May 18, 2012

So we have to admit, the most astronomically advanced we get is being able to name the few constellations we remember from seventh grade science class—and that’s when Pluto was still a planet. But even we’re not going to miss the first annular solar eclipse visible in the United States since 1994. Quick science recap: an annual solar eclipse is when the moon passes directly between the sun and the earth, creating a “ring of fire” around the moon. It won’t happen again in our lifetime, and due to the time of year, Midland and Lubbock are prime viewing locations for the annual portion of the eclipse—the rest of the U.S. will only see a partial eclipse.

Things will start to get exciting around 7:30pm on May 20, and will be visible until sunset. If you’re in Midland, head to the Marian Blakemore Planetarium to safely view the eclipse up close and personal through special telescopes. Those in Lubbock will have a similar gathering at Lubbock Lake Landmark put on by The South Plains Astronomy Club.

If you’re not in those cities, but still in the Texas Panhandle and the Permian Basin, you can head outside and safely view the annular eclipse while wearing a pair of these bad boys. So grab some friends and a bottle of wine, and enjoy an extra special sunset this Friday.

So we have to admit, the most astronomically advanced we get is being able to name the few constellations we remember from seventh grade science class—and that’s when Pluto was still a planet. But even we’re not going to miss the first annular solar eclipse visible in the United States since 1994. Quick science recap: an annual solar eclipse is when the moon passes directly between the sun and the earth, creating a “ring of fire” around the moon. It won’t happen again in our lifetime, and due to the time of year, Midland and Lubbock are prime viewing locations for the annual portion of the eclipse—the rest of the U.S. will only see a partial eclipse.

Things will start to get exciting around 7:30pm on May 20, and will be visible until sunset. If you’re in Midland, head to the Marian Blakemore Planetarium to safely view the eclipse up close and personal through special telescopes. Those in Lubbock will have a similar gathering at Lubbock Lake Landmark put on by The South Plains Astronomy Club.

If you’re not in those cities, but still in the Texas Panhandle and the Permian Basin, you can head outside and safely view the annular eclipse while wearing a pair of these bad boys. So grab some friends and a bottle of wine, and enjoy an extra special sunset this Friday.

May 17, 2012

Even though the thermometer has been clocking in like it’s mid-June, summer hasn’t officially kicked off yet.  Make it official at Grapevine Main Street Days this Friday through Saturday in Historic Downtown Grapevine. Not only will there be a carnival (and therefore all the best festival foods—corn dogs, funnel cakes, fried everything), but there will also be a bona fide Pizza Piazza. That’s right, nine Grapevine pizzerias are rolling out their dough for the weekend event that also features live entertainment on six stages. Sip on international wines and craft beers as you shop a variety of different vendors, or hop on a free shuttle to an offsite Grapevine winery tasting session.  You can purchase daily tickets for $7, or come out on Friday from 10am-5pm, when admission is free to the public. For a full breakdown of the weekend, click here.

May 15, 2012

Stop by the brand new location of StellaDallas tonight at 7pm to celebrate their grand opening!  Not only will you be able to enjoy live music and tasty treats, but the store will be offering 20% off all night long in honor of their celebration.  To recap: fresh merch—like the Dallas-exclusive Lilly Pulitzer Home collection—discounts and drinks. Stop by tonight for a chance to win a one-hour, in-home design consultation!

May 10, 2012

Even if you’re not on the prowl for your next DIY project, you’ll want to stop by The Austin Flea this Saturday at The Highball on South Lamar from 11am-5pm.  Austin’s most talented will be gathered together, selling their handmade and vintage wares ranging from jewelry and clothing to artwork and home accessories.  When you’re done shopping, reward yourself with a cocktail or two at The Highball’s lovely cocktail bar.

May 9, 2012

There’s no such thing as too much country music in Texas, which is why we’re loving the Rebels & Roses Music Festival hitting Tyler tomorrow through Saturday at the K.E Bushman’s Winery and Celebration Center.  Featuring three days of nothing but country music from over 25 different artists, this event is perfect for the whole family.  Buy single day passes or pack a tent and stay all weekend long (Woodstock-style). Either way, you won’t want to miss names like Jason Meadows, Casey Donahew and Stoney Larue.

May 3, 2012

Houston’s 25^th Anniversary Art Car Parade isn’t until May 10, but you can snag a sneak peek at ten of this year’s most magnificent mobile creations at the Uptown Park Art Car Preview Show this Sunday from 12-4pm.  There are over 250 participants in the parade each year, but this is a great chance to get up close and personal to see all of the hard work and detail that goes into each art car.  This free event will take place in the parking lot in front of Café Express off the 610 Feeder Road.

May 2, 2012

Support local crafters at Etsy Dallas’ semi-annual Handmade Bash happening this Saturday from 11am—5pm at the Palladium Ballroom.  This amazing event is entirely volunteer-run and features only handmade products, meaning everything you’ll shop at this Spring Bash will be one-of-a-kind.  Not only will you have the chance to get up close and personal with creative minds in the area, but you won’t have to pay for shipping!  The event draws up to 3,000 people annually, so don’t wait until 4pm to start browsing!

May 1, 2012

Bring the whole family out to The Woodlands’ Waterway Square this Friday from 5:30—9pm to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the 9^th annual Fiesta Universal.  Once a “Business After Hours” chamber event, this annual celebration has evolved into one of the most popular cultural events in The Woodlands.  Experience true Latin heritage with authentic Mexican food, Latin music and—of course—dancing for the whole family!  The best part about Fiesta Universal is that a portion of the proceeds are donated to youth scholarships, so don’t feel guilty about that third—or fourth—round of tacos.

April 30, 2012

Time to get your game faces on, ladies.  Granbury’s Second Annual Shopping Tournament is going down on Saturday and you don’t want to miss out.  1. This is shopping for a good cause; your $25 entry fee goes toward the scholarship fund at Happy Hill Farm Academy and 2. Who doesn’t love to be rewarded for shopping?! Shopping teams—up to four people max—will be decked out in fun costumes and will shop from 10am—5pm at participating stores to compete for a variety of prizes that range from Ms. Congeniality (who brought the most teams to the Tournament) to the Grand Prize—two round-trip tickets on American Airlines to anywhere in the U.S., Mexico or The Caribbean—awarded to the shopping team with the most points.

How does it work? Every dollar spent at a regular store counts for one total point, but every dollar spent at a pro circuit store counts for two points.  The list of regular and pro circuit stores isn’t revealed until the day of the event, so be ready to strategize and think on your feet (as if Black Friday wasn’t training enough).  Click here to register your team and be sure to visit the Shopping Tournament website for a full breakdown of the day’s events.

April 26, 2012

Granbury’s 3^rd Annual Wine Walk is going down this Saturday and Sunday, April 27–28 from noon to 8pm both days. For only $20—or $17.50 if you purchase tickets by Wednesday—you’ll get to stroll through a maze of booths featuring 15 Texas wineries like Brennan Vineyards, CALAIS Winery and Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, each pairing the fruits of their labor with some fine Texas cuisine. Live music and a wine-themed art show is the cherry on top of this vintner-themed event in the heart of downtown Granbury. Get your tickets here.