Five Reasons Bon Jovi Makes a Great Girls Night Out

1. Let off some steam dancing like crazy. Hey, It’s Your Life, right?
2. Bond over music that you grew up to. Make new memories with your girlfriend
3. Let your freak flag fly with the only people who won’t judge you. 
4. We all need personal space away from your significant other and family.
5. Explore Dallas without your boy attached to your hip.

The 2013 arena tour takes live performance to a whole new level with a constantly evolving stage production that transforms on every song. With over ninety high-speed moving elements, it is a kinetic sculpture of light and video, a living and breathing environment to support Bon Jovi on stage as they bring fans more than 30 years of hits and the latest, never-before-seen technology. Watch the arena stage production in action, to see just how amazing this show is going to be.

Tickets are on sale now for Bon Jovi’s tour, for more information visit the Bon Jovi official site.

Win a Pair of Tickets to See Bon Jovi

Enter to win a pair of tickets to see Bon Jovi at the American Airline Center on October 16th. I do not have the exact location of your ticket but I DO know that they will be good.  Odds are that you’ll probably be sitting close to me, which is a reason in its self to enter. The giveaway ends on July 2nd, the winner will be chosen by using Random.org. I will email the winner on Tuesday, July 2nd the winner has 24 hours to respond. If they do no respond, I will be FORCED to chose another winner. Enter below, and GOOD LUCK!

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There are some restaurants who do it right but I figure I might as well go to a restaurant that specializes in salads especially if I want the healthy, delicious version that I’m looking for. That’s why I’m obsessed with Salata, who is known for their endless salad options.

I recently made a stop into the Salata in Addison to have lunch. While I was there, I got to talk with the franchisee owner and learn more about what Salata stands for and how they stay about the competition.  One advantage that Salata has is that they have recently partnered with the Houston Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. These registered dietitians have put together a few salads  that would be great for after your workout, for men who aren’t big salad fans and even salads that are antioxidant rich. Sometimes, going into Salata can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re going to get since they have so many additions to choose from. These few salads that the dietitians have put together will make your trip to Salata much easier. Want to give them a try? Add the specific ingredients listed below for a salad that you’ll LOVE.

Antioxidant Rich Salad from Salata

Post-Workout Fuel Salad from Salata

Salads Men Love from Salata

Salata has over 50 fresh ingredients that you can choose from that include different types of lettuce, vegetables, fruit, beans, nuts, seeds, cheeses, eggs, cihcekn, seafood and more. With so many choices, it can sometimes be confusing on what to put in your salad. I always seem to get the same thing, not that I don’t want to try a new variation, but I know my “go-to” salad combination will always taste delicious.   My favorite salad from Salata is their spinach salad with grilled Shrimp and Chipotle Ranch dressing. I found out last time when I stopped by Salata that you can mix dressings. Who knew? It’s such a simple concept, I’m kind of embarrassed that I never thought of it.

Salata has ten different dressings which are all made in-house. You can choose from Balsamic Vinaigrette, Buttermilk Ranch, Chipotle Ranch, Classic Caesar, Fat-Free Mango, Fat-Free Sun-Dried Tomato, Fresh Herb Vinaigrette, Ginger Lime, Honey Mustard and Lemon Vinaigrette.

Win your two Favorite Salata Dressings! Which two would you mix together?

To be qualified to win, you MUST comment on this post stating which two dressings you would mix together.
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Dallas Fort Worth Salata Locations

• Shops at Legacy: 7317 Parkwood Dr #195, Plano 
• Addison: 4930 Beltline Rd #110, Addison
• Preston Center: 8307 Westchester Dr, Dallas
• Pacific Dallas: 1700 Pacific Avenue $C105, Dallas
• One Main Place: 1201 Main St #P-215, Dallas
• Sundance Square: 520 Commerce St, Ft Worth
• Uptown Dallas: 3000 Blackburn Ave #150, Dallas

I was sent a bottle of Bacardi Light Strawberry Daiquiri to try and could not wait especially because all you have to do it pour it over ice. How easy is that?  It’s perfect for when I’m trying to get out to the pool and don’t want to waste time making a drink with lots of ingredients. The first night I had my Strawberry Daiquiri, I enjoyed it over ice with dinner. It was amazing! Usually drinks that your “just pour over ice” always need some type of tweaking by adding lime, or sprite to make it taste right, but not with Bacardi strawberry Daiquiri.

When I found out that the Bacardi Daiquiri was only 95 calories per serving, I knew it was time for another drink.  I decided to make my own Bacardi Light Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri.  Words can not explain how delicious my drink was. It was one of those drinks that are kind of scary because you can’t taste any alcohol in it.  I added a secret ingredient in my drink that made it the best strawberry daiquiri that I’ve ever had.

Bacardi Light Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe

As I said before, I like simple drinks and this was as simple as it gets. I used one cup Bacardi Light Strawberry Daiquiri, One cup Ice, One cup Strawberries and a heaping spoon full of Cool Whip. You read that correctly, I added cool whip which made it AMAZING.  I blended it in the blender and within one minute I had the best Strawberry Daiquiri EVER.

Ingredients:

• One Cup Bacardi Light Strawberry Daiquiri
• One Cup Ice
• One Cup Chopped Strawberries
• One Heading Spoon full of Cool Whip (more or less to your liking)

Directions:

1. Pour all ingredients in to a blender. 
2. Blend.
3. Add chopped strawberries for an extra twist.

Makes 2 cups of the Best Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri that you will ever have.

Seriously, does this recipe GET any easier (cue Chandler Bing voice). Make this at your next party and I promise it’ll be an instant hit. If it isn’t, then maybe you should find new friends – kidding.  Let me know what types of yummy drinks you make with your Bacardi Strawberry Daiquiri, or if you prefer it simply over ice!

When it comes to at-home entertaining, we want to have our cocktail and drink it too. With BACARDI Classic Cocktails Light, you don’t need to choose between serving great cocktails or socializing with friends. Enjoy the best of everything – the convenience of ready-to-serve cocktails and the confidence of natural ingredients mixed with the world’s most awarded spirit. BACARDI Classic Cocktails Light allow you to serve the best, naturally! 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of BACARDI. The opinions and text are all mine. Sweepstakes Rules.

It’s time to fire up the grill! Summertime is here which means the grill will be used on a regular basis. Using a grill to cook your foods is usually a healthier option compared to other ways of cooking. I love to use the grill because it’s so easy (and it doesn’t make my kitchen dirty).  Grilled Shrimp is one of my favorite foods to grill because a) it’s healthy and b) there is so many ways to cook it! You can eat  anything from Indian inspired grilled shrimp to Grilled Shrimp Gumbo Salad and have completely different tastes.

Grilling instead of breading and baking or frying shrimp is a good way to keep from adding extra fat and calories to this nutritious food. Shrimp is widely thought of as a high-cholesterol food and at 179 mg of cholesterol per 3 oz serving, it certainly fits the profile. However, the cholesterol in shrimp is counteracted by other healthy fats it contains and by its low level of saturated fats. Just remember, moderation is key!

50 Grilled Shrimp Recipes

1. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Skewers
2. Teriyaki Grilled Shrimp 
3. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
4. Grilled Shrimp and Corn Quesadilla 
5. Banging Grilled Shrimp Skewers
6. Grilled Shrimp with Lime Marinade 
7. Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro Pesto
8. Spicy Pineapple Grilled Shrimp 
9. Chile Molido Grilled Shrimp 
10. Grilled Shrimp Caprese
11. Grilled Shrimp Brochetta
12. Grilled Shrimp Tequila 
13. Brine and Grilled Shrimp 
14. Grilled Shrimp Pizza
15. Grilled Shrimp Gumbo Salad
16. Grilled Shrimps and Scallops
17. Grilled Shrimp with Honey, Lime and Mint glaze
18. Lemongrass and Siracha Grilled Shrimp 
19. Grilled Lemon, Thyme, Shrimp and Veggie Skewers
20. Grilled Shrimp with Mango Salsa
21. Margarita Shrimp 
22. Grilled Shrimp and Noodle Salad
23. Vietnamese Grilled Shrimp Salad
24. Grilled Vegetable Couscous with Grilled Shrimp 
25. Orange and Thyme Grilled Shrimp 
26. Chili Mayo Grilled Shrimp 
27. Honey Teriyaki Grilled Shrimp 
28. Grilled Shrimp Dim Sum 
29. Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Cups
30. Garlic Soba Noodles with Grilled Shrimp 
31. Tropical Fruit, Avocado and Grilled Shrimp Salad
32. Grilled Shrimp and Chorizo Skewers
33. Emeril’s Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp 
34. Fruity Grilled Shrimp Skewers
35. Thai Mango Salad with Grilled Shrimp 
36. 10 Minute Smoke Grilled Shrimp 
37. Grilled Miso Shrimp 
38. Pecan Crusted Honey Grilled Shrimp 
39. Grilled Shrimp with Avocado Citrus Salad 
40. Grilled Shrimp Bruschetta Salad
41. Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Grilled Shrimp 
42. Grilled Shrimp Tostadas
43. Grilled Shrimp Po Boys
44. Mango Rice Salad with Grilled Shrimp
45. Rosemary Grilled Shrimp
46. Spinach Pesto Spaghetti with Grilled Shrimp
47.  Grilled Shrimp Risotto
48. Indian Inspired Grilled Shrimp 
49. Grilled Shrimp and Lobster Gremolata
50. Grilled Shrimp and Tomatillo Enchilada Casserole

What are your favorite Grilled Shrimp Recipes? Be sure to leave it in the comments so we can give it a try!

Weekends in Dallas are always packed with events, store openings and things to do. Instead of you having to pick and choose, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are a few events each day that are worth your time.  If we missed an event that you think should be on the list, let me know!

Dallas Events on Friday, June 14th

• Movies Under the Moon - Pack up a picnic, grab a blanket, and enjoy the beautiful summer weather at The Shops at Park Lane each Friday evening in June for Movies Under The Moon, a free outdoor movie series featuring your favorite family-friendly films throughout the decades. This week’s movie is The Lorax! Popcorn will be for sale for $1 per bag, and Gordon Biersch will sell food, soft drinks, beer and wine. More info. 
• Summer Pancake Party at Original Pancake House - Complimentary Breakfast Buffet & Coffee, Pancake Eating Contest, DJ, Photo booth, Balloon Twisting & Face Painting. You can also enter to win FREE pancakes for a year. More info. 
• Rocky Horror Picture Show – Experience the immortal, immoral cult classic phenomena as presented by Amber Does Dallas: DFW’s Premier Shadowcast. Enjoy a drink at the Arcade Bar before the show or take it into the theater with you, as you enjoy the finest in live theatrical entertainment in the historic Lakewood Theater. Show starts at 11pm and tickets are only $10. You can also purchase prop packs for $4. Buy Tickets. 
• ANOTHER Fashion Party - Bringing together the Dallas art, music, and fashion worlds, ANOTHER Fashion Party is launching to profile independent, stand out, Dallas-based fashion designers and independent boutique clothing. Of course, the event will be set within a lively atmosphere, complete with visuals, DJ’s, a full liquor bar and art by Circuit12′s roster of internationally-recognized talent. AFP will spotlight a new local fashion designer or independent boutique collection each month, placing full attention to the selected designer’s or store owners collection.  AFP kicks off with a concept collection from IZAVEL by Dallas-based designer Isabel Varela. Doors open at 10pm, $10 entry. More info. 

Dallas Events on Saturday, June 15th

• BeerFeast at the Lake - The Lake Flying Saucer’s 4th annual spring BeerFeast 2013 will feature over 25 breweries and 50 craft beers, all carefully selected by the Flying Saucer’s resident beer gurus. In addition, very rare and limited-release beers will be tapped one at time throughout the fest. Food trucks will also be back again this year. A new addition to this years’ fest is live music featuring the band, Fish Fry Bingo. I’ll be there trying EVERY beer, if you’ll be there, tweet me and say Hi! Purchase tickets. 
• 2nd Annual Earth Day After Party - Recycle Revolution’s 2nd annual Earth Day After Party! With lots of amazing live music from local bands & artists, an epic ping-pong tournament, recycling- and waste-themed movies (including some beautiful documentaries and one really fun kids’ movie), up-cycling and aquaponics workshops for kids and adults, amazing one-of-a-kind local crafts (furniture, jewelry, accessories, etc.), tours of Recycle Revolution’s Community Zero Waste facility, delicious local craft beer, food trucks, and much more! RSVP here. 
• Rescued by Wine – A Fundraiser Benefiting TMHPR – A wine tasting at Marcus Cafe in Richardson on Saturday, June 15, 2013, from 4:00 until 6:00 pm that benefits Take Me Home Pet Rescue. Tickets cost $30 per person and includes 4-5 different wines as well as lite appetizers. Purchase tickets. 

Dallas Events on Sunday, June 16th- Happy Father’s Day

• Free Yoga at Lululemon – Enjoy complimentary Vinyasa yoga class in the lululemon galleria store on Sunday morning from 11am-12pm. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned practioner, this class is for you! Bring a friend, some water and a smile. If you don’t have your own mat, no worries, they have some that you can use! More info.
• HUGE PrimeRib SMALL price. - III Forks Dallas is offering their USDA Prime Bone In Ribeye (normally $49.85) for just 29.95, This is a no brainer. Take dad to III Forks for a delicious Ribeye and you will be deemed his favorite forever. It’s worth it. 
• Free Beer for you and dad – You read that correctly. Jack Mac’s Swill and Grill is having a FREE beer tasting from 6-8pm. This is a great way to start the night (or end it.) Jack Mac’s is located at 19009 Preston Road #209, Dallas. 

Even if you don’t attend any of these events, be sure to go out and explore your city!

For guests who are counting calories, Cheddar’s new Lighter Side menu features rich, delicious steak, seafood and chicken dishes that don’t skimp on taste and all contain less than 575 calories. If you count calories, check out Cheddars Official Site before heading to the restaurant so you know what to order.

Two new salads provide guests with adventurous flavors coupled with premium ingredients. The Asian Salad features fresh greens tossed with chicken, carrots, herbs and mango stacked between two fresh wonton crisps and topped with peanut sauce and sweet chili glaze. The new BBQ Chicken Salad combines roasted corn, grape tomatoes, two cheeses, bacon and onion straws tossed in Cheddar’s homemade BBQ Ranch Dressing.

To develop its new burgers, Cheddar’s relied on its e-club members to answer the question, “what does a great burger mean to you?” More than 20,000 members responded, and their comments helped the company innovate the Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger and create the Jalapeño Burger, made with fried jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, chipotle mayo, onion and tomato.

Any dish on the menu is perfectly complemented with Cheddar’s unique, healthier new sides, including Edamame, Homemade Black Beans, and Fresh Apple & Yogurt Medley, available with an entrée or for an additional charge. Guests can end their meal on a sweet note with the new Strawberry Cheesecake Mini, an indulgent bite of delicious, homemade cheesecake with a fresh strawberry topping that is part of Cheddar’s dessert mini lineup, or the new warm Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding topped with rich vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and almonds.

Now we can all eat out without having to worry about gaining weight. It’s a glorious thing! Head over to Cheddar’s for your low-cal lunch and dinner options!

What is Man of Steel about?

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures comes “Man of Steel,”TM starring Henry Cavill in the role of Clark Kent/Kal-El under the direction of Zack Snyder.

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth.  As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do.  But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

The film also stars four-time Oscar® nominee Amy Adams (“The Master”), Oscar® nominee Michael Shannon (“Revolutionary Road”), Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner (“Dances with Wolves”), Oscar® nominee Diane Lane (“Unfaithful”), Oscar® nominee Laurence Fishburne (“What’s Love Got to Do with It”), Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, and Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe (“Gladiator”).

“Man of Steel” is produced by Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Entertainment. Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters served as executive producers.

Zack Snyder’s behind-the-scenes team included director of photography Amir Mokri, production designer Alex McDowell, editor David Brenner, and multiple Academy Award®-winning costume designer James Acheson (“Restoration”) and costume designer Michael Wilkinson. The music is by Academy Award®-winning composer Hans Zimmer (“The Lion King”).

Want to win tickets? Enter below!

You are entering to win a pair of tickets to see Man of Steel on June 11th at 7pm, a Men’s tee, poster and keychain! We are not able to make the location public, but it is in Dallas and is centrally located! The winner will be emailed on Monday, June 10th and will have 4 hours to respond. If there is no response, another winner will be chosen.

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Who doesn’t love Mexican foods and spices? This recipe for Chocolate Chile Bohemia Ice Cream incorporates spices and flavors of Mexican cuisine and one of the Mexico’s most sophisticated beers: Bohemia. You will be surprised how well chocolate and chili pepper combine.  In this case, pasilla chili gives the recipe a subtle heat, and to enhance the flavor complexity add beer to the mix to get one of the most exciting and delicious chocolate ice creams that you will ever have.

Chocolate Chile Bohemia Ice Cream Recipe

This recipe combines chocolate with chili pepper and almost wine-like taste of upscale Mexican beer Bohemia.  Cold to the touch and sweet to the tongue, each bite is sure to inspire.

Makes 1 quart

Ingredients:

• 1 large pasilla negro chile, stemmed, seeded, deveined
• 1 1/3 cups half-and-half
• 2 ounces Mexican chocolate, chopped into small pieces
• 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped into ¼-inch pieces
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 1/3  cups heavy (whipping) cream
• 1 ½ teaspoon pure vanilla, preferably Mexican
• ¼ cup Bohemia Beer

Instructions:

1. In a small skillet heated over medium, toast the chile, pressing it flat against the skillet with a metal spatula until it is very aromatic—about 10 seconds per side. Place in a small saucepan, add the half-and-half, Mexican chocolate and the semi-sweet chocolate, and heat over medium until steaming (but not boiling). Remove from heat. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes, then pour into a blender jar and process until the chile is completely pureed.
2. Set up a 4-quart saucepan, filled halfway with water, into which you can nestle a 3-quart stainless steel bowl. Bring the pot of water to a boil over high heat while you’re preparing the custard base. Reduce the temperature under the pot of boiling water to maintain a gentle simmer.
3. In the 3-quart stainless steel bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until thoroughly combined, then whisk in the chile-infused chocolate mixture. Set the bowl of custard base over the simmering water and whisk frequently, scraping down the sides of the bowl regularly with a rubber spatula, until the mixture thickens noticeably, about 5 minutes. The custard is sufficiently cooked when it reaches 180 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. (You can also test it by dipping a wooden spoon into the custard, then running your finger through the custard: if the line holds clearly, the custard has thickened sufficiently.) For the finest texture, strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean bowl.
4. Fill a large bowl halfway with ice. Nestle the bowl of strained custard in the ice bath. Whisk the mixture until it is completely cool. Refrigerate if not using immediately.
5. Stir the heavy cream, vanilla and Bohemia into the base. Freeze in an ice cream freezer according to the manufacturer’s directions. Scrape into a freezer container and freeze for several hours to firm.

Let me know your thoughts! If anything, be sure to celebrate National Chocolate Ice Cream Day with a big scoop of your favorite ice cream to cool off from the summer heat.

How to Enter
Qualifying stay bookings enter you into the sweepstakes automatically, but if you can’t book a room, you can still enter the sweepstakes! Let’s take a look:

1. Each booking of the Omni Summer Passport Package results in one automatic entry into the sweepstakes! Plus, after you book your stay you have the opportunity to come back here and earn more entries in the sweepstakes entry widget below. Your qualifying stay will earn you 10 more entries in the widget below, and you can earn even more by helping to promote this promotion in the social channels. For help with the registration form below, Go Here.

2. Didn’t book a stay? You can still enter the Sweepstakes, simply by being a Select Guest! Just enter your Select Guest number in the widget below (you can sign up for free here), and then you can also earn additional entries by helping to promote this promotion in the social channels.

Omni Hotels & Resorts is running the “Omni Summer Passport Sweepstakes“! Your chance to win roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for two to your choice of five Global Hotel Alliance destinations!

Everyone loves The Globetrotters, the stars who always put smiles on kids’ faces. At Globetrotter Summer Skills Clinics, our stars coach kids in limited size groups and bring laughs, encouragement and high fives for everyone! Globetrotters direct, motivate, inspire AND entertain, keeping it inclusive and fun for ALL boys and girls, aged 6-12, of ALL skill and experience levels. Each session is $59 and includes a free ticket voucher to see the Globetrotters live in 2014! But you can save $10 with promo code USFAMILY! Code is valid through 5/31.

Each child will receive:

• A free ticket voucher (valued up to $40) to see the Globetrotters during their 2014 World Tour
• Autographs and photos with the stars!
• Official Globetrotter certificate of completion with a personalized Globetrotter nickname
• Clinic Locations: http://globi.es/GlobetrotterClinicsUSFAMILY (These are just the clinics – the games for your tickets are in 200 cities)

The Dallas area camps will be in Murphy and Lewisville this Summer.

Save $10 on registration! Enter the Coupon Code USFAMILY on the cart page after completing your registration http://globi.es/GlobetrotterClinicsUSFAMILY