5 Stylish Alternatives to the Traditional Nightstand

Whether you're working with limited space or you're simply looking for something more unique than traditional furniture, there are a number of reasons why you might want to skip the usual squared nightstand and opt for something a bit more tailored to your needs. Here are just five great alternatives to the usual bedside table — and even a few that aren't tables at all!

  1. A chair. Visit your local thrift store or a stylish home goods store to pick out chic chairs that can double as bedside tables. They're perfect for creating a base for your current reads and an alarm clock, or if you prefer to go the minimal route and leave the chair's base bare, you can even use it to sit on.
  2. A sturdy shelf. If you only have a few feet to spare on either side of your bed, simply attach a small shelf to the wall and use it as a compact nightstand alternative.
  3. A vintage milk crate. Hunt for these rustic wooden crates at local antique sales or even the farmers market if you're looking for a bedside table with a bit more personality. Simply flip it upside down or on its side, depending on how tall you want your "table" to look.
  4. A desk. If you're on the other side of the bedroom spectrum and actually have more space than you know what to do with, use a desk as your nightstand. That way, you can fill empty space and create a private area for answering e-mails or planning your week.
  5. A bar cart. Everyone loves the retro bar cart, but this piece isn't just designed for housing your favorite spirits. Use it in a guest bedroom to provide your guests with a carafe of water, fresh flowers, toiletries and more.

Rethink the Table: 22 Bedside Alternatives [Brit + Co]

Design Your Own Dessert at Cups Frozen Yogurt

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Cups Frozen Yogurt on Hughes Landing Boulevard. This dessert cafe offers a menu of up to 24 fro-yo flavors, as well as up to 50 different toppings. Mixing and matching flavors is no problem here, and samples are available so you can test out a flavor before commiting to a whole cup.

The self-serve layout of Cups means that you can customize your cup of fro-yo precisely to your liking. Watching your waistline? Go for a fat-free yogurt, and top it with chunks of fresh mango, strawberries, and kiwi. Craving something more decadent? Opt for a tall twist of chocolate fro-yo topped with pieces of candy bars and a dollop of whipped cream!

Vintage posters and photographs cover the walls of The Woodlands location, harkening back to the glory days of Malibu. Comfortable seating is available inside and out if you just can't wait to dig in to your tasty treat.

Cups Frozen Yogurt
1950 Hughes Landing Blvd
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(832) 482-0173
www.cupsfrozenyogurt.com

Start a New Chapter at the Barbara Bush Branch Library in Spring

At the Barbara Bush Branch Library in Spring, locals can check out books, music, movies, and other types of media using only a library card. This large, modern library is a community staple that people of all ages love, as it offers thousands of different titles for children, teens, and adults. You’ll find the best in fiction and nonfiction from throughout history, as well as new releases, periodicals, and children’s books that will teach the little ones how to read.

In addition to its book selection, the Barbara Bush Branch Library hosts a variety of different community clubs and events, from its job search seminars to its arts and crafts classes and preschool story times. Whether you want to check out a book or simply get to know others in your neighborhood, visiting the Barbara Bush Branch Library is a great way to do both.

Barbara Bush Branch Library
6817 Cypresswood Drive
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 376-4610
www.hcpl.net/location/barbara-bush-branch-library-cypress-creek

Have You Tried the General Tso’s Chicken at Bao’s Cafe?

Located in the H-E-B shopping center on Rayford Road, Bao’s Café in Spring opened in early 2016 and is a convenient choice for those who live in the area.

Bao’s Café is constantly praised for its cleanliness, fresh ingredients, and friendly, helpful staff. The restaurant’s atmosphere is modern, with dark wooden tables and booths dispersed throughout the dining room. Some menu highlights are the shrimp with lobster sauce and the General Tso's chicken. Daily lunch specials start at $6.95 and include a variety of traditional Chinese fare options with a spring roll, soup, and rice.

Bao’s Café also serves beer and wine. To-go orders are available for pickup, as well as home delivery. There is also a kids’ menu and a selection of healthy options for those watching their waistlines.

Bao’s Cafe
3530 Rayford Road
Spring, TX 77386
(281) 288-0060
www.yelp.com/biz/baos-cafe-spring-5

How to Help Your Child Prep for Her First Sleepover Party

If your child was just invited to his or her first sleepover, there’s likely a whole list of concerns that will run through your head beforehand. Sleepovers are a rite of passage for little ones, and it’s important to make your little one feel comfortable and confident before the big day. Here are some simple ways to prepare your child for his or her first slumber party—or just a night away from home.

  1. Consider how important routine is. If your child usually eats the same things for dinner and goes to bed at the same time, be sure that you check with the slumber party host beforehand to see if their routine is drastically different. If it is, mention a few foods that your child particularly dislikes, or politely request that kids are in bed before a certain time.
  2. Send a piece of home off with your child. It’s important for kids to learn how other people do things, but you can always tuck a favorite snack or a trusty blanket into his or her duffel bag just in case a bout of homesickness should strike.
  3. Prepare for the worst. If your child does get too scared to spend the night, he or she might give you a call in the middle of the night. In this case, don’t ask too many questions. Come by quickly to offer a ride home, and encourage him or her to try it again in a few months.

7 Steps to Prepare Your Child for a First Sleepover [Parents.com]
Preparing Your Child for a First Sleepover [Carolina Parent]
How to Prepare Your Kid (and Yourself) For Her First Sleepover [Today’s Parent]
How can I prepare my child for her first sleepover? [Fisher-Price.com]
7 Ways to Prepare for Your Kid’s First Sleepover [Education.com]

Aim for a Hole-in-One at Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf

Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary activity in The Woodlands? Check out Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf! Shankz is exactly what you’d expect from its name: an indoor mini golf course illuminated by black light. The 18-hole course is submerged in darkness and accented with neon props spanning 6,000 square feet of play area.

During peak visiting times, guests can all ahead up to two hours in advance to be added to the waitlist for the next tee-time. Cannonball and arcade games are also available at Shankz.

One round of golf costs $8.99 for adults, $7.99 for kids 4-12 years old, and $2.99 for children under 4. If you want more, a replay round is available for $3.99. If your kids are big fans of Shankz, you can host a birthday party or private event all year long.

Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf
3091 College Park Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77384
(936) 273-4569
shankzgolf.com

Build Your Burrito at Freebird’s World Burrito in Spring

If you love a customized burrito, give Freebird's World Burrito a try. This popular Tex Mex chain has one of their largest locations in Spring complete with a patio. Build your burrito by choose from four sizes and four flavors of tortilla, including spinach and cayenne. There are several meat options and the chicken is a customer favorite. Add on plenty of fresh toppings and sauces like the habanero sauce or ranch dressing, and enjoy with a side of nachos and a cold beer. Freebird’s signature colorful and eclectic decor creates a lively and fun ambiance and this location is always kept clean. If you’re a frequent customer, get their Freebird Fanatic card to earn points and redeem for a free meal.

Freebird's World Burrito
1640 Lake Woodlands Drive
Spring, TX 77380
(281) 419-8011

www.freebirds.com
www.yelp.com/biz/freebirds-world-burritos-spring

Black Walnut Cafe: Go Nutty for This Casual Lunch Spot

Black Walnut Cafe is a large, casual lunch spot located in a popular shopping plaza in The Woodlands, which makes it a convenient place to pop in during your break from work, during a weekend shopping trip, or while out with the little ones. Inside, you’ll find a fast casual atmosphere with rustic wood furniture, ample seating, and free Wi-Fi throughout, as well as a spacious outdoor patio ideal for sunny afternoons.

Black Walnut Cafe’s menu includes tried-and-true American fare, like juicy burgers, salads and pastas, as well as a complete menu of breakfast items, like build-your-own omelets. You’ll find a long list of cocktails, beer, and wine for of-age guests, and during the popular weekday happy hour, Black Walnut Cafe offers special low prices on its most popular drinks. Stop in for a meal or order takeout from this reliable eatery.

Black Walnut Cafe
9000 New Trails Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77381
(281) 362-1678
www.blackwalnutcafe.com

Where to Shop Host and Hostess Gifts Online

Going to a party in the near future? It’s polite to bring a gift for the host or hostess, but it may be difficult to decide what to give. Luckily, there are a number of fun and affordable websites are packed full of great ideas that anyone will love. Here are three of the best places to shop for host and hostess gifts online.

Uncommon Goods
This foodie-friendly website is filled with gift ideas perfect for any avid entertainer. From self-chilling wine glasses to sets of unique salts and pizza cutters in silly shapes, these unique items make great host or hostess gifts.

Mark & Graham
If you’re looking for a gift that’s a bit more personal, Mark & Graham offers many items that can be customized with the recipient’s initials. Add etched initials to the side of a set of goblets, a copper ice bucket, or even trendy Moscow mule mugs, or create your own complete set of stylish barware.

Terrain
For the host with more romantic tastes, Terrain’s selection of pressed flower sachets, bottleneck vases, and enamel candlesticks are truly a delight. You’ll also find decorative candies and bottled cordials that are a bit more affordable for those on a budget.

Main Event Entertainment: Power Up Your Play

Power up your play at Main Event Entertainment, one of The Woodland's premier locations for fun!

At Main Event Entertainment, you and your friends can take part in all sorts of fun activities that range from relaxed to adventurous. Bowl a few frames on the complex's full-length lanes while chowing down on some tasty snacks, then suit up for a rousing game of laser tag. If running and ducking behind obstacles isn't your thing, surely you'll find fun while playing pool, exploring the many video game options in the arcade, or singing along to your favorite jam—karaoke style.

All of this is available at Main Event Entertainment for affordable rates. Monday nights means mega deals like "All You Can Bowl, Laser Tag, and Billiards" for just $10. Cost aside, the clean and friendly atmosphere will leave a lasting impression from the moment you walk in.

Main Event Entertainment
19441 I-45 S
Shenandoah, TX 77385
(281) 355-5511
www.mainevent.com/locations/shenandoah-tx

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