May this autumn bring you a harvest of fun times and laughter with family and friends!
Ky Ans Kitchen: Ramen, Pho and Other MSG-Free Asian Fusion Fare
September 27, 2016 by
True Asian cuisine is healthy and made from whole foods, but the Americanized version of Asian cuisine sometimes strays from tradition. This usually means the addition of unhealthy ingredients, especially MSG. You don't have to worry about that at Ky Ans Kitchen in Sugar Land, though. Several of its Yelp reviewers specifically call attention to the fact that Ky Ans' chefs never use MSG, and yet they still manage to craft flavorful Asian fusion food.
Ky Ans specializes in classic Asian comfort food, which includes various creative renditions of Ramen noodles and pho. Order the curry ramen with roast pork and you'll receive a piping hot bowl of meat and veggies with an egg on top. The veggie pho, on the other hand, teems with a colorful medley of cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, and other earth-grown ingredients in a slightly lighter broth. If you prefer teriyaki, dumplings, or a the "ramenghetti" with tomato sauce, Ky Ans Kitchen crafts those, too.
Ky Ans Kitchen
11134 Highway 6
Sugar Land, TX 77498
(832) 243-1598
www.facebook.com/pages/Ky-Ans-Kitchen/539799062815944
www.yelp.com/biz/ky-ans-kitchen-sugar-land-2
Clear Clutter from Everywhere in the Bathroom With These 4 Tips
September 20, 2016 by
If you’re short on space in your bathroom, it can be difficult to keep things neat and organized. Since many renters share their bathroom with guests, however, you’re likely always looking for ways to clean it up quickly. These 4 tips make it easy to banish clutter from the bathroom—and keep it clean for good.
- Consider the essentials. Most renters store much more than they actually use every day in their bathrooms. Go through the contents of your medicine cabinets and under-sink storage areas and get rid of all of those specialty products and expired items (or at least find somewhere else to store them).
- Add additional storage where it’s needed. If you can’t find enough storage in your bathroom after you purge your essentials, it may be time to create your own. Add wall shelves, a storage unit over the toilet or even just a few baskets under the sink.
- Invest in matching sets. If your bathroom is often filled with mismatched towels, get rid of the ones you don’t use and attempt to create a matching set. By replacing those old, faded towels with bright, fluffy new ones (and cutting down on the amount of towels in general), you’ll reduce unnecessary clutter.
- Add over-door storage. Hang an additional towel rack over the back of the door to give wet towels ample room to dry.
Decluttering the Bathroom [HGTV]
Small Bathroom Ideas: 5 Effective Decluttering Tips for a Tidier Space [Apartment Therapy]
Cut Clutter in the Bathroom: Easy as A-B-C! [Organized Home]
Blue Willow Bookshop: A Bibliophile’s Dream in Houston
September 13, 2016 by
Walking into Blue Willow Bookshop is a book lover's dream. Wooden bookshelves line the walls from floor to ceiling in this cozy Houston bookstore, and you're likely to encounter the friendly, knowledgeable owner behind the counter. Wooden plank flooring and low tables displaying kids' books and crafts make you feel like you're in a well-stocked home library, though regulars emphasize that despite the store's intimate feel, the stock is surprisingly large, and you can often find whatever book you're looking for. If not, don't worry, because the staff is happy to order anything you need.
Visiting Blue Willow on a lazy Saturday afternoon when you have time to leisurely browse the shelves is always fun, though you should also consider visiting during one of the bookstore's signature events—perhaps a book signing, author reading, or kids' story time hour.
Blue Willow Bookshop
14532 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 497-8675
www.bluewillowbookshop.com
www.yelp.com/biz/blue-willow-bookshop-houston-3
Decorate Your Walls On the Cheap With These Affordable Art Websites
September 6, 2016 by
While you may not be able to afford a priceless work of art for your walls, that doesn't mean that you can't decorate your home with beautiful paintings and inspiring prints. From works by independent artists to reproductions of well-known pieces, there are a number of smart ways to turn your home into your own personal gallery. Here are just a few great websites that sell affordable artwork online.
Society6
With art for everyone from the minimalist to the bohemian, Society6 is one of the most modern and varied art websites. Not only can you purchase framed and unframed prints in all sizes, you can also buy the same designs in the form of smartphone cases, T-shirts, and even tapestries.
AllPosters.com
If you still love the look of hanging a poster of your favorite movie or band on your walls, try All Posters. This expansive online store offers high-resolution posters of almost any pop culture icon, as well as reproductions of classic works of art.
Etsy
Etsy is well-known for its handmade jewelry and quirky vintage apparel, but you'll also find handmade art from little-known artists. Browse abstract paintings, original photography and colorful prints for very affordable prices.
Make Your Own Masterpiece at Pinot’s Palette
August 23, 2016 by
Grumpy Cat. A Texas-themed version of van Gogh's Starry Night. A lake glimmering in the moonlight. These are just a few of the subjects and scenes you can learn to paint at Pinot's Palette—even if you've never so much as picked up a paintbrush before. The painting studio in Sugar Land is part of a much larger franchise, but it still makes the customer experience its top priority.
That means that instructors take the time to break down each painting, step by step, so that their pupils can follow along easily, even if they're not artistically inclined. The painting classes make for a fun night out, especially with the addition of some booze. You're welcome to bring a bottle of wine along to enjoy while you paint, but Pinot's Palette also serves libations on-site. Feel free to nibble on snacks, too, while you recreate a masterpiece alongside friends at Pinot's Palette in Sugar Land.
Pinot's Palette
16170 City Walk
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(713) 893-0923
www.pinotspalette.com/sugarland
www.yelp.com/biz/pinots-palette-sugar-land-sugar-land-2
Cafe Benedicte: An Eclectic Menu in a Romantic Setting
August 16, 2016 by
Cafe Benedicte's cuisine has touches of Spain, Italy, South of France, Greece, and North Africa with American influences, all served in a modern yet romantic setting.
Brunch is one of the most popular meals at Cafe Benedicte, and it's served 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday and Sunday. Regulars recommend the chicken stuffed crepes, which include mushrooms, fresh spinach, and mozzarella topped with hollandaise sauce. The migas are highly rated, too, and include eggs scrambled with fried corn tortilla strips and pico de gallo on a bed of ancho chili sauce. For dinner, try the Mediterranean trio, which is a combo platter with your choice of salad, entree, and side dish.
Regulars say the service here is exceptional, but it can get busy on weekends, so reservations are recommended.
Cafe Benedicte
15455 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 558-6607
www.cafebenedicte.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-benedicte-houston
Brother’s Pizzeria: A Friendly Houston Pizza Shop
August 9, 2016 by
Brother’s Pizzeria has been voted Houston’s best pizza by quite a few different media outlets, and after a visit to the friendly pizzeria you might just agree. This small chain has three different locations throughout the city, and the location along Highway 6 is convenient to many pizza-craving locals.
The menu includes New York-style pizza with a variety of different meat and vegetable toppings, although the plain cheese and classic pepperoni are two of the most popular. If you’re extra hungry and want something to go with the pizza, Brother’s also offers salads, mozzarella sticks, and other indulgent appetizers. Whether you’re looking for a great option for delivery or a place to relax with a friend over a hot slice of pizza, Brother’s Pizzeria is ideal for both.
Brother’s Pizzeria is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
Brother’s Pizzeria
1029 Highway 6 North
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 398-4040
www.brotherspizzeriahouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/brothers-pizzeria-houston-2
Crafty DIY Projects That Every Cook Can Use in The Kitchen
August 2, 2016 by
Picture the kitchen of your dreams. Is it neat and organized? Stylish and chic? Or perhaps it's a combination of all the above! Either way, these do-it-yourself projects can help you add storage and personality to your kitchen!
Copper Paper Towel Holder [almostmakesperfect.com]
Love modern design? If so, this copper paper towel holder will add some modern style to your cooking area. The end result may look expensive, but the materials are very affordable — and it's easy to make!
Tiered Fruit Basket
Display fruits and vegetables without taking up counter space by making this three-tiered hanging fruit basket. Its sturdy chains make it able to hold a good deal of weight, while its wooden bases create flat surfaces for your produce to rest upon. [alwaysrooney.com]
Stitched Hot Pads [purlsoho.com]
Whether you're looking to add a pop of color to your kitchen or to add to your collection of textiles, these adorable stitched hot pads are the perfect project. Even the most novice crafter can easily stitch together the fabric scraps used for these hot pads, and by mixing and matching fabrics, you can create a whimsical look that's sure to bring some big style to your space.
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