and Panther Creek Pavilion, the ideal venue for weddings. Visit omnipgafriscoresort.com or call 469-305-4500 for more information and room reservations. Follow Omni PGA Frisco Resort on Facebook and Instagram.

About Monument Realty

About Monument Realty: Founded in 2017, Monument Realty is a next-generation, full-service real estate brokerage based in Frisco, Texas, headquartered at The Star. Named the Number One Best Large Company to Work For by the Dallas Morning News, Monument is the Official Real Estate Company of The Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dak Prescott, and PGA of America. For more information, visit monumentrealtytx.com and follow Monument Realty on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of nearly 28,000 PGA Professionals who work daily to grow interest and inclusion in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Take an exclusive journey marrying exquisite smokehouse flavors and premium tequila as Barrel & Bones’ location in The Colony partners with Don Julio Tequila to host a one-of-a-kind tequila dinner at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20.

The menu, created by Executive Chef Omar Adame, features five lavish courses.

FIRST COURSE

Mahi Mahi ceviche - Kombu-marinated Mahi Mahi, Hoja Santa-lime fume, corn, salsa macha, tortilla tatemada

Paired with ALEGRIA - Don Julio Blanco, lime juice, velvet falernum, coconut milk, lemongrass syrup, black smoked salt

SECOND COURSE

Crema de Camarόn - Shrimp bisque, butter-poached camarόn, tequila foam, toasted brioche, black garlic, chives

Paired with Don Julio Reposado

THIRD COURSE

Salmon Albondigas Gobernador – Chipotle-marinated salmon meatball, crushed avocado, chiltepin salsa macha, lemon mojo, malanga chips

Paired with Don Julio Añejo

FOURTH COURSE

Tacos de Mexico - Pork al pastor (recado rojo marinated pork), Carne Asada (epazote-marinated inside skirt steak), Huachinango (adobo-marinated red snapper)

Paired with Beso de Rosas - Don Julio 70 “Cristalino,” almond liqueur, passion fruit, lemon juice, chamomile syrup

DULCE

Passion Fruit White Flan - Coconut cream, queso fresco, Mexican vanilla, passion fruit gelee, tequila meringue

Paired with Don Julio 1942

Founded in 1942 by a young Don Julio González, Don Julio Tequila quickly became the world’s first luxury tequila. Each of the distillery’s nine lauded tequilas are crafted with only the finest blue agave plants using a time-honored method.

Tickets for the Don Julio tequila dinner are $70 per person plus tax and gratuity. They can be purchased at barrelandbonestx.com/experiences. For more information on Barrel & Bones, visit barrelandbonestx.com.

LOCATION

The Colony

2801 Plano Parkway, Suite 140

The Colony, TX, 75056

469-353-8810

About Barrel & Bones

Barrel & Bones Craft Bar & Smokehouse celebrates the art of in-house smoked barbecue. The restaurant, with locations in Dallas, The Colony, Carrollton and Farmers Branch, is renowned for its mouthwatering smoked brisket, tender turkey, savory sausages and more. Barrel & Bones’ menu extends beyond the classics to feature chef-driven interpretations of classics that better appeal to today’s discerning diner. In addition to its extraordinary menu, Barrel & Bones offers one of the largest selections of bourbon and whiskey in Dallas/Fort Worth, along with a wide range of craft beers and cocktails.

THE STATLER AND BOURBON & BANTER CELEBRATE THE ARTISTRY OF MAKER’S MARK WITH AN EXCLUSIVE DINNER AND TASTING ON NOV. 14

The Statler has long been recognized as the premier historic hotel in North Texas, and now, the acclaimed hotel and its popular speakeasy, Bourbon & Banter, are celebrating the history of America’s most iconic spirit, bourbon whiskey, with a special dinner and exclusive tasting of Maker’s Mark bourbons on Thursday, Nov. 14.

Stewarded by the Samuels family since 1953, three years before The Statler opened in Dallas, Maker’s Mark is headed by master distiller Rob Samuels, an eighth-generation distiller with a real commitment to excellence. The brand’s history of excellence makes it the perfect partner for The Statler.

From 7 to 9 p.m., guests can enjoy a curated four-course menu crafted by Statler Executive Chef Marcelus Cordeiro designed to pair perfectly with Maker’s Mark spirits. The dinner will be held in The Statler’s beautifully appointed private dining room. The menu includes:

Course 1:

Beet Carpaccio with Goat Cheese Mousse – Thinly sliced roasted beets drizzled with a light vinaigrette, topped with whipped goat cheese mousse, crushed pistachios and microgreens

Paired with black Mission Fig-infused Maker’s Mark 46, coffee bean-infused Campari, PX Sherry, Carpano Antica

Course 2:

Duck Confit on Cauliflower Purée - A delicate portion of duck confit served on smooth cauliflower purée, drizzled with black cherry bourbon reduction and garnished with pomegranate arils

Paired with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, lemon juice, plum-cinnamon-ginger reduction, fiery ginger and Cardamaro

Course 3:

Lamb Loin Medallions with Red Wine Jus - Lightly seared lamb loin medallions served with red wine jus and a small serving of roasted root vegetables

Paired with Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, with a port wine reduction

Course 4:

Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta with Berry Compote - Silky dark chocolate panna cotta topped with a mixed-berry bourbon compote and garnished with a fresh mint sprig

Paired with Maker’s Mark Heart Release 2024 Neat

Along with dinner, each purchased ticket also comes with a special takeaway of the brand’s iconic red wax-dipped glass, hand dipped on-site. The four-course dinner is $150 per person and can be reserved here.

Guests can add an intimate experience with limited-edition allocated Maker’s Mark spirits. The event will share unique cocktails and private tasting of the Maker's Mark Cellar-Aged collection, led by a Maker's Mark distillery representative. Seating for this tasting, which includes the dinner menu above, is $200 per person and very limited.           

Further details on this and other events at Bourbon & Banter can be found at BourbonAndBanterDallas.com.

EVENT INFORMATION

What: Maker’s Mark Dinner and Tasting at The Statler

When: Thursday, Nov. 14. at 7 p.m.

Where: The Statler, 1914 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75201

Tickets: $150 per person for dinner, which includes a hand-dipped Maker’s Mark glass. $200 per person for dinner and an exclusive tasting of Maker’s Mark Cellar-Aged collection.

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-statler-presents-a-makers-mark-experience-tickets-1048928733077.

Soulful Struttin’

by

Julia Pierre Hammond

illustrated by Ana Latese

I never thought the act of cleaning the house could be so joyful!

Soulful Struttin’ is a new children’s picture book by Julia Pierre Hammond, gloriously illustrated by Ana Latese, that takes household chores and turns them into a joyful Sunday family tradition. Like Clara, the young protagonist, I never thought cleaning up could be such a playful experience and joyful only when behind us. 

Clara’s father has two Sunday traditions:” singing and cleaning the house. While Clara (and probably every reader) thinks singing could be pretty sweet, she would heartily love to avoid the weekly cleanup. However, her playful, energetic, and upbeat father won’t even entertain doing otherwise. Soon, he has the entire family singing and swaying to his specially curated playlist of tunes to clean by. Time speeds by, and their home sparkles, as do everyone’s spirits. 

The illustrations add to the absolute joy, with pictures that fairly dance off the page. As a bonus, the author includes the family’s perfect playlist for readers to recreate in their own music app and the recipe for Grandma Sentelia’s Gumbo. Get that gumbo simmering on the stove early in the day and relax with a ready and delicious meal after the chores are complete. 

The plot reminds us all that chores go better with a positive attitude, compelling tunes, and the family working together as a team. Young readers will enjoy the fun story and vibrant illustrations, and everyone will have their favorite songs to add to the family’s musical playlist. 

I recommend SOULFUL STRUTTIN’ to those with young readers and listeners. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy via Netgalley.

See this and more of my reviews on Boys' Mom Reads!