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Handrafted

Handrafted

Creating the life you dream of, one essential oil at a time. Your complete guide to everything Young Living Essential Oils. Located in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Tag: to do list

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Candytopia – a Willy Wonka Play Ground

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Recently my bestie came into town for a girls weekend, while research fun things for us to do a place called Candytopia came across my feed. A magical candy wonderland –…

Recently my bestie came into town for a girls weekend, while research fun things for us to do a place called Candytopia came across my feed. A magical candy wonderland – think Willy Wonka meets Instagram. We had to go!
 
After scavenging the internet for information I came up empty handed so here it is – your complete guide to visiting Candytopia!

What To Take

Start to finish, I’ve got you covered. Everything you need to bring for a successful Candytopia visit!

  • Small Purse or Backpack – Each area of Candytopia features a free candy sample! Having a bag makes collecting these samples much easier. Keep in mind though that Candytopia is a maze of photo opportunities! So be sure to pick a bag that is photogenic so you don’t have to put it on the floor for every photo.
  • Immunity Roller Ball – There is no shortage of people walking though Candytopia with you – most of whom are children. Pack your immunity roller and use it before and after, at least.
  • Comfy Shoes – It’s not a lot of walking but there are some fun activities to do along the way. Wearing heels might hinder some of the fun.
  • Stress Away – With masses of children comes mass chaos. To combat social anxiety and tension keep your Stress Away handy.
  • Battery Back Up Phone Charger – As stated Candytopia is a maze of photo opportunities and you do not want to be out of battery before the marshmallow pit! (I LOVE this one!)
  • Inner Child – This massive candy playground is the best of Willy Wonka in an Instagram world. There are swings and confetti cannons and best of all a MARSHMELLOW pit! Remember to let loose and have fun! This oil will help you release your inhibitions and enjoy the experience!

What to Expect

From the moment you enter, the wild imagination that created Candytopia captures your eye. Every little detail is perfectly displayed. 

Your tour guide starts by giving you the rundown, dos and don’ts, things to watch for and such. While he or she is talking you are free to walk around the room and examine the art. Be sure to do so – these pieces are amazing!

As a group, you will move from room to room. We chose to lag behind a bit so we would have more time in each room by ourselves. Once we separated from the crowd we had more freedom to run around and take silly pictures. 

Each room has a theme, which was such a fun feature! With each theme there was also a candy sample, from Pixie Stix to Air Heads – they had it all! (There are more samples than you really want to eat all at once – thus the bag or at least functional pockets!).

The art museum room was one of my favorites, the details were amazing. Above you see a “painting” made entirely of jelly beans! 😳 From Frida Kahlo to the Mona Lisa the walls are lined with amazing recreations of beautiful art. Each handcrafted using various types of candy!

Throughout the maze, there are various activities to participate in. Be sure to give each a try. In addition to fun art and activities, there are green screen photo ops!

With these photo opportunities, you have to download the Candytopia app. After you create an account it will give you a QR code. At each photo station, they will scan your code before taking the photo. 

Each of these photos will upload to the app where you can easily download them for private use (for FREE). 

Just look at that amazing unicorn covered in white gummy bears!

Two rooms that stood out to me were the confetti room and the marshmallow pit! The confetti cannon photo op proved to be the perfect Instagram moment while falling into the marshmallow pit made for the perfect boomerang!

From start to finish Candytopia was such a fun experience, one that I highly recommend. Be sure to add a visit to your summer activity list your (inner) kids will LOVE it!

Location

Currently, there are only two locations nationwide one in Dallas, TX and the other in Atlanta, GA. It appears that one is coming to Houston, TX next!

If you are in the Dallas area you can find our Candytopia near Walnut Hill Lane and I-75.

Candytopia Dallas
8021 Walnut Hill Lane Suite 2000
Dallas, TX 75231 

Ready to purchase tickets? Click here to select your time slot.

BONUS – If you have little ones in tow, be sure to pack your Thieves wipes! Soooo many sticky surfaces. 😆😝

 

Enjoy your visit, I hope you find this Candytopia Guide useful!

xo,

C

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New Years Intentions

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The Power of Intention When you’re clear on your intention, you take inspired action that’s in alignement with your words and truth. You also quickly manifest what you desire because…

The Power of Intention

When you’re clear on your intention, you take inspired action that’s in alignement with your words and truth. You also quickly manifest what you desire because you’re clearly putting out words and actions that are in alignment with the thing you want to attract into your life.

–StephenieZamora.com

As we move towards the blank slate, that is presented to us as a new year, I am empowered by the possibilities. 2018 was a wonderful year- a year of new experiences, a year of learning and a year of encouragement. Looking forward I am excited to build on that foundation here on the blog, move forward with new adventures and make time for myself and my family a priority.

As we watch the ball drop on a great year and ring in a new one I want to be perfectly clear with myself and the universe. It is time to set my intentions to create a year worth mention.

#Self-Care

Self-care is a term that got big for me in 2018. To define self-care: The act of taking time for yourself, forging your own path and making yourself a priority. In 2019 I am going to make more effort on me. This intention includes taking care of my physical body and taking care of my emotional body. For the physical body, I intend on increasing my activities levels (finallllllly using the gym membership 🙄😅) and taking the leap into the Keto Diet. This should be fun — stay tuned! 🙃 Next, for my emotional body, time in meditation and time spent doing things I LOVE are high on the list. 

I Can Do Anything NOT Everything

Next is a big one, that seems to be on my list of intentions more and more. However, I believe I have improved over the years, but of course, there is always room for more. Therefore, moving into the new year I intend on using my calendar to be more efficient with time and keep me on schedule. By planning ahead my intention is to avoid over obligation and prioritize my list of opportunities. In keeping the list in front of me and in context, I believe I will better manage my time. 

Handrafted

This blog has been such a great adventure over the past year. I have returned to my crafty soul, I have connected with wonderful people and I have created opportunities for myself. The most exciting announcement of 2019 is that I will be joining the Young Living Family! I have used Essential Oils consistently for about two years and have fallen more and more in faith with them. I have learned so much and am eager to learn more – and of course, share my journey with you!

Throughout the next year on the blog, I intend on widening my network, refining my brand and keeping one foot in front of the other. As a dreamer, it is easy for me to jump to the ‘happily ever after’, as January nears I intend to stay focused and work in the moment. 

Family Time is the BEST Time

2019 is a big year for our family. Our daughter will start her senior year of high school in the fall. With that comes all the emotions, ones I can’t even grasp yet 😭. Looking to 2019 I intend on taking every available opportunity to play together and make memories as a family. We have some fun plans here and there and a whole lot of spontaneity in the middle. Reveling in the moment whether it is big or small is my intention for the year. From soaking in – the belly laughs, the boo-boos that need bandaging and the wonder of her becoming a woman – it is going to be a wondrous year!

 

What are your intentions for the new year? 

Blessing for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year to you and yours.

xo,

C

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M I N D F U L N E S S

Tips to Stay Organized & On Task

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Lately, it feels like life is spinning faster and faster, that there is always something more I should be doing and that there will never be enough time. As I…

Lately, it feels like life is spinning faster and faster, that there is always something more I should be doing and that there will never be enough time. As I work to manage this spinning top I have found some useful organizational tips to keep myself on task.

Step One: Write Everything Down

The first step in processing life as we know it today is to get everything that is swirling around your head down on paper. Many times I will feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of things running through my head. By putting pen to paper often times the list is much LESS daunting than I thought it was.

Step Two: Prioritize The List

Taking the time to empty your thoughts can truly be therapeutic. Once the items are on the list take the time to prioritize them. I have found a very useful tool to help prioritize your tasks. This tool uses the box below and is known as The Eisenhower Matrix (explained beautifully here on BrightonTheDay.com).

Eisenhower Matrix

Step Three: Assess Overall Value & Time Consumption

Review your (now prioritized) list and weigh each 1st Quadrant item based on its overall value and the time it will take to complete. For example, if sending a calendar invite gets the ball rolling for an important meeting choose that over getting your notes and presentation perfected for the said meeting. Choose the items that can be completed the quickest and will get you closer to your goal.

Step Four: Be Flexible

This one is important – for you and those around you. Life is constantly changing, we all know that, and working from a list can sometimes heighten a person’s OCD tendencies. 🙋🏻🙋🏻🙋🏻As you formulate and complete your list be open to new items, new priorities and overall change. The more flexible you are towards these changes the better you will respond and redirect. As these changes come into your life, use the matrix to work it into your plan.

Step Five: Eliminate

Removing items from the list that are not important or urgent is crucial for maximum productivity. Your time is valuable and you need to be sure to spend it in a manner that will get you where you want to go. As you move through your list reevaluate – you might find that items get moved into the 4th Quadrant as you get more done. Don’t be afraid to cut things from the list.

 

How do you stay organized and on task?

Are you a list person? Planner person? I want to know, tell me below!

xo,

C

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Back to School – FREE Printables

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It is that time of the year again – school is back in session! Whether you are excited for the peace and quiet or nervous for the life changes ahead this…

It is that time of the year again – school is back in session! Whether you are excited for the peace and quiet or nervous for the life changes ahead this time of the year can be very busy and downright stressful. Between school supplies, new clothes, doctors visits and paperwork the last thing on many of our minds is the obligatory first-day picture.

Back To School Printable

Back To School Printable

Back To School Printable

Back To School Printable

Back To School Printable

To help take one thing off your list this year I have created two free downloads! In each download, you will find signs for all grade levels stretching from Day School to 12th grade. Click on the icon below, download the link and then print the page that works for your child. Voyla! One less thing. 🙌🏼

Back To School Printable

Download Now!

Back To School Printable

Download Now!

As we move into the fall and get the ball rolling on this school year let us all work to relax about the small things, be present at every opportunity and embrace our kiddos at every juncture. They grow up way too fast to sweat the small stuff.

Cheers to a successful 2018 – 2019 school year!

xo, 

C

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Places I LOVE – Rainbow Drive-In – Honolulu, Hawaii

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On the last day of our Honolulu adventure, we were invited to meet friends at the local Rainbow Drive-In located in Kapahulu. Not knowing what to expect, we were pleasantly…

On the last day of our Honolulu adventure, we were invited to meet friends at the local Rainbow Drive-In located in Kapahulu. Not knowing what to expect, we were pleasantly surprised by the delicious foods but also by the reasonable prices! The Rainbow menu covered all the local favorites and was jamming with customers. 

Rainbow Drive-In

Rainbow Drive-In

Menu

The menu is based around the Hawaiian concept of “plate lunches”. A plate lunch consists of two scoops of white rice, macaroni salad and one entree and is quintessentially Hawaiian. Across the menu you will find many local favorites such as the Loco Moco, Boneless Chicken Mixed Plate and the Bacon, Spam and Egg Sandwich. 

Rainbow Drive-In

History

The Rainbow Drive-In has been a cornerstone of the community for over 5o years. Proudly serving affordable, filling food to the common working man and Waikiki beach crowd. 

Rainbow Drive-In

Rainbow Drive-In

Rainbow Drive-In

Food

For my lunch, I chose the Loco Moco bowl (a smaller portion of the Loco Moco Plate). The Loco Moco is a local favorite that consists of a ground beef patty placed on a bed of white rice, smothered in brown gravy and topped with an egg cooked your way. This was honestly the most filling meal I had our entire trip. The complex flavor and texture combination made for the perfect lunch on the go!

Rainbow Drive-In

If ever in Honolulu, I highly recommend a stop by the Rainbow Drive-In. It is worth the Uber fair!

Nothing beats eating where the locals eat, such a great way to learn more about the culture. 

xo,

Carolyn

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M I N D F U L N E S S

Mindful Screen Time – A lesson in being present

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So often in my daily life I feel conflicted about whether to document life toward my blog goals or just be present and experience life first hand. As I build…

So often in my daily life I feel conflicted about whether to document life toward my blog goals or just be present and experience life first hand. As I build my brand, I feel especially torn.

All of these thoughts have circled to a head as the hubster and I head to Hawaii for a dear friend’s wedding. To gram or not to gram, that is the question?

 

As I debate with myself on how much time is too much I found these simple tricks to make my screen time more intentional.

Limit Notifications

All too often I will download a new app and feel pressured into “Allowing Notifications” – I can’t be the only one, right?! Days, weeks and even months later I still have daily notification from apps I used once (hello Wayfair 🤷🏻).

It was amazing to actually see the amount of apps I had allowed notifications for. Before our trip I sat down with the list and really evaluated if notifications were necessary.  On those that I deemed necessary I then went one step further and carefully chose the kind of notification each app would require. Only those apps with the highest priority received access to my lock screen.

My hope is that by reducing the amount of lock screen notifications I will be able to leave my phone unattended for longer periods of time. I often feel addicted to the constant screen glow – it’s a rush!

Be Intentional

Decide before you unlock your device, why you are logging on. Make a mental note of your tasks and stick to it. Work to keep you mind focused and on task.

By being intentional with my time I have created a world where I can allow myself to be both engaged and unplugged. #balance

Budget Screen Time

Decide how much time you need to achieve your list of tasks, be realistic and then set a timer. I prefer to set my timer for 10 minutes prior to my desired budget. For me it’s all about the warning – and choosing how I spend those last few moments. Allowing me to prioritize my final work, I feel more accomplished come that final bell.

On occasion that budgeted time turns out to not be enough, knowing that it is okay is half of the battle. Evaluate what you were unable to do and work it in to another budgeted session later in the day.

I do find it valuable to not run over the time. You have to respect the time limit otherwise this practice will be ineffective. The more you work with time lines the better you will be with handling tasks in an efficient manner.

Moments are Fleeting, Don’t be Wasteful

There are many times I reach for my phone for distraction instead of productivity. Saturday mornings, for example, you can often find me “stuck” in Instagram Story loops for hooouurrrssss. It’s unhealthy and unproductive but I love it! My weekend guilty pleasure – my weekly check in with all the beautiful people that create my Instagram community. Although I believe you should allow yourself these indulgences, timing is everything.

This weekend I have promise myself to put down the phone and not get stuck. In addition, I promise to not scroll aimlessly, a vow to myself in search for new experience and opportunities. There are billions of humans on this planet. This weekend I will work to make connections, to breathe life into strangers and grow from the friends I make along the way.

Be Bored

Last but certainly not least I feel it is important to allow yourself to sit still, be in silence and perhaps even be bored. In today’s world we are constantly bombarded noise. When given the chance don’t be afraid to just be.

There is growth, peace and wonder in silence. Boredom often opens the tool box of creativity. Take these moments to breathe and enjoy the simple pleasures; a hot cup of coffee, the grip of a loved one’s hand or perhaps a smile from a passerby.

See what there is to find in that silence, allow your mind to play. You’ll be glad you did.

 

xo,

C

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