I DID IT! I completed all 52 weeks of adventures and experiences in 2019!!
There are fifty-two short weeks in a year. This year, in 2019, I plan on having a new experience each week. By experiences I mean things to see, do, try, taste, as well as places I want to visit or photograph. This includes destinations in and outside my city. I encourage you to broaden your own horizons this year as well! I will post my experiences below.
Here's to a year of growth, enlightenment, and experiences! You can also follow my experiences and see more photos on Instagram.
Here's to a year of growth, enlightenment, and experiences! You can also follow my experiences and see more photos on Instagram.
#the52wkexperience
Week 1- Flower ChildFlowerChild is a restaurant in the Uptown Park area of Houston. They serve healthy meals with fresh ingredients. Their menu has a focus on vegan, vegetarian and Paleo trends but there is something for everyone, if you're just interested in eating healthy. I decided to give them a try because I wanted to kick the year off inspired with a healthy meal not to mention the place is very cute! The decor and the vibe (inside and out) screams happy and healthy! Which happens to be one of my mantras for 2019. I got the avocado toast and Skinny Cobb salad and was not disappointed, well actually I wished both portions were larger! Lol. Overall, a good experience that I hope to revisit in the future.
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Week 2- Henna TattooI have always liked the idea behind henna tattoos as well as the various, ornate designs I've seen. I used to think you needed a reason or needed to belong to a particular cultural group to experience a henna tattoo but I learned over the years that wasn't true. I've always wanted to try it, so I put it on my list and made an appointment with Dominica, the owner and head hennabangah in charge at DomSol Henna Creations. I fell in love with her energy and she blessed my hands with her beautiful artistry. The entire experience had somewhat of a spiritual vibe. My only complaint is that it was over too soon. If you're in the Houston area, give her a call and experience it for yourself!
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Week 3- TFTIAlthough most of my experiences for 2019 are mapped out, I do want to leave room for spontaneity, so that I can experience some unplanned fun. That's what happened when my cousin, sister, and I decided to meet up at TFTI for some photo fun. TFTI is an interactive photo experience pop-up that was in Houston from Nov. 23rd thru Jan. 31st. It used to be a huge night club and they added some draping and incredible photo props making it a selfie lovers dream! We had a blast being silly, pretending we were on a high fashion photo shoot. It may be gone at the time of this post. But if they come back you should make plans to visit. See more photos on my instagram page!
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Week 4- Buffalo Soldiers MuseumThe Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is full of historical information and artifacts. It exists to shine a light on the contributions made by African-Americans throughout the history of America’s armed forces.
It is such a testament to not only the courage but also the character of this group of men who were not even treated as equal citizens but yet they fought valiantly for a country that treated them as less than. On one of the videos playing throughout the museum, a black military veteran summed it up simply, “they didn’t want us but they needed us.” Some may think their actions were fool-hearted (fighting for the rights/freedom of America when they didn’t have the same) but their sacrifices paved the way for those that came behind them and for that you have to respect the struggle.The museum is small but definitely worth the trip! I was impressed and enlightened on this quick excursion. |
Week 5- Cafe PoetesBonjour! I'm always watching local influencers and curated city accounts on Instagram for the latest hotspots or cute places for photo ops. Café Poetes popped up in my feed quite a bit in 2018 and after seeing the bookshelves lining the back wall of the cafe, I knew it was place I wanted to check out. The cafe is a cozy, little spot nestled in Midtown. The entire theme and menu is Parisian. The the lady who took my order (possibly the owner) is even French! There was also French music playing in the background. You feel transported to another place. I got there around 10:20am and there was only one other couple there, so I was able to experience the cafe in a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. I had the egg and bacon croissant with a side of guacamole and fruit. As well as a small pot of Ginger green tea. Best croissant I've ever had! The place is really small and I hear it gets crowded on the weekend, so If you go try to visit during the week.
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Week 6- Candle MakingI LOVE candles. I burn one everyday at home. My favorite candles are from Bath and Body Works, the scents last and aren't over powering. But they can be pricey unless you catch a sale (or have a coupon ;-). So, I've always wondered if I could make my own candles and would it be cost effective. I did some research online and then headed to Michael's for the supplies. I used their weeky 40% off coupon for the pouring can, which is a necessity. It took less than an hour (includes cooling time) to make the six ounce jar candle (you could pour multiple candles in this time as well). I added a label and used lavender for my scent. Next time I want to use dye/color but overall not a bad first try! Definitely cheaper than buying them but I'm not becoming anti-store bought candles anytime soon. I would like to play around with creating a unique/signature scent. Glad I made time to try this and will definitely make more in the future. Very quick and easy!
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Week 7- KultureI doubled up at the end of last week and had a date night with my husband at one of the places on my list, so I'm counting this for a new week to keep it even. Kulture restaurant is located in downtown Houston and is a dining concept by the owners of The Breakfast Klub, which is why I wanted to go. Kulture is billed as a southern comfort kitchen but I felt it had a more upscale, urban vibe. We had a nice night out and even got to enjoy live music at the restaurant. I had the shrimp and grits, which were delicious and my husband had the pan seared Poussin (little chicken). We also got the creamy collard green dip as an appetizer, I devoured the entire bowl! The restaurant is small in scale and I felt their menu was a little limited but the atmosphere and ambiance were both very nice. I'd love to go back and experience Kulture at lunch since they have a few more menu items. Overall, it was a nice night out in the heart of downtown and I'm always willing to support black owned businesses. Definitely give them a try if you're looking for a classy yet cozy date night spot.
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Week 8- Eyebrow ThreadingI've always gotten my eyebrows waxed and whenever they need a little touch up in between visits to the "eyebrow lady", I use tweezers or a razor. I wasn't really familiar with threading until a friend of mine told me about it, it sounded painful and I was skeptical that it would provide the clean look I was used to with waxing. But over the years I've become more and more curious about it , so I decided to give it a try. I went to Oh My Brows in Pearland. The lady that did my eyebrows was fast and professional. I was in and out in under 10 minutes. She also provided an aromatherapy experience and massaged my forehead with oil when she was done. To my surprise, it only cost $10, I was actually expecting more. It was painless but it felt weird, LOL. The top pic in the collage is before I went in and the bottom is afterwards. I don't actually see any major differences from waxing. This location is a little far from my house, so I doubt it will be a regular occurrence but I would do it again. I guess the real test will come over the next week or two when I see whether or not the hair grows back just as fast!
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Week 9- The Menil Collection I‘ve visited most of the museums in the Houston area, but still have several on my list to see. I was able to check off The Menil Collection this week. The main building of the Menil Collection houses special exhibitions and the permanent collection. Making art accessible is vital to the Menil’s mission, so no admission is charged and all public programs are free! My favorite piece was the painting hanging in the main hall called Middle Passage by Frank Bowling. The painting is vibrant and uses colors from African flags combined with photographic images. It's hypnotic and I instantly felt a connection at first glance. I also loved the African artifacts collection as well as a mind blowing installation by Trenton Doyle Hancock called Epidemic! Presents: Step and Screw! It's comic strip-like illustrations combined with anectodes to detail the history of racism in the American South. The exhibits change periodically, so I would check to see what's there before attending– but you should definitely add this to your list if you're in the Houston area!
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Week 10- Cauliflower RiceMy experiences for the 52 Week Experience will range from the super simple to the sublime. This week it’s super simple. I’ve been wanting to try cauliflower rice since it became a thing. Today I did. I paired it with pan seared salmon and a green salad for lunch. I also added a little teriyaki sauce to it. I can see where they are trying to go with it....and it’s not bad....but for me the texture is off. I was expecting the thickness of rice, but it's very soft. Plus it taste like cauliflower, which is basically white broccoli. It was good but I like brown rice better. I used the frozen cauliflower rice from Green Giant but I think next time I will try grating my own. Yes, I do plan on giving it another shot. After all, it is a healthy option. It just don't think it will EVER replace rice in my life. Lol.
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Week 11- HomeawayI've done a lot of traveling and usually stay at popular chain hotels. . . .with the exception of staying with friends in London and Japan. But I've been wanting to have an Airbnb type experience after hearing such positive things over the past few years. So, we booked an amazing four-story townhouse while on Spring Break in the West-Village/Uptown Dallas area using Homeaway. Homeaway is a vacation rental marketplace, where you can book homes, condos, cabins, and more all over the country to stay in while on vacation. The townhouse we stayed in was beautiful, spacious, private, comfortable and affordable. It was also pet friendly! I actually think our dog enjoyed it the most! Lol. I think it's going to be very hard to return to our hotel stays.
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Week 12- Project Row Houses I’ve wanted to tour the Project Row Houses for quite a while and made time today! Project Row Houses is a group of “shotgun” style houses that have been restored & their interiors transformed to house art installations. The houses are located in Houston’s Historic Third Ward, one of the city’s oldest African-American neighborhoods. The site encompasses five city blocks and houses 39 structures that serve as home base to a variety of community enriching initiatives, art programs, and neighborhood development activities. I was really blown away by the fact that these houses were actual residences for families and the entire space is incredibly small. It was the most popular style of house in the Southern United States from the end of the American Civil War (1861–65) through the 1920s. It think it's ingenious to not only preserve these houses but to use them to showcase artwork that has historic and political subtexts. I think you should definitely make plans to visit if you're in the Houston area.
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Week 13- Tea SipI've always been #TeamTea. Mainly because I've never acquired the taste for coffee. Love the smell of coffee, hate the flavor. But hot tea, I love! That's why I was excited to visit Tea Sip, a loose leaf tea store in the Houston Heights. Not only do they have some pretty wild combinations (peanut butter cookie!) but they also have the classic flavors. And the coolest thing of all? They blend and package all of their tea in house. Yes, right in the store! There's a little warehouse in the back of the store. I had a great experience and can't wait to go back. Next time, I plan on taking my daughter since she's becoming a tea connoisseur! You can try any flavor of tea and they offer a tea flight, if you're interested in trying multiple flavors. They also sell tea "accessories" like teapots, mugs, infusers, honey and spoons! Very cute shop, great customer service and the fact that it's local are all plussses. If you can't make it to the store in person, they do have online purchasing available through their website. Happy Sipping! 🍵
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Week 14- Sam's Chicken & DonutsWhen I first saw this place it was Lee's Fried Chicken and Donuts. And I immediately saved the information on my phone for a future visit. That was three years ago. But I finally made my way to what's now known as Sam's Fried Chicken and Donuts. It's a small establishment in the Houston Heights area but their food is big on flavor! I ordered the chicken and waffle wings (flavored/battered) & a praline pecan and bacon glazed donut. And it was so good! I was a little concerned at first because the wings smelled spicy, really spicy and even the first bite I detected heat but the flavor profile changed and it was sweet, flavorful and just delicious! And don't get me started on that donut. It was hands down one of the best I've ever had. Light, fluffy dough and the icing was incredible. The beautiful thing about this experience was that I didn't have an ounce of guilt. It's not a healthy meal (obviously) but it felt good to have given myself self a well deserved treat! I'm just glad I don't live nearby or it would become a problem! Definitely give them a try, you won't regret it!
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Week 15- #SMBHOUThe Social Media Breakfast Houston is a monthly meetup in the greater Houston area to discuss the latest in how to use social media to grow and sustain your business. The event is held on the second Friday of every month (usually at 8:30am at Canopy on Montrose) and it is free to attend. The event started its first meetup in 2009 and I know since at least 2012 I've been saying I wanted to attend. I made time today (4-12-2019) and the topic was creating a voice for your brand. I went with the hope of getting some insight on how to marry all of the creative endeavors I have going on into one cohesive brand that makes sense, and doesn't come across obnoxious in terms of self promotion. I feel the mission was accomplished. The guest speaker today was Sahar Paz and she was energetic, knowledgeable and shared gems that I think will help me on my journey. If you are an entrepreneur or even employed by a company, and you're trying to figure out how to maximize or levearage social media– you should definitely make plans to attend a #SMBHOU meeting in the future!
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Week 16- Houston SymphonyI’ve always wanted to attend a l Houston Symphony concert, I just didn’t think it would happen with a group of rowdy 4th graders. I got the opportunity to enjoy this amazing ensemble by volunteering to be a chaperone for a field trip. The musicians consisted of men & women of all ages and races playing their instruments flawlessly. Their combined execution of popular pieces was nothing short of magical. It was also educational because the conductor gave us infomation about the composition of music with regard to bars and melodies. I was in awe of the talent and dedication of the musicians and I left wishing I was one of the cool kids who knew how to play an instrument.
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Week 17- Bayou Bend Collection and GardensI visited the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Bayou Bend is a 14-acre facility (part of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston) that houses a collection of art and paintings. It is the former home of Houston philanthropist, Ima Hogg and was marked with a Texas Historical Commission marker in 1973. I was blown away by the beauty of the landscaping, ravines and structures. It was surreal to be walking the historical grounds of what used to be someone's home! And that suspension bridge. . . .I felt the vibration walking across it! Unfortunately, I didn’t do the house tour but it’s definitely only my list for a return visit!
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Week 18- The LiftI love Amazon. But Amazon and the monolithic Barnes & Noble have made it extremely hard for independent booksellers to survive. That's why I made sure to put a few indie booksellers on my list ot support. The Lift, located in the Houston Heights Area, was one of the booksellers I got to check out! Cute little eclectic shop that also has other gifts and goodies. They don't have a huge selection but it's worth stopping in and supporting! I had previously rented Tribe of Mentors by Timothy Ferris's from the library but I left the book on my list to someday purchase my own copy. It was kismet, because The Lift had ONE copy in stock! Of course I bought it, I know when the universe is sending me a sign! 😉
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Week 19- Hello FreshAnother food experience. . . .imagine that! What can I say? A girl has to eat. But this time I wanted to try something healthy. I've been curious about the food delivery services that provide meals with everything you need in one box. But I was little leery about getting meat and fresh veggies in the mail not to mention some of the services required a subscription. Well, as luck would have it my local HEB grocery store carries some of the Hello Fresh meals in store! I decided to try the Honey Sriracha Chicken. It included everything you needed except butter. And it was a quick meal. The box says 30 minutes but it took me around 35. I followed the directions to the letter not adding anything extra. . . .I kind of regret that. It was just okay. It had a decent flavor but the sauce wasn't thick or flavorful enough for me. It was light and healthy, which I guess was the point. 😂 I also think it was a bit overpriced at $17 but when you consider it fed two people that's $8.50 per person and still cheaper than going out. 🤷🏾♀️ I actually want to give another one of their meals a try, something a little more exotic. I think I played it too safe with the chicken.
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Week 20- Air Terminal MuseumTook a trip to the 1940s Air Terminal Museum. Fun fact: I used to work for Continental Airlines (twice) and then it became United Airlines. I used to do benefits information sessions with mechanics at Hobby airport and I passed by the Air Terminal Museum building plenty of times but stepping inside of it was like stepping back in time. It was the first airport in the city of Houston and the interior of the building as well as some of the historical artifacts and information was incredible. My tour guide provided me with a plethora of information not only about the museum but the history of aviation in general, which is something I’ve always been fascinated by. I didn't get a chance to tour the actual hangar where they had some airplanes but I visited the Lone Star Flight Museum and they had similar planes so, I'm don't think I missed much. Another cool thing is you can host events at the Air Terminal Museum. Not sure of the pricing but it's a cool place that sparks nostalgia and I'm sure it would be the perfect backdrop for a formal event. If you're in the area and have an hour to spare, it's something different to do!
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Week 21- AcupunctureI've always wanted to try acupuncture and after pulling a muscle in my arm, I moved the experience up on my list. Did you know acupuncture can help ease a myriad of ailments from muscle strains to insomnia to high blood pressure and more! I had an amazing first time experience at Modern Acupuncture. I felt absolutely no pain and it was incredibly relaxing. I had needles in my ears, neck, right leg, left wrist and upper arm area. The session lasted forty five minutes and afterwards I felt energized and some of the pain had subsided. I’m going to continue treatments throughout the summer to continue strengthening the muscle in my arm and regulating my circulation. If you’re interested in acupuncture I would definitely recommend giving it a try!
UDATE: Keep in mind most acupuncture procedures are "treatments" and you'll need to go for several visits over several months or longer to feel relief from your symptoms. My arm was still bothering me after a couple of visits. So acupuncture wasn't a cure-all. |
Week 22- Ancestry DNAI’ve always wanted to do an Ancestry DNA kit. Obviously, I knew there would be African markers but I was excited learn the specifics. I even figured there would be some European traces, I was a little surprised by how much. But I was disappointed to find out they can’t detect specific North America Native American DNA! WTH? I’m 100% sure that part of my heritage exists. But unfortunately, it doesn’t show in the results. I don’t regret the testing but I was definitely disappointed that it wasn’t conclusive. The results also came relatively quickly for me. It only took three weeks. It was something interesting to review and know the specifics of my African roots but the overall experience was anticlimactic. I’m really glad I didn’t pay full price! The kits are usually $99. I was able to get my kit for half price with an online special.
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Week 23- Urban Harvest Farmer's Market
I woke up early at 7:30am (I usually sleep until 10am on Saturday's) to visit the Urban Harvest Farmer's Market. The market takes place every Saturday from 8am until noon. It’s been on my list for a while but I let the distance (30 miles from my house) and start time deter me in the past. But I planned for it and got a good night's sleep, and was ready bright and early! It was a very cool experience. So much fresh produce, meat, baked goods, flowers and more to chose from! It felt good to support local growers. They also have free garage parking on site as well as a few food trucks. I purchased peaches, pecans, honey, pound cake and stuff to make bruschetta. And the best part of all? I was done before 9:00am! Maybe there's something to that saying the early bird gets the worm– or in this case fresh produce!
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Week 24- BebidasMost of the food and drink places on my list have come from images and comments that I've seen posted by people & the experience they had. This led to me going to the instagram page or website of said establishment and deciding, "I want to go there!" This was the case with Bebidas, a little gem of a place nestled in a shaded spot on the corner of Edloe and Westheimer. And when I say, little, I mean little. This place is small. But I was drawn to the cute atmosphere and I heard their drinks and snowballs were big on flavor. I actually tried their agave lemonade and it was the perfect thing to combat the sweltering Houston heat. It was a good combination of tangy and sweet. I also tried the bacon and egg breakfast taco, which I inhaled in a few bites. I want to go back before summer is over and get one of the snowballs everyone raves about! They don't start selling them until later the afteroon and it was too early when I went. 😔
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Week 25- The GroveSunday brunch is always a good idea and there are so many places in Houston to choose from. . . .when I saw photos from The Grove Houston's Brunch on the Green, I had a serious case of FOMO and knew it had to be my next brunch spot. The perfect opportunity presented itself on Father's Day! I convinced the family to go and celebrate the Mister. I felt it was reasonably priced ($35 for 12 & up , and $15 for 12 & under) and they offered an assortment of breakfast, meats, breads, desserts and more. I really enjoyed it and could've overdosed on the fish fritters! Their offerings aren't the usual brunch fare and that's what made me enjoy it even more because it was different. Lemon pancakes, banana's foster French toast, breakfast tacos rolled in crepes, etc. I would definitely go back, however I don't know if my family would go with me. I don't think they enjoyed it as much. Oh well, we all can't have sophisticated palates! 😂 If you're looking for a different brunch experience with a great view of Discovery Green, give The Grove a try!
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Week 26- MotownI LOVE music! Specifically old school music. I also love visiting places where historical things happened. So it should come as no surprise that Motown aka Hitsville U.S.A. was on my list to visit one day. And the way our summer vacation was set up, I got an opportunity to do just that! And it was amazing. To be standing in the same building where Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Surpemes, Michael Jackson, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and so many more LEGENDS started their careers. . was awe-inspiring! And I enjoyed learning more about Berry Gordy's story– I had no idea he was only 29 when he started Motown. The way that he built that empire, honed those talents, and crafted those careers was so brilliant and intentional. Nothing like this "insta famous", reality show, microwave celebrtiy stuff that happens nowadays. It was like being transported to an entirely different era. Despite the truly hard circumstances and conditions that black people were facing during that time, Motown was a beacon of hope and prosperity. It empitomized the notion of "WHO GONE STOP US?" Definitely worth the trip to Detroit, Michigan for the tour!
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Week 27- Hershey, PAMe and chocoate have had a life long love affair. Although I admittedly eat a lot less of it these days because the way my metabolism and A1C is set up. . .😂 But I still wanted to visit the town that was built as an homage to one of my favorite things. So Hershey, Pennsylvania was added to our whirlwind summer vacation. Hershey is a small city that was bascially built by Milton Hershey around his chocolate factory. Hershey built an empire by perfecting a sweet confection that everyone loved. His secret? He was the first person to add milk to his chocolate and mass produce it! There is so much other history there and also a lot of fun. We visited Hershey's Chocolate World and got so chocolated wasted– they pass out a lot of free chocolate AND we made out own chocolate bars! We also visited the amusement park next door, which has some of the mopst incredible roller coasters I've ever seen. The place is huge AND it's attached to the Hershey Waterpark. If you have kids or you're a kid at heart this is a cool place to visit on vacation. To be honest, I actually enjoyed it better than Disney. 🤷🏾♀️
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Week 28- Homemade TortillasA few years ago our sweet neighbor , Maria walked over during our garage sale and we started chatting. I mentioned that I’d cooked but still needed to make some cornbread to go with the meal. Maria said she didn’t know how to make cornbread– then she suggested that maybe I could teach her how to make cornbread and she would teach me how to make homemade tortillas. (Maria was an older lady and she told me she made tortillas for her nephew and his family EVERY DAY!!) I thought it would really be an unfair trade since I exclusively use Jiffy Mix to make my cornbread. 👀 But I was excited about learning how to make homemade tortillas. We said we’d “get together” soon but unfortunately not long afterwards, Maria got sick and we never got a chance. Maria passed away last year (cancer sucks!!!) I think about her often & miss her sweet smile and warm hugs. So in honor of my neighbor, Maria del Carmen Vela, I did some research and found the most authentic recipe I could and I made homemade tortillas! I am certain they would pale in comparison to Maria’s, but I’m glad I finally made time to do it! I hope you’re resting easy Maria!! 💕
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Week 29- Julia Ideson BuildingBecause I'm such a nerd and I love to read, I'm starting a bucket list of libraries and bookstores I want to see around the world....🤓 There are a few I want to see in my own backyard and the The Julia Ideson Building was one of them.
. The Julia Ideson Building is part of the Houston Public Libraries (HPL) and is named after Julia Bedford Ideson, the first head librarian for HPL. She served in that role for forty years!! The building is located in downtown Houston and was built in 1926 as the Central Library for HPL. The Ideson building houses the archives, manuscripts, and the Texas and Local History Department. The Houston Metropolitan Research Center is located in the building. I was fascinated by the architecture. It is a stunning and beautifully maintained building. But I was a little creeped out by the legend of the building being haunted by the ghost of Jacob Frank Cramer, a library caretaker, and Petey, his dog. (via Wikipedia) |
Week 30- Honey Art CafeThis week my son was in medical camp (future doctor)😏, so I decided to take my daughter on a #the52wkexperience destination! We spent an hour at the Honey Art Cafe. It is such a cute venue with beautiful wall murals, and a variety of fun art projects like watercoloring, DIY earrings, magnets, necklaces and more. Not to mention, it was priceless bonding time with my favorite girl! And her favorite thing just happens to be art!! 🎨 They also have food and drinks. We ordered strawberry Hibiscus lemonades, and macarons. I made two watercolor magnets and my daughter painted her own earrings using acrylics and created a cute galaxy design. We ended up running out of time (we had to pick up my son), so we are planning to go back to spend more time and working on different projects. They also have art classes and you can rent the venue for parties. I definitely recommend this spot if you want to unleash your inner artist and have a couple of snacks while doing so!
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Week 31- Escape RoomI’ve been interested in the escape room concept since they became popular a few years ago. . .but then I saw the movie, Escape Room and thought maybe I’d pass. But the more I thought about it, the more I really wanted to do it. My family and I are trivia nerds and I figured we’d nail it. I really thought we’d have an advantage when I found a superhero themed room because we consider ourselves to be very superhero savvy. We went to Escape Now in northwest Houston and had an hour to make our way out of the room. We figured we’d be out with time to spare even though their website says it’s only a 28% success rate. 👀 It was NOTHING like we thought it was going to be! It was way more fun and extremely challenging, and it kicked our butts! We didn’t make it out in time, so all the superheroes lost their powers. We’re hooked and want to try another escape room now that we have a better idea of what to expect! I'd definitely recommend this one for some family fun!
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Week 32- Learn to Play ChessI've read several articles and seen a few TEDTalks that suggest the more you challenge your brain, the better chance you have at continuing to generate new brains cells as you age. This is critical because the number one cause of Alzheimer's is brain cell death. It's a neurodegenerative disease, so as the brain cells die they aren't being replaced. These same studies also say eating foods rich in Omega-3 is helpful. But I like the science behind learning new things. Because your brain is forced to work harder and keep those nerve cells hard-wired. That's why I put "learn to play chess" on my list. I've played my share of checkers throughout my life, but never a game of chess. According to ChessU, chess teaches you a myriad of things from focus to rational thinking. But I'm specifically interested in increasing my cognitive skills. I want to not only train my brain and generate new cells but I also want to practice being more present. And the cool thing: my son has volunteered to teach me, so I'll also get the bonus of bonding with my favorite teenager.
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Week 33- CinnaholicI’m always curious about what happens to businesses after they’ve been on Shark Tank. I love stories about the people who didn't make a deal but they became successful anyway (like Lip Bar) but I also wonder how the businesses faired that actually got the deals they wanted. Cinnaholic is one such business. They made a deal with Robert Herjavec to open stores fronts to get their cinnamon rolls out to the masses. They opened a location not too far from me, so I wanted to give them a try. Not to mention all of their products are are 100% plant-based, dairy & lactose-free, egg-free and cholesterol-free. Man, I just wish they were sugar-free! 😩 But sometimes you gotta break the rules! And yes, it was worth it! You can get a cinnamon roll in just about any combination you can imagine. I got a classic cream cheese frosting with pecans. My daughter got cream cheese and raspberry, and my son opted for a chocolate chip cookie. I must admit- I didn’t eat it all in one sitting. My system isn’t used to such decadence anymore, so I had to pace myself but it was delicious! Congrats to Cinnaholic on securing the bag on Shark Tank. Hopefully your business continues to expand!
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Week 34- KombuchaI see things. I research the things I see. Then I try some of the things. Kombucha is one of the things. Kombucha is a fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea drink commonly intended as a functional beverage for its supposed health benefits. It’s touted to be beneficial for gut health and reducing belly fat as well as helping to remove toxins from the liver. I imagine you’d need to drink it with some degree of frequency for it to work. This is my first time. Not sure if all brands taste the same, but I went with Synergy (got it from Walmart) and it tastes like somebody mixed water, & apple cider vinegar with club soda and added a drop of watermelon extract. I also think I got a little buzz. My plan is to try it for a week in September to see if I can tell a difference. I also like the inspiring words of enlightenment that was on the back of of the bottle, "You are meant to shine in the light and the darkness. Like the sun and the moon, you are here to bless the world with your brilliance,"
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Week 35- Heights LibraryRemember how I said I wanted to visit random libraries and bookstores? 👀 Well, the Heights library was on the list. The historic building was built in 1926 making it one of the oldest Houston public libraries. The outside looks a little stately and magical....the inside is just a standard library, filled with books and helpful librarians. Not sure what I was expecting but I was able to scratch it off the list! The cool thing about having a library card is that if you're a member you can borrow from anywhere. But because this particular branch was a bit far from my house, I just browsed. I love the Heights neighborhood and the library is located on a tree lined street that adds to it's aesthetic. Could you imagine if all libraries or bookstores had this kind of pull? Maybe they would be more lines at the library than fast food lines. (Obvious reference to the Popeyes vs Chic-Fil-A war. Insert eye roll.) Oh, and you know something else, at the Heights library they have a special story time for kids, not sure how often it happens, but the people reading the books are DRAG QUEENS!! LOL! I told you this place was magical.
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Week 36- Smither ParkEven though it’s 1,000 degrees outside, I still headed over to Smither Park to check out the cool mosaic sculptures created by local artists. The sculptures are phenomenal! It’s a half acre lot dedicated to the memory of John H. Smither. John and his wife, Stephanie were long-time supporters and collectors of self-taught art, as well as board members of The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. I’m always in awe of artists and how they are able to create such beauty from nothing or by using materials that most people might consider unusable. There’s such beauty in art and the stories it tells. Also wanted to visit the park's sister (or mother) The Orange Show, but unfortunately it was closed. I'm hoping I'll get to go back before the year is over. It's a 3,000 square foot maze-like design and includes an oasis, a wishing well, a pond, a stage, a museum, a gift shop, and several upper decks. It is constructed of concrete, brick, steel and found objects including gears, tiles, wagon wheels, mannequins, tractor seats and statuettes. Each piece of the Orange Show Monument was hand-placed and hand-painted by artist, Jefferson Davis McKissack.
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Week 37- Hank's Ice CreamSo, here’s the thing- I’m not a big fan of ice cream. However, I’ve been known to make an exception on occasion. As I did today for Hank’s Ice Cream. Hank’s is a black owned business in Houston that’s been serving up ice cream since 1985. I ordered my husband’s favorite, Butter Pecan (so that I could share it) and was not disappointed. The creamy texture was perfect and the buttery vanilla flavor hit the spot! Hank’s is a simple shop that doesn’t boast 31 flavors but the taste and hometown feel will leave you more than satisfied!
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Week 38- Solo WalkOkay, this might sound crazy but it’s been YEARS (at least 5 or more) since I’ve gone for a walk alone in my neighborhood. I usually drive a couple of miles to a nearby park. But I don’t go without my husband in my neighborhood for one reason: DOGS. Why yes, I do have a dog. But I am really not a dog person. (listen to my podcast episode on PTSD for the back story). Anyway, I often see dogs in our neighborhood that have gotten out or they just simply aren’t on a leash, so it deters me from walking alone. Because it’s always the big menacing looking dogs that are on the loose! However this week, I was determined to go for a walk by myself in my own damn neighborhood where we pay HOA dues, dogs be damned! And guess what? I did it!! I only did a mile and a half because the rain was coming but I conquered my fear! It also helped that I had a big ass stick that I was prepared to use but I did it! I felt so empowered. I know it sounds very silly but trust me....it’s not. PTSD, remember? I’ve got the scars to prove it. Not sure I will do this all the time but I feel good knowing I can!
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Week 39- Contemp. Arts MuseumToday’s adventure led me to the Contemporary Arts Museum- Houston. The museum houses an eclectic group of exhibitions by artists who use dynamic combinations of materials, methods, concepts, and subjects. The current exhibition at the contemporary art museum seems to focus on the human condition. From the main wall that exclaims “we the people” when you walk in to the lower level exhibit of song titles paying homage to people in the LGBTQ community. My fave piece was, Untold, which mimics a bottle tree used to ward off evil spirits. The museum is small compared to its nearby counterparts but I found it to be an eye opening experience.
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Week 40- Local FoodsI've had Local Foods on my list for a couple of years. I was able to stop by the Rice Village location for lunch and it did not disappoint. I had one of the best BLT sandwiches I've had in a long time. And that chocolate chunk cookie was divine. I was there around 11:30 and beat the crowd. I was able to get a good seat at the window bench. I'd love to go back for dinner and maybe visit one of the other locations. If you're looking for a quick, delicious bite for lunch then definitely give them a try!
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Week 41- Shared BicycleIt was such a beautiful morning, I decided to go for a bike ride. I have a bicycle but I don’t have a trailer, so it’s a bit challenging to put it in the back of my SUV if I want to ride outside of my neighborhood. That’s why I like the concept of the shared bicycle stations throughout downtown and gave one a try today. The Houston Bcycle station was super easy to use and the bike was the perfect size. I did a quick three mile ride in a little under 30 minutes and only paid $3! My thighs were on fire up the incline on the way back but afterwards, I felt totally energized and ready to start my day! I’d definitely recommend using this service!
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Week 42- Snooze A.M. EateryI’ve been wanting to try Snooze A.M. Eatery for a while but the hour long weekend wait times deterred me in the past. Well, they opened an eatery not too far from my house and I couldn’t resist giving it a try. Since it was during the weekday I walked right in and was seated without a wait! It's a small diner type atmosphere with a patio outside. The waitstaff was friendly & the service was fast! I got scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon and one buttermilk pancake. Best hash browns I’ve ever had hands down. Eggs were perfectly cooked. And the pancake is definitely in my top five. Can’t wait to go with the family and see what they they think!
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Week 43- AudiobookI’ve never hidden my dislike for audiobooks. Blame Levar Burton. His podcast has made it nearly impossible for me to stomach listening to anyone who’s voice doesn’t sound like honey, silk and warm chocolate chip cookies all rolled on one (if those things had a sound). But I decided to give a full audiobook a try (usually, I can’t get past the sample). Since Ali Wong's book, Dear Girls was on my list I chose her audiobook because she was reading it. I was not disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed her wildly inappropriate, unorthodox, funny and often relatable anecdotes that she has penned as letters to her daughters. Listening to her read definitely elevated the experience. However she wasn’t as animated as she usually is during her stand up routines. Which on one hand I get, after all this is a book. But therein lies the issue for me with audiobooks....I’m a writer so the voice is my head is often a lot better than listening to an actual voice read to me. So although listening to Ali’s book was hella entertaining and kept me company on my morning walks....I won’t be converting to audiobooks any time soon. I need to SEE the words for myself. Roll them around on my tongue, highlight mind blowing passages and look up things I have no clue what they mean. Books (or e-books even) have always taught me and helped to expand my knowledge and vocabulary. Listening to people drone on, I usually lose interest or tune them out. I can’t tell you how many times I even had to rewind Ali Wong’s book because I’d totally zoned out. Anyway, I feel I gave audiobooks a fair chance by actually completing a well recorded and interesting book but that’s still gonna be a NO for me.
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Week 44- Cooking ClassI've always wanted to take a cooking class. I've always wanted to learn to make homemade pasta. So I did both at Sur La Table. The best part about the class besides learning some cool techniques is that we got to eat our dishes. The chef showed us how to make Italian sausage ragu over pappardelle pasta AND fettucine with crispy pancetta, artichoke and truffle oil. The fettucine dish was my favorite! I could eat the artichokes and pancetta by itself it was so good. I'm glad I learned how to make pasta but in all honesty, it was a bit of work. LOL! I'm used to an entire spagehtti dinner being ready in 30 minutes. It takes about that long (or longer) just to make the pasta. I'll probably make a batch for my family but it definitely won't be an all the time thing....unless of course they want to learn how to do it and make pasta for me! Otherwise we'll stick with the pre-packaged pasta that's ready in 11 minutes!
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Week 45- III Forks RestaurantMy husband and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary the day after the actual date. And when we talked about where to have dinner, I just had one request: somewhere we’ve never been before. That’s how we ended up at III Forks restaurant. The evening was filled with laughs, strong drinks and a Tomahawk steak that was something straight out of the Flintstones. I always think places like this are overpriced even though the ambience and service is great or it just mioght be my guilt for dining somewhere so pricey. And to be honest, I felt the food was just. . .okay. But just being with my dining companion was the best part of the night that made it all worth it!
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Week 46- Screenwriting CourseI’ll share one of my wildest dreams with you: I want to have one of my stories turned into a movie or television show! I’ve even got a few unpublished stories that I think would be perfect! I’ve done a ton of research on pitching and even some basic screenplay and teleplay writing. But this week I combined this goal with something from my 52 Week Experience and took an online non-credited professional development course (something I’ve been wanting to do!) on screenwriting!! I found a super affordable course through Udemy and got some extremely valuable information to help me focus and actually get started writing the script. I’m hoping to have something tangible next year this time!
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Week 47- Zoe's KitchenWhen Zoe’s Kitchen started popping up all over town, I thought it was a salad bar. I had no idea it was Mediterranean style fast food. I really missednot being able to go to Greek restaurant near my old employer's building. So I added Zoe's to my list with hopes it would satisfy my craving. I tried it for lunch and got the chicken pita with fruit. It was fast, fresh and delicious! It's not the authentic, authentic Greek stlye like Niko's Niko's but it's still worth the trip. I will definitely be a repeat customer!
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Week 48- Sugarland LightsOn Thanksgiving evening, me and my family visited the Sugarland Holiday Lights installation. It seems to be becoming an annual tradition that we visit a different light show each year. We had a blast walking around Constellation Field admiring the intricate designs of the 3 millions lights on display. We also got lucky because there wasn’t a crowd! I guess everyone was out catching early Black Friday sales. We practically had the place all to ourselves and to was great. The only down fall is that it felt like Spring time 75 degrees. Houston weather is bananas! But nonetheless it was cool because family time is the best time!
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Week 49- Social Media BreakI've been meaning to take some time away from social media, so I chose this week to do so. I plan to make this a regular occurrence. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be and VERY necessary. It’s just so much noise even though you’re quietly scrolling....the images, messaging and comments get extremely overwhelming. Between all of the events, products, stories of racist encounters, human trafficking warnings and impeachment conversation– I felt like my head was going to explode. The time away was nice and I got a ton of stuff done in real life! My 2020 goal is unplug more often and connect with people face to face!
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Week 50- Act of KindnessI did something I’ve always thought about doing...I bought a gift card and walked through Walmart looking for someone to give it to. I found two unsuspecting young ladies who were totally baffled by my generosity and then extremely appreciative. I don’t know why haven’t done this before now but it definitely won’t be the last time.
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Week 51- Texas Guandi TempleFor over a decade as I traveled along the 45 Freeway in Houston headed North towards downtown, I saw this Asian inspired building and I’d always say to myself, “I wonder what that is?” Well, today I stopped to find out. It is the Texas Guandi Temple. A Buddhist temple where the practice of millennia-old religious traditions and celebrations take place. It was closed for renovations but I was able to look around outside and marvel at the architecture. The temple was founded in 1978 by Charles Ngo and the back story is pretty incredible. It’s also another reflection of the beauty & diversity of Houston.
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