Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Heights Happenings: December 12- December 19, 2012

Happy 12.12.12, friends! Here's what will happen after this little milestone:

Thursday, December 13, 5 pm- 7 pm: Langford Market and Friends for Life “Shop and Save Lives” event
  • Deck the halls and fill your closet while helping animals find forever homes! Join Langford Market and Friends for Life, Houston's fastest growing no kill animal shelter, by shopping from 5pm- 7pm. 10% of the proceeds will benefit the shelter.
  • Bring your well behaved four legged friend for light bites, cocktails, and holiday shopping with a purpose.
  • With a $1 donation, get a smooch from a pooch in the "Under the Misletoe" doggie kissing booth. 
  • Adoptable cats and dogs will also be at the event looking for new families to take them home!
  • 249 W 19th
Starting Thursday, December 13: FREE Community classes at Happy Belly Studio
These great classes are on the house this month!! 
•12/13-All Levels @ 7:15PM
•12/18-All Levels @ 7:15PM
•12/26-Power Vinyasa @ 6PM
•1/7/13- Power Vinyasa @ 6PM
•1/15- All Levels @ 7:15PM
•1/26- All Levels @ 11:30AM
•2/1- Power Vinyasa @ 5:15PM
Community classes will be taught by the studio’s Teacher Trainee Interns. If you would like to sign up for one of these FREE classes, please call (713)862-7972 or email info@happybellystudios.com.
Due to limit space you may only sign up for ONE Community class. Happy Belly thanks you for understanding
920 Studemont

Friday, December 14, 5 pm - 8 pm: Heights Hullabaloo with One Green Street
  • Join One Green Street for a fun night of holiday revelry
  • The store will have drinks and snacks, plus great shopping options with free gift wrap
  • Live music from the Craig Kinsey Band
  • After everyone has shopped, sipped, and snacked, the crowd will take off for some old school caroling, returning to the store for one last night cap before parting ways.

Friday, December 14, 4 pm- 10 pm: Free & Fair & Festive at A 2nd Cup
  • Get your Christmas shopping finished in a way that makes the world a little bit better. Buy unique gifts from vendors who use their products to support survivors of human trafficking and work for prevention for others.
  • Chrysalis Creations will be selling exquisite jewelry made by girls who are at risk or who have been rescued from the commercial sex trade in Houston.
  • http://www.chrysalismentoring.com/
  • Purse and Clutch will be selling adorable handbags. This company provides jobs for those who are in need and vulnerable.
  • http://www.purseandclutch.com/ 
  • Radiant Cosmetics’ proceeds from make up sales are used to help to raise awareness of human trafficking, provide resources for people who are making a difference, and to support and assist victims of trafficking.
  • http://www.radiantcosmetics.org/
  • Redeemed Ministries sells beautiful coasters handmade by survivors of trafficking.
  • http://www.redeemedministries.com/
  • A 2nd Cup who will be selling ethically traded beverages and coffee related gifts. The coffee house uses proceeds to raise awareness of human trafficking and directly support survivors.
  • There will also be a bake sale featuring delicious treats made by talented friends of A 2nd Cup. Proceeds from the bake sale will be split between three incredible organizations fighting human trafficking in Houston: A 2nd Cup, Redeemed Ministries and Houston Rescue and Restore.

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Saturday, December 15, 12 pm- 5 pm: Holiday. Art. Pop. Market.
  • Join the Hardy & Nance Studios in the Downtown Warehouse district for a December event. This free event will feature many guest artists, food and spirits.
  • In addition to the 24+ in-house artists opening the doors of their  studios, this show will also showcase the work of Wiley Robertson, Michael C Rodriguez, Leo Medrano, Valerie Gudell, Tony Parana, Robin S Silvers and McCheek's Mayhem in the main gallery.
  • Special concert performance by David Dove- trombone, electronics, and subwoofers. A real H-town sound!  3 pm, 30-45 min set
  • H Town Streats will be serving up “fine art cuisine” along side the lovely Zeapod Cakery mobile unit. Zeapod will have a Toys for Tots donation bin for the USMC and if you bring a toy, you’ll get a cupcake!
  • FREE- Spirits will be provided! 

IN OTHER NEWS:

Sweet gift card deal at Jenni's Noodle House!

  • In addition to their awesome meats and prepared foods for your own holiday table, you can give the gift of Revival
Hostess Gift
  • $24.95
  • House Zucchini Bread (An easy breakfast for the host the next day)
  • 34 Chrackers
  • Housemade Jam
Italian Gift Basket
  • Retails: 49.95
  • Italian gift basket will include:
  • Eduardo's Pasta (2 Bags)
  • Housemade Market Tomato Sauce
  • Texas Olive Ranch Olive Oil 
  • House Made Salami Sticks
Latin Gift Basket
  • Retails: $74.95
  • A Range of latin products that range from savory to sweet including:
  • Specialty Hot Sauce from Bravado Spice or Rancho Gordo
  • Taza Mexican Drinking Chocolate (Many varieties to choose from)
  • Specialty Agave Nectar
  • House-Made Market Salsa
  • etc.
The Revival Pantry
  • $79.95 / $124.95 
  • All things Revival to give the gift of the perfect pantry
  • Baskets will vary based on seasonal availability of products.
  • Both Baskets will feature the following items. 
  • Housemade Seasonal Jam
  • Housemade Bread & Butter Pickles
  • Housemade American Mustard
  • Galveston Sea Salt
  • Housemade Market Salsa, Tomato Sauce, Salami Sticks, Pickled Beets (or seasonal vegetable of choice based on stock)
  • Housemade Market Ketchup and Housemade Green Tomato Relish
  • The larger basket will have a variety of Revival Market Made products added on such as Houston Honey, Pickled Radishes, Sandwich Pickles and whatnot, but based on seasonal items in house.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Heights Happenings: December 5- December 13, 2012

It’s just a couple days away- probably the biggest annual event in the neighborhood. Saturday, Dec 8, starting at 6 pm.
More details at the link


Other than that notable happening, here’s some other stuff going down.

Friday, December 7, 6 pm: Michael Arcieri opening at Avis Frank Gallery
  • From Avis Frank Gallery “Following the end of the Second World War, cold war anxieties were masked by endless printed images of a picture-perfect domestic environment embracing the new atomic age. These paintings explore the cold war culture and examine the idea of a bright new future contrasted with the reality of a “doomsday” threat that remains relevant even today. Michael Arcieri is one of the best figurative oil painters Houston has seen. His painstaking approach to producing representative art combines the seen world and the world expressed through contemporary media.”
  • Michael is, indeed, a talented artist and a neighbor of mine in the Heights. His show will be very worth while.
  • 1606 White Oak, formerly King Biscuit 
Saturday, December 8, 9 am- 11 am: Timbergrove’s annual Winter Festival
  • SNOW!















Saturday, December 8, 10 am: Renowned Houston naturalists Gary Clark & Kathy Adams Clark at Buchanan’s
  • Gary Clark will present slides and lecture on "Winter Birds of Houston" in Buchanan's Pavillion.  
  • Kathy Adams will be signing copies of her new book, "Portrait of Houston", featuring her wonderful photo images, with text by Gary.  
Saturday, December 8, 10 am- 5 pm: A 2nd First Saturday Arts Market
  • For the 1st time in 8 years, Mitch and the artists of First Saturday are coming back for an encore.
  • 548 W 19th, in the lot next to Wind Water Gallery
Saturday, December 8, Noon- 4 pm: Second Saturday Craftacular
  • Join Hello, Lucky for a showcase of local crafters and artisans
  • Participating Vendors: Al Saulso, Matt Messinger, Justin Dunford, Carole Smith, Freddie Barrett, Jon Garner, Marjie Catron, Stella Rose 
  • Candle Bark, Abbie Drue Designs, Chakra Suds, Barefoot Child Designs, Veronica Triplett
Sunday, December 9, 1 pm- 6 pm: Valentine's House of Music Open House and Sale

  • Valentine’s House of Music, located inside Houston Piano Company, is hosting a Holiday Open House
  • All of musical gift items will be on sale at a 20% discount. This is a great opportunity to find a gift for students, teachers or a music lover in your life.
  • All Christmas Music will be offered at 25% off as well
  • Refreshments will be served
  • 1600 W 13th
Tuesday, December 11, 10 am: Neighborhood story time and gift presentation at the Heights Library
  • This special story time will feature crafts and a reading related to Hanukkah. 
  • At the story time, Maya Houston from the Houston Library Foundation will announce the total mount of donations received from the community. This effort was launched after the 2nd place finish in the Lego Read Play Build contest. While I am not certain of the final tally, I do know we have raised slightly more than the $5000 prize offered by Lego. This is such an amazing community!
PLAN AHEAD

Thursday, December 13, 5 pm- 7 pm: Langford Market and Friends for Life “Shop and Save Lives” event

  • Deck the halls and fill your closet while helping animals find forever homes! Join Langford Market and Friends for Life, Houston's fastest growing no kill animal shelter, by shopping from 5pm- 7pm. 10% of the proceeds will benefit the shelter.
  • Bring your well behaved four legged friend for light bites, cocktails, and holiday shopping with a purpose.
  • With a $1 donation, get a smooch from a pooch in the "Under the Misletoe" doggie kissing booth. 
  • Adoptable cats and dogs will also be at the event looking for new families to take them home!
  • 249 W 19th
OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS

Wednesday, December 12, 11 am- 3 pm: UrbanCraft downtown Holiday market
  • Definitely check this out if you work downtown! This is guaranteed to NOT be the same mass market, cheap stuff usually sold in the lobbies of office buildings!
  • "UrbanCraft is proud to announce the first handmade, curated craft market in Downtown Houston in this holiday season, hosted by Arts>Brookfield." This event is focused on bringing together some of the finest craftspeople, artisans, and artists in town. Featured items include ceramics, fiber arts, handmade jewelry, soaps and other handmade goods, reasonably priced between $10 - $75.
  • Heights artists include Carole Smith of McCheek's Mayhem and the lovely Lisa Chow
  • This event is Free and open to the public
  • One Allen Center, 1200 Smith Street

IN OTHER NEWS
Premium Draught is now open at 733 Studewood


Monday, November 26, 2012

A Few of My Favorite Things

I hate Black Friday with the white hot passion of 1000 suns. The camping out, stores open at 5 am, people getting trampled. I don't think there is a piece of technology out there that could make me want to deal with it. Luckily, I live in the Heights. I might have actually enjoyed fighting a little more traffic at our local stores, happy to see them busy. Most of the small retailers I spoke with in the neighborhood were very happy with business this past Friday, which was music to my ears.

I saw a lot of great stuff and made mental notes for my gift giving list. Luckily, I had my camera (and my 15 year old niece) to help me remember what I saw and show you guys a little of what's out there for Holiday gift giving. Call or stop by the shops for pricing and availability, and to find your own favorite things!

One Green Street
3424 White Oak
(281) 888-9518


For the coffee lover, aka my husband, OGS's "One Green Bean" is a double Heights whammy:
 the beans are roasted at Boomtown Coffee on 19th


"One Green Tea" is also made locally by Path of Tea on W Alabama. 
Love this for my sister-in-law with a ceramic tea pot you'll see later.


Keep my pooch happy with stocking stuffers from DJ Bones Dog Bakery. This is our dog's 1st Christmas with us and you can be sure the kids want him to have a full stocking!


Heights photographer Adam Oblath puts his pictures on canvas and then mounts them in to repurposed windows and reclaimed frames. I want this for me. If you know my husband, drop a hint.

1020 Studewood
713-869-NEST


This brand new line from a West Texas maker is geared toward men. Masculine scents for candles and bath products, plus hand crafted leather goods and cutting boards. I love the packaging and think this will be great for my younger brother.


Painted tea towels and ceramics. I love little one of a kind gifts like these for my friends who have every gadget known to man. The tea pot, a towel, and some of the One Green Tea is the top contender for my sister-in-law.


Love these little origami bookmarks, handmade of course, for sticking stuffers or inside a nice cookbook for a friend. Not pictured here is a great cookbook at Buchanan's with small plates/tapas from different Houston restaurants. I'll use the bookmark in the page featuring Downhouse on Yale.


I don't know who I would give these origami ornaments to, but they were too pretty to leave out. Maybe you want to give one to a friend?

1025 Studewood
713-864-3556

Every summer when my niece comes to stay for a week, we go to Hello, Lucky to get her some back to school goodies. She loves this store and her friends in Austin covet everything she gets there. I find teenagers incredibly hard to buy for, so I was happy to have her walk through and point out some of the stuff she liked!

Hello, Lucky has great jewelry. Much of it is made from other stuff, like the leatherette earrings in the bottom left of the photo. Upcycled, eco-conscious, artist made. Love it!


These great armadillo Texas tshirts are heading to my little niece and nephew in Massachusetts. 
My kids already have the "I'm from Texas y'all" shirts.


Niece also loved the fabric cuff bracelets Teresa makes. I'm pretty sure she'll be getting one.


We both also love these "you are amazing" pendants. A possibility for my own sister, who has had some struggles in the past few years. I love the sweet, positive message.

The Funny Potter
1024 Studewood

This paint your own pottery studio doesn't charge a studio fee. You only pay for the piece you paint, and they have probably 1000 to choose from. I'm going to get gift certificates for my sons' best buddies. Right now they are also having a special on ornaments. What grandparent doesn't want a hand painted ornament? My mom will cherish them!


833 Studewood
(713) 861-0301


"I trike the Heights." Nuff said.


One of my best friends in Austin just had a baby girl. I think she needs one of these in her crib!


Again, I don't have anyone to give these to (well, maybe baby Violet in Austin...) but these are great dishes for kids and I know a lot of other parents are often looking for these things. Love the sectioned tray with cover!

OoLaLa
833 Studewood
(713) 862-9800

I might have to wear a mistletoe headband to Lights In The Heights!


Beautiful jewelry by Heights resident Dorie Kerr. She has so many beautiful pieces to pick from and I have so many wonderful girlfriends to buy for!


Insulated lunch sacks. These are on the "have on hand for someone I forgot" list.


Fun stocking stuffers for my brother and also for the 2 Secret Santa exchanges I am participating in.

238 W. 19th Street, Suite A-2
In the Corridor Shops



Pendants from Gami Works. I 1st found Gami Works doing a search for Heights Etsy sellers. In addition to these cute pendants, she also has earrings and cute magnetic canisters. I like the canisters for teacher gifts or babysitter gifts.


I don't have anyone to give one to, but I think these "Houston, TX Home" prints would be a great gift for a native who has moved away for work, school or something else.


Great earrings for my 6 year old niece. Small and girlie. She'll love them!


Hand sewn zipper wallets, coin purses, cosmetic bags. Another great option for the babysitter.

Bespoke by GJCD
238 W 19th

Again with the things that I don't know who I would give them to but they are still some of my favorites. Bespoke has awesome vintage glasses and bar supplies. I would buy them all if I had room and could afford it.



235 W 19th

Last year I gave away probably a dozen boxes of this Wine-A-Rita mix. I'll keep a few on hand for that  "someone I forgot" list again.


Every year I buy a new ornament for our tree. A favorite is a giant snowman I got at Bliss 3 years ago. This year I have my eyes on these Christmas astronauts.


I gave one of these for Secret Santa last year. I don't know if I'll do the same this year but it's high on the list of things that I'll consider. It's like a wickless candle- scented wax that freshens the room but is very light and subtle.

321 A W. 19th St.
(713) 869-5885


I love this cookie jar so much! I am going to buy it for a gift exchange party we go to every year and hope that I can bring it home. Is that bad?


There was also a ton of fun holiday stuff for stockings, teachers, and all those other people you like to give just a little something to.

365 W 19th
713-868-LIFT (713-868-5438)


Books, books, books. I get my sons and all kids under 12 who I shop for at least one book.


Rhonda recommended this beautifully illustrated book, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore.


I also love, love, love this canvas gift bag with four "To/From" spaces so you can pass it along and see where it's been before. Probably not a good bet for random acqaintances but I have some friends and family who will like it as much as I do.


Little wind up toys. I have 2 sons. Yes to these!

So there you have it. A sneak peek at what's out there. There is all this and so much more at our Heights retailers. Have a happy, local holiday season!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so grateful to be raising my family in such a vibrant, wonderful, diverse community. It is one of many things I am thankful for on this day. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Heights Happenings: November 14 - November 21, 2012

Well, the holidays are upon us. Hard to believe next week is already Thanksgiving! We are hosting my husband's family for Turkey Day this year, so no post next week. While I won't be posting here, I have a lot to be thankful for, not the least of which is this amazing community: The Heights! I am so happy to have you all as my friends and neighbors.


Thursday, November 15, 4pm - 7 pm: The Market at Silver Street
  • This is an indoor, weekly market. Vendors change but recent items for sale have included Fruits and Vegetables, Tamales, Dog Treats, Baked goods, Candles, Jelly, Pickles, Soaps, smoothies, Wheat Grass Juice, Coffee, Knife sharpening, and more
  • 1501 Silver Street



Friday, November 16, 5pm: Friends of Jaycee Park presents The Lorax
  • Children's activities at 5:00 PM
  • Pictures with Santa at 5:00 PM
  • Silent Auction at 5:00 PM
  • Lorax screening at 6:00 PM
  • Support the park’s shade canopy fundraising efforts by buying pizza and popcorn at the concession stand.
  • Jaycee Park is a 7.4 acre city park located at 1300 Seamist Drive 77008. Approximately two years ago, Friends of Jaycee Park was organized with the purpose of improving this park that had not seen improvements in over 40 years. Dedicated volunteers from 5 area neighborhoods united forces with the Houston Parks Board and Houston Parks and Recreation Department and have been successfully working towards the full renovation of Jaycee Park. 
  • Learn more about the Jaycee Park project and their partner, Houston Parks Board, at www.houstonparksboard.org.
Friday, November 16, 7pm -10pm: Neopopstreetfunk 4 at Gallery M Squared
  • Some consider this the best little group art show in town. 
  • “Showcasing new work from 28 visual artists of every variation, Nicky Davis and Kevin Sechelski continue to set new standards in the Houston art scene with their iconoclastic, irreverent shows. From gritty guerilla street art to fantastical surrealist offerings, Neopopstreetfunk 4 promises a night of visual bliss and aesthetic beauty, but with a swagger, as well.”
  • 339 West 19th Street
November 16- November 18: WHAM- Winter Holiday Arts Market
  • Every year, Fresh Arts (formerly Spacetaker and Fresh Arts Coalition, who have mrged) hosts the Winter Holiday Art Market- “one part curated festival, one part holiday party, and all kinds of fun.” Houston artists offer all kinds of wares, from paintings and jewelry, to clothing and more. Shoppers enjoy art, food, entertainment, and Houston artists get support via “the holiday revenue stream.” WHAM has become much more than just a market for Houston artists and art lovers.
  • Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street
  • November 16, 6PM-10PM (Preview Party)
  • November 17, 11AM-8PM (Free)
  • November 18, 11AM-4PM (Free)
PLAN AHEAD

Friday, November 30, 8 pm: W.O.M.A.N. supports Movember at Big Star Bar
  • Featuring music from: Punk Rock Project, Texas Mod Crushers, BreeFeer, and GoRealAh Soul
  • Silent Auction & Raffle till midnight
  • No Cover, 21+ only
  • More about Movember: During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of mustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo's, these men raise vital awareness and funds for men's health issues. Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through their actions and words they raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health. All funds raised in the US by Mo Bros and Sistas go to support prostate cancer and testicular cancer initiatives. The funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and our men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG Foundation.
  • 1005 W 19th
IN OTHER NEWS

Tangled Salon & Spa once a year super special
  • As the Holidays approach, Tangled Salon has a great offer for old or new client. They are offering a once a year purchase of $500 for one year of Hair Color/or Cutting, or Massages. You receive one service per month, which can be savings of more than $500 over the year. The sale starts Friday, November 16, and ends December 1.
  • 3902 North Shepherd Drive #1 Houston, TX 77018‎
  • (713) 677-0697