Happy Holidays!

Whatever you're celebrating this month, I hope it's a joyous time with those you love and who love you right back!

It's going to be quiet around here, although we'll still be chatting it up on Facebook. Visit there for news of the neighborhood. Otherwise...

See you in 2012!

How was your LITH?

As soon as Sunday morning, the comments were flying. From Facebook to Twitter to our neighborhood moms' group, people seem much happier this year than last. Looks like the little tweaks and changes the committee made had a wide spread, positive impact.

A huge THANK YOU to all the residents of Woodland Heights, who volunteer their time and resources to allow the rest of us to have so much fun each year. Your efforts are truly appreciated!

So, what's your feedback? What did you enjoy or not enjoy this year? What suggestions, compliments or critiques do you have to offer?

Heights Happenings: December 7- December 14, 2011

Grand Openings!

This weekend welcomes two new businesses to the neighborhood. Both Heights owned and operated, La Camella and Heights Vinyl will be opening in the same White Oak strip center as Write Now! Greetings. 

• Heights Vinyl is exactly what the name implies. Craig Brown's new record shop may sound like an archaic concept to some. However, vinyl has taken on a cult status in recent years and musicians are even releasing new music on this old format. Call it nostalgia if you must, but there is something about dropping the needle on the record...  (Check out this 2009 NYT article)
• La Camella is a women's boutique which will specialize in clothing, shoes and accessories by lesser known and independent labels. According to her website (linked above) the store will sell "beautiful, well-designed and well-crafted lines... not otherwise carried in the city." I look forward to exploring what she has to offer. While women's clothes are not necessarily scarce in the Heights, there is definitely room for growth and, right now, there is no one carrying this quality of merchandise.
• 3221 White Oak

Both stores will be open on Friday, December 9, with Grand Opening celebrations planned to coincide with Lights In The Heights on Saturday. There will be much live music, food, drinks (notably, almost-in-the-Heights beer darlings Karbach Brewery) and, of course, shopping. Stop by and welcome our newest local businesses !

Friday, December 9, 7:30 pm: Heights Live! welcomes Graham Wilkinson

• Another great show from Heights Live!'s family friendly concert series, hosted on the grounds of Heights Presbyterian Church.
• This week "on the rug" you'll find world traveller Graham Wilkinson, whose new album "The Spiritual Accessories" was just released in October, 2011.
• The small size of this BYOB venue allows listeners and performers to interact and have a truly unique concert going experience. 
• $12 at the door. Doors 7:30, show starts at 8 pm. Kids welcome. 240 W 18th.

Saturday, December 10, Noon- 6pm: Join Homespun: Houston Handmade for an open house 

• Want something to do during the hours before Lights in the Heights? Homespun: Houston is "part art gallery and part retail shop, showcasing local and handmade goods in the heart of The Heights. [Their] blog is dedicated to promoting local makers, creative people, and businesses."
• Look for their sweet little studio on the corner of Byrne and Reagan (facing Reagan). They’ll be offering lots of local and handmade goodness, along with their family tradition of warm Gluhwein for the holiday event!

Saturday, December 10, 11 am- Noon: WindSync performs at Angela's Oven

• I certainly can't describe this group any better than they can, so I strongly suggest you visit their website here and discover what this local chamber music group is all about!

Saturday, December 10, 6 pm- 9 pm: Lights In The Heights, 2011

• The much loved event that almost wasn't is here again. A few changes have been made and, hopefully, those small tweaks will ensure the future of LITH in perpetuity.
• For a great write up on the event, past and present, read Martin Hajovsky's recent post from his Chron blog.

Sunday, December 11, 7 pm: Michael Bise Heart Transplant Music Benefit

• Hosted by The Boom Boom Room, 2518 Yale
• Music by The Cleaners and Guests. Doors open at 7pm, Music at 8pm
• Cost: Donation of any amount will be taken at the door.
• Checks are welcome and can be made payable to: Michael Bise Transplant Fund.
• If you are unable to make the event but would like to contribute you may do so at www.michaelwbisejr.org

Retro. Retail. Therapy.

A couple of weeks ago I had the great pleasure of taking part in an event at Thairapy Salon in Montrose. The salon recently moved in to a great new space and used their new square footage to host a "A Little Retro Thairapy" in support of Bread of Life, a Houston non-profit working to feed the more than 80,000 families who go hungry in Houston on a daily basis. Hunger, especially childhood hunger, is an issue that I care deeply about, so I was so happy to participate in something that was both fun and very worthwhile.

The idea was to "fall back into a time before botox and boob jobs. When jello molds and cat eye glasses were all the rage, and hair, makeup and style were more 'starlet' than 'harlot.' " Stylists from the salon treated a few of us to retro makeovers with vintage inspired hair and makeup. The lovely ladies at Heights' own Heights Beatniks provided retro wear for us for a complete flash back look.

I went to browse the racks at Beatniks a couple days before the party, where I met fellow participant and lifestyle guru Beth DeLozier. (Beth's company, Tres Chic Designs, specializes in home staging, organizing and personal shopping. I think that might be the best job in the world.) Beth and I perused the racks to find our perfect outfits. One of the things I love about Beatniks is their inventory is carefully curated. They don't have tons and tons of racks to pick through; everything is organized, clean and in excellent condition. There was a nice variety for each decade and each size, including men and kiddos. I ended up with a great blue and white dress and white handbag, but the look was still incomplete. I needed shoes and my dress needed a belt. If I remember one thing about my grandmother's hold-over style from the 50s-70s, it was that everything matched! I knew to really have the look a white belt and white shoes would be an absolute necessity. I didn't want to do it half-way, but Beatniks didn't have any white shoes in my size. I knew I would have to complete the look on my own.

Luckily, I never far from great vintage shopping and headed straight up to 19th Street to finish my look for the paryt. First stop: Retropolis. It's big and packed full- a great place for browsing and trying on things and even doing some reminiscing about your childhood. The 80s are even retro enough now that I can reminisce about high school in the midst of their racks. And, of course, I found exactly what I was looking for! White 50s-60s era shoes, in almost my size (8.5. I wear a 9. It was do-able). I also picked up a white leather-ish belt and was done. Done with my outfit, that is. There was still more to be seen---- and bought!

Me, far right, in my Beatniks dress and purse. The necklace and earrings were my grandmother's from the 50s. Shoes from Retropolis.

The gorgeous Beth DeLozier, left, in a Beatniks top, necklace and purse (her own skirt). Maria, one of the owners of Heights Beatniks, in a dress from the shop. Maria and Diana set up a mini-shop at the party with some of their most fabulous vintage items. 

Even after finding the belt and shoes, the chock full racks of clothes and accessories were calling to me. When I was younger (and thinner) I lived in thrift store finds. I was never artsy-creative-alternative or anything like that. In fact, I am a very plain dresser, but I was broke and was often able to find close to current items at rock bottom prices. The year that JCrew had women's velvet blazers on their catalog cover for $150+, I found a 70s men's velvet tuxedo jacket at a thrift store in Dallas. In fact, I found two. One is a rich wine color with brown buttons, the other is black with a thin lapel. The sleeves on the black one were/are a little short, but I would kind of roll them and it never mattered. They were my pride and joy, for under $20 each. I still have them and still wear the wine one, but the black is a little too snug. That was in the mid-90s. I am older and have had a couple of kids, so my needs for clothes have changed. I am not in the market for velvet tuxedo jackets now, but I knew there was going to be something good to be had. I was right.

A couple booths down from the rack where I snagged my white shoes, I found this great knit jacket. Made in Belgium, 100% wool but light weight with 3/4 sleeves, which are my favorite. This little number is perfect for our Houston "winter." The patch pockets are kind of military and the pattern in the fabric makes it just a little more interesting for my plain Jane, weekday style. I think it was about $30 and I've already worn in every day under 70 degrees since I bought it.

Despite having a plain jane clothing style, I am a freak about accessories. Jewelry and purses give my white shirt and jeans aesthetic a punch and show that I actually have some personality behind these all the solid colors.  At Retropolis, I found three, yes three, fun bags to join my collection.

I loved this velvet bag for it's color and texture. It's big enough to hold my usual lump of junk- phone, wallet, spare diaper- but not so big that it becomes all Mary Poppins.

This little white bag will be great for spring/summer weddings and parties, or even a nice date night with my husband. The great thing about these vintage bags is they never go "out."

And then this navy, faux snake skin purse reminded me of my old schools days of thrift/vintage shopping. Snake skin is the trend right now. You don't have to be a slave to fashion to know it. You can't get a catalog in the mail or walk through the mall without seeing it. Sure, this bag from the 80s isn't real snakeskin or even very high quality, but from a few feet back (and with the strap off, used as a clutch) it is as cute as what's on the shelf at Nordstrom right now. And I paid less than $20 for it. Me for the win!

I was giddy as I dumped my finds in to the back of my car. Little did I know, my best purchases of the day were yet to come. I had about an hour until school pick up for my youngest, so walked down to Carter & Cooley for my favorite Dr Brown's Diet Cream Soda. I swear, C&C is the only place you can get these for miles.

As I headed to the deli, I passed by Replay on 19th. I had actually never been in to Replay before. Outside, they always have mannequins dressed in colorful 70s frocks and a small rack of brightly patterned dresses. I guess I kind of thought that is what they specialized in and there is nothing wrong with that, it's just not my style. This day, though, I had time to kill and a vintage buying bug, so I popped in.

Like Retropolis, Replay is packed with racks full of clothing. The store, however, is well organized and bright. The store is, I believe, owned and operated by a couple, so rather than items grouped by vendor, the store is sectioned so you'll find hats together, bags together, jewelry together. I was greeted and offered help as I browsed the racks. I wasn't pulling out much. I made it to the very back (housewares), tried on some hats. Nothing was jumping out at me, until... Toward the back corner of the store, sticking out from the end of a very crowded rack, I found it. This beautiful vintage Bill Blass coat.

I put it on. Perfect fit. I walked around, catching myself in a couple of mirrors, thinking about the things in my closet I could wear it with. The gentleman working (perhaps the owner?) told me someone else had just been in 3 days before and did the same thing- put the coat on and walked around. "She loved it, she said," he told me. "She said she would be back to get it on Thursday and we told her if she even left just $10 down, we would hold it for her." She said, no, it was ok. She'd be back on Thursday. It was Tuesday. I bought it. Sorry!

Bill Blass was an influential American designer, especially known for sportswear. His career began in the mid 1940s and lasted until he was diagnosed with cancer in 1999. Blass died in 2002.

Well, hello there. The lining of the coat is what my friend Jila calls "a secret smile." It's my own little bit of whimsy when I open the coat to put it on. And when was the last time anyone got a coat at Neiman's for $50?

But here is the real joy from my day of vintage shopping. On top of a clothes rack in the middle of the store was this Samsonite train case. I love it. LOVE IT. I didn't even hesitate on this. I pulled it down and had them hold it behind the counter. These are not exceptionally rare, but this one does have the original Lucite tray, which is harder to find.  It's also in PERFECT condition. It just seemed special to me and I wanted it. Period.

It's hard to describe why I think this is so special or why I am drawn to items like this one. It's not like clothes where I can say "I got this trend for cheap" or "I can wear this all the time." I don't even know what I'll do with it. I hesitate to put make up in it because it will probably get dirty and stained inside if I do. Maybe jewelry? Maybe I'll just leave it on the shelf in my closet and admire it? Either way, happiness is mine!

After my total win with these two items, Replay has a new customer for life. I was so excited about my finds, I popped in next door at The Lift to chat with Rhonda and show her what I bought. If you've never met Rhonda, go in to her store. She is a ray of sunshine. Always. I could have brought in a hairball and she would have complimented me on it, but her almost equal enthusiasm for my train case allowed me to bask in the happiness of buying it just that much longer. Rhonda also made a comment that I have been meaning to investigate. As I was showing her the case, Price is Right style, she mentioned having seen one like this in the back room at Harold's before they closed. If it had been used as a display at Harold's, that would explain how it managed to stay in such good shape and also have the tray. I wonder if Replay (wisely) grabbed this during the liquidation? If so, that would justify my love for this little piece of luggage even more, as it would be a part of Heights history in my possession. I'll let you know what I find out!

Heights Happenings: November 30- December 7, 2011

Um, is that already December knocking on our door? Wow.

Thursday, December 1, 6 pm- 7 pm: Heights of Health presents "Improving your Family's Immune System"

• Staff from HoH will discuss diet, nutrition, supplements and tools to reduce chemical and emotional stress. This class will benefit all ages - baby, teens and adults. Each person will receive an informative packet explaining simple ways to boost and maintain optimal health. 
• This event is free and first 22 people to register you will receive a packet worth $25.
• Call today to register. Space is limited. 713.861.6777
• 540 Frazier at White Oak

This weekend is Heights Mistletoe Madness. Three great days of Holiday fun:


Friday, December 2, 6 pm- 10 pm: Holiday on 19th

• Join your 19th Street merchants for some holiday cheer while shopping, strolling and enjoying the atmosphere.There will be live music, hot chocolate, strolling Santa's and more! 
• This year 19th St business owners have partnered with Noah's Kitchen, a local non-profit with Heights ties, that feeds the homeless. Businesses will be accepting donations of peanut butter, dry pasta, pasta sauce, new socks and small toiletry items in addition to financial contributions. Noah's Kitchen Elves will be out on the street anxious to tell you about their fantastic organization and all they do for the Houston community.

Saturday, December 3, 11 am- 6 pm: 1st Saturday Arts Market

• Here is a great opportunity to knock out some of your holiday gift buying while supporting local craftspeople and artisans. Always fun, unique items at the Market!

Saturday, December 3, Noon - 5 pm: 3rd Annual Craftidote

• Sure to be the coolest, most interesting stuff around.
• 729 Studewood

Saturday, December 3, 2:30 pm - 4 pm: The History of Woodland Heights book signing

• Write Now! will be hosting Omar Holguin, the author of this great book on Woodland Heights. You can get your copy of The History of Woodland Heights signed between  2:30-4:00
• The shop will be serving cookies and cider as well.
• 3122 B White Oak Dr., 281-974-2138, www.writenowgreetings.com

Friday, December 2, 6 pm- 9 pm and Saturday, December 3, 3pm- 9 pm: Heights Holiday Home Tour

• Six Houston Heights homes will be decorated for the holidays and open for tours at Deck the Heights, the 2011 Houston Heights Association Holiday Home Tour. Tour goers will have a fabulous time looking inside these unique spaces that reflect the rich architectural tradition of our amazing neighborhood. 
• Advance tickets are available at these locations: Another Place in Time, Buchanan’s Native Plants, Davis Hardware, Heights Antiques on Yale, Jubilee, and Write Now! Tickets will also be available on tour days at the Heights Fire Station (12th and Yale) and at each Holiday Home Tour home. 

In addition to the Mistletoe Madness events, there are a couple more great places to pick up unique, hand crafted items on Saturday:

Saturday, December 3, 11 am- 5 pm: 5th Annual Underground Arts Market

• A small group of local artisans gets together once a year at the home of one of their own to do a small, eclectic market. 
• Featured artists include Susan Lewis Storey, Origami Crafts,Space Montrose, Stephanie Lienhard, and more
• For more information and photos of some of the cool stuff for sale, click this link
• 802 Ralfallen at Beverley

Saturday, December 3, 2 pm- 7 pm: 7th Annual Heights Holiday Market

• More than a dozen local vendors. Click here for a complete list of vendors and what they'll be selling.

Saturday, December 3, Noon - 5 pm: Open house at Heights Library

• The gorgeous Heights branch will be having an open house with refreshments and entertainment all day.
• Santa will arrive at 3 pm for photo opportunities as well
• 1302 Heights Boulevard

Saturday, December 3, 7 pm and Sunday, December 4, 11 am: St. Mark's United Methodist Church Annual Outdoor Christmas pageant.  

• Everybody is welcome; this is a super family friendly event! 
• The pageant includes a reenactment of the Christmas story, with beautiful music celebrating the season, shepherds herding live animals and little singing angels. 
• Holiday sweets and treats will be served before, during and after the performance
• 600 Pecore

Sunday, December 4, 8:30 am- 10:30 am: Breakfast with Santa at Zion Lutheran

• Pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa, Nativity stories, plus games and other fun
• Free but please consider a donation of a gently used or new stuffed animal or non-perishable food for the Heights InterFaith Ministry Food Pantry
• Zion Lutheran Church, 3606 Beauchamp (at Pecore)

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS, aka Back To More Practical Matters:


Tuesday, December 6, 9 am- Noon: CoH 3^rd annual "Meet the Buyer" Purchasing Forum.  

• This free event at the George R. Brown Convention Center gives local small business owners a unique opportunity to meet with buyers from City departments and discuss current and future procurement opportunities. There will be information presented on the City procurement process, vendor registration and requirements. 
• Attendees can also learn about Hire Houston First, an ordinance passed by Houston City Council that is intended to boost the local economy by utilizing Houston-area businesses.
• Registration will begin at 8 a.m. Business owners can register online at www.houstontx.gov/obo/meethebuyer2011.html through Friday, December 2, 2011. Onsite registration the day of the event is also available. 
• For additional information or questions email Roger Harris at Roger.harris@houstontx.gov or call him at 832.393.0623.

IN OTHER NEWS:


A Heights mom just started a new Etsy shop, offering hand-picked vintage items for kids. Love buying local on Etsy!
Falabellas

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

Freedom from Want by Normal Rockwell

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Heights Happenings: November 17- November 23

Thursday, November 17, 6:30-8:30 pm: That's TONIGHT! Join me and a lot of people cooler than me at Thairapy Salon to support Bread of Life! I'll be sporting a great retro look from Heights Beatniks and rocking full 50s hair.

Indulge in an evening of retro glamour before the holidays kick into high gear. On November 17, 2011, from 6:30p.m.-8:30pm, Thairapy is sponsoring a pin-up-worthy event.

Dress in your vintage best as Thairapy’s expert hair and make-up technicians demo vamp 1950s makeovers while you sip on-the-house cocktails. A few lucky audience members will be chosen for the makeover. Clothing will be provided by Beatnik Vintage.

Fall back into a time before botox and boob jobs. When jello molds, cat eye glasses and poodle skirts were all the rage, and hair, makeup and style were more “starlet” than “harlot.”

Best of all, all proceeds will benefit Bread of Life Inc, a Houston grassroots organization dedicated to feeding the homeless.

Hope to see you there! 

IN OTHER NEWS:

Purchase your promotion at this link!

Reminder: Vital meeting about the I45 expansion TONIGHT!

This is the reminder letter I got from the I45 Coalition today, which highlights some of the big questions. PLEASE attend. We are fighting for our homes!

REMINDER –TxDOT Public Scoping Meeting is tonight at Jeff Davis High School, 1101 Quitman St., 6 pm – 8 pm.Meeting will be in an ‘Open House’ format, so you can come & go. A short 10-minute video will be shown regarding the project. There will be informational maps shown & TxDOT will be there to answer questions.
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ATTEND SO YOU WILL KNOW WHAT TxDOT IS PLANNING TO DO ON I-45!  TxDOT wants your input!  Please give it to them!!~ New updates ~·        TxDOT says that “Acquisition of additional ROW (right-of-way) would be required to construct the proposed improvements”!  What are the proposed improvements??  No one knows!  [a]
·        TxDOT says that along I-45 from I-10 heading north to 610 – additional ROW will likely be needed atall intersecting streets with I-45. [b]   How far into the neighborhood?
·        TxDOT also says that along I-45 from 610 North to Beltway 8 North – more ROW will likely be neededeverywhere – at & between all intersections! [b]   How much bigger? How far into the neighborhood?

At the Public Meeting make sure you get as many answers as you can.  If there are ANY questions that do not get answered - or - if you do not like the answers, it is VITAL that you put your comments in writing either at the meeting, by email or by postal mail after the meeting but no later than12/5/11.Are there concerns or demands that you have?   Put them in writing! Here are some of our concerns and questions:·        TxDOT has already stated they want additional right-of-way to increase the size of the freeway! How much is enough?
·        We do NOT want to expand the freeway right-of-way! Do NOT expand into our neighborhoods!·        We would like reduced congestion but not at the expense of losing our homes!·        We do NOT want a multi-level freeway above the ground – the noise and pollution will affect our neighborhoods! … our schools & our children!
·        We want TxDOT to look into other technologies – other than just pouring more & more concrete for more and more lanes. We don’t have room for an I-10 on I-45!
·        We do not want our quality of life negatively affected.·        We do want TxDOT to look into the possibility of building a tunnel to reduce traffic congestion.·        Where is the funding coming from for this project?  Will the lanes have a toll charge?·        Will the project cause additional flooding in the neighborhood from additional concrete? ·        If detention or retention ponds are needed, will they be created as ‘park-ready’?Be sure you put your comments in writing either at the meeting or via postal mail (Director of Project Development, TxDOT, P.O.Box 1386, Houston TX 77251-1386) or by email   (probably the best way) (HOU-piowebmail@txdot.gov). The deadline for comments is December 5, 2011.You can get additional information from TxDOT’s website at www.IH45NorthandMore.comWho is the I-45 Coalition? We are a grassroots organization of concerned citizens and civic associations from neighborhoods affected by potential I-45 expansion.Are you on the I-45 Coalition’s email list? We will notify you of all meetings & issues so you stay fully informed.Please go to our Face Book page and / or  www.I-45Coalition.org  and sign up.     
If you care about your neighborhood; if you are concerned about noise, pollution and your quality of life – YOU MUST ATTEND! Stay involved …it is your neighborhood!
[a] North Houston Highway Improvement Project, Draft Agency Coordination & Public Involvement Plan, Page 2, paragraph 2[b] North Houston Highway Improvement Project, Draft Need & Purpose, Page 1-8, paragraph 1

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Heights Happenings: November 9- November 16, 2011

Friday, November 11, 9 PM: Opening night for "My Cold Dead Fingers"

• Grown up puppets perform a new piece by Joel Orr, artistic director of Bobbindoctrin Puppet Theater
• Bobbindoctrin has been producing original puppet works for Houston since 1995. Bobbindoctrin provides experimental adult puppet performances with low admission prices and gives actors, directors, playwrights, musicians, sculptors, dancers and engineers a much-needed and unique venue for their art while encouraging theatregoers from all economic strata to attend. 
• Bobbindoctrin has a history of introducing audiences to new forms of stagecraft using puppet techniques rarely touched upon by conventional theatre groups. Bobbindoctrin incorporates a mix of shadow, rod, hand, string and tabletop puppetry, as well as masks, in any given show. These varied traditions of puppetry are applied to presenting new and original works (not performed or published elsewhere) written explicitly for the puppet stage by local playwrights.

Saturday, November 12, 2 pm- 4 pm: Po'No Ragazzi International Academy Community Meeting

• Po'no Ragazzi International Academy is a new school in the Heights area, located at Shepherd Drive United Methodist Church, 600 South Shepherd.
• The school will open its doors in 2012 for grades four through eight.  
• DISCLAIMER: I don't know much about this school at all and their website is not as informative as I would like. However, parents in the Heights area are always looking for expanded school options so I thought I should throw this out there. 
• The Po'No Ragazzi Facebook Page actually offers slightly more information than the website, saying "Think, Do, Learn in small, interdisciplinary and creative learning environments for K-12 students. We focus on learning that fits students learning styles. As educators, we use local, state, national and international resources teach and reach all of our students."
• For more information, email director@ponoragazzi.com, call 281-300-7602 or www.ponoragazzi.com

Saturday, November 12, 10 am- 4 pm: St Andrew's Autumn Bazaar

• St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on Heights Blvd at 19th will host more than 50 crafters and artisans. 
• The Reagan High School Jazz Band will perform and It's a Wrap mobile bistro will be on hand serving great food. They will also have delicious homebaked goods and ready-to-reheat casseroles for sale. 
• Admission is free.

Saturday, November 12, Noon - 6 pm: Second Saturday Craftacular, followed by Artist's Reception for Francis Trotter and Jason Villegas at Hello Lucky

• Second Saturday Craftacular out front of the shop from Noon to 4 pm
• Followed by the artists reception inside the shop from 4 to 6pm for artists Frances Trotter and Jason Villegas
• Works by these artists will be on display until December 3rd

Saturday, November 12, 2 pm- 5 pm: Open studio for Melanie Millar

• Local artist Melanie Millar is opening her studio for guests as she presents her new "Botanicals" series.
• "For the past few months I have mostly been working on a much smaller scale after a couple of years of working almost exclusively on large canvases.  And instead of the ornamental forms that have preoccupied me for a long time, I am finding myself more interested in exploring natural forms."
• Melanie is at Spring Street Studios, No 104, 1824 Spring St

Saturday, November 12, 6:15 pm: Rouse House Concerts presents Grace Pettis and Megan Burtt

• Megan and Grace were winners of this year's Kerrville New Folk Singer-Songwriter competition. This week, Megan and Grace are touring Texas with this year's New Folk Winners. Deb and Lindsey are excited and honored they found time to play at Rouse House concerts.
• RSVPs are required due to limited seating and will be on a "first come/first served" basis. To RSVP, please email rouse_house_concerts@yahoo.com. 
• An honorarium of $15 per person is suggested, which can be paid by cash.  All proceeds go to the performing artists. CDs are usually available for sale during intermission.
• Please arrive between 6:15 and 7:15 pm and for a potluck dinner prior to the concert.  Lindsey and Deb provide coffee and lemonade but you're welcome to bring whatever else you prefer. Wine glasses are available for those who wish to bring wine. Music will begin at 7:30 pm.
• Performances are presented at the house of Deb Rouse and Lindsey Lee, located in the Houston Heights.  The address is 623 E 7 ½ Street, Houston, Texas 77007
• If you have any questions, email address is rouse_house_concerts@yahoo.com 
• Facebook page is www.facebook.com/rouse.house.concerts

PLAN AHEAD

Saturday, November 19, 9 am - Noon: Bayou Village School presents Rhythm, Ritual, and Reverence: How Waldorf Education Supports the Need of the Growing Child- A Workshop with Laura Olson

• Join BVS for a morning of discussion and learning as they explore the practices and principles of Waldorf Education in early childhood. The presentation will journey through the why's and how's of the Waldorf Early Childhood class day and consider the relationship of home and school for the young child. How can a "bridge" between home and school be created for the young child that creates continuity and security? How can the rhythms and joys of every day life enhance and nurture the child's growing body and imagination? Discover how the arts, the sciences, mathematics, and language arts education are imparted through such things as bread baking, gardening, singing, play, rhyme and story. Learn more about the role of adults in children's lives and how Waldorf educators believe we can protect these early years and "savor them alongside our children in truly joyful ways!"
• $25/individual or $45/couple
• Pre-registration with payment is required for this workshop. Contact BVS (713-499-0598 or bayouvillageschool@yahoo.com) or download a registration form from our website: www.bayouvillageschool.org.
• Bayou Village School opened in 2010 and was founded by 2 Heights mothers. The school is located in 2 wonderful bungalows at 747 E 18th, across from Field Elementary

Wednesday, November 30, 6:30 pm: The Corkscrew offers you Dateapalooza

• The Corkscrew wants to make sure you have a date for the Holidays and they're willing to help by bringing back speed dating. They ask "Isn't speed dating lame?" And then they answer "Yes, other people's speed dating is lame. At The Corkscrew we use a secret ingredient to make it a lot more fun....boat loads of wine!" Basically, you have 2 minutes to chat up a member of the opposite sex with a big glass of wine in front of you. If you hate them, then in two minutes, they are out of your life forever, if you like them and they like you.....magic. 
• The Corkscrew claims to work magic, bragging they have had 2 marriages come out of past Dateaplooza events. 
• Contact Amy at thecorkscrewhoutx@gmail.com as they also claim the event fills fast!
• $30 per person. 1308 W 20th

IN OTHER NEWS

Here is a great little bit Channel 13 did on 19th Street: Hidden Treasures in the Heights video clip. It highlights many of our great local businesses, including Bliss on 19th, Erica DelGardo jewelry, and Carter and Cooley deli.

Many shops on 19th will be open late on Thursdays for the months of November and December. This is a great opportunity to get your holiday shopping done and support local businesses. Please shop local first if you want to see these stores and restaurants stay strong and continue to contribute to our wonderful quality of life!

Also, Write Now! on White Oak is having a huge sale, up to 50% off on gift and craft items. Shanna has also brought in a great selection of high quality toys and puzzles just in time for stuffing stockings.

Write Now! will also be getting a new neighbor. In addition to Heights Vinyl, a new dress shop, La Camella, will open in the strip center. Can't wait to see what she has to offer!