Snowmagedon 2011 hits Katy, Texas

Have you been watching the news? Have you been face to face with the snowmagedon of 2011? Well, if you are reading this from one of the northern states please hold back your laughter as I share with you the crazy experiences we having down here in the south with this snowmagedon.

First off, let me tell you, here in Katy Texas, a suburb west of Houston, we DO NOT have winter. We have 2 seasons. We have summer and light summer. My family does not even own winter coats. Sure each year we might have a cold "hour" and we might even drop to 39 degrees here and there. But it is usually at 3am and for all intensive purposes not really my problem. A sweatshirt and flip flops suffice just fine on my tiny walk from the garage to my house. The idea of "winter" is something cute we make with our kids turning cotton balls and glue into snowmen.

Well for some reason this week, Mother nature thought it would be rather humorous to include our little place in the world in the path of snowmagedon. We all watched the tube as the storm crossed to the country, dropping feet and feet of snow on the northern states. Blizzard warnings went up left and right. We watched in awe as states and cities, who all well equipped to handle winter weather, buckled under the pressure of this storm. Couple that with the repeated warnings for us "Houstonians" to hunker down and prepare for "Real" winter weather and the possibility of 1-3 inches of accumulated snow, and HOT DOG our city went ballistic!

Store shelves were emptied. Bread. Milk. Ice. (cause ummm that is needed in a winter storm) were all quick sell outs. Oh and let us not forget the hot chocolate. 24 hours of snow is going to require tons and tons of this magic potion. Schools closed. Offices closed. Classes were cancelled. We all sat with anticipation waiting to experience WINTER. And although very excited about the possibility of building snowmen, a little nervous after watching what power this storm brought to the rest of the country.

And then it came.

And in case you missed that here is another shot.

What did I tell you? We have summer and light summer. Houston Blizzard 2011! My northern friends, you may laugh now.

I am Hair Dumb!

Some might think that since I waltz around town sporting hot pink hair, that I am a divine hair do queen. Those who know me well will tell you that its a great day if I can actually figure out how to get my hair into a ponytail. SERIOUSLY!! I am hair dumb. I remember freaking out while pregnant with Baby DIVA because of this simple ignorance. I panicked wondering how in the world am I, the ponytail failure girl, going to ever manage to teach my DAUGHTER how to fix her own hair?!

Luckily Baby DIVA's hair is coming in at a snails pace and leaving me some time to learn and grasp this crazy skill so that I might, of course, continue to be supermom in the eyes of my daughter. I'm really glad that her hair is coming in slow because I recently failed an attempt of bumpits placement. ARG!!

Well I was due for a snipping of my pink strands recently. H4L and I headed off to our local hair joint to get some grooming done. There is a lovely gal in there named Synda, who has snipped away at my pink locks on multiple occasions. At first it was just coincidence that this wonderful Queen of the scissors was graced with my pink hair, and over time it has grown into destiny. She now is stuck with me, poor soul. Super cool fact about Synda; she never mentions my "OOPS" mistakes that I make while dying my hair on my own at home. Gotta love her!!

Synda is fabulous. She completely understands that despite my loud nature and appearance of Pinkness on top of my head, I am actually quite clueless as what to do with my mop. She is able to get in there and work her scissor magic, transforming my limp hair into a masterpiece that I can wash and run with. This last go round, Synda busted out some cool tools and clipped away at my ends. She really worked my strands over and now I don't even have to toggle with a pony. I just wash, dry and go...and my hair looks great! Great for me now, but not helping in the way of learning new skills to teach Baby DIVA. Oh-well I will get her a box of ponytail holders! HA!

Those of you who are local can also have the privilege of having Synda work magic on your hair. Over off Mason Road here in Katy, in the parking lot with the Black Eyed Pea (you can grab a calorie free lunch after she transforms your locks, LOL), there is a Supercuts. I call it Synda's Supercuts. Run inside and ask for Synda. She will bust out her scissors and work her magic, and for a superb price too! Let her know that Pink Haired Momma sent you, I bet she will give you a giant smile!

And not only is she a magician with my hair, but she poses for fun pics and lets me write about here on my blog too!

Dirty little Bastards!

Last night we were violated. Violated in our own home, our own neighborhood by some little dirty bastards. Our Van (yes my new hip mom ride) got broken into. I am so less than impressed with the whole ordeal. This is the first time I have ever had this happen and I hope to never have it repeated.

At about 9am this morning, I took a stroll out the door to take the redbox movies back that we rented yesterday. I was kid free, she was hanging with H4L, and I was already plotting what kind of cool jams I was going to listen to on the short drive. I discovered my drivers side door open and thought, "Oh crapola, I left the door open all night. Poo! H4L is gonna be so mad at me. hope the car starts." Then it hit me. I didn't drive the van at all yesterday. Hmmmm...

I then peered in the vehicle and found that it had been ransacked, my few belongings strewn everywhere throughout the front seat. I also took notice that the passenger door was also wide open. Nice! Luckily no physical damage was done to the car. None of our belonging were stolen. I mean I really don't leave anything in the van anyway, well except my coupons, which they did rummage through and left in a mess, BRATS! I mean I guess if they needed some coupons, some stale goldfish and a week old grocery shopping list that my hot mom ride was the way to go. However it does not appear that is what these thief's were after. These guys seemed to be on a mission for cash and weapons only. Electronics and CD's were left in plain site in my car and H4L's and nothing was taken. We also discovered the little thief's hit over 50 cars in our neighborhood last night too. Seems they were only on the hunt for cash and weapons and left minimal damage to all vehicles.

I guess it is a good thing that nothing was taken and that minimal damage was done. But we still feel incredibly violated. The nerve, balls, audacity these people have creeping through our personal possessions, our personal property, so close to where my daughter, myself and H4L lay our heads down to sleep. I mean I am now terrified of what they may do next. Will they try and enter homes next? Will Baby DIVA be safe at night? Will they hit our cars again doing damage the next time?

After speaking with fellow neighbors and police I discovered this is not the first time this has occurred in our neighborhood, in our circle even. 3 weeks ago a very similar incident occurred to just as many vehicles in the circle. I had no idea. I was quite disturbed by not knowing this was going on in my neighborhood and sent a letter to the HOA immediately. I am hoping we can put a stop to this NOW!

It really bothers me that my fellow neighbors and I have to worry about of personal property, possessions and selves in the privacy of our own homes. It freaks me out thinking about how to keep my precious daughter protected from these individuals who take from other people, so clearly criminal manner. I hate that this has happened in our world, but I am thankful that there is no significant damage and that we are all safe.

Remember no where is safe anymore. Not even your own home.

La Finca Restaurant

The Pink Haired Momma clan tested out a local restaurant this weekend. A Mexican food restaurant. I have heard some rave reviews from friends and online and so we thought we would check it out. This place also has a playground for the tots, so I imagined H4L and I sipping on some authentic margaritas swirled about in someone else blender, while watching Baby DIVA romp around the playground and slide down the slide (her fav activity these days).

Ya, well that imaginary vision did not play out exactly like that. Its turned into a rather interesting evening, but no margs, no playground and well here let us chat...



Let me see where to start. Let us start with the good. The food was eatable. It was not the greatest, was not the worst, but was incredibly expensive for what it was. I mean I had cheese enchilada's, and they were good, but tasted similar to that which I could throw in the microwave and serve myself. So not my favorite food, but not spit it out and hide it under your napkin gross either. The place was clean and the service was excellent. Too excellent I might add. The waiter was a nice young gentleman who was friendly and did not mess up our order at all. The rest of the staff was very eager to help us at all times. They were very insistent on my H4L having his diet refilled before he was 1/4 of the way through it. Seriously, he was asked about 15 times, no exaggeration, if he wanted a refill. He kept saying in a little bit, not now. The staff stood by and watched us like hawks each time he took a sip, finally just coming a taking his glass away and refilling it when he was about 1/2 way through it. And then out of no where they brought me another full glass of soda, despite my original glass still being full. Guess they though we were really thirsty or something. It was quite humorous.

Now the bad. The staff being so eager to assist us kind of bordered on annoying. I did like that they were so attentive, however coming up and wiping the table, while we are still eating, each time Baby DIVA dribbled a little hot sauce or cheese worked my nerves. Not only because the invasion of our space, but Hello that dirty cleaning towel is now wiping the table and Baby DIVA is eating snack here, and you just used it ti wipe that table over there. GROSS invasion of the germs! Wait till we are done people! At least then I don't see you wiping germs on my table :)! And besides, I always clean the floor and wipe down the table before we leave the restaurant. Back off! Kindly annoying, to say the least. Then the playground was off limits while we were there. A private party had reserved the entire outdoor patio and playground area. Not a biggie, but annoying again to say the least.

Having nothing to do with the restaurant, we got some fun entertainment by eavesdropping on the patrons sitting in the booth behind us and got quite a tickle. Making the whole experience worth doing again. These patrons came to a Mexican restaurant, tex mex yummy delicious, fat engorged dining facility, and were all but throwing themselves on the floor demanding their foods be prepared without any grease WHAT-SO-EVER. Umm? Really? So we thought maybe they we order a taco salad. Then we hear, "And no vegetable please, and no Charo beans because they are cooked in bacon fat". REALLY?? no veggies, no bacon fat and no grease? Why the heck did you come to a Mexican food restaurant. WEIRD. But hysterical and still has us giggling several days later.

The atmosphere was fun and warm. It does have a great feel for families and a fun night of entertainment. Live music can also be found on the weekends in this friendly environment. The staff is incredibly attentive and the food was okay. I would like to test out the margaritas and playground in the future. I don't know if I will dine here again, but some chips, dips, and alcoholic beverages consumed while watching my TOT have a blast could be a great evening.

looking to test this place out? Click HERE for directions.

Corpse Flower

You heard about this corpse flower thing? I mean if you live in Houston, Texas like me, and you watch or listen to any form of news then FOR SURE you must have heard about this "BIG" news here in town.

We have a Corpse Flower hanging out over in the Museum of Natural Science. And this flower is breaking headlines. Set to bloom at any moment, all the news channels have LIVE FEED on the Corpse Flower, so that not a soul will have to miss this fabulous flower in bloom. Oh and we now affectionately refer to Corpse Flower as "Lois".

So what makes this Corpse Flower so special? Well the Corpse Flower is incredibly rare. Only 28 have ever bloomed in the United States, Lois will make the 29th bloom. This specific flower also tickles the senses by stunning the eye with its beauty and slapping the nose with a horrible stench. And when I say horrible stench and incredible beauty I am not kidding!

The flower is currently about 5 feet tall and growing by the minute. Any moment Lois will open and reveal her beauty and her stench. The Corpse flower gained its name because when in bloom the smell (I have heard) is horrendous. Smells similar to that of rotting flesh. YUCK!! I have been told the noxious smell will tickle the nose for only about 12 hours post bloom, however the bloom shall stay open and beautiful for a tad longer, ranging up to 2 days.

I will admit I have been jumping online and checking the live feed throughout the day. I would love to see this flower in the flesh so to speak. But it is just not gonna happen; time, money, toddler, you know how it goes. You can take a spin over to the Museum of Natural Science and check it out yourself. The museum is staying open 24 hours a day until Lois makes her debut!

Fire"WOKS"

Happy Independence day to all my American readers! I hope you have a wonderful day and cherish those around you. Laugh with your friends and family, enjoy your time and are safe!

Baby DIVA will be jammin out in her super cool pool and possibly enjoying some of these items found just up the street from us:

Gotta love the gifted!

Berry Pickin'

Berry Pickin'

Yesterday Sassy Gal, Baby DIVA and I loaded up and headed out to the fabulous chemical free, organically grown. pick your own, Blueberry farm, just up the street a tad. Well a 20 minute tad that is. The Chmielewski Blueberry Farm . You pick your own blueberries right off the bush and load them up into cute little buckets provided by the farm owners. Impressed at the hospitality of the farm, we were offered bug repellent, water, kindness and some playtime with two cute little pet rabbits!

Walking through the berry fields!

After being supplied with your buckets lined with plastic bags for picking you heart out in the fields of blue, you are let go to do your damage. There you sweat off about 50 pounds in the Texas heat while filling yours buckets one berry at a time; funny how quick they fill up with little tot hands helping. Once you feel you have picked enough, you can head to the checkout area where the berries are weighed and at $3 a pound are quite a yummy treat. And of course since you just sweated off those 50 pounds, heading home and whipping up homemade, heavenly fresh blueberry muffins and breads is completely guilt free!

Our loot

Ummm Could it be naptime at the berry patch?

Sassy Gal

Father's Day and Airplanes

I couldn't contain myself, I HAD to give H4L his Father's Day gift a day early! I am terrible at waiting. But in all fairness the gift was so exceptional it should have been given early anyway!



Not far from our home is a small local airport. West Houston Airport to be exact. This little place provides a local landing area for seasoned pilots, training and lessons for newbie or wanna-be pilots, and a great little air conditioned hangout for moms to take their kids. The second story lounge area provides a bird eye view for tots to watch the ins and outs of an active airport; they can see planes being prepared for take off, pilots and passengers boarding and actual take offs and landings of planes right through the glass. The facility is super clean has comfortable chairs and a generous and loving staff. Baby DIVA was hooked when the wonderful ladies working the front desk gave her a free bag of fresh buttered popcorn. She is their friend for life now.

H4L has expressed an interest in learning how to fly airplanes. This is something he mentions periodically and I know he would really enjoy learning, however our funds and lifestyle don't really mix up to lend him the opportunity. Well, enter West Houston Airport. Turns out that they offer a variety of lessons at different experience levels and price points. I, the greatest wife ever, was able to snag my wonderful H4L a seat in the next Discovery flight class. This class is an overview class that teaches wanna-be pilots about all the levels of certification, demonstrates flying information via video and provides the student with a real live in flight lesson, where you the student get to FLY!!! All for less than 100 bucks! Now H4L may choose to further his education in lessons and we will cross that bridge when we come to it, I mean he does have a birthday and Christmas later on this year!

I saved my pennies, loaded up Sassy Gal, Video Dude and Baby DIVA and took a journey to West Houston Airport. We watched airplanes take off and land and snagged H4L's gift. This was Thursday. By Saturday night I made H4L tear open the envelope. He was incredibly excited, shocked and surprised. I felt to proud and excited for him! I successfully gave my H4L a little piece of the sky for Fathers' Day and a gift that will keep on giving for year to come in knowledge and memories. SCORE for Pink Haired Momma!!

Here is wishing all of your wonderful Dads out there a great Fathers day. We moms couldn't do it without you, even if we lie and tell you that sometimes! Enjoy your day!!

Harris County Park

With Baby DIVA feeling better and Kdude at a ripe age of wide eyes and wonderment, we headed out on an adventure to the park...

And both kids fell sound asleep on the 10 minute drive. So I opted not to hit our favorite park and instead drive around while the little ones napped, in hunt of new and exciting places to explore. We rolled around Katy, two little snores sweetly coming from the backseat, me enjoying the lovely GIANT Dr. Pepper I picked up at Sonic, to kill the time. After 20 or so minutes of aimlessly driving I happened on something wonderful. A NEW PARK! I had no idea a park even existed in this neck of the woods.

Right at Katyland and Franz I came across Harris County Park. Fabulous. A clean, well groomed, safe equipment park that has not only big kid playground equipment, but a special set up for toddlers too! WOOHOO!! I ever so quickly steered the fammoible into the parking lot, woke up the kids and yelped "Let's go play!"

Toddler Area

We walked right to the FABULOUS toddler area of the park, not of course without taking notice of the big kid section, the wonderfully paved walking track and the covered picnic area. How did I get so lucky finding such a great park by accident. Baby DIVA immediately found the stairs to the slide and took off. Kdude and I watched from a very close distance!

Toddler Rock wall and Baby DIVA checking it out

We did have one little accident. Umm. Dare Devil Baby DIVA found it quite humorous to give me a brief heart attack as she attempted to walk down the slide. A flip flop and roll later and she was screaming on the ground. I suppose this sort of behavior happens quite a bit amongst the toddler circuit, because luckily this park is prepared. Soft smushy pads have been placed at the bottom of all the slides and other prone to fall down locations around the park. Possibly to keep dirt in place, possibly to help minimize injury. Who knows. But it was a life saver for us this day!

Dare Devil Baby DIVA (p.s. this is not when she fell)

Toddler smushy fall pad

After our little mishap we strolled over to the swings and took a lovely little ride. This was followed by exploration of the big kid area. Baby DIVA found the slide is the big kid area awesome; I must admit I did too! Seriously! Check it out!

Cool Slide

The park was not crowded at all. About 5-7 moms and their kids were boppin around. Some I chatted with, some I raced around with tackling out kids. The park provides plenty of space for playing in groups as well as playing alone. And the park equipment, especially the toddler area, lends itself nicely to a great safety set up and ease of parents to assist in play time with the little ones. It was a wonderful surprise to stumble upon this great park. I advise any one in the area to stop by and have some clean, free fun!

Pottery Time: Moms night out

Something wonderful happened!

I, Pink Haired Momma, left the house ALONE, left H4L in charge of Baby DIVA, whilst I went out with my gals from the HoustonAreaMommies! Oh the joy! Oh the silence...well silent except for my radio jammin' in the car on my way to meet the ladies for Moms Night out. Each month HAM offers at least one event in which the kids stay home and the moms get to go out in play. I have found it can be quite difficult to get myself out of the house, so having the support of fellow hammies demanding I take a much needed break and join them is a life saver.

This month we moms hit Ceramics By Tess . It was so much fun. I have never been to an event like this, so not only did I get a night out but I was introduced to a totally new skill: Pottery Painting! So what is this Ceramics By Tess, well besides this moms secret hideaway for a few hours? Have a look at the following taken from Ceramics by Tess's website:

Ceramics by Tess is a full service ceramic shop. We have a selection of thousands of unique ceramic pieces that we make in which you can create your own masterpiece. Personal instruction, for the beginner or experienced, is always free. At our place, there is no fee for time, no fees for returning to finish an item, and no limit on color choices. Paints, glazes, supplies, greenware, specialty classes and kiln firing services are also available.

On Thursday nights from 7pm until 11pm Ceramics By Tess opens it doors to ADULTS only. NO KIDS! FREEDOM! They offer a variety of snacks and non alcoholic beverages for purchase, but also encourage you to BYOB. Wine, paint and pottery...this could get ugly! So we moms marched right on in to our little kingdom of freedom and us HAM's kept it clean, this time, and sipped lightly as we chatted with one another while painting our respective pieces of pottery.

I was in awe of the choices Ceramics By Tess has for the individual, like myself, to choose from when deciding just what type of pottery to work with. Statues, plates, wine caddy's, ornaments. The choices are endless; and that doesn't even include the vast array of colors, painting techniques, stencils and more that can then alter the basic design of any piece of pottery you choose. Its a hands on persons mecca of creation!

I opted for a simple bank. A sweet little Tiara that I could embellish with my own love and personality and then give to my darling Baby DIVA to save her nickels for college in. I initially wanted to paint this lovely bank a pink color and detail it in black, but I am not too gifted. I ultimately went and got a fatter brush and covered the entire thing in black paint and then touched the tiny details with pink. But no one really has to know that right? I will just pretend that was my initial plan all along. Don't tell anyone, okay?

Once completed I signed my name and date to the bottom of my piece and went to the desk and paid for my art. Less than $20 for a night out with the gals, a cool little gift for my Baby DIVA and some uninterrupted peace and quiet! You can not beat that. 7 days later you can return to Ceramics By Tess and pick up your fabulous Black Tiara or rather whatever piece you have made, glistening with hints of pink after it has been cooked to its pristine shine. All in all a fabulous night out for me!


**I have been unable to go and pick up my fabulous piece due to Baby DIVA's foot, hand and mouth outbreak! Sorry no picture to accompany this post**

FREE and CHEAP Saturday Fun

Are you bored and looking for something fun and exciting to do this weekend?

Well you have come to the right place! Pink Haired Momma has found some fun FREE or incredibly CHEAP weekend adventures for you! All in Katy, Texas and a full day of fun in one location!!

Here we go:

Momma's hungry Farmers Market

Hungry much for fresh food? Well then head on over to Katy for the totally fabulous and fun atmosphere of the Farmers Market! Starting in the early morning hours of 800am you can find an enormous range of fresh organic locally grown produce as well as local meat products, herbs, spices and gifts at LaCenterra in Katy, Texas. The market runs until 12pm and caters to your every produce fantasy. Not to mention there is always a musical entertainment feature! What a fabulous way to spend a morning. Strolling about the warm summer day taking in the sweet aroma of fresh fruit and vegetables while listening to the delightful sounds of local artists. Ahhh Life is grand!!
Cost: well that depends on how many veggies you decide to purchase, however entrance into the market is FREE!

Momma needs TAI CHI

Now this is a wonderful and exciting adventure for Mommas to do if they can get Daddy to watch the babes. And it also benefits a great cause and is FREE and good for your mind, body and soul! So, What is this you ask? Well it is an early Saturday morning Tai Chi class. How relaxing would it be to spend some Momma time in a soothing relaxing exercise class and the either meet the family at the farmers market after or stroll the fresh rows of lovely vegetable aisles alone. This wonderful adventure is located very close to the area of the farmers market!
Time: 8:30 am LaCenterra offers free Tai Chi classes every Saturday morning on the balcony of the Heritage Square clock tower building. The sessions are hosted by Yoga to You owner Cynthia Leathers and/or PHRC & Med Spa massage therapist Trina Maxwell.
Those interested are encouraged to bring calm, flexibility and new toys or necessities for pets-in-need that will be donated to the Special Pals animal shelter and adoption center. To view a wish list of needed pet supplies, visit Special Pals

So now we have covered adventures that are really good for our mind and body. Now lets look at some fun adventures for our SOUL!!

Momma likes Cars

Bring out your inner car loving soul or your hubbs and stroll around the American Motors Lone Star Regional Car Show Saturday June 06, 2009 Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Owners of vintage AMC automobiles and American Motor Club members and enthusiasts from Houston, San Antonio and Dallas are rambling toward LaCenterra to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the classic S/S AMX model.
You can wander around and check out muscle cars and road rarities from AMC, Jeep, Hudson and Nash that are all 20 or more year-old. You are also invited to participate in a voting for the the vieweers choice award! So cast your vote for your favorite car!

Where is this totally fun-filled day?

And how do you get to this fabulous Saturday event? Well...
FROM I-10 (Katy Freeway) EXIT HWY. 99 ~ GRAND PARKWAY Travel SOUTH to CINCO RANCH BLVD. EXIT - CINCO RANCH BLVD. Turn RIGHT on CINCO RANCH BLVD. Get into Left Lane and turn LEFT on Commercial Blvd.

LaCenterra

23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard

Katy, TX 77494

Southwest Corner of Cinco Ranch Boulevard and Grand Parkway (Hwy. 99)

So there we have it! A fun filled day for FREE or really CHEAP in Katy, Texas! And all in one location too!! Keep your eyes peeled as you roam about LaCenterra because you just might catch a glimpse of Pink Haired Momma, Hubbs-to-be and Baby DIVA!!!