6 Tips for Decorating a Bookshelf

Bookshelves can be more than just a place to organize your library. The shelves can also double as a way to express yourself and your passions. Here are six tips to help you create a bookshelf display that's as unique as you are.

1. If you have a childhood toy or a memento from a vacation, place them around your books to make an interesting narrative. This will keep your display personal, while also creating a conversation piece.

2. Make sure that there is cohesion to your placement. Keep animal figures one shelf and flower vases on another for the best results.

3. Use an empty photo frame to bring color and shape to a bookshelf. Pick up a few old frames from an antiques shop, add a coat of paint, and you’ve got a great new look. Arrange a few frames together to create a bold focal point.

4. Placing mirrors along the backside of your bookshelves gives off a cool, modern vibe. It also deepens the look, make the room seem a bit longer and lighter.

5. If you have great pieces of artwork but are short on wall space, placing piece in between books can be an interesting way to dress up a room. Eyes will happily move between the books and the pictures, curious for what else to find.

6. Don’t forget about the top of the bookshelf. Utilize the top for bigger objects that won’t fit anywhere else, like paintings or sculptures.

Decorating tips for shelves and bookcases [HGTV]
Tips on Decorating a Bookshelf [Overstock.com]
22 Ways to Arrange Your Shelves [Real Simple]
Decorating a Bookcase [Its Overflowing]

Merlot 2 Masterpiece: BYOB Painting Party

If you’re bored with the usual night out, plan an evening with Merlot 2 Masterpiece in Spring. These BYOB guided painting classes are a fun way to get in touch with your creativity in a relaxed party atmosphere. For about $50 you will get all the supplies and instruction necessary to create your own artwork, and past participants have found the instructors to be encouraging and helpful. Everyone works on the same painting for each party, and there is a wide range in their course offerings from portraits to landscapes and whimsical or abstract. At the end of the three hour event you’ll have your very own masterpiece to hang in your home or give as a gift. It’s a great idea for birthday parties and other special occasions. Reservations are necessary.

Merlot 2 Masterpiece
6915 Cypresswood Drive
Spring, TX 77379
(832) 482-2591
www.yelp.com/biz/merlot-2-masterpiece-spring

Smart Investing Principles from the Securities and Exchange Commission

Whether you’re an experienced investor or you’re considering investing for the first time, we can all learn a few things about making smart investments. These helpful Guiding Principles from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission won’t tell you exactly which investments to make, but they will offer you some useful guidelines:

Make a plan
This principle advises people to consider the things they want to save for in the future – from a car to your children’s college education – and plan to save and invest to meet those costs.

Save and invest for the long term
The next principle recommends saving and investing for the long term. Because the stock market goes up and down, it is important to put in the time to see the effects of your investment. Don't fret about day-to-day fluctuations of the market.

Investigate before you invest
It is always a good idea to research any investment before putting money into it, and this principle details a few key ways to make sure that your investment is worthwhile. From calling your state securities regulator to identifying “get rich quick” schemes, this tip can prevent headaches down the line.

Guiding Principles [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]

Public Domain/Public Domain

Black Walnut Café: Happy Hour So Nice, They Do It Twice!

A regional chain known for its fast food-meets-sit down dining concept, Black Walnut Cafe has several area locations, including The Woodlands. Order at the counter before filling your drink and choosing your own table. This relaxed, self-service concept is convenient for those looking for a quick and casual meal. Black Walnut Cafe's cozy ambiance and classy decor make it an inviting spot to sit a while and enjoy a snack.

100 menu choices range from small bites to full size entrees, with many salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Try the Fish Tacos or the Grilled Cheese Burger — a beef patty between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Breakfast is a favorite at Black Walnut Cafe; stop by for the morning happy hour from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, for deals on breakfast favorites and cocktails. (Happy hour gets an encore from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.) If you enjoy a late brunch, the breakfast menu is served until 4 p.m. on weekends. Don't pass up the fresh baked goods and gelato!

Black Walnut Cafe
2520 Research Forest Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77381
(281) 362-1678
http://www.blackwalnutcafe.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/black-walnut-cafe-the-woodlands

Explore the Library of Congress’s ‘Today in History’ Site

If you’re a history buff, you'll probably enjoy this fun and exciting webpage from the Library of Congress. Today in History is an online tool updated each day to recount one important historical event that happened that day. You’ll get a mini history lesson every day, and it also make for a great conversation starter.

For example, November 16, 2013 may have just been an average Tuesday for all of us, but on that date in 1863 Abraham Lincoln delivered The Gettysburg Address, one of the most famous speeches in American history.

Today in History allows you to go back and read what you didn’t see, and it also lets you skip forward to future events, too. You can browse events by key words like “battle” or “speech," jump to a specific day in the archive, or just browse the archive by month to see every post. If you're interested in history, the Library of Congress's Today in History site is worth bookmarking!

Today in History [The Library of Congress]

Public Domain/Public Domain

Vintage Finds at Camille’s Antique Boutique

Add a girly touch to your décor with items from Camille’s Antique Boutique in Spring. This former art teacher has amassed a delightful collection of vintage furniture, knick-kacks, china, and clothing. The shop has an ever-changing selection of painted antique furniture in French Country and Shabby Chic styles as well as historic chandeliers, antique china and more. Pick up a floral tea set, lace table cloth and host a tea party. Or bring your friends and browse through their closet of vintage women’s clothing and accessories with everything from dresses, hats, jewelry and more.

Camille's Antique Boutique
218B Main Street
Spring, TX 77373
(281) 528-8779
www.yelp.com/biz/camilles-spring

Hubbell & Hudson Market & Bistro: A Gourmet Market at The Woodlands

Have a dinner date at home and pick up something special from Hubbel & Hudson Market & Bistro in The Woodlands. This upscale market has a wide selection of specialty items, local and organic produce, quality meats and seafood, and more.

At Hubbell & Hudson you can gather all your ingredients in one stop, pick up a loaf of artisan bread and pastry for dessert at their in-store bakery, a wedge of imported cheese from their dairy case, and a nice bottle of wine or craft beer from their walk through cooler.

If you're a kitchen novice, the Viking Cooking School offers a wide variety of culinary classes from learning specific techniques like knife skills to preparing a complete meal. If you prefer to eat in, there are several dine-in options including a burger and sandwich shop, as well as an in-store bistro with a full menu of new American cuisine!

Hubbell & Hudson Market and Bistro
24 Waterway Avenue
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 203-5600
www.hubbellandhudson.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hubbell-and-hudson-market-and-bistro-the-woodlands

Fukuda: Impressive Japanese Cuisine

With its strip mall location in The Woodlands, Fukuda may look like a typical sushi restaurant, but it's anything but boring. Although you'll be pleased ordering your favorite Asian dish, don't overlook Fukuda's specials, which reflect the availability of the fresh and unique seafood that's delivered three times per week. The restaurant's extensive menu is easy to read; rolls are clearly marked as spicy or containing raw ingredients. Try the Ghost Rider Roll with shrimp, cucumber, pepper tuna, avocado and sweet potato crisps. Noodle and teriyaki dishes are also popular, and the creative cocktail menu includes a cold raspberry saké martini. 

Customers find the prices to be fair, especially for the quality, but frequent happy hour deals make it an even better deal. In addition to an afternoon happy hour that starts at 3 p.m., Fukuda offers a late night reprisal as well as an extended happy hour all evening on weekends. Its clean space is tastefully decorated, and dim lighting makes Fukuda ideal for a casual date or fun night out.

25701 Interstate 45 N, Suite 3
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 419-8980
http://www.fukudasushiwoodlands.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fukuda-the-woodlands

Business Magazines You Can Read Online

News is becoming more and more portable these days, and these popular magazines can be read completely online via your computer, smartphone or another mobile device. Whether you’re on the train to work or sitting in a waiting room, you’ll always be up-to-date with the latest business news.

Businessweek
Bloomberg Businessweek is one of the most widely read sources of business news, encompassing the areas of global economics, industry, design, politics and more. This simple website looks great on both your desktop and your mobile device, and it even features high-quality photos and videos for a multi-faceted experience. 

The Economist
For the latest business news and ideas with a dash of culture mixed in, The Economist website is a great online read. The beloved print magazine sets the standard for the website’s journalistic tone, and articles covering topics from misconceptions of the first world war to the global economy today will give readers insight into both the history and the current state of economics. 

Inc.
Inc. takes an innovative approach to business news, with a modern, minimalist interface that makes for easy reading at home or on the go. The website features long-form articles about the top names in business today, from entrepreneurs to start-up companies, and it also provides tips and strategies for paving your own way.

Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts: A Community Art Gallery

One of the most delightful art spaces near Avana Sterling Ridge, the recently renovated Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is a museum that's always in transition. Because there are no permanent exhibits, there are always different things to see at the facility. The late Pearl Fincher was a local community leader, and this museum is a great tribute to her legacy. There are three major galleries that so far this year have brought amazing exhibitions, and the Community Gallery features exhibitions from local elementary, middle, high school, and college students. With upcoming exhibits that focus on local art and architecture, there’s always something interesting around the bend. The museum is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but a $3 donation per person is suggested.

Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts
6815 Cypresswood Drive
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 376-6322
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pearl-fincher-museum-of-fine-arts-spring

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