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.