Follow These Tutorials to a Cool and Kitschy Macrame Plant Hanger

Macramé may have originally gained popularity back in the 1970s, but the kitschy weaving craft is coming back in a big way. If you love plants and you’re always looking for fun new ways to display them, you may even want to try making a macramé plant hanger of your own. Here are a few tutorials to help you get started!

Colorful Polyester Rope Hanger [hgtv.com]
With this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make a macramé hanger using only a few colors of polyester rope, a carabiner, and a screw hook. The actual plant hanger itself is fairly simple, but wrapping the multicolored string around the top adds a fun pop of color.

Sturdy Macramé Plant Hanger [lowes.com]
If you’re looking for something that’s a bit sturdier to hang a particularly heavy plant, this is a great tutorial. It uses clothesline instead of the usual yarn or polyester rope, as well as 18-gauge steel wire and a chain ring for added reinforcement.

Mini String Planters [blog.freepeople.com]
For something quicker and easier, this cute tutorial from the Free People blog uses standard yarn that you might already have stashed away at home. This is a fun tutorial to do while you relax in front of the TV, and the finished product is a great way to hang small air plants or succulents in miniature pots.

Plan Some Fun in the Sun at Crenshaw Park

For a fun and free afternoon with friends and family, head down to Crenshaw Park in Pasadena. This scenic public park is located right along the lake, with a convenient bridge dividing it from the rest of the area. The walking, jogging, and biking trail winds its way around the lake’s perimeter, offering a nice, cool breeze and beautiful views along with your outdoor workout. If you’re simply looking for a relaxing spot to sit and relax, there are also a number of benches situated at various points along the trail that offer great views of the lake’s shores.

You’ll often find people fishing along the banks of the lake, as well as having the occasional picnic at its picnic tables and gazebos. Crenshaw Park boasts a nice playground for younger visitors, and there are even public restrooms that make it a convenient place for families to visit.

Crenshaw Park
4700 – 4950 Burke Road
Pasadena, TX 77504
www.yelp.com/biz/crenshaw-park-pasadena

New to Feng Shui? Here’s How to Get Started

Feng shui may be an ancient Chinese practice, but its ideas for creating a clean, comfortable and inspiring home are still very useful today. If you’re new to feng shui, these simple tips will show you how to get started creating positive energy and great flow throughout your home.

  • Clear out the clutter. The first thing you’ll want to do is get rid of all of the clutter in your home. Feng shui focuses on minimalism and flow, and clutter will only get in the way of your end goal.
  • Rearrange your furniture. Next, rearrange your furniture so that you can easily move from room to room. Don’t block doorways or windows, and be sure to place important items like your desk and your bed across from the door. This promotes the flow of energy.
  • Promote clean air. Refresh the air in your space by adding lots of air-cleaning houseplants throughout. You’ll also want to frequently change any air filters and open windows to allow in fresh air whenever possible.
  • Choose different colors in different rooms. Colors represent emotions in feng shui. Consider using soft, soothing blues and greys in the bedroom, powerful reds in the office, and sunny yellows in the kitchen or den.
  • Create a map. For more help, create what’s called a “Bagua” map of your home with each zone corresponding to a different aspect of feng shui.

Feng Shui 101 for Your Living Space [Wonder How To]
Feng Shui Decorating Tips [Real Simple]
Feng Shui 101: Getting Started With the Basics [Inhabitat]
Balance & Prosperity: Feng Shui 101 [Ask Men]

Go Wild for Lunch at Andy’s Hawg Wild Bar-B-Que

Texas is known for its barbecue, and you can’t visit the Pasadena area without visiting Andy’s Hawg Wild Bar-B-Que. This local favorite stands out among the other barbecue eateries in the area because of its slow-smoked take on classic barbecued meats and its creative, new offerings that make each visit fun and exciting.

The standout item at Andy’s Hawg Wild Bar-B-Que is the so-called “armadillo egg,” a plump sausage wrapped in bacon and stuffed with jalapeno cream cheese, creating a flavor explosion that you almost won’t believe. Follow it up with a platter of sliced brisket, barbecued ribs, turnip greens, and baked beans served in a casual Styrofoam container, or grab a barbecue sandwich if you’re looking for something handheld to eat on the go.

With a homey, farm-style decor and welcoming ambiance, you’ll want to come back to Andy’s Hawg Wild Bar-B-Que again and again.

Andy’s Hawg Wild Bar-B-Que
2826 Dedman St
Pasadena, TX 77503
(281) 487-7388
www.andyshawgwildbarbque.com

Where (and How) to Shop for Groceries Online

You shop for clothes, shoes and books online… but what about your groceries? If you hate battling the crowds at the grocery store (or simply can’t find the time to make it there), online grocery shopping may be the answer to your problems. Here are a few great places to shop for groceries online!

Peapod
Whether you want to pick up your groceries on the way home from work without ever leaving your car or simply have them delivered straight to your door, Peapod offers custom options for all types of anti-grocery shoppers. Browse the site’s large selection of organic produce, high-quality meats and seafood items, and fully prepared meals, and be sure to take advantage of its frequent sales and coupons.

Amazon
Your favorite place to shop for electronics may also become your go-to place to shop for groceries. By using the Prime Pantry option, you can fill a box with your favorite snacks, spices and fresh groceries—all for a flat shipping rate of $5.99.

Fresh Direct
Fresh Direct offers one of the largest selections of grocery items of any site, including deli meats and cheeses, bakery items, baby foods, and even wines and spirits. There are new products being added daily, as well as frequent sales just like the ones at the traditional grocery store.

Roll Around the Rink at Skate World in Pasadena

Everyone loves rollerskating, whether you’re 5 or 50. In Pasadena, the best place to go for a bit of rollerskating fun is Skate World, a large, modern facility with everything you need to have a great time. This spacious rink features lots of neon lights and blacklights that help to create a party-like atmosphere, and more often than not, there actually is a party going on.

Skate World contains a few private rooms that can be reserved for birthday parties or other fun events, complete with access to the skating rink, refreshments and games for the whole group. On weekends, there are public parties like the popular Glow Party, as well as special events for holidays, like Halloween and New Year’s Eve. There are even school parties at Skate World that offer something fun for kids of all ages.

Skate World
2606 Cherrybrook Lane
Pasadena, TX 77502
(713) 943-8530
www.skateworlds.com

4 Diet and Weight Loss Tips for Men

Here are four diet and weight loss tips designed especially for men to help you trim down, tone up, and increase your overall health.

  1. Count your calories. Because many diet websites focus on women, their recommended diet plans might not apply to men. Be sure to work out a healthy eating plan with your doctor to ensure that you get the right amount of calories for your body type.
  2. Think about your younger years. If you played football or frequently lifted weights in your teens and twenties, think back on your healthy habits from these days when planning a weight loss plan. You can even pull out an old photo of yourself at your fittest for some inspiration.
  3. Keep a log. Use your phone or a discreet notebook to record your meals and workouts and to ensure that you stay on track.
  4. Know the risks. Men generally store fat in the upper body (which often shows up as a “beer belly”). This area is easier to lose weight in, but it can also cause heart disease if you hold on to it. Be sure to lose the weight and practice slow, steady weight loss techniques in order to keep it off.

3 Weight Loss Tips for Men [Spark People]
Weight Loss for Men [Weight Loss Resources]

No-Name Bar-B-Q Inc.: Remember the Name

While its name may imply that it’s nothing special, barbecue lovers in Pasadena would argue that No-Name Bar-B-Q Inc. is one of the best spots in town for authentic, slow-cooked barbecue fare. This locals-only eatery is a bit of a hidden gem, but once you track it down you’ll be lured in by the smell of beef brisket, smoked turkey, sweet country ham, and barbecued ribs cooking inside. Southern sides, like tangy cole slaw, baked potatoes, and barbecued beans, go along with every meal, and you can order anything on the menu for either dine-in or carry-out.

The dining room at No-Name Bar-B-Q Inc. is sparse but clean, with long tables large enough for the whole family and a spacious wooden bar that’s perfect for a solo lunch. Tack on low prices and friendly service, and it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot.

No-Name Bar-B-Q Inc
101 S Pasadena Blvd
Pasadena, TX 77506
(713) 472-7249
www.nonamebarbq.com

Calling All Telecommuters: Here’s How to Create a Functional At-Home Workspace

Nowadays more and more people are working from home full-time, whether you’re a telecommuter or a freelancer who works for yourself. While working at home has many perks, it can be difficult to find a space that’s free of distractions to get the job done. Here are a few smart tips for creating a functional workspace in your home—even if you don’t have a designated office.

  1. Choose the right space. If you have a separate room for your office, that’s great, but if not, you’ll need to create your own area. Pick somewhere where you can shut yourself away and avoid outside noise, and make sure it’s a spot where you can avoid distractions.
  2. Invest in a desk. Instead of working on the kitchen table (or worse yet, the sofa), invest in a designated desk that’s reserved only for work.
  3. Create storage. Keep your supplies organized by adding a file cabinet, shelving, pencil holders—whatever you need to minimize clutter.
  4. Add a comfortable chair. Instead of focusing on style, choose a chair based on what’s most comfortable for long hours in front of the screen.
  5. Make your Internet work for you. Fast, reliable Internet is essential for telecommuting, so to avoid unnecessary headache, choose a carrier that comes highly recommended in your area.

Telecommuting Tips: Setting Up A Home Office [Drive Less. Save More.]
4 Great Tips for a Functional Home Office [Flex Jobs]
10 Quick Tips to Create a Home Office You’ll Actually Want to Work In [Fast Company]

Pasadena Public Library: Cozy Up With a Good Book

If you love reading, there’s no better place to spend an afternoon in Pasadena than at the Pasadena Public Library. This historic library is a cornerstone of the community, boasting a wide selection of thousands of books for people of all ages. There is an expansive children’s section, a selection of classic works of fiction, new works of nonfiction and much more. The reference section is great for area high school or college students, and there are also movies and music available to check out with a valid library card.

The Pasadena Public Library hosts fun community events, like movie nights and story times for children, and annual food drives and other charity events help you to do some good in the community. The next time you have a free afternoon, pop in to the Pasadena Public Library and pick up a library card of your own.

Pasadena Public Library
1201 Jeff Ginn Drive
Pasadena, TX 77506
(713)-477-0276
www.ppltx.net

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