Lights in the Heights

Houston is really not my favorite place to live, but the Heights really is. It is the most amazing neighborhood in the city. Everyone here is so nice, and friendly, and it's the only part of Houston that has even attempted to preserve our history.

We are also one of the few neighborhoods that have frequent block parties. Lights in the Heights was by far the best one that I've been to, and I hate to say this...but it puts some of Milwaukee's festivals to shame! (gasp! I know...sorry!)

The whole area blocked off is around 3 blocks by 6 blocks. Most houses decorate with lots of lights, hence the name, and about every 10 houses was live music. You could hear everything from a not-s0-great high school garage band, to a Jewish couple singing old German songs while playing an accordion, to a bunch of retirees getting together with friends jamming out to classic rock songs. A central park was designated with a main music stage and food vendors. Most people bring a cooler on wheels and roam the street with their beer in tow.

The weather was a little odd...a light sweater provided enough warmth for a "cold Houston night."

Best part of the night: getting into a private party to dance to a super kickin' Cajun band! I lost their card so have no idea what there name, but if anyone reads this that knows, please let me know. We stopped as they started playing the Jambalaya (on the Bayou) song, which makes me proud of my swamp land roots (because Houston is a swamp) The party was sponsored by some company called "Kinetic Energy." I'm sure they get TONS of business during Lights in the Heights.

The photos aren't that great, but the night was!

photos from Austin

My friend Erika flew down for a mini vacay and we then made an even minier road trip to Austin. Seriously, how have I never been there as an adult (meaning not on a field trip?) Austin is one of the coolest cities that I've even been and I can't wait to go back!

These are photos that I took of shops on South Congress (aka. Hipster Central)

quilting madness

This past weekend, I made a trip to the International Quilting Festival with some of my lady friends. It was about 10 million times larger than I had anticipated and extremely overwhelming! Allthough many people were snapping pics of the quilts on display, the signs telling me not to made me scared that I would get in trouble by the quilting police! So, sadly I don't have any of the quilts to share with you, but I did snap a few while shopping around over 1,000 booths of quilting fabrics, notions, and goodies! Next year, I would like to have some projects in mind, so that I can snatch up all of the super unique and awesome fabrics.

happy friday! heartthrob edition.

Yay! It's Friday!

I've recently been watching a lot of Freaks and Geeks and have been reminded of an old Hollywood crush.I thought I would share some other heartthrobs to help get through your Friday.

Jake Ryan from 16 Candles

A timeless classic...


Trip Fontaine from The Virgin Suisides

Definitely not the nice guy, but he'll still melt your heart (and then leave you in the morning.)

Daniel Desario from Freaks and Geeks

Kinda makes me want to relive 1980, or just live in 1980. What a dream.

Do you have any timeless Hollywood crushes?

halloweeney (a bit late) and other ramblings

It has taken me some time to realize that it is now NOVEMBER (seriously, where did the time go?)

This year, I wanted to decorate my house for Halloween and the Fall season, though, getting ready for upcoming shows have forced me to put other craft projects on hold. Christmas is just around the corner and my previous tennant left me a 6' faux tree for me to decorate. Hooray!

Rather than decorating, I had to work on my Halloween costume. I went as Don Draper's lover from Mad Men. Even though Don has a new lady almost every week, most people thought that I was Faye or Peggy. It didn't really matter either way, but I think I did a good job looking like I was at least from that era. My mom helped me with the hair. I (surprisingly) didn't take any photos but was able to grab some from other people's albums on facebook.







Starting the weekend of October 23rd (my first show...pics are coming soon, I promise!) I have had something to do every single weekend and it will continue that way until the middle of December.

Here's how it goes:

This weekend: First Saturday Art Market show and attempting to fix my car with my dad. (I cannot put gas in my car, which is SORT OF a problem....I'm hoping it's just a clogged hose. I'm SO thankful to have a handy dad that can teach me these things!)

Next weekend: My bestie, Erika is coming to visit (I am SOOOO excited about this!)

The next weekend: the WHAM show

The weekend after that: I guess I have that weekend off! But will be getting an oil change and my car inspected at the last possible second before my tags expire.

The next weekend after that: show at Sew Crafty.

And that takes me into December with just a few weeks to complete my holiday gifts, cards (if I get to them this year, I've been totally slacking in that department!) and holiday decorating. Not only is my schedule jam packed in the evenings and weekends, we are getting busy with holiday cards at work! It's really great and is totally putting me in the holiday spirit.

This time of the year is always super crazy, but really fun! Bring it on!

oh, warby parker!

I am in need of new glasses. Badly. While I do love my blue frames, I have had them for 4 years. That means that their "coolness" is no longer legit.

Searching for new frames is just about the most obnoxious thing ever and I am afraid that it is time for the hunt.

That is where Warby Parker comes in. Their frames are absolutely amazing. And they are pretty inexpensive, too. I would like the following, please and thank you.

antique store pictures

Found all of these fun pictures from an antique store in my neighborhood. I have no idea what it is called, but there is a sign out front that reads "Antiques." It's on Heights Boulevard near 11th.

Enjoy!

Adios, Speedy

Me and Speedy, 2006ish

Speedy was a good pet. When I was little, I became obsessed with turtles. The natural thing to do was get one for a pet. For my 10th birthday, I got to go to Petsmart, pick out my turtle, buy a tank and all of the fixins and take my speedy home. When I got him he fit in my hand and was probably about 4" wide. Just a baby.

I knew that turtles outlive humans and that Speedy, a Red Eared Slider, would grow to be very large. I had this assumption that Speedy would come to college with me (that didn't happen) and that I would buy a house after college and build a giant pond in the back yard (also did not happen).

Speedy is not far too large to live in an aquarium and really needs more space and attention than I, or my parents, can give him. My parents have been so wonderful to keep him for the past 6 years and take care of him. But it is time for him to move on.

This past Saturday, my dad and I wearily took him to the SPCA's Wildlife Center. I'm so thankful that my dad came with me, because I could not keep it together. I know that he's a turtle and has never shown ANY sort of affection towards me, but he was still my first pet.

The people there were all very nice. First they told me that Speedy was obese! I had no idea I could have a fat turtle!?! But they assured me that he was very well fed and well taken care of. Speedy with go to the home of a lady that rehabilitates turtles and once they are ready, sets them free. The SPCA gave me the lady's e-mail address so that I can check on the progress of Speedy.

As difficult as it was so say goodbye, I know that he will be very happy to have space to swim and to have friends--and maybe a lady friend to make babies with--to play with.

ph designs in the knot!

Last night a coworker and I attending a wedding networking event sponsored by The Knot. Honestly, we didn't stay too long, but the food was fabulous! I couldn't get enough of the
Saint Arnold beer battered asparagus and mini Brie grilled sandwiches!

We picked up a copy of the Fall issue of The Knot Texas (yes, we are big enough that we get our own magazine) and PH Design Shop was featured in one of their weddings! You can see it below in the bottom corner. And just as a little nod to myself, I did not design the invitation suite, but I did lay out the program. We are all pretty excited here at work!

little miss cupcake!

This past Saturday was White Linen Night in the Heights. All of the shops, galleries, and restaurants had specials and sales.

There was also a HUGE craft show (that I totally should have done, and it never crossed my mind!) Although, the weather was SO hot, that I don't know if it would have been worth it. It was a good sunny, 100% humidity, 100 degree kind of day--aka. miserable--and all of the vendors did not look like they were having too much fun.

Because of the heat, there were free water bottles everywhere. They really pushed staying hydrated. I was very thankful for that.

It was also a fun night because I got to spend it with my good friend, Katie. We've known each other since elementary school, but didn't really become friends until middle school. With both of our crazy schedules, it's hard for us to find time to see each other.

White Linen Night was the perfect Girls Night!



And check this out. Cupcake trailers!

This is all just another reason why my neighborhood totally rocks!

mini garden

About three weeks ago, I started a tiny little itty bitty garden in my back yard. I wanted to start growing my own veggies and herbs, especially since fresh herbs are so dang expensive at the grocery store! After adding up all of the vegetables that I wanted to grow, I had to do a serious cut back and just start with a couple of pots.

I've planted summer squash (in the large pot) and basil and catnip (in the smaller pots)

Since I know absolutely nothing about gardening, I did a little research and found this super handy guide. From everything that I read about growing vegetables is that they need adequate draining. I added rocks to the bottom of the pot to help with the draining.



Soil was added on top of the rocks. I used Micracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix.

Then I planed all of my seeds and waited....

A week later, this is what I have!

This photograph was taken this past weekend. The squash is shooting up, growing about a half inch everyday. The basil and catnip are sllllooooowwwwwlllly coming up and may not be as successful. One is growing more than the other, but I have no idea which pot is which any more!

I'm thinking about adding a few more veggies soon, but I'll have to see if I get anything good to sprout first!

welcome to my neighborhood: buchanan's native plants

Part of moving to a new part of town is getting out to explore. The Heights is FULL of cute little mom and pop shops, locally owned jems, and unique finds. Just down the street from me is an adorable nursery called Buchanan's Native Plants. This place is HOPPING on the weekends with lots of young people and families. It is the perfect destination for all of your plant needs (when you choose not to go to the giant box stores.)

I love that Buchanan's has a whole section of cactus! I'm dying to get one but am thinking of a place where the little kitty will not get injured trying to play with it...

As some of you may have read on my twitter, I have recently started a small little garden in my backyard (a post about that to come.) Buchanan's was a great place to get started. Once my plants grow, I can't wait to reward myself with a little treat like the uber-cute beehives below!

Besides a full nursery, Buchanan's has a great gift shop. They carry everything from candles to books to jewelry to decor. There are lots of fun finds in the little yellow house buried behind all of the plants!