Breen’s Florist: Express Yourself Via Fresh Blooms

Breen's Florist does more than just deliver flowers; according to its company philosophy, it delivers emotions.

When you can't be there in person, you can at least be there in spirit via a fresh bouquet of flowers expressing your sympathy, congratulations, or well wishes. And you can always trust Breen's to deliver, since the florist has been doling out blooms around Houston since 1943.

Even its delivery vans are colorful and eye-catching, though they're a mere preview of the sprays that sit inside. The Sweet Effects bouquet, for example, showcases a design by fashionista Vera Wang: a mix of pink lilies and double lisianthus, yellow roses, solidago, and emerald leaves in between. It's all artfully arranged in a chic, contemporary glass vase. The arrangement suits all occasions and sentiments, from an "I'm sorry" to "Best wishes."

For something a bit more striking, send a tropical bouquet such as the Exotic Garden Cube. Housed in a stout green vase, this conglomeration of blossoms showcases the vibrant orange, magenta, and yellow of Birds of Paradise, orchids, lilies, and pincushions. The posy is the perfect way to welcome summer or celebrate a birthday.

Breen's Florist
1050 N. Post Oak
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 668-2376
www.breensflorist.com

www.yelp.com/biz/breens-florist-houston

Happy 4th of July

We hope everyone has a safe and happy day as we celebrate America's Independence. Happy 4th of July!

Miller Outdoor Theatre: Culture Under the Stars

Spend some time outdoors at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston’s Hermann Park. In operation over 90 years, the theatre hosts a wide variety of concerts, plays, and performances, all of which are free. If you prefer covered seating, you’ll need a ticket; otherwise, most theatre-goers spread a blanket on the grassy hill facing the stage. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy! Alcohol is permitted provided it’s not in a glass container. For those who want the convenience, a concession stand offers refreshments and picnic supplies.

Check the theatre's website often for an updated performance schedule. Plan to arrive early, as parking can be challenging and you’ll have better luck finding a spot. Or, take METRORail and the theatre is just a five minute walk. There are plenty of clean bathrooms at these family-friendly events.

Miller Outdoor Theatre
6000 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(281) 823-9103
http://milleroutdoortheatre.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/miller-outdoor-theatre-houston

Find Classic Italian Food at Candelari’s Pizzeria in Houston

Dubbed "a man of great taste" by his friends and family, Alberto Candelari was responsible for a sausage recipe that became a family tradition—one that even outsiders can enjoy at Candelari's Pizzeria on West Holcombe. The story goes that Alberto had just returned from a hunting trip and was experimenting with creating his own sausage in the back of the family's Houston liquor store. He struck gold with what would become widely known as Candelari's Italian sausage. But Alberto's Italian sausage was just the jumping-off point for a variety of other sausage recipes that, today, serve as the cornerstone for many pizzas and other dishes at his namesake eatery. Chefs still select the highest quality meats to stuff in each sausage, mixed with natural spices and often even a dash of liqueur.

You can sample the sausage in a grinder at lunch, on an "Autentica" thin-crust Neopolitan pizza (on a white or five-grain crust), or over linguini marinara. But Candelari's also creates dishes without sausage, such as veggie pizza, beef tenderloin (cooked over an open flame), and cedar-plank-roasted salmon. Enjoy any of the dishes with a bottle of Italian wine.

Candelari's Pizzeria
2617 W. Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 662-2825
www.candelaris.com
www.yelp.com/biz/candelaris-pizzeria-houston-2

Deliciously Simple Uses for Fresh Watermelon

Fresh watermelon is a cool, refreshing snack, but it has a number of other uses as well. If you’re looking for unique watermelon dishes outside of the usual fruit salad, these delicious (and incredibly simple!) recipes can help.

Watermelon Agua Fresca
Traditional agua frescas are made with simple fruit juices and sweeteners, and they’re often served by vendors and restaurants all over Mexico. This one incorporates watermelon, club soda, and lime juice to give it its refreshing taste.

Watermelon Salad with Mint and Crispy Prosciutto
Opposites often attract when it comes to food, and this salad is a wonderful example. The salty taste of the prosciutto blends perfectly with the cool mint and juicy watermelon to create a summer salad that’s perfect for dinner outdoors.

Raspberry Watermelon Lemonade
This sweet lemonade is given an extra fruity flavor by adding plump, juicy raspberries and cubed watermelon. Leaving the fruit pulp in the mix gives it an extra bit of texture.

Watermelon Gazpacho
Chilled gazpacho soup is perfect on a hot day, and this one is made with watermelon, blanched almonds, and fresh garlic cloves that create a sweet and savory combination. Interestingly, plain old white bread gives the soup its thick, dense consistency.

Happy Father’s Day!

Today we want to take time to wish all the Dads out there a very happy day! We hope all the Fathers near and far have a great day relaxing with loved ones!

Norton Fitness: Personal Trainers That Go Above and Beyond

Looking to get into shape? Consider signing up for fitness sessions with Norton Fitness, a personal training company serving Houston, Texas. The personal trainers at Norton Fitness undergo rigorous screening and training before they meet with clients. Each trainer must not only be nationally certified, but also insured, highly educated in the field, and personable. Having met these initial requirements, trainers are still required to pass another Norton exam that encompasses all the fundamentals of personal training, from diet and weight lifting to rehabbing bodies and medicinal approaches to fitness. And they must re-take the test every six months in order to stay on as a trainer, thus proving they haven't fallen behind as the various fields continue to advance.

Needless to say, Norton Fitness's trainers are more than equipped to propel any client toward their fitness and health goals. After an initial assessment, trainers create a one-of-a-kind workout plan designed specifically for the individual. They always take into account existing health conditions and other potential roadblocks, so clients only partake in safe exercises. With continuing education from nutritionists, doctors, a chiropractor, and even a psychologist, the trainers always come up with fresh ways to make fitness fun.

Norton Fitness
Houston, TX 77008
(832) 779-1902
www.nortonfitness.com

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

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
http://www.nikonikos.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/niko-nikos-greek-and-american-cafe-houston

Recliner for Sale!

Check out this rocker recliner for sale by one of your neighbors! Bonnie is asking $150 for it and it is brand new, never used. Please contact Bonnie for more information at 713-898-8658.

Happy Memorial Day!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday as we remember all those heroes who have served our nation.

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