Wednesday, June 22, 2011

cheap movies when it's too hot to be outside

If you have kids — or love movies yourself — this Blockbuster deal is worth a look.  The movie store is offering a new summer promotion: rent one movie at $2.99 and get access to free, unlimited movie rentals through July 4. Choose free rentals from movies priced at $1.99 or less — one free movie rental at a time per day. With its new pricing structure, thousands of movies are priced at 99¢. A coupon is required for this deal. Print out this .pdf coupon here.

thanks houston on the cheap!!

half off aquarium

If you’re planning some educational fun this summer, think of the Houston Aquarium. Take advantage of half-price Houston Aquarium tickets with buy-one-get-one free All-Day Adventure Pass coupon available online at the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau.  What an awesome deal for Aquarium fun!  The coupon is valid through 12/31/11. The Adventure Pass retails for $15.99, so the deal makes it about $8 per person. Print the coupon here to get this deal. Families will enjoy many of the Aquarium’s activities this summer including Tiger Weekend this weekend (June 25-26) and free Salsa dance lessons each Friday evening from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.  Find the Houston Aquarium downtown at 410 Bagby at Memorial.

Thanks houston on the cheap

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Summer Reading

Houston Public Library — This annual summer reading program, Feed Your Dreams, encourages kid and teens to spend some time reading this summer. Read 10 books/10 hours and receive a free book.  But wait, there’s more!  Read 20 books/20 hours and receive tickets to an Astros game or Ringling Brothers Barnum Bailey circus.  Register online or in person through August 1 at any Houston Public Library to participate. Library locations are here.

Harris County Public Library — Harris County Public Library is offering three different programs through August 6 for its annual summer reading program — Dig Up A Good Book (kids under 12), Going Global, Staying Connected (ages 12-18), and ReaderNation (adults 18 and over).  Kids get a free book, while supplies last, when they read 10 books or 500 minutes. Teens get a flash drive bracelet and certificate for reading five book or 600 minutes. Adults who read four books are entered into a random drawing for $50 Amazon gift cards at each location. Register online for any of these programs or visit your local branch to pick up a reading log. Library locations are here.
Barnes & Noble — Kids read any eight books of their choice to participate in Barnes & Noble’s summer reading program through September 6, 2011.  Keep a Summer Reading Journal, share why you’d recommend it , and return it to Barnes & Noble for a FREE book from their list.  Print the Summer Reading Journal out here.
Borders Books –Participate in Borders’ Summer Reading Challenge by reading any 10 books.  Bring your completed Summer Reading Worksheet to any Borders before September 15 to receive a coupon for a free book valid on selected titles. Print the Summer Reading Challenge worksheet here.
Half-Price Books –The Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program at Half-Price Books runs through July 31, 2011.  This is a great deal!  Kids 14 and under will receive $5 Back-to-School Bucks summer reading award when they read 600 minutes or more. One top reader per age group will earn a $20 HPB gift card. Print your reading log online here. Find Half-Price Books’ locations nearest you here.
H-E-B Summer Reading Program: Kids can join the H.E.Buddy Summer Reading program and get cool prizes in return.  Read 10 books this summer and mail your list to H-E-B by October 1, 2011.  One of the prizes looks to be a t-shirt! Print your reading log here.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Free symphony

The Houston Symphony’s free gift to the community continues this summer with free performances throughout Houston. Tonight is the final Sounds Like Fun! Gotta Dance! performance with Summer Symphony Nights following at Miller Outdoor Theater June 17-July 4:
Free, assigned seat tickets are available at the Miller Outdoor Theatre Box Office on first-come first-serve basis between 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on performance day. Miller Outdoor Theatre is located in Hermann Park at 100 Concert Dr.

Monday, June 13, 2011

houston museum of natural science discount

For a limited time, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is offering three extra months free to a one-year museum membership.  You’ll get access to special behind-the-scenes, special access events all summer. Be one of the first to tour the new Paleontology wing in summer 2012!
This offer is available for new and renewing members. Check it out online or call 713.639.4629. Thanks to Deal Finder E for this tip!

Out of town on vaca, but back with more deals!

Canvas People is sharing an introductory offer for a free 8×10 gallery wrapped canvas — or $50 credit towards any size canvas. You’re just responsible for shipping and handling, which is $14.95. As a bonus, customers who order more than $19.95 will receive a free one-year subscription to Disney’s FamilyFun magazine, a $10 value.
Head over to Canvas People to get started! If you’re quick, you might even get it back for Father’s Day… This deal is valid through the end of June.

Thanks houston on the cheap for this tip

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

pods art at discovery green

Event Venue

Maconda's Grove (Market Grove)

Ticket Information

Free Admission
The PODA Project is a temporary public art exhibition featuring the work of eight local artists or collective of artists who have transformed PODS® containers into a works of art. PODA provides a non-traditional platform for artists to explore the cultural, ecological, political, scientific, and socio-economic forces shaping Houston’s aspirations for the future. PODS are on display during park hours, 6am-10pm through June 5, 2011.

fancy nancy at discovery green

Toddler Tuesday: Storytime with Fancy Nancy

Event Time:

Tuesday Jun 7, 2011
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Event Venue

Anheuser-Busch Stage

Ticket Information

Ticket prices: Free Admission
Bring your little ones to hear Fancy Nancy read one of her new books. There will also be a dress-up contest, so make sure to come as fancy (or dapper) as possible! And parents, don't forget your cameras!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Storytime at Reinzi

 

Explore Rienzi, the MFAH´s house museum for European decorative arts, through reading.

During the Summer Storytime Tours docents will bring art and history alive by relating children´s texts to the art and architecture at Rienzi. Children will explore the furniture, porcelain, and metals in the collection through texts such as The Empty Pot and King Midas and the Golden Touch by Demi, Madame La Grande and Her So High to the Sky Uproarious Pompadour by Candace Fleming, and Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, and other books.

Admission is FREE, but reservations are required. Call 713.639.7800 or click here to reserve your spot!

This program is suitable for children ages 3 - 12.

All "A Great Read" programs at Rienzi are generously underwritten by a supporting grant from the Sterling-Turner Foundation.



Rienzi
1406 Kirby Drive
Houston, Texas 77019
713.639.7800
Rienzi@mfah.org

Summer Storytime Tours at Rienzi
Every Wednesday in June and July at 10 am

Kid Festival

Register at the BASH for a chance to win a FREE week of Way Cool Summer Keyboarding Camp

Thursday, May 26, 2011

free bounce

Free KIDPalooza Event May 27, June 3 BounceU is giving back to the community with its 4th annual KIDPalooza!  This free event features four hours of free play on its gigantic inflatables for kids and adults as well as other fun activities. The two Houston area BounceU locations will be participating in this event:
Friday, May 27, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
BounceU Southwest
10601 S. Sam Houston Pkwy West between W. Airport&  S. Gessner
Friday, June 3, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
BounceU West Houston
14900 Westheimer Rd near Hwy 6 and West Oaks Mall
Don’t forget to wear or bring socks, which are required for play.  Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Movie under the stars

On Friday, June 3, the Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center will host an exciting new program: Movie Night in the Park.  This family friendly event will feature a showing of the recent hit movie How to Train Your Dragon on a giant screen under the stars at the Nature Discovery Center in Russ Pitman Park.  Bring your blankets (and some bug spray!), and get there early to enjoy games, a bouncehouse, and movie-style concessions including pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and more!  Park opens at 6:30 p.m., Showtime at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $5 in advance and available at the Center and online at www.naturediscoverycenter.org, or $10 at the door including a coupon for $2 in concessions.  Children 2 and under are free.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Art Care museum

MUSICIANS WHO MAKE ART? YOU BETCHA!
There’s an interesting show on view at the Art Car Museum, which was guest curated by Melissa Noble and runs through August 7. Noble works with KPFT’s eclectic music show Wide Open Spaces and discovered that many of the musicians interviewed for the show were also talented artists. That and an exhibit curated by Charlie Gallagher at the Museum of Texas Art and Music in Gruene, Texas inspired Melissa to create this show, which features over 20 primarily Texas musicians/artists who represent an assortment of art styles and techniques. Among the artists in the exhibition are Butch Hancock and Joe Ely of the Flatlanders, Sara Hickman, Rock Romano aka “Dr. Rockit,” Loreta Kovacic, and many more. As Melissa says, “The genuine revelation of this exhibition is that prior knowledge of an artist’s musical genre does not allow ready identification of their artwork.” I saw the show and that is so true! Be sure to try the washbasin bass by Gary Bennett – you can jam out to its blues sound.
NOTE: There is some nudity in the show.
The Art Car Museum is always free and is open Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm.

Comic fest

COMICPALOOZA COMES TO TOWN.
This weekend, May 27-29, families can enjoy Comicpalooza,” a comic and pop-culture festival at the George R. Brown Convention Center. There will be costume contests, gaming, panel discussions, film and anime-industry workshops, live music, quidditch matches, Doomsday Wrestling matches, and roller-derby games. For family fun, there will be a circus featuring fire-eaters, jugglers, belly dancers and more. Industry heavy-hitters will be in the crowd, including comic-book creators, artists, actors and more. Among the highly-anticipated guests slated to attend are Edward James Olmos (Battlestar Galactica), Sam Trammell (True Blood), Tony Todd (Final Destination, Candyman), Meaghan Rath (Being Human), Sean Maher (Firefly/Serenity), Jeremy Bulloch and Peter Mayhew (Star Wars), Marina Sirtis (Star Trek) and others. Notable comic creators Bob Layton (Iron Man), Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies), Phil Hester (Wonder Woman, Firebreather), Fred Van Lente (Cowboys and Aliens), Chris Roberson (Superman), Joe Lansdale (Bubba Hotep, Pigeons from Hell) and artists Andy Kuhn (Firebreather), Ale Garza (Fathom), and David Mack (Kabuki).
Tickets range from $10-$150 and are available as single day tickets or 3 day passes.

Friday, May 13, 2011

50C Red box rentals

Special Deal for You: 50¢ Off This Weekend!

This weekend only, treat yourself to a DVD at half the price. Use this promo code at checkout to take 50¢* off your movie rental:

K7JT72K

Gap kids rice village promo

How does 40% OFF of our New Arrivals sound?? Come in tomorrow MAY 14, 2011 and get 40% OFF Regular Priced Merchandise and 15% OFF SALE when you use your Gap, Old Navy or Banana Republic Card. 
Don't have one? Get approved for one tomorrow and get the discount!!

We just received our new Summer Collection and we think it looks great....come check it out tomorrow and save!  This discount is ONE DAY ONLY so stop in tomorrow!

As always, join us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GapKids.at.RiceVillage and get our updates about new arrivals, special promotions and Facebook exclusive offers!

We can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Kids Orchestra - planning ahead

Wednesday, May 18 - Houston Youth Symphony Chamber Music Concert
Houston Youth Symphony presents a Chamber Music Recital, at 7pm, Wednesday, May 18, in Duncan Hall on the campus of Rice University.
The recital will feature Houston Youth Symphony’s four chamber music ensembles performing works by Mozart, Ligeti, Ibert and Taffanel.
Where: Duncan Hall, Rice University
When: 7:00 PM
Who: All ages.
How: Ticket required
Cost: FREE
For more info: 713-785-2422

Thanks macaroni kids for this tip

Library Book Sale

Saturday, May 14 through Sunday, May 15 - 33rd Annual Bargain Book Sale - Friends of the Houston Public Library
Art books, children's books, cook books, foreign language books, gardening, graphic novels, history, mysteries, and more!
Where: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Downtown
When: Saturday hours 9-5pm; Sunday hours 11am-4pm
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required. Sunday is Bag Day. $10 for all that you can fit into a bag. Bags provided.
Cost: FREE to shop

Thanks Macaroni Kids for this reminder

Child Care and preschool workshop

Sunday, May 15 - Premier Child Care and Preschool Workshop
This 2011 Child Care Workshop is the only event focused on child care options for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Houston. With so many options, parents can feel overwhelmed with making the right decision. 
Where: Hilton Houston Galleria, Ballroom A, 2001 Post Oak Blvd., Houston
When: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Moms seeking child care options
How: Pre-registration required
Cost: Non-cardholders only pay $5 per session if purchased online. All online sign-ups receive an additional raffle ticket. $10 per session at the door.
No charge for children age 5 and under.

thanks macaroni kids for this tip

Free Festival this Sunday, but 10$ to park

Sunday, May 15 - Festival De Mayo 2011
Festival features vendor booths exhibiting arts, crafts, authentic foods, fun, games, and non-stop live music, celebrating the pageantry, sounds and culture of the Hispanic community.
Where: Reliant Center, Houston, TX 77054
When: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: No pre-registration required.
Cost: FREE event, $10 to park
For more info: www.reliantpark.com

Thanks Macaroni Kids for this cool tip

Lakeshore craft

Craft a jungle scene — Kids can enjoy creating a free Jungle Collage at Lakeshore Learning’s free weekly craft.  The fun kicks off Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find locations on Post Oak Blvd., Friendswood, and The Woodlands.
thanks to houston on the cheap for the reminder

Sugarland bash

Find family fun outdoors – Folks in Sugar Land will find fun outdoors at the 3rd annual Sugar Land Bash. This annual event features performances, entertainment, Tricycle Track Race with area school principals, Cake-Eating contest, Diaper Dash, and Tug-O-War.  Free cotton candy, drinks, and popcorn throughout the day.  Kids will enjoy free face painting and balloon artist booths. The event is noon to 10 p.m. at Sugar Land Town Square.  Raffle tickets for 25 prizes (including a Harley-Davidson) and $10 all-day games pass are available for $10, benefiting Snowdrop Foundation.
Thanks to houston on the cheap for this

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Books Alive this weekend

Books Alive! 2nd Annual Houston Public Library Children's Book Celebration Image gallery

Presented by Houston Public Library at Houston Public Library - Central (Jesse H. Jones)
May 14, 2011
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Children are invited to enjoy all the fun and exciting activities scheduled for the Houston Public Library’s Books Alive! Feed Your Dreams 2nd Annual Children’s Book Celebration.

The Books Alive! Celebration will take place on Saturday, May 14, 2011 for children of all ages. Everyone who attends will receive a goody bag while supplies last. Events will take place at the Central Library located at 500 McKinney, 77002.

Join us for a full day of whimsical performances, hands-on arts and crafts activities, and other special events. The highlight of the celebration is the appearance Laura Numeroff, renowned children’s book author.

The Princess and the Pea

The Princess and the Pea

Presented by Express Children's Theatre at Express Theatre

April 16-May 14, 2011
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Express Children's Theatre presents The Princess and the Pea, running Saturdays at 2pm April 16 through May 14. The Princess and the Pea is a  bilingual (Spanish/English) show set in Mexico.
The Prince must marry a real Princess before his next birthday or he will lose the throne, and the only way to tell if a girl is a real princess is to have her take a test! Only a real princess would have the sensitivity to feel a pea through a huge stack of bedding.
Can the Prince get his Princess to take the test? Will she pass?
A charming adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic!

Cinderella in Hunstville

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella Image gallery

Presented by Huntsville Community Theatre, Inc. at J. Philip Gibbs, Jr. Centre for the Performing Arts (Old Town Theatre)

May 13-May 22, 2011
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Huntsville Community Theatre, Inc. presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, running May 13 through May 22.  With a cast and chorus or over 50 people, and directed by the talented Marjean Creager, this event promises to be a magical evening for all those that attend.
The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Originally presented on television is 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. It’s recreation in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren was no less successful in transporting a new generation to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true, and so was a second remake in 1997, which starred Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother.
 As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits.
This Enchanted Edition is based on the 1997 teleplay.

Puppy show

Purina Dog Chow Walk & Wag

Category:
Charities
When:
Saturday, May 14, 2011 10:00 am Add to Calendar
Where:

T.C. Jester Park

4.0 star rating
based on 10 reviews
4201 W T.C. Jester Blvd Houston, TX 77018
How:
Official Website
Cost:
Free
Submitted by:
Kimberly B.   See all of Kimberly B.'s events »
What/Why:
Dog-lovers and veterans unite!  Join us for a family-fun morning of giving back while getting active at the Purina Dog Chow Walk & Wag. We're hosting a free dog-friendly one-mile fun walk to benefit BARC and the Houston American Legion Post 560.  Those who aren't walking will be able to enjoy music, giveaways, and a variety of pup-inspired activities. Following the fun walk, Purina Dog Chow will present donations to BARC and Houston American Legion Post 560.

Main Street Theater Babysitting

Main Street Theater’s Kids On Stage program now offers a regular parents’ night out event, Parent Play Date. Once a month, they invite kids to the theater for pizza, theater games, arts and crafts, and Saturday night fun—while parents have a night on the town. Each Parent Play Date night will have a different costume theme. While the kids are having fun at MST, moms and dads can spend the free evening however they like—but MST has something to offer parents as well. Parents of kids enrolled in PPD have the option of purchasing tickets to the current MainStage production at a discount! For more info on each production, please click here. The Parent Play Dates are for kids 4-9 and are $30 for the first student enrolled; $15 for each sibling enrolled (includes pizza). Upcoming PPDs are May 21 – Theme: Lights, Camera, Action! (Parent ticket option for I Am Barbie) and June 18 – Theme: Crazy Day (Parent ticket option for Blithe Spirit).

Thanks Sarah Gish for this cool pick

Odd Theater

Stages Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of the stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman's award winning book, “Odd and the Frost Giants,” through May 21. In the depths of a freezing Nordic winter, a crippled boy named Odd is led by a persistent fox through the forest to save a bear whose paw is stuck in a tree... and thus begins an incredible adventure in which animals morph into ancient gods and travel across rainbows to free Asgard, the city of the gods, from the invading Frost Giants. Inspired by traditional Norse mythology, Odd and the Frost Giants now comes to the stage for the very first time in this clever adaptation rich with puppetry, storytelling, and song.
Remaining public performances are May 14 and May 21 at 2pm. Tickets start at $15.

Thanks Sarah Gish for this cool pick

Food Truck Fair

Haute Wheels,” a food truck festival that’s rolling into town this weekend. It’s organized by Food & Vine Time, Productions and will benefit the Houston Metropolitan Chamber and the Houston Community College Foundation. The 2-day festival will feature 20 gourmet and fun food trucks, live music, a vendor village packed full of arts, jewelry and food booths, in addition to interactive activities and a whole lot of fun. Trucks featured in Haute Wheels include: Bernie’s Burger Bus, Fusion Tacos, ZillaStreetEats, MMM Cupcakes, Frosted Betty, Spork Grill, Green Seed Vegan, Snowdog Ice-Cream, The Lunch Bag, No Borders, Eatsie Boys, Good Dog, Hit n’ Run, Phamily Bites, Rolling Hunger, Off the Hook Seafood and more.
Haute Wheels takes place on the HCC Southwest West Loop Campus, 5601 West Loop South. Hours are noon-7pm on Saturday, May 14 and noon-5pm on Sunday, May 15. Tickets are $16 for adults, which include $5 worth of sampling/drink concession tickets and a $1 donation to the HCC Foundation. Children 12 and under are free.

Thanks Gish picks for this cool find

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Free comic book day may 7th, bedrock city or third planet stores!!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Clothing donation site

If you are looking for somewhere in Bellaire to donate children's clothing (newborn-5th grade), there is a Clothing Co-op at Condit Elementary. They take baby and kids clothing birth through 5th grade and recycle it within the Condit
school community. This is their third year in operation and many Condit families have been blessed
with generous clothing donations from this program in the past three years.  If you would like to coordinate a drop off or get more information you can contact Alicia Escamilla.  Her contact information is below.  



Alicia Escamilla
aescamil@houstonisd.org
Condit Elementary School
7000 S. Third St.
Bellaire, Texas 77401
713-295-5255

bank of america free weekend

Attend museums, Zoo, Children’s Museum for free — Don’t forget that Bank of America cardholders get free admission Saturday and Sunday to the Houston Zoo, Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

build a vase for free for mother's day at lowe's this saturday

Build mom a vase — Kids will enjoy making mom a special Mother’s Day gift at this Saturday’s Build and Grow Clinic.  The activity features a Heart Flower Vase. Clinics begin at 10 a.m. Sign up online here.

Ice Cream and Music in Sugarland

Relax with outdoor bands — Sugar Land Town Square presents two Music in the Park performances this weekend: Friday features Fried Ice Cream at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday presents Grupo Ka-Che at 7 p.m. with its traditional Afro-Caribbean arrangements and elements of reggae and samba.

thanks houston on the cheap for this post!

Bring blankets, have a ball

Bring your family and a new, handmade blanket to the Scout House at 6108 Edloe from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday.  Girl Scout troop 25189 is earning their bronze award by making and collecting blankets for Project Linus, a nonprofit that provides children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need with new, handmade blankets for comfort and warmth.  Blankets can be any kind (knitted, crocheted, even no-sew).  If you don't have time to make one before the party, we will have a blanket making station there where the scouts will help kids learn to make no-sew blankets.  The carnival will also include face painting, bounce house, hula hoop contest, games, arts and crafts, and karaoke.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

A few more weeks left of interactive theater

Robin Hood

Presented by InterActive Theater Company at Heights Presbyterian Church

April 5-May 20, 2011
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InterActive Theater Company presents Robin Hood, adapted from the book by Howard Pyle by Angela Foster, and running April 5 – May 20, 2011 at Heights Presbyterian Church, 240 West 18th Street.
The tales surrounding Robin Hood have long been of great cultural interest for both children and adults. The swashbuckling heroics of the legendary archer seem to bring out everyone’s inner hero. In this original adaptation, Robin gathers his band of Merry Men, vies for the heart of Maid Marion, and manages to outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham and his lackey Guy of Gisborne at every turn.
From start to finish, the pace and physical comedy of this play will take your breath away.

But, as usual, a straightforward adaptation just wouldn’t be InterActive Theater’s style. So in this one, we’ve added a twist: choose your own adventure! Audiences will be able to decide in the middle of the play which direction the plot will go, and we’ll take it from there!
From Executive Artistic Director, Angela Foster: Robin Hood and King Arthur are two of my all time, favorite literary characters. And there seems to be no end to the ways in which their adventures are told. There’s nothing I enjoy more than mounting a production with a full gamut of sword ?ghts, narrow escapes, broad physical comedy and a hero to inspire us all. It’s a great ?nale to this fantastic season!



thanks artshound

Tea Par-TAY

Mother's Day High Tea

Presented by Kitchen Incubator at Kitchen Incubator

May 8, 2011
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Kitchen Incubator presents Mother's Day High Tea, a Mother & Daughter Cooking Class & Tea Room. In celebration of Mother's Day, the Café at Kitchen Inc will transform into a traditional English High Tea Room, filled with a plethora of scones, trays of dainty confections and delightful cream teas.

For years, my mother and I celebrated Mother's Day and many other special occasions with a traditional High English Tea, experiencing elegant high teas at Harrod's in London and the famed Bath Pump Room. Throughout my childhood, I prepared some of my first baked goods in an attempt to create an English Tea breakfast in bed for my mom on Mother's Day, which is why I impose no age minimums for our class - scones are for every age!

Mother/Daughter teams will learn to prepare a variety of traditional tea cakes and scones before feasting in the Tea Room. Tickets include hands-on cooking instruction and a full traditional English High Tea, where tiered trays of petite fours, tea sandwiches, scones and Devonshire cream await!

Even lovelier, our High Tea is the only tea room in town where you are welcome to bring your own champagne!

Our High Tea MenuA variety of fresh scones with clotted cream and fruit preserves
Selection of tea sandwiches
Sharp cheddar crumpets
A selection of house petites-fours and pastries
French-pressed coffee and a selection of fine teas with Way Back When fresh cream

By reservation only.

Arty Mom

May 8, 2011
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Celebrate Mother's Day at Bayou Bend, the American decorative arts center of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Treat the special women in your life to an afternoon of nature, beauty, and art at Bayou Bend. On Mother´s Day, moms and grandmothers receive free admission and a small gift. Everyone else in the party is admitted for just $5.
Tour the first floor of Bayou Bend to view an outstanding collection of furniture, paintings, silver and ceramics displayed in the 1920s mansion designed by renowned architect John Staub. Stroll through the extensive gardens and woodlands which are no less than an oasis of nature and beauty in the heart of Houston, and view the blooming crepe myrtles and southern magnolia trees. Self-guided tours of the house and gardens is included in the admission price, along with complimentary refreshments and a take-home gift for dads.
For details, call 713-639-7750.
Pictured: John Smibert (1688—1751), Boston, Portrait of  Mary Pemberton, 1734, Oil on Canvas.

Now this is seriously cool......

Lunch with an Astronaut (Fridays)

Presented by Space Center Houston at Space Center Houston

February 25-December 30, 2011
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Space Center Houston is now proud to offer you and your family an extraordinary opportunity to spend the afternoon with an astronaut at Lunch with an Astronaut. This casual event gives you the opportunity to hear first hand stories from a NASA astronaut while enjoying a gourmet lunch prepared by our award winning catering staff.
As a special memento of your visit, you will receive a personalized lithograph from our guest astronaut. Ticket price also includes admission to Space Center Houston where you can experience over 250 things to see and do, including a behind the scenes look at NASA on the Discount Tire NASA Tram Tour.
Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis and must be purchased in advance. Lunch will begin at 12:00pm.
Special Guest Astronauts for Spring 2011:
February 25, 2011 Hank Hartsfield
March 4, 2011 Bernard Harris
March 11, 2011 David Hilmers
March 18, 2011 Joan Higginbotham
March 25, 2011 Mike Bloomfield
April 1, 2011 Brian Duffy
April 8, 2011 Leroy Chiao
April 15, 2011 Scott Parazynski
April 22, 2011 Mike Bloomfield
April 29, 2011 Mike McCulley
May 6, 2011 Scott Parazynski
May 13, 2011 Leroy Chiao
May 20, 2011 Scott Parazynski
May 27, 2011 Mike McCulley
Added Dates/Guest Astronauts:
June 3, 2011 Leroy Chiao
June 10, 2011 Tom Jones
June 17, 2011 John-David Bartoe
June 24, 2011 Leroy Chiao
July 1, 2011 To Be Determined
July 8, 2011 John-David Bartoe
July 15, 2011 John-David Bartoe
July 22, 2011 To Be Determined
July 29, 2011 Mike McCulley
August 5, 2011 Leroy Chiao
August 12, 2011 Jim Reilly
August 19, 2011 Scott Parazynski
August 26, 2011 To Be Determined
September 2, 2011 Leroy Chiao
September 9, 2011 John-David Bartoe
September 16, 2011 To Be Determined
September 23, 2011 To Be Determined
September 30, 2011 John Blaha
October 7, 2011 Leroy Chiao
October 14, 2011 Scott Parazynski
October 21, 2011 To Be Determined
October 28, 2011 Scott Parazynski
November 4, 2011 Leroy Chiao
November 11, 2011 To Be Determined
November 18, 2011 Scott Parazynski
November 25, 2011 To Be Determined
December 2, 2011 John-David Bartoe
December 9, 2011 John Blaha
December 16, 2011 Leroy Chiao
December 23, 2011 To Be Determined
December 30, 2011 To Be Determined
Important Tips:
  • Come early or stay late for a special public presentation by our guest astronaut, presentations at 11:00am & 1:00pm.
  • Be sure to bring a camera to capture the memory.
  • Food allergies or special dietary requirements? Let us know in the “order notes” box at check out.
All dates, times and special guest astronauts are subject to change. Click here, then click on the name to learn more about each astronaut.

So many festivals, so little time

The Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association(APAHA) will be holding the APAHA 2011 Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 7th, 2011, 12noon to 8pm,  celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage month, this year taking place at Allen's Landing, 1001 Commerce Street. This event has been made free by gracious sponsors and we invite you to join us for the festivities.

Join us in celebration at the APAHA Heritage Festival of Our Rich Tapestry of Cultures. The Festival brings together thousands of Houstonians annually who together enjoy the vibrant culture and traditions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans through a sample of our cuisine, colorful arts and crafts, and themed shows.
Along with many attractions, this year we are having a RAMEN NOODLE EATING CONTEST that you will not want to miss!
This year we are thrilled to team up with the 11th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival in a convergence of their lively boat races and our land festivities. You can expect over 30 teams racing throughout the day with colorful cultural performances, educational cultural booths, delicious cuisine, and fun games for kids and adults alike.
An array of APA arts and crafts, performers, and culinary delights will immerse Festival visitors in the culturally vibrant Asian/Pacific community.
These events are free and open to the public.

Photo day at the zoo next week

Photo Day at the Houston Zoo

Presented by Houston Zoo at Houston Zoo

May 14, 2011
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Birds take the spotlight for Photo Day at the Houston Zoo on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Ticket holders will enjoy early access to the Zoo (at 7 a.m., 2 hours prior to our normal opening time), a continental breakfast, animal enrichment photo opportunities and all-day access to the Zoo, including The African Forest, until our normally scheduled closing time.
Take advantage of the early morning light and see our keepers at work as they prepare for the Zoo day. Please note, not all animals may be out on exhibit immediately, however our keepers do their best to have a variety of species on exhibit as early as possible.
Photo Day Schedule of Events:
7 – 8 a.m. Gates open, check-in/registration and continental breakfast
7 – 9 a.m. Free roam photo access to Zoo grounds and all outside exhibits
7:15 a.m. Breakfast, Rainforest feeding and keeper talk at Tropical Bird House
7:45 a.m. Duck Lake bird feeding
8 a.m. Flamingo Feeding
8:15 a.m. Vulture feeding
9 – 10 a.m. Golden Conure Bathing photo opportunity

Little shop o horrors

Little Shop of Horrors

Presented by Houston Academy of Dramatic Arts at Houston Academy of Dramatic Arts

May 6-May 15, 2011
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Houston Academy of Dramatic Arts Broadway Musical Series presents Little Shop of Horrors. This awesome, exciting show opens May 6th through May 15th. Sunday Performances are at 3 p.m.
Something BIG, GREEN, and MEAN is coming to HADA this spring! It's the cult classic musical, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. This popular musical is written by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken (the team who redefined the animated musical film with Disney's Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.).
Little Shop of Horrors is a rock musical about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood. The musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman. The music, composed by Menken in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, “Skid Row (Downtown)”, “Somewhere That’s Green”, and “Suddenly, Seymour”.
One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof, has become a household name. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS has received many awards including Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critics Awards, and London Evening Standard Awards.
thanks artshound.com for this

kids on stage

Kids on Stage: Commedia of Errors

Presented by Main Street Theater at Main Street Theater - Chelsea Market

May 6-May 8, 2011
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Fasten your seatbelts for this high-speed romp through Shakespeare’s classic farce of shipwrecked separations and mistaken identity! Fourteen Houston-area children ages 12 – high school, currently the students of Main Street Theater’s Rehearsal and Performance By Audition class, present Commedia of Errors, adapted by Jonathan Gonzalez from Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors.  The play will be performed Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, at 7:30pm, and Sunday, May 8, at 3:30pm. Performances are at Main Street Theater – Chelsea Market, located at 4617 Montrose Boulevard.
Twin servants and twin masters separated at birth plus colorful, confused characters equal wrongful beatings, wrongful arrest, wrongful seduction, and wrongful exorcism—in short, hilarity! Students use techniques from the Italian commedia dell’arte and classic American comedy—and their own sense of play—to perform an abridged, updated version of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors.
Fourteen Houston-area children comprise the cast: Samantha Biedler (77459), Jazmine Blas (77087), Margaret "Margie" Glaser (77005), Patrick Greer (77024), Alyssa Hauser (77079), Emily Hwu (77005), Marielle Issa (77401), Jennifer Laporte (77005), Jenny Matthews (77095), Sarah (Keowee) McNiel (77006), Hannah Nobbe (77379), Cyrus Pacht (77401), Megan Routbort (77401), and Hava Schultz (77071). The student stage manager is Grace Cunyus.
Professional artists direct and design all R&P productions. MST Assistant Director of Education Jonathan Gonzalez adapted and directed Commedia of Errors. Meghan C. Hakes is the Assistant Director. Macy Perrone is the costume designer, and Art Ornelas is the set and properties designer.
thanks artshound.com for this

Go German...

121st Annual Brenham Maifest Celebration

Presented by Maifest at Fireman's Park

May 6-May 7, 2011
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A weekend of fun celebrating the area's German heritage takes place May 6-7 with the 121st Brenham Maifest Celebration at Fireman's Park in Brenham.
Parades, coronations, children's activities, German music and dancers, entertainment, crafts and Country Flavors food highlight this annual festival. A sparkling Junior Parade featuring the Junior King and Queen kicks off Friday's activities at 10:30 a.m., and the Senior King and Queen Parade high-steps its way through the historic downtown district at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Floats, elaborate fantasy costumes, and enthusiastic children and young people add to the hometown parade atmosphere.
Friday and Saturday Maifest hours are 10 a.m.-midnight and include a variety of activities for children, arts and crafts booths, festival food and drinks, a German Village and Kinder Village activities. An authentic German meal will be served each day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in the park; tickets can be purchased at the door. German music and dancing, a Biergarten and Wine Booth, and a Cook/off and Home Brew Beer contest round out the schedule.
Don't miss the Blue Bell Ice Cream Smorgasbord at the Maifest Country Flavors Festival, plus the introduction of Blue Bell's "Maifest" Ice Cream flavor only served during Maifest. An all-you-can-eat wristband is $6 with proceeds benefitting the Texas Lions Camp for disabled children. Evening activities include the Junior Coronation Friday at 7:30 p.m. and the Senior Coronation Saturday at 8 p.m. Live music and dancing are on tap until midnight both nights.
Admission is free for both the parades and the Festival grounds; coronation tickets are on sale at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Free shuttle bus service will be provided from off-site parking areas. For more information, call 1-888-BRENHAM (273-6426) or visit http://www.visitbrenhamtexas.com/  or http://www.maifest.org/
Come and enjoy a day of fun-packed Washington County German Heritage; while in Brenham enjoy the beautiful springtime sites in the Washington County area.

Go Greek

18th Annual Clear Lake Greek Festival

Presented by St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church (& Clear Lake Greek Festival) at Clear Lake Park & Community Center

May 6-May 8, 2011
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Food, wine, dancing...what more could you want? Come join us at Clear Lake Park on Mother's Day weekend (May 6th -8th) for a truly unique experience, the 18th Annual Clear Lake Greek Festival!
Here's what we have to offer:
  • Traditional Greek food like gyros, souvlaki, Greek salad, pastichio, a variety of pastries, and SO much more
  • A coffee shop way cooler than your local Starbucks
  • Draft beer, 6 different kinds of wine, and homemade sangria
  • Rides for the children
  • Highly -disciplined Greek dancing machines (otherwise known as our Asteria dance group)
  • Imported food, clothing, and music
  • A place where you can finally say "OPA!" as often as you want
  • A comfortable, spacious environment to lounge and enjoy yourself!
  • Click here for more information about the great entertainment
 The event will be held at Clear Lake Park, located at 5001 NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX, 77586.
Festival hours are as follows:
Friday, May 6: 11am - 10pm
Saturday, May 7: 11am - 10pm
Sunday, May 8: 11am - 6pm

Buy your tickets online at clearlakegreekfestival.eventbrite.com.

Also, don’t forget about our 1st Annual Toga 10K Fun Run this year! We encourage everyone to dress the toga theme! For registration info, go to togafunrun.eventbrite.com, or contact us using the information in this listing.

See you there!
Come and join in the celebration of the 18th Anniversary of the Clear Lake Greek Festival.
A little bit of History:The beginnings of the Greek Orthodox community in Webster, TX began in 1993 with a small but growing Greek community.
We began the Greek Festival as a way to share our culture and heritage with our neighbors. At the Festival our neighbors can sample our food, our culture and visit our church see the awe inspiring Byzantine iconography. This three day festival takes the combined efforts of everyone in the church. The Ladies, young and old, will cook for weeks on end to get the pastries done just right. The men will build the infrastructures for the festival and also cook. Everybody works even the children!
The Greeks at one time had conquered the known world and excelled in philosophy, arts and medicine. They were also one of the first to accept Christ. The bible was written in Greek and the liturgy or service that was developed 2000 years ago is still practiced at St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church every Sunday in Webster. As you can guess we are proud of our church and our heritage and we welcome you!

Hope's Stone

Hope Stone's Kid's Play
HOPE STONE'S KID'S PLAY AND YOUTHSOUND ENSEMBLE PRESENT CUTTING-EDGE ART IN THE PREMIERE OF "ONE."
Hope Stone Inc.'s Kid's Play Ensemble and boys' band YouthSound, now in its ninth year, readies its newest production of cutting-edge kids' art with the premiere of "ONE" this Saturday, May 7 at 2pm and 7pm at Barnevelder Movement Arts Complex at 2201 Preston Street. Under the creative force of renowned modern dance choreographer Jane Weiner and the direction of master teachers, the 60+ art students, between the ages of 6 and 18, unite to bring their musical, theater, dance and photography visions to the theme of "one." "ONE" was inspired by the power and change created by one man, Franklin McCain. On February 1, 1960, McCain and his three friends, the "Greensboro Four" as they would later be called, felt isolated and alone as they sat at the whites-only lunch counter at the Woolworth store on South Elm Street in Greensboro, North Carolina. They were seeking more than the sodas, coffee and doughnuts they ordered; they were attacking the social order of their time. This single idea, a series of non-violent civil rights protests, led to the Woolworth store chain reversing its policy of racial segregation in the Southern United States and started a movement that defined our culture and inspired a radical and powerful change.
It shows that one person, one idea and one thought can indeed effect immense change. The performance will take this theme and others centered on the word and the definition of "one" and weave it into an amazing, lively, engaging performance, all from the voice of youth artists.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by phone at 713.526.1907 or online.

Thanks Sarah Gish for this cool pick