August 14, 2005

1/4 Price Books

On a tip from Katya, I trekked into 1/4 Price Books earlier today. It was really cozy and easy to navigate. I found two treasures, Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury and Sanctuary by Edith Wharton. I've been needing to feed my head for a while with some new books. I tend to re-read a collection of about ten books instead of branching out. I guess I'm a creature of habit. Anyway, I mentioned to the 1/4 Books guys that someone had written about them on the web and they were very grateful. Used and independent bookstores are a very important part of our literary culture. Unfortunately, I'm sure I don't have to tell you, they are for the most part a dying breed. So, keep the love alive and go to 1/4 Price books today and find some hidden treasures, I did! Overheard while in the store from couple selling some books: "You guys value books more than Half Price Books; they must value them by the pound." 1/4 Price Books 3820 S Shepherd Dr Houston, TX 77098-4228 (713) 520-5009

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June 25, 2005

Starting Anew: Cyntha's Salon and Spa

I've been getting my hair cut at the same place for over five years now. I have problematic locks. My hair is wavy without being curly, and thick, but I have cowlicks in weird places. I spent a year when we first moved to Sterling look for a good barber. I tried everywhere and endured many a bad haircut. My poor wife, while pregnant with our first, got her hair butchered by a place in town. Then, we found Cynthia and Misook. Cynthia always cuts Jen's hair, and Misook always cuts mine (unless she's off wandering the world, then Cynthia does it). They're the best. They're fun, interesting, and best of all, they give great hair.

Cynthia's used to be in a tiny tiny strip mall in a part of Sterling that's falling apart. Parking was limited, and I'm sure they didn't get any walk-ins, stuck between Subway and a bar. Today was their grand opening in a brand spanking new shopping center in Ashburn. The place is gorgeous and they both seem so happy, so excited. I know they must be nervous, what with a new place and all the little things that can go wrong.

If you live in Ashburn, or anywhere near it, please drop by. You won't be sorry. You'll get a great haircut, have a good conversation and will most definitely become a regular. We love 'em. They're our family's first Sterling tradition, our first "regular place", and I hope they're as much success in their new digs as they can handle.

Cynthia's Salon & Spa
20020 Ashbrook Commons Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20147

Phone: 571-223-2323

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June 14, 2005

Finding Joy

It is 6am on Tuesday. I am twisted in a seemingly unnatural pose, legs askance, arms akimbo. Breathing. The instructor, Joy, assures all of us that the burning we are feeling is where the pose begins. And those words make me relax and I know that someday revolved triangle will feel natural. But not today. And that is okay, I am at yoga class. The moment I walk in I step into an envelope of peacefulness. Sometimes class tests my boundaries, my abs burn, my shoulders ache, but I breathe and remember this makes me stronger. But mostly I do not notice as the rest of the world melts away. I started class here a year ago. I lead a sedentary lifestyle and was seemingly unable to commit to any sort of exercise regime. To top it all off I was at the end of my rope with stress and insomnia. I know there are no miracles or magic cures, but I swear to you, my yoga practice nearly cured all of that. A year later and I am a changed person; my insides and my outsides. Okay, so I am getting a little sappy. Joy Yoga is in my neighborhood, Timbergrove Manor, around the block on 18th Street. For class schedule, see the website. Your first class is free; I have some coupons with a map if you need one. Also, there is a free introductory lecture and Joy offers other classes through different instructors such as Emotional Freedom Technique, Yoga Facial Toning, and Yoga for pregnant women and new mothers. It is good for all levels and age groups; the instructors are able to adjust your poses to your ability level. Please try it! Joy Yoga Center 1916 W. 18th St. Houston, TX 77008 713-819-9390 phone Joy@JoyYogaCenter.com

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April 28, 2005

Katie Sunstrom

My name is Katie and I love buying local! I reunited with Kevin at SXSW in March and he told me all about his new endeavor here at the site and about his new found interest in buying local products and supporting local businesses and restaurants. (Our first meeting last year was very awkward and consisted of me glancing at his name tag and exclaiming "Your last name is Lawyer that is so cool!" to which he replied with a sigh, "No, its Lawver, L-A-W-V-E-R.") I myself had also been poking around and starting to get interested in the same concepts. I hate chains, they make me sick. Also, Houston is very well known for its strip malls and sub-urban chain sprawl. You can't throw a stone without hitting a Starbucks, MacDonald's, PF Changs, Walmart, or a restaurant owned by Tilman J. Fertitta. Yes, I know Fertitta is local to Houston but it is really getting out of hand. I mean, how many fried popcorn shrimp can a girl eat? What people don't know is that there are plenty of small, closely held, smoothly and wisely run restaurants and businesses in Houston. They make our community richer and put variety in our bored lives. Further, there are plenty of places around town to get healthy locally grown and organic foods. So, I'm glad that Kevin asked if I wanted to write on the site because now I can share all this with you guys. I am discovering new stuff every day and hopefully I can impart all of that knowledge as it comes to me. Oh yeah, this is a profile. I've been writing at BeingKatie since October 2001. I live in a pink house with my dogs, cat and husband. In real life I play a lawyer. I like to cook, drink wine, shop, practice yoga (at locally owned Joy Yoga), watch TV, eat, and read.

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Jenni's Noodles

Jenni's Noodles has just been featured in the Houston Chronicle's Dining Guide. Jenni is the sister of one of the attorneys who shares office space with us. I love Jenni's noodles! It really is a family run business. The staff is wacky, friendly and eclectic. I always feel comfortable there. It is a great hang out for Houston's artists and beatnik crowd. In fact there are even dishes named for the Art Car crowd. Sometimes on weekend nights you can see tons of art cars parked around. Oh, and of course the food is fresh, spicy, and consists of all kinds of Vietnamese and Asian fusion flare. The Pad Thai is awesome as well as the pho which, according to the article, local brewer Brock of Saint Arnold's brewery describes as "orgasmic." Maybe my next post here will be about the brewery! Nothin' but hops, barley and water baby!

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