May this autumn bring you a harvest of fun times and laughter with family and friends!
Dependable Virtual Destinations for Apartment Decor and Accessories
September 23, 2016 by
It’s no secret that shopping online often yields affordable results, and the same goes if you’re looking for home décor items and accessories for your apartment. Any renter on a budget will love to browse those finishing touches that really make a house a home, and these are some of the best places to find them.
Urban Outfitters
While you may already shop at the trendy clothing retailer for all of your favorite T-shirts, Urban Outfitters also offers a great selection of stylish home goods. From eclectic art prints to colorful duvet covers and even mid-century modern inspired furnishings, you’ll find a number of great items on the convenient website.
Wayfair
If your home décor style is classic with a touch of modern, Wayfair is just the place to shop online. Here you’ll find chevron print area rugs, gold metallic picture frames, and antique-inspired clocks to hang on the wall.
CB2
For those who prefer sleek, minimal décor and bold pops of color, CB2 is a great option. Discover things like low-profile sofas, interesting throw pillows, and industrial bar stools, or browse the limited edition art selection to find affordable pieces from some of the biggest up-and-coming artists in the art world today.
Sample Mexican Sweets at El Bolillo Bakery
September 22, 2016 by
Mexican cuisine is almost as well known for its unique desserts and pastries as it is for its tacos and burritos, and you can take a taste of these indulgent treats in Houston at El Bolillo Bakery. Mexican sweetbreads are made fresh each morning and make the perfect breakfast when paired with a hot cup of coffee, while the tres leches and customizable occasion cakes are ideal for birthday parties and other events.
There are a number of authentic Mexican cookies and pastries that you can mix and match to create your own bulk order, and if you’re looking for something a bit closer to home, El Bolillo Bakery even offers classic sugar cookies and other types of American baked goods.
While this popular bakery can get quite busy at peak hours, its friendly and knowledgeable employees always keep things running like a well-oiled machine.
El Bolillo Bakery
2421 South Wayside Drive
Houston, TX 77023
(713) 921-3500
www.elbolillo.com
How to Choose the Right Furniture for Your Apartment
September 16, 2016 by
Purchasing furniture is a big investment, and for most people, it’s something that requires a little bit of planning. If you want to make sure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck on furniture that really suits your space at Reserve at Garden Oaks, there are some simple rules to follow. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing new furniture.
- Measure everything. You always want to measure your space before purchasing large furniture pieces such as a sofa or an area rug. Measure the entire room first, and then determine how much of that space you want the furniture to fill. Finally, take a measuring tape with you to the store and measure the furniture before purchasing.
- Consider the doorway. Be sure that you can fit the furniture through hallways and into the apartment itself before purchasing.
- Think of its uses. Will you use your sofa mainly for watching television, or will it be a gathering space for large groups of people? Keep the functionality in mind before making any furniture purchases.
- Choose high-quality materials. You might be okay with purchasing bargain furniture for your first apartment, but if you really want your furniture to last, it’s best to pay a bit more for high-quality construction. Look for pieces made with real wood, and if it’s a sofa, inspect the seams and cushions to test their quality.
How to Determine Furniture Proportion to a Room [SF Gate]
Choosing the Right Size Sofa: Four Key Questions to Ask Yourself [Apartment Therapy]
Choosing the Right Furniture [Moving.com]
iT’Z Houston: Playtime For People of All Ages
September 15, 2016 by
If you’re struggling to find fun, creative ideas for a child’s upcoming birthday party or other special occasion, iT’Z Houston might just be the answer! This fun-filled play place is a combination arcade, upscale bowling alley, pizza buffet, and much more, which makes it a great time for visitors of all ages.
The colorful restaurant features a full-service bar for of-age guests to enjoy a beer or a cocktail while watching the big game, while the all-you-can-eat pizza buffet provides an affordable lunch for the whole family. There are an impressive number of seating options throughout the wacky, brightly lit dining area, and the restaurant opens up into the futuristic bowling alley, complete with leather sofas and glowing neon lights.
The arcade is a wonderland for kids of all ages, while the private party room, bumper cars, and amusement park rides are just the icing on the cake at this Houston facility.
iT’Z Houston
18355 Tomball Parkway
Houston, TX 77070
(832) 678-2151
www.itzusa.com/itz-houston-home
How to Host a Dinner Party — Without a Dining Room
September 15, 2016 by
Don't have a traditional dining room table? You'll be happy to know that there are still a number of other ways to have your friends over for dinner. Here are a few smart tips for hosting a dinner party even without a dining room.
- Think buffet-style. Avoid the sit-down feel right from the beginning by serving your food buffet style. This not only embraces the lack of a traditional dining room, it even makes it more fun.
- Plan the menu accordingly. Since you don't have a large table, you'll want to avoid a really formal meal. This isn't the time for prime rib and multiple sides; rather, it's the perfect opportunity for a taco bar, a heaping bowl of pasta or dress-them-yourself burgers.
- Embrace your outdoor space. If your rental comes equipped with its own private outdoor space (or even a shared outdoor area), it's the perfect opportunity to take your meal al fresco. Bring along a tablecloth, a few candles for ambiance and some recyclable plates that don't require much clean-up.
- Take it to the floor. Toss some comfortable throw pillows around your living room and instruct your friends to gather around the coffee table.
- Turn it into a theme night. If you're worried about the informal feel of eating on your couch with guests, turn your dinner party into a cozy theme. Pop in a movie for a laid-back movie night, or grab some board games for a dinner-party-turned-game-night.
Peli Peli: Dine On South African Fare Under the Acacia Tree
September 9, 2016 by
Peli Peli’s unique name translates loosely into “bird’s eye chili,” a versatile spice that was discovered on the plains of Southern Africa during the 15th century. This name is appropriate to describe the incredibly flavorful fare at Peli Peli, an eatery specializing in South African fare and synonymous with spicy sauces and complex marinades. Peli Peli is the only restaurant of its kind in the state of Texas, and its menu includes an eclectic blend of traditional South African dishes, American cuisine classics, and even some Dutch and Asian influences.
The focal point of the restaurant’s interior is the 30-foot-tall acacia tree, but the avant garde architecture, colorful lights, and spacious dining areas also stand out. Peli Peli is especially well known for its private dining areas, which are ideal for corporate events or family functions.
Make reservations at Peli Peli on the restaurant’s website.
Peli Peli
110 Vintage Park Boulevard
Houston, TX 77070
(281) 257-9500
www.pelipeli.com
www.yelp.com/biz/peli-peli-houston
Where to Shop Host and Hostess Gifts Online
September 9, 2016 by
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.
How to Create an Inspiring Home Office
September 2, 2016 by
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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]
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