How to Create an Inspiring Home Office

Whether you work from home or you simply need a quiet space for catching up on emails, many people value having a designated home office space. This area should inspire you to do work free from the clutter of everyday life, and these organizational tips will show you how to create a workspace that promotes productivity.

  1. Use only functional furnishings. If you have a desk that is far too small, switch it out for something larger that you’ll actually use. The same goes for that uncomfortable chair and the rest of your outdated home office furniture.
  2. Add framed photos. Frame a few photos that inspire you, whether they’re works from famous artists or simply clippings from your favorite magazines. Create a gallery wall of eclectic frames that you can look at when you need a boost.
  3. Block out distractions. Whether that means switching your office into a different room or simply adding a room divider, it’s important to create a space that is free of distractions.
  4. Find the view. If possible, position your home office in an area with a window so that you can gaze outside as you brainstorm.

Stylish Home Offices & Decorating Ideas [House Beautiful]
10 Tips for Designing Your Home Office [HGTV]
7 Tips for a More Productive and Inspirational Home Office [The Real Estate Book]

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

Let Little Ones Run Wild (Safely) at Wonderwild

"The sky's the limit" isn't just a slogan at Wonderwild; it's a pretty apt description of the three-story playscape. At this indoor playground, kids can zoom down an inflatable slide and pop out just under the gaping jaws of a massive, smiling crocodile. The cushy crocodile slide shares space with a bounce house where kids can get in some exercise while they play, as well as many other colorful fixtures.

Let kids hop around on a soft jumping pillow or watch while they climb through tunnels and navigate corners in the three-story playhouse. It's connected to set a parallel slides where little ones can race their friends and then scamper back up the steps for another round. Toddlers and more laid-back youngsters might want to stick to the train table, plush building blocks, or other more low-key playthings.

Wonderwild
2230 Buckthorne Place
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 419-1044
gowonderwild.com
www.yelp.com/biz/wonderwild-the-woodlands-2

Wacky Mongolian Grill: Conquer Hunger

Craving some unique tastes? You’re in charge at the Wacky Mongolian Grill because you choose all the ingredients yourself!

Just make your way to the buffet line and pick out all the meats, noodles, rice, and veggies that you please – it’s your creation. Then, you take your bowl to the big flattop grill, where the show begins! The chefs have a good time cooking, and you’ll have a good time watching them. And in the end, you are presented with a tasty bowl. You can also pick one of the Wacky Mongolian’s specials like the Chicken Teriyaki or the vegetarian Feast. Finish up with a fruit bowl or ice cream cake and you’ve had a meal good enough to conquer!

Visit Wacky Mongolian Grill's website to learn more about this

Wacky Mongolian Grill
21212 Kuykendahl Road
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 288-3232

www.thegreatkhan.com
www.yelp.com/biz/wacky-mongolian-grill-spring

Crazy About Cosmetics? Check Out These Makeup Boards on Pinterest!

If you’re a fan of makeup, even the most average day can feel like playing dress up. From the latest cat eye looks to bold-hued lipsticks that add a dramatic flair to your look, there are always new makeup trends to try. Here are three great Pinterest boards that cosmetic enthusiasts will love.

Nail Art Designs
Your face isn’t the only thing that you can doll up with cosmetics. This Nail Art Designs Pinterest board is filled with fun and exciting ideas for your fingernails and toenails, and it even includes seasonal designs that will help you to coordinate your nails with the current holiday. Try out a classic chevron print or add lace decals to make your nails look professionally done right from your own home.

Makeup Looks
Whether you’re looking for something edgy and high fashion or a look that’s more natural and feminine, this Pinterest board has a makeup look for every mood. There are even costume makeup ideas with instructions that go along with them, so you can create the perfect cat whiskers or scary Halloween makeup for your next costume party.

Lip Colors
This board is dedicated entirely to the latest lip colors from your favorite makeup brands, including MAC’s dramatic mattes, classic Chanel shades, and more affordable options from Maybelline and Cover Girl.

Sip & Shop

Come join us for a day of shopping brought to you! Saturday, August 15, 2015 from 11am to 3pm in the Avana Woodridge Clubhouse.

Cattail Park: Dogs Welcome

Despite its name, Cattail Park actually welcomes dogs. Its dog park keeps small pooches (under 20 pounds) in their own separate section, complete with kiddie pools for splashing. Nearby in the fenced-in space for larger dogs, you can grab a seat while your pup runs around with new friends. The park provides waste disposal bags and trash cans so that you can easily clean up after your furry friend.

In addition to the space for dogs, Cattail Park has plenty of features just for humans. Take a spin around the jogging track or play a rousing match on the tennis courts. Round up some friends and hit the basketball courts or baseball fields. You can also bring along a picnic lunch and spread out at one of the tables or claim one of the barbecue pits and cook up a feast.

Cattail Park
9323 Cochran's Crossing Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77381
thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/Facilities.aspx?Page=detail&RID=32
www.yelp.com/biz/cattail-park-the-woodlands

Your Thai Fare Favorites Are on the Menu at Ploy Thai Cuisine

Fresh, friendly, and flavorful are the operative words at Ploy Thai Cuisine, where the food of the region is served in a cozy, modern setting. Stop in to quell your hunger with a bowl of yummy soup or a flavorful entree. The salad and appetizer bar comes with each entree, but be aware that you can’t take leftovers out with you, so come with a hearty appetite and clean your plate.

The menu features a curry du jour, featuring either Panang, Green, or Massaman curry. Entrees include Pad Prik Khing with your choice of meat with red curry paste, green beans, lime leaves, and bell peppers; Ploy’s Garlic with garlic sauce, steamed vegetables, and your choice of meat; and Cashew Chicken with onions, mushrooms, and cashews in brown sauce. Soft shell crab, seared salmon, and mahi mahi are among the seafood dishes.

Ploy Thai Cuisine is open every day.

Ploy Thai Cuisine
1500 Research Forest Drive
Spring, TX 77381
(281) 465-8399
www.ploythaicuisine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ploy-thai-cuisine-spring

Atsumi Asian Kitchen Sushi Bar: For When You’re Craving Sushi and General Tso’s

When residents of The Woodlands can’t choose between Chinese food and sushi, they can head to Atsumi Asian Kitchen Sushi Bar, an Asian Fusion restaurant where they can have both. Chef Henry Zhu focuses his extensive sushi selection on the freshest fish available, so the sushi menu may change. At any given time, you may choose from close to 100 different kinds of sushi and sashimi, including rolls stuffed with snow crab, fresh water eel, or spicy crawfish.

Chef Zhu also crafts a number of Chinese cuisine entrees, including such house specialties as yellow curry chicken, fried tofu, or jumbo shrimp with walnuts in a spicy honey sauce. Each dish is served with white rice or, for and extra dollar, brown or fried rice.

You can enjoy your Asian fusion meal seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. The restaurant also offers free delivery within a three-mile radius.

Atsumi Asian Kitchen Sushi Bar
3335 College Park Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77384
(936) 242-0044
www.atsumiusa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/atsumi-asian-kitchen-and-sushi-bar-the-woodlands

Seriously Tempting No-Bake Desserts to Try This Summer

If you can’t even imagine turning on the oven during the summer heat, no-bake desserts are the perfect alternatives to your usual fresh baked cookies. These oven-free desserts are just as delicious as more traditional options, and they’re often much easier to prepare, which leaves you with more time for lounging by the pool! Here are three no-bake dessert recipes to try at your next potluck dinner.

7-Layer Ice Cream Cake [marthastewart.com]
Cool off after a summer dinner with this colorful ice cream cake. Pound cake creates a sweet, dense base stacked between layers of tasty vanilla ice cream, while thick meringue is a wonderfully fluffy replacement for the usual heavy icing.

Creamy Layered Lemon Squares [snackworks.com]
Swap out your usual lemon square recipe for something much quicker — and cooler. Basic graham crackers create a crunchy crust, and the addition of ripe strawberries makes this dessert perfect for the summertime.

Hawaiian Cookie Balls [kraftrecipes.com]
The kids will adore these fun and tasty cookie balls made with sweet, crushed pineapple and flaky coconut. You can also decorate them with colorful gel icings and sprinkles to turn them into fun ducks or chickens for a child’s birthday party.

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