#KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities

Have you ever been to a Cirque du Soleil show?  Are you curious to see what is inside the big top?

Thanks to Cirque du Soleil for inviting my husband and I to opening night.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Cirque du Soleil is famous for their shows all over the world.  My husband and I have never been to a show so we were excited to see all the costumes and were wondering what all we would see in the big top.  Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities defies the laws of time, space, and dimension. 

Even before the show started, we had fun with some of the cast at the preshow right outside the tent.

 (Hanging out with Yvonne from faithcoffeeandlove.com)

Some of my favorite parts of the show where the ones that wow us the most.  At one point I could not believe what I was seeing.  I thought it was a hologram.  But that is just how mind blowing this show is.  There is so much going from one side of the stage to the other.

 The fun goes on during intermission as well on the stage and in the crowd.  It was so interactive.

What can you see?  My favorites were the Contortion, Upside Down World, the Acronet, practically the entire show. 

What was different?  The live band throughout the show.  I really love a good show with great music.

Tips-

1)  Get to the show early.  You do not want to miss anything.
2)  Parking is CASH only.  ($12)
3)  Restrooms are available outside of the tent.  There are plenty but don't wait until you have to really go, to go.  There is an intermission, if you can wait, hold it.  But remember everyone else is thinking the same thing.  We went before the show started, no lines.

Get ready to be amazed.

For ticket information, go to cirquedusoleil.com/kurios.

No Salesman Car Shopping #HOULovesAutos

Have you ever dared to go to a dealer to just to look around?  There is no such thing.  The salesmen make you feel like fresh meat from the minute you drive in.  They are ready to pounce on you.

Thanks to the Houston Auto Show for inviting me to the Preview Party.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

I have had some horrible experiences at dealerships and have ended up just leaving disappointed.  Why?  A really pushy salesman or salesmen can really ruin your experience to walk around, look, and check out all that is available on the lot. Also, the selection.  If you are like me, you may not know what you want until you see it, feel it, touch it and drive it.

The 2017 Houston Auto Show is back at NRG.  A mall of cars under 700,000 square feet with the latest autos from the world’s top automakers under one roof.  And trust me, there are no pushy salesmen trying to sell you cars. You can walk around, get in the cars, and even test drive.

Why ride and drive?  Take the autos out for a spin.  Try them all. Get comfortable.  Ask all the questions from the knowledgeable people available at each test drive who are not salesmen.  The car facts are there for you to see the real numbers.  If you decide you want more information, sign up to receive the information you want and even receive exclusive auto show offers.

Knowledgeable car representatives are available in each area.  You can connect with your favorite brand.  Don't have a favorite?  You do not have to have a favorite.  Put them all to the test.

Get in the cars.  Heck, get the entire family in.  How do like the vehicle?  Do they fit comfortably?

 Is there enough room for you and your needs? Is there trunk space?  Be realistic about your needs.

 Find out the facts.  What does this vehicle have that the others do not?  Is it a smart vehicle? 

How safe is this vehicle?  Are there extra features available?  What is the latest and greatest?

Get all your questions answered.  Don't need a new car.  You are just a car enthusiast.  There are beautiful classics to drool over and there is even an auction to partake in.

The Houston Auto Show is family friendly.  Bring your walking shoes because there is a lot to cover from one side to the other side, indoors and outdoors.  Don't forget your driver's license if you want to do the ride and drive. 

APRIL 05 - 09, 2017

WED - FRI : Noon - 9.30 pm
SAT : 10 am - 9.30 pm
SUN : 10 am - 7 pm

Adult - $12.00
Kids - $5.00 (6-12 yrs old)

Tickets are available at houstonautoshow.com.

Saturday - Sunday - Brunch Day!

What are your plans for the weekend?  I am a planner.  I keep a very tight schedule but on the weekends we kinda sleep in on some weekends.  So we totally miss Breakfast, the most important meal of the day.

Thanks to Maggiano's Little Italy at Memorial City Mall for hosting us for Brunch.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Maggiano's Little Italy serves Italian-American cuisine.  They have family style dining like eating at grandma's house.  They have full menu, everyday of the week, whether you are vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan.  In this kitchen like most kitchens, it all starts with the chef.  Let me introduce you to Chef Philippe, Executive Chef.

His background has a lot of influence on his menu and ingredient choices.  Can you believe he started cooking when he was six?  He makes cooking look so easy.  You can tell he enjoys what he does.

We were invited to come sample some items from the new Brunch menu at Maggiano's Little Italy. 

VEGETABLE FRITTATA-Shiitake Mushrooms, Spinach, Roma Tomatoes, Smoked Mozzarella, Crispy Vesuvio Potatoes

CRÈME BRÛLÉE FRENCH TOAST^-Cranberry Raisin Focaccia, Maple Syrup, Strawberries, Choice of Side

Am I making you hungry yet? 

Do you like Eggs Benedict?  Maggiano's has plenty of choices for you and these are not your typical dishes.  Get passed the names, and give them a try.  You palette will thank you.

The Meatball

Nueske’s Smoked Ham

Smoked Salmon & Spinach

Crab Cake

Chicken Francese

We even got some tips as Chef Philippe made pancakes for us from the Brunch menu.  Do you use an electric mixer?  Chef Philippe is all about hand mixing and the flick of your wrist.  He also said patience is key.  Do not mess with that pancakes, leave it alone.

 Beautiful, nice and fluffy.  He made it look so easy.  The perfect sized pancake every time. 

LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES-Whipped Cream, Maple Syrup, Blueberries, Choice of Side

Don't let allergies stop you.  Chef Philippe will personally take care of your order.  Everything is cooked from scratch when you order.  He will cook your dish in a separate kitchen area and even go off the menu.  Make sure you tell your waitress before ordering. 

For more information, go to maggianos.com/brunch.

Happy 10 Year Anniversary To The Mister

Social media has changed my life.  Ten years ago, I took the chance of sending the Mister a message on social media.  Ten years ago, he replied back. 

We became inseparable from the minute we started hanging out.  We actually have known each other since we were younger.  We went to school together but we didn't even have each other on our radars.  I never thought one quick hello would lead to many future hellos that followed with kisses.

The Mister and I had more than our old schools in common.  Who knew that a nerd and cool cat would ever end up together?  They say opposites attract, right?  But we actually had many things we do both like.  We share the love of music, baseball, and many more things. 

Funny thing is time has flown by and we feel like we have been together longer.  Like our wedding song said, "God bless the broken road that led me straight to you!" 

In any relationship, it is all about give and take.  You both have to participate.  You both have to communicate.  Some lessons have been harder than others.  But the one thing I know, is that together we stand facing it all.  It is not all fairytales.  Life throws you curveballs.  Our team got a little bigger along the way.  We have gone from three to four.  I thought all was complete until our daughter was born.  I never knew something was missing until we were blessed with her in our lives. 

You never know where life will lead you.  You have to be willing to try.  We never thought this is where we would be but we are both happy this is where we are. 

Happy 10 year anniversary to the Mister.  Ready for many more seasons to some.  And in case you are wondering, today is the Houston Astros opening day which is one of our traditions we celebrate together.