Big Things are Happening at the Arlington Highlands!

A long-standing shopping and entertainment mecca in the Arlington area, the Arlington Highlands is undergoing changes to make the space even more welcoming. 

Kendra Scott. Pottery Barn Outlet. These are just a few of the exciting retailers who have decided to open up shop at the Arlington Highlands within the past year. Color Me Mine, a fun arts and crafts spot for all ages, is set to open this spring. These retailers join the stores, restaurants and entertainment destinations you've come to know and love at the Highlands, including Old Navy, Gloria's and Studio Movie Grill to name a few. 

The Arlington Highlands gets a glow up!

On April 1, 2025, The Highlands debuted a $30 million renovation (phase I) with a new greenspace located in the strip of shops that leads from I-20 to Studio Movie Grill... And the space is an absolutely welcome addition to this fabulous shopping area. The greenspace includes space to walk and play as well as seated areas to relax with friends and family (covered, of course, to keep the sun or rain off your back!). My sweet gymnast loved cartwheeling all the way down the greenspace on the turf. There are pretty water features dabbled throughout, as well.

Gorgeous new water feature at the Arlington Highlands. 

Now patrons can grab a coffee from Starbucks or a to-go meal from spots such as Chicken Salad Chick or Freebird's and dine outside. Parents and friends can bring a few toys and enjoy some sunshine and chatter while the kids play in the wide-open area. Once the sun sets, the space lights up with 3,500 white lights that give the space a soft glow and make it perfect for hanging out with friends after hours. A powered, canopied stage completes the upgraded area and will be home to exciting concerts in the future! 

Brand new covered seating area at the Arlington Highlands.

Even better, the Highlands will be hosting a series of FREE events open to all starting this spring. The first event to kick off the series is a MOMumental event on May 10. The event celebrates moms just in time for Mother's Day and includes activities such as making flower arrangements, checking out pampering stations, listening to live music and more. These events will continue monthly throughout the year as a way to celebrate the new space and the community that surrounds it. 

Phase II of this project is expected to be finished by the end of 2025 and will feature additional park amenities perfect for families as well as new signage and facility upgrades.

The new signage welcoming guests to the Arlington Highlands.

We love love love the Arlington Highlands and are SO excited for all the new updates to this pretty space. Join us May 10 for the MOM-umental event... Hope to see everyone there!

*Content is sponsored by the Arlington Highlands. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Spring Break (& Beyond!) Fun is Here at Alley Cats Hurst, Arlington & Burleson

 Affordable, family-friendly fun at three convenient locations

*This content is paid for by Alley Cats. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

Alley Cat's slogan is "Indoor. Outdoor. Fun!" and this couldn't possibly be more accurate. From rides to bowling and laser tag to arcade games, Alley Cats has everything you need for family fun under one roof, and at great prices, to boot!

Enjoying the arcade games at Alley Cats Hurst.

We recently visited the Hurst location and hung out and played together as a family for hours. At Alley Cats Hurst, you can:

- Check out the rides outdoors. Our favorite? The Rattler Rollercoaster!

- Drive go karts. Who doesn't have a need for speed?

- Challenge the family to mini golf. Spoiler alert: I will always lose even when I'm genuinely trying not to!

- Hit up the batting cages. My oldest's favorite Alley Cats activity!

- Go bowling. I bowled. I lost. And I promise I gave the game my all!

- Play the arcade games. My girls love the piano game, and I just don't get it!

- Grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. I love the black bean burger!

- Play laser tag. Always fun!

Suited up for laser tag at Alley Cats Hurst.

On Sundays, Alley Cats Hurst even does brunch so you can dine and play for the ultimate family fun day. 

Have I mentioned how affordable Alley Cats is? Before you head out to one of their three awesome locations, be sure and check the "special promotions" tab on their website- it will let you know the latest deals at that location. Right now, in Hurst, for $60, you can get unlimited rides, batting cages, bowling and mini golf PLUS a $20 arcade card. That is hours and hours of fun for one low price. (Promotion not available during Spring Break)

Enjoying some fun in the sun at Alley Cats Hurst.

Looking for a thrills a little closer to home? Alley Cats Arlington has everything you need for a family fun day in town. We always enjoy family time here mini golfing, playing arcade games and more.

Looking to check out their newest space? You'll want to hit up the Burleson location! It's less than a year old and equipped with all the fun activities you've come to know and expect from Alley Cats. Bowl. Go Kart. Ride. Play. Tag. The list goes on!

What do you love most about Alley Cats?

Get Ready for a Great Deal: YellowTags Warehouse Arlington

If you're reading this blog post, you're probably a bit like me. You're busy. You wear a lot of hats, at home and at work. You are a money master who is always on the look for a great deal, whether you're shopping for coffee, clothing or household items. I know I'm willing to search and source stores all over DFW to find the best way to furnish my home and provide for my family while also still being mindful that my bank account is not quite as bottomless as I would like to it to be.

YellowTags Warehouse in Arlington, TX

Enter YellowTags Warehouse, a furniture and appliance store in Arlington at 360 and Arkansas. If you're on the market for a new fridge, new couch, new vanity, new rug, anything to furnish your house or apartment, you need to shop YellowTags Warehouse first. Not only are the prices on furniture and appliances the best you'll find (up to 80% cheaper than you'll find elsewhere!), but the staff is also friendly and helpful to boot. "Big Brands, Bigger Discounts"- that's YellowTags! They can even deliver right to your home or office when you're ready for your items to arrive. Talk about awesome.

Even better, YellowTags also has some of the items you're searching for to put under the tree this season. Someone you love traveling? Perfect! YellowTags has suitcases perfect for the traveler in your life. Shopping for someone who is resolving to be more active in 2025? Great! YellowTags has cardio machines and workout equipment to help anyone looking to get more active to meet their fitness goals. And... Wait for it. They have financing options available! Gift now and pay over time. What's better than that?

The item my kids are most begging for from YellowTags at the moment- this plush oversized chair.

Saturday, December 14, 2024, YellowTags is hosting a holiday event at 11:30 am for you to come and see what they are all about- and I encourage you to join me there! Together, we will learn tips and tricks for decorating our space this holiday season, enjoy some yummy bites, get exclusive discounts on items for our homes and more. We have been waiting all season for this event... And it's FREE! Nothing beats an educational and fun event (with food!) that doesn't cost me a dime.

Find the event here: YellowTags Warehouse Holiday Decor Workshop

If you're headed to this event, be sure to come ready to eat and shop! And if you see me (and a few of my girls) please come and say hi. We would love to meet you!

See you at YellowTags!

YellowTags Warehouse

3201 E. Arkansas Lane, #111

Arlington, TX 76010

*Please note that this is a paid endorsement. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

Pumpkin Patches in the Fort Worth Area 2024

Fall has arrived! If you're ready for all things pumpkin-related, you're in the right spot!

Pumpkin patches are definitely the place to be in October. Whether you go for the photos, the fall decor, the light, apple- and pumpkin-spiced treats, you can't deny that pumpkin patches are a rite of passage each fall.

The Fort Worth area is home to a number of awesome pumpkin patches, so you're in luck there! Whether you are looking for a spot that is sure to provide a full day of play for you and the kids or you and your SO or just looking to grab a few pumpkins and maybe a few pictures, you can find it in the Fort Worth area.

It's pumpkin season!

Fort Worth area pumpkin patches 2024

All-day adventures: area farms with pumpkin patches and fall activities

Shadow Creek Pumpkin Farm (Midlothian): Pumpkins & animals & hayrides, oh my! This pumpkin patch, a quick drive from the Arlington area, provides a day's worth of family-friendly fun for your whole crew. More than 20 fun activities await on 25-acres of wide-open spaces. Open weekends (and some weekdays) starting 10/5. Tickets start at $20 each.

MainStay Farm (Cleburne): The Fall Festival is open now through November 3, 2024, and it is so worth the drive! From the Texas Big Wheels to the all-new World of Pumpkins and the gorgeous fall photo ops to the Texas-sized pumpkin barn, you're sure to have big fun at this hoppin' spot. Tickets start at $26 per person when purchased online in advance. 

Country Critters Farm (Alvarado): Featuring a petting zoo, pony rides, train rides, hayrides, a bounce pillow, duck races and oodles more, Country Critters Farm is endless fun for kids of all ages. Open weekends from October 5 until November 10 as well as Monday, October 14, Country Critters Farm is the best bang for your bucket with tickets priced at just $15 per person (and police & active military are free with ID!). 

Fritz Petting Zoo (Irving): Support the local Arlington family that runs this farm and make the drive over to Irving for the $5 per family petting zoo with loads of fun fall activities. Purchase a pumpkin from the darling patch and your dollars will support the Irving Animal Shelter. Also enjoy feeding animals and pony rides during your visit (these activities do cost extra). This is an absolutely charming spot, especially if you have younger kids. 

Sunset Hill Tree Farm (Alvarado): Opening this weekend, Sunset Hill Tree Farm has a fabulous pumpkin patch with lots of opportunities for fall fun. Enjoy the playground, kids climbing wall, hayrides, obstacle course, bounce house and so much more. There is also an on-site cafe, and tickets are only $10 per person! Teachers are free opening weekend with ID. Score! 

Hall's Pumpkin Farm (Grapevine): Open Wednesday- Sunday, Hall's Pumpkin Farm is a long-time favorite in the area. Check out the corn maze, hayrides, activities and, of course!, the pumpkins. Treats available for sale onsite. Go on a weekday and admission is only $5 per person- it's $15 for adults and $10 for kids on the weekends. 

Just the pumpkins please: smaller spots with pumpkins, photo ops & fun

St. John (Mansfield): Adorable photo ops and pumpkins for sale plus activities on Saturday- see website for calendar of events. 

All Saints Luteran Church (Arlington): Photo ops with lots of pumpkins! Plus free activities on Saturday. Watch the Facebook page for times, patch opens Saturday, 10/5. 

St. John the Apostle (Arlington): Tons of pumpkins and adorable photo ops- I've been brining my kids here for 15 years and counting! Patch is open daily from 10 am- 8 pm. No purchase required. 

First Methodist (Mansfield): Hang out at the patch, play some games, take some photos and pick out a fun pumpkin to take home. Patch is open daily from September 29- October 31, 9 am- 7 pm. 

The Pumpkin Patch at First Christian Church (Arlington): Opening October 13, this pumpkin patch offers activities for the whole family as well as all the pumpkins for sale you could possibly want! 

A previous year's photo from St. John the Apostle in Arlington

More opportunities for pumpkins...

I can't skip mentioning the following favorites, too:

Dallas Arboretum is a great place for gorgeous pictures with White Rock Lake as a stunning backdrop. Bring a stroller for kids- you'll get some steps in here!

Pumpkin Nights here in Arlington is obviously a favorite. It's a whole Halloween experience complete with jackolanterns galore and a fun night for everyone that you won't soon forget. 

Dallas Farmer's Market has a great display of pumpkins you can snap photos at before you shop for local goods and produce right in the heart of Dallas.

Happy Fall, Y'all! 

Get Your Spook On: Haunted Houses (and other Happenings) in the DFW Area for Halloween 2024

Is spooky your season? It is definitely ours! If you love to be scared out of your mind, you're in luck- DFW is home to some incredible haunted houses (and other creepy experiences). Enter if you dare!

My kids aren't little anymore (and no, I don't want to talk about my feelings on this topic!), so my days of church trunk-or-treats and more-fun-than-scary Halloween Happenings are (sadly) behind me. 

Two of my three daughters were born in October, so maybe this should have been an indicator for me that Halloween was going to be huge in our house. My oldest has seen just about every horror movie made in the last 40 years and somehow still manages to sleep well at night. My girls love haunted everything. (Should I be worried about what this says about me as a mom?!) We are just dying to visit all the spooky, creepy, heart-pounding activities the Halloween season ushers in.

Lucky for us, DFW is home to some seriously awesome haunted happenings. From sweet to spooky, there is certainly something for everyone. If you're looking to get your spook on this Halloween Season, here's your cheat sheet of places to check out!

Spooky Vibes for the EA Crew!

Seriously Spooky Haunted Houses in the DFW Area for 2024

• Creekside Manor
• located in Midlothian
• costs $25 per person (fast pass available for an additional fee)
• opens October 4
• 4 realms of terror
• Cutting Edge Haunted House
• located in Fort Worth
• tickets start at $30 (dynamic pricing in effect)
• open some weekends in September (including Friday 9/13) and then weekends in October
• haunted attraction set in a 100-year-old abandoned meatpacking facility
• Dark Hour Haunted House
• located in Plano
• tickets start at $30 (dynamic pricing in effect, VIP tickets available)
• open weekends starting September 13
• recommended for ages 10 and up
• Hangman's House of Horrors
• located in Fort Worth
• tickets are $39 per person (timed entry and fast pass available for a surcharge)
• open weekends starting September 27
• haunted house plus various other creepy activities
• Moxley Manor
• located in Bedford
• tickets are $35 for general admission (fast pass is $50 per person)
• open weekends starting September 27
• features three top-rated haunted houses
• Reindeer Manor Presents: Thrasher Slasher Scare Park
• located in Grand Prairie at Alliance Skate Park at Lone Star Park
• tickets are $40 per person (VIP tickets available)
• open weekends starting October 4
• an entire spooky park awaits plus three haunted houses
• Screams Halloween Theme Park
• located in Waxahachie
• tickets start at $40 per person (dynamic pricing in effect, fast pass available)
• open weekends starting October 4
• 5 haunted houses and so much more. Truly a wicked experience. 
• Thrillvania Haunted House Park
• located in Terrell
• tickets start at $25 per person (dynamic pricing in effect)
• open weekends starting October 5
• 3 haunted houses on 50 haunted acres

Looking for more macabre for your spooky season? Don't forget these awesome events:

-Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas (they also offer Boo Fest during the day for the littles!)

-Pumpkin Nights in Arlington (code EVERYTHING will save you 10% on weekday tickets!)

-Nights of Frights at Ripley's Believe It Or Not in Grand Prairie 

-The Sleepy Hallow Experience in Granbury (a favorite of EA's!)

-Screamin' Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience Plano (non-scary fun for little ones)

Behind the scenes tour of a Six Flags Fright Fest Haunted House (So. Freaking. Scary!)

Happy Haunting, everyone! 

Drury Hotels: Your Secret to Budget-Friendly Family Travel

Sometimes, I discover something at this middle-aged stage of life and wonder how I've made it this far without uncovering this magical find sooner.

And such is the case with Drury Hotels.

Drury Plaza Hotel, Arlington, TX

I'm a mom of three daughters who was raised as one of four kids by a flight attendant mother who encouraged us to travel far and often. Summers and school breaks were usually spent discovering faraway places such as Hawaii or Europe. This may or may not explain my inability to sit still as a grown adult...

As an airline employee, my mom and her dependents (my dad and three siblings and me) all got incredible flight benefits, making travel far more affordable for our big family. It wasn't until I grew up and moved away from home that I understood how invaluable these benefits were. Now, with three kids and serious wanderlust myself, I have the constant desire to travel but not always the same perks that enabled inexpensive travel that her job allowed us.

And then I discovered Drury Hotels. And guys... Why didn't I know about these spots sooner?! Why have you all kept this secret from me?!

Smiling in the lobby of the Drury Plaza Hotel, Arlington, Texas

A new family- and budget-friendly hotel opens in Arlington, Texas

The new Drury Plaza Hotel opened earlier this year in Arlington, right in the heart of the entertainment district. We were invited for a weekend staycation right here on our home turf to explore everything that Drury Hotels offer. And to say I was blown away I don't think even begins to cover it...

The hotel sits on Road to Six Flags, right across from Lincoln Square. It provides ample free parking for hotel guests and is an easy spot to rideshare to and from when enjoying concerts, games and events at nearby AT&T Stadium or Globe Life Field. 

The hotel also has different rooms available to suit your needs. We tried out both the two queen deluxe as well as the king deluxe and found both spacious and accommodating. Although the king deluxe is the more expensive choice, it did come with a jacuzzi tub the girls loved as well as a door my husband and I could close as we slept so the girls wouldn't bother us. And let me tell you- actually, let me just show you!- the gorgeous views of the Arlington Entertainment District from our seventh-story window...

View from the 7th Floor of the Drury Plaza Hotel

So many awesome amenities, why didn't I discover Drury Hotels sooner?

Gorgeous hotel views aside, let me tell you all the reasons we will be seeking out a Drury Hotel the next time we hit the road (which will hopefully be later this year!),

• Daily 5:30 Kickback. Guys- this is truly a game changer, especially if you have a big family. Every day from 5:30-7 pm, you can stop into the breakfast and restaurant area for free food. And we aren't talking pretzels and snacks like some hotels offer. We are talking free dinner for everyone in your travel party! Friday night we had hot dogs, tacos, nachos and more. Plus three alcoholic beverages for anyone 21 and over. For my family of five, the value of this is easily $75 plus per night.
• Free breakfast daily. Our breakfast spread each morning was extensive and delicious! We enjoyed waffles, oatmeal, cereal, eggs, potatoes, yogurt, the list goes on. There was ample room for everyone at the hotel to find a seat. And the super friendly staff even wandered around each morning refilling coffee for guests. Talk about customer service! 
• On-site restaurant for late-night dining plus $5 desserts each night from 5:30-7:30 (don't skip the cookie with ice cream- so yummy!). Sometimes you just need room service. Or a bite to eat after you've been dancing and singing for hours at a concert at one of the nearby venues. For this, there is Kitchen + Bar, a spot where you can grab dinner until late into the night or order room service. Or, of course, meet friends for a drink until the late hours. Fabulous!
• Fantastic pool & fitness center. The fitness center at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington is big and inviting and enabled me to get some miles on the treadmill Sunday. The pool is covered so it doesn't get as hot in the Texas summers but still allows you to sit by the pool either in the sun or out of the sun depending on your needs. It also features a separate jacuzzi. The girls had so much fun in the pool Friday night and even made friends with some of the out-of-town guests at the hotel.

Coffee, sunshine & pool time at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington, Texas.

When you're on the road with the family, think Drury for your travel needs.

Drury now operates in 150 hotels in 26 states, including the new location here in Arlington. Honestly, I can't wait to start visiting Drurys around the country. And when I've got family or friends in town, I know where I will recommend they stay. 

Our experience at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington couldn't have been better. Everything from the rooms to the amenities to the service was absolutely top-notch, and the rates are affordable to boot (and did I mention the amenities that accompany those rates?!). 

When your plans call for family travel, look Drury Hotels up and thank me later! (In Texas alone you can find Drurys in College Station, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, McAllen and Amarillo)

Enjoying 5:30 Kickback at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Arlington, TX.


*Please note, we were given a free stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel in exchange for social promotion on my blog and social channels. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

The Woodlands Resort: All-Inclusive Weekend Getaway for the Whole Fam

Did I just find the perfect family-friendly resort in Texas? Less than four hours from Arlington? I think so...

Kid-friendly weekend escape in Texas: The Woodlands Resort

Grab the bathing suits (and maybe the golf clubs!)- it's time for family fun in the greater Houston area

Karaoke by the pool. A foam party for all ages. Glow swimming. Poolside movies. A poolside bar with delicious drinks (both with and without alcohol). If you're looking for family fun within driving distance of DFW, you're in luck! The Woodlands Resort has everything you need for a fun getaway for groups of all sizes and guests of all ages.

We checked in for an overnight in mid-June to The Woodlands Resort in The Woodlands, Texas, and were instantly sad we were only staying one night. This destination, only three hours from our Arlington home, has everything we could have wanted in a serene setting on the northern outskirts of Houston. From the moment we drove up, we knew we were in for fun in the Texas sun.

Enjoying the lazy river at The Woodlands Resort.

The Woodlands Resort offers:

• 4 on-site dining options, including two restaurants, a market and coffee shop and a poolside bar and grill. Plus the resort offers room service!
• Lots of outdoor and recreational fun. Play a round of golf. Or grab a racquet and try out pickleball or tennis. And there's a fitness center onsite.
• A calendar of fun activities to keep kids (and adults!) entertained at no additional charge.
• A water park and pool area that is your one-stop shop for fun. From waterslides to a lazy river and splash areas for toddlers, the water area at The Woodlands Resort is perfect for all ages.

Drinks by the pool at The Woodlands Resort. 

Honestly, we spent most of our time at this resort at the pool and waterpark area. During the summertime (and throughout the year), the resort offers programming at the pool to keep kids entertained so caregivers can sit back and enjoy their vacation, too! What kinds of activities are offered? Well, for starters, there is a nightly movie by the water. We got to watch 101 Dalmatians as we splashed. Throughout the day, kids can engage in activities such as Popsicle Bingo, Poolside Karaoke, Turtle Feedings and more. Check out the schedule here. (My daughters want me to encourage everyone to go under the water, also, as fun Disney movie is piped in that can't be heard when your head is above the water!)

Enjoying a poolside movie at The Woodlands Resort

The waterpark at this hotel is truly the reason to travel down to this area, especially if you are looking for a quick getaway that will be fun for adults and kids. The waterpark area features multiple slides, a lazy river, multiple play pools and a splash area as well as ample seating options. Combine all of this with the additional programming over the summer and the poolside bar for adults (plus an ice cream shop for all ages), and you'll truly wonder what took you so long to discover this wooded oasis. We spent our day Saturday by the pool and only saw the kids when they were hungry. They loved roaming around, meeting other kids and engaging with the activities. And my husband and I enjoyed Dr Peppers by the pool while we got some sun and hung out together. 

We dined poolside the night we arrived and enjoyed light bites at on-site Spruce Market the morning before we left. We also did smores around the fire Friday night for $6- my youngest just can't seem to resist roasting marshmallows even when she has no intention of eating them! 

Breakfast on the go from Spruce Market at The Woodlands Resort

My husband was bummed he didn't have time to golf but our trip to the Houston area was quicker than we would have liked. The next time we visit, we will be checking out the pickleball courts, too!

I can't recommend this spot enough if you are looking for a fun vacation that is drivable from DFW. Obviously The Woodlands and Houston in general has a lot of fun to offer travelers, from The Sloo Moo Institute to NASA and Aquarium to the Houston Zoo. But The Woodlands Resort is truly a destination unto itself and all you need for a great, relaxing and undeniably fun weekend away.

*Disclosure: We received a free night and resort credit in exchange for a blog and social media posts. All thoughts and comments are my own.*