we pass through… Calvert, Texas ever time we visit my brother and I KNOW I’ve seen this place before but for whatever reason I never have stopped. Shame on me. I know better. When I see good graphic design there’s pretty much a SURE BET that something cool is happening there so last time I was driving through I whipped the car around to finally discover crazy couture chocolate in Calvert (a teenincy town between College Station and Waco) AKA Cocoamoda. Photos below (shot with my iphone - please forgive!!), a GREAT video that captures chef Ken Wilkinson’s personality (he’s hysterical) and more beautiful photos I found when writing this up on my pal Rebecca Sherman’s lovely blog Houses Gardens People here.

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addictions are hard… and this weekend while attending the TEDxSMU conference I found my next one. Last year while we were working on the Super Bowl I was creating a custom chocolate box with Dude, Sweet Chocolate. I became painfully (or not so painfully) addicted to the truffles. OMG. Finally broke it about mid Feb when there was no more need for taste test (thank goodness). Well, this weekend I met my new delicious little piece of heaven sweet tooth friend via a TED sponsor — Hail Merry Raw Choco Macaroons. I would like to think these are better for me than others but since they sell them at Exhale (where I work out) and it’s all to easy to “put it on my account,” I think we may have a problem here.

image of Hail Merry founder Susan O’brien via Good News Girls

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how can you not just eat that up?!?… Too cute and just in time for the holidays. Tiny Pies from Austin. Pumpkin, Dutchy’s Apple, Sweet Texas Pecan, Blueberry Bliss, Lemon, Key Lime, Coconut Cream, Chocolate Brownie, Fresh Texas Peach, Mason Jar Tiny Pies?!?! Please stop… toooooo much cuteness.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

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it’s finally… getting just A LITTLE and I do mean a little chilly here. In writing my last story for the upcoming FD Gift Guide (it’s going to be a good one y’all) I decided to include Dude, Sweet Chocolate’s Cocoa & Zefirs. And finally tried this sweet little mix of heaven. Yes, there are real chunks of chocolate, and yes, it includes homemade marshmallows and yes, you must make it with whole milk. Oh good gracious. Insanely sweet.

Last write up for my love of Dude here. Photo by the ultra mega talented Manny Rodriguez.

i’ll be honest… A) this wasn’t my find or my idea B) it’s totally far - so take that into consideration and most importantly — C) it’s 100% worth it. We went with some good friends last Saturday to partake in a four course, carb infested, full of deliciousness, amazing meal set in the hills of Saint Jo, Texas (about two hours from Dallas and 1.5 from Fort Worth). When we arrived the oven was fired up, the sun was setting, a cool breeze was blowing and music was playing. I honestly thought for a second we were back in Napa (Apparently there is a vineyard next door, Arche, which we will put on our list for next time.) This hidden gem is Ancient Ovens. This is definitely an escape from your typical Saturday night. Enjoy!

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