[dolakehighlands-blog]

Thanks to all families that stopped by the Do Lake Highlands carnival booth at the LHJWL Run the Highlands event last Saturday. The rain held out (I had my doubts during carnival set up!) and the weather was perfec for some Lake Highlands family fun, and all for a good cause.

The Bean Bag Toss was a big hit, and I've discovered we have some future all stars in our midst. At one point, there was a serious competition going on with the 5th graders, a few of whom showed me their fast ball and took down the sign. "The boys aren't playing the game fair" the girls told me. Oh girls, the stories I could tell...but that's a different blog!

[dolakehighlands-blog]

Do Lake Highlands loves the Lake Highlands Junior Women's League, so what better way to show our love than by participating in the Run the Highlands along with the kids carnival after the run (actually the carnival is my excuse to be crafty Carrie and actually follow through with a Pinterest project!).

If you haven't signed up yet, never fear. There is still time to get the whole fam signed up for the 1 mile walk and 5K, which take place tomorrow morning starting at 8 am and 8:45 respectively. For last minute sign up, head over to the LH Rec Center from 2:30-6:30 today (Friday), then lace up those sneakers and we'll see you and the family at 8 am tomorrow morning. Make sure you stop by and see the Do-Crew at the carnival after the run! 

[dolakehighlands-blog]

The Do Crew summer game plan

I received a message from one of the faithful Do-Crew followers asking me if I'm okay and why I haven't posted all week. If you all must know, I'm on a diet (which means the partner in crime has been obliged to join) AND Mr. Dave Ramsey has invaded the fun fund. What does that mean for all of you loyal followers? It means we're getting super creative at Do LH and we are going to prove to you all that you don't always have to spend a ton of money in order to have fun. What do you say Lake Highlands? Want to join in the "get skinny/stick to the budget" summer plan? It's like a bikini boot camp with financial benefits! But, first let's have one last MiCo margarita before we get started!

For all of you master budgeters in the neighborhood, feel free to share your savings tips and creative ideas for fun on a budget. We just might feature you as our area "expert"!! 

[dolakehighlands-blog]

Food Truck Thank You was a huge success today! Showing the love to the Dallas Police Department at the Northeast Substation, my brokerage, Nathan Grace Real Estate, along with T Hee Greetings, and AssociaTitle, welcomed all the officers to lunch from Eat Joe Dawgs Food Truck as well as Enticed gourmet shaved ice (Let's not even mention the amount of food I ate but it might rival the 6'4" beefy detective's plate). The best part of the day was seeing the neighborhood turnout in support of our substation, and it was all for a good cause. The food trucks, along with T Hee Greetings and Highlands Cafe all donated 15% of the proceeds to an officer support organization. I haven't heard the tally yet, but when I left work, there were at least 100 kids swarming the parking lot chowing on their gourmet snow cones. Delish.

I truly hope the officers know how much we appreciate their hard work and sacrifice! Way to Do Lake Highlands and give back to a good cause all at the same time!

[dolakehighlands-blog]

Sunday Funday in the Neighborhood - Do-Crew Style!

The Do-Crew threw a neighborhood social last Sunday, and over 75 people from our little pocket of the world were scattered across the front lawn. Snacks, drinks, music, lawn chairs, and chatting makes for a fun end to the weekend. There were people of all ages, from a 2 week old precious baby to the fun retirees that just moved in around the corner. Families, couples, newlyweds, singles, grandparents...you name it, we've got it! 

The Do-Crew did fail however. There isn't ONE pic from the event! My motor-mouth took over and I talked like it was my wedding reception. The Do-Crew partner in crime said he hadn't talked that much, um, EVER. Needless to say, it was a fun for everyone and reminded us all that we are surrounded by the best neighbors anyone could hope for! Thanks to everyone that stopped by, stayed, laughed, and mingled...it was truly a Sunday Funday!

Now, the big question is, when's the next party??!!

[dolakehighlands-blog]

A Time to Heal

It may be dreary outside today, but there's a ray of hope in Lake Highlands. Our entire neighborhood, family, and friends are breathing a collective sigh of relief that our hard-working Dallas Police Department arrested a suspect for the sexual assaults committed in February and March. Thanks to a Crimestoppers tip in March, police nabbed the creep on a traffic stop yesterday afternoon. After matching the perps palm print from a crime scene, we'll just say this dude is toast. Let's hope and pray justice will be served swiftly and that the victims can begin their healing process.

If you see a Dallas PD officer today, thank them for their service.

If you see a loved one today, give them a hug.

If you see a fellow neighbor in need, lend a hand.

If you see a friend struggling, offer your support.

We are all in this together and if we've learned anything about this tragedy it's that we are a tight-knit community that doesn't buckle in the face of hardship. Actually, it's quite the opposite. Strength, hope, and love are what makes our neighborhood more than a group of houses. Lake Highlands is home.

[dolakehighlands-blog]

VOTE now and VOTE local

Calling all foodies! You’ve got through Sunday to cast your vote for your favorite restaurants in this year’s D Magazine Best of Big D.  Want to know all the local restaurants on the ballot? The Do-Crew’s got your Lake Highlands and East Dallas cheat sheet here! Go show them some love and vote now!

Best Burger

            Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House (Do-Crew pick)

            Jake’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers

            Keller’s Drive-In

            Lakewood Landing

            Snuffer’s

            The Grape

            Twisted Root Burger Co.

            Burger House

            Lakewood’s 1st & 10

  Best Hot Dog

            Twisted Root

            Jerry’s Wood-Fired Dogs

            Cock & Bull (Do-Crew pick)

  Best Pizza

           Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

           Campisi’s

           Picasso’s Pizza and Grill (Do-Crew pick)

           Greenville Ave Pizza Company

  Best Fried Chicken

          Dixie House

  Best Patio

         Garden Café

         Ozona Bar and Grill (Do-Crew pick)

         Sundown at the Granada

  Best Chocolatier

         (no local choices)

  Best Bakery

         Society Bakery

         Casa Linda Bakery (close 2nd!!)

         Write in: The Cake Ball Company (Do-Crew pick)

  Best Bread Bakery

         (no local choices)

  Best BBQ

         Dickey’s

         Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse

         Baker’s Ribs

         Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que and Home Cooking (Do-Crew pick)

  Best Breakfast

         The Mecca

         Crossroads Diner (Do-Crew pick)

         Goldrush Café

         Start

         Company Café

         Barbec’s (close 2nd!)

  Best Brunch

        Penne Pomodoro

        Capitol Pub

  Best Gourmet Shop

        Spec’s Liquors

        Jimmy’s Food Store

        Café Izmir to go

  Best Butcher Shop

        Whole Foods

        Jimmy’s Food Store (Do-Crew pick)

  Best Cheese Shop

        Whole Foods

        Central Market

        Spec’s Liquors

        Jimmy’s Food Store

  Best Chef

        Brian Luscher – The Grape

        Graham Dodds – Central 214

  Best Chinese

       (No local choices) 

  Best Ice Cream/Gelato

       Paciugo

  Best Coffee

       White Rock Coffee (Do-Crew pick)

       Pearl Cup

       Union

       Cultivar Coffee and Tea Co.

  Best Fish Market

      Whole Foods

      Central Market

  Best French Restaurant

      St. Martin’s Wine Bistro

  Best Italian

      Write in – MoMo Italian Kitchen

      Write in – Alfonso’s

  Best French Fries

      Central 214

      Burger House

      Write in – Snuffers (duh!)

  Best Indian

      (No local choices)

  Best Sandwich Shop

      The Corner Shop

      The Great Outdoors

      Jimmy’s Food Store

  Best Tex-Mex

      El Fenix

      Blue Goose

      Mexico Lindo

      Mi Cocina (Do-Crew pick)

      Matt’s Rancho Martinez

  Best Mexican

      Urban Taco

  Best Margarita

      El Fenix

      Gloria’s

      Mi Cocina

      Desperados

      Mariano’s Hacienda (Do-Crew pick)

  Best Taco Joint

      Torchy’s Tacos

      Urban Taco

      Rusty Taco

      Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

      Tacos y Mas

      Good 2 Go Taco (Do-Crew pick)

      Taco Joint

      Tacos La Banqueta

  Best Seafood

      20 Feet Seafood Joint

      Daddy Jack’s Chowder House

  Best Steakhouse

      Write in – Woodfire Kirby’s

  Best Sushi

      Blue Fish

      Teppo Yakitori and Sushi Bar

      Tei Tei Robata Bar

  Best Vietnamese

      La Me

      Write In – Pho is for Lovers

  Best Thai

      Bangkok Inn

      Royal Thai (Do-Crew pick)

  Best Family-Friendly Restaurant

      Matt’s Rancho Martinez

      Mi Cocina

      Gloria’s

      Prego Pasta House

      Penne Pomodoro

      Campisi’s (Do-Crew pick)

      Start

      Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House

Best Brewery

      Lakewood Brewing Company

  Best Wine Bar

      Veritas

      Times Ten Cellars (Do-Crew pick)

      The Wine Therapist

  Best Wine Shop

      Times Ten Cellars

      Spec’s Liquors (Do-Crew pick)

      Veritas

      Jimmy’s Food Store 

      Total Wine

      The Wine Therapist

      Central Market

  Best Dessert

      Butterscotch Pie at Bowl and Barrel

      Bananas-Foster-Valrhona Bread Pudding at The Grape

      Chocolate Cannoli at Jimmy’s Food Store

      Sour Cream Apple Pie at Hibiscus

  Best Vegetarian Friendly

     Sundown at the Granada

     Start

     Company Café

  Best Food Truck

     Rock and Roll Tacos

     The Butcher’s Son

     Ruthie’s Rolling Café

     Write in – Ssahm Korean BBQ

[dolakehighlands-blog]

It's the Lake Highlands Early Childhood PTA Home Tour, Luncheon, and Auction Saturday, April 13th, so GET ON BOARD! It's the 9th annual event for this amazing group and you won't want to miss all the fun! Tickets are $32 and can be purchased by online at www.biddingforgood.com/ecpta.

I've heard the Lake Highlands home on this year are better than ever, and one of the homes is even featured on the cover of this month's ADVOCATE. Gorgeous!

After you tour homes, get in on the auction action! This year’s auction is full of items you will love like passes to Disneyland, tickets to the Byron Nelson, an autographed guitar by Texas music legend, Pat Green, plus tickets to one of his concerts and meet and greet passes, tons of classes and lessons for kids, and more. Bidding on the items starts online BEFORE the event on April 2nd. Go to www.biddingforgood.com/ecpta to get a head start on making one of the auction items yours!

Now, no luncheon, tour, and auction can be done without volunteers, and according to the Do-Crew's friend and chair Julianne Cary at the LHAECPTA, they need your help! Volunteering your time is a great way to meet new people and support our community. Contact [email protected] by April 5 if you are interested.

Schedule of Events

9:00 a.m.    Homes Open

11:00 a.m.   Mix, Mingle & Bid at Royal Oaks Country Club

12:15 p.m.   Seated Lunch

12:30 p.m.   Playhouse Raffle Drawing

1:30 p.m.     Auction Closes

  Sounds like a to-DO in Lake Highlands! See you there!

[dolakehighlands-blog]

Yo Pokey-O's

Ever since the State Fair in 2011, Pokey-O's has been a favorite of one of the Do-Crew members (the one that isn't lactose intolerant and isn't ashamed of his gluttony!) and when we heard that you could get a Pokey-O's famous ice cream cookie sandwich in Lake Highlands...well, we had to check it out. 

Inside the Smoothie Factory at 7215 Skillman, you will find walls of supplements, vitamins, and herbal things that I don't know about, but in the back you will find a Pokey-O's station. It's the oddest place to put a fat-loaded snack since everyone in the store is super skinny, fresh off the treadmill at LA Fitness and in skin-hugging Lululemon. I felt almost shameful when ordering my cookie, but it was downright hystarical to see the hubs bite into the monstrosity he ordered. 

To say this thing is messy is an understatement. Ice cream was literally EVERYwhere, dripping down arms and pooling in the little flimsy paper holder. Beware: this is not a treat for the timid or ladylike. You cannot eat this and not be sopped in ice cream and covered in cookie crumbs. If you are looking for a major sugary treat and have a shower available for post binge clean up, here ya go! I warned you!!

[dolakehighlands-blog]

Lake Highlands Proud

In light of recent events in the neighborhood, it's safe to say that the Do-Crew has been hunkered down protecting the casa. It's been difficult to want to get out and have even an inkling of fun, but we must persevere with daily life and not live in fear. Being scared is what this predator wants us to do; it's part of his sick and twisted deviant brain. By going on with our daily lives, we are the victors. So, instead of boring you with my normal food and shopping posts (which I'm sure will resume shortly) I am going to take a minute to talk about LH pride.

Earlier this week, I received an email from one of my clients that spells out more than I could ever say about our neighborhood. To say this family will fit into LH when they move here is an understatement!

I'd have to be living under a rock to have not heard about the incidents in Lake Highlands. And I really hate it for the victims and the community. As a general rule, I am pretty paranoid about crime. And now that I really think about it, that may be why we ended up in the suburbs anyway.

Even with the recent events - which are serious, for sure - I remain convinced that Lake Highlands is still the right place for us to be. This kind of stuff happens everywhere. Seriously, everywhere.  It's how you deal with it and bond together as a community that matters.  I have been so impressed by the neighborhood's reaction to these events - from the standing-room only police event last night, to the area schools asking the dads to make a strong showing on campus and reassure the kids, to the fact that people are leaving snacks for the police patrol on their front porches. It's been awesome to see how seriously the police are taking this and how the community really does support each other.  Hopefully it sends a message that you can't mess with the people of Lake Highlands!I can only think that the area will be safer after this - increased patrols, heightened awareness neighbors taking care of each other and knowing who belongs and who doesn't. 

We don't regret the paperwork we signed Monday and we look forward to working with you.  Most of all, we look forward to being your neighbor. :)

I am so proud of the community I live in, and I encourage all of you to stand up and fight back against the criminals that dare enter our neighborhood, whether it's by taking a self-defense class, beefing up your home security, or just staying off the phone and being aware of your surroundings at all times. Together we are stronger, and I pray that each and every one of you stays safe from harm.

[dolakehighlands-blog]

Last Friday I got the Cake Ball Company smoke signal (actually a facebook post, but whatever). What was the emergency, you ask? Well, $1 cake balls, y'all! In celebration of reaching 3000 facebook fans, the gals at The Cake Ball Company practically gave away their sweet treats.  I couldn't bear thinking about those poor little delicious bites of greatness sitting there waiting for me (sea salt and caramel makes me weak in the knees). I had to rescue them at once! After a mad dash to the corner of Northwest Hwy and Easton and a quick chat with one of the owners Charlotte, my mission was accomplished - 20 cake balls for 20 bucks. These were technically for the weekend (one of the Do-Crew had a birthday after all), but as the picture above shows, three cake balls didn't make the trip home. After the weekend, it was a pure cake ball massacre at my house.

The Cake Ball Company is closed through Spring Break but will reopen on March 19th for all of us sugar addicts. If you live anywhere in DFW, The Cake Ball Company is a must - DO! 

[dolakehighlands-blog]

With months of anticipation, I finally got my rear end to The Lake House Bar and Grill. I was so pumped to see this place, since the owners live in the neighborhood and I'm all about supporting our local business owners. I guess I thought it was a Katy Trail Icehouse, but in my 'hood, eh...not so much, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It is definitely heavy on the restaurant side, with a big bar in the middle, but think Mi Cocina-ish just closer to the lake and they don't rush you. The owners, John Schmitz and Eric Paulsen did say this concept would be the "grown up version of Katy Trail Ice House". In my head The Lake House would be an Austiny-vibe, tons of outdoor seating, a view (obviously I was dreaming there), but it is still very cool and I'm happy they are part of the neighborhood now. I was there with some friends after work on a Thursday (it was packed), and we were the loudest ones by far. In fact, a kid at the next table kept giving us dirty looks when we would laugh and cut up. Maybe the late night crowd is more forgiving!

Bottom line, The Lake House is a great option for an after work happy hour, a bite to eat with friends, Sunday Funday, or a family night out. The food and drinks are good and the atmosphere is friendly and laid-back. It's a big beer place, supporting a lot of Dallas-area craft breweries, so you hops-heads and malt lovers will be in heaven. They are also open until 2 am every night, so that makes it one of Lake Highlands few options for those seeking a place to stay up past bedtime. 

Try it out soon and let the DO-Crew know what you think! 

[dolakehighlands-blog]

A little business and a lot of bacon

Who needs a Starbucks meeting when we have Crossroads Diner in our neighborhood? I love nothing more than a business meeting that involves all my favorite things: talking, food, coffee, and the smell of bacon. My Do-Crew partner for the day was my Lake Highlands Estates neighbor Jessica Baldwin, who just happens to be a mortgage lender extraordinaire. She also likes a good sticky bun from Crossroads, so we are a match made in heaven!

This place knocks breakfast and lunch out of the park. Every thing I've ever ordered is scrumptiously delectable. A Do-Crew favorite and must have are their cinnamon sticky buns, frittatas, and crispy bacon (applewood smoked, so good) but don't forget the great lunch choices like Crossroads burger, the meatloaf (my favorite), and the quiche. My world would be complete if Crossroads would be stay open all day, but unfortunately, they close at 2pm every day and are closed on Mondays. The bright side, they are early risers, opening at 7am. Go visit them today and tell them DoLakeHighlands sent you!

[dolakehighlands-blog]

MoMo Mooooore!!

MoMo Italian Kitchen is a little hidden gem that popped up on my radar courtesy of Urban Spoon. I had never heard of it, neither had the Do-Crew partner-in-crime. Well, that equals a Do-Crew full-on emergency situation or a perfect excuse for me not to cook on a Monday night.

MoMo Italian Kitchen has been serving up delectable and authentic Italian dishes for three generations and in Lake Highlands since 1985. They are located at 8989 Forest, Ste 130, but I'm pretty sure that's a new address for them. Nevertheless, it was a good move; the place is quaint, inviting, even a little romantic. The service and food were spot on (love that they leave a large bowl of fresh grated parm on the table instead of hovering), and we left feeling like we took a quick trip to Florence. Do-Crew recommendations: Penne al Basilico (seen above and a nice lighter option), Ravioli di Carne, and Lord have mercy, get the Tiramisu!!

Buon appetito Lake Highlands!

[dolakehighlands-blog]

You will be ______ if you eat here too much

What neighborhood restaurant's tagline is:

"You bring the Tummy, We bring the Yummy"?

Hint: You will be _____ if you eat here too much. If you answered Chubby's Family Restaurant, you are right, and you probably already know about the hearty down home goodness they serve at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

I must admit, I have refused to go to Chubby's since I moved to LH. There's something about the name I couldn't get over (how dare they be  so blatant in their desire to make me fat!!!!). Nevertheless, the DO-Crew's mission is to open the eyes of our community to the great establishments we DO have and need to support, no matter their chosen name. One visit to the Chubby's location on Northwest Highway and a whiff of their famous pancakes on the griddle and I've been converted. I am proud to be a LH Chubby's Chick. Maybe I will make T-shirts?

John and George (brothers from Greece who learned to cook from Mom) opened Chubby's Family Restaurant in Lake Highlands in 1987 and now have 4 locations, 150 employees, a catering business, and even sell their pancake batter! My tummy is already rumbling remembering the yummy breakfast last week!

How about it Lake Highlands? DO breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert soon at Chubby's on Northwest Highway? I might even make you a T-shirt!

[dolakehighlands-blog]

3 Cheers for the Grill!

Studio Movie Grill, you have my heart! Squishy chairs, good service, food, and adult beverages makes going out to the movies almost like renting from Red Box and vegging on the couch. The best thing is that the food is good! If you are on a diet, try one of their salads like the Ginger Mint or Kale Avocado...delicious! For those not counting calories, definitely get a burger and sweet potato fries. 

Great food + crystal clear movie screens + comfortable seating = a DoLakeHighlands!

[dolakehighlands-blog]

The Oscars, Old Lake Highlands style

One of the greatest things about East Dallas is the neighborhood's casual laid-back style, as compared to some of our neighbors to the west. Don't get me wrong, we love a fancy shin-dig, but there's nothing better than an easy and relaxed (stretchy pants!) night with friends. The Do-Crew headed to the Old LH last night for a night of fun, food, and Red Carpet critiquing. No Dior gowns or Chopard jewels at this soiree, only P.J.'s, the Wheel-of-Candy, pizza, and 'pagne. Sounds like the perfect Old Lake Highlands Oscar party to me!

Tell the Do-Crew: Are you the host or hostess that throws the perfect party? If so, what makes your party a neighborhood DO? Send your comments and pics to [email protected] and we'll feature you!