Beer Can House: Quirky Houston Folk Art

A monument both to the power of recycling and to the power of one man’s dedication, Beer Can House is a kitschy attraction that has been carefully preserved as a museum of sorts since its creator, John Milkovisch passed away in 1988. Flattened beer cans and pull tabs cover the entire exterior of the house and form garlands that hang from the eaves. It’s fun to pick out obsolete local brews among the dozens of brands – Milkovisch’s favorite beer was “whatever is on special”.

Milkovisch’s oddball backyard landscaping, while not as beer-centric, is also a sight to see, with thousands of marbles, rocks and toys embedded into concrete used to make patios and planters covering the entire yard. For the low cost of admission guests can tour the house and watch a short film on its history.

Beer Can House
222 Malone Street
Houston TX 77007

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4 Tips for Hosting a Successful Dinner Party

Inviting friends over for a home cooked meal sounds like a great idea—until it comes time for the meal planning, cooking, and house cleaning that go into hosting a dinner party. Don’t fret, because these simple tips will show you how to host a stress-free gathering and even have enough time for a glass of wine before your guests arrive.

  1. Be honest about the guest list. Before planning a dinner party, ask yourself whom you really want to invite. Limit your list to only a few people if you live in a smaller place, and try to invite people whom you think would get along well.
  2. Plan the meal in advance. Never leave meal planning and shopping until the day before. Browse recipes about a week in advance, and go shopping a few days before. This leaves the day of the party for you to cook and prepare your home.
  3. Set a comfortable table. Make sure that your guests have plenty of napkins, water, and other necessities to limit the time you spend running to the kitchen.
  4. Enlist some help. There’s no shame in asking a friend to help you host your party—in fact, this could even make it more fun.

How to Prep a Flawless Cocktail Party [My Home Ideas]
101 Party Do's & Don'ts [House Beautiful]
How to Host a Dinner Party so Everyone Enjoys It [Lettuce Eat Kale]
Do’s and Don’ts of Hosting a Dinner Party [Rue Daily]

Happy Labor Day!

We hope everyone has a happy and safe Labor Day!

Expect Shopping With Elbow Room at Memorial City Mall

If you haven’t been to Memorial City Mall in Houston lately, you’re missing out. This large mall has recently gone through a renaissance, transforming it from a rundown to a favorite in town. Many shoppers prefer this mall over the Galleria for its convenient location, parking, and fewer crowds. Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Sears and Target are anchor stores, but there is a wide range of contemporary shopping options, including everyday favorites like Ann Taylor Loft, Express, and Foot Locker. The mall boasts plenty of specialty stores, like Apple, Build-A-Bear, Pandora, Sephora, and Teavana.

The food court has been recently updated, too, with numerous selections for a quick bite to eat. Options range from good ol’ American Chick-Fil-A to Sarku Japan. If you need a full service spot to refuel, California Pizza Kitchen and The Cheesecake Factory are shoppers’ favorites. Kids love the whimsical play area that includes a carousel and train that takes little shoppers on a ride through the mall.

Memorial City Mall
900 Gessner Road
Houston TX 77024
(713) 464-8640
http://www.memorialcitymall.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/memorial-city-mall-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/www.bluewaikiki.com

Follow the Cask to Taps House of Beer in Houston

It'd be almost impossible to miss Taps House of Beer. In lieu of a front door, there sits a huge cask with an entryway carved out. Walk right through into Taps' open, industrial-style space. Much like the brew house's exterior, the interior is a little off-beat. Wooden picnic tables are scattered throughout the bar, complementing a framework of exposed wooden beams and walls of brick. A shuffleboard table, arcade games, and foosball reside inside, whereas cornhole, bocce ball, and ladder golf are outside. Needless to say, this isn't your typical late-night bar.

That fact comes into clearer focus with a glance at the bar's list of beers, which showcases more than 90 different suds on tap and many by the bottle. From classic Corona or Blue Moon to Strongbow, Bombshell Blonde, and Flying Dog Tire Bite, the brews land all over a spectrum that spans "Light and Easy" to "Amber, Pale, or Pils." Although beer clearly plays the starring role at Taps, a modest food menu offers a handful of shared plates such as Jack Daniels pulled pork sliders and pizzas.

Taps House of Beer
5120 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 426-1105
www.tapshouseofbeer.com

www.yelp.com/biz/taps-house-of-beer-houston

Hubcap Grill: Burgers, Fries and Bottles of Root Beer

Affectionately referred to as a "hole in the wall," the Hubcap Grill in downtown Houston is a bar and grill that wins hearts through the all-American combo of juicy burgers and crispy fries.

Don’t let the plastic patio furniture or tiny dining area fool you; Hubcap is an elitist when it comes to grilling a patty. Ordering it rare or well-done is serious business, whether you ask for the Guacamole Swiss Burger or the Triple Meat Cheeseburger. If beef isn’t your thing, try the Muffaletta Grilled Chicken Sandwich for a taste of what’s good in life, and be sure to wash it down with a bottle of icy cold root beer.

Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, Hubcap Grill's downtown Houston location is cash-only, so come prepared to slap down a few bills to get what you deserve: a thick, delicious burger and fries served with a smile from one of the best grills in the city.

Hubcap Grill
1111 Prairie Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-5885
www.hubcapgrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hubcap-grill-houston

How to Manage Your Time More Effectively

Whether you’re a student or a business professional, procrastination is faced by anyone with a looming big project or a hectic schedule. It’s important to manage your time wisely when you’re working on a deadline, and these smart tips will help you to reduce stress and accomplish much more each day.

  1. Make a list. This tried-and-true method may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how much a to-do list can help with managing your time more effectively. To-do lists help forgetful people to stay on top of all of their daily tasks, and they force frequent procrastinators to hold themselves accountable for the items on the list.
  2. Prioritize. You may be tempted to complete smaller tasks first, but it’s actually much more effective to prioritize based on which jobs are more important or timelier. Complete pressing tasks first, and then move on to the rest of your work.
  3. Create a distraction-free zone. Whether you work in an office or in your home, be sure to clear your workspace of all clutter before beginning your daily tasks.
  4. Don’t overexert yourself. The most organized people are the ones who realize when they’re spreading themselves too thin. Turn down jobs or favors that you don’t feel like you have enough time to complete, as this may result in shoddy work (not to mention a whole lot of added stress).

How to Manage Your Time Effectively [University of Kent]
Manage Your Time More Effectively to Accomplish More Each Day [Right]
How Does One Manage Time More Effectively? [Forbes]
Managing Your Time and Study Environment [Bucks County Community College]

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Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens: Enjoy Art in Houston

Located in the former home and grounds of local scion Ima Hogg, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens may just be one of Houston's most distinctive museums. Visitors can take a guided tour to see many of the rooms on both floors, especially the main rooms used to entertain. They’ll also see some of the rarest artifacts in the collection, especially many Texas artifacts. You’ll also learn about Mrs. Hogg and how her singular devotion has resulted in a top collection of art. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the home and the beautiful surrounding grounds.

The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
1 Westcott Street
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 639-7750
www.yelp.com/biz/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens-houston

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