Heights Happenings: February 1- February 8, 2012

Am I the only one who is still having trouble remembering to put '2012' as the date? Never mind that it's already February. Wow.

Friday, February 3, 6 pm- 8:30 pm: Heights Beatnik's presents the art of Patrick Talley

• Patrick Talley is a talented man who wears many hats. In addition to being a photographer, Patrick is a blogger and published author. Patrick will be at the Opening to discuss his photography.
• To view some of his work, go here www.talleyphotography.com. Of course, you may also recognize his name from his Houston Chronicle Parenting blog "The Tao of Parenting."
• There will be some wine and fruit provided. Amos Garcia will also be selling his unique and soon-to-be-famous food truck empanadas in several novel flavors.
• 709 E 11th St, yellow house next to Zelko Bistro

Friday, February 3, 7:30 pm: Heights Live! presents Jason Eady and Jamie Wilson

• Mississippi native Jason Eady has come full circle on his third and latest album, When the Money's All Gone, delivering southern gospel stomps, New Orleans soul, and the heartbreaking tide of sin and redemption through his rich baritone voice and a raucous band. Produced by critically acclaimed songwriter, Kevin Welch, When the Money's All Gone comes as both a calming voice for the current times and as a timeless album of blue-eyed, southern soul music. 
• Jamie Wilson sang around the house growing up, but didn't start playing music and writing songs until she was a college sophomore at Texas A&M. "My cousin and I went to go see the Dixie Chicks in Houston during their Fly tour. There was a part in the show where the other girls went off and Natalie stayed on stage and played 'Cold Day in July' on guitar by herself. I was watching her and I told my cousin, 'I just need a guitar; I could do that. I'm musical enough.'," Jamie remembers. Later that month, Jamie's cousin and mother went in together to buy Jamie her first guitar as a Christmas gift. She first learned to play by printing out lyrics to songs and learning the chords by ear. She wrote her first song a couple of months later and was in a band, the Sidehill Gougers, within six months of receiving that first guitar. In 2010, Jamie released her 1st solo album, Dirty Blonde Hair.
• Heights Live! offers a uniquely intimate experience, perfect for the singer song writers who perform "on the rug." Shows are family friendly and BYOB. Hosted by Heights Presbyterian at 240 W 18th.
• This show: Doors 7:30, show starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $12 at the door.

Friday February 3 - Saturday, February 4: Last chance to see "Motel Tropicana" at Obsidian Art Space

• For a great write up on this show, check out this Houston Press Article

Saturday, February 4, 11 am- 6 pm: 1st Saturday Arts Market's "Lover's Market"

• Looking for unique, handmade items for your Valentine? Here's some one stop shopping for you! Art, jewelry, textiles, and more. Dozens of local artisans have come together to help fulfill your gift giving needs.
• Live music around lunch time (Market newcomer Cory Derden) and from 3-6 pm, featured musician Robin Kirby. 
• Food available from H-Town StrEATs.
• In the lot of Wind Water Gallery, 548 W 19th.

Saturday, February 4, 7 pm- 10 pm: HHWC Quarterly Cork and Fork, featuring Argentinian food and wine

• You are invited to a night out with Houston Heights Woman's Club! Sample the wine, food and music of this quarter's designated country: Argentina.
• The evening will also feature a special Tango performance by Susana Collins 
• This event is casual and open to members, prospective members and guests. Spouses and significant others encouraged! 
• Admission (per couple) is a bottle of your favorite Argentine wine and a small appetizer to share with the group.
• Please contact Hostess Shea Hill if you have any questions.

Tuesday, February 7, 4 pm- 7 pm: Launch Open House for the WashAve Livable Centers project

• The Houston-Galveston Area Council, in partnership with Better Houston, the City of Houston and TIRZ 15, is conducting a Livable Centers study of Houston’s historic Washington Avenue Corridor. The Livable Centers program seeks to create walkable, mixed-use places that provide multi-modal transportation, improve environmental quality and promote economic development. The Washington Avenue Livable Centers study area, which is bounded by I-45 in the East, I-10 in the North, Westcott in the West and Buffalo Bayou in the south, includes much of Superneighborhood 22 and contains all or most of the First and Sixth Wards, Memorial Heights, West End, Magnolia Grove, Westwood Grove, Rice Military, Wood Crest and Cottage Grove neighborhoods.
• While this does not include the Heights, IT WILL EFFECT THE HEIGHTS. These are our neighboring neighborhoods and what happens there directly impacts us here.
• The study is engaging area residents and workers, government agencies, businesses and institutions in developing recommendations for improvements to the area. These will include transportation, economic development, housing choice, sustainability, open space and placemaking recommendations. Plans for Livable Centers, to be effective, are supported by incentives, flexible regulations, and basic standards for walkable urbanism.
• To join a stakeholder group or to be contacted regarding public meetings and other opportunities for input, please contact us at info@WashAve.org, or visit our office at 1902 Washington Avenue (entrance on Silver Street).
• The project team also invites you for a Launch Open House at their offices, 1902 Washington (corner of Silver, entrance on the Silver side). Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the project team, find out more about the project, its goals and timeline, and learn how to become more involved.

PLAN AHEAD:

Correction: I had originally dated this show as "Friday, Feb 11." It is the 11th, but that is a Saturday. Apologies for any confusion!
Saturday, February 11, 6:15: Rouse House Concerts presents Owen Temple and Adam Carroll

• Hosted in the home of Deb Rouse and (new Heights Assoc President) Lindsey Lee, Rouse House Concerts are a truly wonderful music experience. At this show, the hosts feature two rising stars of the Texas Country scene, Owen Temple and Adam Carroll. Texas born and raised, Adam and Owen are friends and frequent song collaborators who tour independently at venues and festivals across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Since the mid 1990s they have released 12 albums of original songs between them.
• Adam Carroll takes the events of ordinary lives and turns them into deeply moving, often humorous songs. Given a rare command of the English language and an amazing sense of melody, it's little surprise Adam has earned enviable comparisons to Townes Van Zandt, Todd Snider, John Prine and Bob Dylan as well as being recognized as a creative influence on his songwriter peers, like Hayes Carll and Robert Earl Keen.
• Owen Temple takes on the role of Texas troubadour with grave intent. A songwriter out of the narrative folk tradition, he writes songs that take you places, allowing the listener to travel with the story. With a finely honed lyrical sense, wry sense of humor, and knack for blending melancholy melodies with ingenious wordplay, Owen tells stories about a Texas few of us have seen but all of us know.
• RSVPs are required due to limited seating and will be on a "first come/first served" basis. To RSVP, please email Deb and Lindsey at rouse_house_concerts@yahoo.com
• Rouse House cannot accept payments prior to the party. There is a suggested honorarium of $20 per person, 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 for potluck dinner prior to the concert.  The hosts provide coffee and lemonade but you are also welcome to bring a beverage of choice. We have wine glasses for those who wish to bring wine. Music will begin at 7:30 pm.

February 24-26: Houston Modern Market at Winter Street Studios

IN OTHER NEWS:

If you're a child of the 70s, like me, than you were also in your teenage prime when neon was the trend in the 80s. Like they say, everything old is new again. Neon is back and brighter than ever. Alas, I can't pull it off the way I could in middle school. If you can, then Langford Market might have what you're looking for. Right now the store, at 249 W 19th, is having a $1 sale. Buy 2 items, get the 3rd for $1. Don't forget the sunglasses!

Also dabbling in brights is our newest boutique, La Camella. Here are some great two-tone pants in coral read and seer sucker. Apparently, coral red is "Pantone's color of the year."If you haven't been in to his this little shop at 3122 White Oak (between Write Now and Heights Vinyl), it is a super cute spot "that seeks to bring together a beautiful, well-designed and well-crafted selection of apparel, footwear and accessories created by small, independent lines not otherwise carried in the city." I've purchased some great locally made jewelry and other accessories from her. Even with a small selection, there is a little something for most people here!

Heights Happenings: January 25- February 1, 2012

I really didn't realize how hard it would be for me to get going again after taking some time off for the Holidays. Granted, things have been swinging over on the Facebook page, but this side of The Heights Life has been radio silence. Time to breathe some life back in to the old girl with some Happenings around the Heights.

Saturday, January 28, 9 am: Volunteers needed for work on Heights Blvd

• I think most people agree that Heights Boulevard is really a jewel in the neighborhood. Like all green spaces, it took it's hits during the drought and the Heights Association is working hard to get it back in to tip top shape. This Saturday, they will need many hands on deck to work on patching the Paul Carr Jogging trail which runs down the Heights Boulevard esplanade.  
• Work begins at 9 AM just north of 11th Street -- just look for the granite piles and you'll be sure to find the right folks. Local business Ravenscourt Landscaping has generously volunteered to help get started this week at 20th Street -- Saturday's volunteers will pick up where they leave off.  
• The projects is basically putting a layer of decomposed granite over areas which have worn down to the crushed limestone base.  Bring gloves, garden rakes, and shovels.  If you know any runners or others who use this trail, make sure you let them know the HHA could use their help.

Saturday, January 28, 8 pm: Houston Press Artopia

• Artopia is "dedicated to highlighting Houston’s rich and diverse artists, musicians, fashion designers, culinary masters and cocktail creators."  
• This year’s event will feature live musical performances by Folk Family Revival, Finnegan, Young Mammals, DJ Kyle Berg and Dave Wrangler. 
• The performing art stage will include performances by Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Cuadro La Tempestad Flamenco and Talento Bilingue de Houston.  
• Fashion shows will be held featuring the Heights own La Camella 
• Street artist Coolidge will create an image of a Boston terrier and hide the image in Winter Street Studios. Attendees can help find our missing dog, hash tag the image using #HPArtopia and #SpotTheDog to be entered to win a reward. 
• Guests will also be able to enjoy light bites from local restaurants, including Heights favorites Zelko Bistro, BB’s Cafe and many others.  
• $45 donation for advance General Admission, $55 at the door and $90 donation for advance VIP . Ticket includes entertainment, food sampling along with cocktail, wine and beer tastings.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit Houston PBS.  Tickets are available now at HoustonPressArtopia.com or by calling 713-280-2400.
• Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street

PLAN AHEAD:

Saturday, February 11, 8 pm: The Corkscrew's 'Anti-Valentine's Day Bitter Bitter Bitter Party 

• According to their newsletter, this party will be "just like your dances in high school where you did not have a date either. The big difference will be the addition of alcohol that you don't have to sneak in or drink in the parking lot."
• Join The Corkscrew as they "show our contempt for this Hallmark Card made up holiday that used to have my butt heading down to Fannin to get victimized by all night florists, and have me promising to do awful things to get a last minute reservation at some nice place to eat. "
• The bar had this event several times at the old Washington location and it was "ridiculously popular." Bring a camera...
• 1308 W 20th (technically in Shady Acres)

IN OTHER NEWS:


Heights fave Hello Lucky is having a sale!

• 24% off their awesome tshirts. High quality shirts, made in America, with wonderful locally screen printed designs. Lots of fun Texas themes, too.

What is PIP? And how does it help you?

I've posted about the Houston Police Department's PIP Program before but with a recent rash of home break-ins, I thought this information would be valuable again:

The Positive Interaction Program (PIP) holds monthly PIP meetings featuring speakers from different divisions (Burglary and Theft, Homicide, K-9, Helicopters, etc.) explaining how their division operates. The meeting is a chance to meet the officers that patrol your neighborhood and get to know them on a first name basis. You even hear from the Captain of your sub-station.  Since the pilot program of PIP in 1983 at one sub-station, it has grown considerably. There are now thirty PIP groups that meet every month throughout the city. The goal of PIP is the education of the citizens of Houston on how their police department functions. Once a citizen understands how the police department does its job, that citizen can better relay to the police department their neighborhood needs. Where is your neighborhoods divisional PIP meeting?  http://www.houstontx.gov/police/pip/divisional.htm Central District #1- Civic, 1602 State St.  First Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.

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!