A Thank You and a Tribute

Birthday card envelope made from a recycled Whole Foods bag

How do I love The Heights?

Let me recount one of the ways...

On White Linen Night, we went to Onion Creek to celebrate my neighbor's birthday. The aforementioned neighbor does a lot for us. He and his wife water our plants when we're out of town, share their basil with us, provide expert consultation (and often labor) on our home improvement projects, call us when there's something on Woot they think we might like, put my name on estate sale signs at midnight (while I'm sleeping) to ensure I get a good spot in line--the list goes on.

After Hurricane Ike when my neighbor was rebuilding the fence between our two houses, he followed my request and built a gate connecting our two yards. How cool is that?

When his birthday rolled around, we decided to make him a handmade card and give him a gift certificate to Lowe's. We presented it to him at Onion Creek at his impromptu birthday party.

Then we went away to an educational conference for a week. When we returned, the card (and gift certificate) were on our front porch with this note attached:

Hello!

My name is Mark and I manage Onion Creek. This GC was found by my staff and I wanted to get it back to its rightful recipient. Call me if I've dropped it at the wrong house please.

Apparently, our neighbor left his present on the table at Onion Creek, and the manager took it upon himself to figure out that it came from me and to hand-deliver it to my house.

That's pretty much all the evidence I need to proclaim that we live in the Best Neighborhood Ever.

Seriously.

I called Mark to thank him for being such a superhero. How easy would it have been for any of the staff members at Onion Creek to throw the card away? Or to keep the gift certificate for themselves? Or to set the card and gift certificate to the side and forget about them altogether?

It takes a lot of integrity and follow-through to hand deliver a lost item to someone's house. This is the kind of neighborhood we live in. It's a place where normal people morph into superheroes to help a fellow neighbor out.

Thank you to Mark, the manager at Onion Creek, and to all of you who have gone (and will continue to go) above and beyond to help out a fellow neighbor. You make our neighborhood (and the world) a better place.

Heights Bites: Vietnam Restaurant

I believe the understanding is typically "new = improved." Sadly, I really don’t think that is the case with beloved Vietnam Restaurant on 19th Street. There was great anticipation when they closed for a month last winter to renovate and expand. The restaurant certainly looks more… I dunno… upscale but everything else about the experience has suffered. I think the root cause of this is probably that no one really expected (or dare I say even wanted) Vietnam to be fancy. It was the kind of place that was never meant to go upscale and that is probably why the attempt has failed, right down to the plastic covered dining chairs. I can see where maybe they thought they had to compete with newer spots like Thai Spice, but did they really? Thai Spice never has a line out the door on Friday nights.

This was not my family's 1st trip back to Vietnam Restaurant post-renovation. We have been twice before but it was very soon after they reopened and we have waited, giving them some time to work out (what we thought were) kinks before we returned. We were never “regulars” at the old location but it was one of those "neighborhood places" that was here before The Heights was such a popular destination.

EDIT: Per comments, I took out a two-line story regarding comment a friend had made about the metal security shutters on the restaurant. The story implied that Vietnam Restaurant had been in the Heights for 20+ years, but apparently was in midtown before coming, like so many other smart people, to The Heights.

On this last trip, the whole night started with nonsense. Our friends, frequent dining partners of ours, arrived first. We would have 5 adults, 2 toddlers and a baby. The baby would not require a seat, so they told the hostess “5 adults and 2 high chairs.” She escorted them to a round table set for 5 and said “We will just cram the highchairs in.” This wasn’t going to work regardless of the baby, because our toddlers are older and require a full place setting like an adult. We just like them in highchairs to keep their craziness strapped in. So, they told her we would need a bigger table and that there would also be a baby. She said “Yes, I know. Five adults and 2 babies.” No, 5 adults, 2 toddlers and a baby. We would need more room. She gave them a lot of push back and made the situation very awkward. She finally acquiesced but only after asking our friends “Well, how long will you be here?” After 10+ years in the restaurant business, I can tell you that is one of the rudest questions a table of customers can ever be asked.

The new interior of an old favorite

But they got the table and sat. One of the reasons we eat with them often is because they brought beers and a bottle of wine. Well, we like their company, but still they are always good for vino! Seeing the bottles, the hostess (who might also be a manager) says “Let me ask you another question…” and follows with inquiries about if they are going to buy drinks or pay the corkage fee. Now, the corkage fee is only $1.50, best deal in town, but they said they would have water (which you have to buy at $1/bottle. This is nothing new, but I always thought it was straaaange). Hostess/manager lady then proceeds to lecture them on how the whole table had to buy drinks if they wanted to avoid the corkage fee- not just them. Every.person.at.the.table. Including the kids. So they said fine, everyone or we’ll pay for the bottle opener. Then they ordered their mandatory-or-pay-the-fee-drinks and asked for milk for their daughter. One of the strangest drink ordering conversations ever got so much stranger when she said that “Well, all I have is my personal milk. “ Um, what? They got her lemonade instead.

By the time we got arrived, all this had already gone down and they were just shaking their heads and drinking beers. We got a good chuckle out of the table story and thought the worst was behind us. Until our waitress arrived. Now, remember I said that this wasn’t our 1st time back? Well, service was a big issue on our last two trips but they obviously had new servers after the re-do so we were understanding. After this dinner, I think you might have to fail an IQ test to work there. Our friends were having beers while they waited for us, but also brought a bottle of wine. Hubby and I also brought a bottle of wine, prompting our waitress to ask how many wineglasses. We said 4 (ones of the adults was not of drinking age). She stared at the table for 10 seconds that felt like 10 minutes trying to figure this out. We told her we would all be having wine and she literally could not compute that the beer drinkers would also have wine. At this point I was not yet aware of the milk comment and ordered milk for my son. She didn’t say anything and he got a cup of it, but we all had a good laugh wondering whose it was.

It’s hard to explain with words how dim the waitress is. She looked confused with every order. We wanted spring rolls for the table. She was confused. We had questions about the menu. She was confused. The kids were going to split an entrée. She was confused.

But the food came and we did get to eat, despite all the drama.

We started with Spring rolls and Imperial Rolls. They were all good, although the Imperial Rolls were a little on the small side compared to other places we eat (Vietopia, Miss Saigon). Pretty standard and good finger foods for the kiddos, although the sauces were too spicy for the little ones to share.

Imperial Roll fixins and the wee rolls themselves

We ordered several entrees for the table to share (which also seemed to confuse the waitress even though I think this is pretty typical).

Orange Chicken:

This was tasty but it was almost like the sauce was burned or over cooked. You couldn’t really taste orange/citrus at all. It still tasted good, though, so maybe that was how they intended it. The chicken was mostly white meat and it was still crunchy-ish under the sauce.

Fried Rice:
Basic. Nothing to complain about. Nothing to write home about.

Fried rice was the usual and not-so-orangy Orange Chicken

Sweet and Sour Shrimp:
My husband ordered this after he was told he couldn’t order some dish he used to love off the menu. Oh well...

While the S&S sauce was pretty standard, it was a little too heavy (maybe "thick" is a better word?) for shrimp. It was acceptable, but again not really “good.”

Just more "average" when it came to Sweet&Sour Shrimp

Black Pepper Chicken:
This was the biggest disappointment. As the person who ordered it said “I keep eating it, but it’s not great.” It was very bland. There was no real sauce to speak of and, even though you could see flecks of pepper and spices on the chicken, it tasted more like friend chicken strips with no flavor in the breading.

Eh.

Chicken with Egg Noodles:
This isn’t the exact name of this dish, but it is under the “Noodle” section on the menu. This order once again confused our waitress- we ordered this for the 2 toddlers to share. We had to tell her 3 times, in 3 different ways, that this dish was for them. To share. Odd, I tell ya.

This dish is really pretty good and my son eats some variation of it whenever we go out for any Vietnamese or Chinese food. It had a light, white sauce and lots of noodles. All the usual veggies were present- broccoli, snow peas, carrots, bamboo shoots, bok choy, water chestnuts and baby corn. They happily accommodated our request for extra baby corn, as well. In the end, I think the toddlers got the best meal on the table!

Yummy noodles covered with veg and sauce. "Toddlers' Delight" should be the new name :)

So, as I reread my comments above, I see that the food wasn’t bad, just not great. So, why did I leave so disappointed? The service has certainly been questionable in the new space and I feel the real loss after the renovation has been the atmosphere. It’s all new waitstaff and they just seem clueless. I don’t know if it’s bad hiring or bad training, but it’s just bad. Their attempt at fancy leaves the restaurant so unwelcoming and patrons no longer get warm’n’fuzzy feeling that comes with eating an old school, divey, neighborhood joint. Even the new hostess stand seems so close to the door that I feel like it keeps me out instead of welcoming me in.

Plastic covered chair. My Italian grandmother would be proud!

All's well that ends well, though, and our night ended well indeed:

White Linen Night Photos

Just a little slideshow from up and down Studewood on White Linen Night.

There were several reasons I decided to start this blog. As an advocate of the neighborhood, I am always trying to tell people how great it is here- especially people who are relocating to Houston from other parts of the country. In the past, I would search for interesting webpages about the area. No offense to the HHA, but theirs was probably the best I would come up with and it still doesn't exactly entice. Part of the purpose of The Heights Life is to offer a snapshot in to life in The Heights. So, while this slideshow doesn't seem to do WLN justice and is just a few very amateur photos, it might give someone who isn't here yet a better reason to check us out. Just sayin'....

Heights Happenings

Thursday, August 6th, 11:30 am - 1 pm: Opening Reception for Landscapes: A Photography Exhibit by Houston and Texas Artists

• Presented by: The Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, Houston Center for Photography and Houston Arts Alliance
• City Hall, 901 Bagby, Rotunda / Level 1. Tours of the artwork throughout City Hall will be available.
• For further information, contact the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs at 832.393.1097
• Refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, Aug 8, 10 am-2 pm: Second Saturday Buffalo Bayou Boat Rides ! (weather permitting)

• These 30-minute boat rides are a unique way to spend the afternoon with friends or family. Feel like you've escaped the city as you glide along the bayou's waters. Look for graceful herons, jumping fish, and even the occasional alligator sunning on the bayou's banks.
• No Reservations (20 person capacity per trip)
• Boat picks up at Sabine Street Bridge North Boat Landing
• Cash Only: $7 - adults, $5 - children (ages 4-12. Children under 4 not permitted)
• Parking available on Sabine Street Bridge and in City Lot H

Saturday, August 8, 9-10am: Meditation at Studio NiaMoves

• Life Bliss Meditation will take place at the Pecore House. There is a $5 suggested donation. Relax, Rejuvenate, Radiate! Come experience Bliss of a meditation technique developed by Paramahamsa Nithyananda, a young enlightened master from India, especially to counteract the stresses of modern life. The Life Bliss Meditation is designed to help center ourselves in our Being and re-connect ourselves with our true meditative nature. There will be a short intro explanation, followed by the 40 minute, 5 stage meditation.

Sunday, August 9, 12:30-4:00pm: Conquering Craft Area Clutter at Studio NiaMoves

• Creative types have lots of trouble with clutter. Most will tell you that it’s just a sign of the creative process. The only problem is that too much clutter interferes with your ability to be creative! You re-buy supplies because you can’t find the ones you know you already purchased. There’s no clear surface to work on, either. Come learn ways to control your creative materials and space, so you can stop dodging clutter and create freely.
• Price: $35 pay by Aug 5th, $45 after. They encourage you to register in advance so they can plan materials and refreshments for you.

Thursday, Aug 13, 5-9 pm: Traveli'N Gals Social at OoLaLa

• Bring your girlfriends and enjoy a night out with snacks, margaritas and sangria.
• See photos from the Gals' past trips and find out where the Gals are headed in 2010
• Free gift for the 1st 25 guests
  

Outside The Heights:

Friday, August 7, Saturday, August 8 and Monday, August 10: Super Happy Fun Land presents: The Ornery Theatre: Rough for Theatre I and II

• Two plays, performed together, by Nobel Prize winning minimalist Samuel Becket.
• Produced and Directed by Michael Switzer, the first show is “typical Beckett. There’re two men, a blind man and a man in a wheelchair, who are, as far as they can tell, the last people around.” The second show opens with “a man poised at a window waiting to jump out. Two men enter to discuss whether or not he should jump.” Both plays are about trying to find some sort of solace in a devastating word
• 3801 Polk. For additional information, call 713-880-2100 or email ornery.theatre@gmail.com.
• All shows at 8:00 pm. $10.

Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9: Free Press Summer Fest

• 50+ National and Local Bands- this is some serious music, y'all. From NY hip-hop innovator Prince Paul to Houston's own country-folksy The Small Sounds and everything inbetween, this is the most ecclectic (and possibly most impressive) musical line-up to ever hit Houston.
• Great music plus art market, beer garden, games and giveaways
• One Day, Two Day, Fancy Pants and High Roller passes available HERE plus info where you can buy them in person
• Eleanor Tinsley Park, 12 pm - 10 pm
• Portion of the proceeds benefit Project Row Houses, a non-profit organization in Houston's 3rd Ward, which believes that "art—and the community it creates—can be the foundation for revitalizing depressed inner-city neighborhoods."

Coping with Crime

I hate to say it, but I seem to have bad luck when it comes to crime.

In my early twenties, I had my first car stolen (yes, I've had more than one stolen). I parked it in a Staples parking lot (in Tampa, FL) to carpool to a professional development course for my new job. When we returned a few hours later, everyone else's cars were still there; mine was not. It turns out that Dodge Neons are very easy cars to steal, and certain sixteen year-olds playing hookie from school enjoy popping out the lock, busting the steering column, hot-wiring the vehicle, and joy riding around town. A cop caught them going through the McDonald's drive-through the same day it was stolen, and my lovely car was returned to me with approximately $800 worth of damage.

My second experience with crime happened a few years later when I was teaching in rural Louisiana. I awoke on a Sunday morning to knocking on the front door. I pulled the French door curtain to the side to see who it was, and the guy started banging on the door and yelling, "Open the door, _________!" [insert a profanity that involves taking the word "mother" in vain].

As I dialed 911, the perpetrator started kicking the door. I managed to escape out the back door, just as the glass was breaking on the front door.

(Long story, short: it turns out that the guy was high on drugs and thought his friends were locking him out of their house.)

Several years later, the third incident occurred. My partner and I left our house in Denver to go to a 10am yoga class. When we returned, our house had been ransacked by a guy who was apparently looking for cash. We had accidentally left the bathroom window unlocked, and he used a raised carrot bed box from our garden as a step-stool to get into our house. He managed to break into five houses within an hour before being caught.

When I moved to The Heights last year, I had some trepidation about living so close to N. Main and Studewood, due to my past experience with crime. Our neighbor who has lived on our street for more than 20 years assured us that she felt very safe.

Less than four months later, we had both our cars stolen (one was parked on the street and the other was parked in the driveway), even though both of them were locked and one of them had a security system.

And just last week, I woke up at 6:45am to the dog barking next door. I fought the urge to cover my head with a pillow and go back to sleep. I got up and walked to the window to see what was going on. As I got closer to the window, I thought I heard the sound of breaking glass either coming from my driveway or my neighbor's house. Then I heard the sound of an alarm coming from next door. I grabbed my dog and my cellphone and ran to another neigbhor's house across the street, so I wouldn't have to be alone. On the way, I called 911, and three officers arrived after a few minutes.

After a little investigating, the officers discovered that someone had attempted to break into my neighbor's house. Nothing was stolen, but the experience reminded me of the need to be vigilant when it comes to crime. It's easy to get lulled by the quaintness of our neighborhood.

As a result of my most recent close encounter with crime, I'm recommitting to the following:

1. Checking on Things Consistently: It would have been easy to roll over and go back to sleep when I heard the dog barking unusually loudly and ferociously. Even when I heard the glass breaking, I could have chalked it up to being half-asleep and hearing things that weren't really there. We can't drive ourselves crazy with fear, but a little checking up is a good thing.
2. Bringing a Cellphone: Whenever I walk my dog around the neighborhood, I'm going to make sure I have a cellphone with me, so I can call the police if I see anything sketchy.
3. Getting My Neighbor's Contact Information: I tried to call my neighbor at work to let him know his house was broken inot, but it turns out I didn't have the rigth number. I'm going to make sure I have the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for everyone on my street.
4. Keeping Each Other Informed: When a crime occurs on our street, it's important that we keep each other informed, so neighbors can be on the lookout. I was able e-mail several of my neighbors to let them know what happened.
5. Letting Neighbors Know When You're Away: If you're going to be out of town, ask a few neighbors to keep an eye on your house. They'll be more likely to call the police if they see something unusual happening.
   
6. Keeping Doors and Windows Locked: Locked doors and windows won't keep a determined miscreant out of your house, but it definitely increases the difficulty.
7. Using the Alarm System: It's tempting to leave the alarm system off when I make a quick trip to Fiesta or Antidote. But if I'm paying for it each month, I might as well use it.
8. Always Locking the Car and Removing Valuables: It's easy to get lazy and leave an iPod or a wallet in my car. I now try to hold myself accountable for removing all valuables. I even use an anti-theft bar, in addition to my car security system.
9. Call the Police When Something Doesn't Look Right: It's better to be safe than sorry (but remember that a Latino or African American man walking down the street in The Heights should not be immediate cause for suspicion or alarm).

Overall, we live in a safe neighborhood, and we shouldn't focus too much on crime. However, if there are relatively easy things we can do to keep ourselves a little safer, it's worth it.

Where Will You Be On White Linen Night?

We know you all know WHITE LINEN NIGHT is this Saturday, Aug 1st. While most people flock to 19th Street, don't forget there will be a lot of specials and entertainment at some of the great businesses along Studewood.

Oo La La will once again host St Arnold's Brewery (free beer, people). They will have an onsite henna artist, Pop Squad Animal Rescue and Sonny Boy Terry providing the soundtrack live. There will also be a huge sale, so get yourself some great stuff by local artists and designers and support Heights businesses!

Antidote will have live music from one of Houston's most talented musical mishmashes, I Am Mesmer . Put together by local musician Geoffrey Muller, aka Uncle Tick, who plays Banjo, Cigar box Guitar, and Musical Saw, I Am Mesmer is "a super group of banshee pilgrims" including Jo Bird (viola), Kelly Doyle (Electric guitar), Hilary Sloan (Fiddle), Lukas Aberer (Gypsy Jazz Guitar), Wilhelm Van Horn (Banjo),Robert Ellis (Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin), Mike Whitebread (Stand Up Bass), Kirk Surddreath (Percussion).

The Big Mamou will have live music, beniets starting at 10am in the parking lot, special appetizers, draft beer and their regular lunch and dinner menu.

Also, Heights Life friend Soniya from The Original Henna Company (over at 1130 Yale) is going to have Indian Food and drinks. That should be a treat!

Heights Happenings

In conjunction with this weekend's White Linen Night festivities, Young At Art is hosting a KIDS NIGHT IN!

• Drop off your kids (ages 5 & up, please) for a fun night of pottery painting, PAINT ME t-shirt fun and pizza while you enjoy cruising 19th Streetages
• 6-9:30, $60 (+ tax).
• Pre-registration is required (simply send an e-mail via their website or call to reserve your spot... Payment due at drop off).
• 244 W. 19th, 713-862-0900

Monday, August 3, 6:30 pm: Houston Heights Association Land Use Meeting

• The Land Use Meeting will take place at the Fire Station.
  

Outside The Heights:

Friday, July 31 @ 8pm: Outdoor Movie at the Menil

• Aurora Picture Show partners with the Menil Collection to present a free outdoor series of Western screenings in the park. High Noon is an American 1952 western film starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. The film tells the story of a town marshal who is forced to face a gang of killers by himself. Somewhat controversial upon its release in 1952, High Noon, has been described as an “existential Western”. Bring your blankets and picnics for a western film screening under the stars.
• Free admission

Saturday, August 1, 10 am - 3pm: Welcome Home for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

• Be a part of the Welcome Home Event for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and their families.
• Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West Gray Street
• All veterans of the Post 9/11 era, their families, community organizations, elected officials, local businesses and military supporters are invited to attend a day of FREE food, games for kids, entertainment, music, adaptive sports demonstrations and so much more!
• The event will also feature a resource fair focusing on GI Bill and Hazlewood education benefits, employment networking and services, as well as important updates on VA healthcare, home loans, pension benefits and entitlements. If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please e-mail vhahouwelcomehome@va.gov or call 832-393-0992 for further assistance.
• If you would like to volunteer to help make this event a success, please contact John Boerstler at John.Boerstler@cityofhouston.net.
• For all inquiries regarding business or organizational sponsorship information or resource fair table information, please contact Bryan Dyck at dyck.bryan@va.gov.

Saturday and Sunday, August 1-2, Gates open at 4pm: 19th annual Houston International Jazz Festival at Discovery Green

• Presented by Jazz Education Inc. (JEI), which was founded by Jazz artist Bubbha Thomas, who saw a need to fill a void where music education and youth were concerned.
• As of a week ago, Stubdog.com was selling general admission tickets to the event for $12 — a savings of $8 off the full price. Quantities were limited but it might be worth checking...
• Additional information (performances, etc) found HERE

How to Maintain Wood Siding

Ah, wood siding. It's one of the things that gives our Heights homes their character. It's also one of those things that requires regular maintenance...

I talked with our neighborhood carpentry guru about how to fix small problem areas in siding, such as peeling paint. He gave me this run-down:

Step One: Scrape off loose paint

• This initial step involves two different types of scrapers: a small one and a big one. The bigger one is useful for large, flat areas, while the smaller one helps with the more intricate detail areas. This step is an integral part of preparing the surface.

Step Two: Sand the area

• After all the loose paint has been scraped off, it's time to sand the area with a coarse sandpaper (like 60 grit). Depending on the tools available, as well as the size of the area you're refinishing, you can sand by hand or use a machine. Again, this step is an integral part of preparing the surface.
  

Step Three: Secure the nails

• Another aspect of preparing the surface involves hammering any loose nails as well as re-nailing any loose siding. During this stage, it's important to use a nail set which allows you to apply force to each nail more precisely and prevents the wood from getting dented.

Step Four: Prime the area

• Once the area has been scraped, sanded, and re-nailed, it's time to apply primer. Check the weather before applying the primer to ensure that it won't rain for at least twelve hours. In total, you'll want to let the primer dry for an entire day or two.
  

Step Five: Caulk joints or openings

• This step is not the place to skimp on materials! Avoid being lured in by a $2 tube of caulk. It's worth a few more dollars to ensure that you get a good caulk that won't fail you. You'll want to caulk areas where the siding boards come together, as well as around doors and windows. Pay special attention to the area on top of windows!
  

Step Six: Sand primed areas

• The final preparation stage involves lightly sanding (approximately 120 grit) the areas you primed to give it a nice, smooth finish.

Step Seven: Paint

• The final step is to paint over your repaired area (with at least two coats of paint). And--voila!--you're finished!
  

Don't be fooled by the seeming simplicity of these seven steps. An area that is a couple feet wide by a couple feet tall can take anywhere from 6-10 hours. However, the time and effort is worth it in the end. It's a lot easier to maintain our homes proactively rather than reactively! Taking care of our siding (and especially the areas around our windows!) can keep wood rot at bay.

Things That Make You Say "Oo"

One of the coolest old buildings in The Heights has to be the one that houses OoLaLa. And OoLaLa has to be one of the coolest shops in The Heights. It's a great place not just because of the cool building and all. More than any other shop in the area, Oo La La represents what The Heights offers.

Six or so years ago, Judy Pfardresher wanted to open a shop. She was living outside of Houston, around 290 and the Beltway. She could have opened her shop out there but would the neghborhood want what she wanted to sell? She wasn't sure. Judy has family in The Heights, though, and felt with great certainty that an area like this would buy what she was planning to offer- funky and eccelctic merchandise from as many local artists and ccraftspeople as possible. She knew here she could offer unique items and they would be appreciated. She loved the small town feel of The Heights and, even if it couldn't be her home, it would be a great home for her store. Six years later, she feels she made the right decision. Fans of her wide array of handcrafted items have suggested neighborhoods all over Houston where they would like to see OoLaLa, but she is comfortable and feels at home in The Heights. The neighborhood has supported her business and by doing so has also supported its own.

I popped in this week to check on what Heights-made goods Judy was offering up these days:

Heights jewelry maker Dorie Kerr has some wonderful pieces available. These were my faves but there was something for every taste. From big and bold (my style when it comes to jewelry) to delicate and refined.

This bad, bad picture really doesn't do the beautiful jewelry of Vanessa Parker justice. Vanessa is giving the Houston art scene a good name by being featured on HGTV . If you click on the picture, it will expand full screen and the photo quality improves. Hey, I'm an amateur blogger, not a photographer ;)

Heights resident and Mom, Paula Wells makes these great coasters and Heights t-shirts. However, she has stopped producing the t-shirts so if you want one, OoLaLa has about 6 left.

There is some great pottery by Elizabeth Wells, who also made these wonderful necklaces:

I looove these retro aprons that Judy makes. So cute!

And more fun stuff (including photography by Christoph Eicken):

And, of course, here is Judy herself at the helm:

As anyone with kids in The Heights knows, last year Tulips & Tutus moved from it's 19th Street location in to the OoLaLa building (in to the space which originally housed New Orleans transplants Kaboom Books"). As a mom of a boy (now 2 boys), I stayed away from the overwhelming pinkness of T&T for the most part. However, since I do try to buy as much as I can from local shops, gift giving has brought me in to T&T more recently. Low and behold, a wonderful thing has happened!! T&T, owned by another Judy (Myers), has seriously expanded their selection for boys!!

Judy still only carries boys' items up to 24 months, but is open to customer suggestions. She says area moms have asked for her to carry larger sizes, but the things she brought in went unsold. She is still to listen and provide what customers want and no mega-store or retail chain will do that as readily. This fall she has a lot of fun boy stuff coming from lines like Deau Par Deax, Zutano and Kicky Pants. I looove the eco-friendly and super soft bamboo clothes from Kicky Pants for my wee one and can't wait to see the new stuff!

I may have to go back and buy this awesome raincoat for my toddler!

And, Tulips & Tutus is the only place I have seen where you can buy these incredible Aiden + Anais muslin blankets individually. They are perfect for swaddling (they're HUGE) but I use them for anything and everything in the summer- to cover the stroller, keep the sun off, protect from bugs without over heating.

Of course, the store is still bursting at the seams with girl stuff so sweet it will make your teeth hurt! Luckily for me, I have 4 nieces.

One good Judy deserves another. Judy Myers of Tulips & Tutus: