Weekly Tidbits 10/28

Hello lovelies! As promised, I've been hunting down the mini special deals to put up in between blogs. And, since I should be writing an essay right now, naturally I'm putting it off to do this first. In the meantime, I'm sitting in the middle of what looks like a snowstorm. Word of advice: If you go to scrape that nasty popcorn texture off of walls, put something over the floors first!!!

Anyways...

Cleaning Product Recommendation: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. They're not kidding about the magic part. It gets marks off of everything. It's basically a little sponge that you dip in water to clean. It works nicely with a bit of pine sol too.

Movie Recommendation: Whatever Works, starring Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood. This is definitely a bizarre comedy, but I liked it. It's got an interesting message, kind of like do whatever works, even if it isn't conventional. Idk, it was interesting.

Health Recommendation: For those of you who struggle with diabetes, check out www.diabetes.org/myfoodadvisor. It's a website to help those with diabetes, especially in terms of meal plans.

Food Recommendation: I never thought I'd be saying this, but the best tacos I've ever had were from a gas station!! It's a Shell gas station with a little eatery-type thing inside. It's on the corner of Miller and Saturn in Garland, you know, the one with the light that takes forever. They have chicken and beef tacos, perfect with some onions and a bit of lime if you wish to add it. Before you decide I'm crazy, try them, they're delicious!
Exercise Recommendation: Here's a hint: go get some!!! On the days when it's not pouring, the weather has been fantastic for it. Take your family, friends, or maybe that guy/girl you're always smoochin' on and head down to duck creek. There's plenty of space to park. Turn off of Centerville onto Duck Creek Dr. Drive down a ways and there's two places you can turn in on the right. There's awesome little walkways you can take. Walk your dogs, bike, skate, or just go down there and have a picnic and play in the creek. It's a nice change in scenery.


It has been brought to my attention lately that some of you may not be able to see all the features of this site. There should be some links on the right side so that you can see previous blogs. Fiddle with your privacy sections till you can see them, that way you get the full usage of the site.

as always, enjoy! You can contact me with questions or suggestions at www.myspace.com/thedailykricket.com

Haunted Houses & Spooky Discounts

Hello lovelies! I know, it has been RIDICULOUSLY long since my last post, I apologize, I'll try to suck less. :D I came dangerously close to chunking my laptop out the window last night. This site was having issues and deleted the blog then wouldn't let me back in after I spent 3 hours writing it! I'm super glad I saved it elsewhere first. *phew*

Now we all know what season it is, time for Halloween!!! I know many of you like to go visit haunted houses, so I did my research, and found some pretty nice discounts, as well as some haunted houses some of you might not have heard of. There's quite a few of them, so I'll add in each of their websites. That way you guys can check out the details if you're interested.


Dallas Scaregrounds
Description: This haunted house actually has 3 attractions: The Terrortorium, The Necrotorium, & The Hallucinatorium. Your admission ticket gets your into all three! I got in for free last year(yay for working at the Spirit store!), and it's pretty awesome. The Hallucinatorium was the best, it's in 3D. It's spooky fun, just scary enough, but still a blast.
Site: www.dallasscaregrounds.com/home2009.html
Address: 2001 Irving Dallas, Tx 75207
General Admission: $20
Special Deals: Groups of 10 or more get in for $16 each! You have to call 24 hours in advance to let them know. the number is (214)346-2111, then press 1. You can buy your tickets online!

Cutting Edge
Description: I haven't been to this one because I'm a chicken, but I heard it's super scary. They hold the record for the world's longest haunted house. It should scare the crap out of you, so if that's what you go for, check it out!
Site: www.cuttingedgehauntedhouse.com
Address: 1701 E Lancaster Ave. Ft. Worth, Tx 76102
General Admission: $28.50 for adults, $23 for kids. You can also get a speed pass for $10 more so you don't have to wait in line.
Special Deals: You can sign up for a coupon on their site. It's good for $2 off, they'll email it to you. If you go in groups of 15 or more, you get 15% off. For group reservations, call (817)500-6434.


Reindeer Manor
Description: I haven't been to this one, but it sounds pretty cool. They're actually in their 36th season. There are three attractions, Reindeer Manor, 13th St. Morgue, & Dungeon of Doom. It's a very unusual haunted house. It's not just random people popping out to scare you, there's actually a background story to it. It's pretty cool! You can read more about it on the site.
Site: www.reindeermanor.com
Address: 410 Houston School Rd Red Oak, Tx 75154 (I have no idea where red oak is. use www.maps.google.com!!)
If you get lost: (972)218-rats
General Admission: You can get into all three attractions for $35. OR...
Reindeer Manor-$17 adults, $8 for kids under 10
13th Street Morgue- $13 adults, $6 kids
Dungeon of Doom- $11 adults, $4 kids


Lights Out At The Wax Museum
Description: It was a bit confusing to find info on, but it's fun, and the cheapest I've found yet. This one is awesome! I went last year and it was totally worth it! It's trippy, jumpy, and fun all in one. I can't remember if I went through one attraction or all three. Word of advice though: wear tennis shoes, i totally tripped, banged, my knee on a boulder, and down I went. Totally worth it. I'd definitely recommend going to the site to read more, it's more descriptive.
Site: https://tickets.ripleys.com/grandprairie/halloween.aspx
Address: 601 E Palace Parkway Grand Prairie, Tx 75050
General Admission: It's only $10 to get tickets for Loius Tussaud's Haunted House! Plus you can get into all 3 attractions for just $18! Tickets are available online.


Slaughter House
Description: This one is kind of maze like. It was fun! It goes by fairly fast, and it's so fun you'll do it again. Plus, just when you think it's over, you get a surprise. I liked it. Although it's hell finding parking. Bring like $5 with you, a lot of parking garages downtown charge.
Site: www.weslaughter.com
Address: 2020 N. Lamar in Dallas
General Admission: $16 cash only at the door
Special Deals: You can print a $1 off coupon from your computer off the website.


Boneyard Haunted House
Description: It's over 1/2 a mile long and supposed to be super scary. I've never been but it sounds interesting.
Site: www.theboneyard.org
Address: 2921 E. Division St. Arlington, Tx 76011
General Admission: $25 regular, $35 for a fast pass. You can also get tickets online.
Special Deals: You can also print an online coupon for $2 off.

Screams
Description: I've never been, but a few of my friends went and they all said they had fun.
Site: www.screamspark.com/entert/houses.htm
Address: 2511 FM 66 Waxahachie, Tx 75167
General Admission: $21.99 for general admission, $15 more for the fast pass. Tickets are available online too!
Special Deals: If you go in groups of 12 or more, you can get in for $16.99. (These have to be bought online though & give them notice)


Thrillvania
Description: This place has 8 attractions! And you only need 1 ticket!
Site: www.thrillvania.com
Address: I couldn't find the exact address on the site, but there's a link on there that will take you right to mapquest. Just click on directions.
General Admission: $30 for adults at the door, but only $25 online. Kids under 12 get in for $13!
Special Deals: Enter your email to recieve $2 off regular coupons and $5 off VIP coupons. Or, if you bring in a Jack In The Box receipt(yum!), you get $5 off!


It took me FOREVER to find all this stuff so I hope it helps!!! Since finding free stuff & super discounts has slowed er, a bit, I've decided to start doing mini blogs between the big ones. They will be filled with plenty of awesome stuff that I've discovered. That way, while I'm hunting down the big stuff, you guys still have new stuff to check out. Anyways, it's late, I'm tired, and I want sleep. So, as always, Enjoy! And happy Halloween!

Random Foods To Try

Hello all! I hope you are having a relaxing weekend, I'm up to my eyes in homework! I'm still on the hunt for free stuff but I have some recommendations for you in the meantime. Everyone is always looking for the yummiest foods, and I'm in the mood to procrastinate, so I figured I'd let you in on some of my own favorites.

Jack In The Box has the best smoothies ever! My personal favorite is the tropical smoothie, but they have a few more flavors as well. I actually mentioned them in a previous blog, you can find it by typing smoothie in the search bar at the top of the page. Their jumbo jacks are pretty good too.



Sonic has the yummiest grilled cheese sandwiches on the planet. I know that's not something most people go out and buy, but it's one of my favorite foods. Plus I can't cook it to save my life. Pitiful yes, but I always burn the bread and can never get the right amount of cheese. With Sonic, assuming it's made correctly, the bread is lightly buttered and very fluffy, with the perfect amount of cheese. Plus it's the only place you can get grilled cheese for under $2. :D



Great Value's Chicken, Bacon, & Ranch Sauce Pizza is a good choice. It's found only at Walmart as far as I know. It's their off brand pizza, and holy frick, it's fantastic, even the crust is fluffy and great. It's a good size, and you can get it for less than $5.


All of Dunkin Donuts' sweets are wonderful. The donuts of course, are the best part. For those of you that have a sweet tooth, I'd recommend the chocolate and vanilla kreme, they're sweet and super satisfying.


I've mentioned The Beef House in a previous blog, with good reason. I might've mentioned this particular dish before, but it's worth a double take. Every Saturday, the special is blackberry cobbler. It's very yummy, expecially with ice cream. It's not too sweet or to tart, it's the perfect mix.



Napoli's has some fantabulous stuffed mushrooms. And here's the funny part, I actually hate mushrooms! But stuffed mushrooms are just so good I can't help but love them. Napoli's is a family owned restaurant that serves italian food. You also get free hot bread while you wait for your meal. it's a great place to take your family or a date without breaking the bank.




Farm Rich brand cheese sticks are the best cheese sticks evaaaa! I discovered them while working concessions a few years ago. I'm not sure what exactly goes into them(aside from the obvious) but there's an extra wallop of flavor that I love. Now, don't cook them in the oven, the best way to have 'em if from the fryer. Hoh bebe, they're good.


I know it's been slow going with my blogs lately, sorry guys, life happens. I will keep them coming, it's just not going to be super fast until my homework gets done. If you guys know of any free activities or promotions, seriously, let me know! You can find me at www.myspace.com/thedailykricket

Enjoy!


Here's my weekly recommendations:

Movie: okay, it's technically a comedy routine, but if you're having a crappy day, it is the oh-so-perfect way to cheer yourself up. His name is Gabriel Iglesias, and he is hilarious. I like it because he can make me laugh without dropping f bombs every five seconds. It's called Hot And Fluffy. If you want to see some clips of his stuff, look him up on youtube. You won't be sorry.

Youtube video: Look up "The Mean Kitty Song." It's silly, but randomly really catchy. You'll get a giggle out of it.

T.V. Show: The Nanny. It's old and it's awesome. You can see reruns on nick at night every night. It's a family show, but they weasel in plenty of jokes for adults.

Book: Sophie's World, by Jostein Gaardner. It's a book I had to read for philosophy and it's amazing. You learn a lot and it really makes you think. Also, if any of you go to El Centro, take Intro To Philosophy with Mr. Thames. He's absolutely phenomenal!

See The Pink Panther 2 For Free

Hello lovelies! I don't know about you guys, but I am LOVING this weather! And I know it has taken forever, but I finally found some blog worthy stuff for you guys. Friday, September 25th, Gale Fields Recreational Center is hosting their Lawn Chair Theater Movie in The Park activity.

Their movie choice is Pink Panther 2, perfect for a family to see together, or for a lighthearted date. It's a cute, silly comedy, perfect if you want a few giggles. And here's the fantastic part: it's free! The event will be hosted in front of the recreational center, just bring your own blankets or lawn chair. Now, courtesy of the weather, rain is a possibility, if that happens they will just move the event inside. They'll also have some snacks for sale, in case you want something to eat.

Location & Phone:
Gale Fields Recreational Center
1701 Dairy Road
Garland, Tx 75040
(972)205-3090


That's all for now, I'll have more for you soon. In the mean time, here's my weekly recommendations:
Movie: The proposal. It's still in theaters and it's hilarious. It's a romantic comedy, and a good one at that. I laughed so hard I fell out of my seat at one point.
Restaurant: Waffle house. It's perfect for people on a budget, and they have the best tasting biscuits on the planet!
Website: www.fmylife.com it's a site to spill your woes and vote on who has it worse. If you're having a day, it's a good way to brighten it. Some of them are quite comical too.
Book: All I Need Is You by Johanna Lindsey. It's a romance novel, not the raunchy kind, but the comical kind. It's definitely a good ride.

Enjoy!

Nifty Thrifty Places to Check Out

Hello lovelies! I hope you're all enjoying the weather, maybe we'll get lucky and it will last a while. Anyways, there's all sort of stores and restaurants in our area that rock but aren't very well known. Well, I'm going to fix that, at least a little bit. :D

First things first:








For those of you that don't know, Plato's Closet is awesome! It's a lightly used clothing store that caters to twenty-something years old. It's kind of like a thrift store, except all of the clothes are fashionable. The prices are great, I've found shirts for as low as $4! They have clothes for men and women, as well as some shoes and accessories. Everything is in pretty good shape and they have an awesome variety because the clothes come from all sorts of people. They have dressing rooms of course so you can model your finds.
And here's the extra perk: you can make some money! If you have any clothes, shoes, or accessories that you don't wear anymore, bring them in and they might give you money for them! Just don't bring in your old fifth grade clothes, it's supposed to be stuff that's not super out of style.
Location: 8430 Abrams Dallas, Tx 75243
Phone: (214)342-2204
check it out at www.platoscloset.com


Texas Thrift
Location: 1406 W Walnut St Garland, Tx 75042
Phone: (214)703-0454
Well, you guys know how thrift stores work. As for selection, this one is actually pretty good. They have clothes, books, furniture, and shoes for men, women, and children. Each clothing item is stickered with a different colored tag. Here's the special part: every Monday, they pick a random color tag, and every item with that color is on sale all day for $.99. Yay sales!



That One Snow Cone Place
Okay, forgive me on this one, normally I have better information, but I have no idea of the details of this place. There is a snow cone shop on Kingsley in Garland. The zip code is 75041. It's after you pass Saturn but before you get to Garland Avenue. It's a light neon blue building, you can't miss it! There's plenty of flavors. Ooh and get them with cream, it makes it extra yummy! I can't remember the exact prices(again, sorry, I fail), but they're somewhere around a buck. Go and try it!


The Beef House

Location: 3110 Saturn #103 Garland 75041, off of Saturn & Kingsley. It's across the street from the church, and right by that bright yellow mexican restaurant (What is up with all the neon businesses these days? Reminds me of my socks in 5th grade, bad fashion choice, don't ask)
Phone: (972)278-2833

Okay so this picture must have been taken a LONG time ago because I've lived here for 18 years, and I have never seen it look that bright. Either way, props to the photographer. This is definitely one of those little hole in the wall restaurants that you come to love. They have awesome prices and big plates of food. I recommend the cheese omelet and blackberry cobbler a la mode(Saturdays only). I've also heard that they have the best salads around.

They're open 24 hours a day and you can also call ahead and get something to go. It's a great little restaurant, you can find typos on the menu every so often, and their only non-smoking table is more of a standing joke that sits in the doorway unused.

I love this place, I grew up there. You get to know the waitstaff fast as well as the regulars. It's the one place where I can be loud and crude with my friends(not intentionally, we're just politically incorrect and blast a lot) and not get kicked out. Okay, I don't mean scream across the restaurant, but it's nice to have a place where you can chill with your friends anytime you want. And remember people, tip your waitresses!!!



That's all for now, enjoy!

oh and here's my recommendations for the week:
Movie- p.s. I love you. It's effin fabulous whether you're male or female.
Website- www.textsfromlastnight.com A guaranteed way to get you out of a crappy mood, it's hilarious.
Youtube Channel- shanedawsontv I got plenty of giggles from his video
Book- It's part of a juvenille fiction series by Tamora Pierce. The title is Alanna: The First Adventure.

Have a great night!