Tag Archives: Texas

Painting and Wine, Just My Style

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I received free product in return for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Are you someone who has always been curious about painting but a little nervous about the attempt? Perhaps this is in your new years resolution? Painting and drawing has always been something that my parents and brother excelled at more than me. The most I can conjure up on a good day is a good ole stick figure, less the details – this is why I stick to photography.

Here in the DFW area, a small business called Painting With A Twist has become quite popular. The basic concept is to come in solo or with a group of friends. You are encouraged to bring wine, snacks and will receive step by step direction to create a masterpiece of your own. Last week, I attended Painting With A Twist in Arlington with a group of girlfriends. I couldn’t have asked for a better time! Wine, snacks, Nicole was selected to have “the bell” in class meaning whenever the bell is rung, you must take a drink. During all of this, we paint!

Each attendee is provided with an easel, canvas, brushes and tray of the paint that you will need.

The class starts off with easy direction on how to create the masterpiece. It also starts off with wine. What a better way to relax than a glass or two?! What’s fun about this is on attendee is given a bell. Whenever that bell is rung, everyone drinks!

By the end of class, you will have this work of art created by YOU. (And yes, it will be a masterpiece, wine and all!)

Believe me, I was questioning how this would turn out and I couldn’t be prouder of my design! Take a look!

I decided to give my painting to my mom as a Christmas gift. It looked amazing in their living room with this candle light lite up. Also, it was perfect for the Vermont winter, bringing the outdoors in.

This is a whole lot of fun and we are already talking about going back. If you are looking for something different, to explore your artsy side and relax, this is your place. Check out the website and see if there’s a location near you! There’s a new painting nearly everyday, the options are endless!

Grady Spencer, Michael Donner, John Fullbright

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Last Thursday, while most of the metroplex was hunkering down in preparation of the great “Icemageddon of 2013”, this lady was headed to Fort Worth to catch a show she promised herself she wasn’t going to miss. Crazy? Perhaps. Other attendees would say, no, just dedicated like themselves.

I arrived at The Live Oak just off Magnolia Street in Fort Worth. This is now my favorite venue in the metroplex. Small, seated (I think it tops at 188 seats), microbrews galore and the acoustics. Oh the acoustics in this room are some of the best I’ve heard in a long time. I found my spot three rows from the stage (third row only because the first two were VIP seating). Made quick friends with the group behind me sharing laughs on the cooky man sitting along the way hitting on everyone and “the best pick up lines” we’ve all heard.

First to hit the stage was a man by the name of Grady Spencer. Besides the fact hat Mr. Spencer carries a fantastic mustache, this man is a great musician! I loved his set and look forward to seeing him again.

Next up, Michael Donner from Michael Donner and the Southern Renaissance. Go ahead, take a listen. Both fantastic!

John Fullbright. That’s the man that I was there to see, to listen, to relax and try to get some kind of insight about what makes this guy tick. See, the key isn’t to know everyone’s entire book… it’s more interesting just to get little tidbits into what makes them who they are, what they do, the rest will make it all come together. John Fullbright may be one of the most dedicated and serious musicians I’ve run into in a while. He lives through his music. One of my friends has told me – don’t miss one of his shows. He was right. Oklahoma born, once a member of The Turnpike Troubadours and the Mike McClure band – this should give you a good root of his music. Don’t even get me going on the grand list of his influences. You’ll pick up on them. Goosebumps. I’m at a loss for words when I find musicians I really love. Just take my word for it, Google him, YouTube, just go buy his album… it’ll do you good.

If you happen to be within a distance to one of these musicians, especially John Fullbright – do yourself a favor, traverse a great ice storm, drive around a tornado, or just walk across the street, grab a cold one and sit back and be ready to be blown away.

Who Wouldn’t Want To…

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…drive a Zamboni? Everytime I attend a hockey game, the thought crosses my mind. Followed by, how can I get one on?! Even though it still didn’t happen at the game I attended this past weekend, it was still a real good time! (Someday, Someday!)

Generally, I am a Montreal Canadien’s fan however considering the Stars are now my “home” team – I root for them unless they’re playing the Habs. Then there’s no competition. My employer was nice enough to provide us with free tickets for this past Sunday’s game so I headed out to the AAC to catch a great game with even better company.

The Stars played the Oilers. Yes, I was asked if I was going to cheer for the Oilers considering they are from Canada. I did not. I did prove that I know the Canadian National Anthem. The Stars lost the game in a shootout but it didn’t stop us from cheering them on! Great game, Canadian beer, fantastic company, the only things missing were a fight and a win. Next time boys, next time!

Until next time, seriously… how can I check one off the bucket list and get on one of these zamboni’s?