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Last weekend was Black Tie Dinner, the big LGBTQ fundraiser here in Dallas. It still amazes me that it started about 45 years ago as a small dinner among local leaders who wanted to support the groups that keep our community going. Now it fills Texas' largest ballroom, supports nearly two dozen charities, and raises over $1 million a year. It is also the one night when I get to catch up with people I adore but never manage to see any other time. I love that part most. I also love any excuse to wear a tux.
Christmas decorating is in full swing, and the house is starting to look like a holiday catalog. I have five trees up and fluffed, three mantels done, the front stairs and foyer finished. Ornaments still need to happen, but that always feels like a task best attempted with a glass of wine in hand. Just not too many because that leads to creative decisions that have to be fixed the next morning.
The only thing I have not jumped into is the music. I burn out fast because every playlist repeats the same small set of songs sung by the same group of people. But I still want everyone to stick to the classics. I know. I make no sense.
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I GOT WISH'ED
What The Elf?!
On Halloween, my forever friend Kelly sent me a link to a Dolly-themed Elf on the Shelf sold by Walmart. I was tipsy and ordered immediately. A week later, she arrived. Y’all, she is something else. So off the mark that she looped back around to funny. I filmed the unboxing and my first reactions, and it is blowing up on my TikTok. It is already past 40k views as I type this, and the comments are hilarious. You can also find it on my Instagram. (PLEASE FOLLOW ME!)
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HIT PLAY
All She Wanna Do
John Legend’s All She Wanna Do slipped back into my playlist, and I have not stopped listening to it. It starts as a slow jam, then turns into a total bop. I have walked away from more than one task because I had a full-on dance break.
Watch the lyric video here. (That's the version of the song I like best.) There is also a longer version with rapper Saweetie and a sweet backstory.
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WHAT'S COOKIN'
Mamoo's Mashed Potatoes
Every family has that recipe that gets requested for every gathering. Mine is Mamoo’s mashed potatoes. I filmed a full how-to so you can make them for Thanksgiving. They are simple and exactly what a holiday plate needs. Watch it on my blog.
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RESPONSIBLE ADULTING
Use It Before You Lose It
We have about 45 days left in the year, so this is the moment to check your Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts before you lose any money. We checked ours and found about $2,500 sitting there. So now we are clearing out expired DayQuil so that we’re set for cold & flu season. I also restocked my favorite sunscreen!
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FROM THE DOLLY LLAMA
"I could get away with less,
but I like more."
- Dolly Parton
This feels right as I stare at five undecorated trees.
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That's it for this week! Be sure to follow me on Instagram@thecooperkoch if you want to keep up with the day-to-day and see my Daily Twirls!
PS - My 51st birthday is a month from tomorrow! 'Tis the season for all the celebrations!
Until next time, always remember...
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P.S. If you enjoyed Cooped Up, forward it to a friend who could use a little more humor, honesty and wholly questionable life advice in their inbox. Sharing is caring. Or at least good for my ego. |
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1222 N Bishop Ave, Ste 200-726, Dallas, TX 75208
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