Revamp a Lampshade with these Fast and Easy DIYs

Finding just-the-right lamp to match your decor can be tricky. Why not get creative and style your own? All you need is a simple base and a shade of any kind that you can revamp. Follow these fun tips to create the lamp you've been dreaming of.

  • Using fabric to cover your lampshade is a beautiful and affordable way to revamp your lamp. All you need to do is make yourself a template with newspaper and cut it out to perfectly cover your lamp. Then, cut your fabric to match your template. Use fabric glue to place it on and you've got a unique, beautiful shade.
  • Line your lampshade with gold using liquid gold leaf paint and stained glass foiling tape. Make sure to use a lampshade with a plastic lining so the liquid leaf doesn't seep through the shade. Use a foam brush to paint it on and put a clear topcoat on so the paint doesn't tarnish.
  • Use spray paint to create a unique pattern on your lampshade. All you need is the paint and a fun stencil to use as a pattern. A chevron pattern can really transform your lamp and can go well with any kind of decor.

How to Transform a Lamp Shade with Fabric [Just a Girl and Her Blog]
Lampshade Decorating [Plaster & Disaster]
4 Creative Ways to Do a Lampshade Makeover [Bob Vila]

Bear Branch Park: Outdoor Fun for Everyone in The Woodlands

Take a step out of your daily routine and into the great outdoors. Bear Branch Park is great for a day trip with the family or a picnic with your friends. The park comes complete with activity areas and covered pavilions, which means you can work up a sweat in the sun playing basketball, volleyball, or tennis, then lounge under the roof of a gazebo with a cool drink.

Wheelchair-accessible with plenty of restrooms available, Bear Branch Park is perfect for everyone. Kids will love the swimming pool and play areas complete with swing-sets and slides. Those looking for exercise will enjoy the track surrounding the soccer field, while those looking for a more relaxed activity can head to the disc golf course.

Bear Branch Park
5310 Research Forest Dr
The Woodlands, TX 77381
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/33

Champions Roller World: Lace Up Your Skates at This Old-School Rink

A good old fashioned night of roller skating is one of the most wholesome American pastimes, and Champions Roller World is the perfect spot for any birthday party or night out with the kids. The colorful interior doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of newer skating rinks, but it’s full of retro charm from the neon lights and bright red booths to the shelves full of roller skates lining the walls. The entire facility is clean and well maintained, though the prices are still very affordable.

Champions Roller World is especially great for parties, and you’ll often find a children’s birthday party happening in one of the private party rooms. Birthday parties include private skating, an emcee to lead games, customizable music, and a party room where guests can enjoy cake and other outdoor food. Whether you come for a celebration or just to enjoy a few hours of skating, Champions Roller World promises fun for adults and kids alike.

Champions Roller World
5504 Fellowship Lane
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 370-0750
www.skatechampions.com
www.yelp.com/biz/champions-roller-world-spring

Windy City Grill and Pizza: Enjoy a Taste of Chicago

When the rest of the world thinks about Chicago-style pizza, most think deep dish. Windy City Grill and Pizza in Shenandoah is looking to correct that assumption by serving thin-crust pizzas with some interesting choices of toppings: Crab meat, shrimp,and even Canadian bacon make an appearance on the pizza menu. Windy City also offers Chicago-style hot dogs, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, and a small selection of salads and desserts.

The owner and chef is known to come around and chat to customers while they enjoy their meal and share stories gathered during his 40 years in the restaurant business.

The sleek eatery is conveniently located in a shopping center en route to The Woodlands mall, with plenty of parking and can accommodate large parties with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Windy City Grill and Pizza
1500 Research Forest Drive
Shenandoah, TX 77381
(281) 651-5194
www.windycitygrillandpizza.com/home

Quick and Easy Potluck Recipes

So you were invited to your first of many summer potlucks this summer, and you’re totally stumped on what to bring. If you’re searching for the perfect recipe for a group, you’ll want something that’s easy to make and easy to serve, but still really delicious. Here are three unique summertime recipes that are also potluck-friendly.

Key Lime Bars [myrecipes.com]
If you’re in charge of bringing the dessert, these key lime bars are the perfect addition to any potluck. They’re the perfect blend of sweet and tart, and although they’re made entirely from scratch from crust to filling, they’re still simple to prepare.

Salsa for a Crowd [tasteofhome.com]
While salsa is a dish that feeds a lot of people at once, it’s still a really easy dish to throw together. This unique, summery salsa recipe combines corn and black beans with the usual tomatoes and spices to create the perfect topping for tortilla chips, pita wedges, or even tacos.

Sunny Broccoli Salad [midwestliving.com]
Bring a side dish that’s both delicious and healthy when you prepare this broccoli salad. It takes just 20 minutes to make, and unexpected ingredients like low-fat mayonnaise, bacon, and sweet raisins create a punch of flavor that will have all of the other guests asking for your recipe.

Unleash Your Inner Picasso at Pinot’s Palette in The Woodlands

If you’re looking for a fun night out with a bit of a twist, check out Pinot’s Palette in The Woodlands. At Pinot’s, guests get a full-on art lesson while they enjoy drinks and snacks. Locations have been popping up across the country as this unique way of spending a night out has grown in popularity over the years.

Interested parties can go on Pinot’s Palette’s website and sign up for whatever class they’d like to participate in, based on the painting that will be created that night. The Woodlands location is BYOB, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own drinks and snacks to enjoy while their instructors lead a step-by-step painting class. All art supplies are included in the ticket, which will cost you $30 for a 2-hour class and $38 for a 3-hour class.

No art experience is necessary, and the entire spot is available to rent for parties!

Pinot's Palette
3091 College Park Drive
Suite 123
The Woodlands, TX 77384
(936) 321-2787
www.pinotspalette.com/woodlands

Rudy’s Bar B Q: Classic Barbecue in Spring, Texas

Rudy’s Bar B Q is a popular Spring spot for enjoying tasty barbecue. The space presents a down-home setting with an old fashioned gas station theme that recounts the fact that the original in this chain of restaurants began at a Texas gas station.

Sidle up to the counter, place your order and sit down at one of their wooden picnic-style tables. Meat is sold by the half-pound. Choose from Brisket, Turkey Breast, Spicy Chop, Half Chicken, Turkey, Pork Loin, Pork Spare Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Regular Sausage and Jalapeno Sausage. They slice your meat right at the counter and pile it onto white butcher paper. Choose from Spicy or Regular Sauce. Add on some tasty sides like Creamed Corn, Potato Salad, Spicy Beans, Coleslaw, and New Potatoes.

Rudy's is open every day in Spring, Texas

Rudy's Bar B Q
20806 Interstate 45
Spring, TX 77373
(281) 288-0916
www.rudysbbq.com/page/home
www.yelp.com/biz/rudys-bar-b-q-spring-2

Visit Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen for Crawfish, Gumbo and Other Big Easy Favorites

New Orleans cuisine is some of the most flavorful and distinct in the entire country, and you’ll find a little taste of the Big Easy at Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen. This local favorite is located right on Market Street in The Woodlands, and it makes a delicious option for either a laid-back lunch or a celebratory evening out.

The menu is filled with Creole and Cajun specialties like crawfish dip, sausage gumbo and duck with jambalaya. Etouffée and shrimp po’ boys make delicious lunch options, and the bread pudding and powder sugar-topped beignets are perfectly sweet endings to any meal. Pair your meal with a New Orleans Hurricane cocktail, a cold glass beer or a premium wine, or take your food and drinks outside to the lush, green patio for a true New Orleans feel.

Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen
9595 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 419-4242
www.schillecis.com
www.yelp.com/biz/schillecis-new-orleans-kitchen-on-market-street-the-woodlands

Spring-Clean Your Meal Plan With These In-Season Fruits and Veggies

Everyone knows that the springtime is one of the best times of the year when it comes to produce. From ripe, juicy fruits to lush, green vegetables, lots of your favorite foods come back into season in the spring. Here are just a few of the fruits and vegetables that you have to look forward to.

  • Strawberries. Whether you choose fresh fruit salads or a decadent pie, you can use strawberries in lots of delicious recipes that are perfect for warm weather days.
  • Asparagus. Looking to add a side of greens to your dinner? Asparagus tastes its best from March through June.
  • Cherries. With a great deal of fiber and potassium, sweet cherries are some of the springtime's tastiest and healthiest fruits.
  • Radishes. If you're looking for a unique veggie to add some color to your salads, radishes are the perfect choice (and they're also packed with Vitamin C!).
  • Apricots. Add them to yogurt or simply bite right in, because apricots deliver a healthy dose of potassium, Vitamin C and fiber.
  • Artichokes. Once it's warm enough to fire up the grill, your guests will love a side of char-grilled artichokes with their main course.

Spring Produce Guide [Food Network]

The Woodlands Mall: Your One-Stop Shopping Spot

Your one-stop shopping destination isn't far away at The Woodlands Mall. Find what you need at one of the mall's 175 stores! Get your shoe shopping done at Foot Locker, Finish Line, Rockport, or Vans. Complete an ensemble at apparel suppliers like Urban Outfitters, Pacsun, Michael Kors, American Eagle, and Gap. If you don't find what you need, there are dozens more retailers to choose from!

You can also buy electronics and gadgets at Apple, Best Buy, GameStop, and Microsoft, then browse the new bestsellers at Barnes & Noble. In need of housewares, soaps, or a haircut? Find them all under one roof at The Woodlands Mall.

Before you shop, grab a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the mall's 29 food and drink venues, and be sure to sign up for "The Club" for exclusive offers and store discounts to save.

The Woodlands Mall
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr
The Woodlands, TX 77380
1-281-363-3409
www.thewoodlandsmall.com

Pin It on Pinterest