I was invited to the inaugural Chef Fest, hosted at Loam Agronomics in Richmond, TX. We spent the day at the farm, eating delicious food prepared by some of Houston's best chefs. 

The Chefs (and their instagrams) included:
Matt McCallister (@mattft33), Monica Pope (@chefmonicapope), Andrew Wiseheart (@contigoaustin), Adam Brick (@adambrick), Ned Elliott (@foreigndomestic), Robert Lyford (@patinagreen), Rebecca Masson (@fluffbakebar, @sugarfairy), Jill Bartolome (@billjartolome), Ara Malekian (@aramalekian), Chris Zettlemoyer (@rkcfoodtruck), Stephanie Hoban (@ripecuisine), Little Kitchen HTX (@littlekitchenhtx). 

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It was my first time ever buying a ticket for River Oaks Garden Club's annual Azalea Trail festival. It's been happening for 83 years, and the tour even gave a glimpse of what life what like for some (very wealthy) Houstonians during that time. 

The tour included the Rienzi, Bayou Bend, and 4 private homes that were amazing. We weren't allowed to take photos inside the private houses, but they were incredible to see and loved hearing the stories from everybody participating from River Oaks Garden Club. 

There was too much to see in 1 day, and look forward to another amazing tour next year!

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Let it (Vir)G🌝! New month, new moon.

@mysticmamma writes: 🌕 FULL MOON 🌕 in Virgo (3/1) on the Pisces axis calls us to ground our roots deep into Mother Earth to anchor ourselves through the emotional seas that have been surging. The more we open up, the more we feel, and the more attuned we become to the suffering of others and our dear planet Earth. The injustices and the tragedies are numerous and we are all aching for change. Virgo is the healer within, reminding us to embody our Spirit so we can bring forth real change in our lives for the benefit of all. Her medicine is love in service, and her practical magic helps us streamline our directive so we can focus on how best to be in service of our collective healing. 🌝

Let’s make this a great month.

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Houston's very own Parks & Rec department is making the city better by giving these Crepe Mertles new color near Waugh and Memorial. A post from the City of Houston's website: 

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department will be painting the crepe myrtles at the traic cloverleaf at Memorial and Waugh to bring attention to the plight of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The Natural Resources Program has been regularly hosting community events to seed areas, with wildflowers, as well as prairie habitat restorations, which provide food and habitat for these species. The wildflowers, which bloom around March, will stand out against the brilliantly colored tree trunks.

3/1 — Last Concert Cafe — Live Music
Perpetual Groove

3/2 — House of Blues — Live Music
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic

3/2 — Revention — Live Music
Steve Aoiki

3/2 — Entrepreneurship
Coffee & Conversation with The Houston Advisory Board. More info.

3/2 — Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo — Live Music
Leon Bridges

3/2-25 — Roller Skate at Discovery Green
Monday (cheap nights), Sundays (skate with St. Arnolds), Thursday (throwback)

3/3 — House of Blue — Live Music
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

3/3 — Black Swan Yoga — Art Show
"And They Walked Hand By Hand, Side By Side" More info.

3/3 — Neil Hilborn — Performance Art
@ Secret Group. More info. 

3/4 — Yoga
Black Swan Yoga Returns to Raven Tower. 10am. More info. 

3/4 — Chef Fest 2018
Harvest Green Farmers Market. 

3/7 — Yoga
7pm Conscious Wednesday by Conscious Houston. More Info. 

3/9 — The Secret Group — Comedy
Jeff Rosenstock

3/9 — Waynes World
7pm, Market Square Park. More info. 

3/9 — Festival
French Festival at Discovery Green, 6-9pm. 

3/10 — 46th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta
Houston Fun! More Info. 

3/11 — Bike Ride
Ride with Black Swan at 3210 White Oak, 10am Yoga + Ride after.

3/13 — How to Start Ideating — Entrepreneurship
With Grace Rodriguez @ Station Houston. More Info. 

3/14 — Yoga
7pm Conscious Wednesday by Conscious Houston. More Info. 

3/16 — The Heights Theater — Live Music
Paul Thorn

3/17 — St. Patrick's Day — Live Music
@ Market Square Park

3/19 — Toyota Center — Live Music
Lorde

3/19 — White Oak Downstairs  — Live Music
Sylvan Esso

3/20 — House of Blues — Live Music
Dashboard Confessional

3/21 — Yoga
7pm Conscious Wednesday by Conscious Houston. More Info. 

3/21 — White Oak Upstairs — Live Music
The Weeks

3/23 — Live Music
Mark Austin's Birthday Party & Charity Concert. More info. 

3/23 — Performance Art / Comedy
Doomsday Wrestling @ Market Square Park. More Info. 

3/23-25 — Art Show
Bayou City Art Festival. More Info. 

3/23-25 — Yoga
Texas Acro Weekend. More Info. 

3/24 — Entrepreneurship
The Lemon Climb (up to the top of Chase Tower). More info. 

3/24 — House of Blues — Live Music
Led Zeppelin 2

3/24 — The Heights Theater — Live Music
The Band of Heathens

3/25 — Eleanor Tinsley — Live Music
In Bloom Music Festival

3/28 — Yoga
7pm Conscious Wednesday by Conscious Houston. More Info. 

3/29 — The Heights Theater — Live Music
Brian Fallon

3/29 — Mucky Duck — Live Music
Whitney Rose

3/29 — Orange Show — Live Music
Robert Ellis

3/30 — Continental Club — Live Music
Southern Culture on the Skids

3/30  — Cezanne — Live Music
Jazz Warriors Reunion

3/31 — House of Blues — Live Music
Badfish

3/31 — Movie
Beauty & The Beast @ Discovery Green

3/31 — Smart Financial Center (Sugar Land) — Live Music
Chicago

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I was biking through downtown and saw a change to the entrance of George R. Brown Convention Center. I wasn't able to find any information about the change. Any ideas? 

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February's Featured Events

• Sunday
• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday

• 1
• 2
  Mardis Gras Begins

  Everclear is Headlining
• 3
  Yoga + Hops
  

  8th Wonder

• 4
  Super Bowl

  5:30pm
• 5
• 6
  Live Music

  The Mucky Duck
• 7
  Free Yoga @ Athleta

  6:00pm to 8:30pm
• 8
  Live Music: Wild Child

  The Heights Theater
• 9
  Winter Olympics

  Opening Ceremony
  Kam Franklin

  @ Disco Green
• 10
  John Evans + Emily Bell

  The Mucky Duck

• 11
  Rockets vs Mavericks

  6pm
• 12
• 13
  Gin Blossoms

  @ House of Blues
• 14
  Ventine's Day
  Yoga, Beer, Rockets

  Toyota Center
• 15
• 16
• 17
  TEDxUniversiy

  Rice University

• 18
  Emancipator

  @ White Oak Music Hall
• 19
• 20
  Rodeo Roundup

  City Hall
  Grown Up Story Time

  Rudyardz
• 21
• 22
  Rodeo BBQ Cook Off

  All Weekend
• 23
  Go Texan Day
• 24
  Rodeo Parade

  10am

• 25
  Winter Olympics

  Closing Ceremony
• 26
• 27
  Rodeo Begins
• 28
• 1
• 2
• 3

February 2018

1/29/18 - 2/3/18 — Art
Live Theater, Well. More Info

2/1/18 - 2/18/18 — Art
Live Theater, Holes, @ Main Street Theater. More info

2/1/18 — Comedy
Tony Hincliffe @ The Secret Group. Tickets

2/2/18 — Live Music
Darcy Malone & The Tangle @ Mucky Duck. Tickets. 

2/2/18 — Event
The Crystal Ball Gala by Fresh Arts. Tickets

2/2-13/18 — Event
Mardis Gras Galveston

2/3/18 — Yoga
Yoga & Hops @ 8th Wonder. More Info.

2/3/18 — Live Music
Everclear is Headlining Mardis Gras

2/3/18 — Art Market
First Saturdays Art Market in the Heights. More Info

2/3/18 — Live Music
The Wind & The Wave @ The Secret Group. More info. 

2/3/18 — Live Music
Dawn & Hawkes @ Mucky Duck. Tickets.  

2/4/18 — TV
Superbowl 5:30pm

2/6/18 — Live Music
Best Bluesman: Johnny Nicholas @ Mucky Duck. Tickets. 

2/6/18 — Entrepreneurship
Open Project with Sketch City @ The Black Sheep Agency. More info.

2/7/18 — Yoga
John Tran Yoga + Singing Bowls @ Athleta

2/7/18 — Live Music
Sleigh Bells @ White Oak Music Hall. Tickets.

2/8/18 — Events
Texas Monthly Whiskey Affair @ Silver Street Studios. Buy Tickets

2/8/18 — Live Music
Wild Child @ The Heights Theater. Tickets.

2/9/18 — Rockets
vs Nuggets 7pm. More info

2/9/18 — Live Music
Buenos Diaz @ Mucky Duck. Tickets. 

2/9-25/18 — TV
Winter Olympics

2/9/18 — TV
Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

2/9/18 - 3/4/18 — Live Theater
Leap and the Net Will Appear @ The MATCH. More info

2/9/18 — Performance
Kam Franklin @ Discovery Green for "Pause", 6-9pm. More info.

2/10/18 — Live Music
John Evans + Emily Bell @ Mucky Duck. Tickets. 

2/10/18 — Live Music
Lana Del Ray @ Toyota Center. Tickets. 

2/11/18 — Rockets
vs Dallas Mavericks 6pm. More info

2/13/18 — Entrepreneurship
Tax Workshop for Artists. More info.

2/13/18 — Live Music
Gin Blossoms @ House of Blues. Tickets. 

2/14/18 — Rockets
vs Sacramento Kings 7pm. More info

2/14/18 - 3/8/18 — Theater
Ann (Story of Ann Richards) @ Stages Theater. Tickets and more info.

2/14/18 — Live Music
Pedro the Lion @ Rockerfellers. Tickets and more info.

2/14/18 — Yoga
Yoga, Beer, Rockets. More info.

2/15/18 — Live Music
The Expandables @ White Oak Music Hall. Tickets.

2/15/18 — Live Music
G. Love & The Special Sauce @ White Oak Music Hall. Tickets.

2/15/18 — Live Music
10,000 Maniacs @ The Heights Theater. More info.

2/15/18 — Live Music
Big Gigantic @ House of Blues. Tickets. 

2/16/18 — Live Music
Sister Morales @ Mucky Duck. Tickets. 

2/16/18 — Live Music
Shovels & Rope @ The Heights Theater. More info.

2/17/18 — Entrepreneurship
TEDxRiceU @ Rice University. More info.

2/17/18 — Art Show
"We love Houston" benefit art show + free beer. More info.

2/17/18 — Live Music
Lights @ White Oak Music Hall. Tickets.

2/17/18 — Events
Wine on the Green @ Water Works. More info.

2/18/18 — Live Music
Sunday Brunch with Boomtown Brass Band @ MKT Bar. More Info.

2/18/18 — Comedy
Open Mic w/ 8th Wonder @ The Secret Group. More info. 

2/18/18 — Live Music
Emancipator @ White Oak Music Hall. Tickets.

2/18/18 — Live Music
ARJ @ House of Blues. Tickets. 

2/20/18 — Rodeo
Rodeo Roundup @ City Hall 11am. More info

2/20/18 — Live Theare
Grown Up Story Time @ Rudyardz. More info.

2/22/18 — Live Music
Hayes Carll @ Mucky Duck. Tickets. 

2/22/18 — Live Music
Rebelution @ House of Blues. Tickets. 

2/23/18 — Live Music
Hippie Sabotage @ Warehouse Live. Tickets. 

2/23/18 — Rodeo
Go Texan Day

2/23/18 — Live Music
Reggie & The Full Effect @ White Oak Music Hall. Tickets.

2/22-24/18 — Rodeo
BBQ Cookoff

2/23/18 — Rockets
vs Timbervolves 7pm. More info

2/23/18 — Event
Critical Mass @ Market Square Park

2/23-24/18 — Live Theater
Ben Jackson Live @ La Colombe d'Or. Tickets. 

2/24/18 — Rodeo
Rodeo Parade 10am

2/24-25/18 — Events
Lunar Festival

2/27/18 — Live Music
Of Mice & Men @ White Oak Music Hall. Tickets.

2/27/18 — 3/18/18 — Rodeo
Houston Livestock Show + Rodeo 

2/28/18 — Live Music
Turtle Island Quartet @ The Match. Tickets.

 

All Month Long: 

Oscar De La Renta @ Museum of Fine Arts. More Info. Free on Thursdays. 

Sundays Art Market at HTX Sports Creek. More Info.

Free Yoga Classes in February: 

• Saturdays, 10am @ Belle Station
• Saturdays, 10am @ Project Row Houses
• Sundays, 10am @ HTX Sports Creek
• Sundays, 10am @ Levy Park
• Sundays, 11am @ Spring Street Beer and Wine
• Sundays, 11am @ Lululemon
• Tuesdays, 6pm @ Cafe Brasil
• Tuesdays, 6pm @ Levy Park
• Thursdays, 6pm @ Levy Park
• Various Sundays, Wednesdays, Saturday @ Athleta

Any other events?

If there's an event you know about that isn't on this list, feel free to email me or leave it in the comments and I'm happy to add it!

26/49 respondents said "HECK YES!"

Using the words taco and deli in the same sentence makes my mouth water. I'm ok rocking a Doña Stache. Jess, Otto, and El Popeye are all my friends. If you don't get these references, chances are you haven't taken a breakfast taco tour in Houston, YET. 

For the last 10 or so years, every single trip to Austin has included a trip to Taco Deli. I was super stoked to learn they were opening up their first location in Houston last year, and even more excited that it opened just down the street from me on Washington Avenue. 

I go there a lot... but I also eat breakfast tacos just about every day. I'll share another post sometime about my homemade bfast taco recipes, but this guide is all about eating out. 

I asked my Instagram friends if Taco Deli is the best breakfast taco in town, and 53% of the 49 responders said "HECK YES!". The others all provided lots of bacon-and-eggselent suggestions. Below is a list of my favorite spots, as well as some of my friends TOP recommendations. 

TACO DELI
Starting with my top pick, Taco Deli delivers. I recommend The Otto + Add Egg + Flour, with a cup of coffee. If you love queso, I'd recommend getting that on the side. Their sauces are lined up from mildest to most spicy and the Doña is right in the middle. This place isn't open for dinner, so your best bet really is to go for breakfast. 

CHILOSOS
This spot was my taco-jam when I was living in the Heights. If you go too late in the morning, you might be waiting in a line that's going out the door. Their tortillas are made in house and absolutely delicious. The place is really spacious and has a back room that nobody really ever sits in, but plenty of seating despite the line out the door. Breakfast is served all day, so that statement alone means it's the best thing on the menu. @cateliza87 swears the green sauce at Chilosos is the best thing in the world. 

Laredo Tacqueria
This recommendation came from my fellow yoga teacher, @poopsbuds, who said "All the real Mexican places" are better than Taco Deli. She recommends all of the tacos, but especially likes the eggs + potatos. 

Tierra Caliente
Thanks to my former coworker and PR extraordinaire, @theycallmemimidiez, for sharing that Tierra Caliente now offers breakfast tacos! Tierra Caliente is a food truck, always across the street from West Alabama Ice House and was named 10 Best Foodie Spots in Houston in USA Today. The owner's daughter passed away unexpectedly 2 years ago, and the community came together to exceed the fundraising goal by over $7,000. Tierra Caliente loves their tacos, and their taco eaters love them back. 

Tacos a Go Go
There are a few Tacos A Go Go's in town, and I've been there plenty of times for lunch, dinner, and margaritas.. but I really had no idea they even served breakfast tacos until @sarah_fitz42 recommended them as her favorite breakfast taco spot in town.  

Siphon
You might not really think of a hipster coffee shop as having the best tacos in town, but think again! Siphon makes their tacos in house, and they are absolutely delicious. It's nice that you can also get a really good cup of coffee with the tacos. 

Morningstar
Greenway Coffee Company has drastically improved Houston's coffee scene, and now also treats us to delicious breakfast tacos. Morningstar is more known for their sugar-coma donuts, but I was able to try one of their tacos for the first time when they sponsored Free Yoga at Raven Tower with Black Swan. Since that "wait..did you say tacos?" exchange, I've been to Morningstar about a dozen times to get their tacos and super delicious coffee. 

Revival Market
This is the 3rd realllly good coffee + realllly good tacos spot on the list. I've been going to Revival Market for breakfast tacos for years. It's not a traditional Mexican breakfast taco, but it's dang good. Everything at Revival Market is sourced within 90 miles of Houston, and they're using the highest quality ingredients to make their tacos. They're tacos are literally so good that the owners of Revival Market opened up a dedicated taco joint called 8th Row Flint. These folks know tacos. Insider tip: Revival Market gives away free coffee every Monday until 10am, so go there on Mondays, try a taco and get a free drip coffee. 

BROTHERS TACOS
Another Houstonian favorite, Brothers Tacos is located on the East Side of town. They have a buffet style, so even if the line is out the door, you're still going to get through the line relatively quickly and your food is going to be ready right away. And yes, there's usually a line out the door because it's really that good. 

Closing Thoughts?
Do you have another taco joint that should be on the list? Let us know in the comments below!

Friday... one of my favorite days of the week because it's the day before Saturday, my absolute favorite day of the week! I always make sure to pack my weekend plans with things to do so I can make the most of my time away from the office. 

It looks like a cooler, semi-gloomy weekend, so you might want to plan a couple fun things to do outside during the day, and then some fun plans at night inside. 

Here are some things you might be interested in doing in Houston this weekend, January 26-28, 2018. 

Friday

• Critical Mass at 7pm. The last Friday of every month is Critical Mass— a massive bike ride of over 1,000 riders. Meet at MKT Square Park at 7pm, and the ride leaves at 7:20pm. The full ride is around 20 miles, but you can break off at anytime. 
• Watch Beauty and The Beast at Levy Park at 6:30pm and bring a picnic. More info
• Live Music at Axelrad with Adan Jodorowsky or Adanowsky. It's free and in collaboration with Wonky Power.  More info
• Watch live Jazz at Cezannes all night!
• Joe Rogan live at Revention Center. More info

Saturday

• Urban Harvest Farmers Market: every Saturday morning 8am-11am. I recommend getting there closer to 8am, because it's less crowded and there are still plenty of items to choose from. If you wait til 11am, most vendors are packing up because they are sold out! More info
• Free Yoga at Belle Station at 10am by @Fitnessintheloop
• Ayurveda Cooking Class at 4 Dragons. This would be great to do after getting fresh produce at the Farmers Market!
• The 35th Annual Auto Show is at GRB and discount tickets can be found
• Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company (Buff Brew) is having their 6th Birthday Party! More info

Sunday

• Free Yoga at HTX Sportscreek at 10am by @Fitnessintheloop
• Free Yoga at Spring Street Beer and Wine Garden at 11am by @Fitnessintheloop
• Meditation at the Cistern by Buffalo Bayou every Sunday 11am-12pm. More info
• Do Yoga at the Toyota Center before the Rocket's Game and get a free Rockets Ticket. Starts at 2:30pm and hosted by @YogaOneHouston
• Watch the play, Holes, at Main Street Theater at 2:30pm. More info
• Houston Rockets host the Phoenix Suns at the Toyota Center
• Watch cats rock at The Rock Cats at the MATCH in Midtown. A fun show of cats doing entertaining tricks at 3pm and running all day.
• Watch the Grammys at home at 6pm. 

Other Ideas for the Weekend? 

• Visit the Oscar De La Renta exhibit at MFAH. More info
• Bike / walk / jog around Buffalo Bayou
• Walk around Rice's Campus and check out the Terrell Sky Space
• Watch Academy Award nominated film, The Shape of Water, at River Oaks Theater
• Go on a Street Art Tour
• Visit the Water Wall
• Visit the Zen Gardens next to the Zoo
• People watch at Discovery Green
• View 365ThingsHouston's weekend guide
• Visit Culture Maps weekend guide

Did Some Event Get Missed?

If there is an event that you think should be included on this January list, let me know in the comments or send me an email at gibhall@gmail.com. I'd gladly consider adding it to the list and helping promote it! Follow my blog to stay up to date and looking forward to sharing more ideas next month!

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I first got connected to @FitnessInTheLoop last year when attending local Houston yoga events. When I first graduated Yoga Teacher Training, I was nervous to teach classes. I've had such wonderful teachers in my life, and was comparing my teaching to theirs. I decided to teach free classes in the park to build my confidence teaching before auditioning to teach in a studio. 

I was hoping for at least 5 people to show up for my first yoga class in the park, but would have been happy for more. Kyle from @FitnessInTheLoop reached out and asked if they could help promote my free class, since they are all about free fitness events inside the loop. I agreed and they were able to bring more people to the park to practice yoga. 

I've been partnering with @FitnessInTheLoop for the last 4 months and have taught classes for them at Spring Street Beer & Wine Garden as well as HTX Sports Creek. Both times have been incredible experiences that help people try yoga for the first time in a very casual setting. 

I'm highlighting @FitnessInTheLoop because their organization helps Houston live healthy lives without having to pay lots of money. Cofounder/Husband, Kyle (@SpaceCityVegan) is also a Cornell Certified Plant Based Nutrition Coach and cofounder/wife, Megan (@AccellLifestyle) founded a company revolutionizing athletic apparel through sweatproof/stink proof scientific technologies. She also won Houston's LiftOff Business Competition. 

Here are some of @FitnessInTheLoop's signature events*. 

*Check their website for more up to date information!

SUNDAYS

Yoga at HTX Sports Creek 10am
Yoga at Spring Street Beer & Wine Garden 11am
 

MONDAYS

Yoga at Joy Yoga Levy Park 6pm
Run Club at HTX Sports Creek 6:30pm
H.I.I.T. at The Preserve Gym 6:30pm
Pilates at Levy Park 7pm
 

THURSDAYS

H.I.I.T. / Bootcamp
 

SATURDAYS

Bootcamp at Levy Park 8:30am
H.I.I.T at Bagby Park in Midtown 9:30am
Yoga at Levy Park 10am
Yoga at Belle Station 10am
H.I.I.T. Training at HTX Sports Creek 11am

Where else for Free Fitness Events? 

@FitnessInTheLoop is great at promoting events that aren't only their signature events, but all free community events in Houston. Follow their instagram to find more events. If you know of any, or have suggestions for more, let me know in the comments! 

I created a round up of some concerts I'm looking forward to this spring. If you want to trade 2 concerts tickets for some private yoga lessons or website consultation, here are some show's I'd love to go see. 

January

1/20 — Cactus
Londale

1/23 — Cactus
61 Ghosts

1/25 — Axelrad
Huslers Brass Band + Mexican Blackbird

1/25 — Continental Club
Grand Old Grizzly

1/26 — Axelrad
Adan Jodorowsky + Vodi + Nico

1/27 — Axelrad
Wepa Night w/ DJ Act Band

1/28 — Axelrad
Soulklave Quartet

1/31  — Axelrad
Jazz Wednesdays

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February

2/2/18 — White Oak Upstairs
Tessa Violet

2/2/18 — White Oak Downstairs
They Might Be Giants

2/2 — Cezanne
Adriano Santos Quartet

2/3/18 — White Oak Downstairs
Børns

2/3/18 — Toyota Center
Kid Rock

2/7 — White Oak Downstairs
Sleigh Bells 

2/8 — Walters
Wild Child

2/9  — Cezanne
Bruce Saunders Quartet

2/9 — Axelrad
Fat Tony + ill Faded

2/9 — Continental Club
The Nightowls

2/10 — Toyota
Lana Del Rey

2/10 — White Oak Downstairs
Silverstein

2/13 — House of Blues
Gin Blossoms

2/13 — Continental Club
Graham Wilkinson

2/14 — Rockefellers
Pedro The Lion

2/14 — Continental Club
Dylan Leblanc

2/15 — White Oak Upstairs
G. Love & Special Sauce

2/15 — White Oak Downstairs
The Expendables

2/15 — The Heights Theater
10,000 Maniacs

2/15/18 — House of Blues
Big Gigantic

2/16  — Cezanne
Woody Witt / Andrew Lienhard Quartet

2/16 — Heights Theater
Shovels & Rope

2/17 — The Big Barn (Spring, TX)
Don McLean

2/17 — White Oak Downstairs
Lights

2/18 — House of Blues
AJR

2/18 — White Oak Downstairs
Emancipator

2/22/18 — House of Blues
Rebelution 

2/22 — White Oak Upstairs
French Horn Rebellion

2/23 — Warehouse Live
Hippie Sabotage

2/23 — Cezanne
North Texas 4 plus 1

2/24 — Axelrad
The Cancas People

2/27 — White Oak Downstairs
Of Mice & Men

March

3/1 — Last Concert Cafe
Perpetual Groove

3/2 — House of Blues
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic

3/2 — Retention
Steve Aoiki

3/2 — Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Leon Bridges

3/3 — House of Blue
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

3/9 — The Secret Group
Jeff Rosenstock

3/16 — The Heights Theater
Paul Thorn

3/19 — Toyota Center
Lorde

3/19 — White Oak Downstairs
Sylvan Esso

3/20 — House of Blues
Dashboard Confessional

3/21 — White Oak Upstairs
The Weeks

3/24 — House of Blues
 Led Zeppelin 2

3/24 — The Heights Theater
The Band of Heathens

3/25 — Eleanor Tinsley
In Bloom Music Festival

3/29 — The Heights Theater
Brian Fallon

3/29 — Mucky Duck
Whitney Rose

3/29 — Orange Show
Robert Ellis

3/30 — Continental Club
Southern Culture on the Skids

3/30  — Cezanne
Jazz Warriors Reunion

3/31 — House of Blues
Badfish

3/31 — Smart Financial Center (Sugar Land)
Chicago

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April

4/8/17 — White Oak Downstairs
The Oh Hellos

4/13 — White Oak Downstairs
Matt and Kim

4/24-5/20 — Hobby Center
Hamilton

4/26 — White Oak Upstairs
Baths

4/26 — Woodlands Pavilion
Jack Johnson

Summer 

5/2 — Smart Financial Center
Jason Isbell

5/5 — Market Square
Los Skarnales

5/25 — White Oak Upstairs
Revered Horton Heat

6/2 — The Heights Theater
Josh Garrels

6/15 — Minute Maid Park
Eagles

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Where Else to Catch Live Music? 

Where do you go for live music in Houston? Any local bars or venues that always have good live music? Let me know in the comments, and I'd love to add to this list if you know of other good shows that I've missed. 

I got into Podcasts a couple years ago while having a long commute to work in the suburbs every day. I really love listening to music in the car, but Podcasts give me a whole different experience while commuting. It passes the time quicker, and I always learn something interesting. 

My Podcast library basically only has 2 Podcasts in it, and I just added a 3rd: TheH. The is a podcast interviewing Houstonians that make Houston "Houston". 

I'm always a fan of creative branding, and really admire the work created so far by @TheHPodcast, Luke Brawner.

He just released his second season, and the first episode kicks off with an interview of native Houstonian, George Foreman. George is a World Heavy-Weight Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, and also grew up in 5th Ward, near this Mini Mural by Anat Ronan. 

One of my favorite things is to hear old Houston stories, and how Houston became the city I know today. It's great to watch the city grow, and even better to hear stories from local legends. 

Below is access to the podcast, and would love to know your thoughts!

To what extent is your identity connected to the names you were given when you were born? Imagine growing up the son of a sports legend and bearing his name; the pressure that would come with it, the assumptions people would make about you.

Here's a link for @TheH's Podcast.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-h/id1197145958

Parks & Rec Trivia nights at The Secret Group, starting January 8th.

One of the best fiddlers in the world: Warren Hood Kym Warner on January 6th at The Mucky Duck.

How to Start Ideating with Grace Rodriguez, January 16th at Station Houston.

Willy Wonka is the midnight movie at River Oaks Theater January 19th-20th. 

Tons of live music all month long at Cactus Records! Always served with free St. Arnolds beer. 

The Rock-Cats: Performing January 28-31 at The Heights Theater.

All Events in January

1/1/18 — Yoga
Black Swan Yoga Kirby Grand Opening! Free yoga all day. Go every day in January, and February is free! 

1/4/18
Rockets vs. Warriors

1/5/18 — Live Music
The Statesboro Revue at Mucky Duck 

1/6/18 — Live Music
David Bowie Birthday Event at Cactus Records at 1pm 

1/6/18 — Live Music
Big Freedia at White Oak Music Hall

1/6/18 — Live Music
Warren Hood + The Deer at Mucky Duck  

1/7/18 — Comedy Show
Standup at The Secret Group with 8th Wonder

1/8/18 — Live Theater
Tooth & Nail Theater Production 

1/8/18
Parks and Rec Trivia Night at The Secret Group  

1/10/18 — Workshop
Why Having a Scientist on Your Startup Team is Savvy?

1/11/18 — Live Music
Will Van Horn at MKT Bar 

1/11/18 — Performance Art
The PM Show (Poets & Musicians) at Rudyard's

1/12/18 — Live Music
Milky Chance at House of Blues

1/12/18 — Yoga
Kino MacGregor at BIG

1/12/18 — Art Show
WOW! Women of Winter Street Studios — over 30 artists

1/13/18 — Art Show
The Market at Sawyer Yards — Art Market

1/14/18 
Top Figure Skaters on the Ice at Discovery Green

1/15/18
Magical Unicorn Day at Honey Art Cafe

1/16/18 — Performance Art

BooTown Grown Up Storytime  

1/16/18 — Workshop
How to start Ideating w/ Grace Rodriguez 

1/18/18 — Workshop
Unfiltered Conversations at Station Houston

1/18/18
Rockets vs. Timberwolves

1/19-20/18
Willy Wonka at River Oaks Theater Midnight Movie

1/20/18 — Art Show
10"x10" Art Show at Hardy & Nance Studios

1/20/18 — Yoga
YogiSomm Saturday — wine and yoga at Yogaleena

1/21/18
Last day to Ice Skate at Discovery Green

1/20/18 — Live Music
Aimee Mann at The Heights Theater

1/20/18 — Live Music
Londale at Cactus for In-Store 1pm

1/20/18 — Live Music
Uncle Lucious at Mucky Duck 

1/20/18 — Live Music
Ashstock: Wild Moccasins, Buxston, B L A C K I E, Narcons, Young Mammals, Limbs

1/20/18 — Live Music
The Dark Woods at The Continental Club

1/23/18 — Live Music
Ghosts at Cactus Records 5:30pm 

1/24/18 — Performance Art
Welcome to 2018 Poetry Showcase at The Improve

1/25/18 — Live Music
Rhett Miller at Heights Theater 

1/25/18 — Live Music
Honey Dew Drops at Mucky Duck 

1/26/18 — Workshop
Creative Mornings - Guest Speaker: Stephanie Wittels Wachs

1/26/18 — Live Music
Jazz Night at Cezanne’s 

1/28 — Yoga
Yoga N Da Hood to DJ Screw 

1/28/18 — Art
Last day to see Oscar De La Rent at MFAH

1/28/18 — Yoga
Yoga with The Rockets at Toyota Center by Yoga One

1/28-2/18/18 — Live Theater
Holes at MATCH

1/28-1/31/18 — Live Theater
Acro-cats at MATCH 

1/29
Movie Night at Axelrad: Coming to America

1/30/18 — Workshop
Book Binding Class at Honey Art Cafe

1/30-2/14/18 — Live Theater
School of Rock The Musical at The Hobby Center

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Some other options?

If you still are out of ideas to do in January (serious, wtf?), then maybe you can do some of these things that are good to do all year long: 

• Visit a warm coffee shop (like one of these)
• Walk, run, or bike (if you have one) along Buffalo Bayou
• Visit Urban Harvest Farmers Market on Saturday mornings
• People watch at Discovery Green
• Take a stroll through nature at the Arboretum and say hi to the turtles
• Catch a movie at River Oaks Theater 
• Go shopping at Caninos Produce

• Roll down the hill at Hermann Park
• Catch a light show during sunset at Rice University's Turrell Light Exhibit
• Visit the Contemporary Arts Museum
• Go to The Menil Collection
• Go on a Street Art Tour
• Visit the Water Wall
• Visit the Zen Gardens next to the Zoo
• Free Yoga every Sunday at Spring Street Beer & Wine Garden

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Did some event get missed?

If there is an event that you think should be included on this January list, let me know in the comments or send me an email at gibhall@gmail.com. I'd gladly consider adding it to the list and helping promote it! Follow my blog to stay up to date and looking forward to sharing more ideas next month!

I've been exploring coffee shops lately to find some that help patrons stay warm. Since it's hot (or what we call "normal") for the majority of the year, it doesn't make sense for places which serve Hot Drinks to also have a hot environment with fireplaces, heaters, and anything else people in the north have to stay warm. 

I was surprised to not really find many places in Houston which offer fireplaces + coffee. How strange is that? There was only 1 place I found which offered both coffee + a fireplace (Backstreet Cafe), but I hardly call it a coffee shop, even though I recommend it to everybody reading this article. 

I created this list based on: do they serve coffee, is the space big enough so you won't freeze every time someone new walks inside, and the place must not have the initials SB. 

If you have warm places for me to visit this week, please let me know in the comments!

Photo by @BrasilHouston

Photo by @a2ndCup

This list is in no particular order. However, if you haven't been to one of these places, I highly recommend adding it to your Houston Bucket List!

Cafe Brasil
This is one of my favorite places in town and their backyard is one of my favorite hidden gems in Houston (even though it's not the season nor the post for that). I recommend getting Hot Cocoa and some tamales if you're hungry. There are a few corners where you can avoid the outside... but typically this place is best when it's a bit warmer out. 

Common Bond
Another very tasty place. I'm not sure I recommend going here so quickly after New Years Resolutions are made because it's nearly impossible to go through the line without ordering a cookie. So if you're there, do yourself a favor and order a dang cookie. Any of their lattes are delicious and I usually get mine with almond milk because I'm a hippy. 

Red Dessert
Located in the Heights off Studemont, this place always pops up in my Instagram feed because of their beautiful latte-art-master-pieces. It's not the biggest place in town, but it'll warm you up as soon as you walk inside. 

Agora
If Cafe Brasil is a little too chilly for you, (quickly) make your way across the street to Agora. Agora is 2 stories, and since we all know hot air moves up, I'd advise finding a cute little seat upstairs. This location is also great for people watching. I'd recommend just getting the drip coffee here since it's free refills and their espresso isn't really anything to write home about. You'll definitely be warm inside Agora. 

Fellini
This seems to be one of the favorite places for people living in West U/Rice University area. Is it because there aren't other good places south of 59? If there's a good place near the area that isn't Fellini, please let me know! If you do make it to Fellini, I recommend the Hot Cocoa. Also, I'm definitely not discouraging you from going to this area, I just hardly travel that far south :P

*Update: The Museum of Fine Arts is South of 59 and also offers tasty coffee! (but still no fire place).

Revival Market
This place is small, so not exactly toasty if you're near a door. However, this place is usually packed, and therefore you should be able to stay warm easily. Everything from here is great, but when in doubt, just ask for "a taco and flat white". You'll be full, hydrated, and hopefully, still warm. 

Catalina
It's definitely not the computers keeping the place warm, since they don't offer public wi-fi, but the location is cozy and coffee is (sorry-if-you-don't-agree) THE BEST IN TOWN. If you haven't been to Catalina, put it on your bucket list. 

Tout Suite
You love it, you hate it, or you've never been. You cannot be indifferent towards this coffee shop. They supply @GreenwayCoffee and have tons of great food and pastry options. You can go for lunch and get a sandwich and coffee, or dinner and get some protein and a beer or wine. There's plenty of seating so you don't need to worry about feeling the cold breeze whenever people walk inside. 

Backstreet Cafe
This is one of my favorite brunch spots in town and on the list not only because of their all-star Chef, Hugo Ortego, but also because they have a fireplace upstairs! It's the only spot in town I was able to find a fireplace inside and also enjoy some coffee. 

If you know of any warm coffee shops in Houston, or another with a fireplace, can you please let me know in the comments?!

Photo by @TheHoneymoonHTX

Photo by @ericozco

Thank you, 2017

2017 was an incredible year for the city of Houston and I am happy to be a part of the history that took place this past year. My year was filled with many trips, changing living situations, getting a big promotion, graduating from Yoga teacher training, making lots of friends, and I can’t wait to see what all 2018 has in store. 

This is the first photo I took this year: January 3, 2017 along Buffalo Bayou.

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January 

The first trip I took in 2017 was to Cleveland Ohio. It was a father-son trip to visit my grandma and cousins in Ohio. We were able to see some snow, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (pictured in the background), and eat some really good pizza. 

January (con'd)

Following Cleveland, I spent a week in Colorado and skied for the first time! It was a lot more fun than I could have ever imagined and I can’t wait to go back in 2018!

January Super Bowl

Super Bowl 51 was no doubt the biggest event happening in Houston in January. Several restaurants and hotels opened just days before the Super Bowl, and the city was a wonderful host for the big game. 

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February 

I moved from EaDo to the Buffalo Bayou area and upgraded the view big time. I've caught so many sun rises, sun sets, rainbows, floods, snow, and have loved the new perspective on Houston. 

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March

I came back to Colorado! I couldn’t stay away… and coming back soon. 

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April

After 2+ years working for one of the biggest retailers, Academy Sports + Outdoors, it's time that I say goodbye because my new job is just around the corner.. 

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June

I was invited to be the featured speaker at the Greater Houston Partnership's luncheon. My topic was on User Experience and how every business can benefit from listening to their customers. The talk awarded me with plenty of cool job opportunities. 

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July

I started as Creative Director at Decode Digital, a traditional + digital advertising agency based in Montrose. I help oversee the developers, designers, and creatives at this booming agency and love the people I'm getting to work with!

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August

We learned what #HoustonStrong meant when Hurricane Harvey flooded our city. 

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August

This group of 31 fellow swans helped me live my fullest life this summer, participating in 200 hours of yoga teacher training. Love to all of these people. 

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September

I turned 30 years old and celebrated with family and friends. I also started teaching yoga at Buffalo Bayou Park, Spring Street Beer and Wine Garden, and Black Swan yoga.

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October

The Astros are World Series Champions and the city has a a huge smile after a rough summer with the hurricane. #HoustonStrong

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December 

Closing out the year with snow... The first time I've seen this much snow in Houston, so I build a little snow man. 

I'm looking forward to 2018 and can't wait to see what all it brings!

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There really aren't many days Houstonians can claim that it snowed. I remember a photo my dad had at the house growing up when he was able to write his name in the snow (ice) on the back of his 1985 RX-7 way back in the day. 

There was another time on Christmas Eve 2003 that it snowed just enough that we could collect snow from the back of pickup trucks in the church parking lot and throw some tiny snowballs. But this year, to cap off an epic year for Houston, it finally snowed!

I woke up early in the morning, discovered snow outside my house, and immediately went for a walk along the bayou. Here are some of my favorite shots for the day. 

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If you're wondering how to find peace on a Saturday morning in Houston, do yourself a favor and take a trip to BAPS: a traditional Hindu temple in Southwest Houston, near Stafford. The building is made of hand-carved Italian marble and limestone. 

Pictures can't do this place justice, and they actually do not allow for photos inside of the temple. 

If it's your first time visiting BAPS, it's good to know you must wear clothing that covers knees (no skits for the ladies), and you have to take off your shoes before entering the temple, so you might want to wear socks. They have a shoe room next to the temple where you and your boo can separate to store your shoes before entering the temple. 

Before leaving, check out the gift shop. There are many books about Hinduism for less than a couple dollars, and also lots of food to eat or take home to make. 

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#MayorsHolidayHou

I was invited by the City of Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs to attend the Holiday Lighting Ceremony and share the event through the hash tag #MayorsHolidayHou. 

It was great seeing so many Houstonians in good spirits for the event. Mayor Turner says we're about to "light it up"!

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