Burn Fat and Torch Calories by Walking. Here’s How!

While you might think that you have to run for miles to lose weight, studies show that spending an hour walking briskly around your neighborhood is just as effective at burning calories and helping you lose weight. If you want to begin a daily walking habit, here’s how to get started.

  • Think shorter, more intense bursts. Instead of slowly walking for an hour or two each day, concentrate on shorter bursts of higher-intensity walking. Many experts suggest briskly walking for 30 minutes a day, three days a week to get started.
  • Don’t forget to warm up. Even though walking isn’t as hard on your muscles and joints as running, you’ll still need to warm up to prevent cramping and stress on the heart. Shoot for a five-minute stroll before every walk.
  • Activate your muscles. Instead of just walking like you would in your daily life, turn your walk into a real workout by activating your abdominal muscles, squeezing your glutes, and even pumping your arms back and forth.
  • Ramp up the incline. If you really want to target your legs and glutes, walk on a route that has a lot of hills or rough terrain. You can even take a hike for a more scenic workout.

Walking to Lose Weight [All You]
How to Walk Off 10 Pounds [Health]
Top 10 health benefits of walking every day [Tesco Living]

TopGolf: A Driving Range With a Twist

TopGolf began as a traditional driving range in 2000, but over the next decade it evolved into a truly futuristic golf experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. The facility is separated into multiple air conditioned bays to shield players from the Houston heat, and there are many different holes scattered throughout the range.

Players can treat the visit like a traditional driving range or play one of TopGolf’s strategy games in which each hole is worth different amounts of points. Every hole is equipped with a sensor that keeps track of your points for you, and at night the holes light up with colorful lights. Up to six players can use one bay at a time, and the bays also contain comfortable seating areas where guests can order food and drinks while playing.

If that doesn’t sound like enough, TopGolf also offers pool tables, a full bar, and live music to make each visit fun for players of all ages and skill levels!

TopGolf
560 Spring Park Center Boulevard
Spring, TX 77373
(832) 200-0106
www.topgolf.com
www.yelp.com/biz/topgolf-spring-2

Yucatan Taco Stand and Tequila Bar: Latin Fusion Fare Comes North of the Border

Thanks to Yucatan Taco Stand and Tequila Bar, The Woodlands eaters don't have to cross the border for fresh, authentic Latin cuisine. They can just head to this colorful taqueria, inspired by the sights, sounds, and flavors of the traditional taco stand.

It should come as no surprise that Yucatan is best known for its tacos, but many customers also highly recommend the nachos. They come five different ways, with toppings like garlic beef, tequila-lime chicken, and pork. The crunchy chips, medley of gooey cheeses, and blend of veggies on top remain the same no matter which variety you order. Munch on the nachos while you warm up for a plate of tempura fish tacos or a spicy aged chorizo burrito. You can also dig into a signature entree, such as the tilapia with a lemony chardonnay sauce or a Brazilian steak smothered with chimichurri sauce.

Yucatan Taco Stand and Tequila Bar
24 Waterway Avenue
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 419-6300
yucatantacostand.com
www.yelp.com/biz/yucatan-taco-stand-and-tequila-bar-the-woodlands

Tewbeleaux’s: Bountiful Beverages and Bayou-Worthy Grub

Inspired by the youthful competitive spirit of two-hand touch football once played by a young Chip Jackson, Tewbeleaux’s founder, this popular Spring sports bar and grill mixes up the rules by offering creative Cajun-inspired cuisine in addition to the casual bar fare classics.

For a taste of New Orleans, try the crawfish smothered in classic Creole etouffee sauce on top of white rice, or order the popular Andouille sausage dog, topped with blackened chicken, veggies, cheese, and Creole mustard. Like any sports bar worth its salt, Tewbeleaux’s has no shortage of chicken wings, tossed in your choice of sauce. Wash it all down with a signature cocktail or one of the 20 brews on draft.

A destination for local Spring sports fans, on any given night Tewbeleaux’s is powering more TVs than an electronic superstore and, of course, all in crisp high-def. Customers can also play a shoot pool, throw darts, and even play video games. The ambiance at Tewbeleaux's is boisterous and fun, but the dining room is clean and well-maintained.

Join in on the fun 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

Tewbeleaux's
2907 Rayford Road
Spring, TX 77386
(281) 292 3600
www.tewbeleauxs.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tewbeleauxs-sports-bar-and-grill-spring

Clever Decorating and Storage Ideas for the Bedroom

Between trying on clothes every morning to tossing and turning in the covers every night, the place that should be your sleep sanctuary can start to look a bit more lived-in than you’d like. Here are some smart tips for decorating and storing your essentials in your bedroom.

  • Add a wall-mounted nightstand. Maximize the square footage in your bedroom by installing a wall-mounted nightstand. You could even use a shelf with an attached drawer.
  • Mount a cabinet above the bed. To really free up floor space, consider forgoing a traditional headboard in favor of a flat, hanging cabinet mounted just above the bed.
  • Add light curtains. While many people prefer light-blocking curtains in the bedroom, these can make a room feel smaller. Choose light, gauzy options in a neutral color to bring more openness to the room — and help you spring out of bed in the morning!
  • Add an under-bed “dresser.” Buy a bed with built-in storage, or slide lidded storage containers under your bed. Either is a good option for storing out-of-season clothing, blankets, and other bulky items.
  • Add a desk at the foot of the bed. Create a bedroom workspace by investing in a skinny desk facing the end of the bed. It can also double as a vanity.

Design Dozen: 12 Clever Space-Saving Solutions for Small Bedrooms [Apartment Therapy]
169 So Cool Headboard Ideas That You Won’t Need More [Shelterness]
12 Bedroom Storage Ideas to Optimize Your Space [Decoholic]

George Mitchell Nature Preserve: 1,700 Acres of Natural Beauty in The Woodlands

Even the most inexperienced hiker will enjoy spending the afternoon at the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, a scenic and fun-filled outdoor retreat in The Woodlands. This well-maintained park encompasses 1,700 acres of preserved natural areas managed by the Montgomery County Spring Creek Greenway, which connects more than 12,000 acres of forest in the area.

Inside the preserve, you’ll find a 2-mile-long hiking trail that offers a bit of a challenging hike through the lush, green forest, as well as an additional 3 miles of mountain biking trails for avid bikers. These safe and secure trails are covered in natural, sustainable tracks that offer proper support and footing without taking away from the beauty of nature. If you prefer to walk along the water, the Bedias Lake paths are also great options, offering a bit more leisurely stroll through this verdant park.

George Mitchell Nature Preserve
Spring Creek Greenway
The Woodlands, TX 77380
www.thewoodlandstx.com/parks/george-mitchell-nature-preserve.php

Italian Cafe: A Neighborhood Spot for Italian Cuisine

You don’t have to travel far from Avana Six Pines to find great Italian food, not when the Italian Cafe is close by! Conveniently located in Spring, Texas, the Italian Cafe is a welcoming Italian restaurant that's family-owned and operated. Come in and have a glass of wine while you look over the menu that features classic dishes. If you’re in the mood for pizza, the Italian Cafe has small, medium, and large pies for any person or group. Try one of the special pies, or create your own! Every entree comes with delicious garlic bread and a salad with delicious house dressing. The pasta, chicken, and veal dishes will make you want to come back for more. The Italian Cafe is open Tuesdays through Saturdays for dinner, and Sundays for lunch and dinner.

Italian Cafe
19620 Kuykendahl Road
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 528-2919

www.italiancaferestaurant
www.yelp.com/biz/italian-cafe-spring-2

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar: Caribbean Flair in The Woodlands

Whether you're looking for restaurant to host a group dinner for a special occasion, or you simply want to relax and enjoy a good meal on a Friday night, Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar is a solid choice. This place is often packed, and yet customers still routinely give it high marks for both hospitality and food.

Yelp reviewers rave over the coconut crusted crab cakes with Thai chili sauce, so if you like seafood, this is a good appetizer to begin your meal. As far as entrees go, the blackened fish taco with tomato relish and chipotle aioli is another customer favorite, while the kona coffee crusted ribeye steak served with herbed marrow butter and warm potato salad is one of the kitchen's specialties. Be careful, however: the menu is so varied and appealing that it can be easy to fill up without leaving room for dessert. Regulars will tell you this is a big mistake, because dessert at Tommy Bahama is simply delicious. Finish your meal with a slice of triple layer chocolate cake, and you'll likely leave with a smile.

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
9595 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 292-8669
www.tommybahama.com/TBG/Stores_Restaurants/Woodlands.jsp
www.yelp.com/biz/tommy-bahama-restaurant-and-bar-the-woodlands-the-woodlands

Quick and Easy Marinades for That Upcoming Barbecue

Every barbecue enthusiast knows that the marinade is key when it comes to adding flavor to your meats, but there are a whole lot more options than just the usual barbecue sauce to choose from. From sweet to tangy to spicy, these grill-ready marinades can take foods from bland to mouthwatering in just a few minutes flat. And best of all? They don’t have to sit in the refrigerator all night, so they’re perfect for the last-minute home chef!

Greek Marinade [greek.food.com]
Olive oil and lemon juice impart a bright, zesty flavor to foods like chicken and fish, while a bounty of fresh herbs and spices will make you feel like you hopped a plane to the shores of Greece. Pour this perfect marinade over your meats and pop them into the fridge for an hour before grilling.

Maple Grilled Salmon Glaze [myrecipes.com]
Take salmon to the next level with this sweet and smoky glaze that you can brush on the fish — or even on a juicy pork chop — right as it’s cooking. Garnish with orange slices to bring out even more sweet, citrus-y flavor.

Barbecue Sauce [marthastewart.com]
Although there are limitless options for marinades, sometimes you’re just in the mood for a good old-fashioned barbecue sauce. This simple, straightforward recipe takes just 30 minutes to make, and it can be used on everything from ribs to chicken at your next cookout.

George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library: Get Lost in the Stacks of This Community Library

The George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library is housed in a 30,000-square-foot brick building conveniently located in the Woodlands area of Montgomery County.

This community staple contains 102,500 books and other resources, including the latest fiction and nonfiction releases, classic works of literature, educational books, and children’s books. The computer lab offers 30 computers equipped with Internet access, Microsoft Office, and many other resources, and there are also printer stations and photocopiers for public use. A meeting room, conference room, and two study rooms are ideal for study groups or other gatherings, and the library also offers many book clubs for fellow readers in the area. With a valid library card guests also have access to the numerous children, teen, and adult programs hosted at the library.

The George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The library is closed on Sundays.

The George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library
8125 Ashlane Way
The Woodlands, TX 77382
(936) 442-7728
www.countylibrary.org/mitchell.htm
www.yelp.com/biz/george-and-cynthia-woods-mitchell-library-the-woodlands

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