Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Summer Ready with British Swim School of Arlington & South Grand Prairie

Not to be a Negative Nancy over here, but did you know that drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death in kids ages 5-14 in the US according to the CDC? And more kids ages 1-4 die by drowning than from any other cause?


Swimming is an important life skill. British Swim School is here to help.


Swim safety is important. Learning to swim is an invaluable life skill.


Enter British Swim School of Arlington and South Grand Prairie, which just opened its third location in the area at the LA Fitness on Little Road in Arlington (they also have locations at Candlewood Suites in Grand Prairie as well as 24-Hour Fitness in Grand Prairie). British Swim School offers lessons for babies, kids and adults with low student-to-teacher ratios and generous sibling discounts. Classes are 30 minutes long and can be taken once, twice or three times per week. Private lessons are available. 


Learn to swim with British Swim School in Arlington, TX.



British Swim School is locally owned by a family I've known for years through a Mom's Group I was a member of when my babies were babies. Woman-owned, family-owned, locally-owned, British Swim School is dedicated to helping teach people of all ages to feel confident in the water. Greg and Melissa, the owners, have four kids of their own and are deeply committed to British Swim School's mission and the community it is a part of. 

So why choose British Swim School?
  • No long-term commitment. You can cancel anytime with a 30-day notice.
  • Join anytime. Enrollment is on-going. 
  • Risk-free guarantee. Try two classes, and, if you aren't satisfied, you will get a full refund.
Figure out which program is right for you and your child at British Swim School.


Enroll today and let them know that Everything Arlington sent you. When you enroll at the Little Road location, you'll get an additional four lessons for FREE!

Swimming is an important life skill that you're never too old to master. Get ready for summer fun at all the great pools and waterparks all over DFW with British Swim School.

*Please note: I was compensated by British Swim School for this content. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*


Monday, April 21, 2025

Affordable Summer Getaway Less Than Two Hours from Arlington: Tanglewood Resort at Lake Texoma

Did I just discover the metroplex's best kept secret for summer fun that is both close and affordable? Tanglewood Resort at Lake Texoma is all that and more!


Picture this:

A lake setting on the border of Texas and Oklahoma. A resort with various sizes of rooms available to accommodate travel parties of all sizes. Two outdoor pools with a slide plus a small kiddie pool plus an indoor pool with racing lanes and a hot tub. Two on-site dining options: a lakeside grill and a restaurant, plus a snack stand at the pool area. An outdoor playground. An 18-hole golf course with an onsite bar and grill. Pickleball courts. A tower bar (as cool as it sounds!) for 21 and over. Programming for kids and adults all summer long.

Hanging out poolside at Tanglewood Resort at Lake Texoma. 



Are you hooked yet? 

THIS is the fun that awaits guests at Tanglewood Resort in Pottsboro, Texas. They hosted my family for two nights over Easter weekend, and, despite the rain and chill in the air, we had an absolute blast. We could almost imagine this spot bustling with vacationers in the summertime, kids running wild while parents relax in the poolside loungers, soaking up the Texas sun.

Located on Lake Texoma, Tanglewood Resort is the perfect spot to take your boat (the boat launch is less than 10 minutes from the resort) and head out on the water for the day (you can also rent a boat in the area or skip boating altogether- it is a fun spot no matter what!). Once you have had enough of lake life for the day you can head down to the pool area at the resort and relax, maybe grabbing a sandwich and fries from the lakeside grill to nosh on. With or without kids, this place is the perfect DFW escape. For the 21 and over crowd, definitely consider having a drink at the Tower Bar as the sun is setting- the view of the lake from eight stories up is absolutely stunning!

View of Tanglewood Resort from the Tower Bar.



If you have a golfer in your group, they can head over to the Tanglewood Golf Course and play a round of golf and grab a bite at the 19th Hole (and maybe a drink!). Those who want to brush up on their skills before hitting the green can also perfect their stroke at the Golf Simulator. Be sure to check out the rules of the course before you tee off. 

Checking out the Tanglewood Golf Course.



Kids and kids-at-heart will love playing at the indoor and outdoor pools at this property. My girls loved the slide and the waterfall features as well as the lap lanes at the indoor pool. I enjoyed lounging in the hot tub with my oldest while we timed my younger two as they raced down the lap lanes. In warmer weather, the snack bar between the indoor and outdoor pools will offer up refreshments to satiate hunger brought on by all the splashing around! Once they tire of swimming, kids can play tetherball or play on the playground. There is also a beach- Island View Park- about 10 minutes from the resort by car. Talk about options!

Hanging out at the indoor pool at Tanglewood Resort while the kids play. 



I can't say enough great things about the accommodations, to boot. We stayed in a villa with one king bed and oh my gosh! In-room hot tub, fireplace, washer and dryer, all dishes and silverware, a great balcony. We added on an adjacent suite with two queen beds and had loads of space for the whole family with multiple (huge!) bathrooms, multiple TVs and more. This would be perfect for a summer weekend. 

The awesome kitchen area at our villa at Tanglewood Resort at Lake Texoma. 


We enjoyed our time at Tanglewood Resort so much and know that you will too! Book today to secure your summer spot before all the rooms are full (just plugging in random June dates we were seeing the king villas for less than $300 a night. That's a steal!)

Summer is just five weeks away... Not that we are counting or anything! Who wants to meet us at Tanglewood for a fun weekend away?

*Please note: I was given a free stay in exchange for promotion on my social channels and a blog post. All thoughts and ideas are my own.*


Tuesday, April 8, 2025

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.*

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

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?


Friday, December 6, 2024

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.







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*


Monday, September 30, 2024

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! 




Thursday, September 12, 2024

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!

Headless Horseman
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!)
-The Sleepy Hallow Experience in Granbury (a favorite of EA's!)
-Screamin' Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience Plano (non-scary fun for little ones)

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



Happy Haunting, everyone!