Back to the daily grind...

After a very extended holiday weekend, I am finally back. I was lucky enough to visit Bethany Beach Delaware, a quaint beach where I vacationed with my family every summer growing up. Sooo relaxing. Here are some vintage photos of Bethany that really capture its charm.

Happy Weekend

Hope you all enjoy a relaxing three day weekend. I'm off to put my feet in the sand...

Colorful Houston Gardens

I love this time of year. Beautiful blooms seem to appear out of nowhere. I swear it just happens overnight. Thought I'd share what's recently popped up in my garden.
Do you have something pretty growing in your yard? Email me. I'd love to share it with our readers.

Pungent Pooch?

Helping out the Houston Humane Society has never been so rewarding. Bring your pup to Whole Foods, and let volunteers get him squeaky clean while you shop! Whole Foods is even donating all natural products for your pup's spa experience. Donations only. All proceeds go directly to the Humane Society.

When? Saturday, May 23 from 10-2

Where? For a list of participating Whole Foods, and more information check out the Houston Dog Blog, call 713.341.3311 or email pr@houstonhumane.org

What a Hoot!

I can't resist these sweet owl pendants from Jennamichelle. They come in several different adorable colors, and your jaw will drop when you see the price (in a good way). Click here to see her fine feathered friends.

The Journey Agents

If you are looking for some excitement on your quiet Sunday evening, go check out Houston's hottest new band..The Journey Agents! They will be playing from 5-6 at Aztecas Margarita Bar & Grill (207 Richmond). Want to preview their music? Click here.

Beanie Bo

Looks like Beanie's are making a comeback with Bo the First Dog. These little water dogs have been jumping off the shelves, and selling (for way too many $Washingtons) on ebay. According to Ty, the company is donating a portion of the Bo profits to local animal shelters. Want one? The cheapest I found on ebay was $13, which is more than double the retail.

Autumn's Weddings

Just came across these unique-ie chic custom wedding invites from Autumn Beckman...and just in time for wedding season. I love them all. Makes me want to get married all over again!

Simply. Chloe Dao

Local (and national) celebrity Chloe Dao (owner of Lot 8) was on QVC twice today, and I have simply fallen in love with her Simply. Chloe Dao line. Her appearance this morning/evening was in celebration of her 2nd anniversary with QVC. Gorgeous pieces, and even better prices. Here are a few favorites...

Eco-Modern Jalex Studios

I just discovered this awesome Eco-modern home decor designer, Jeff Alexander of Jalex Studios. I love how Jeff takes simple objects like a vase or candle sticks and completely reinvents them. I also found this fantastic article on The Chatterbox Blog about Jeff, and his quote below illustrates exactly how I feel about this wonderful city.

"Houston is an undiscovered gem when it comes to modern design/lifestyle. Most people associate modern design/living with New York, or California, but Houston has great modern design/lifestyle that makes me proud to call it home.”

Calling All Trekkies!

Dust off your Spock ears, get that spandex out of storage, it's time to get your Trek on! Dress up in your best Star Trek costume, buy a ticket to the 10pm Star Trek Premiere at the Silverado IMAX on hwy 249 tonight, and get a chance to win FREE MOVIE TICKETS FOR A YEAR! How fun is that? If you haven't visited one of the Santikos theaters you are in for a treat! They have a full service restaurant, 2 bars for your imbibing pleasure, and even a gelato and coffee bar! For directions visit their website.

Welcome Oscar!

Here's the latest newborn at the Houston Zoo! A warm prickly porcupine named Oscar. He was named (you guessed it) after the Sesame Street character, when zoo keepers realized that he was a little bit on the grouchy side. Fussy or not, he is still the cutest porcupine I've ever seen!

Terry Leavitt-Chavez at Winter Street Studios

The Artists at Winter Street Studios invite the public to come by for OPEN STUDIOS on the second Saturday of every month. This is the largest group of fine artists in the Houston area. Visitors can chat up the artists, discuss technique, process, inspirations-you name it! All in an open house, chilled out environment.

On Saturday, May 9th Winter Street is featuring Terry Leavitt-Chavez, one of H.W.C.'s favorite local artists. In the last five years she has sold over 300 originals, received recognition from Houston's Glassell School of Art, and been featured in the Houston Chronicle. If you haven't seen any of her compelling abstract pieces, you should definitely go give them a gander.

Studios are open to the public, free of charge.
Saturday, May 9th, 2009 from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m.

Best Beauty Products Under $10

If you are looking to save a buck on beauty products these days, here's a helpful resource. Self Magazine just put out their 2009 Healthy Beauty Awards with some great buys. To make our lives even easier, Yahoo pulled out the best ones under $10, and listed them here. Happy shopping!

Sushi Choo Choo

I ate at the coolest place this weekend. It's called Sushi Choo Choo, the "moving" sushi restaurant. Perplexed (and a bit fascinated) by how the restaurant "moves," we of course had to see for ourselves. The concept is ingenious, especially for those a bit sheepish with sushi. The "choo choo" of freshly made mini sushi plates travel on a mini conveyor belt, in front of your seat (see video below). Each plate is color coded by price level, so you know exactly what price it is before you gobble it down. The menu is a no-brainer with colorful pictures and clearly worded descriptions so you can decide what you want to grab off of the belt. Not only was it an amusing concept, but I ate until I was stuffed, and my meal was about $11. Go ride the train.

Sushi Choo Choo

12149 FM 1960 Rd

Houston, Texas 77065

Choo Choo Train Sushi - Amazing videos are here

SMILE...

... It's Friday!! Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!