It’s funny because I remember feeling this way before (and fairy often these days), and looked back through my blog just now adter writing the above only to find this post where I said pretty much the same thing almost exactly a year ago.

Anyone else go through this? Is there a solution?

Photo credit: http://pictureninja.com

The good news? This dream is about to come true. We are this|close to booking our airline tickets and making hotel arrangements!

Update: Airfare even went down this week, and I have come to a decision about the hotel too! Getting super excited!

I toyed with the idea of camping out, but rain was in the forecast and I really like sleeping. You know, in a bed. I left my house this morning at 6:15 AM, and arrived 10 minutes later. There was a small line with people in chairs, maybe 50 people or so. There were only three cars lined up for the Drive-Thru, so I made the decision to be #4. I figured I would get served faster that way.

I saw they started handing out wristbands, though I had no idea what for. I got out of the car and walked over. Turns out that everyone who was there by a certain time got one which meant they were entitled to a free meal and t-shirt!

At about 8:30 AM people started cheering for the reporters who were televising live from the front of the restaurant. All the employees came outside and were chanting and smiling for the cameras. Did you know you start out at $10 at In-N-Out? I didn’t even make that at my very first job! I could tell they had turned on the grill because that familiar smell filled the air. There is nothing like it on the planet.

A few minutes before 9:00 AM, the doors opened and the drive-thru line began to move! Since I was fourth, I was literally “In-N-Out” of the line in less than 10 minutes. Dave came to join me, and we took our bag of food into the dining room which was not very full– because everyone else was still in line outside.

Yes, I ate a Double Double (Animal Style) and fries at 9:15 AM, and yes it was the best. breakfast. I. have. ever. had. I washed it down with some signature pink lemonade, a taste of my childhood. Now I have the rest of the day to relax. Oh, and go to the gym to work it off later.

Texas even has it’s very own t-shirt! I’ve only been waiting 22 years for this day. Welcome to town, In-N-Out! It’s about time.

Here’s my building progress shots from December to Sunday of In-N-Out Frisco:

What’s your favorite burger? Would you camp out for it?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have always loved Pier 1. It was my go-to store when I was decorating both my first apartment before Dave and I were married, and again when we purchased our first home.

In case you haven't noticed, the weather is beautiful in Dallas, and Spring has practically arrived! It's the perfect time to shop for bright home decor and gifts for the season.

That is why I am very excited to be participating in a special Tweetup at the Pier 1 store on Dallas Parkway Tuesday, March 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. What's in it for YOU besides hanging out and chatting with me and other local bloggers while shopping Pier 1's new Spring arrivals?

• Pier 1 is giving away super cute reusable totes to all attendees. These are perfect for shopping or for an inexpensive and pretty way to wrap a gift. I buy these all the time!
• They are also offering Tweetup attendees coupons for $10 off a $50 purchase.
• Best of all? We will be giving away several $50 and $100 gift cards.

Can't make it that evening? There is also a daytime Tweetup at another Pier 1 store from noon to 3:00 PM. We would love to see you! You don't have to be a blogger or twitter member to attend or win prizes. Here are the addresses and information to RSVP:

Noon – 3:00 PM: 138 Medallion Center, Dallas, TX 75214

5:00 – 8:00 PM: 13710 Dallas Parkway Suite A, Dallas, TX 75240

Bummed you are not in Dallas and will miss out on all the fun? See if there are other Pier 1 Tweetups in your area brought to you by izea.

Can't wait to see everyone on Tuesday! What are you looking forward to purchasing from their new Spring collection?

I am your biggest fan. My mother grew up less than a mile from the original location in Baldwin Park, so my family visited often when I was growing up. I loved driving by the “University” and thought how awesome it was that a school for burgers existed. I definitely wanted to attend!

Sadly we left California for Texas when I was 11. Whenever we’d go home for a visit, In-N-Out was always at the top of the list. Even on vacations to Vegas, I made it a priority to go to In-N-Out first thing off the plane. Since I’m excessive, I also insist on visiting before I get back on the plane too. I have introduced many of my friends to the wonder that is the Double-Double. (For you newbies, you must wash it down with a pink lemonade!)

I have had dreams my entire adult life of having In-N-Out come to Texas. I have talked, schemed and dreamed some more about franchise opportunities I knew would never happen. I even “outed” your plans to open a Texas location over six months before it was officially announced. That’s how much on-the-pulse I am! That’s how deep my love is. Seriously.

I went on a business trip to Phoenix a few month back, and of course I had to talk my co-workers into going even though the closest location was in Tempe. If I’m within 100 miles of an In-N-Out you best believe I’m going! They all loved it and agreed it was the best meal we had the entire time we were in town. That says a lot considering we were eating in expensive restaurants on the company the rest of the time, and the four of us had dinner there for less than $25.

When the sign went up in Frisco and ground broke a few days before Christmas, I considered it a holiday gift. I’m obsessive enough to get photographed with a sign and take a photo of dirt, people! That the very first location in Texas is opening in my city has to be a sign… right? RIGHT?!

Do you think it is slightly sad that I’ve been back several times for more progress photos? Who else can say that? I drive by it daily on my way to work (okay, not exactly), but we made a special trip on Sunday on our way to Cirque since I noticed earlier in the week that the frame was up.

Can you believe I’ll be eating a burger on the patio in just a few short months? I am afraid how long the lines are going to be and how much traffic it is going to bring to Preston, but I am very excited it will be right up the street from me. Ecstatic. Giddy. Over-the-moon. Can you tell? I will be taking everyone and their brother to experience it for their very first time. Get ready, friends!

So In-N-Out, do you think it’s possible for me to maybe come by before you open? Have an inaugural burger? Flip a burger? Get a tour of the kitchen? Since I can’t have a franchise of my own, this would be the next best thing. Make a girl’s dream come true? After all, I’m your biggest fan. If not, I will camp out Black Friday style. I’ll pitch a tent in front of the door to be the first customer. You don’t want me to embarrass myself like that do you? Do YOU? Please don’t make me beg…

Lots of Love and Animal Style Kisses,
Laurie

I don’t know if you heard, but we had another ice/snow storm here in the Dallas area. I was snowed in and couldn’t go to work for four days. One of those days we had no power, another of those days I spun out on the way to the grocery store and got a flat tire. Another day I discovered I actually had a nail in my tire (causing the flat), and yet another day that I tried to go to work I spun out again. I officially hate sleet, snow and ice. It sure is pretty though.

On Valentine’s Day we both took the day off and hung out together at home, and then went out for a delicious five course fondue dinner. It’s hard to believe you can get full off of little bites like that, but I always walk out of there feeling so uncomfortably full.

We’re also planning a trip to Paris this Spring, and I am so excited. I’ve bought some study guides to refresh my memory, and I’m practicing in my car everyday at lunch. Even Dave is practicing. Oui, oui! I would love recommendations if you have been for places to stay and things we absolutely can’t miss. I am keeping a list and will no doubt be rambling about this until the plane takes off. I hope you are all having a great month so far! À bientôt!

I’ve been stuck at home due to the ice/snow storm for FOUR days. When FedEx came knocking (literally because our power was out for over 10 hours on Wednesday and the doorbell didn’t work), it was like a care package from above. I felt guilty that the poor delivery people were out in the freezing cold and driving on dangerous roads with the crazies, but I got over that really fast when I open the box and the familiar scent of chocolate filled my nostrils.

The party the night before provided lots of tips and recipes. The problem with that is with ice on the roads, I couldn’t venture out to get extra ingredients required to make some of the fancier drinks. Impatient, I decided to try a small shot of the raspberry infused vodka, and paired it with what else? A Double Raspberry Truffle. If you know me, you know raspberry is my favorite flavor. I am not exaggerating when I say this was the best thing I have consumed all week.

I searched the freezer for anything else I could use to make a cocktail. I found some frozen raspberries, a Diet Dr. Pepper and crushed ice. Voila: Chocolate Raspberry Martini! It was delish if I do say so myself.

Rachel of A Southern Fairy Tale offered this recipe suggestion, which I plan to try as soon as I can safely get to the grocery store for some produce!

There are more drink recipes available at http://drinkgodiva.com, but here is my personal favorite drink recipe Godiva provided which would be perfect for a Valentine’s Day spent at home with your sweetie or a night with the girls (paired with a truffle of course)!

Sealed With a Kiss
Ingredients:

1 ounce Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Infused Vodka

1/2 ounce Crème de Cassis

Champagne

Preparation:
1. Combine Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Infused Vodka and Crème de Cassis into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a champagne flute.
3. Top off with chilled champagne.
Ideal Serving Glass:

Champagne flute

Yield:
1 drink

If you have a favorite drink recipe, let me know!

Disclosure: I was not monetarily compensated for this post, however I was sent the pictured tasting kit and press information from the PR firm representing Godiva Chocolatier.

Thanks to Trop 50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 fabulous wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to help grant a friend’s wish!

Even though I do not blog as much as I used to, I still read a lot of other blogs every day. Coming up with a list of only five fabulous bloggers was agony. I chose (in no particular order) the ones I return to the most often. These people make me laugh, cry and think. Their posts remind me to be thankful, embrace my snarky side, take more chances, be a better person and live life to the fullest. Would you believe I haven’t met any of these people? They are truly talented writers. I hope this list helps you discover someone new to add to your daily reads.

I’ve been reading Adam Avitable for a long time. His posts are witty, sometimes crude, and frequently make me laugh. I have to admit that the ones where he shows his deep and sensitive side are my favorites. I often disagree with him, but he embraces opinions that differ from his own. He takes the time to respond to his readers and understands the value of his community. You will love him if you can get past the occasional mature content and posts about his balls. Promise. Oh yeah, and today is his birthday. Go say hi!

Anissa Mayhew is one of my favorite bloggers. She’s one of those people that when life gives her lemons, she makes lemonade. She and her family are fighters. She probably doesn’t want to be called an inspiration, but I still call her one anyway. One of her daughters fought childhood Leukemia, and she herself has recovered from several major strokes. Through it all she maintains a positive attitude and can always be counted on for her wit and sassy sense of humor. I’ve never cried or prayed more for someone I’ve never met. She will inspire you.

You’ve probably heard of Heather Spohr or her daughter Maddie, who unexpectedly passed away in 2009 (presumably from complications from being born eleven weeks premature). Their family’s story breaks.my.heart. I wish I could say I followed her in the happy times before that terrible day. I cried and thought how unfair the world sometimes can be. Her writing is beautiful. I’m not sure I could ever be that raw and open in the midst of tragedy. She now has a second beautiful baby girl, and her strength continues to amaze me. Oh yeah, and she can also teach you how to do a mean bang braid.

I have spent hours reading Jenny Lawson. I wish I could be that unapologetic, honest and snarky. I really do. Only certain people can pull this off without coming off like a douche canoe, but The Bloggess somehow manages to do it. I discovered her when she used to write an advice column (which was hilarious), but it looks like that website is closing down and the archives have been removed. I guarantee you will be just as entertained by her personal blog too.

When I was a pre-teen I wanted to be Martha Stewart. You know, back when she was more into the craftier things verses the cooking years. In my eyes Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, achieved all of that and then some… just in a rural setting. She cooks, she homeschools, she decorates and she takes beautiful photographs. I kinda sorta wanna be her too. If only I liked to cook, or homeschool, or take really cool photos. Let’s face it, I’m nothing like her, but that’s what makes her interesting to me. There’s something for everyone.

What do you think of my list of bloggers? Do you have a list of your own to recommend?

Don’t forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to support a friend’s wish. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.