.:iluego:.

a Latina from El Paso in Dallas known for a killer pb&j, tweets about shoes and a passion for a GOOD party. Views expressed are my own.

[amanda-raerae]

The Top 20 Travel Destinations of 2017

Make this year your most adventurous one yet.

[amanda-raerae]

My final 24 hours in Dubai

Waking up to this breathtaking view has spoiled me rotten! I knocked out a couple hours behind the computer and headed out to the Souks I missed the previous night, before my scheduled tour of the Burj Khalifa (worlds tallest building, fastest elevator, highest restaurant). My cab driver was new to Dubai, from Pakistan so let's just say... I'm sticking with the Metro!

On the other side of the canal from the Old Souk, you will find the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. This area is called Bur Dubai and felt a little more industrial and "touristy". 

The sheer amount of gold you can lay your eyes on is unbelievable! Although every shop sells gold, (there are probably over 300) each storefront has unique designs and competes for the attention of many. While the city overall is known for the low crime, I read in my studies that the Gold Souk is where you should have an extra hand on your purse as visitors have been known to pit pocket. The locals know better! Even the smallest infractions here are cited heavily (chewing gum in the Metro, for example)!

I was able to snag way better photos of the Abras, as well as larger boats in the sun. Also, you'll get to meet my favorite vendor from Afghanistan who specializes in stones and jewelry. I wanted it all!

On my walk to the Metro I spotted my first instance of men holding hands. Did you know that this type of affection (you'll also witness men kiss each other on the cheek or hug for a long time) is simply a sign of kinship and display of equality in status? The strong do not kiss the weak and since the sexes are segregated, men rarely touch or show affection towards women. Interestingly enough, the lingerie & makeup shops here are aplenty and PACKED with local ladies!

Despite my desire to refrain from walking into ANOTHER mall, I found out the hard way that in order to attend my tour of the Burj Khalifa that the only entry was via the Dubai Mall. While the Mall of the Emirates was huge, this beast is unreal. I can admit that I was lost... Often. There are even entire areas dedicated to types of goods - my favorite? The shoe district... Oh, Manolo.

Our semi-guided tour began with Arabic coffee (love the Cardamom) and entry to a very chic waiting room. You have to take 2 elevators to get to the viewing deck and man, they are FAST! Here are a couple quick facts:

1.  The Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters (2,716.5 feet) tall, soaring over Dubai. It’s three times as tall as the Eiffel Tower and nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building. Laid end to end, it pieces stretch over a quarter of the way around the world.

2. At the peak of construction, 12,000 workers worked on the building per day.

3.  Excavation began in January 2004. Six years later, the Burj Khalifa finally opened in January 2010. Man- what have I done the past 6 years?! 

4.  Burj Khalifa boast 2957 parking spaces, 304 hotels and 900 apartments.

5.  It has 58 functional elevators that run at a top speed of 10 meters per second. It only took 1 minute to get to the 124th floor! Talk about ear-popping. 

As you can imagine, the views at the time of sunset are straight from a dream. What an overwhelming reminder that despite all of the man made beauty we have (gold, fancy shoes and handbags), God is the greatest artist of all.

I'd guess that there are anywhere from 10 to 15 staff that are dedicated to wiping fingerprints and smudges. The amount of spotless glass was impressive! The galleys were over the top with fresh floral arrangements, contemporary decor and chandeliers.

Beginning at 7pm, there is a light and water show every 30 minutes. It's been reported that this show is so large and bright that it can be viewed from outer space. Here is a short snippet for you to enjoy!

I treated myself to dinner at Vapiano - remember the restaurant from Bahrain?| This handmade pasta and salad concept is outstanding! If you see one, ever - EAT THERE!

Next mission was finding a Harley Davidson store for the riders in my life. Here are a couple shots of my walking journey. In this single day, I must've walked for a solid 10 hours straight. And yes, Texas Chicken is the same as Church's. I don't think I have to explain the reason for the name change. :)

I was back in my room by 10:30; in time for a shower before the trip home. My flight out was at 2am, just in time to crash out on the leg from Dubai to London. My seat turned into a bed and I didn't even hear breakfast being served!

If I had to share tips for travel to the Middle East, here's what I would say:

Pack lightly. Airport transfers can be tricky and considering all the malls, you'll definitely want to shop!

Bring a scarf and light sweater. While the temperature may be warm, mornings and evenings are cool. Also, buildings are typically air conditioned pretty aggressively!

If you can, fly business class. Start saving now! :) The lounges, expedited lines, lay down seats, warm meals, unlimited adult beverages and in flight entertainment make 17 hours whiz by.

Visit the Souks!

Bring cash and a MasterCard or Visa - American Express isn't widely accepted and cabs only accept cash. Know your conversion rates!

If you have cell service with AT&T, don't make the mistake I did - have your phone "unlocked" for international travel. Upon arrival, you can purchase a visitors SIM card from most grocery stores or electronic kiosks (they're everywhere) inexpensively to use data. Tell your friends and family to download apps like Skype or Whatsapp. I didn't have much luck with iMessages or FaceTime, unfortunately.

Ladies, leave your heels and cute accessories at home. As a foreigner, there are enough eyes on you. Dress conservatively without calling much attention to yourself.

Check your devices to insure whether you need a power adapter and/or converter. If you can, bring a battery pack for your cell phone and/or iPad... Outlets, even in high end hotels are scarce.

Buy camels milk chocolate! It's the ONE thing that you can really only purchase in Dubai - tough to find, so I recommend the Dubai Mall.

Don't expect to drink alcohol frequently or inexpensively. If you want to enjoy a libation, do your homework and try to refrain from purchasing and taking back to your room. You will definitely get some eyes!

Make time for an overnight dessert safari. Many folks raved about their experience and the locals also see this activity as a treat. Most include off-roading, camel rides, belly dancing shows, meals and sleeping accommodations for under $100 p/person. Check out Groupon and online reviews too!

Record what you see, smell, feel. This is a region of sensory overload you'll want to remember and share with others!

If you're an Instagram user, you've seen my last sappy post and if not - thank you for reading along. This is the first of many international adventures and I hope to bring you along on all of them. Until then, salud!

[amanda-raerae]

Back to the Future, Dubai - Day 6

As my team departed to Saudi, I returned to Dubai to meet with our Franchisee to discuss the grand opening of their next locations. I was booked back at the Millennium Tower; this view was like a feast for the eyes! Check out the Burj Khalifa all the way to the right.

Since computer work can be done late night, I snuck away to the Mall of the Emirates via the Metro. A one day pass of unlimited rides is only 22 dirhams or about 7 US dollars. This public transit system has got to be the cleanest, most architecturally interesting of its kind (check out the futuristic, gold station). 

Although I couldn’t afford any of the high end brands, I just HAD to indulge... food! I parked at Din Tai Fung for XiaoLongBao, which is in the same family of dim sung (steamed dumplings). The hospitality was incredible and the freshness of the soup and main course (both seafood) were delectable.

The following day, I was treated to the private opening of Galito, a South African Peri Peri chicken restaurant. The aromas and tender offerings were a clear result of their 24 hour marinating technique. While the concept is fast casual, the decor really stood out to me. In my mind, a great deal of our dining decisions are based on atmosphere - this spot wins! This was the perfect way to end a productive day of meetings for marketing ideation with the local team.

Although my work day ended at 8pm, I was itching to see the famous Dubai Souks. I scurried over (traffic is heavy EVERY minute of every day with lots of horn honking) in hopes to score some souvenirs. An hour later, I had sat through a sea of red lights, hopped on an Abra, or water taxi (1 dirham p/ride = $.35 cents), crossed the creek, and was emerged into the bargaining.  The souk reminded me of weekends at the mercado (market) in Juarez, Mexico when my family and I would visit for sweets, fruits, lunch and REAL Coca-Cola. All the vendors speak multiple languages and use every "pickup line" they can to capture your interest. My two favorites were "American Beauty" and "Shakira"... I guess my hips don't lie! They should also see an optometrist soon! Ha!

There are about 5 souks in the same area, but as closing time was near, I chose the Old Souk in Deira which specializes in textiles. The beautiful colors, beading, and aroma of Frankincense and Saffron made me really fall in love with this city. Most times, when Dubai is depicted you're presented with futuristic architecture, enormous malls and the best of the best in everything. When I travel, I always prefer to soak in the historic areas and points of interest where locals spend their time. The souks definitely give you the sense of culture, history and simple beauty. I only tried on about 20 pairs of slippers and 100 silk scarves - ahi ya yay!

As the souk closed, I rode the Abra back and opted to walk around Old Dubai, the city center before buildings like the Burj Khalifa and mega malls were monuments. The streets are lined with many shops and so many people! I quickly felt like I was probably on the wrong side of town alone, late at night and hopped a cab. Ladies, even though the shops are alluring, be careful! On that note, I've never felt so much like a minority in gender as I do in this part of the world. There are approximately 3 men to every 1 woman. Much of that is due to culture practices dictating that women and children be in separate areas of public settings - I'll share a pic of the metro soon to show you!

The next day was dedicated to being a tourist - thanks for reading along!

[amanda-raerae]

Kewl Kuwait

Our arrival to the Kuwait hotel was rushed and congested, but felt very much like you’d imagine. On the opposite end was our fab hotel! The Sheraton Tower is an astounding display of marble and gold on the interior. Again - check out these chandeliers!

Every time we entered, we were offered Arabic coffee from the coolest pots ever!

Upon entry to my room, I was greeted by a welcome basket with 3 different brands of female sanitary napkins, nail polish remover and hairspray; EVERY American girls dream! Hahahaha - this definitely made me giggle. Also in the bathroom was a full deck of Bulgari toiletries and a fresh flower, daily - no complaints there! Upon return, every night from the workday I was met with a luxury chocolate on my pillow, slippers, fresh flower and even a card with the weather for the following day. Surprisingly, it rained both days of our stay!

The next day was spent visiting the outlets of our prospects and you guessed it - many more malls & food courts! This was our 2nd stop and my fave; facing the gulf with this cool fountain in the center. This particular center was exclusively dining options with 4 different burger concepts and 5 coffee brands. These folks need some chicken in their lives. :)

The next stop was called "Discovery Mall", dedicated to kids. There was everything from a motorized stuffed animals for kids to ride around in to an indoor soccer field. We also stumbled upon what appears to be the only wing concepts in the area, "Lord of the Wings". On the subject of chicken, check out this enormous flagship Raising Cane's (in another mall); nothing says American like disco balls, smiley faces and Elvis! Right outside of it... You guessed it, more cool lighting fixtures!

We indulged in a dinner of excellent Indian food. Again, the entry was right on the water - I could get used to this! Clearly I was more interested in eating than capturing images. Woops! The exit faced the Kuwait skyline to the West and the landmark water towers to the East (apologies for preemptively posting on my Instagram). Also on my IG, a share of the first non-alcoholic Budweiser I've ever seen! I'll admit... the mini-fridge menu tricked me with a listing of a "malt-beverage" which lured me to this bad boy.

Middle Eastern culture is similar to Latinos in that children live in their parents homes into adulthood. Due to this pattern, it's common for residential and main roads to be lined with large homes that house anywhere from 2-10+ people. Think Mom, Dad, children and their wives & children. Here's an example, but believe me when I say that this is not the most impressive one I spotted. I saw some with 10 car garages, secure gates and multiple stories.

The business portion of this particular leg of the trip really swept me off my feet and made me grateful the this incredible opportunity to learn about the Food & Beverage industry in the Middle East. With my somewhat "narrow" marketing background, I've definitely been put in a role to better understand supply chain, human capital, hiring and leadership practices, menu adaptation and so much more.

The guys on my team dropped me off in Dubai on their way to Saudi Arabia, as the culture is significantly more conservative than in the areas we've visited thus far. On this leg, we snagged a flight on the much admired Emirates Airlines. As I imagined, in-flight accommodations left no room for the imagination.

Oh, and Mom - this pic of well merchandised Tang is for you! :)

Next up... last business meeting in Dubai before my ‘weekend’ there! 

[amanda-raerae]

Bahrain, bay-beh!

Friday in Bahrain kicked off bright & early via a 1 hour flight at 7am. During boarding via Gulf Air, we enjoyed 2 popular drinks in this part of the world – lemon water & Arabic coffee. Arabic coffee is served in a small porcelain cup, sugarless… with Cardamom added (popular, it appears) brewed in a Levant. I LOVE these ‘pots’… I wish I had the space to bring one home with me! I’ve heard so much about Emirates airlines, so I had to share a pic of the plane before I actually have the opportunity to travel with them.

It’s so crazy to remind myself that despite the fact that the Middle East feels like a desert, it’s surrounded by water. These airplane pics definitely do not capture the beautiful views, but I hope you can imagine via photos.

We spent the day with prospect groups looking to expand their current brand portfolios. As I’ve mentioned, previously… shopping malls are EVERYWHERE and the best dining options are typically found inside (think glorified food courts). For the first time in my life, I’ve visited over 10 malls and not bought a single thing! I CAN say that I fell in love with the Vapiano concept, which apparently opened and closed their Dallas operation recently. Check out the chalkboard art, décor and if you get close enough – you may be able to taste this “Death by Chocolate” cake.

I’ve been enamored with the architecture here and the way the sun makes the sky feel completely different than what I’ve ever experienced.

The day closed with a trip back to the airport where I spotted Harley Davidson riders, men with selfie sticks in a fountain, rustic fishing boats and yet another incredible sky line.

See you in Kuwait!

[amanda-raerae]

Dubai Day 1 -

Our arrival into DBX was close to midnight (or 2 pm Dallas time) making it challenging on my internal clock to understand that it was bed time! Evidently, flight arrivals near midnight are common, especially for folks within an 8 hour flight to the global epicenter of the Middle East. In other words… The lines to enter the country were super duper long and slow moving.

Our very kind driver took us to the Millennium Plaza Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road which is a main road with many American brand eateries. Immediately, my eyes were drawn to the enormous chandelier!

I was lucky enough to be in a room with a view of the Arabian Gulf – the sunrise was pretty spectacular! The ‘fog’ you see is actually remains of a ‘small’ sandstorm even though it looks like pollution! The cleanliness of this city is truly astounding considering the population (2 Million).

Our day was kicked off with a visit of IMG Worlds of Adventure in the City of Arabia (http://www.imgwoa.ae/en/). This is the world’s first indoor amusement park (Dubai is also the home of the world’s only indoor sky slope – see Dubai Mall). Our Franchisees that currently operate the Wingstop location on Jumeirah Rd. are part of the Galadari family. This family is one of the original leaders in transforming what was once a sleepy beach town into this major metroplex it is today! Their newest venture, IMG World is over 1.5 million square feet of roller coasters, theaters and 29 restaurants. And you guessed it, Wingstop will call this attraction home, very soon. Cool factoids below:

1. Initial planning of IMG world took place in the early 2000s, a time where Cartoon Network and Marvel were not competing brands. This is the only time you’ll find these 2 brands ‘under the same roof’.

2. Roller Coasters and rides are engineered by never seen before Japanese engineers and technicians.

3. IMG World will house the only 5D movie theatre in the world.

4. The Executive Chef is British with oversight to the menus of the 29 various restaurants, EXCEPT Wingstop.

5. The Food & Beverage team will need 496 staff to operate (pretty specific, huh). Hiring count will be +20%. 

6. The Executive Chef is British with oversight to the menus of the 29 various restaurants, EXCEPT Wingstop.

7. The Food & Beverage team will need 496 staff to operate (pretty specific, huh). Hiring count will be +20%.

8. The city of Dubai has mandated that no less than 20% of waste must be recycled… And ONSITE.

9. A guerrilla marketing campaign was used to create excitement of the opening, called #SpottheDino. The Jurassic themed area will have 69 realistic, hydraulic dinos! 

Upon arrival, we were immediately outfitted in hard hats, reflective vests and steel toed shoes. I missed a pic of the vest and hat, but as as shoe gal… Had to get this money shot!

I can’t disclose much more of what I learned during our tour, but believe me – this park is going to be EPIC!

After our tour of the park, we visited potential sites for future development. Along the way, I was most surprised by the ENORMOUS billboards along the roadways; number of G Wagons (yes, my dream car); frequency of roundabouts; popularity of the UAE flag and of course… The number of malls! Here are some of my backseat snapshots.

We had lunch in an area of restaurants & retail called “BoxPark” which describes the architecture. Each unit is housed in shipping containers! This is like life sized Tetris, a la contemporary. Here, you can spot Western and local brands alike. We indulged at an eatery called KUAI and enjoyed every single morsel! My favorite parts were the Watermelon Lychee and décor (besides the grub, of course). The table next to us had some sort of appetizer that included a mini popcorn machine brought to the table – definitely on my “must-try” list.

After a couple more site visits we stopped into our current location for dinner. Some of the ‘non-traditional’ aspects you’ll see here are:

1. Mall location with dining space in the interior corridor

2. Large Outdoor Patio with mood lighting

3. More upscale décor and prominent branding messages

4. Menu additions of Mediterranean Rice, Onion Rings and Fried Corn

5. Clear gloves used for eating to alleviate messiness

6. Bucket for wing bones & waste

We whizzed by the Jumeirah Mosque on our way back to the hotel for the night. Although this picture does not do the infrastructure justice, it’s quite the sight! 

Next stop, Bahrain!

[amanda-raerae]

Packing for the UAE & Flight Fun

When I first took this gig I was excited to pack an actual suitcase to buy souvenirs to bring back home. AND THEN boss man hit me with the ‘carry-on only’ comment the day before departure. Luckily, with my previous role I have perfected my packing skills, so I didn’t panic too much... BUT I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a slight sense of anxiety. 

Below is my favorite video on packing tips. This method has helped me cram up to 16 outfits in a TSA approved carry-on roller bag [Up to 45 inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 centimeters (23 x 36 x 56 cm) including handles and wheels]. If you are an overpacker or simply not trying to be a bag lady (or man), you MUST try this! 

Here are a couple quick snaps of what I brought for my 10 day trip. 

1. doTERRA oils = Jet Lag Blends for sleeping/alertness; Oregano & On Guard if my immune system feels compromised; Lemon for cleaning and energy; Peppermint for headaches/migraines, fresh breath and cooling if temperatures are high and of course DigestZen for the times when I eat something I’m not accustomed to. 

2. L.L. Bean Shoe Bag for shoes AND undergarments (10 pairs of panties, 8 pairs of socks & 2 bras). Socks stuffed into shoes and bras/panties carried in a mesh laundry bag for discretion and hotel laundry service. 

3. Below is an overview of the contents of my roller bag (thank you Samsonite & Grandma and Grandpa). You’ll see that with the method in #1, I was able to pack 14 tops and 3 pairs of pants. I then used my “personal item” for a couple immediate needs - see #4. 

4. My “personal item” contained the following: Laptop, iPad mini, travel blowdryer, flat iron, make up bag, liquid toiletries, change of clothes & shoes (in case my bag had to be checked), scarf (to respect Middle Eastern culture upon arrival), small crossbody bag for passport & currency and finally... INTL adapter and cords for electronics. 

The voyage began with my first entry to a American Airlines Admiral’s Club before a flight from DFW to London Heathrow and then LHR to Dubai International Airport. 

Below are a couple shots from the flights/airports. Soon, I’ll share the adventures from Day 1! Until then... مع السلامة

Yes... Unlimited champagne in my lay-down seat. THIS is traveling! 

Approaching London 

Underground tunnel on bus between terminals 

British chocolate with cardamom (natural detoxifier) 

After dinner snack... I don’t know the names of any of these things, but they were definitely photo worthy! 

[amanda-raerae]

À la Carmen Sandiego

1/19 will kick off my first venture outside of the US, and while it may be for work... I can’t help but feel alive. 

During our travel, we’ll visit Dubai (via London), Kuwait and Bahrain. Most folks I speak to are most enamored by the idea of visiting the 22nd most expensive city in the world, but frankly... my eyes are set on Bahrain. 

I’m going to do my best to record my travel adventures - thanks for reading along! 

Quick Facts on each: 

Dubai - 

1. Dubai produces enough oil to fill approximately 4.5 Olympic swimming pools per day.  And that's not even that much. During its heyday in 1991, Dubai produced 400,000 barrels per day. 

2. Dress code is liberal in Dubai. As a female, we can wear skirts or shorts to the knee and have our shoulders covered. Cleavage nor thighs should be on display. 

3. Arabic food and Biryani are the most popular cuisines, locally. But... chicken wings are enjoyed too, I’ve heard. :) 

4. As of 2014, there were 865,953 MORE people in Dubai, than in Dallas; 1.4 Million more folks than in my hometown of El Paso. 

5. It’s Hot... the Tropic of Cancer is near. On average, rain falls only 5 days a year. 

6.  Dubai was known for its pearl exports until the 1930s; the pearl trade was damaged irreparably by the Great Depression in the 1930s and the innovation of cultured pearls.

7.  Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two emirates (of 7 that make up the UAE) to have veto power over critical matters of national importance in the country's legislature.

8.  The Burj Khalifa can apparently be seen from around 90 km away; so tall that some of its residents need to wait longer to have breakfast during Ramadan. Residents from the 80th and higher floors see the sun longer than others living in the Burj Khalifa.

9.  Sales of oil constitute only 6% of Dubai’s economy.The local economy is mainly based on real estate and tourism.

10.  Dubai has no address system, no zip codes, no area codes and no postal system. Hence, online shopping is not right way to shop!

Kuwait

1.  The Kuwaiti dinar is the highest valued currency in the world.

2.  Kuwait is one of the world's biggest funders of Islamic terrorism, especially Al-Qaeda and ISIS

3.  It has nine islands, all of which, with the exception of Failaka Island, are uninhabited.

4. Kuwait is well known for it’s modern art and has over 20 top rated Art Galleries. 

Sultan Gallery[1][2]

Dar Al Funoon[3]

Contemporary Art Platform (CAP)[4]

Free Art Atelier[5]

FA Gallery[6][7]

Boushahri Gallery[8][9]

Ghadir Gallery[10]

Bayt Lothan[11]

Al Othman Gallery

Museum of Modern Art[12][13][14]

Al-Makan[15]

Den Gallery (Shuwaikh Market)[16][17][18]

Al Adwani Art Gallery

Masaha 13[19][20]

AM Art & Design Gallery[21]

Art Space[22][23][24]

Dahiya Abdullah Al-Salim Art Gallery

Dar Al Athar Al Islamiya's Yarmouk Cultural Center[25]

Beit al-Cedra[26][27][28]

Dar El Cid

House of Mirrors

360 Exhibition Hall

Indian Art Gallery[29][30]

Kuwait Arts Association

Gallery Tilal

5.  Early 2013, It was announced that Kuwait beats US to second place on the “World’s Fattest Country” list. 

6.  In 2006, Kuwait became the first country to introduce the sport of camel racing, with remote controlled robot jockeys.

7.  The largest supplier of goods and service for Kuwait is United States. Therefore, both countries have strong cooperation.

Bahrain 

1.  Bahrain is a generally flat and arid archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia. 

2.  Greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) are native to Bahrain.

3.  In 2010, about half of the government was composed of the Al Khalifa family.

4. A new constitution in 2002 provided for an elected parliament and gave women the right to vote and stand as candidates. When Bahrain was elected to head the United Nations General Assembly in 2006 it appointed lawyer and women's rights activist Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa President of the United Nations General Assembly, only the third woman in history to head the world body. 

5.  Education is free for Bahraini citizens in public schools, with the Bahraini Ministry of Education providing free textbooks. Coeducation is not used in public schools, with boys and girls segregated into separate schools.

6.  It’s thought by some to be the Garden of Eden due to Eden’s supposed resemblance to the ancient land of Dilmun which many scholars accept to be the area encompassing Bahrain.

7. King Fahd Causeway connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. It is a four-lane road: 25 km (16 mi) long and approximately 23 m (75 ft) wide, and was built using 350,000 m3 (12,000,000 cu ft) of concrete along with 47,000 metric tons of reinforced steel. 

My next post will be on wishing I could hold clothes in my carry-on, as a camel holds water.

Wait.. that’s a myth! Camels don’t hold water in their humps, they store energy-rich fat deposits to get them through long treks!

[officialwingstop]

The 11 Most Outrageous Tweets of 2015

  #WingNation showed us a lot of love on social media this year, but these dedicated Lemon Pepper fiends dropped the hottest 140 characters of 2015.

1. Wedding vows brought to you by Lemon Pepper

My wedding gone be at Wing Stop with a lemon pepper theme

— Na$ty Ö. (@Ohboyorin_)

September 12, 2015

2. When your parents start to question your spending habits

mom: I don’t understand where does all your money go so fast? me: have you actually had wing stop

— sick diss girl (@notclarinet)

November 4, 2015

3. College without Wingstop? No, thank you

*checks to see if there’s a @wingstop nearby before submitting college applications*

— lex (@lexpricee)

October 23, 2015

4. Problem: hunger Solution: 4 buckets of wings

I want to shove 4 buckets of wings from @wingstop down my throat

— ✮ (@lowkeybrutal)

November 9, 2015

5. Introducing: Lemon and Pepper

Can we just take a moment of silence for RJ’s baby brothers? I. Seriously. Cannot. Deal. Right. Now. 😍😭 #wingstop pic.twitter.com/ZMctt0TTqk

— Nona ✨ (@alondra_91011)

October 15, 2015

6. Save the Lemon Pepper, save the world

If you was in a house fire with a 20 piece of lemon pepper wings don’t expect DJay to save you, all he care about is chicken.

— Jordan (@_StrokeMyBigEgo)

October 5, 2015

7. When bae “doesn’t like” Wingstop

her: i don’t like wingstop me: pic.twitter.com/Mb93eHIQi3

— Zach Dear (@zachdear)

October 20, 2015

8. Relationship status: Wingstop

⚪️Single ⚪️Taken 🔘In love with lemon pepper wings and cajun ranch fries

— Big Dawg Jo$h‼️ (@_1kJose)

October 26, 2015

9. When being stranded actually sounds like heaven

If I was stranded on an island and could only eat one meal for the rest of my life every day it would be lemon pepper wings from wing stop

— Jackie Brewer (@Jackie_Brewaaaa)

May 5, 2015

10. Wingstop > Graduation

I’m more excited for wing stop’s grand opening than my graduation on Friday lol

— Vee⚽️ (@Sirenitaaa3)

June 10, 2015

11. Last but not least, a very reasonable request

I’m serious if my funeral is not catered by Wingstop you’re all dead to me

— ILL Clinton (@ElCuloGuerrero)

July 23, 2015

[thegoodmexican]

Mexico’s economy maintained growth momentum in the third quarter, expanding 2.4% from the year-earlier period and 0.6% seasonally adjusted from the second quarter, the National Statistics Institute said.

[unordinarysimplicity-blog]

[justjennanicole-deactivated2016]

It’s sometimes very difficult as a woman to say ‘well, actually this is who I am and I’m not going to pretend otherwise.’ But that’s the only way to be truly happy.

JK Rowling (via lord–swoledemort)

[amanda-raerae]

Meet 12 Badass Scientists…Who Also Happen to be Women — TED Fellows

What do you see when you picture a scientist? Is it a white man in a lab coat? This portrait will smash that stereotype …

[helloyoucreatives]

Re-made for the mad men age.

Nate Mayer (Copywriter) & Bronco Wewer (Art Director) re-invent modern adverts for a classic time.

[adweek]

Why Brands Like Coca-Cola and Bud Light Are Making Packaging Personal

Global marketers are taking a more personalized approach to reaching consumers. This year, several have tinkered with logos and packaging, adding names, words, teams or whatever the brand sees as a way to make a deeper connection with shoppers. "Consumers—and more specifically millennials—love a customized, personalized experience, and leveraging packaging is the best way to tap into" that, said Alex Lambrecht, vp of Bud Light.Younger generations embrace individuality, and these personalized efforts cater to that, added Brian Rafferty, global director of research insights for branding firm Siegel+Gale. "It makes people feel like the brand is more about them than about the brand," he noted.It worked for Coca-Cola, which just wrapped up its "Share a Coke" campaign in September. Coke attributed a 2.5 percent gain in sales, following a decade-long decline, to the customized cans. The campaign also helped Coke score over 1.14 billion impressions across social media. With that kind of impact, it makes sense other marketers would follow—Snickers replaced its logo with hunger triggers and Bud Light is rolling out NFL team-themed cans.

[forbes]

“You will get knocked down over and over again, and you win by getting back up.” - Elizabeth Holmes, winner of the 2015 Forbes Under 30 Summit Doers Award.

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