PRIDELY - Houston 2022-23

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

JAN 15

Chevron Houston Marathon

Houston’s largest single-day sporting event. More than 20,000 participants, 200,000 spectators and 5,000 volunteers will take to the streets. Learn more at chevronhoustonmarathon.com.

Jan 16

29TH Annual MLK Grand Parade

This annual parade celebrating the civil rights leader marches through the heart of Houston and draws more than 300,000 supporters from around the nation. The march is being held online and on social media this year.

FEB 10

Mardi Gras in Galveston

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Galveston with a full weekend of events including seemingly endless parades, a contest, and plenty of fun activities. Learn more at mardigrasgalveston.com

MAR 26

Holi (Festival of Colors)

Celebrate India’s largest spring celebration of the divine triumph of good over evil during The Festival of Colors, a free-spirited play between friends, family and community with colored powder, welcoming the brightness and happiness of spring. Learn more at houstonholi.com.

APR 2

10th Annual Houston Barbecue Festival

The annual barbecue event brings barbecue joint favorites together and welcomes new additions to the Houston Barbecue scene for a full day of barbecue-focused fun. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

MAY 26

Comicpalooza

Comicpalooza is Texas’ largest pop culture convention. Comicpalooza continues to be the best multi-format pop culture con in the southwest including J-Fashion, cosplay, a film festival, literary conference, a code fest, maker space, Mars Rover rides, video and tabletop gaming, professional wrestling, & roller derby bouts. Learn more at comicpalooza.com.

JUN 22

Houston Pride Parade

The largest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transsexual event in the Southwest takes place each year during the Houston Pride Parade where 1,000 participants entertain 150,000 spectators with an empowering blend of light, color, and sound with beautiful floats, costumes, and performances. Learn more at gaytravel4u.com.

JUL 4

Freedom Over Texas Festival

Houston’s official July 4th celebration takes place in Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou and features live entertainment, food booths and a world-famous fireworks display. Learn more at houstontx.gov.

AUG 1

Houston Shakespeare Festival

A tribute to the famous playwright, the festival attracts more than 475,000 people to its free performances at the University of Houston throughout the month. Discover more at houstontx.gov.

Restaurants

State of Grace

Polished American spot serving creative Texas dishes, oysters, grilled specialties & cocktails.

3258 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098

Phone: (832) 942-5080 | Web: stateofgracetx.com

Brennan’s of Houston

New Orleans character & cuisine shine at this decadent eatery serving turtle soup, oysters & more.

3300 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006

Phone: (713) 522-9711 | Web: brennanshouston.com

Riel

Stylish, bustling bistro serving globally inspired shared plates, cocktails, beer & sparkling wine.

1927 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77019

Phone: (832) 831-9109 | Web: resy.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse

Upscale steakhouse serving meat & seafood with classic salads & side dishes in old-school environs.

1510 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002

Traveler’s Table

Modern spins on global dishes like Pad Thai & Jamaican Jerk Pork served in a cool, eclectic space. 520 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

Bludorn Hip spot dishing up brunch & creative New American eats, plus craft cocktails & a robust wine list.

807 Taft Street, Houston, TX 77019

BCN Taste & Tradition

Set in a 1920s home, this contemporary Spanish finedining spot presents classic Catalan flavors. 4210 Roseland St, Houston, TX 77006

Xochi

Dishes inspired by Oaxaca headline this chic Downtown destination that also serves cocktails & wine. 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

Backstreet Cafe

Cozy converted house features a homestyle New American menu, gourmet cocktails & a backyard patio. 1103 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019

Squable

Stylish mainstay with an airy interior turning out refined European specialties in casual surrounds. 632 W 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008

State Fare Kitchen & Bar

Homestyle Southern cuisine including burgers & gumbo served in a relaxed space with funky flair. 947 Gessner Rd Suite B-190, Houston, TX 77024

SEP 1

Spirits of Spring Ghost Tours

Within the hour and fifteen minutes length of the tour, the adventurous visitors can wander around Old Town Spring and experience the unseen energy of one of the most haunted places in Texas using dowsing rods, visiting the most active spots in town in search of the unrested souls or learn about the first luciferian church that inhabited one of the buildings. This captivating tour will challenge the most skeptical and delight the most avid ghost lovers. Learn more at spiritsofspring.com.

OCT 22

SKREAM 3.0: Halloween Kostume Party

Come join us at our 3rd Annual Halloween Skream Costume Party (House Party). There will be a Costume Contest, music and dancing all night, food, drinks, and Nupe juice, and last but not least you! Last year we were wall-to-wall packed! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

NOV 23

City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Thanksgiving Day parade remains a holiday tradition showcasing the Houston community and entertaining more than 200,000 parade-goers lining the streets on Thanksgiving morning. The parade is a stunning showcase of sensational floats, flying balloons, marching bands, artistic entries and live entertainment. Learn more at visithoustontexas.com.

DEC 1

50th Anniversary of Dickens On The Strand

Brush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 50th annual Dickens on The Strand. Held the first weekend in December, the annual festival is a holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, special events and more. Learn more at galvestonhistory.org.

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

EATING

THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do. Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short. InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead continued on page 16

of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

UH LGBTQ RESOURCE

The mission of the LGBTQ Resource Center is to cultivate safe spaces on campus and within our Center’s programs, empowering LGBTQ students to develop their authentic identity, and become proud, successful, engaged members of the UH community. 832-842-6191 | UH.EDU/LGBTQ

LGBT SWITCHBOARD HOUSTON

With support from the United Way of Greater Houston, Texas Office of the Attorney General and community partners, the Montrose Center and the Switchboard remain vital links for LGBT individuals throughout Southeast Texas who have become targets of domestic violence and sexual assault. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, may contact the Switchboard if they have become a hate crime target. 713-529-3211 | MONTROSECENTER.ORG

PRIDE HOUSTON INC

Historically, Pride Houston is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) non-profit that has organized the official Houston LGBT Pride Celebration® every year in Montrose or downtown Houston. As of 2022, no longer will we only celebrate in June. 713-529-6979 | PRIDEHOUSTON365.ORG

GREATER HOUSTON LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Join the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce and engage with a network of LGBTQ+ and Allied business owners, professionals and Corporate Partners to support business development and business and professional growth. The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce is at the intersection of business and community. Join Today! 832-510-3002 | HOUSTONLGBTCHAMBER.COM

TONY’S PLACE

Tony’s Place is a drop-in center focusing on LGBTQ+ youth and their allies up to 25 years of age who are unstably housed, couch surfing or experiencing homelessness. 713-678-0733 | TONYSPLACE.ORG