Russo's Best Pizza in Houston

No seriously...it is. I'm far from being a food critic, but if there is any food I know well, it is the pizza pie. I can't believe it has taken me so long to write about Russo's Coal Fired Pizza. They are the first coal-fired pizza oven in Houston, and the results are amazing. A slightly charred crispy crust with a wide range of topping choices. Oh man my mouth is watering. They are located off of 290 at Hwy 6, but believe me, it is worth the drive.

19817 Northwest Freeway

Houston, TX 77065

(281) 477-6002

Crap-Free Christmas

"He recycled this gift! He's a regifter!" -Elaine Benes

As you conquer your Christmas list, give your favorite people gifts that won't be just another piece of crap laying around cluttering up their home (the aramotherapy alarm clock zen rock fountain seemed like a great gift at the time...). Here are some of my favorite crap-free ideas:

Yummy "of-the-month" clubs - Fruit of the month, Wine of the month, beer, cheese, ham, farm animals...whatever makes the receiver happy.

Gift wrap an experience - instead buying the newest high price electronic item, put that money toward a getaway vacation. That new iMac will be obsolete in a few years, but those vacation memories will never die.

Give the gift of culture - tickets to a movie, theatre, art gallery, opera, museum OR any sporting event

Consumable Gift Certificates - Dinner date for 2, Starbucks, Smoothie Shops, or favorite restaurants...not to be confused with actually eating the certificate.

Adopt an animal from the Houston Zoo or a beautiful Florida Manatee

Donate to a charity that the receiver is passionate about

Monthly Bill Relief - if they are a really good friend, take on one of their annoying monthly bills, or give them a monthly luxury (lawn moving services, housekeeping, babysitting, gas, dry-cleaning, car wash, gym membership, or grocery gift cards)

Cyperspace - gift card to iTunes, Netflix, or an online magazine

Spa Treatments - massage, facial, mani/pedi. ATTENTION ALL MEN: you can never go wrong with this one.

Invest - Savings Bonds, stocks, etc.

Hire a professional organizer...ya know..to help them get rid of the crap they get from other people

A Berry Merry Christmas

It isn't too late to get those holiday cards out to all of your favorite friends. Take advantage of A Punkin Card Company's fantastic holiday sale. Save 40% off your entire etsy order when you use the promo code "holiday40" in the message to seller and receive a refund through Paypal. Here are some of her beauties...

Everything I (should) Know About Being a Hostess, I (could have easily) Learned From my Mom

No matter when I visit my parent's home in Maryland, it always feels like I'm on a weekend getaway at a resort, or a cozy bed and breakfast. I realized this past Thanksgiving, that flying home gives me the warm fuzzies because of my Mother's impeccable skills as a hostess. So this past visit, I took notes. Here are 8 ways my Mom (and Dad too) taught me to be a hostess with the mostess to overnight guests any time of year.

1. Fresh flowers on their bedside table - beautiful, simple, and because they have to be purchased or picked recently, they show your guest how important they are to you.

2. Lots of healthy snacks that the guests can help themselves to without asking. Mom always has this amazing black bean salsa, cheese and crackers, and a variety of veggies in the fridge.

3. Workout facility - This is a major luxury, but a simple treadmill or directions to the nearest park will do. My husband's Texan blood can't handle running outside in weather below 70 degrees, so my parents treadmill is much appreciated.

4. An assortment of spa worthy toiletries in the guest's water closet make them feel especially pampered.

5. Provide bulky necessities - It's super helpful to have items such as a hair dryer, flat iron, bathrobe or a fresh pair of slippers that may be too awkward to pack. Just be sure to give your guest the heads up several days before their visit.

6. Guest room entertainment - Magazines, catalogs, popular novels, TV, anything that gives them private entertainment. It also gives them unspoken permission to enjoy some alone time on their vacation.

7. An assortment of breakfast choices - one morning we woke up to the options of Dad's amazing egg muffins, fruit, Cinnabons, blue berry muffins, and cereal. Though my Mom always has a ridiculous amount of food, a couple of low-maintenance choices are helpful for your guest.

8. Small gift or sentiment in their room - My mom often leaves newspaper clippings that she knows might interest me, a box of chocolates, or favors from a recent wedding or baby shower that I might have missed. An ex-boyfriend's Mom once left a bath and body set on my bed presented on a silver platter. I felt so special!

What are some of the fantastic ways that you pamper your guests?

Mulberry Street

I'm not sure why I've had an obsession with pink lately, but oh how I adore this ultra-feminine pom pom scarf by Mulberry Street. I'm also completely in love with her line of fingerless gloves. What a perfect way to keep your mitts warm while you type, sketch, paint, etc. Mulberry Street offers lots of crocheted beauties at extremely reasonable prices. Go check it out!

Take Your Clothes Off For the Holidays

Just found out about this luxurious "underthings" party at Muse Boutique, previewing Déshabillé Lingerie by Houstonian Kathryn Hull. It's nice to finally see some clean, modern, high-end lingerie that doesn't make you look like a street walker. Thank you Kathryn! Muse will be serving wine (insert joke about me being a wino here) and tea for you as you shop. Wine and lingerie...what a perfect combination.

Muse Holiday Fete
Love the holidays and preview Déshabillé Lingerie by Kathryn

Date:December 11th, 2008, 12pm - 7pm
Location:Muse
Address:2411 West Alabama (next to Flemming's) Déshabillé - French for "to take off your clothes"

Mistletoe Madness in the Heights

CLICK HERE FOR 2009 Information!

In case you haven't already heard, Mistletoe Madness will be spilling all over the Heights TOMORROW Saturday, December 6. Everyone and their brother will have special offers and discounts for your holiday gifts so Eat, Drink, Shop and be Merry! Don't miss the HWC favorites that will be participating in the madness including: Hello Lucky, Oolala and Leisa McCord, and A Punkin Card Company. (If I'm forgetting anybody, please email me!)

There's also a free shuttle running, so check out their brochure for times and locations.