George Bush Park: Plan a Picnic and Playtime This Weekend

If you’re looking for a place to get outdoors this weekend and away from the hustle and bustle of city life, consider planning an outing to George Bush Park. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for a relaxing spot to plan a picnic with the family, there’s something for everyone at this beloved local park, which spans a whopping 7,800 acres!

Hike or bike the trail along the paved Bayou trail and check out Houston’s diverse plants and wildlife as you pass. You can also make use of the park’s soccer and baseball fields, or saddle up for a horseback ride. If you’re looking to immerse yourself even more in the local landscape, plan a day of fishing, or camp out in one of the designated campgrounds.

George Bush Park
16756 Westheimer Parkway
Houston, TX 77082
(281) 496-2177
www.pct3.com/parks.html

Have You Tried the Tamales at Las Tarascas?

Authentic Mexican cuisine is at the core of Las Tarascas, a friendly eatery in Katy. Known to draw a repeat crowd, this restaurant offers daily lunch specials, plus soups, tacos, and aguas frescas. The tamales seem to be the go-to item on their menu. The tacos are inexpensive and made with simple ingredients, while the ffajitas are marinated in a powerful blend of chilies and spices. Be sure to request the white cheese and some of their green sauce.

Las Tarascas also has a reputation of being the place to buy fresh fruit and veggies. It is always super clean and the staff is always friendly and willing to help. The music adds to the atmosphere, as well!

Las Tarascas
1025 South Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450
(832) 739-9222
www.facebook.com/pages/Las-Tarascas/117632988262975

Pack a Picnic and Head to Mary Jo Pekham Park

If you’ve never been to Mary Jo Pekham Park, prepare to be impressed. Mary Jo Pekham Park is a prime spot to go to if you’re looking for something to do in Katy. The public park has just the right amount of shade, perfect for a hot summer day.

Leashed dogs are allowed in the park and they even have baggies available on the trail for you. The park includes a community center, an indoor exercise area, an indoor pool, a fishing pier, a gazebo, koi pond, a miniature-golf course, and an area to disc golf. They also have a pavilion and picnic area to reserve for special events, a playground, and a lighted hiking trail.

Visit for your next family outing or even just a day for yourself to just go and relax. As a bonus, it’s free to enjoy!

Mary Jo Pekham Park
5597 Gardenia Lane
Katy, TX 77491
(281) 391-4482
www.pct3.com/parks/peckham-park

How to Keep Fruit Fresher Longer

Are you guilty of buying fresh produce only to have it spoil a few days later? You're not alone: Studies have found that Americans throw away a fourth of all the produce they buy! Here are some tips to help keep your fruits fresh as long as possible.

  • Fruits such as avocados, tomatoes, mangoes, melons, apples, and pears will ripen quicker if they’re left sitting out on your countertop.
  • Keep your other fruits away from bananas. They emit gases that will speed the ripening of any fruits that are nearby.
  • Fruits such as grapes, citrus, and berries should always be refrigerated.
  • Refrain from washing berries until you are ready to eat them. You want to store them in a dry and covered container.
  • To extend the freshness of lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit, store them in your crisper drawer or in a mesh bag in your refrigerator.
  • Once fruits are fully ripe, you can refrigerate them to help them last a little longer. However, for the best flavor, you want to return them to room temperature.
  • One of the worst things you could do for a fruit is to store it in an airtight bag. The lack of air flow speeds up decay.

The Kitchn's Guide to Storing Fruits and Vegetables [The Kitchn]
Keep Fruits & Vegetables Fresher Longer [American Heart Association]
Spoiled Rotten – How to Store Fruits and Vegetables [Vegetarian Times]

Happy Fourth of July!

Wishing you a Fourth of July filled with pride, honor, and lots of fun!

Paint Your Own Pottery Pieces at Glazed Over Ceramics Studio

If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to get creative near Marquis at Katy, paying a visit to Glazed Over Ceramics Studio is a great option. This social ceramics studio offers paint-your-own-pottery classes for visitors of all ages, and you can walk in at any time and start painting. Once you choose from the selection of hundreds of pottery pieces, you’ll set to work decorating your piece with paints, brushes, and sponges and then firing it in the kiln to take home with you. There are also glass fusion classes if you prefer something a bit more unique.

While Glazed Over doesn’t require reservations for pottery painting, if you want to plan your own private party, accommodations can be made in advance for a birthday party, bachelorette party, or bridal shower. There is a BYOB policy so that guests can bring their own food, drinks, and desserts, including your favorite wine or beer (for of-age guests only, of course).

Glazed Over Ceramics Studio
14627-B Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 497-7272
www.glazedoverceramics.com

Order the Red Lentil Soup at Ephesus Mediterranean Grill in Katy

If you’re craving authentic Mediterranean cuisine, head to Ephesus Mediterranean Grill. This family-owned restaurant is where you’ll find the unique zest of Turkish-Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. They always use fresh produce and prepare all of their meals from scratch. The food is consistently fresh and is quickly delivered to your table.

Be sure to start out with the red lentil soup, then order the char-grilled, marinated filet mignon kebab as your entree. The stuffed cabbage rolls are also a crowd favorite. They consist of cabbage leaves stuffed with a mix of ground lamb, rice, and herbs and are stewed and dressed with tomato sauce and served with a side of yogurt and fresh vegetables.

Ephesus Mediterranean Grill
510 S Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450
(281) 391-4777
www.ephesusgrill.com

Happy Father’s Day!

Today is a chance for us to recognize some very important people in our lives. May this day bring you many reasons to smile!

Happy Father’s Day!

Keeper’s Sushi: Stellar Japanese Cuisine

With sleek white booths and lots of shining polished wood, Keeper’s Sushi is a great Sugar Land spot for a stellar Japanese fare. The enormous sushi menu includes just about every configuration of fresh fish, rice, veggie and sauce combo you could possibly imagine. A tasty assortment of cocktails features a refreshing Kiss of Rose Martini with pear vodka, rose syrup and pomegranate juice, plus a nice selection of saki, wine and beer. Entrees offer up taste pleasers like Beef, Salmon and Chicken Teriyaki, Shrimp Tempura, Salmon Fried Rice, Yakiniku Don with grilled Angus beef in sweet garlic sauce, and Yaki Soba with soba noodles, chicken, cabbage and shitake mushrooms. Stop in for great Happy Hour specials on sushi and drinks. Open every day for lunch and dinner.

Keeper's Sushi
4654 Highway 6 S
Sugar Land, TX 77478
(281) 242-0389

www.keepersushi.com
www.yelp.com/biz/keepers-japanese-restaurant-sugar-land

Looking to Upgrade Your Bathroom? Try These DIY Projects

The bathroom is often one of the most neglected rooms in any home, but with a few simple updates, this high-traffic area can become a soothing oasis. Transform your rental bathroom into an at-home spa with these stylish (and affordable!) DIY projects.

  1. Improve the lighting. If your bathroom is dull and dark, brighten things up by adding lighting that works for you. You can switch out pendant lights (as long as you're able to switch them back when you move out), or add hanging lamps around the sink to add additional lighting.
  2. Create your own custom shelving using reclaimed wood. Just about everyone could use a bit of extra storage in their bathroom, and it's easier than you think to gain extra space. Try hanging antique wood crates on the wall, or make your own shelves by tying wooden shelves on hooks with some rustic ropes.
  3. Weave your own bathmat. Add a colorful, eclectic look to your bathroom by weaving your own bathmat. Use fabric rope in a variety of colors to create your own unique color scheme.
  4. Add vintage furniture. If you have unused space in your bathroom, fill it with furniture pieces that you might not usually expect to see in a bathroom. A small armoire or even an antique vanity looks chic and unexpected — and best of all, it adds some extra storage.

The 10 Best DIY Bathroom Projects [DIY Network]

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