jillivictorio@gmail.com /

 

Outfit details: Glitter Blazer: H&M (on sale!) | Pants: A New Day for Target (similar here) | Boots: DV

John’s Outfit: Sport Coat: John Varvatos | Shirt H&M | Pants: Levis | Shoes: Clarks

Jonah and Baron’s Outfits: Blazers: Cat and Jack | Shirts  H&M Kids | Pants: Cat and Jack |

We attended Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus Cafe and had a holly jolly fabulous time! We will be making this an annual holiday tradition to kick off the Christmas season. This was the first Breakfast with Santa event Neiman Marcus hosted at their new Shops At Clearfork location in Fort Worth. The morning started with champagne and pastries, followed by a full hearty breakfast plate with eggs, quiche, bacon, sausage, waffles, fruit and yogurt – yum!  Santa made his way around to each table making sure to see and greet each child. After breakfast, families were escorted to have their photos taken with Santa. There were no lines because the photo session was reserved for families attending the breakfast.  Reservations for Breakfast with Santa are required and include coffee, tea, juice, full breakfast, visits from Santa and his elf, and complimentary printed portraits with Santa.  This was the perfect way to get our kids’ photos with Santa without the hassle of lines and crowds at a mall and enjoy a special breakfast together!

Beautiful tables set for families of up to four. Larger groups can request to be seated next to each other.

 

 

A full hearty breakfast plate with the yummiest strawberry butter!

 

Baron loves his Belgium waffles dipped in real maple syrup.

 

A balloon maker elf to keep the kids entertained!

 

A souvenir print and folder to keep was ready immediately

 

We can’t wait to do this again next year!  What are some of your favorite holiday activities or events in the Dallas and Fort Worth?  Would love to hear them in the comments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

jillivictorio@gmail.com /

Paved walking paths lined with pumpkins leading all the way to the Pumpkin Village

One of the great things about visiting/moving to a new city if the chance to discover and explore new places. I’ve had the Dallas Arboretum on my bucket list and with great timing, September through November is also when they host their annual Autumn At The Arboretum festival. There are family events throughout the season, but Autumn at the Arboretum is their most elaborate production. The Autumn Festival has been named one of the best pumpkin festivals in the country, and it is right here in North Texas.

When we arrived my jaw dropped. The Dallas Arboretum is absolutely stunning. There is beauty in every direction you look with bursts of color everywhere. The flowers, trees, native plants and wetlands are beautifully landscaped and maintained. Compared to the arboretums and botanical gardens in Washington, this one is massive in size.  I’ve never seen anything like it. I could come here every day to bask in all the natural beauty and feel like it’s a new experience each time.

Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum has a “Wizard of Oz” theme this year. You follow a yellow brick road to the Emerald City house built out of pumpkins, making your way to the Witch’s house and an enchanted forest where you come upon the Tinman and the Lion. This also isn’t your typical pumpkin patch — it’s a pumpkin village, using more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squashes to complete the display.

 

Taking a break from crowds at the DeGoyler House. Designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, the DeGolyer Estate is available for private events. I’d love to host a dinner here one day.

 

Outfit details: Sweater: Who What Wear | Loafers: A New Day for Target | Cropped flares: Levis

Jonah and Baron’s Outfits: Tops: Cat and Jack (similar here) | Pants: Cat and Jack |

Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden

There is a dedicated and separate children’s garden on 8 acres overlooking the beautiful White Rock Lake. We could have easily spent the entire day here just in the children’s garden.  There is so much to do, see and explore here.  The boys especially loved the maze and the STEM learning area. It was hard to pull them away but we let them roam and explore their surroundings. What I love most at the children’s garden is how it was designed with children in mind connecting them nature where education is the focus.

The Arboretum’s version of a bounce house in the air, a 32-foot fabricated tree lends itself to ‘sky-walking’ suspended over the trail below. Photo credit: Dallasarboretum.org

What I’m most excited about and look forward to on our next visit is the newest feature that just opened this month at the arboretum, A Tasteful Place.  Coming from a foodie town, I am excited to see the sustainable food movement make its way to parts of Texas.  According to recent media, A Tasteful Place is a productive working garden that is also visually beautiful, influenced by European gardening principals and artful arrangement. The Pavilion is a 3,600-square-foot building with 180 degree views of the garden, lagoon and walkways, with event space and teaching kitchen to showcase chefs who will demonstrate preparation of garden-to-table cuisine. It’s also a site for cooking classes, educational programs and special events.
We definitely want to visit the Dallas Arboretum regularly and are considering becoming members. In reviewing membership benefits, a few visits would pay for a family membership in itself. Aside from value and cost savings, there are also special members-only events and experiences throughout the year. If it’s this beautiful in the Fall, I can’t wait to see what the Dallas Arboretum looks in the spring!
jillivictorio@gmail.com /

This past weekend I celebrated my 38th birthday in Dallas and I am so thankful to John for planning the most amazing birthday weekend.  It was my first birthday being away from my friends and family, but he went above and beyond to make the day feel just as special.

 

We started my celebration with a beautiful and delicious afternoon tea and champagne service at ‘Tea At Taschen’ at the Joule Hotel.  The Joule Hotel’s own Taschen library and bookstore closes off for a few hours on select days exclusively for their tea time with only one reservation time seating for an intimate group.  I’ve been a longtime enthusiast of tea service mostly of the English varieties, and this afternoon tea with champagne service was the most stylish and unique tea experience I have ever had.  

The setting is absolutely stunning with books and art all around and an intimate communal table beautifully set up with colorful china, pretty tableware and towers of exquisite looking bites.  Our host was very helpful in explaining each tea and food pairing and everything tasted as amazing as it looked.  Guests also have the opportunity to purchase books or art at 10% during your tea service.

Bodysuit Top: Voom by Joy Han | Shoes: Zara, similar here |

After tea and champagne service, I had a shopping appointment with an associate at the Chanel boutique at Neiman Marcus Downtown and picked up my newest baby to add to my collection. I got to try it on before deciding on a style and color and before it was gift-wrapped. I couldn’t wait to wear it as it went perfectly with my birthday dress, so why wait to enjoy such a beautiful gift?

 

Pappardelle with braised rabbit, pancetta, Swiss chard, thyme

 

We ended the night with a yummy dinner at Gemma, a restaurant I visited in 2014 during a work trip where I had the most amazing braised rabbit ragu pappardelle dish ever. Long, flat ribbons of fresh pappardelle tossed with juicy, tender braised rabbit, salty pancetta, fresh Swiss chard and woodsy thyme. Who knew three years laters I’d be living here with access to this restaurant and this life-changing dish?! It really is that good. To my surprise, the dish is still on the menu three years later and it tasted just as amazing as I remember and have longed for since.

Dress: Keepsake | Shoes: similar here | Bag: Chanel

Birthday sliders grilled by hubby complete with candles placed by the kids

On my actual birthday, we hung out at home, lounged by the pool, grilled some sliders and ate cupcakes with the kids. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. As I reflect on what feels like just another day but another year older, I have a lot to be grateful for, still more to learn, and a lot more to give. As I enter the final two years in my 30s, I will continue to live the life I’ve designed for myself and my family – a life that is organized but spontaneous, full of laughter and smiles and the practice of making moments matter.  I look forward to the journey ahead as I know 38 is and will be great.

jillivictorio@gmail.com /

Aloha!

Our family recently returned from our first trip to the Disney Aulani Resort in Ko’olina and wow~ what a memorable vacation! It was the perfect 3 days spent at a Disney resort in a tropical setting with the beach at our fingertips and just a touch of Disney magic sprinkled throughout. The resort was the perfect blend of family friendly and luxury accommodations. Our family often talks about our memories from this trip that we are eager to experience again.

Arrival

Upon arriving to the resort, we were greeted with fresh flower leis and given refreshing cold water, which after traveling for 5+ hours is much appreciated.  The lobby is grand and adorned with Hawaiian artistry displayed throughout the resort. Every piece of art is part of a larger Hawaiian story, as told by Hawaiian artists.

Check-in is not until 4pm, but if you arrive early, you can explore the resort grounds and even enjoy the water features or the beach. You’ll also be given access to a lounge to store your bags and change in beach/water gear while you wait for your room to become available. This was a major plus especially traveling with two children, one that needed a diaper change.

Our room was available within the hour and just as welcoming and comfortable as we expected. The mickey folded towels and welcome gifts for the kids were a nice touch.

 

With two occasions we were celebrating – 1st Visit and hubby’s and my 9th wedding anniversary, the staff at the Aulani gave us these cute keepsake souvenir buttons.

The Beach and Pool Areas

The main draw of this resort is the beach and pool areas and which makes Aulani is an obvious choice for families traveling with children. The beach at Ko’Olina Lagoon is perfectly positioned on the shores and offers easy access to the water. Guests can enjoy boogie-boarding (complimentary boards with your stay), or rent snorkels, paddleboards or other equipment to enjoy an ocean adventure. The beach is also furnished with loungers and umbrella shades for protection from the sun. Again, depending on the time of year you go, loungers may be occupied or plenty available. We were fortunate with our timing that the resort was not too crowded and we were able to use several beach loungers throughout our stay.

There are several pools throughout the resort, some of which are adult only pools we didn’t get to check out because we had our kids the entire time. Our little one (19 months at the time) loved the Keki Cove, a water playground designed for kids ages 5 and under. The Keiki Cove is conveniently adjacent to the Ka Maka Landing, the family pool area where our 7-year-old and daddy swam. Some of the Disney characters are scheduled to come out to the different pools for a fun high-energy pool party. Kids love it. My 19-month old would not give up looking for Goofy. When he finally found him, he froze with amazement and I was able to snag this pic.

Dining

There are several dining options at the Aulani – a few casual spots and a couple of nicer sit down restaurants for reservations. We loved character breakfast at Ama Ama. There is a desert stand serving yummy dole whip and of course, Mickey Shave Ice. Our our first day, we ordered food and drinks to be delivered beachside to our loungers. After a long travel day, this seemed to be the best and most enjoyable option.

The Grounds

The resort grounds are beautifully kept inside and out with tropical landscape features all around, making it very family friendly. The lazy river was beautifully integrated onto the landscape winding through the tropical foliage where it looked natural and never felt like a typical loud water park. We especially loved walking to the beach after dinner, watching the sunset, and listing to the live reggae band while the kids played on the sand. It became our nightly ritual after dinner.

A few photos from our Family Portrait Session we reserved with a Disney Photopass Photographer:

Dress: Tiare Hawaii | Sandals: DV | Flower Clip: from the resort

John’s Outfit: Top: Mossimo | Shorts: own Volcom | Flip Flops: Ugg

Jonah and Baron’s Outfit’s: Tops: Zara Kids (similar here) | Shorts: HM Kids (similar here) | Sandals: Keene and Surprize by Stride Rite

 

Travel tips and favorite things at Aulani:

  • Pick up the daily ‘Iwa. It’s a printed newsletter with the week’s events and activities to help you plan your stay. It can be found at the front desk of the lobby.
  • Book a reservation for the character breakfast (Ama Ama). This is your one opportunity to get fun live character time during a delicious, casual and interactive breakfast. Breakfast is served buffet style with something for everyone from fresh tropical fruit and island dishes to classic American style breakfast, not to mention everyone’s favorite, Mickey pancakes!
  • Auntie’s Beach House – Our 7-year-old loved it. Children are safely check-in and grouped in age-appropriate activity rooms with supervised childcare. While the kids play, parents can enjoy some relaxing alone time. Aunty’s Beach House features complimentary programs such as Hawaiian arts and crafts, games, a Disney movie room, enclosed back yard and play structure and peace of mind for parents
  • Enjoy the lazy river. The Waikolohe stream offers a lazy river and two rushing rapid experiences. Float down the river and relax, or hold on tight as you go on a twisting and turning tube adventure.
  • Experience the Rainbow Reef. This is where my 7-year-old gained the confidence and learned to snorkel. Rainbow reef is great for beginners or those simply wanting to experience the beauty and wildlife down below.
  • Consider renting a cabana. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may or may not have the need to book a cabana. We visited in May and the resort was not crowded at all, just how we like it. We didn’t need to book a cabana and had many seating options along the beach. If we visited during a busier time, I definitely see the value in renting a cabana for the day.
  • We reserved time with one of the Aulani PhotoPass Photographers because we wanted special photos to remember our trip. The resort photographers are great with kids and families, and there are a couple of different time slot options depending on your needs and budget. With an active 19-month-old we knew a 20-minute session would suffice, and it did. Our photographer captured some great family shots and shots of just the kids in various areas of the resort. We loved being able to view and keep all our photos from our trip.
  • I would love the try Aulani’s luau next time! The luau takes place on the resort lawn on select days of the week. I think it would be a fun experience for the kids and you have the luxury of going back to your room if little ones get fussy and don’t make it for the entire duration of the luau program.

Overall, the service at Aulani was outstanding throughout our stay. We always felt welcomed at every encounter with a cast member. This was such a memorable trip for our family, especially the boys’ first experience staying at a Disney resort that I will cherish. There is so much to see and do at the Aulani that you may not be able to do it all. We’re already planning our next trip back. What are some of your favorite attractions at Aulani?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

jillivictorio@gmail.com /

We recently returned from a weekend trip to Lake Chelan with a group of friends and our kids. Just four hours NE of Seattle, I’ve visited the area before, but it was my first time truly staying at a lakefront property and it was absolutely worth it. Our kids loved it and made some wonderful memories. The vacation house we rented in Wapato Point was perfect for our families traveling together and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay with amazing amenities you wouldn’t find at a hotel such as being beachfront and lakefront, having a bit of outdoor lawn space for the kids and parents to lounge, a deck with an amazing view of the lake, an outdoor grill which hubby utilized to cook yummy meals, three levels with room for everyone to spread out, be together, and also have some privacy. The kids’ favorite feature was the game room complete with a foosball table, video games, and a covered porch, and of course the lake!  My favorite spot was the grass lawn where we relaxed, drank lots of wine, and watched the boats go by with the Cascade Mountain foothills and lake as our backdrop.

 

I could easily wake up to this view every day!

 

Kids loving the lake

Outfit details: Dress Who What Wear Collection for Target, Hat Brixton, Slides Zara

 

Enjoying my morning cup of coffee watching the early boats go by…

This was also a memorable trip for John and me, as it was here when we received the call from our agent that our house got an offer and we went into contract to sell our home – yay!