LOCALLY
SPRING KLEIN MAGAZINE
Gary Stallings
One of Houston’s Top Real Estate Brokers
How to
stay healthy when dining out Last minute
hosting tips Stock up on supplies
before your shindig
Winter 2016
VOL. 5, NO. 6
LOCALLY
SPRING KLEIN MAGAZINE
WINTER 2016 VOL. 5, NO. 6
Neighborhood Publications LLC 9337 Spring Cypress Road, Suite #205 Spring, Texas 77379
www.springkleinmagazine.com Editor Leanne Donelson Head Writer Candy Cruz
Assistant Editor Candy Cruz Contributing Writers Candy Cruz, Josh Arcemont
Social Media Editor Madi Wheeler Graphics Photography Mike Reeves Audree Garcia, Kellie Cataldo Publisher Neighborhood Publications
Where has the year gone? It seems like just yesterday it was summer. Of course, with this warm weather, who can really tell the difference? Hopefully Jack Frost will make an appearance before Thanksgiving! This issue, we hoped not only to spread warmth with holiday ideas, but focus on what really matters, spending time with family and the people we love. Thank you readers for a wonderful year and here’s to the next. May it be filled with the type of warmth that only shines from the heart of Texas. Have a blessed holiday. See you next year!
8 9 10 12 13 14 16 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 28 34 35 37 38
Planning your party menu Holiday Events ADVICE FROM CANDY Eyebrows on Fleek How to stay healthy when dining out Last-minute hosting tips Stock up on supplies before your next shindig Let centerpieces add style to special occasions How To Get Black Friday Deals 10 Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving Gary Stallings Houston Volunteer Opportunities For The Family Love for sushi continues to grow Stores Closed This Thanksgiving Holiday Fantastic, Qualified Instructors For Your Kids Simple ways to cut back on your sodium Facts about your favorite foods Board Breaking No Holiday Celebration Is Complete Until Eggnog Has Been Served Unique stocking stuffers Spectacular Spring-Klein Pets
Thank you, Leanne Donelsom Neighborhood Publications DISCLAIMER: All articles, information, website addresses and cartoons in this publication express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Neighborhood Publications LLC or its employees. Neighborhood Publications LLC is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles, information website address and cartoons submitted by others. The Publisher Neighborhood Publications also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication and ad warranties, representations and endorsements made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding it’s content should be taken up with the advertiser. Neighborhood Publications LLC disclaims and denies any and all liability, therefore The publisher Neighborhood Publications LLC assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and /or misprints in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes. Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish on a timely manner. This is not an official publication of your particular subdivision, (although we print more interesting information and take better photos) and your particular subdivision does not endorse, affiliate or associate itself or its affiliates with this publication. Neighborhood Publications and it’s Associate Publications/Business Interest, whether business or person, do not accept any assumed benefit of the QR Bar Code Readers/Bar Codes, etc. published in any of the Neighborhood Publications or it’s affiliate publications whether in print or electronic. The publisher is not liable for ANY DAMAGES for failure of the Post Office to deliver the magazine in a timely manner, so long as the publisher has delivered the magazine to said delivery point by the contracted date. All articles and photos in this publication are copyrighted. PUBLISHED BY: Neighborhood Publications, 9337 Spring Cypress Road, Suite 205, Spring, Texas 77379.
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Neighborhood Publications 7
Planning your
party menu Keep your party theme and your venue in mind when planning the menu for your next get-together.
Provide a variety of foods. While you can’t offer everyone’s favorite dish, you can vary your offerings so that guests are more likely to find something they will enjoy. Stick to crowd favorite foods and go sparingly on spices or ethnic offerings. Offer vegetables, a starch such as rice or potatoes, a lean meat or poultry, and perhaps a seafood or vegetarian dish. Ask guests to let you know if they have any food allergies when you extending invitations, making sure to prepare all dishes separately so there is no risk of cross-contamination. Separate offerings when serving as well so guests do not mistakenly use a serving spoon that might be contaminated with something they are allergic to.
M
any partygoers admit that they often look forward to foods served during social gatherings. The way to a man’s heart may be through his stomach, but the same sentiment can be applied to both male and female guests invited to your next soirée. While it might not be possible to please everyone’s palate, the following are some food factors hosts should keep in mind as they prepare to throw their next party. Consider your party theme and size. Food choices should fit with the type of event you are hosting. A threecourse formal meal probably will not complement an afternoon watching the game with friends, nor would it work well when you’re on a time crunch before seeing a show. Take into consideration the party you
8 Neighborhood Publications
will be hosting and make sure the foods you choose work in conjunction with other details of the festivities. Finger foods are ideal when guests are mingling, while a more formal sit-down meal is more appropriate when you want to engage guests in conversation. Calculate how much food you need. It’s always better to have extra food than a shortfall of food, but it’s best to find the right balance to avoid costly excess and waste. Many caterers offer approximations regarding how many people a tray or platter of food will feed. You can use these estimates as references for the food you will be preparing as well. Keep in mind that serving sizes are only a few ounces for many foods. Guests who are drinking plenty of beverages also may feel less hungry.
Make items in advance. Hosting a party requires hosts to take on several different roles. Hosts don’t want to spend the party serving and preparing dishes in the kitchen while their guests are having fun. Whenever possible, choose dishes that can be prepared and refrigerated or frozen in advance of the party. Such dishes can then be reheated the day of the party, saving you time and making sure you get to spend some quality time with your guests. Store-bought appetizers or side dishes can help you focus on the main courses and free up some extra preparation time. Know your guests. If your guest list tends to include the same people again and again, you have likely grown accustomed to their culinary preferences. If that’s the case, choose dishes you know will be a hit, which can save you the headache planning a menu.
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HOLIDAY EVENTS Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow November 12-13, 2016 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Traders Village 7979 N. Eldridge Rd., Houston, Texas 77041 More than 100 Native Americans from across the U.S. compete in two days of traditional singing and dancing. Indian food, a teepee village, demonstrations, story-telling and education exhibits are all a part of this event. More than 125 booths contain authentic Native American arts and crafts. Old Town Spring Home for the Holidays November 12- December 24, 2016 Old Town Spring Celebrate the Christmas spirit of historic Old Town Spring every weekend during the holiday season. Live entertainment including your favorite school and church choirs, cloggers and carolers perform as guests are invited to ride the 40 foot Be-An-Angel Train through town or visit Santa’s Workshop for a picture and a mug of hot chocolate. Ace Hardware of Champions Ladies Night November 16, 2016 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 9001 Spring Cypress Road, Spring Texas 77379 281-251-0100 Join Ace Hardware of Champions for a Ladies Night of shopping! Free giveaways, refreshments and appetizers. First 100 customers will receive a gift. Discounts on all holiday themed merchandise. Make this your holiday shopping destination. 34th Annual Light of the Doves (LOD) & 10th Annual iWOW Festival 2016 November 19, 2016 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. 2099 Lake Robbins Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380 Great way for the whole family to get in the Christmas spirit with an exciting day of festivities including live music and entertainment, vendor and exhibitor booths, children’s games and activities, awesome giveaways, snow play areas, delicious international foods, balloon artist, mesmerizing fireworks show, Santa’s special arrival, and so much more! Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center November 19, 2016 - January 21, 2017 Times vary 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, Spring, TX 77380 The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center on the northeast corner of Six Pines & Lake Robbins Drive. Featuring ice skating, daily promotions,
activities, and holiday light displays. We invite families and friends to enjoy ice skating in the new 21,000- square-foot permanent multipurpose facility. The new multipurpose facility features ice skating in the main with lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system, tables for parties and for our concessions area. Houston Via Colori Street Painting Festival November 19-20, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Herman Square 900 Smith St, Houston, Texas 77002 Via Colori has grown into one of the city’s signature art festivals over its 10-year history. Attendees witness the streets of downtown transform into a massive outdoor art gallery with more than 250 local and national artists creating mind-blowing murals right before your eyes. Uptown Holiday Lighting November 24, 2016 Starting at 4:00 p.m. Along Post Oak Boulevard On Thanksgiving evening, thousands of Houstonians and out-of-town guests gather along Post Oak Boulevard for the annual Uptown Holiday Lighting. This fun-filled family event kicks off the holiday season with more than half a million twinkling lights, a sparkling electric light parade, an exciting holiday stage show and a special appearance by Santa Claus. An incredible explosion of fireworks lights up the Houston skies and music fills the air during the dramatic finale.
whimsical colorful projections over 15 feet tall, life-size lighted animal sculptures and “Holly Berry,” a 1958 Cadillac featuring vibrant lights choreographed to joyful music. Dickens on the Strand December 2-4, 2016 Downton: Galveston, Texas What started more than 20 years ago as a potluck supper has blossomed into one of Galveston Island’s most famous annual events. Costumed characters, unique vendors, glittering parades and continuous entertainment make this celebration the best of times. The Mayor’s Official Downtown Houston Holiday Celebration December 2, 2016 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Hermann Square at City Hall 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 The Mayor kicks off the holiday season with a celebration featuring fireworks, entertainment, and choirs. The event culminates with the lighting of the tree outside City Hall. Tamale Festival Houston December 3, 2016 600 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003 Come out for a day of Great Fun, Good Music and great food! Enjoy a variety of Tamales from varied Latino Cultures as well as great Texas BBQ, Food Trucks, fairground foods and much more!
City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade November 24, 2016 9:00 a.m. 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 The Thanksgiving Day parade remains a 67-year-old 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.
Tomball German Festival December 9-11, 2016 Fri: 6-10 p.m., Sat:10-10 p.m., Sun: 10-6 p.m. Old Town Tomball Near the Historical Train Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm Tomball’s German Christmas Market & Festival is a free event celebrating Texas’ German Heritage. With live music on five stages, street performers, a petting zoo and over 175 unique street vendors, this festival offers fun for the whole family. After getting your fill of bratwurst and sauerkraut at the market, attendees can head over to the museum district for free hayrides and Christmas light tours.
Zoo Lights November 18, 2016 to January 14, 2017 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030 TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo will transform the Zoo with more than 300,000 LED lights illuminating more than 50 animal-themed light displays, 15 miles of treelighting, and seasonal songs and stories. Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the Zoo and take in all the awe-inspiring sights, including
Annual Candlelight Tour in the Park December 10-11, 2016 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park 1100 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002 The historic homes clustered in downtown’s Sam Houston Park open their doors for the Heritage Society’s Annual Holiday Candlelight Tour in the Park. Centuries-old seasonal decorations and costumed carolers take revelers back in time to celebrate the season.
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Neighborhood Publications 9
Advice From Candy
Eyebrows on Fleek
From waxing to plucking to threading, women have always been looking for an easier way to manage their eyebrows. Most of us went through the phase in the late 90’s where we thought eyebrows had to be pencil thin with an amazing arch. As we tried to form that ‘arch’ to go with the thin neat look, we saw what happens when you plucked too much! Moving forward 20 years, the trend has changed. The fuller the better! Those big thick eyebrows are here to stay. You may have noticed the fuller yet neat eyebrow trend hitting social media and the entertainment world. From tutorials of instructional videos, women across the globe are trying to achieve this new thick eyebrow trend with an assortment of brow pencils, powders and waxes to get that feathered, thick eyebrow look. Some even pay to have services done at a brow bar! However, to achieve the perfect brow ourselves, we have discovered that it takes us about 20-30 min extra to get this perfect look each day. Yes, they look amazing, but who really has that much time to spend on their eyebrows when rushing to go to work, drop the kids off, or even for a night out. After spending a night of google-ing what pencils and shadows work best with hair color and skin tones we discovered the unbelievable! The newest trend that is literally shaping the brows of women across America is permanent makeup AKA MicroBlading. Think brow tattooing- but updated! (Whatever preconceived notions you have about tattooed eye brows they are “completely wrong” this is totally different.) Micro . . . What? Yes, MicroBlading! Let’s back up a hot minute and explain this . . . cosmetic tattooing, also referred to as semi-permanent makeup or microCONTINUED
10 Neighborhood Publications
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832-299-6432 www.chicfloors.com 4711 Louetta Rd., Ste. 120 • Spring, Texas 77388 pigmentation (MicroBlading). This is the process of implanting color pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to produce the appearance of hair strokes, makeup, or to enhance the natural features of the face. Keep in mind; the only difference between a semi-permanent tattoo and a permanent one is how deeply the ink is injected into the skin. The deeper you go, the longer it stays. To further illustrate this, traditional body tattoos are meant to last, so artists use electromagnetic coil machines to implant the ink deep into the dermis. So the Semi permanent brows are expected to fade because artists use a digital pen or microblading tool to implant ink more superficially into the skin. What exactly does this mean? I don’t have to waste an extra 30 minutes a day trying to make my eyebrows look fabulous and/ or just decent. The MicroBlading process has become even more appealing lately due to the beauty trend for thick brows that can earn a “brows on fleek” Instagram hashtag. But getting brows on fleek doesn’t come cheap. The procedure can cost anywhere from $600 to $1200 and takes about two to three hours. Keep in mind like many trends, this treatment has started to pop up everywhere; in
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nail salons, spas, and even in the mall. And you’d be surprised to know that someone can get trained in this method of tattoo with just 8 hours of classroom time, watching a friend or online tutorials. Any Joe Schmo who learned how to do this overnight could be treating you without any oversight to cleanliness, instrument care or worse yet, providing a follow up to infection and ability to treat that infection. Why? Because there isn’t one single certification needed to practice MicroBlading, rather it lies on the customer to do their research. So, we dug a bit further into this procedure and like other forms of tattooing, it is not formally regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (the federal agency merely “monitors problems” after they occur with the tattooing industry). Tattooing is handled state by state, some of which have specific training requirements for permanent cosmetics. Luckily for you, we have done the research and found a reputable place on our side of town that does it for $400. SKIN101 in Spring. They stand by their high standards, customer satisfaction and reputation. Honestly, if you do this service with someone inexperienced you can be hurt or suffer serious facial disfigurement (not to mention some inks are not lead free and no one is watching
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who’s ordering what products). With that said, I would rather have a medical professional on site that I can trust. It may seem kind of expensive initially, but over the long run, so much money and personal time is saved! With this treatment you can have “ahmay-zing” brows when you wake up, when you swim, when you workout, for date night, vacation and even while you sleep. Don’t forget, that MicroBlading isn’t actually permanent; it lasts about a 1-3 years if not “touched up” during that time. Which may actually be just the right amount of time, considering many women are getting it for aesthetic rather than health-related reasons. Plus, trends change all the time so we are very glad that this is semi-permanent. Who can do it? Anyone who want to toss out their eyebrow pencils, waxes, brow gels or it can be done in more extreme cases such as for patients with hair loss. While the procedure can be used for more than just those trying to keep their brow game on point, many women are doing to save time and look great. You can thank us later . . . but we have done the research for you . . . SKIN101, located at 9305 Spring Cypress Rd. #104, Spring, Texas 77379.
Neighborhood Publications 11
How to stay healthy when dining out
at restaurants have doubled or tripled over the last 20 years. Diners who want to dine out but prevent overeating can ask that half of their entrées be boxed before the meal even makes it to the table. In addition, avoid appetizers and choose coffee or tea as dessert instead of high-calorie and sugar-laden baked or frozen desserts.
D
ining out is wildly popular. The conveni-ence of letting someone else do the cooking and the opportunity to try new types of cuisine is too great to resist for many people. According to Zagat’s 2016 National Dining Trends Survey, people go out to eat (not counting breakfast) an average of 4.5 times per week. While it can be easy to count calories and adhere to other dietary restrictions when eating at home, that’s not always the case when dining out. Fortunately, there are ways for people who love to go out to eat to have their gourmet cuisine and eat it, too. Request that items be cooked a certain way. While diners might not be able to order off-menu dishes, they can try their luck at asking for dishes on the menu to be prepared a certain way. For example, if a menu is loaded with fried foods, try asking for dishes to be grilled instead of fried. Researchers affiliated with the Harvard School of Public Health found that people who ate fried food at least once per week had a greater risk of both type 2 diabetes and heart disease than those who avoid fried foods, and that their risk increased with each additional fried
12 Neighborhood Publications
meal they consumed. In addition, researchers also found that eating fried foods away from home posed the greatest risk, as the frying oil used may not be fresh. Reused oil is more easily absorbed by foods than fresh oil that has yet to degrade, and that increased absorption can contribute to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and weight gain. Many restaurants are amenable to diners who want to avoid fried foods, but diners must ask. Eat only half the meal. Restaurant portions tend to be bigger than portions diners would make for themselves at home. In fact, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute notes that food portions
Make sure salads are healthy. Some diners mistakenly believe that all salads are the same. However, salads loaded with bacon and cheese and smothered in creamy dressings can be just as detrimental to diners’ waistlines as large entrées cooked in an unhealthy way. When ordering salads, make sure the salad is loaded with healthy fare like raw vegetables and choose a low-calorie, low-fat dressing. Peruse menus before leaving home. Perusing menus online before leaving home allows diners to find restaurants that offer the kind of healthy fare they’re looking for. Arriving at a restaurant without knowing its menu increases the chances that diners will simply choose something from the menu, regardless of how healthy it may be. Health-conscious diners can still enjoy nights out on the town without sacrificing their waistlines or putting their long-term health in jeopardy.
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Last-minute
hosting tips
B
efore extending invitations to guests, hosts know that throwing a party for friends, family or professional colleagues is a lot of work. But sometimes party planning slides down hosts’ priority lists, leaving them to scramble to plan a fun and memorable event at the last minute. Planning an elaborate affair at the last minute can test any host’s mettle, but even more casual affairs prove difficult to plan at the last minute. While it’s ideal to party plan well in advance of the festivities, the following tips can help hosts who have left everything until the last minute. Address only those areas where guests will spend time. Hosts may prefer to clean their entire homes before guests arrive, but that’s likely not possible when throwing a last-minute gettogether. In lieu of cleaning your entire home, clean only those rooms where guests will be congregating during the party. Close the doors to any rooms you did not have time to clean before guests arrive. If you plan to entertain outdoors, direct the bulk of your attention to the kitchen, the backyard and the restrooms. Be specific when delegating tasks. Last-minute party planning requires lots of cooperation. Assign specific tasks to each person who is helping you clean your home and plan the party. Do not be vague when instructing your helpers, as they might create confusion and result in tasks not being completed. Encourage guests to contribute to the party. When hosting friends and family at home, encourage them to contribute something to the party, whether it’s
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food, beverages, entertainment, or another element you might not have time to plan. Shopping for groceries and preparing food can take a substantial amount of time, leaving you with little time to prepare your home for visitors. Asking guests to bring something gives you more time to clean your home and plan a memorable party. Work with some professionals. If your party is truly last-minute or you simply don’t have the time to prepare, hire a professional cleaning service and a professional party planner. Such professionals can handle the bulk of
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281-766-3344 your hosting tasks and ensure your home is ready for guests and that the party will go off without a hitch. Focus on fun. While hosts typically want to impress their guests with a pristine home and elaborate meal, guests really just want to have a fun time and enjoy the time they have to spend with fellow partygoers, including the hosts. Rather than putting pressure on yourself to throw a lavish affair, direct your efforts toward ensuring everyone has fun and makes some good memories.
Neighborhood Publications 13
Stock up on supplies before
your next shindig
Before hosting a formal dinner party, hosts should make sure their dining room tables can accommodate all of their guests.
H
osting a party is no small task. Hosts must tend to a slew or responsibilities when inviting friends and family to their homes, and one of the biggest is stocking up on party supplies. The supplies necessary for hosting a party depend on the type of party hosts are throwing. For example, the supplies necessary for a formal dinner with friends will differ from those needed for a child’s birthday party. Breaking your supply needs down into categories can make it easier to guarantee you get everything you need to throw a successful and fun party. FURNITURE Depending on the size of your guest list, you may need to buy some extra furniture so everyone has a place to sit during the festivities. When throwing a backyard barbecue, stock up on extra patio furniture or ask guests to bring beach or camping chairs so no one has to stand while eating. If you are hosting a party at home for the big game, purchase some folding chairs and consider moving armchairs or office chairs from around the house into the room where everyone will be watching the game. If
14 Neighborhood Publications
you are throwing a formal dinner party and are worried your existing dining room table can’t accommodate all of your guests, consider purchasing a new table that features extensions you can remove or install depending on the size of your party. FOOD No matter which type of party you will be hosting, guests will expect to be fed. Plan a menu that suits the type of party you are throwing, offering kid-friendly fare like pizza and macaroni and cheese when hosting children’s birthday parties and a more sophisticated menu when inviting professional colleagues over for dinner. Asks guests if they have any specific allergies or dietary restrictions and do your best to cater to those needs. If hosting a less formal affair like a game watch, have snacks on hand when guests arrive and then order some pizzas once everyone has arrived. This allows everyone to pitch in and ensures hosts aren’t missing any of the action while preparing food. BEVERAGES Beverages also must be offered when hosting a party. Offer juice,
water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks to your guests regardless of which type of party you’re hosting. If hosting an adult-only or more formal affair, have some alcoholic beverages on hand but be careful that guests don’t have too much to drink. Prepare tea and coffee after the meal to help guests digest their meals and relax. SERVINGWARE If your guest list is small, chances are you won’t need to buy extra plates, utensils or glasses. But you likely will need to stock up on servingware when hosting larger soirées. Purchase reusable items so you won’t have to stock up come your next party. Reusable items also reduce the carbon footprint of your party, which can be considerable when using disposable servingware. MISCELLANEOUS In the days leading up to the party, be sure to stock up on miscellaneous items like paper towels, napkins, toilet tissue, and hand soap for the restrooms. Make sure extra rolls of toilet paper are left in a visible spot in the restroom, and keep paper towels alongside any buffet-style offerings so guests can quickly address any spills.
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Girls
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www.acehardwareofchampions.com To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net
Neighborhood Publications 15
Let centerpieces add style to special occasions
D
esign elements and decorations can help set the mood for special events. Centerpieces are one such design element that can set a strong tone for dinner parties. Centerpieces can be easy to create, even for hosts working with limited budgets. Decorating the dining table with a visually stunning centerpieces may be all the creative touch hosts need to impress their guests as they sit down to dinner. Whether you prefer simple centerpieces or something more elaborate, follow these tips for centerpiece success. SIZE To determine which centerpiece to use, party hosts must first calculate a few things to come up with an appropriate size for the centerpiece. The first consideration is the size of the table. Scale the centerpiece to the dimensions of the table. The more people you can seat at the table, the larger the centerpiece can be. Also think about the size of the room. Rooms with high ceilings or large architectural accents may accommodate larger or taller centerpiece more capably than rooms with closer quarters. Centerpieces that are transparent can create height without blocking guests’ views. MATERIALS Hosts can use just about any materials they wish when creating centerpieces. Floral arrangements make for popular centerpieces because flowers are available in a wide array of colors, sizes and heights. Plus, flowers can be chosen based on personal preferences, season or budget. Their sweet aroma also adds another sensory experience to a party. But hosts are not limited to centerpieces that feature flowers. Fresh fruit, seashells, pebbles, marbles,
continued
16 Neighborhood Publications
To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net
candy, live and even live fish are just a few of the materials that can be used to create memorable centerpieces. Think about which materials might provide a conversation starter at the dinner table and build around that. PLACEMENT As their name implies, centerpieces generally go in the center of the table. But creative hosts you can play with placement if they so desire Rather than one large centerpiece, consider creating a table runner of sorts through the middle of the table that features various smaller centerpieces. This can be useful when a larger element would take up too much room on the table. Factor the height and visual line of guests when arranging centerpieces as well. Sit at the table with your elbows on the table surface and arms bent up. The height of your fists is the general sight line. Avoid centerpieces that fall within this sight line. Use a pedestal to raise up a centerpiece or keep the centerpiece
Candles are just one of the items that can be used to create elegant centerpieces.
lower so guests can converse across the table. Think about placing smaller replicas of your main table centerpiece elsewhere in the entertaining space, such as near the entryway and in the powder room, to
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tie everything together. Centerpieces are a key design element when hosting a special event, adding visual appeal to a space while helping any party appear more upscale.
Neighborhood Publications 17
How To Get Black Friday Deals
Score deep discounts during Black Friday sales.
A
s Thanksgiving draws near, retail ers begin dropping hints about their Black Friday promotions. Some stores have begun to open their doors on Thanksgiving evening, after many people have filled up on turkey and trimmings. Smart shoppers recognize that Black Friday is a great time to find deals on holiday gifts, and following these tips can help shoppers save even more. Begin researching early. Since many retailers begin posting information online or send out advertisements about sale items far in advance of Black Friday, shoppers should pay attention to each retailer’s offerings so they can better coordinate their shopping efforts. Cross-reference prices against other stores, including both online retailers and traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Establish a shopping budget. It’s tempt-
18 Neighborhood Publications
ing to go out shopping with credit cards blazing, but that may lead to overspending. Determine what you can afford and set a budget for Black Friday shopping. Establishing a budget can help you avoid impulse purchases as well. Look for extra discounts. The early bird often gets the worm, but late shoppers also may benefit on Black Friday. Determine which times of the day stores are offering their biggest discounts. Doorbuster sales tend to start very early, but such sales might be irrelevant if only items you do not need are being discounted. Determine if there are any additional sales that extend throughout the day. Divide and conquer. Split up the shopping responsibilities so you and your family can get your shopping done quickly. The divide and conquer approach allows you to cover more ground and ensures someone will be
there to claim the best deals from various retailers. Dress comfortably for shopping. Malls and department stores may be crowded and can be warm, so dress in layers so you can remove clothing if you get hot. You’ll probably do a good deal of walking on Black Friday, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Have discount codes at the ready. Many retailers now use digital apps or emails to keep in touch with customers. These same apps may enable smartphone users to search for discount codes and other coupons. Keep digital coupons handy so they can be presented quickly at checkout. Black Friday is one of the best days of the year to land steep discounts on a variety of merchandise and services. Make the shopping trip even more successful this time around.
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10 Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving (THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH)
If laboring in the kitchen all day doesn’t sound like your idea of a holiday, leave it to the professionals to prepare your Thanksgiving meal. Check out below restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving in the Houston area. And best of all? No dishes to wash!
Américas – Houston
Latin American Food 2040 W. Gray St., Houston, TX 77019 (832) 200-1492 www.americasrestaurant.com Open for Thanksgiving brunch, they put a Latin spin on traditional Turkey Day favorites like Pumpkin & Chorizo Empanadas.
Bistro Provence
French/Bistro 13616 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079 (713) 827-8008 http://bistroprovence.us/ Will serve a sophisticated three-course meal that will start with a butternut bisque or autumn salad and then you choose between salmon, beef or turkey and end with desert.
Brennan’s of Houston
Creole/American 3300 Smith St., Houston, TX 77006 (713) 522-9711 www.brennanshouston.com/ The main course offers a creole take on turkey accompanied by jalapeno and crushed corn pudding! Don’t forget to try the bananas foster or Mississippi mud pie for desert.
Benjy’s
Modern American 2424 Dunstan, Houston, TX 77005 (713) 522-7602 www.benjys.com/reservations.html The Rice Village location will offer their traditional brunch menu, while the Washington location will only be serving the 3-course prix fixe menu along with “to-go dinners”.
Buca di Beppo
The Woodlands Authentic Italian family-style 19075 I-45 South, Shenandoah, TX 77385 (936) 321-6262 www.bucadibeppo.com/restaurants/tx/ the-woodlands/ Celebrate an American feast with an Italian Twist featuring sliced white meat turkey, home-style gravy, spicy Italian sausage stuffing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes with cranberry’s.
Fogo de Chão Churrascaria
Brazilian Steakhouse 8250 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77063 (713) 978-6500 http://fogodechao.com A true carnivore’s paradise offering a lavish spread with over 15 cuts of meat that will include turkey breast with sweet potatoes for the Thanksgiving purist!
Mockingbird Bistro
American/French/Provençal 1985 Welch St., Houston, TX 77019 (713) 533-0200 www.mockingbirdbistro.com Pick from Herb roasted turkey, Venison loin or Seared wild salmon as your main course and finish with a slice of pumpkin cheesecake or apple bread pudding.
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Rainbow Lodge
Seafood/Wild Game/American 2011 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77008 (713) 861-8666 http://rainbow-lodge.com/ With a dining style of casual elegant, enjoy a 3-course meal that includes a traditional turkey dinner and don’t forget the $5 Snack Packs “to-go” for later.
The Capital Grille
Houston – CityCentre Fine Dining 840 W Sam Houston Parkway N., Houston, TX 77024 (713) 463- 5051 www.thecapitalgrille.com/locations/tx/ houston/houston-citycentre/8057 Alongside their full menu, they will be offering the Executive Chef’s take on Thanksgiving favorites.
The Manor House
Creole/Cajun and Southern Comfort Food 111 North Post Oak Lane, Houston, TX 77024 (713) 685-6840 www.houstonian.com/ManorHouse.aspx They will have their own Seafood Gumbo, Shrimp Etouffee, Creole Braised Pork with boudin gravey and much more! Don’t forget to try the Pastry Chef’s favorite Pecan pie with caramel and bourbon ice cream!
Neighborhood Publications 19
Gary Stallings
One of Houston’s Top Real Estate Brokers continued
20 Neighborhood Publications
To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net
The Gary Stallings Team J
ust taking the standard steps of listing a house, The Gary Stallings Team spares no expense to ensure that the websites and other marketing materials showcase each property in it’s very best light. Gary brings in a skilled professional photographer that specializes in residential photography to take photos of their homes that are listed with the “Gary Stallings Team.” The care and attention that his team gives to each homeowner can be traced to a sound principle of treating their clients right – whether buyers or sellers. Stallings handles all sellers himself from listing to contract acceptance. Gary was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama and has a marketing degree from The University of Alabama (Roll Tide). Gary’s real estate career began in 1987 and has spent all 29 years with RE/MAX. Some say Gary bleeds red, white and blue. There is no substitution for market expertise. There’s no denying Gary’s passion for real estate. When asked, Gary answers, “I do consider myself a luxury agent, but that doesn’t mean that I only sell luxury real estate: it means that I provide luxury service to all my homeowners no matter the price of their home. Finding the right solutions, his extreme talent of negotiating and his professional manner of handling his clients are many reasons why clients keep coming back to Gary Stallings to find their next home. Gary manages to bring a spirit of positivity and marketing experience to every transaction. Honest and
extremely knowledgeable, he is truly a defining example of success and his reputation in this market. Gary Stallings is the Co-Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Vintage located in the Vintage Park area on Louetta Road. His office now has over 100 fulltime agents serving all of Houston. Gary’s partner, Peggy Rudolph, is the full time Broker/Manager of the office, which frees up Gary to concentrate solely on being team leader of The Gary Stallings Team. His team specializes their business mainly in Spring, Champions, Cypress and The Woodlands areas. Gary has been married to wife, Misti, for 18 years and has a 16-year-old son, Patrick. Gary also has two grown son’s, Jeff and Chris Gatlin.
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RE/MAX VINTAGE • 10130 Louetta Rd., Suite J Houston, Texas 77070 Phone: 281-376-9900 • Fax: 281-537-3328 Email: gs8506@yahoo.com Neighborhood Publications 21
VOLUNTEER
Houston Holiday Volunteer Opportunities For The Family third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. The class meets in the second floor conference room at NAM’s main building at 15555 Kuykendahl in north Houston. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to work independently on NAM property. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or appointed guardian if working on NAM property. Contact: Volunteer@namonline.org
Sure you try to be charitable all year, but there’s something about the holidays that just brings out the giver in families. Whether it’s the cooler weather, the nature of the holiday season or faith, it is a wonderful time to introduce your family to the benefits and rewards of volunteerism. Teach children humility; gratitude and kindness at the best holiday volunteer opportunities for families in Houston. Houston Food Bank 535 Portwall St., Houston, TX 77029 or 2445 North Freeway, Houston, Texas 77009 (713)-223-3700 http://www.houstonfoodbank.org Help Houston’s hungry and volunteer at the Houston Food Bank near McCarty and I-10. Volunteers will assist with sorting and/or sacking food that will be given to those in need. Assistance with labeling and administration may be needed as well. Volunteer opportunities with The Food Bank are during their business hours Monday to Saturday. Minimum age varies per the assignment, but some opportunities are appropriate for Children as young as age 6 are able to help with kid-friendly projects. Contact the Volunteer Office at (713) 547-8663 or email: volunteer@houstonfoodbank.org. Kid Meals 330 Garden Oaks, Houston, TX 77018 (713)695-5437 http://www.kidsmealshouston.org Kids’ Meals volunteers are invaluable and are one of our greatest blessings. Volunteers play a vital role in our organization and there would be no Kids’ Meals without volunteers. There are numerous ways that volunteers can help not only as a group, but as an individual as well! Volunteers of any age
22 Neighborhood Publications
are welcome to volunteer at Ripley House (delivery) location. Volunteers that come to the Garden Oaks location must be at least 8 years old to volunteer. Contact Tracy Jones a: tjones@kidsmealshouston.org. Target Hunger 2814 Quitman, Houston, TX 77026 (713)226-4953 http://www.targethunger.org/volunteer A community-based nonprofit, Target Hunger depends upon the support and input of the community for our success. A vital aspect of that support is volunteerism. Each year, Target Hunger welcomes hundreds of volunteers who donate their time and services to help individuals and families in Houston who are in the greatest need. Join one of our volunteer teams as an individual volunteer or as part of a volunteer group and make a difference in the lives of Houston families. Need Volunteers in the Food Pantry Team, Distribution Team, Education Food Fair Team, Senior Route Delivery Team, Community Gardens Team, Special Events Team and the Administrative Team. Contact: volunteers@targethunger.org Northwest Assistance Ministries 15555 Kuykendahl, Houston, TX 77090 (281)-885-4604 http://namonline.org/ NAM is a nonprofit, community-based, multi-program social service agency that strives to supply basic human needs through neighbors helping neighbors. NAM is a community in which Neighbors care for Neighbors through our collaborative effort with area congregations, community partners, donors and volunteers. New Volunteer Orientations are held the first Wednesday and the
2016 TXU Energy Houston Turkey Trot November 24, 2016 Dillard’s Galleria – 4925 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77056 (713) 667-9400 www.HoustonTurkeyTrot.org On Thanksgiving morning at the Galleria Mall expected to have more than 15,000 registrants for the 2016 Houston Turkey Trot, benefiting Neighborhood Centers’ seniors and youth populations. As a volunteer support, it is invaluable in helping them continue to keep Houston a place of opportunity for all. For Good. Welcoming individuals, school groups, families, companies, and more to help out! Great opportunities for families to volunteer. Volunteers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Race Day activities include registration, course marshals, water stops, kids race, setup, clean-up, and much, much more! Contact: info@HoustonTurkeyTrot.org Montgomery County Foodbank 1 Prospect Point, Conroe, TX 77385 (936)-539-6686 http://mcfoodbank.org/ Volunteers are needed to help sort, inspect the quality of donated food, and help box the food into packages ready to be sent into the community. A significant portion of food arrives mixed together, so volunteers are essential to getting the food processed and ready to send out to those in need in Montgomery County. The following times are available to come and volunteer: Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.; Friday 9:00 a.m. -1 2:00 p.m. & 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. *Children 7 and up are welcome with an accompanying adult. Contact: volunteers@mcfoodbank.org.
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Love for sushi continues to grow
W
ith origins in China and Japan, sushi is an Eastern delicacy. However, there is no denying the popularity of sushi elsewhere in the world, particularly in North America. As with many ancient foods, sushi’s origins have an element of mystery to them. The original type of sushi is believed to have first been developed in southeast Asia before spreading to southern China. Sushi was eventually introduced to Japan around the 8th century, where it would evolve into the type of sushi many people enjoy today. According to The History Kitchen, a division of PBS Food, one origin story
for sushi involves an ancient Japanese wives’ tale. According to that tale, an elderly woman began hiding her pots of rice in osprey nests, fearing that thieves would steal them. When she collected her pots, she found the rice had begun to ferment. She also discovered that fish scraps from the osprey’s meal had mixed into the rice. Upon sampling the mixture, she found the rice helped to preserve the fish. She also found that the resulting meal was tasty. Early Chinese sushi involved fermenting fish on rice to preserve it. The rice was thrown away and the fish was
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eaten when desired. The Japanese took their own approach to sushi, deciding to eat the rice with the fish. Sushi innovator Matsumoto Yoshiichi began seasoning the sushi rice with rice wine vinegar. This made it possible to eat the sushi immediately, instead of waiting months for it to ferment. Through the years, enterprising individuals began selling sushi to others. In the 19th century, rather than wrapping the fish in rice, sellers placed it on beds of rice and sometimes other ingredients. This presentation of sushi, credited to a man named Hanaya Yohei, became very popular. This type of sushi is called “nigiri sushi” (finger sushi). After World War II, the sushi style of presenting fish was adopted by western cultures. Sushi preparation and dining is an art form that continues to evolve. New influences have changed sushi even more by marrying traditional recipes with “fusion” styles. Demand for sushi continues to increase. According to Statistic Brain’s sushi industry statistics, there are 16,000 sushi restaurants outside of Japan, with close to 4,000 in the United States alone. What began as a method of preserving food has transformed into a billion-dollar industry.
Neighborhood Publications 23
Stores Closed This Thanksgiving Holiday Black Friday is one the biggest shopping days of the year, and is often the perfect time to begin holiday shopping and save money on incredible deals. Thousands of eager shoppers will leave their homes in the early morning hours and wait in lines at stores in order to grab the best prices of the season, some stores have even gone as far opening on Thanksgiving day to get a jump start on sales. This year shoppers who like to hit the stores on Thanksgiving Day will have fewer choices than in the past. Dozens of big retailers say they will be closed during the holiday to give their employees and customers a chance to spend time with their families and friends. According to BestBlackFriday.com these retailers will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. If you are the type that loves to shop early… have no fear, there will be plenty of stores still open on Thanksgiving Day including Macy’s.
Academy Sports + Outdoors American Girl AT&T Barnes & Noble Bed Bath & Beyond BJ’s Wholesale Club Burlington Cabela’s Costco Crate and Barrel Dillard’s GameStop Guitar Center Harbor Freight Hobby Lobby Home Depot HomeGoods IKEA
24 Neighborhood Publications
Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Jos. A. Bank Lowe’s Marshalls Mattress Firm Neiman Marcus Nordstrom Nordstrom Rack Office Depot and OfficeMax Patagonia Petco Pier 1 Imports REI Sam’s Club Staples The Container Store T.J. Maxx Tractor Supply
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Anthony Silva, breakdance teacher.
The Spring Cypress Dance Center is the newest addition to our growing community. Under the direction of Leticia Hernandez, SCDC is quickly becoming recognized as one of the strongest dance training centers in the area. Ms. Hernandez said recently that she received a wonderful compliment from two of her student’s parents. One parent said she had never been in a studio that had such qualified teachers and she was amazed at the humility of the teachers and how their focus was on the children and not themselves. The other parent, a graduate of the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, expressed how happy she was that Ms. Hernandez is artistic director. Ms. Hernandez has assembled some of the best dance teachers in the Houston area. For example, the four teachers that are leading the Center’s pre-school and elementary programs are Carolyn Benson, Gena Joe, Taylor Kalen and Bekkah Senn. These four teachers have over 80
Fantastic, Qualified Instructors For Your Kids years of experience teaching dance. Ms. Hernandez said, “I am amazed at how creative and engaging these teachers are with our young students.” Julie Holmes is the director of the Spring Cypress Dance Company. Julie rehearses and choreographs for the Dance Company. Her choreography has won numerous awards both regionally and nationally at dance competitions. Julie is currently performing professionally throughout the Houston area. Ms. Hernandez said “Julie is an integral part of the Dance Company and contributes a great deal of teaching talent to the Center.” Ms. Hernandez also mentioned that she is very fortunate to have four male dance teachers on staff. The director of the Center’s ballet program, Richard FreemanCarter, started his training with the Washington Ballet. “Richard is fully dedicated to SCDC because it is the only dance school where he teaches dance” said Ms. Hernandez. Richard heads up the Center’s open teen ballet and jazz
program. Erin Peyrani, who actively performs and teaches master classes throughout Texas, heads up the hip-hop program and is co-director of Soundbox Studios. Anthony Silva has been dancing for over 20 years and has performed with the Houston Rockets Launch Crew for the past nine seasons. Anthony recently returned from an international dance tour to China with the Crew. Anthony heads up the breakdancing program and is director of The Krew which is the Center’s breakdance performing group. The newest addition to the Center’s staff is Kevin Ferguson. Kevin is a graduate of the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston where he was a student of Ms. Hernandez. Kevin received his bachelor’s degree in dance from the Boston Conservatory. Mr. Ferguson is currently attending Sam Houston State University where he is pursuing his Masters of Fine Arts degree in dance. Kevin is currently teaching ballet and jazz at SCDC and is choreographing and working with the Spring Cypress Dance Company. Karen Blair is heading up SCDC’s tap program. Karen was a student of Patsy Swayze and performed with Tommy Tune. Ms. Blair is teaching SCDC’s upper level tap classes and also choreographing for the Dance Company. In parting, Ms. Hernandez mentioned, “I am very excited to announce three new programs that we’ve added. SCDC is offering Zumba classes five days a week, taught be Demitra Archie. Anthony Silva will be teaching acro classes on Saturday mornings and Carolyn Benson will be teaching a Saturday morning adult tap class at 10:30 a.m. We hope you come try out Carolyn’s tap class since the first class will be free.” For more information about SCDC’s classes, please visit their website at www. springcypressdancecenter.com or call at 281-374-8300.
Spring•Klein Magazine’s Social Media Corner! We love connecting with our Spring Klein Readers on Social Media.
If you have favorite photos you would like to share with our followers and staff, please send them to us at: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net. To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net
Neighborhood Publications 25
Simple ways to
cut back on your sodium
Resisting the urge to sprinkle salt on meals when dining can help diners reduce their sodium intake.
S
alt is widely relied on to give foods some added flavor. Many people may feel that unsalted foods are not as tasty as their salty counterparts, but it’s important that people of all ages understand the threat that excessive sodium consumption poses. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, kidney problems may result from excessive sodium consumption. In addition, the American Heart Association notes that excess sodium and salt in the body puts a person at risk for a host of ailments, including stroke, heart failure, stomach cancer, and osteoporosis. Cutting back on sodium should be a goal for anyone who hasn’t already done so. But the HSPH notes that people over age 50, people who have high or slightly elevated blood pressure, diabetics and African Americans are at high risk of developing the health problems related to excessive sodium consumption. Because sodium is so prevalent, some people may think that cutting back on its consumption must be nearly impossible. However, there are some simple ways to cut back on sodium. Ask for low-sodium recommendations when dining out. The AHA notes that the average person consumes 25 percent of his or her overall sodium at restaurants. Some places now require restaurants to list total sodium content alongside offerings on their menus, and diners living in such areas should choose only those meals that are low in sodium. Diners who live in areas where sodium levels are not listed on the menu can ask for low-sodium recommendations or if existing menu items can be prepared without sodium or with lower amounts of sodium.
the salt shaker at the dinner table might still be exceeding their daily recommended sodium limits if they are eating prepackaged foods with high sodium levels. Food manufacturers use salt to give prepackaged foods longer shelf lives, so concerned diners should read labels before taking items home from the grocery store. The AHA recommends that adults consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day, and shoppers should keep that in mind when reading labels and planning meals. Opt for low-sodium condiments. Salt is not the only condiment on restaurant or kitchen tables that can add flavor to a meal, but it’s one of the few that can have a devastating effect on long-term health. Forgo table salt when sitting
down at the dinner table and opt for low-sodium condiments instead. Balsamic vinegar, horseradish and the juice of a lemon each pack a flavorful, low-sodium punch. Read vegetable packages as well. Shoppers who do not buy fresh vegetables from the produce aisle or farmer’s market should read the packaging on canned or frozen vegetables to ensure their veggies are not being doused in salt. Some manufacturers may use salt to preserve canned and frozen veggies. Diners who do not have access to fresh vegetables or the time to buy fresh veggies each week should compare packaging on canned and frozen vegetables and choose the product with the lowest amount of sodium. Sodium can make meals more flavorful, but cutting back on sodium intake can improve long-term health.
Read labels. According to the AHA, 75 percent of the sodium in the average American diet comes from salt added to processed foods. Diners who have resolved to push away
26 Neighborhood Publications
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Facts about your
F
favorite foods
ood is more than just a way to sustain life. Food can make a person feel good, provide avenues to engage with family and friends and serve as a way to experience other cultures. Certain foods are universally enjoyed, while others may appeal to only a few people. Many people have favorite foods, even if they know little about these foods. Check out these fun facts about some popular foods.
Pasta sauce: If enjoying a plate full of pasta topped in rich, red marinara sauce can cure what ails you, then you will be happy to learn that cooked tomatoes are very good for personal health. Tomatoes are naturally high in vitamin C, and the process of making tomato sauce increases the antioxidant activity in tomatoes, which can make the body less susceptible to illness. Tomato sauce contains lycopene, which might reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and macular degeneration. Red meat: Steak or a juicy burger is a favorite for many people. But through the years there have been mixed reviews on the benefits and disadvantages of eating red meat. Iron in red meat is easily absorbed by the body, and beef also supplies vitamin B12, which helps maintain
28 Neighborhood Publications
healthy nerve and red blood cells. Red meat has a bad reputation because it can be high in fat and cholesterol. However, choosing the right cuts, such as lean eye round roast and sirloin, can offset the negative aspects of red meat. There’s also evidence that grass-fed beef contains two to five times more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef. Macaroni and cheese: Macaroni and cheese is the No. 1 cheese recipe in the United States and has remained on the list of America’s top 10 comfort foods for decades. While it is beloved in the United States, macaroni and cheese is believed to trace its origins to Italy. The first known recipe for this dish is from the thirteenth century in southern Italy. That recipe called for lasagna sheets and fermented cheese. Boxed versions of the food arrived in the 19th century. Today, there are many different mac and cheese recipes, from classic to gourmet. Pizza: Most people eat pizza regularly, with some enjoying a slice or more each week. Pizza accounts for more than 10 percent of all food service sales in the United States. The word “pizza” dates back more than 1,000 years and was first mentioned in a Latin text in 997 CE. It likely described what we now call focaccia, or a leavened round crust of cooked dough, as tomatoes were not yet available. Pizza now comes in many varieties, ranging from flatbread to thin crust to deep dish. To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net
German Christmas Market & Festival ——— W e i h n a c h t s m a r k e t 2016
Dec 9 th – 11th
H
Texas
S t y l e ———
Fri. 6 – 10 pm Sat. 10 am – 10 pm Sun. 10 am – 6 pm • 4 Music Stages • 175 Street Vendors • Ethnic & Festival Food, Beer, Wine • Petting Zoo • Street Performers • Souvenirs, Arts & Crafts, Antiques • Carnival & Rides Free Admission Parking & Shuttle Shuttle parking is in the east lot of Tomball Regional Hospital with four (4) shuttles running continuously on Saturday & Sunday. Ride the shuttle and receive a free German Fest souvenir.
Tomball, Texas
Old Town Tomball Near the Historical Train Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm
w w w.tom bal lge r ma n fe st.org
Herzlich Willkommen!
It’s a Texas German celebration at Christmas time on the old downtown streets of Tomball, Texas, and listed number three, 3 of 12 magical German Christmas Markets in the entire USA. You do not have to be German to enjoy this festival! Come and enjoy the family-friendly ambience – Gemütlichkeit – of this unique music/street festival with four stages of live continuous music and an open-air market along with antique shops in the old town area. Dance to the music of Auf Geht’s Band, Chris Rybak, Alpenmusikanten, Euro Fest Band, Das Ist Lustig, Tubameisters, Valina, and get into the festive spirit with the sounds of strolling Christmas carolers. It is a Texas German celebration at Christmas time on the old downtown streets of Tomball Texas. An estimated 175 unique and interesting street vendors will line Market and S. Walnut Streets, selling German Christmas items, arts and crafts, and much more. Visit the “Weihnachtshaus” inside the Community Center at 221 Market Street at the corner of Cherry Street, which will be filled with German clothes and souvenirs for sale. Three German tents and music stages will house biergartens decorated with German themes and Christmas lights. Tables and chairs will allow you to relax with your Dunkles Bier (dark beer), or a warm cup of Glühwein. Don’t miss the traditional Dutch Santa, Elf, live Christmas tree, strolling entertainers, and Santa Clause himself. These characters welcome free photo request, so bring your camera. The Kinderfest (kid’s area) will provide entertainment and fun for the young visitors. It includes carnival rides, bungee-jump, rock wall, petting zoo, pony ride, walk on water, and more. Full size carnival provided by Triple-T-Amusements. Food vendors will include traditional German food and drink, Glühwein (mulled wine), beer, Christmas Stollen & Homemade Breads, Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and pastry), Bratwurst, red cabbage, schnitzel, apple strudel, etc., and will also include festival foods like funnel cake, corn dogs, hot dogs, hamburgers, kettle korn and barbeque. The Festival is sponsored by the City of Tomball, Tomball Sister City Org., and German Heritage Festival www.tomballgermanfest.org gradsand@yahoo.com, (281) 379-6844. To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net
Neighborhood Publications 29
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Neighborhood Publications 33
Board Breaking Tips from Master Josh Arcemont Bruce Lee has a famous line in his move Enter the Dragon when he says, “boards don’t hit back.” While this may be true, neither does a punching bag, but they both have benefits. Every student who signs up for a trial course at my school must, aside from other things break a board before earning their white belt. Board breaking is arguably one of the most feared parts of the martial arts. Most people think that you have to be really strong or super fast to be able to break boards or bricks. This is simply not true, although strength and speed does help, technique and concentration are far more important. There are many reason we break boards, here are a few: • To show proper technique in you striking ability. • To show positive mental control of your fear, anxiety and frustration. • To develop a stronger sense of will power that will carry over to your everyday life.
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• To show that you can hit with enough force to actually be able to defend your self in a self-defense situation. At some point in your life, you’ve heard someone say that sports are 90% mental and 10% physical. This saying couldn’t be truer than when talking about board breaking. In order to successfully break your board you must have a positive mental attitude. You have to honestly believe it’s possible and you have to be able to visualize this happening in your mind. It’s common to be scared or nervous when confronted with a challenge such as breaking a board. Actually this is something that may never go away. The key is not to eliminate the fear, but to control it. This can be one of the most important benefits that Martial Arts have to offer.
(832) 717-4376 6411 FM 2920 Spring, Texas 77379
www.heromaa.com 34 Neighborhood Publications
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No Holiday Celebration Is Complete Until Eggnog Has Been Served The holiday season is rife with tradition, from Christmas trees to lighting displays to visits with Santa Claus at the local mall. Families reunite come the holiday season to exchange gifts, enjoy meals together and do a little catching up along the way. But the holiday season also is synonymous with parties. Whether it’s to enjoy an office holiday party, a gathering with family and friends or a more intimate gathering at home, such celebrations are a big part of the holiday season and a main reason why this is such a festive and beloved time of year. As this is a season of celebrating, it’s good to remember that no holiday party is truly complete until eggnog has been served. Enjoyed almost exclusively during the holiday season, eggnog is as much a staple of holiday celebrations as stockings hung by the chimney with care. This year, impress your holiday guests with the following recipe for “Excellent Eggnog” from A.J. Rathbun’s “Good Spirits” (Harvard Common Press).
8 21/4 8 8 4 1
Excellent Eggnog SERVES 8
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large eggs, preferably organic cups superfine sugar ounces brandy ounces rum ounces bourbon quart milk Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
1. Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites, setting the whites aside for a moment. 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the yolks with a hand mixer until completely com- bined. Add the sugar and beat until it reaches a creamy consistency. 3. Add the brandy, rum and bourbon, and then the milk, beating well. 4. In a medium-size mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until soft peaks form (be sure before beating the whites that you have cleaned and thor- oughly dried the beaters). 5. Fold the egg whites into the yolk-sugar- alcohol mixture. Refrigerate the mix until well chilled (at least 3 hours). 6. Stir to recombine as needed. Serve the eggnog in mugs, topping each serving with some nutmeg.
Neighborhood Publications 35
“Do you want shiny, soft and beautiful hair for the holidays? Call to reserve your hair appointment in November or December and get a complimentary treatment (value of $25) with any cut or color service.�
9305 Spring Cypress Rd., Suite 106 Spring, TX 77379
281-257-2828
Over 20 Years Experience
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Unique Stocking Stuffer Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the best gifts are those that come in small packages. Though some people pore over their holiday shopping lists for weeks, it’s not uncommon for even the most devoted holiday shopper to overlook stocking stuffers, which can be just as difficult to find as larger gifts. When shopping for stocking stuffers, consider something fun that the person may actually find useful. One unique stocking stuffer we found for all the ladies was a GirlyGoGarter! What is it? The GirlyGoGarter is a sexy, lacey garter made of two-way stretch microfiber with pockets that adheres to your upper thigh with latex-free patented GentleFlex, Grippers. There are two types of pockets on the GirlyGoGarter: easy-access (on the outside, just within the lace) and lock-flap (on the inside, against your thigh). Both types of pockets keep your money, I.D., lip gloss, mobile phone, keys, passport and all of your essentials safe, secure and right at your fingertips. GirlyGoGarter to the rescue! Women have struggled for years with “I don’t want to lug a purse,” “I need more pockets,” and “I wish I had a safe place for this” dilemmas; especially when traveling or going to a wedding, concert, nightclub/ dancing, prom, parade, festival or just shopping. Even during daily running around the house, who doesn’t want a convenient place to put her mobile phone? With the GirlyGoGarter, you’ll never lose your phone OR miss a call again! Here’s how it works: The GirlyGoGarter adheres to the thigh with secure, patented GentleFlex Grippers and closes with soft, size-adjusting Velcro. The outer layer is a sophisticated, durable lace with easy-access pockets. The inner
Use the code word “SEXY” at check out to get 10% off and free shipping. layer is lingerie-quality, moisture-wicking microfiber with lock-flap pockets. Every material and detail was carefully considered and selected by inventor Andy Paige for comfort, durability, functionality and sexy fabulousness!
Simply stretch the garter over your bare thigh (or over fishnet hosiery), and secure
The GirlyGoGarter can hold all this and more!
Cash I.D. Credit Cards Mobile Phone (including iPhone 6 Plus, Android – any phone will fit!) Lip Gloss Compact Business Cards Mic-Pac Epi Pen Passport Breathe Mint/Gum Flask Pocket Knife Mace Baby’s binky Power Bar Toothbrush Vitamins/Meds Hand Sanitizer Sewing Kit Comb/Brush Ear Buds the Velcro at the back of your leg. Then, just load up to 3 pounds of your necessities in the pockets. Position your essentials where they are the most convenient and least noticeable depending on your skirt or dress. There’s even a safety key strap, to make sure your keys stay put. Go forth and enjoy your sexy freedom! The GirlyGoGarter is for everyone! Any woman who wants to ditch the purse, carry her essentials and feel sexy while doing so. From brides to waitresses, red-carpet celebrities to corporate executives, moms on the go to discrete travelers, the GirlyGoGarter safely, securely and comfortably holds your must-haves in a fun, easy and affordable way. Use the code word “Sexy” at check out to get 10% off and free shipping. Website: https://girlygogarter.com/
Start their world off right!
Champions Now Enrolling! Montessori SCHOOL 281.257.2700 E E FREGR ISTRATION 18 months to 5 years
16715 Champion Drive Louetta @ Champion Drive info@championsmontessori.com
when you mention this ad
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Neighborhood Publications 37
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Kwik Kar Lube & Automotive Service Centers 8959 Spring Cypress at Champions Forest DR. 38 Neighborhood Publications
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