How to Style and Organize a Bookcase

Sure, bookcases are meant to hold your book collection, but that doesn’t mean that yours should look like a jumbled mess. Turn your overstuffed bookcase into a focal point in your home with these simple, designer-worthy decorating tips.

  1. Organize all of your books in an attractive way. Whether you organize them by color to create a rainbow effect or by height for a unique pattern, you should consider book placement before anything else—it is a bookshelf, after all!
  2. Add knickknacks. While knickknacks may make you think of a cluttered grandmother’s house, modern versions will add an artistic flair to your shelves. Hunt for vintage brass or ceramic objects at local thrift stores, pick up small sculptures on your travels, or simply place green plants throughout.
  3. Fill it with frames. For a personal touch, frame photos of your friends or family and place them upright on the shelves. Or, if you want to create a more unique effect, attach the frame with a small nail to the front of the bookshelf where a corner meets.
  4. Step back and admire your work. To ensure that your bookshelf looks as good from afar as it does up close, frequently back up and reconsider the placement of each item.

How to Decorate a Bookshelf [Decoist]
How-to Beautify Your Bookcase [Coastal Living]
22 Ways to Arrange Your Shelves [Real Simple]
Flip for Decorating: The Bookcase [House Beautiful]

Dosey Doe: Food, Music, and Fun in a Rustic Spot

An old tobacco barn has been re-purposed to become the Dosey Doe, a great place for food, music, and fun near Avana Grogan’s Mill. Frequent patrons of this entertainment venue note that it boasts great acoustics. But first, have a seat and fuel up with a made-from-scratch meal. The chef at the Dosey Doe believes in cooking everything from start to finish, using only the freshest local ingredients. Check out the Blue Plate Specials like grilled rib-eye or bacon wrapped quail. The everyday entrees like the “Ginormous” chicken fried steak with garlic potatoes and gravy will satisfy any appetite.

Great bands are always on tap at Dosey Doe’s Big Barn, including local bands and big acts like the Bellamy Brothers, Crystal Gayle, and Ray Price. Call ahead for advance ticket sales.

Dosey Doe
25911 IH 45
Spring, TX 77380
(281) 367-3774
www.doseydoe.com/bigdoe.php
www.yelp.com/biz/dosey-doe-spring-2

Arthur Murray Dance Studio: Learn the Cha-Cha in The Woodlands

If you’re looking for something fun and adventurous to try with your significant other (or even just with a friend), visit Arthur Murray Dance Studio. This renowned chain of dance studios can teach just about anyone how to dance, whether you want to learn something snazzy for your upcoming wedding or you’re simply looking for a date night activity that’s a bit out of the ordinary.

Arthur Murray Dance Studio offers social ballroom dance classes in a lively group setting, as well as private lessons if you want a bit more one-on-one interaction. Classes are also tailored toward those with little to no dancing experience, so you can feel confident that things will never move too fast. Call the studio and receive a special discount on your first private dancing class at Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

The studio is open 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.

Arthur Murray Dance Studio
19075 1-45 South
The Woodlands, TX 77385
(936) 321-9200
www.dancetx.com

What Do You Put in Your Stir-Fry Bowl at Genghis Grill?

Picky eaters in The Woodland find solace at Genghis Grill, where you can build your own stir-fry bowl with more than 80 available ingredients. In five easy steps, you will create your own meal before handing it off to grill masters who cook it atop a sizzling, circular grill. The five-step process includes choosing a protein, spice, veggies, sauce, and a starch. Depending on what you create, your meal may consist of Asian fusion, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, vegan, or Korean fares.

If you can’t choose what to make, you can build one of the restaurant’s signature bowls. Choose from such house creations as pineapple teriyaki chicken, steak and broccoli, firecracker scallops, and spicy Thai tofu. If you don’t wish to participate at all, you can order a chef-made bowl from your table. Along with signature bowls, Genghis Grill serves infamous, signature cocktails in fishbowls!

Genghis Grill
9300 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX
(281) 363-4745
www.genghisgrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/genghis-grill-the-woodlands

Cool and Unusual Uses for Fabric Softener Sheets

While you likely already know that you can use fabric softener sheets for, well, making your fabrics softer, you may not know that there are a number of other uses for these handy household items. Here are just a few smart and surprising things to do with your dryer sheets.

  • Wipe up fine, powdery spills like flour or makeup using dryer sheets, because the anti-static properties help to pick up these hard-to-scoop messes.
  • Likewise, dryer sheets also make great DIY dusters for shelves, television screens, and baseboards.
  • Freshen up musty places by placing dryer sheets inside of your smelly winter boots, gym bag, or in a musty closet.
  • Remove pet hair from just about any surface (including your clothing) by wrapping a dryer sheet around your hand and gently running it over the surface.
  • In the summertime, stuff dryer sheets in your pockets to repel mosquitos.
  • Remove hard water stains from faucets and the door of a shower by running a dry dryer sheet over the surface.
  • End static on your hair and clothing in the winter by running a dryer sheet all over yourself.

10 New Uses for Dryer Sheets [Real Simple]
20 Household Uses for Used (Yes, Used) Dryer Sheets [Apartment Therapy]
25 Alternative Uses for Fabric-Softener Dryer Sheets [Curbly]

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion: Watch Your Favorite Band from the Lawn

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is said to be one of the best places to catch a concert in The Woodlands, offering a wide array of nationally touring acts from a variety of genres. The well-maintained outdoor facility features a large pavilion covering a spacious stage and stadium-style seating, as well as a standing area for those who want to get as close as possible to the stage.

If you don’t want to spring for the higher ticket price, save some money by purchasing lawn seats and spreading a blanket out on the grassy lawn to watch the show. With a great sound system, numerous food and beverages vendors and a lively, fun-filled atmosphere, you’ll love spending a summer evening watching live music at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

For a complete list of upcoming shows at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, visit the venue’s website.

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
2005 Lake Robbins Drive
Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 363-3300
www.woodlandscenter.org

Datpho: Pho and More in Spring, Texas

Fresh, flavorful Vietnamese cuisine served in a pleasant, modern setting is what’s on the menu at Datpho. Go there to take your taste buds on a culinary tour of Vietnamese cuisine. Get your appetite primed with a starter like Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Egg Rolls, or Grilled Chicken Rolls.

A bowl of steaming Pho, the popular soup of Vietnamese cuisine chock full of herbs, veggies and spices, is always a great choice. Banh Mi – flavorful sandwiches served on French bread, also makes a great meal, piled high with veggies and your choice of grilled beef, chicken, pork or tofu. Vermicelli Noodles come with your choice of Grilled Chicken, Grilled Pork, Char-Broiled Shrimp, Grilled Beef, or Tofu. Rice dishes are also on the menu. You can also try an authentic drink like Thai Tea or Salty Plum.

Just a short trip from Avana Grogan’s Mill in Spring, Texas, Datpho is open Thursday through Tuesday.

Datpho
523 E. Louetta Road
Spring, TX 77373
(281) 528-8989
http://www.datphospring.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/datpho-spring

Grab Mediterranean Fare in a Hurry at Zoës Kitchen

If you’re looking for a healthier, more flavorful alternative to the usual takeout fare, pop in to Zoës Kitchen. This national chain of Mediterranean eateries has a convenient location in the heart of The Woodlands, and it makes a great choice for a quick weekday lunch, a grab-and-go snack, or a takeout dinner when you’re too tired to cook. On the menu, you’ll find grilled chicken platters served with fresh, healthy salads, flavorful hummus, and warm naan bread on the side, plus a great selection of sandwiches and kabobs.

Everything is made using premium ingredients and quality spices, and if you choose to take your food to-go, the friendly employees will happily box it up for your convenience. With ample seating, a clean, colorful decor style and an atmosphere that is more upscale than the usual fast food spots, Zoës Kitchen is a great addition to restaurant selection in The Woodlands.

Zoës Kitchen
9595 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(832) 585-0430
www.zoeskitchen.com

Hosting a Holiday Party? These Recipes Will End It on a Sweet Note

When it comes to the holidays, the desserts are the truly standout dishes. Everyone has their go-to pie recipe, their favorite seasonal cookies and that tasty twist on hot chocolate, but it’s always fun to experiment with creative new desserts. Here are three great dessert recipes that are sure to impress the guests at all of your holiday parties.

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies [myrecipes.com]
Combine two of the most popular seasonal flavors—chocolate and peppermint—into one delicious dessert with this gourmet brownie recipe. The rich, dense brownie portion is incredibly decadent, while the crunchy peppermint topping adds a festive flair that you won’t find from traditional versions.

Holiday Biscotti [foodnetwork.com]
Coffee lovers and dessert fans alike love the classic Italian biscotti cookie, but this unique recipe gives it a festive holiday spin. The biscotti itself has a slight lemon taste that is accented by chopped pistachios and dried cranberries, while the white chocolate coating features red and green sugar crystals for a festive flair.

Cream Puff Tower [realsimple.com]
Instead of the usual pie or cake, create a tower of cream puffs that looks just as elegant. This classic pastry is puffy on the outside with a sweet, creamy filling, and when you place each puff in a metallic wrapper, the tower looks even more shiny and festive.

Channel Your Inner Picasso at Potteryland Studio

The next time you’re looking for something unique and creative to do with your friends or the little ones, consider booking an afternoon at Potteryland Studio. This bright, colorful art studio in The Woodlands hosts social painting classes for visitors of all skill levels, so it offers a great opportunity to get creative and try your hand at something artistic.

Choose a handmade pottery piece from the studio’s wide selection of bowls, plates, animal statues, and piggy banks, and then choose from the wide variety of paint colors to create your own customized masterpiece on the surface of the pottery. In addition to pottery painting, Potteryland offers glass fusing and traditional canvas painting classes.

Potteryland Studio is open seven days a week. The studio fee is $4 for kids and $6 for adults, plus the cost of the pottery piece.

Potteryland Studio
25166 Grogans Park Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 419-7965
www.potteryland-studio.com

Pin It on Pinterest