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Prima Pasta: Vegetarian-Friendly Italian Cuisine

November 21, 2014 by

The backbone of traditional Italian is meat, so you might not expect to find vegetarian options at an Italian restaurant—let alone an entire menu. But Prima Pasta in Houston values only one thing above Italian tradition, and that is its clientele. So the eatery offers a vegetarian-friendly menu that still captures the spirit of Italian fare with dishes such as fettuccine Alfredo (a favorite among regulars), spaghetti with marinara, and veggie lasagna.

Of course, Prima Pasta also serves a meat-laden menu to its customers with some similar options. Try the Alfredo with grilled chicken or shrimp, the spaghetti with meatballs, or the lasagna with its classic ingredient, beef. No matter what you order—pizza, pasta, or classic entree—it will always be fresh, since chefs craft everything in-house every day. And the menu changes every week to incorporate a few new dishes, so while your tried-and-trued standards are always offered, so are some fresh options every time you visit.

Pasta Prima
6811 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 666-4047
www.primapastarestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/prima-pasta-houston-3

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

How to Give a Great Toast

November 20, 2014 by

Whether you’re the best man at a wedding or the godmother at a baby shower, there are a few pivotal moments in life when you’ll be expected to give a toast. Here are a few tips to help you make a memorable toast that’s equal parts funny and heartwarming.

  1. Set the scene. Begin by introducing yourself and stating your relationship with the guest of honor. Use a humorous comparison, describe why the day is so monumental for your relationship, or just simply tell the crowd how proud you are.
  2. Use an anecdote. Guests love to hear personal stories about the guest of honor, but be sure that you don’t get too personal. Describe a funny time that you had together, but avoid delving too deep into embarrassing situations or nights of youthful rebellion.
  3. Go easy on the jokes. A few jokes about the guest of honor here and there are great, but be careful of becoming hurtful. This is a speech, after all, not a roast.
  4. Seamlessly turn the story into a toast. Add a poignant ending note to your story, such as how the guest of honor has become such a kind, responsible or hardworking person. Finally, invite guests to raise their glasses for a toast.

Make a Great Toast in 5 Steps [Real Simple]
How to Give a Good Toast [Cooking Light]
Toasting [Etiquette Scholar]

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Savory Meets Sweet in These Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes

November 14, 2014 by

If you think that sweet stuffings are too sweet and savory stuffings are too savory, a blend of the two flavors may be just the thing to perfect this Thanksgiving side. Here are a few sweet and savory stuffing recipes that will appeal to even the pickiest dinner guests.

Awesome Sausage, Apple and Cranberry Stuffing [allrecipes.com]
The combination of savory sausage with sweet, seasonal fruits brings out maximum flavor in this tasty stuffing recipe. Best of all, the recipe yields enough stuffing to fill a 10-pound turkey, and it’s very easy to double if you’re expecting more guests.

Dried Fruit and Nut Cornbread Dressing [marthastewart.com]
Few foods feel more like fall than the mixture of dried fruits and nuts, and although these ingredients are normally found in desserts, they offer an unexpectedly sweet crunch in this dressing. By using a hearty cornbread instead of the usual breadcrumbs, this dish also takes on a uniquely rustic taste.

Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Raisins [myrecipes.com]
If you prefer your stuffing to be positively filled with flavor, this recipe certainly won’t disappoint. Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary and sage make it less bland than most, while autumnal chestnuts and sweet raisins add even more unique flavor.

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Theater Under the Stars: Light Up the Night With Live Theater

November 13, 2014 by

Take in a show preformed by the impressive company Theater Under the Stars at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Originally founded in 1969 in the open-air theater of Miller Park, this innovative company has grown into its now-permanent location under a sea of sparkling fiber optic stars, adding a magical atmosphere to each show produced.

Performing popular musicals such as Man of La Mancha, Evita, Jekyll and Hyde, and Flashdance, the talented actors and actresses draw a large crowd at each show. Theater Under the Stars has also expanded to include TUTS Underground, an intimate theater of 500 seats that produces shows that are slightly more counter-culture. Take advantage of the Cuisine & Culture package that includes a three-course dinner from one of four participating restaurants along with orchestra setting for a show at either venue. With so many options from one company, theater lovers of all stripes will appreciate all TUTS has to offer.

Theatre Under the Stars
800 Bagby Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 558-2600
www.tuts.com
www.yelp.com/biz/theatre-under-the-stars-houston

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Give Your Lampshades a Makeover With These Easy Projects

November 7, 2014 by

If you love doing DIY projects to spruce up your home, you’ll light up over these unexpected ways to dress up your basic lampshades. From polka dotted designs to artistic tie dyed effects, these tutorials have something for every type of home decor—and you can complete them in just a matter of hours!

Fabric Covered Lampshade Makeover [domesticsuperhero.com]
Although this tutorial uses a colorful chevron fabric to dress up an old lampshade, you can choose any type of fabric that fits into your design scheme. After you choose the perfect print, all it takes is a bit of hot glue to completely make over your lamp.

Gold Dot Lampshade [blog.landofnod.com]
There are few patterns more classic than simple polka dots, and this DIY will show you how to add them to a lampshade using only some metallic craft paint. By mapping off different sections with painter’s tape, you can ensure that your dots are evenly spaced.

Modern Marble Patterned Lampshade [minted.com]
This is one of the easiest and most eye-catching ways to dress up a lampshade, as it doesn’t require any painting, gluing, or even much measuring. Simply choose a wallpaper or wrapping paper in a pattern that you love, measure it to fit the shade, and attach it with a bit of regular office tape. This is especially helpful for parties, as you can remove the pattern once you want a less decorated look.

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Table 7 Bistro: Satisfying Comfort Food in Houston

November 6, 2014 by

Relaxing vibes and a desirable menu of regional comfort foods can be found at Table 7 Bistro on Fannin Street in downtown. A branch of the District 7 restaurants, this eatery offers patrons quick and friendly service for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Bar and table seating is available in the bright and colorful dining area, while the street-facing patio is open during more enjoyable weather.

The menus offer a balanced mix of American fare favorites that incorporate several cuisines. For instance, the naan flatbread pizza is topped with wild boar or pesto chicken, while burgers include an Akaushi Texas Kobe Beef option. The crab cakes are wildly popular among regulars, a great choice to pair with any meal. Breakfasts at Table 7 are substantial, offering breakfast pizzas, omelets, and the always popular Belgian waffles.

The fast service doesn’t mean you need to rush out; Table 7 is an easy place to linger when the meal is done.

Table 7 Bistro
720 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 227-4800
www.district7grill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/table-7-grill-houston

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Don’t Forget to Vote!

November 4, 2014 by

Today is Election Day! Make sure you go out and vote today!

Filed Under: Life at Reserve at Garden Oaks Apartments Tagged With:

Find Fresh Fruit and Veggies at These Houston Farmers’ Markets

October 24, 2014 by

Farmers' markets provide a great place to stock up on the week’s produce, spend the afternoon outdoors, and support the local farming community while you do it. In Houston, you’ll find a number of bountiful farmers' markets offering much more than the usual fruits and vegetables. Check out one of these great options this week.

Houston Farmers' Market
The Houston Farmers' Market is the city’s main farmers' market, which becomes apparent when you see how many quality vendors there are on its grounds. The market is held every Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot behind Rice Stadium and offers a very large space for browsing. While you'll encounter local farmers selling fresh, organic produce, there are also many places to buy prepared foods that are supplied by local eateries. From homemade samosas to goat cheese made with local milk, you’ll find a wide assortment of foods at this impressive market.
Rice University Campus West Stadium Lot, 5600 Greenbriar Drive, Houston, TX 77005

Canino Produce
If you’re only looking for fresh produce, Canino Produce is a wonderful alternative to the traditional grocery store. This outdoor market is housed in an airy, barn-like building filled with bountiful stalls overflowing with fresh strawberries, local squash, ripe tomatoes, and many other seasonal fruits and veggies. Best of all, the prices are so low that you can shop local and organic without spending a fortune.
2520 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77009; (713) 862-4027

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Find Mediterranean Fare at Niko Niko’s Greek and American Cafe

October 23, 2014 by

Some say Niko Niko's Greek and American Cafe may just be one of the best places to enjoy Mediterranean fare in Houston, Texas. It offers a varied menu of tasty comfort food, along with some distinctive dishes.

Visit and you can start off with a classic hummus appetizer, or go for pork kebobs seasoned with oregano and lemon. Regulars keep coming back for the lamb and beef gyros and other sandwiches served with homemade tzatziki sauce. If you're not so keen on lamb, try one of Niko Niko's juicy burgers, covered with feta cheese, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Other dishes of note include the Greek meatballs, vegetarian lasagna with three cheeses, and the baby lamb shank.

Niko Niko's Greek and American Cafe
2520 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 528-4976
www.nikonikos.com
www.yelp.com/biz/niko-nikos-greek-and-american-cafe-houston

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Expecting a New Baby? Read These Babyproofing Tips!

October 17, 2014 by

You couldn’t possibly be more excited to welcome your little one into the world, but incorporating a baby into your home is a whole different story. There are so many sharp edges, open doors, and hot objects that could be hazardous to baby’s soft skin, and it all might seem a bit overwhelming. Here are a few smart, simple ways to babyproof your home with ease.

  1. Install a toilet lock in the bathroom. Once your baby begins crawling and walking, he or she will want to explore every room in the house. A toilet lock will keep baby’s tiny fingers from getting underneath the toilet lid.
  2. Store medicines behind locked doors. If your current medicine cabinet doesn’t have a lock, install one. There are few things more dangerous to babies than pills and medicines, and even if your medicine cabinet is out of reach it's better to be safe than sorry.
  3. Invest in a safe crib. Cribs with drop-sides were recently discontinued, so don’t attempt to re-use that hand-me-down crib. Also make sure that your crib’s slats are 2 3/8-inches apart.

20+ Tips for Babyproofing Your Home [Parenting]
Baby Safety [iVillage]
Childproofing Checklist [TotSafe.com]
Tips to Babyproof Your Home [Lowe’s]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,
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