Healthier Choices are Available Nationwide from America’s Dip Destination

Health and wellness has become increasingly important in the consideration of the snacking styles of Americans. Reading the labels has become more than a pastime, but an imperative part of the daily choices on how to eat what you love and love what you eat. The rising popularity of ‘better for you’ dips has been defined as an integral part of this beneficial trend and ¡Yo Quiero! continues to lead the charge as the Dip Destination, especially for those who have resolved to a healthier start in 2023.

Historically, 38.5% of US adults set New Year’s resolutions every year, with an overwhelming majority of those focusing on adopting and sticking to healthier habits. Sadly, and predictably, less than 40% of people follow through with their resolutions past the first month.

“A commitment to healthier living doesn’t mean deprivation, and that’s where ‘better for you’ snacking choices can be the game changer for 2023,” says Jay Alley, Co-Owner, and Vice President of ¡Yo Quiero!, the family-owned Texas-based company known for their commitment the help people ‘eat good to feel good’.

From products like guacamole to salsa and the recent introduction of their first-of-its-kind line of avocado cream cheese dips, ¡Yo Quiero!, believes whole-heartedly in the quality and make-up of ingredients in each of their dips to help build a balance that can be sustained past the first month of 2023, when resolutions are initially energized. 

Nutrient-rich avocado as a primary ingredient has become a proven leader in the category.  “Avocado has come out on top as one of the healthiest ingredients to build upon to create dips that have fewer calories, less fat, and less cholesterol than other top-selling dips. When people are satisfied with excellent taste as well as healthier ingredients, they are more likely to stick to a lifestyle choice longer,” he continues.

“Not just limited to a healthier kick-start to 2023, the popularity of ‘Better For You’ snacking options, is growing at a record pace, led by avocado consumption.  Americans now eat approximately 8.5 pounds per person per year—up 278 percent since 2000. Avocados are naturally nutrient-rich, and the array of vitamins and minerals they contain are not often found together in one place,“ Tara Murray, VP of Marketing for ¡Yo Quiero!.

“We are looking at many other products to roll out in 2023 as part of our commitment to the ‘better for you’ snacking revolution. We are putting on the finishing touches on our highly-anticipated bean dip that is made with top quality beans and spices, is low in calories, and provides both 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving,” she concludes.

¡Yo Quiero!’s dips are available at select Costco, Walmart, and Albertson’s locations across the U.S.  To learn more about ¡Yo Quiero! visit www.yoquierobrands.com and www.freshinnovationsllc.com.

‘Tis the Season for North Texas’ Favorite Holiday Menu

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que brings the holidays home with their hassle-free holiday menu available at all 19 North Texas Locations. Those who choose to enjoy the holidays stress-free can pre-order until Sunday, December 18, 2022, from their award-winning holiday menu that showcases two holiday heat and serve options.

“At Soulman’s, we celebrate the season of family and friends, tried-and-true traditions, abundant gratitude, and delicious food. In our time-honored tradition, we use Soulman’s smoking techniques and recipes passed down from generation to generation to celebrate the holidays with food,” says Brett Randle, CEO of North Texas-based Soulman’s Bar-B-Que.

This season, North Texans can choose Soulman’s traditional holiday meal, including bone-in hickory-smoked turkey, or the spiral sliced holiday ham, mouth-watering sides including cornbread dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, and traditional cranberry sauce. The family meal serves approximately 10-12 people for $169.99. The Soulful Holiday Meal features Soulman’s sliced brisket and sausage with baked mac & cheese, ranch house beans, dinner rolls, and Soulman’s signature Bar-B-Que sauce for $159.99 to serve 10-12 people. For dessert, Soulman’s has homemade buttermilk and pecan pies available to make any holiday meal complete for $18.99.

New this year, Soulman’s is tailoring holiday offerings for savings in two additional ways. They can bundle traditional and soulful holiday meals to feed 20 people for $299.99, saving $30 on the larger holiday gatherings. Guests can add a half smoked ham of half boneless smoked turkey to any holiday meal for $44.99, saving $5. Preorders are required at https://soulmans.com/holiday-menu/.

“Our holiday catering business is busier than ever. So many families and companies come to us year-after-year to help bring in the feasts for seasonal events large and small,” says Randle.

For North Texans looking to branch out from the traditional holiday dinner, Soulman’s offers party packs to make catering holiday parties easy and delicious. From succulent beef brisket to delicious pulled pork, Soulman’s catering brings something to the table for everyone throughout the season. For all holiday orders, visit https://soulmans.com/holiday-menu/.

'Tis the season of giving, and holiday shoppers are checking off their holiday shopping lists on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but the true meaning of the holiday season comes to life on Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. Created in 2012 and celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, it is a day that encourages people to do good by offering their time, a donation, or the power of their voice to support philanthropic causes throughout the holiday season. The Magdalen House, a nonprofit organization, helping women achieve sobriety and sustain recovery from alcoholism at no cost and based on 12-Step spiritual principles, has benefitted from many generous community supporters over their 35 years in existence and is proud to share how three generations of women have worked to grant miracles for alcoholic women in recovery. 

Alicia Cassity is a founding member of The Magdalen House. The Magdalen House was created in June 1987 by four women after realizing an imperative need: there was no safe place in North Texas for an alcoholic woman with no money and no insurance to get help for her alcoholism. Alicia and the other women drove to Houston in March of 1987 when they heard of a facility doing just that so they could create a similar organization in Dallas. Since its founding on Lovers Lane, Alicia has supported The Magdalen House in many ways. 

Alicia shares, "Sharon and I spent the first night in the house… and I don't think we slept a wink all that night. Wondering, 'Oh my God, is it going to work?'. It was five in the morning — something like that when we got a call from the 24-Hour Club. 'Are y'all open?', 'Yep,' 'Got a woman for ya.' 'Bring her on.'."

Laurie Evans met a group of other loved ones of alcoholics in her Al-Anon group. In the group, they studied the Big Book and worked the 12-steps together, but they felt there needed to be something more for new members. The group believed there needed to be a place for a first touch point for those who loved an alcoholic- in recovery or not- to learn more and get better connected with others going through the same things they were. Laurie and the other founders of The Magdalen House's Family Support group went to Lisa Kroencke, Executive Director of The Magdalen House, and asked if they could begin the group there.

Laurie says, “There were plenty of times I would come and sit down, and nobody would show up...and sometimes we didn't have enough room in the room...I have a lot of peace today and so do many committee members. We live with a lot of peace even though we all live with alcoholics - some recovered, some unrecovered. It not only fulfills our 12th step, but it is a desire to give back something that was so freely given to us."

Carolyn Ross graduated from The Magdalen House's First Step and Next Step program while at Redwood Circle and has been a huge supporter and volunteer at The Magdalen House ever since. She volunteers by chairing meetings, staying overnight with the women in First Step, helping with several events, and serving on the Maggie's Women's Group Committee, to name a few. Volunteers like Carolyn keep Maggie's open day in and day out.

According to Carolyn, "When they moved into the new house on Gaston, they had a registry for everything the house needed. One of the things that came to me that was so important to buy was a bed for the house. That bed was discontinued when we were there to unpack and put everything together. So, the house had to purchase the other 19 beds in a different style. There was one bed, the one that I had donated, that was a little bit taller than all the other beds, and they had kept it. For me, it's such a blessing when I overnight, when I come in and do dorm check, or when I wake up the ladies and see that bed. It reminds me of what The Magdalen House did for me and how it touched many lives. It's just a constant reminder of the miracle that Maggie's gave me.” 

Support for alcoholic women across D/FW and beyond continues to grow. According to a recent study, women increased their drinking by 41% more than before the pandemic. Today, there are over 250,000 alcoholic women in D/FW alone. Less than 1 in 15 alcoholic women (only 6.9%) will seek formal help. Because women face more stigmatization, shame, family responsibilities, and socioeconomic barriers than men, they frequently have co-occurring disorders and are less likely to seek treatment. If you're an alcoholic who can't stop drinking or a concerned loved one of an alcoholic, the first step in recovery is education and access to resources. In North Texas, The Magdalen House is not only a leader in education around alcoholism, but also provides in-house services, group meetings, structured programs, family support groups, and tools designed to help grow and sustain recovery.  

Give the gift of a miracle at The Magdalen House this holiday season by making a donation of any amount.

• Donations of $100 help provide 10 Big Books, the curriculum used for women enrolled in The Magdalen House programs. 
• Donations of $850 will sponsor one women's completion of the Next Step Program. 
• Donations of $1,800 will sponsor one women's entire 14-day residential stay in our First Step Program. 

Donations from generous supporters help to ensure that The Magdalen House can continue providing no-cost services to alcoholic women.

The Magdalen House is a nonprofit organization helping women achieve sobriety and sustain recovery from alcoholism at no cost and based on 12-Step spiritual principles. Founded in Dallas in 1987, The Magdalen House remains the only agency in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to offer comprehensive recovery services – without insurance or state funding – 100% free of charge. The Magdalen House is committed to helping alcoholic women achieve long-term, sustainable recovery through spiritually based, comprehensive programming. For more information visit www.magdalenhouse.org.

To support the families and prospective students for the 2022-2023 school year, Uplift Education will be holding Discover Uplift Day, on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 2:00p-5:00p at TWO locations: Dave & Buster’s – Dallas and Altitude Trampoline Park-Cityview in Fort Worth.

“This is a great opportunity for families interested to learn more about Uplift Education within a fun and festive environment. Discover Uplift Day is designed for curious families of prospective students who want to learn how Uplift can change their child’s future with an education that prepares them for college, career, and life,” says Yasmin Bhatia, CEO of Uplift Education.   “At each event, parents, students, and caregivers can learn more about the excellent programs at Uplift, meet some of our amazing and caring teachers and staff, and hear from students and parents on how Uplift has impacted their lives.”

“Since 1996 we have provided high quality, college-prep education to students. Our results are nationally recognized, and our success is proven,” says Bhatia. “Uplift Education is known for our inclusive environment, strong culture, great partnership with our families, and focus on every child’s well-being. Discover Uplift Day is the opportunity to learn how to help your child achieve their dreams with a plan provided by Uplift”

During the events in Dallas and Fort Worth, there will be food, drinks and free entertainment for the kids (game cards and jump time), so entire families are invited to attend.

Uplift Education requests RSVPs by Monday, November 9, 2022 at this link: https://uplifteducation.org/preview/

ABOUT UPLIFT EDUCATION:

Uplift Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of teachers, families, and, most importantly, students. With a network of 46 college-preparatory, public charter schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Uplift offers students of any background the powerful chance to study within a multidisciplinary curriculum and prepare for the college career they deserve. Uplift is the largest International Baccalaureate district in Texas and the #2 IB district in the nation because of the number of holistic extracurricular and educational programs. The incredible educators in the Uplift network guide and teach over 21,000 students in Pre-K- 12th?grades, with the majority being low-income and minority students who will be the first in their family to attend college. For more information Uplift’s mission and their blind lottery selection system, visit?uplifteducation.org?or?facebook.com/uplifteducation.

Tickets are available with special Early Bird Pricing until December 15, 2022

The countdown has begun for the ultimate pop culture convention to come to North Texas. FAN EXPO Dallas has announced that tickets are on sale now for the spectacular three-day event that runs from June 9-11, 2023 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Downtown Dallas.

Early bird pricing is available until December 15, 2022, at 11:59 PM CT. Early bird single day tickets start at $22 (full price from $33), Ealy bird 3-day passes start at $79 (full price from $105 each and the Early bird price on the Ultimate fan package starts at $119 (full price from $145).

“We have the most passionate and dedicated fans in the convention world, and we know that our fans are eager to get their tickets secured, at the lowest price of the season, for what we already know will be an extraordinary event. Each year, we play host to more than 60,000 fans at our pop culture playground,” says Katie Loomis, Show Manager for FAN EXPO Dallas.

As always, FAN EXPO Dallas 2023, North Texas’s largest pop culture convention, will include comic creators, legendary artists, cosplayers, tattoo artists, and gaming innovators. FAN EXPO Dallas’s pop culture universe will continue to expand, involving even more exciting fandoms, community partners, and unique events year-round.

“We invite our fans to buy tickets now and get involved with our upcoming FAN MEETUPS to ‘Celebrate, Discover and Belong’ all year long.  Fans can geek out at virtual meetups, attend movie screenings, participate in game nights, learn from cool fan panels and so much more,” says Loomis. “Fans can get their ‘fix’ while we make continued announcements about celebrity guests, special events, and all of the other great experiences to be discovered at FAN EXPO Dallas 2023,” says Loomis.

To order tickets go to www.fanexpodallas.com

DETAILS:  FAN EXPO DALLAS runs Friday, June 9 through Sunday, June 11, 2023

Friday, June 9 from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P. M.

Saturday, June 10 from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Sunday, June 11 from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is located at 650 S. Griffin St. Dallas, TX 75202

Tickets are currently priced from $22-$119. Hours and information are available at fanexpodallas.com.

ABOUT:  With over a million fans and counting, FAN EXPO HQ attracts pop culture enthusiasts, locally and internationally, to come together to celebrate all things fandom. Collectively it hosts nearly one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Dallas™, FAN EXPO Canada™, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Boston™, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO San Francisco, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO Vancouver™, Toronto Comicon, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL, and EDMONTON EXPO.  The latest schedule of events is available here on their website, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.