Well....This is Awkward

Dear Loyal Chiefs Fans
I would like to formally apologize for attempting to be one of you. It was fun while it lasted, but I will now hand back my red and yellow face paint and foam fingers to their rightful owners: all of you who are cursed to live in Kansas and need some sort of happiness to cling on too.
It appears that despite my far from modest bragging efforts and excessive confidence in something I don’t truly believe in, the Kansas City Chiefs no longer remain undefeated. They lost to the Denver Broncos, which apparently everyone and their mother (way to stay unbiased, game broadcasters) knew would happen.
Not only did the Chiefs lose their undefeated record to the Broncos, but they also lost last week to the San Diego Chargers, which leaves their record at 9-2. They still remain highly ranked since they have so few losses, and can still qualify for the playoffs and eventually the Super Bowl, but frankly I couldn’t care less.
My passion for the Chiefs was as brief as the state is boring (which is very.) My interest peaked, like a middle school girl who had a pink Razr in the 2000s, when they stood the chance to win their division. Now I will refocus my attention on where it truly belongs on Sundays: procrastinating my homework and staying in bed for as long as humanly possible.
I wish you all luck in continuing your fandom for the Chiefs; I’m sure they’ll appreciate your efforts, since clearly they’ve stopped putting in any effort towards winning. Let me know how it all works out for you.
Sincerely yours, Gillian MacInerney, The Ultimate Fair Weather Fan P.S. Please enjoy the attached photo. Clearly this is me, “peacing out” on the rest of the season.

Amazing Amsterdam!

I began my last blog post by deeming Las Vegas the city of crazy people and one-of-a kind experiences. I spoke too soon.
There is a distant place located on the West coast of the Netherlands called Amsterdam. Amsterdam has been given a variety of different titles including everything from “Heaven on Earth” to “The Devil’s Playground.” While Las Vegas may smell of expensive booze and crazy people, Amsterdam smells of something too.
What is it about Amsterdam that makes it so interesting? I travelled to the Netherlands a little over a year ago with a few close friends. We chose to keep the vacation small and booked two nights at a hostel located in the center of the city. Upon arrival we were met by a whirlwind of people in orange and black. It was game day in the Netherlands, and both the locals and tourists were wearing the country’s signature colors.
Soccer wasn’t the only pastime locals and tourists seemed to be excited about. As we walked from the train station towards our hostel there was a distinct scent in the air. I recognized it as a smell I associated with music festivals and house parties. It was pot. The drug that is illegal in most countries was not only legal in Amsterdam, but it was encouraged. Coffee shops in Amsterdam don’t have menus full of different coffee choices, but different marijuana choices. I had never seen anything like it.
The red light district also made my jaw drop. We happened upon it on our way to the hostel, and knew immediately where we were as we passed window after window of women soliciting customers.
After checking into the hostel and setting down our bags, we decided to check out everything else the city had to offer. The cobblestone streets were lined with marijuana hubs, souvenir stores, and pubs.
Amsterdam isn’t just a city of marijuana, prostitutes, and crazy tourists. Canals run throughout the city, museums and galleries are plentiful, and the architecture is beautiful. The Van Gogh Museum is even located in the center of the city. If art and architecture doesn’t strike your fancy, you can also head to the Heineken Brewery and learn about the history and making of the beer. There is so much more to this city than being able to break the laws of your native country.
The various reasons above, among others, are why I believe Amsterdam truly is heaven on earth. There’s something liberating and new for everyone to experience. Things you can’t do at home, but always want to. Whether this is bumping elbows with famous artists, experiencing a crucial piece of history with Anne Frank, or even smoking marijuana amongst police officers and locals, Amsterdam has something to offer that your birthplace doesn’t.
Everyone who has the chance should travel to experience this one-of-a kind city.
--Megan Jones

Hometown, Austin, Texas!

Home is where the heart is. I couldn’t agree more with the overused cliché. My home is Austin, Texas. Austin is a city full of live music and delicious food. On any given night of the weekend, and even most weekdays, you can look forward to enjoying your meal with the sound of a live band playing in the background. How can someone who hasn’t been to Austin truly understand what it’s like? On Friday nights I usually find myself headed to Second Street, or Willie Nelson Boulevard, for some dinner and a few drinks. Although the streets are filled with tourists since second shares a block with W Austin, my friends and I can usually find a table at La Condessa, a popular tapas bar. La Condessa is usually full of young men and women who have left work for the week and plan on staying downtown until it’s time to hit the town. Music from a modernized mariachi band is usually playing in the background. On Saturday nights I usually find myself seeking out a concert. Although there are concerts nearly every day of the week, this is the night where I can head to East Sixth Street, close to Red River. By skipping the dirty Sixth Street scene, one can be sure to avoid all the over-served fraternity and sorority members stumbling around the closed-off street. On a Saturday night I might head to Stubb’s with a few friends and enjoy some barbeque before watching Pat Green play until the wee hours of the morning. Finally, after a long weekend I head to Threadgill’s on Sunday morning for its Gospel Brunch. This is a long-standing family tradition in my house, and I plan on continuing the tradition even after I graduate. I can’t imagine a better way to enjoy a chicken fried steak on a Sunday, than to do so while listening to the gospel music band that has been playing every Sunday since I can remember. Those are only a few places and things to do in Austin. For the real experience, you may just need to plan a trip to see it for yourself. --Megan Jones

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

For my last blog post I will be giving you information about the much anticipated movie Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, set for a December 20th release. The movie is chalk-full of A-list actors and actresses in both large and small roles, and is expected to debunk the idea that sequels can never live up to glory of the original. The first movie, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, was released in 2004 and talks of a sequel started in 2008. Now that the wait is finally over, it will be interesting to see how the sequel is received.
Who should see this movie? • People who loved the first movie • Fans of Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd or David Koechner • Anyone in the mood for a good laugh • Those of you who never saw the first movie and are curious what all the hype is about (though you should really see the first one before watching the sequel).
Production Secrets/Fun Facts • Prior to filming, several thousand dollars’ worth of filming and production equipment was stolen from the warehouse it was being stored in. • A role was offered to Jennifer Lawrence but she had to decline due to scheduling conflicts. • Kanye West has a cameo in the film, and the rapper apparently went above and beyond for his role, showing up for additional scenes even when he didn't have lines. • The crew has so much footage that they've actually talked about putting together two entirely separate movies: same plot, but with different jokes.
Still unsure whether to put this on your must-see list? Maybe watching the trailer will help make your decision easier. Click the link below to watch the most recent trailer. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VdGI5-z_hg
--Shelly Crossland

Deep in the Heart of Georgia…

In all of my travels, I’ve never felt more at home than when I have been in Savannah, Georgia. It is the oldest city in the state of Georgia and is full of rich history and culture. My mom grew up spending her summer vacations in a house on Tybee Island, the tiny beach town just a few miles away from Savannah. The city of Savannah has so much to offer to visitors. From shopping to nightlife, to dining and outdoor activities, Savannah truly has it all. I’m going to tell you about my favorite things to do there.
One of the liveliest areas of Savannah is River Street, which follows along the Savannah River. On the street there are antique shops converted from old cotton warehouses, distinctive boutiques, art galleries, quaint pubs, fabulous restaurants, unique nightspots, elegant inns and hotels. At night, this area is bubbling with tourists and natives alike. Beautiful street lamps line the cobblestone road. There is also a ferry that can take you on a quick tour down the river and transport you to the beautiful Westin hotel across the river.
My favorite thing about River Street is River Street Sweets. My dad and I became hooked on their world famous pralines after sampling them on the street. We ordered enough to last us for an entire year, yet ended up eating them in a matter of weeks.
Another one of the most popular things to do in Savannah is eat. For delicious chicken fingers, my family always makes a stop at Spanky’s. It is the home of the original chicken finger, and has been a favorite dining spot for locals and visitors since 1976. The view is great and the food is even better.
Savannah’s most famous resident, Paula Deen, also has a few restaurants in Savannah. Her most popular, The Lady and Sons, is almost always packed with diners. The menu includes the finest southern home-style cooking including southern fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, shrimp and grits, and pecan pie. Anyone who is looking for authentic southern cooking must dine at The Lady and Sons.
Now the best part of Savannah is its proximity to Tybee Island. Although the beach town is small, it surely has a lot to offer. The Tybee Pier is home to some of the best views and fishing on the beach. My family’s beach house is on 9th street, and since we’ve been vacationing there for more than 50 years, we know just about everyone on the island. Cousins, friends, aunts and uncles all stop by our house to chat and spend the day with us. It is so relaxing to be on a beach where there really are no worries. I could travel to Savannah and Tybee any summer.
--Krista Castro

A Tale of the Winter Soup

What I have to share is a comical food experience that took place in my kitchen a few days ago. First I have to explain that I do NOT like squash. End of story. I don’t like the texture, the way it tastes, really anything about it...So when my roommate, Cal, came home from the grocery store last week with several of them, I shot her a look filled with sheer disgust. She had this crazy idea to make homemade butternut squash soup to spark “a cozy night”, as she said. I told her right off the bat that I would refuse to eat it.
Cal was in the kitchen for hours preparing the squash to bake in the oven before transferring them to the pot of boiling broth. I was initially annoyed by the fact that she made a disgusting mess (she never cleans the kitchen). If you’re thinking that I am going to tell you I loved the soup, you’re wrong. It took about a day and a half for her to cook it, and by the time she was done she had gone completely overboard with the ingredients. Garlic salt, balsamic vinegar, sour cream, and many more condiments that I refuse to think about went into that pot of mashed up squash.
I wasn’t all that surprised since she tends to get pretty experimental when she cooks. By the time she finished her masterpiece, she had forced everyone that walked in our house that night to taste-test it. My poor friends. She ended up being the only one who ate it.
And you know what the worst part about it was? She left the soup on the stove for 4 days (with no refrigeration and no lid) and she ate it for lunch and dinner EVEN when it was left out to sit for all that time. I felt sick to my stomach every time I watched her scoop it in her bowl and shove it in the microwave as if she was about to experience the most tasty meal of her life. She’s a character.
My other roommate, who is basically a comedian, remarked, “I swear she’s going to make herself sick if she keeps eating it!” Anyways, I wish I could say it was delicious and I loved it, but I can’t. Moral of this story is that my friends and I all got a big kick out of it and I was certainly entertained by her attempt to cook this odd-choice of a winter soup.
--Christine Bathke

Fall in Love with a “Fall Salad” or any salad for that matter…

Since I am NOT a salad connoisseur or professional chef, I am sometimes confused about what constitutes as a “Fall Salad.” A salad is a salad to me, but I made this one during the fall, and it tastes pretty amazing, so I thought I would share it as a part of The Crazy Life’s Fall Inspiration Series.
What you will need: Jar of minced garlic 2 tablespoons of Organic Maple Syrup 1/3 cup of Red Wine Vinegar 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Sea Salt Freshly Ground Black Pepper 2 Avocados 3 Large Heads of Endive (washed and chopped) 5 Large handfuls of Arugula (washed) 1 1/2 cup of Goat Cheese 1 cup of Walnuts 1 cup of Dried Cranberries Walnuts Large salad bowl You can also garnish with red onion and sunflower seeds
For the dressing, whisk together a pinch of garlic, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and red wine vinegar. While whisking add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set dressing aside, and dice the avocados and 1/2 of the red onion. Wash the arugula and endive before chopping and adding to a large salad bowl. Add avocado, red onion, goat cheese, walnuts, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. (Makes about 12 servings)
This meal goes perfect with a mason jar full of fresh limeade, you can buy my favorite kind at Central Market. Mason Jars and colorful straws can be found at your local Michaels.
Original recipe can be found on Gwyneth Paltrow’s blog, Goop: http://www.goop.com/recipes/salads/greens-goatcheese
This is the perfect meal to brighten a gloomy fall day! Enjoy! Continue following The Crazy Life for more fall inspiration!
TAGGED AUTUMN, CRANBERRIES, FALL, GOAT CHEESE, MASON JAR, NOVEMBER, RECIPE, RECIPES,SALAD, SALADS, THANKSGIVING, THECRAZYLIFE, WALNUTS EDIT --Mackenzie Clarkson

When Pinterest Meets “Real Life” Explained by Tori Bernatz

Last weekend, after begging him for four years, my brother finally made a trip out to Forth Worth to visit me for the first time since I left for college. It wasn’t that he was trying to avoid me, but it was so difficult for us to figure out a good time where our schedules aligned. He will be back again for graduation in May 2014, but I wanted the weekend to be great, and show him everything in Fort Worth.
It was a cold and rainy Friday and I needed to kill some time before picking him up from his late flight at 8 p.m. The cold and gloom always brings out the “baking-sweets-and-comfort-food-chef” in me, so I decided to roll with it and bake him a tasty treat upon his arrival. I plopped on my bed and logged on to Pinterest, out of habit, the only place I find recipes. I scrolled and scrolled until I stumbled upon something delicious that caught my eye…chocolate caramel oatmeal bars.
As the cliché saying goes, a way to any man’s heart is through food. So that has to apply to a brother too doesn’t it! I decided to make him a treat so he would fall in love with Fort Worth as well. (Wishful thinking)
I begun on my baking escapades and followed the instructions step by step. I laid down the oat and sugar mixture first and baked it until crispy. Then I proceeded to pour the caramel and milk concoction and sprinkled in the semi sweet chocolate chips. Finally I added the rest of the oat mixture and put it in the oven for the final ten minutes.
When it was finally done and all cooled down, we had arrived back from the airport. My brother immediately wanted to try a bar, and I warned him that they could be awful, as I had not even tried them yet. To my surprise they were divine. He brought my treats back to San Francisco where he shared them with his office who also raved about them.
Needless to say we had a great weekend, and it all began with the delicious bars, which by request, I made over Thanksgiving as well.
--Tori Bernatz

The Lost Art

Over the last 22 years of my life there has been a vivid image planted in my brain. That image is waking up at my grandma’s house to the smell of bacon frying and hot homemade biscuits coming out of the oven. I have been lucky enough to have a grandma and mom who have mastered the art of cooking and baking. I can remember going over to friends houses in high school and always eating take out or frozen pizza, and was confused why their mom did not cook us a meal. Now, I do not want this to sound sexist, but I grew up in a home where my mom stayed home and took care of my dad, my brother and me. In all honesty, she should have received a paycheck every other week for how hard she worked.
My mom always took care of us and mastered the art of feeding two growing boys and a husband. I could always count on a home cook meal six out of the seven days of the week. She would cook a variety of food from enchiladas, pasta, taco salad, grilled chicken and steak. I always knew I would not go hungry, which I know was and is a blessing. Over the last four years of school I have come to realize how lucky I was to grow up in a home where my mom cooked. The majority of adults around the country have lost the art of cooking. People have gone from eating out one or two times a week to almost one meal a day. This trend is not only bad for people’s wallets but also their waistlines.
I am not saying all women need to stay at home and cook every meal from scratch. The male in the household could learn how to cook and make a meal every now and then. There is something relaxing about cooking and eating at the table a few times a week with your family. Maybe I am living in the past and wrong decade but I hope the trend of home-cooked meals come back again.
--Garrett Grimes

The New Pacific Table Restaurant: A Breath of Fresh Air for Ft. Worth Foodies

Chef Felipe Armenta’s Pacific Table opened in Fort Worth this fall showcasing an eclectic take on seafood, sushi, sandwiches and steak. Tucked away in the back corner of University Park Village, this new restaurant offers fine dining with a fresh perspective on sustainability and supporting local Texas farms. I’m excited about this for a few reasons…
Besides the convenient location, the restaurants warm atmosphere is attractive for both lunch and dinner, as well as for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. My personal favorite part of the restaurant is the large communal table in the dining room, so you can either take a seat there and enjoy the close company of fellow diners or be seated at an individual table for a more intimate experience. I also love that you can see into the kitchen!
Second, there are awesome happy hour specials from 4-7 pm Monday through Thursday evenings with great priced drinks along with fresh sushi (Yellowtail Jalepeño Roll is a must) and raw bar selections (ask for the oyster of the day).
www.pacifictablefw.com Don’t miss out on this! Third, the spacious bar area (pictured above) is a great place to meet friends for a leisurely drink and conversation--or, if you’re pressed for time but looking for a fabulous bite you can just grab one of the Table’s delicious appetizers.
Walk-in's are not only welcomed, but highly encourage; so grab a friend or go solo and stop by for a standout dining experience at Pacific Table! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
--Charlotte Pokoik

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. A peek behind the scenes

In my last blog, I gave you some insight into the Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire, premiering on November 22. For this post I decided to stick with the sequel trend, and write about the sequel in The Hobbit franchise, called The Desolation of Smaug. This highly-anticipated sequel will be released on December 13. In this post I will tell you why you shouldn’t miss this movie, and give you some fun facts about the production. Be sure to read this entire blog post, because there will be a special surprise at the end!
Here are the top 3 reasons why you should see the movie: 1. Ladies, Orlando Bloom is in it! Who doesn’t love him? 2. This film is expected to be more exciting and action-packed than the first 3. It will be interesting to see how the dragon, Smaug, is brought to life If these reasons didn’t convince you, watching the trailer is sure to get you excited: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnaojlfdUbs
Fun facts and behind-the-scenes info: • To prepare for the role of Tauriel, Evangeline Lilly was trained in swordplay and archery • Orlando Bloom is two years older than Lee Pace who plays his father, King Thranduil. • Ian Holm and Christopher Lee filmed their scenes at London's Pinewood Studios because, due to reasons of health, neither were comfortable flying to New Zealand. • Denny's created a contest where people could upload a one-minute video about why he or she is Middle-earth’s biggest fan. One grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to attend the film’s world premiere screening.
• Ed Sheeran wrote the song that will play during the closing credits of the movie, called “I See Fire.” He is one of my favorite artists, so I am personally very excited about this!
--Shelly Crossland

Holiday Travels

As the weather cools down, I am getting so excited for the holidays and wintertime. The year has flown by and I cannot believe it is only a couple more weeks until Thanksgiving! There are so many signs that the holidays are coming: stores have updated their merchandise, my Pinterest page is full of holiday baking recipes and sweater/boot outfits, and Christmas music is already being suggested for me on iTunes radio.
My family loves to travel during the holidays and last year we took a 14-hour plane ride to Austria. When we arrived, we were expecting a winter wonderland where all the buildings and streets would be covered with white snow. However, for the week and half we were there, all it did was rain. Despite the rain, we were able to enjoy all that the city could offer.
We spent most of our trip in Vienna. The first day we visited Schloss Schönbrunn, the Schönbrunn palace. The massive palace has over 1,400 rooms and the gardens extend over 2 kilometers. We spent the entire day touring the apartments in which the Hapsburg family lived and reigned. It was so interesting to see the extravagance of the royal family.
Because it was Christmas time, Vienna had tons of Christkindlmarkts. These are the traditional Christmas markets that are held in almost all of the town squares. Hundreds of vendors gather to sell ornaments, chocolates, crafts and the famous Glühwein (a hot cider/wine concoction). My mom and I tried a couple of different flavors of the Glühwein, but did not end up liking any of them. We did however love the crepe vendors and the wafflehaus!
In Vienna, we also got to see some of the beautiful architecture around the city. Vienna is known for its music and arts, so there are plenty of museums and opera houses to tour. This picture was taken outside the Vienna Opera House. We were not able to go see a show because no one in my family had packed black tie attire! The opera houses are very strict on their dress codes. We were not even allowed inside with our winter gear!
My favorite part of the trip was actually our 2-day adventure to Salzburg. We got to go on the Sound of Music tour and see where the movie was actually filmed back in 1965. It was a beautiful tour and we ended up going to the lake region, which was absolutely stunning. Our tour director told us that a majority stakeholder in Volkswagen, Porsche, and Redbull lived in a mansion at the top of one of the mountains.
I would definitely go back to Austria, because I would love to see how beautiful it must be in the summertime! The place is full of culture and the people are so friendly. And I cannot forget how amazing the apfelstrudel (apple strudel) was!
--Krista Castro

100,000 Rolling in The Tide

In the South we like to think we do everything bigger and better, from food to sports, to trucks and tailgates. This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to the LSU v. Alabama football game, where over 100,000 gathered to worship their football teams. One thing is for sure is that if you are not from the south then you would not understand how serious Southerners take their football. It becomes a weekly routine like going to church or a weekly meeting; one just does not miss it.
I have been to football games all around the country but have to admit the atmosphere and passion at Alabama’s stadium Saturday night was unbelievable. It is hard to believe that people will take 4 hours out of their day and pay $150 a ticket to go watch college students play football but it happens every Saturday night across the South. I think why so many gather to watch the game (guys in specific) is because they can subconsciously picture themselves out on the field playing for their team. This is why the fans scream and shout with such passion.
It brought me to the conclusion that this is what many TCU fans lack… Passion. The attendance at TCU football games has had its highs and lows but this year more lows. Even though our team is not living up to its expectations does that mean we just give up on them and not show up? Students and Alumni want a big time football program that wins week in and week out, which is understandable. They also need to understand the crowd plays a huge role in that. It helps bring in recruits and creates an atmosphere that encourages the TCU players and makes it hard for the away team. So if we want to become a Southern football powers house then the fans need to realize it really starts with them.
---Garrett Grimes

When PINTEREST Meets "Real Life."

Recently Pinterest has become so popular for women of all ages. I have noticed that I've started spending an absurd amount of time on this website…yes I’ll even admit it.
Before this year, Pinterest was just a fun website that I browsed occasionally. It was full of fashion ideas, inspirational quotes, and delicious looking meals. The site acts as an online bulletin board, where you can browse other people’s “pins” on a main feed and then pin them to one of your own virtual “boards”, so you can go back and view them later. Most pictures that are “pinned” have a click through link that either explains how to make a craft, a food, or a shopping website for an article of clothing that was pinned.
Pinterest was just another website to me until this summer when I made one of the worst decisions I could with this website. I actually tried to make something I had pinned, and the worst part was...it turned out wonderfully. And that was it. I was hooked. I realized all these fun ideas, crafts, and food recipes could actually be executed in real life...even though sometimes they didn’t look as picture perfect as the example on the site.
With fall finally here I decided to attack one of the many pumpkin-decorating crafts that I had previously pinned. I found the idea of painting pumpkins with the letters “B-O-O” and adding festive bows. I decided to tweak it a bit to make it more simple and fit as an indoor decoration in my small apartment. I used three miniature Trader Joe’s pumpkins that came with a sticker about how to turn them into pies…but I’ll save that for another day!
Pinterest craft one of the season - Complete!
---Tori Bernatz

My favorite place in the world…

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many places in my 21 years of life. My dad, who is a very frequent flyer, has taken our family to some amazing places. When I was only 14 months old, my parents took me to Quebec, Canada. (I think this had something to do with my dislike of cold weather and my obsession with the French language). This also must have started my travel bug… because since then, I haven’t been able to stop.
I’ve traveled to Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, France, Belgium, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and plenty of states in the U.S. When people ask me what my favorite place in the world is, I always say the same place—Laguna Beach, CA.
The first time I went to California with my family when we visited my uncle in San Francisco. The energy of the beautiful city caught my eye, and I begged my parents to let us move there. The shops, the restaurants, the cute little trolleys and rolling hills throughout San Francisco made me a California fanatic. But it wasn’t until I visited Laguna Beach that I realized how much I really liked California.
I’ve been to Laguna three times now and can definitely say I’ll be back more. One of my favorite things to do there is shop. There are so many trendy stores that I frequent. One of my favorites is Blue Eyed Girl. It’s located right on S. Coast Hwy, where tourists and locals alike stroll during throughout day and night. Another one of my favorite stores there is 11th Moon. Both of these shops have tons of great pieces from boho chic to classic. I love finding unique jewelry and accessories at these stores that really add something else to my wardrobe.
Another thing I love to do in Laguna is eat. The food there is so fresh and most of it is really healthy! And the margaritas are delicious. My favorite place to get a margarita is at Las Brisas. If you sit outside to enjoy your meal, you get one of the best views of Laguna Beach there is. Las Brisas also has great ceviche, which is one of my favorite foods. The last time I was at Las Brisas, I ordered a steak salad that was literally amazing! Another restaurant I love is Sapphire. It has a huge patio and amazing food.
I basically am obsessed with everything in the little city. I could vacation there for months at a time… but I’d have to come back to Texas!
---Krista Castro

Food Truck Parks—A New Fort Worth Must Try

While Central Market has provided Fort Worth foodies with the latest and greatest culinary offerings since 2001, it seems that more and more local, hip food places are starting to pop up around the city. Watch out, Austin!
Like I said, Fort Worth has recently been making strides in the “hip” department. Not only has the city adopted several of the latest workout trends (hello, PureBarre and CrossFit), but it has also nearly perfected the art of upscale Barbeque and craft beer, a winning combination whether you’re “into” food or not. While some of my restaurant staples include Rodeo Goat and Woodshed Smokehouse, I’ve started to pay attention to some of Fort Worth’s less permanent dining opportunities—making them even more desirable and crave-worthy.
With that said, the most interesting addition to Fort Worth’s food repertoire is not one, but two food truck parks. Clear Fork Food Park and Fort Worth Food Park both showcase a variety of local fanfare from Fred’s SmokeWagon (a mobile version of Fred’s Texas) to long time, local favorite, Salsa Limon. Luckily, each website provides easy access to a schedule so you can always keep track of when your favorite trucks will be serving, and of course discover new ones to try! Check out the links here:
http://www.clearforkfoodpark.com/food-truck-schedule.html http://www.fwfoodpark.com/calendar.php
Not only are the food parks a way to support local businesses, but they are also a way to provide a diverse and unique dining experience that caters to anyone and everyone. Clear Fork and Fort Worth Food Park both provide picnic tables for people to comfortably sit and enjoy their food at their own desired pace.
Fort Worth Food Park on a busy Sunday, picture thanks to www.yelp.com
---Charlotte Pokoik

Life After College

I have been in school my entire life. I don't know anything different than waking up early, going to school all day, studying at night and then repeat. School has not only become routine for me, but an incredible learning experience both academically and personally. As graduation approaches in May 2014, the thought of not going to school anymore is freaky. Yes, I am ready to graduate and start my life, but what am I even going to do? I have always heard that in my senior year of college, I would frequently be asked, “What are you going to do next year?” I can’t even count the times I have been asked this question and it’s only October.
But really, what am I going to do? Luckily, many of my friends are in the same boat as me, which is both comforting and scary. Will I be able to find a job/will it be something I enjoy? The thought of stepping out of my comfort zone that is school and venturing off into the “real world” is incredibly daunting. The fact that grades won’t be an issue or cramming for a test will never happen again, however, is an exciting feeling. I am comforted by the fact that TCU is extremely helpful with finding a job after college.
As senior year has gone on each week, reality sets in even deeper. In less than seven months, I will no longer be a student. Whoa! College in particular has taught me so much about myself as not only a student but also a young adult, and I am ready to take that next step into the “real world”. Whatever that next step may be…
---Chelsea Fred

Cash Flow and Crazy People

Crazy has a smell. Of one hundred dollar bills, cigarettes, and expensive booze.
I love Las Vegas. It’s bright. It’s fun, it’s America but it’s not. There is an eclectic mix of people filling the casinos from various countries all over the world. Men are dressed in their expensive sport coats and women dress to impress in stilettos and sequined cocktail dresses.
Forget the nights of signing off on an expensive tab at the Aardvark. The people who come to Vegas are looking for the time of their lives and have little to no reservations about what their credit card statement will look like next month. Unlike the rundown dive bars surrounding my college campus, every club in this city is lit up with glamorous people, flashing lights, and loud music. DJs can be found at every hour of the day spinning their turntables for crazed dancing fans.
Similarly, the casinos never close, and the sound of change and cash flow fills the room as people rejoice in a win or walk away with lowered heads at the huge loss they just came face to face with. It’s as if time stops, and it’s easy to find yourself walking outside from a night out and realizing the sun is coming up, and the next day has already begun.
By night three I find myself wanting my bed more than any of the free booze or new acquaintances. Saying goodbye is always easy when it’s finally time to go. Walking downstairs you enter a room of bright neon lights and dehydrated people. Checking out you’re reminded of the room service you ordered to your room two nights ago when you just didn’t want to wait in line for the pizza place downstairs.
Finally, as you anxiously wait at the airport for your ticket to quietness and a nap you pass row after row of slot machines full of people trying to make up for the money they lost in the days before.
You have a few dollars left. Why not try one more time?
---Megan Jones

My favorite Pumpkin Cupcake

Fall is arguably the best season of the year in Texas. We get some days of summer, and some days that give us a glimpse of the winter season that is on its way. I am determined to make the most out of fall this year because I think it is highly underrated. Although we do have classes and projects to complete in college, kids to take to school, and careers that create hectic schedules this time of year, why not enjoy the simplicity and comfort of the fall season? Follow my blog for fall inspiration throughout October and November!
Pumpkin Cupcakes
a This week my friend and I were looking for a fall treat we could bake and deliver to people. These turned out to be delicious! They are also super easy to make! What you will need:
• 2 1/4 cups of all purpose flour • 1 tablespoon of baking powder • 1/2 tablespoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/2 cup of butter, softened • 1 1/3 cups sugar • 2 eggs, whisked • 1 cup of mashed cooked or canned pumpkin • 3/4 cup milk • 2 containers of Pillsbury Cream Cheese Frosting • Cupcake Liners • Cupcake baking tray Combine all these ingredients in a bowl, and whisk the mixture until it is mixed into a batter. Pour batter into the cupcake liners (Makes about 24 cupcakes) and cook in the oven at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Once you take out the cupcakes, let them cool and frost them with cream cheese frosting.
Original recipe can be found at About.com under Southern food-http://abt.cm/bbRhyY Great treat with a glass of white wine. The pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg in these cupcakes will get you in the fall spirit right away! Enjoy!
Original Blog Post can be found at: http://kenziemarieclarkson.wordpress.com/2013/10/18/pumpkin-cupcakes/ ---Mackenzie Clarkson

A Fair-Weather Fan in a Crazy Weather Place: The 2013 Kansas City Chiefs

Just because I am from Kansas City does not make me a part of the tragically devoted football fan base behind the Kansas City Chiefs. Their record in the past decade is far from stellar; last year I think they won one game. I don’t even know, but I do know they’ve sucked as of recent.
Their unpredicted winning streak this season, however, has piqued my interest in supporting the home team. Their current 7-0 record has me rooting for them every Sunday (or at least retweeting an avid-fan friend of mine who did, since I obviously didn’t watch the game.
I’ve come to learn from my dad and brothers that this unforeseen victory romp is the result of numerous factors all coming together to make one massive red, gold, and notoriously loud fan base very happy:
1. The team got the Philadelphia Eagles’ Coach, Andy Reid, who got axed last year despite his overall success there. Sucks to suck, Eagles, hope you’re enjoying your 3-4 season so far.
2. The Chiefs’ defense has dominated thanks to their new defensive coordinator, Bob Sutton, and the team’s three star linebackers; Derrick Johnson, Justin Houston, and Tamba Hali.
3. Jamaal Charles, who has accounted for 38.8% of the Chiefs’ offensive yards, is the only good thing about their offensive line. But hey, whatever works, right?
If the Chiefs start to lose in the weeks to come, possibly in the much-anticipated game against their rivals, the Denver Broncos (who I only know for their Jesus-loving ex-quarterback, Tim Tebow), my interest will surely fleet. For now, however, I will defend them and their Super Bowl chances until the cows come home- I mean, this is Kansas we’re talking about.
For more information about the Chiefs from someone who actually knows what they’re talking about, visit: ESPN.com.
-Gillian MacInerney

Black Gold

If there were two resources that have made Texas what it is today it would be oil and natural gas. In fact, if Texas were a country (many already think it is) it would be the 12 largest oil and gas producing country in the world.
For the last decade the United States has been on a mission to increase the amount of oil and gas produced in the North America and decrease the amount imported from the Middle East. One of the key factors that have restricted this from happening is the lack of support for the oil and gas industry from the current administration.
Regulations on off shore drilling and the lack of refineries being built have all been burdens on the industry and country. I don’t think anyone is amused when they have to pay over $3.00 a gallon at the gas pump. A key aspect that could help change this is the completion of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The pipelines job will be to transport heavy oil from the tar sands of Canada down to the refineries of South East Texas. The only section of the pipeline not complete is “phase 4.” This section runs from Hardisty, Alberta, Canada, to Steele City, Nebraska.
This section of the pipeline has run into a lot of controversy from landowners and farmers. The pipeline cannot be completed until it has presidential approval. The implementation of the pipeline can play a large roll in decreasing the amount of foreign oil and gas brought into the United States. Oil and gas have supported the United states for the last 100 years and can continue to do so for a 100 more, but it does us no good if there is no way to economically transport it to the refineries.
--Garrett Grimes

A Different Kind of Recipe

When I decided that I wanted to start a blog about food, the first thing I did was Google it...naturally. What I came across was another blog talking about how to blog about food. I will go ahead and let you know right now that I am not going to follow this so called “holy trinity” of food blogging. This concept requires food photography, which I am telling you now will not be my original work since I’m not a natural born photographer. Not even close. Another piece of the trinity requires “rock solid recipes”. Let me explain that I will most definitely be providing recipes, but they will most likely not be technically “rock solid”. Since I love food to the extreme, as well as making up recipes, I will simply tell you all about the fantastic new ideas I come up with as I continue to experiment with food.
Last night my boyfriend and I decided to attempt to replicate a fancy, high-end restaurant steak meal. This included filet mignon, sautéed broccoli, and baked potatoes. I left Josh in charge of the meat and broccoli, since I wanted to play around with the potatoes. Normally I would have just wrapped the potatoes in some foil and popped them in the oven. But then the butter on the counter caught my eye. I grabbed a butter knife and started slathering the butter all over the potatoes followed by some kosher salt and olive oil. These were going to be the most amazing baked potatoes Josh had ever had. After overwhelming these delicious potatoes with butter, salt and olive oil, I threw them in the foil and sat them in the oven. An hour and a half produced the most fabulous, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth baked potatoes in the world.
So maybe I’m not really the first genius to think of this, but I’m going to give myself the credit anyway. I can at least say that I will literally never cook a plain potato ever again. If you know what’s good for you, take this idea and drown your next potatoes in salt and butter. There is no specific recipe. You can’t really mess this up...
Happy cooking!
Christine Bathke

Chocolate Wasted on Your 21st

One of my best friends recently turned 21 and for her birthday she asked if I would make her a cake. She is absolutely obsessed with chocolate, like more obsessed than anyone I've ever met, so I sent her a link I found on Pinterest with around 100 different cake recipes. I told her to pick one. Before sending it to her I already knew which one she was going to pick: Chocolate Wasted.
The recipe of the cake wasn’t exactly up to par, it was more about the looks than it was about the taste, so I just kind of winged it. I looked at the picture and decided instead to alter it and make it my own. I used a recipe from one of my favorite celebrity chefs, THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA, and made her basic chocolate cake. Since the cake from the original recipe is literally drowning in every single type of chocolate experience possible –chocolate candies, chocolate frosting, chocolate drizzle- I figured that the actual cake part should be a little milder in flavor.
After I baked the cake I brushed a mixture of Kahlua and vanilla extract over each layer to infuse and make it even moister. I then made a fluffy chocolate butter cream spiked with more Kahlua and an overdose of vanilla. I’m not exactly the frosting type but this stuff was lick-the-spoon worthy!
Then I frosted the cake and poured on the candies. I doused the thing in semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips. It literally looked like I dunked it in hardened chocolate. The top was overflowed with broken Hershey bar pieces, Rolos, Twix, and Kit Kat bars. And, as if that wasn’t chocolaty enough, I made a dark chocolate ganache and drizzled it all over the cake. It was a mess but a really indulgent one!
It’s the kind of cake I'm sure I will never make again or ever really want to cause it was so over the top, but it was for a really special friend, on her really special day, so I figured it was worth it.
By Katharine Probst