MY ADVENTURES at HUGHES LANDING in THE WOODLANDS

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My initial journey into the new Hughes Landing area of The Woodlands began with an invitation to attend the VIP party at Del Frisco’s Grille. The area is still growing, with new office buildings, restaurants and shops still opening up over the next few weeks and months to come. Restaurant Row, as it’s called, already has quite a few great places that have opened, and more on the way.

Since the Grand Opening of Del Frisco’s, I’ve been doing a lot of eating (and drinking) in the area.  It’s a very convenient place to meet with friends before going home after work and it’s really great how we always run into other people that we know and it helps to give your life more of a connected to the Universe feel when you run into friends.

Luxor Living and Style, The Woodlands, Hughes Landing, eat in The Woodlands, dining in The Woodlands, Restaurant Row, One Hughes Landing, Del Frisco's Grille, The Woodlands, travel to The Woodlands, Houston Top Blogs, Luxor,  drinks in The Woodlands, My favorite place to go for dinner or drinks in Hughes Landing is actually Del Frisco’s Grille. My personal reasons?  The view is the best and it’s more of a quiet, reserved crowd.  If I go out with friends, I’m generally not trying to have to scream at whoever I’m with to have a conversation and be heard.  I also have a sick and twisted attachment in general to Del Frisco’s because I used to go hang out after work at the Houston Galleria location weekly, as I’d wait for traffic to die down before heading home.  I love people watching, the staff is hysterical and it’s nice to have a break in between the never ending work and home grind on the rat wheel of life.  (I think this means that I use food and my secret outings as an emotional escape but oh well.)

The food is great, drinks are fabulous and for me, and Del Frisco’s in my case is really about unplugging. It’s not like I haven’t seen a gorgeous man here or there either, but my Bull Pen is currently full so I’ll leave a few of the men for the rest of you.

While on the topic of romance, Del Frisco’s has a very sexy feel and with the lake view and a strong drink or bottle of wine, then the odds are in favor of romantic shenanigans and therefore it’s a great place for anyone to be able to set the mood if romantic entanglements are the intent. Good date place. Just sayin. (Men always want heat and nakedness but do not supply the romance, but that’s a whole different blog post.)  I actually have a fabulous lunch date for this afternoon so clearly some man has learned how to romance a lady! (I could elaborate here, but I’ll shut up.)

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The Local Pour is a fun place to go, that’s also new to Hughes Landing. Sometimes there’s even live music or a DJ later in the evening and I was surprised, but the food is really, really great there as well!  While you can sit for dinner, it still has more of a party vibe, which is fine depending on your current state of mind!  On a personal note, I do not like crowds of people, but you may.  I do love music though, and the occasional crazy night of mayhem…so you may see me there again soon! We have had fun every time we’ve gone!

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So far, Hughes Landing has several wonderful places to eat and drink…and I’ve been to each one many times over the past weeks.  Here’s a list of mt top picks that are open so far, and there’s more to come!

*Del Frisco’s Grille

*Escalantes Tex Mex

*The Local Pour

*California Pizza Kitchen

*Trulucks Steak & Seafood (Coming Soon)

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While the dining out is fabulous, there are also outstanding high end apartments in Hughes Landing and surrounding areas as well!  (So call me if you’re looking!)

There is also an wonderful new Whole Food Market and other shopping.

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The Woodlands area has been home forever and it’s exciting to see the carefully mapped out growth of the community, and all the new faces moving here from all over the world. If you’re in Houston, check it out and if you’re in The Woodlands and you still have not been to Hughes Landing, OMG turn on your GPS and go exploring already! A lot of people from The Woodlands tell me that they don’t know where it is, but it’s literally not even 2 miles from the Woodlands Mall.  It’s just all the trees! I can barely get to my best friend’s house so I have to use GPS every time.

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If there are any more great openings at Hughes Landing, I will post what I know about here! And if you see me out, say hi!  I’m probably just pigging out and hiding from the gym!

-SDS

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SIX SHOTS: MARCH 2015

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1. HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO

This past month a friend got tickets to the Rodeo, and invited a bunch of girls to go with her.  Eric Church was the entertainment.

It’s really hard for me to relax and have fun, so I scheduled this night and tried hard to cut loose.  We decided that we would all eat anything and everything we wanted so we all ended up with stomach aches in the middle of the night.  (I guess beer, ice cream and barbeque can do that.) Who knew?  The most fun part was watching these ladies sing old 90’s tunes in the car on the late night drive home. Good times!

 

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2. RODEO WEAR

This is how you do the Rodeo in Houston.  There’s a lot of outdoor walking, so hair tied back, or a hat is good, jeans are a must, and Texasness in glammy mode is needed.  Check the full blog post  here!

 

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3. MARILYN MONROE

I was lucky enough to be asked to participate in a grande opening event at Dress for Less in Houston! The store was also running a charity event in conjunction with Dress for Success Houston.  The charity helps women in transition.  The store had fabulous discounted clothing as well as home decor and I fell in love with these Marilyn Monroe murals for the home!  They also had items such as Jessica Simpson or Steve Madden shoes and more!  If you’re in Houston, check the blog post to learn more!

 

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4. FRAGRANCE

Have I mentioned that I work in fragrance and cosmetics?  (Among my other few jobs/positions/hobbies.)  I took some shots for a work related event we are having.  I am my happiest when I get to create!

 

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5. DAVE RAMSEY

My Valentine’s Day gift from my husband was a Dave Ramsey event coming to Houston in March.  How romantic.  I already listen to Dave dispense financial advice to morons on the radio every day so I was not totally thrilled to go to this event.  I have literally no credit cards, both our cars are paid off, and we are in lock down mode financially so I didn’t feel I needed to go.

To our surprise, this event was an Entrepreneur Leadership event, which lasted all day, and it was wonderful.  We have a business. So we are Entrepreneurs.  We discuss rather loudly at times, who to hire, who not to hire.  hiring was one of the touchstones of the event.  Dave agreed with everything I say when it comes to hiring and doing business.  My husband left wishing he’d gone to the class years ago.  People can be the downfall of your business, so it’s very important who you chose to allow into your universe.  I wrote an article here before attending the event, so check it out if you do any hiring in your position.

We sat in the third row, and were  excited to spend the day together. the most important thing though, was that Dave validated my business knowledge so it’s helping us to see things the same in respect to our business. I would advise all companies, large and small to seek the Ramsey EntreLeadership class for your hiring managers.

 

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5. WICKED CROWN

I was sent some Wicked Crown Hair Chalk to review for my blog, and I LOVED it!  I can’t wait to use it again, and try different looks!  This shot was just an INSTAGRAM pic,  or see the blog post here !

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6. JO MALONE FRAGRANCE

I took this shot for my friends at Jo Malone in The Woodlands for their Spring Scent Event!  They can ship to anywhere in the USA, so if interested in getting any of your Jo Malone products, just call and ask for Percell at (832)562-4880 .  Tell him Stephanie sent you, and that you’re interested in the gift with purchase for Scent Event, and you will get goodies with your purchase! He is located at Jo Malone in The Woodlands Nordstrom, so pop in and say hi! The best tine to buy fragrance is during special events!  He can even get your bottles engraved for free during this event!

-SDS

 

 

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ARGAN OIL REVIEW from INSTANATURAL


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You may find this hard to believe, but snow white hair does not grow naturally out of my head.  I am actually a dark haired American Indian girl.  There was a mix up somewhere and my hair doesn’t know that it should be growing in blonde.  Because of this, I am forced to color my hair.snow white hair, Argan oil, hair repair,Instanatural,  serum, oil for hair, over 40, bloggers over 40, Stephanie Sjoberg, smokey eye, MAC lip color, Saint Germain pink, lashes, contour,

Coloring your hair is not a good and healthy thing.  It’s just not.  It’s damaging to shiny, straight dark hair.  So be it.  Due to this hair murder, I am always seeking out repair products to help give the illusion of healthy, virgin hair.

I was extremely happy to hear that I would be trying out some products from Instanatural , some of which were for hair!

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The first time I tried the Argan Oil, which is actually for the skin, hair, face and nails…I was truly impressed.  The photo above is from the first time of trying the oil, then curling my hair.  I actually was complimented by strangers and friends from the moment I started using the oil, so when I added the Argan conditioning mask when I washed it the next day, there was even more of a difference!

I’m thinking I can grown out my hair another 3 feet due to the amazing conditioning effects of these products.  I am new to Argan oil and really didn’t even know what it was, so I did some research.

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Organic argan oil by Instanatural is for hair, face, skin and nails!  It is 100% pure and is great for a variety of purposes;

  • Moroccan Argan Oil is Therapeutic for Every Skin Condition – Also Great for Acne, Dry Scalp, Split Ends, Frizzy Hair, Stretch Marks, Body Cuticles & MORE – This Argania Spinosa is Guaranteed To Make Your Body Shine!
  • Fast Absorbing & Long Lasting: Absorbs instantly without leaving an oily film on your face or hair. Leaves your Face, Skin & Hair feeling smooth & silky.
  • Get Radiant Glowing Complexion & Hair: This Argan Oil is Perfect for All Skin Conditions; Especially Dry Skin, Split Ends, Frizzy Hair and More. Your skin and hair will be instantly nourished and revitalized!
  • Multipurpose Moisturizer: Apply directly onto the skin and hair; or mix with your favorite lotion or other essential oils for homemade moisturizer treatment.
  • Manufacturer Guarantee: InstaNatural backs their products with a Lifetime Money Back Guarantee, no matter where you buy our product. If you’re not satisfied, simply contact us and get a full refund.


Check out the Amazon links if you are interested!  The prices are so much lower than a lot of other products out there and I am all about keeping control of my beauty budget, and that means that getting maximum value for every dollar spent! BAM!

-SDS

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CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN SOUP WITH KALE

Creamy Garlic Chicken Soup With Kale

 

     This soup is by far the best thing I’ve ever created in the kitchen!  It’s been a terribly cold winter, and nothing sounded great to eat except for some type of fabulous, hot soup.

    Being a major fan of garlic, I decided it would surely be hard to mess up a creamy, garlic chicken soup with new potatoes.  Too lazy to search for a recipe, I decided to wing it on my own!  What ended up happening, was the birth of the absolute best soup recipe I’ve ever accidentally created!

   Personally, I like hearty soups with at least a wee bit of meat, or I’ll just be hungry again in two hours without protein, so I opted to chock it full of chicken breast pieces.  There’s also the Woolly Mammoth to keep feeding, so I prefer to make a huge and hearty amount of whatever I cook, so that it will last more than one meal, and I won’t find myself in the kitchen quite as often this way.

 Here Is What You’ll Need:

1 Cup Minced Garlic

2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup

2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup

2 cans Chicken broth

4 Cups Chopped Kale

1/2 Cup Green onions

1 Cup Chopped Celery 

8-12 New Potatoes…sliced

3 pounds Chicken breast

1 tablespoon Salt

2 tablespoons black Pepper

2 Cups Water

 

 All You Do Is:

Dump you Cup of Garlic in a heating pan, then place chicken breasts on top, and cook over medium heat until done, adding light salt and pepper to the chicken.

In a soup pot, you will put in all cans of soup and water, over medium heat, adding in new potato wedges first.

When your chicken in done in the skillet, cut up all chicken breasts before adding into soup pot, and use the remaining chicken garlic juice, to add to the soup mixture.  Simmer, adding salt and pepper to taste… for one hour. Add cut green onions to top and BAMM!  You rock a sexy Creamy Garlic Chicken Soup With Kale!

 

   

                            

                         -SDS

-January 25, 2013

    

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HOW TO DECORATE A SMALL APARTMENT

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     Out of all the ways that I enjoy being creative, having a small Apartment Locator business in Texas is one of the most rewarding!

     It gives me the opportunity to challenge myself, meet new people and help them find the most well suited place for them to call home.

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     These are pictures of just a few of the small but cozy places I have sometimes shown to clients.  

     I’ve always loved decor and get inspired when we go on tour and see the model apartments.  Everything is so perfectly neat and tidy it makes me want to run home and start throwing things out!

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    It’s common knowledge that over the years though, apartments are generally getting smaller and smaller. Although it presents issues, most of my clients see it as a welcomed evil to challenge them into maintaining a sleek and streamlined existence!

     Small is acceptable to the very serious minded, it seems.  Proximity to work, ease of functionality and maybe, just maybe a good view is important, depending on the client.

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Luxor Living and Style, Top Houston Bloggers, Houston Apartment Locator, free apartment locator, Luxor Leasing and Real Estate, Houston, decor ideas for apartments,      Sparse and smaller framed furniture helps tremendously. Nice and slim but comfy furnishings are great but over sized sloppy sofas are out!

     A lot of times I’ve ended up referring furnishing ideas , paint colors and stores to clients and the decorator in me just wants to go with them on moving day and make them put things where I feel they should go!  I cut the cord, however and hope for the best.

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      I try my best to figure out what is more important to the client, such as big closets or a view, and go from there.  I would have to have a nice view or it would crush my soul, but others might not mind.  This is a shot of the balcony view from a mid rise community I love to take clients, and I just can’t believe it if they choose something different! I love it!

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   These are just a few of the places I show and see and they motivate and inspire me in the areas of decor, space saving and lifestyle!

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     If you want to see more great places, you can go to my Houston apartment Locator site …  Luxor Leasing & Real Estate ! Or better yet…contact me if you want free help finding a great new Houston apartment!

-SDS

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LA JOLLA !

La Jolla, California

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bracelet by Tiffany & Co, bag by Michael Kors

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shoes by Steve Madden, watch and bag by Michael Kors, bracelet by Tiffany & Co

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Sometimes I don’t say much, but this post merits some explanation.    We needed a break, and for several reasons…our break ended up in La Jolla, California.

Although the week off had been planned for a year, those last few days, I was so busy…I found myself packing two hours before it was time to leave for the plane.  It was because of this, that I didn’t pack very well.  Fortunately, my husband warned me about a possible “chilly” night, so I should bring a coat.

Instead, I opted for my black poncho.  Actually, I refer to it as my “snuggy.”  It’s funny because I literally wear it around the house, over my night gown if I get cold, or over my nightgown to take the dogs for an early morning walk…or even to church when I have on a dress, but don’t feel like wearing a bra and want to hide jiggles.

Hear me when I tell you, it was COLD and WINDY in La Jolla on the coast and the front desk staff saw me in some variation of outfits every single day which included my poncho and some type of hat – which was to combat the wind.

The Steven Madden booties are extremely comfortable and fun and I was so glad I packed them. It was only in haste that I grabbed a handful of hats and I was glad I did. It enabled me to be lazy and avoid the man in the hotel room constantly asking “Are you ready yet?” When it’s all very clear that I wasn’t ready yet.

While I did attempt to do some light shopping while away…it didn’t go so well, so I decided to be content with old, comfy clothes and hats and I promised myself I’d do better next time.

In the end, it didn’t matter too much because we just relaxed, and enjoyed the natural beauty that surrounds the La Jolla Cove. Sometimes it just has to be about comfort and ease. And, I had my “snuggie.”  The funny thing is that a work friend of mine has the exact same one, and she is emotionally attached to hers as well. We always laguh about how fabulous it makes anything you are wearing look, when it’s actually just a “Linus” blanket.  Oh my gosh, I am so attached to that thing!

    -SDS

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