We hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day celebrating with the ones you love!
Houston Shopping at Memorial City Mall
February 11, 2016 by
If you haven’t been to Memorial City Mall in Houston lately, you’re missing out. This large mall has recently gone through a renaissance, transforming it from a rundown to a favorite in town. Many shoppers prefer this mall over the Galleria for its convenient location, parking, and fewer crowds. Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Sears and Target are anchor stores, but there is a wide range of contemporary shopping options, including everyday favorites like Ann Taylor Loft, Express, and Foot Locker. The mall boasts plenty of specialty stores, like Apple, Build-A-Bear, Pandora, Sephora, and Teavana.
The food court has been recently updated, too, with numerous selections for a quick bite to eat. Options range from good ol’ American Chick-Fil-A to Sarku Japan. If you need a full service spot to refuel, California Pizza Kitchen and The Cheesecake Factory are shoppers’ favorites. Kids love the whimsical play area that includes a carousel and train that takes little shoppers on a ride through the mall.
Memorial City Mall
900 Gessner Road
Houston TX 77024
(713) 464-8640
www.memorialcitymall.com
www.yelp.com/biz/memorial-city-mall-houston
Sample Mexican Sweets at El Bolillo Bakery
February 4, 2016 by
Mexican cuisine is almost as well known for its unique desserts and pastries as it is for its tacos and burritos, and you can take a taste of these indulgent treats in Houston at El Bolillo Bakery. Mexican sweetbreads are made fresh each morning and make the perfect breakfast when paired with a hot cup of coffee, while the tres leches and customizable occasion cakes are ideal for birthday parties and other events.
There are a number of authentic Mexican cookies and pastries that you can mix and match to create your own bulk order, and if you’re looking for something a bit closer to home, El Bolillo Bakery even offers classic sugar cookies and other types of American baked goods.
While this popular bakery can get quite busy at peak hours, its friendly and knowledgeable employees always keep things running like a well-oiled machine.
El Bolillo Bakery
2421 South Wayside Drive
Houston, TX 77023
(713) 921-3500
www.elbolillo.com
Chew to Beat of Mariachi Music at Rancho Grande in Tomball
January 28, 2016 by
Rancho Grande is a popular Mexican eatery serving both traditional recipes and new takes on classic favorites in a lively, colorful atmosphere. As soon as you enter the restaurant’s doors you’ll be greeted by the sounds of Mariachi music and bright, eclectic decor.
Rancho Grande’s lunch menu includes Tex-Mex cuisine, like shrimp ceviche and sizzling fajitas, while for dinner, you’ll find even larger portions of favorites, like tortilla soup, enchiladas, and spicy tacos. There is also a full bar for of-age guests where you’ll find icy margaritas and imported Mexican cervezas. Stop by for the restaurant’s popular happy hour every day of the week, or bring the whole family to chow down on fresh, affordable Mexican fare for lunch or dinner.
Rancho Grande is open 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Happy hour is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Rancho Grande
30134 State Highway 249
Tomball, TX 77375
(281) 351-1244
www.ranchograndebarandgrill.com
Turn Your Kitchen at 2411 Washington Into a Pizzeria With These Pizza Dough Recipes
January 21, 2016 by
The next time you’re planning a pizza night at home, forget your usual delivery spot and make your own pie. With these easy and authentic recipes for homemade pizza dough, you can turn your apartment into your own miniature pizzeria!
Pizza Crust [King Arthur Flour]
If you have some free time early in the week, make this simple recipe that holds for up to two days. It bakes thin and crispy when rolled flat with a rolling pin, but if you prefer a chewy crust, it can also be made thicker.
Quick Basic Pizza Dough [Martha Stewart]
For hot, fresh pizza on the spot, this quick dough is very simple to make. Simply mix your flour with olive oil, salt and a sprinkle of sugar, and then give it a few kneads before using. If you have leftover dough, you can also wrap it in secure plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
My Favorite Pizza [The Pioneer Woman]
Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, this recipe for pizza crust can be topped with anything to make it your own. This recipe makes two separate pies, so it’s perfect for pizza parties, and it even stores in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Pick Up Fresh-Roasted Beans in Micro Brews at Katz Coffee
January 14, 2016 by
For true coffee lovers in the Houston area, any old grocery store beans just won’t do. That’s why so many area residents adore Katz Coffee, a micro roaster that consistently churns out fresh coffees, some of which are only a few hours old when you purchase them.
Stop in to this off-the-beaten-path roaster and you’ll instantly get hit with the intoxicating aroma of premium beans roasting right on site. Katz sources coffee beans from responsible, sustainable sources all over the world, and once received, they roast them in their Houston warehouse and ship them to coffee shops all over the area.
If you go straight to the source, however, you can meet the knowledgeable, coffee-loving minds behind the brews and even pick up bags of beans in bulk. Check out delicious batches like the popular Jumping Mouse blend, Bavarian Chocolate for those who prefer flavored coffee and even Velvet Espresso to make your own latte at home.
Katz Coffee
1003 W 34th St
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 864-3338
www.KatzCoffee.com
5 New Year’s Resolutions Beyond Weight Loss
January 7, 2016 by
Although losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, this year might be the year to stop worrying about your appearance and start working toward a more positive mindset. You just might find that bettering yourself from the inside will have positive effects on your body as well!
- Devote more time to loved ones. If you don’t get to see your family and friends as much as you'd like, aim to fix that in the upcoming months. Cut back on work, schedule a visit, or simply ask a loved one out to dinner—and leave your phone in your pocket!
- Butt out. Giving up cigarettes does just as much good for your body as dieting, so toss out your pack after the clock strikes midnight.
- Improve your finances. From paying off your credit card bills to setting aside money for savings, getting out of debt can make you feel a bit lighter in a completely different way.
- Volunteer for a cause. Even if it’s only once a month, donating time to a cause that you believe in is a great way to improve yourself in the New Year.
- Get active. Instead of making a New Year’s resolution to improve your physique, vow to simply get outside more and become more active. You just might shed a few pounds along the way.
Top 10 New Year's Resolutions [About Travel]
10 New Year’s Resolutions You Might Actually Keep [How Stuff Works]
Popular New Year's Resolutions [USA.gov]
Artista Restaurant: A Picture-Perfect Dining Experience
December 23, 2015 by
Just like a painting in an art museum, the dishes at Artista Restaurant are picture-perfect and exceptionally creative, diner say. This artistic eatery is located in Houston’s Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, and it offers sweeping views of the city skyline from any table in its spacious dining room.
Here, guests can dine on New American classics and signature dishes from Michael Cordúa, one of the most inventive and renowned chefs in all of Texas. The lunch and dinner menus include wild Scottish salmon, calamari tempura appetizers, and premium filet mignon steaks served with complementary sides, including the restaurant’s almost-famous mascarpone mashed potatoes. The dessert menu includes crème brulee, tres leches cakes, and other decadent sweets, and there is even an expansive wine list for of-age guests.
If you’re going out to see a show in the area, be sure to make reservations beforehand for dinner at Artista!
Artista Restaurant
800 Bagby St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 278-4782
www.artistahouston.com
Simple and Swift Decor Ideas for the Holiday Season
December 17, 2015 by
Decorating for the holidays should be fun, not stressful, but many people become overwhelmed by the process. One of the best ways to prepare for holiday decorating is by reading up on ideas to get inspiration for your own home. Here are a few smart seasonal decor tips that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
- Fill clear jars and vases with red and white peppermint candies. Set them on any bare surface that could use some sprucing up.
- Purchase pine garland in bulk and drape it on all of your home’s tall areas, including mantles, banisters, and on top of cabinets.
- Buy vintage holiday decor from local thrift stores for a fun, quirky touch. Think retro dinnerware items, aluminum trees, and antique nutcrackers.
- Don’t be afraid to decorate your tree in a fresh, new color scheme. If you’re not feeling the red and green this year, opt for icy blue and silver, rich purple and gold or even stark white.
- Try out tartan instead of your usual holiday-themed textiles. This classic red plaid looks festive and unique when used on placemats, tree skirts, or stockings.
- Think of scents just as much as sights. You can’t go wrong with cinnamon or vanilla-scented candles, bowls filled with potpourri, and even pine cones from outside.
- Create your own simple winter floral arrangement by placing tall berry branches in white jars.
13 Stylish Holiday and Christmas Decorating Ideas [Real Simple]
11 Easy Holiday Decorating Tips from Top Bloggers [House Beautiful]
101 Fresh Christmas Decorating Ideas [Southern Living]
Happy Winter!
December 15, 2015 by
As sweater weather approaches we hope you all stay warm and cozy this season! What are some of your favorite winter activities?
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