Holiday Round Up 2016

Greetings & Glad Tidings to All,

TEAM-PRZADA brings you a round-up of area holiday happenings.  Plan your family outings and Enjoy!

One-Time or Weekend Only Events-

• Santa Paws at The Shops at Willow Bend- even Fido likes a photo with Santa, November 30th-December 2nd, from 10am-9pm
• The Polar Express Pajama Party- Want to see Santa, watch The Polar Express, while wearing      your pjs & sipping on hot chocolate? Downtown McKinney has your covered. December 1st,    5:30pm-8pm
• Dickens Christmas in Downtown Plano- An old time Christmas celebration, complete with tree  lighting and characters, December 2nd, from 5pm-9pm with tree lighting at 7pm
• Holiday Home Tour of McKinney- Tour charming Downtown McKinney homes all dressed up for the holidays, December 2nd & December 3rd, from 10am- 5pm 
• Photos with Santa at The Shops at Legacy- Photos with Santa, December 3rd-December 18th, check the link for daily times
• Swedish Yule Bazaar and Santa Lucia Celebration at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church - December 3rd, doors open at 10:30 am
• Celebrate the Holidays at Klyde Warren Park- face painting, food trucks & Santa, oh my! December 3rd, 3pm-6pm
• Lantern Light at The Heritage Farmstead Museum- family holiday festival in its 30th year! December 3rd, from 3pm-9pm
• Judiac Treasures Bazaar- Shop til you drop at Temple Emanu-El, lots of vendors and two locations within the temple grounds, December 4th from 9am-5pm
• Holiday Delights & Tree Lighting Festival at Fair Park- come out to Dallas' Fair Park for holiday cheer, December 6th at 6pm

Ongoing Events- 

• Deerfield Christmas Lights in Plano- Deerfield's annaul Christmas light extranvaganza, December 1st-December 31st, from 7pm-11pm, nightly, self-guided driving tour, or carriage rides and segway tours available for purchase
• Santa on The Square- photos with the big guy in Downtown McKinney December 2nd-December 17th 
• Christmas in the Frisco Square- A jolly list of events in Downtown Frisco, from trackless train rides, to ice skating, snow flurries every 15 minutes, and even a parachuting Santa, from November 25th, January 1st, nightly 
• Holiday at The Dallas Arboretum- A holiday fest set amongst the beauty and splendidness of the Dallas Arboretum, from November 6th-January 8th, daily
• The Trains at Northpark Mall- This annual event is a holiday staple, see all kinds of toy & model trains and scenes from a winter wonderland, November 19th-January 8th, daily
• ICE! at The Gaylord Texan- Shiver your way through a wintery land of wonder, November 10th-January1st
• Downtown Wanderland in Downtown Dallas- Wander and awe at the myriad of holiday sights and sounds, December 1st-December 17th 
• Menorah Lighting at The Galleria- Celebrate Chanukah with large-scale Menorah as a candle is lit every evening, beginning December 26th at 6pm
• Dallas By Chocolate- take a tour of some of the best treats Dallas has to offer, and enjoy Holiday Lights, check link for dates, tour types and other details

It's Here! GREAT ideas for a Thanksgiving Tablescape from TAOLB

Hello All!  We hope you are getting ready for a lovely Thanksgiving with your family and friends.  As promised, we are featuring Laruen Palmer from The Art of Living Beautifully and her FAB ideas for a stylish and beautifully pulled together Thanksgiving table. This year, she is giving a how-to for a paired-down, but elegant holiday.  Read on dear friends....and Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!

This year for a slight change of tablescape (and logistical) pace, my family is celebrating a toned-down Thanksgiving. I’m serious. This year there will be no turkey, no dressing, no broccoli rice casserole, no buffet potatoes.  Sister Shubert’s rolls will not be fought over this year. There will be no leftovers to make Ross Gellar’s favorite post-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich. No “moist maker” this year, Ross.

Am I trying to bum you out? Of course not! Our Thanksgiving Day is packed with fun and family and greatest of all an attitude of grace. But the busiest December in history (complete with a family wedding on the 17th) has us scaling back a bit this November. A movie followed by three versions of Texas chili and the Aggie football game is what’s in store for us on Thanksgiving Thursday, so when designing my Tablescape this year, I kept it very, very simple. When dedicating a day to giving thanks for all our blessings, what more do you really need than a grateful heart?

Typical fall accoutrement consists of elements I would describe as casual: cozy sweaters, colorful dried leaves, scarves, fuzzy mittens and rich hot chocolate. This is the perfect time of year to embrace a casual tablescape–it feels so refreshing before we hit the hype of Christmas season. If you are missing some of your glitz and glam however, add a few of your favorite sterling silver serving pieces. Yes, I am using this antique biscuit tin to serve Fritos. Why not??

Since chili is on the menu for us this year, I set the table with our favorite pumpkin bowls that I am always excited to bring down from the top shelf each fall. Layering them on top of  fall-colored fruit plates, dried leaf placemats and twig chargers provides the ultimate in fall dining spots for you and your guests. The fact that we are eating chili also dictates our beverage of choice. I’m thinking a cold beer for most which is the perfect excuse to bring out my Mimi’s beer mugs which I think are probably the cutest things I’ve ever seen, and if ever there were an occasion to use them it would be for Thanksgiving!

Have you noticed this growing denim trend popping up on your Pinterest and Instagram feeds lately? It’s everywhere! The waiters at Sixty Vines are wearing denim aprons. eShakti sent me a gorgeous denim bell-sleeved top (gasp it’s dressy!) to feature on the blog. And today, I am setting our casual Thanksgiving table with these no fuss denim buffet napkins…which I personally cut out from a yard of denim fabric. I haven’t hemmed them, and there is a really good chance I won’t. Let’s embrace the casual and the rustic charm of a few frayed edges.

I say it every year, but the Thanksgiving Table is probably my favorite to set. The one holiday that occurs at a table–this ‘scape is everything. The location, the decor, the meal, the guests. The Thanksgiving Tablescape is the life of the party, and I truly feel honored to set mine every November.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you this year, and I hope however your table is set, whether you’re full of turkey or chili, the day brings a renewed since of joy and a more-than-ever grateful heart.

-ciao for now-

lauren

It's Almost Time! Have You Made Your Thanksgiving Plans?

TEAM-PRZADA has your back!  Not only do we have some GREAT ideas pinned on our Pinterest board, Giving Thanks, but later this week, right HERE on our blog, we will feature the fantastic & stylish ideas of Lauren from the lifestyle blog, The Art of Living Beautifully.  Whether your Thanksgiving is a regal affair or a rustic gathering of dear ones, Lauren has some great ideas for you.  This is the second year in a row that our entertaining guru has graced us with Thanksgiving decor tips.  We <3 us some TAOLB!  Check out her website and facebook page.  You will love it!  

As for your Thanksgiving, we hope you enjoy and make some memories with your loved ones! 

https://www.pinterest.com/teamprzada/giving-thanks/

Tips for Mega-Fun & Saving a Few Pennies 2016's State Fair of Texas

Alrighty folks, it is JUST about that time of year.  You know, summer is on the way out and the smells of cotton candy, nachos, & new car seem to blend while beckoning you to Fair Park for the annual Texas institution- The State Fair!  This year's fair dates are Friday, September 30th 2016 until Sunday, October 23, 2016.  Fair hours are daily, 10am-9pm on week days and 10am-10pm weekends.

Below, find highlights of this year's offerings.  We have included tons of links on specifics, but check out www.bigtex.com for everything, and I mean EVERYTHING you might want to know about our state's almost month-long party!

Food- We have our FAVs, do you? You know they fair will have endless creations that are billowy and fried, and don't forget sweet.  Check out the list of 2016 Big Tex Choice Awards, then go find them, but don't forget your "stretchy pants," and to leave your fitbit at home!

Entertainment- Do you love live music?  The State Fair of Texas has some great acts, from local to big names, there is something for everyone!  Check out the line up on the Chevy Mainstage, Kacey Musgraves, Nelly, The Peterson Brothers, Le Freak, just to name a few, and make sure to find your local favorites among additional Fair Park music venues. We happen to think The Killdares are pretty great!

College Football Games- Which teams will win? Who knows, but make sure you put these dates on your calendar to participate in the thrill of college football, fandom, and some truly magnificent marching bands.

• Prairie View A&M University vs.Grambling State 10/01/16
• The Red River Classic-featuring the University of Texas vs. University of Oklahoma 10/08/16
• new this year....Air Force Academy v. New Mexico Lobos 10/15/16

Urban-Approved- Our Never-Miss Picks for a great State Fair experience

• Auto Show
• Midway
• Fireworks Show
• Evening Parade
• Budweiser Clydesdales
• Petting Zoo
• Sheep-Herding Dog Show
• Riding the DART

Discount Ideas- Click on link for more discount information and links.

• Season Pass-  IF you plan to go more than once.  The Season Combo Pack includes two season passes, plus, 100 food/ride tickets for $95.
• Advance Purchase + DART-  Check out DART's Go Pass app.  This entitles purchaser to a $2 ticket savings, plus DART tickets.  Bonus, all tickets reside on your phone...paperless EASY!
• Opening Day WITH a 20oz Coke product = 1/2 price admission...don't forget the Opening Day parade!  Military also receive  free admission, along with spouses and children.  Just present Military ID.
• McDonald's Coupons- $5 off any general admission, and a coupon for 1/2 tickets for kids, when adults pay full price.
• Dr. Pepper Tuesdays- Each person with a Dr.Pepper can will get $5 tickets on Tuesdays, or half-price admission after 5pm any day.  Need MORE of a reason to go on Tuesdays? All midway rides except thrill rides and Texas Star are 6 tickets on Tuesdays.
• North Texas Food Bank Wednesdays-Donate 4 or more cans and your admission is just $4!
• Senior Days- Ladies & Gentlemen 60 and over receive $4 off admission every day, but on Thursdays, admission is FREE for those 60 and over!!
• Thrifty Thursdays- Bring your empty 20 oz or greater Coke cans and admission is only $6.  Thrifty Thursdays also offers discounts on State Fair food items, most, 1/2 price or better!
• KISS-FM Fridays- Visit the radio station's website to print a $5 off coupon for each person in your group, valid on Fridays.

Transportation Options-
Let's face it, everyone is always talking about uber or lyft, but we prefer to kick it a little more old school and a lot greener by taking the DART to The State Fair.  The green line stops right in front of the entrance, so there really is no excuse. Both the Fair Park Station and Martin Luther King, Jr. station serve Fair Park. Sit back and let someone else drive!  Don't forget, if you want to pre-buy your fair tickets, there is a DART combo option.

HOW Do They Do It?

Have you ever wondered how TEAM-PRZADA finds so many great events to post about on North Texas Lifestyle? Check out some of the pages we follow!  For more great posts, links and events, check out North Texas Lifestyle, TEAM-PRZADA's Facebook Page and look for June's newsletter. This month, we will feature great ideas for staycations, keeping your little ones busy this summer, and some great Summer Bucket List Ideas!  If you don't received TEAM-PRZADA's monthly newsletter via email, head on over to www.teamprzada.com and click on our newsletter link!

See you on the web!

Plano-
Downtown Plano Event Page
Plano Magazine

McKinney-
Downtown McKinney
Historic Downtown McKinney Facebook Page

Frisco-
City of Frisco Facebook Page
Downtown Frisco

Dallas-
Guidelive
Dallas Child Magazine

Allen-
City of Allen Events
City of Allen Facebook Page

www.teamprzada.com newsletter

Yum! Yum! You Might Want Some!!!

I just had THE BEST veggie burger of MY LIFE!!  Now I know that may not speak to many of you out there, BUT, as for the food and fare at The Royale Magnificent Burgers, I found it to be fresh, inventive and delicious. My dining companion & father, Pat Przada agreed! The menu seems to offer something for everyone.  Carnivores, Omnivores & Herbivores ALL can find something yummy and satisfying! ;) This is a gourmet twist on a burger joint in all ways: menu, decor and offerings- even their website is fun & kitschy!  Check it out! www.royaleburgers.com

Here is the meal breakdown-

Me- The Veggie Spectacle Burger with Yucca Fries & A Deliciously Tangy-Sweet Pomegranate Ketchup. This savory burger is just the right mix of toasted almonds, raisins, orzo, mushrooms & lentils, among a few other things.  It was pure perfection to this veggie-burger-lover.  Too often, restaurants boast a veggie burger on their menus, but it is the same frozen black bean pattie that I can grill at home.  NO. THANKS.  This, on the other hand, was a delightful, made-from-scratch surprise, and it made my day! The Yucca Fries were a bit of a creamy texture and were a luxe departure from the usual fries one might order with a burger.

Pat- AKA as my father & Realtor Extraordinaire- The Turkey Tradition This spin on a favorite meal boasted it all!  Ground, organic turkey, cranberry relish, sweet potato aioli & creamed spinach. The cracked wheat bun was a great crispy topper to this gem of a meal. I think Pat thought this was a good alternative to a burger and one could make a few revisions such as swapping out spinach for the creamed spinach, and going LIGHT on the aioli, in order to make it a bit heart-healthier.

Other menu offerings include-

• several, flavorful incarnations of Poutine
• many other types of gourmet burgers
• flight of fries- um, yes PLEASE!
• varied and fresh salads
• milkshakes- salted caramel- what...what!
• house made sodas

The Royale has been open for a month. The staff was warm and the food yummy.  No doubt, they are still finding their groove, as a few published menu items are on the docket to be added, and will most certainly make a nice addition to the extensive list of offerings. 

All in all, it was a great father-daughter lunch in which we discovered a new place that has promise! Next, I'll have to talk my major-burger-loving husband into a date night there! There is a milkshake and a cocktail that are calling my name! I know just the person I can tempt to share them with me! ;)

You know...an outing to this restaurant might pair just beautifully with an afternoon full of hiking at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve.  That way, you can enjoy much of what spring-time in Texas has to offer...beautiful weather and outdoor exercise. Then, go eat whatever you want and worry less about a bit of gluttonous consumption. Date night, family date, lunch after an adventure...no matter your reason, enjoy The Royale Magnificent Burgers in West Plano Village!

Where To Go? Where To Go?

Many times, home owners know a change is needed.  In many of those cases, a job necessitates a move, or enrollment in a particular school is the reason.  Sometimes, the root cause for a move can be attributed to a lack of space or even too much space. Often, homeowners wish to learn more about a new community and how it compares to their current community. TEAM-PRZADA to the rescue, you could say!

Pat & Nancie have a wonderful working knowledge of North Texas area communities!  In addition to the vast information they can provide, check out TEAM-PRZADA's website, www.findahomeinplanotexas.com On this site, you can sign up to create an account and have access to a great tool, Market Insider, for learning about new communities.  Market Insider generates data driven reports by zip code.  Users can even compare two zip codes to learn about demographics, schools, price trends, market trends, weather risks and much, much more.  Log on and start comparing today!

Market Insider 

Market Insider- Comparison of Two Zip Codes

Design Trends 2016

Design Trends in 2016 are fun, large, lush- to a point, a bit restrained, but oh, so fun!!  TEAM-PRZADA's current newsletter is your primer for the new year's trends.  Check out the links below to see where we found our research and get inspired!  Check out our website to view our monthly newsletter! Happy reading & happy designing!

Pantone's Color of the Year 2016 & Suggested Color Pairings

Pantone's Color of the Year2016
Rose Quartz & Serenity

Wall Street Journal- Top 5 Interior Design Trends for 2016

Black Metal

Elle Decor- 10 Home Decor Trends that Will Be Huge in 2016

Mixed Materials in Kitchen

Forbes- 9 Kitchen Trends to Watch for in 2016

Metal Range Hood

25 Design Trends Coming to Homes Near You in 2016

Black Stainless Steel Appliances

Large Format Tile

Pizza Pie, Oh My!!!

Do you love a good slice? We certainly do, and we have done the research and ingested the calories for you. ;) Check out some of our local FAVs in North Texas!  How is that for client service? TEAM-PRZADA is a real-estate team that provides you with real estate knowledge, service, integrity and results......and can recommend a great pizza place!  Dig in!

OUR FAVS-

• Fireside Pies- Super soft crust and great toppings, make sure to check out their specials...always a great adventure, be it pizza, drink or dessert, most are off the menu items, but certainly worth a try. We happen to love The Shops at Legacy location, but the Knox-Henderson spot has the patio to die for! 
• Cadillac Pizza- This Downtown McKinney joint has access to the local farmers market for Texas grown veggies & herbs.  Texas beer is on tap! The wood-fire ovens turns out great pizzas, but an equally awesome reason to put this place on your date-night list is the live music.  There are live acts Thurs-Sat & on Tuesday nights.  We have "discovered" some great local music here. A weekly music calendar is on their website. 
• Grimaldi's- A great place to get a "slice" and feel like you've stepped into the original, in Brooklyn. The crust is crispy coal-fired perfection.  The red & white check table cloths really amp up that pizzeria vibe. Rumor has it that Ol' Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra, frequented the original establishment in Brooklyn.  That little tidbit lends serious credibility in our book. 
• Mama's Pizza- PLANO LOCATION Mama's happens to occupy sentimental soft-spot in my heart.  It was a high school haunt, but the yumminess of the pizza pies endures.  Something to do with the pillowy-soft, garlicky buttered crust.  Let's say it is absolutely a rare treat that we still indulge in, and the offspring even enjoy a slice of Mama's Pizza. 
• Palio's Thin crust & veggies are the key here.  If you are trying to make healthier choices, but still crave pizza, give Palio's a try.  They even have a gluten-free crust option. BYOB is also a bonus. Multiple locations.
• Taverna Rossa- Creative ingredients, craft cocktails...that are REALLY good, and live music, in the heart of West Plano. This place turns out a great meal, salads are YUM, too!  This joint serves as the perfect date-night, family night or girls' night out!
• Cavalli Pizza- This gem is located in Adriatica Village in McKinney, serves Neapolitan pizza.  Wood fire ovens cook pizzas at over 900 degrees for just 90 seconds and delizioso !  YOU enjoy!
• Urban Crust- LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this eatery. Wood-burning oven, locally sourced veggies & herbs, along with imported Italian meats and in-house, hand-crafted mozzarella make up menu items.  Each month boasts a special pizza and cocktail creation.  Psst....the brunch is to die for!!!!!

Honorable Mention-

• Coal Vines- Good pizza, but an even better Sunday brunch! 
• Pizzeria Testa- The pizza was cold when it arrived at our table, but the flavor was on point. Therefore, another visit is merited.  The best part is the location, right in the middle of Downtown Frisco, with a FAB patio.  

MUST Try List-

• Cane Rosso- Kind of considered the king of Dallas area Neapolitan pizza, so, naturally, we need to see what all the hype is about! 
• Eno's Pizza Tavern, Because, it is in Bishop Arts, and it consistently gets great reviews. 

TEAM-PRZADA Vendor List Spotlight- Fence Staining with North Texas Stain and Seal

Greetings TEAM-PRZADA Clients & Friends!

As we are all huddled down, in the middle of winter, there are signs that spring will be here before we know it!  Spring is such a beautiful time of year.  The sun is out, trees and plants begin growing again, grass returns to its lush, green carpet-like state.  The world tends to look a little more vibrant, doesn't it?

In preparation for the warmer weather, homeowners tend to begin their "to-do" list.
Home maintenance tends to trend to the top of that list, at least it does at our house, along with MOST of our neighbors!  For that very reason, we have a vendor we would like to share.  His name is Nathan Sprabary and he is the owner & proprietor of North Texas Stain and Seal. Nathan got his start as a professional house painter.  However, things took a turn when, along with his neighbor, they developed a unique stain that launched him into the world of fence, deck and wood staining. According to Nathan, the stain they developed and use is "the only product out there that truly preserves the wood. It replenishes the natural saps in the tree that are lacking due to being dead. Plus, it stains the wood beautifully."

Nathan has done extensive work in The Reserve at Westridge, along with staining for two of the largest fence companies in the Metorplex.  In addition, he stains fences, decks and exterior wood, such as shutters, for homeowners locally. When Nathan first started his business in 2012, he "passed out 50 flyers and that is all of the advertising I have done."   Nathan humbly credits God's grace and "word of mouth referrals" as the factors that have allowed him to grow his business and build such a large, loyal customer following, but there is one more factor at work there....he is true to his word.  Ask his customers; they will sing his praises.

As a homeowner, We hired Nathan, with North Texas Stain and Seal. He stained our beautiful 8 foot board on board fence.  I can personally attest to the following, the stain is approaching three years old, but it still looks vibrant and has not faded.  His prices were reasonable, and I can also confirm that Nathan IS true to his word.  Unfortunately for us, it has been necessary to replace several individual boards on our fence, due to an over-zealous, crazy dog that just happens to reside with us.  ;)  Nathan has returned when necessary, to stain those individual boards, keeping our fence beautiful.  Best of all, he shows up when he says he will.  Each time we have set an appointment, I can count on him.  That is a rare thing to find.

Read on to find out a bit more about Nathan and the scope of his work, in his own words.  He has most certainly earned a spot on TEAM-PRZADA's Vendor List.

• I do both new construction and residential fences.  
• I've stained entire HOA perimeter fences or something as little as one board.   
• I offer colors that range from natural cedar tone to almost black. 
• I do my very best to do exactly what I'll say I'll do.  

My dad who has been self employed for his whole life told me something I'll never forget.  He told me if I do a good job for somebody, they'll tell 3 people they know.  If I do a bad job for somebody, they'll tell everybody they know.  That has always stuck with me.

         -Nathan Sprabary, North Texas Stain and Seal

          940-465-5288