Hear from the Framers

by Lydia Interviews

Hey Everyone!

I hope all of you are enjoying your Tuesday. If not, it was because you didn’t know about Danielle Garza’s Quick and Easy Overnight Oats recipe!

It’s tough sometimes trying to find something healthy in a world of fast food and high carbs. Even breakfast items! The most important meal of the day and it’s too unhealthy and can make you sluggish. Some snack companies claim to be “healthier alternatives” but in reality are actually higher in carbs than the “bad stuff.”

It really can be challenging when you’re trying to stay fit and sometimes you just don’t have time to prepare an easy meal (or your like me and just don’t really care to cook).

Well, no fear! Here is a low-carb alternative that you can put your personal spin on.

Quick and Easy Overnight Oats

Fill mason jar with 1/2 cup oats, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup almond milk, raisins and chia seeds.
Blueberries and Bananas (Or any fruit you love)
Optional: Add cinnamon or sweetener.
Then put in the fridge over night and have a great breakfast ready in the morning that keeps you energized throughout a busy day! Or at least until your next meal 🙂

Food for Thought

by Lydia Eat Well Wednesday

10 Interesting Facts About Caffeine

People may not think of caffeine as the most popular mood-altering drug in the world, even those who use it daily, by drinking coffee, tea, sodas or energy drinks as part of their routine.

Whether it’s brewed from a K-Cup, sipped in sweet tea, savored in chocolate or downed in cola, caffeine is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system that has become a regular fixture in everyday life.

Cari Nierenberg, a Live Science Contributor, writes about 10 Interesting Facts About Caffeine. This article covers topics like “How Long Does it Stay in Your System?”, “Withdrawal Issues”, “Can People Truly Be Addicted?” and others.

Wellness Wednesday: The Holidays!

by Lydia Eat Well Wednesday Uncategorized

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Here are some fun recipes to help you get ready for the holidays!

8 Hanukkah Recipes For A Happy, Healthy Celebration

http://www.blisstree.com/2012/12/08/food/happy-healthy-hanukkah-recipes-celebrations-food/

Looking for fun and quick dishes to make for that upcoming Christmas party or family gathering?

Check out this amazing site full of appetizers, cocktails, desserts and more!

http://www.freefunchristmas.com/christmas-recipes/

Wellness Wednesdays: Thanksgiving Edition

by Lydia Eat Well Wednesday Uncategorized

Check out this interesting article from the New York Times called:

The United States of Thanksgiving

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/11/18/dining/thanksgiving-recipes-across-the-united-states.html

Still looking for an easy and creative dish to make for tomorrow?

Here are 11 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes great for the big Thanksgiving feast!

http://www.rd.com/slideshows/11-healthy-thanksgiving-side-dishes/#slideshow=slide4

Free Events Thursdays

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Don’t have any plans for Halloween? Now you do!

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Houston Presents Friday Night Fright

October 31, 2014 at 7:00 pm

114 Vintage Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77070

BEWARE: Halloween is near and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Houston has a ghoulishly good surprise!

Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas Houston is showing Halloween horror classics at both its Houston-area theaters this Friday as part of its Friday Night Fright! Both Vintage Point and Mason Park theaters are inviting Houstonians to show up in their scariest ensembles.

While its encouraged everyone dresses up as characters from the frightening flicks being shown, any costume earns participants a FREE ticket to the Friday Night Fright movie! So start your costume shopping early and get ready to have a frightfully fun Friday night with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema!

Price: FREE!!!

Attack of the Bloodsuckers

September 20, 2014 – January 04, 2015 (Recurring daily) from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77008

It’s the science of what’s eating you! Discover the biological wonders of creatures that eat blood through encounters with live species and interactive stations.

Price: $8

Boo on the Boardwalk

October 31, 2014

701 4th Street, Kemah, TX 77565

For the entire month of October, Kemah is hosting Boo on the Boardwalk where families can enjoy an array of Halloween themed activities. For the braver souls, face the dungeon of doom while the kids enjoy the Little Boo Haunted Fun house. Other attractions include pumpkin decorating, live entertainment and costume contests.

Price: Go to their website for more details. In other words, I don’t know.

8th Annual Montrose Crawl

October 31, 2014 from 7pm to 2am

Houston’s biggest & best Halloween event returns for its 8th year! First get your costume on, then get your drink on as the Crawl hits 12 restaurants & bars between Dunlavy & Montrose on Westheimer, including Brasil, Poison Girl, Pistolero’s, Boondocks, Stone’s Throw, Etro Lounge, Catbirds, Royal Oak, Doc’s Motorworks, Slick Willie’s, El Real Tex-Mex, and Hay Merchant, with special appearances by Koagie Hots and The Golden Grill.

As always, there’ll be no covers & no tickets, plus drink specials all night long. And prizes will be awarded for the best outfits at each stop, with a grand costume prize awarded by this year’s honorary Grand Crawler.

Price: FREE!!!

8th Annual Bayou City Outdoors Haunted Hike & Pizza Party

October 31, 2014 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Memorial Park near the rugby/soccer field parking lot

Get your spooky with BCO as we hike and slither our way through Memorial Park with our closest pals on Halloween! We will nourish ourselves afterwards with pizza and beverages, for those who make it out of the forest. Tap into your inner wolf or go all vampy on us, or come as a traditional ghoul (or, hey, wear your office attire– that could be scary enough!) Leave the bars to the zombies and join us in the woods for some quality and creepy exercise and socializing at Memorial Park.

We meet at 6:30 and depart at 7 PM sharp from the rugby/soccer field parking lot (click for map) (For you chickens out there – just come to the after-party starting around 8 PM in the rugby/soccer field parking lot).

What to Bring:

Don’t get left in the dark and don’t forget to wear walking shoes (it is a hike no matter how dead you are), a flashlight, bug spray, and a little money just in case. Open to members, guests and the public (we love fresh meat) – bring a friend or come alone, if you dare. You’ll be sure to find a devil or two to talk to. (Please no dogs at this hike).

RSVP at http://www.BayouCityOutdoors.com Additional info call 713-524-3567 or e-mail to Kelly@bayoucityoutdoors.com

Price: FREE!!!

Free Events Thursday

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Glass Blowing Houston: Make your own Pumpkin

September 14, 2014 – October 26, 2014 (Every Sunday) from 12:00-4:00 pm

Three Dimensional Visions
17442 FM 2920 Rd, Tomball, TX 77377

Every Sunday from September 14th to October 26th we will be teaching how to make glass pumpkins (<3-4 inches in diameter). Each person gets to choose their colors, apply the color and help blow the piece. It takes about 30-45 minutes per person and your pumpkin is available for pick up starting the next business day. There is limited space so everyone must make a reservation, cost is $29 per pumpkin. You can select the time and date on our Calendar and pay for your ticket. There is one ticket per time slot so spots are limited, sign up early. If you don’t want to make your own Pumpkin you can come select one from our Pumpkin Patch. Visit our Calendar to find out the dates and times for the Pumpkin Patch events!

Price: FREE!!! Pre-made Pumpkin prices start at $25.

Farmers Market at MainStreet

August 24, 2014 (Recurring monthly on the 4th Sunday) from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

18750 Interstate 45, Spring, TX 77373

The Market runs every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the Month •The Market features local, organic, and sustainable produce, honey, oils, and dairy •Grant Wilson, Owner of Gramen Dairy Farms, will be offering a free seminar of the benefits of raw milk, in the Conference Center at 11:00am •All MainStreet America members will receive a 10% discount on all purchases •Don’t forget to bring your coolers and reusable bags •Free parking and public restrooms available •Market will run rain or shine

Price: $15 (Check their website for more details at http://www.mainstreetamerica.com/)

Fall Festival & Market

September 26, 2014 – September 27, 2014 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

CT Church
9701 Almeda Genoa Rd., Pasadena, TX 77075

Fall Festival & Market (Sponsored by CT Church, 9701 Almeda Genoa Rd., Houston, TX 77075) Friday & Saturday, September 26th & 27th (Friday 12pm-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm) Outdoor Kid Zone with inflatables & fun games for the kids Food booths Live entertainment Silent auction Shopping booths Lil Tikes Parade.

Price: FREE!!!

CraftTexas 2014

September 26, 2014 – December 24, 2014 (Recurring daily)

Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

This fall, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft presents “CraftTexas 2014,” the eighth in a series of biennial juried exhibitions showcasing the best in Texas-made contemporary craft. Featuring 49 works by 44 Texas artists, the exhibition includes everything from sculpture, jewelry, textiles, installations, and furniture to concepts that include vernacular architecture, formal elements of design, and man’s relationship to nature. The “CraftTexas” series, which is hugely popular with visitors, provides artists the unique opportunity to have their work seen by three established jurors and included in an exhibition that seeks to broaden the understanding of contemporary craft. The show features exceptional work in clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood and mixed media.

Price: FREE!!!

A.I. Lack Series Guest Recital

September 28, 2014 at 2:30pm

Dudley Recital Hall
University of Houston 120 Fine Arts Building, Houston, TX 77004

Gayle Martin, piano Works by Schumann/Liszt, Shatin, Prokofiev, Schubert.

Price: FREE!!!

AURA Contemporary Ensemble

September 29, 2014 at 7:30pm

Moores Opera House
120 School of Music, Houston, TX 77004

Rob Smith, director Michelle Perrin Blair, assistant director Dan Gelok, alto saxophone Michael Horvit, composer Phillip Elder, composer Synthesis: Works by Elder, Horvit, Joyce, Lash.

Price: $12

Wellness Wednesday

by Lydia Eat Well Wednesday Uncategorized

Hey Framers,

It’s finally Fall and what better way to celebrate than making fun and healthy foods!

Stay tuned each week to see what new recipes we have in store for the Fall season.

A moist and delicious quick bread that is full of nutrients and perfect for fall.

Makes one standard loaf

Ingredients:

2 cups white whole wheat flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon all spice

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 cup blackstrap molasses

1/2 cup sucanat

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted, or your favorite oil to bake with

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup pumpkin puree (plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)

2 tablespoons unsweetened apple juice (or orange juice)

1/2 cup chocolate chips (or make it even more wholesome and use raisins or dried cranberries)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine molasses, sucanat, applesauce, oil, eggs, pumpkin, and apple juice with an electric mixer. Add the dry ingredients and then fold in the chocolate chips.

Spoon your mixture into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, approximately 45-60 minutes. (Mine was perfect after 50 minutes)

Let bread sit for 10 minutes, then turn the bread out of the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t be afraid to have a slice while it’s still warm, though.

Nothing beats warm bread fresh out of the oven!

Wellness Wednesday

by Lydia Eat Well Wednesday Uncategorized

Looking for something new to try but don’t want the hassle?

Here is an easy , yet healthy alternative! This could even be an alternative to pizza if you think about it.

Ingredients:

Whole grain bread
Low-fat Mozzarella cheese sliced thick
Tomato slices
White onion slices
Turkey Bacon (optional!!)
Green onions cut up
Directions:

Pretty self explanatory but here it is. Put slices of thick mozzarella on bread and put in the oven on broil. Watch it (it won’t take long) until nice and slightly brown on top and melted. Make sure it is melted. Nothing is worse than almost melted cheese. Add bacon and sliced tomatoes, white onion and green onions.

Serve with a small side salad with ranch dressing. Perfect lunch.

(Avoid eating this for dinner. Keep dinner light.)

Free Events Thursday!

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Texas Contemporary Art Fair

September 04, 2014 – September 07, 2014

Friday, September 5 11:00am to 7:00pm; Saturday, September 6 11:00am to 7:00pm; Sunday, September 7 12:00pm to 6:00pm

George R. Brown Convention Center

Entering its fourth installment, Texas Contemporary continues to gain traction in relevance and size, mirroring the economics and demographics of its host city, one of the country’s fastest growing markets. This year, an anticipated 70-plus galleries will showcase original works from the most innovative and progressive international and local artists today. New participants, drawn to the fair for reasons ranging from the production quality and caliber of galleries to the increasing attendance levels, price point and overall sales.

Price: $25.00

Free Children’s Museum, Houston Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts to Bank of America Cardholders

First full weekend of every month!

free admission for Bank of America cardholders this weekend. Bank of America’s national program, “Museums on Us,” provides free admission the first full weekend of every month to 150 participating museums and venues.

In Houston area, that free admission includes the Houston Zoo, Children’s Museum of Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Free admission is limited to Bank of America credit/debit card holders only, and not their children. Check museum links for hours and location.

Price: FREE!!!

First Saturday Art Crawl

April 05, 2014 – January 03, 2015 (Recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday) from 4:00PM – 7:00PM

Houston Socialites Club

On the first Saturday each month, join HSC for a fun, social art crawl around Houston, followed by dinner/drinks. Each month will feature a different art cluster/neighborhood, and includes these old favorites: Gallery Row, Montrose, Rice, Upper Kirby, Heights, to name a few. For couples and singles over 30.

Price: FREE!!!

First Saturday Arts Market

May 03, 2014 – May 02, 2015 (Recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday)

11-6 Sept – May

548 W. 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008

First Saturday Arts Market is a monthly outdoor fine arts event featuring the works of dozens of visual artists. Located in the Historic Houston Heights by Gen’s Antiques at 548 W. 19th St. at Lawrence St., the market showcases paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and handcrafted items. Bring the entire family and come enjoy the great outdoors, live music and delicious fare from some of the area’s best gourmet food trucks.

Price: FREE!!!

Time Warp Classic Concert Series

Saturday, September 06, 2014 at 7:30-9:30 pm

Sugar Land Town Square

Don’t miss the Timewarp Classic Concert Series featuring music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Catch the double feature with Already Gone (Eagles Tribute) and Abbey Road (Beatles Tribute) Bands.

Price: FREE!!!

Open Hangar and WWII Aircraft and Museum

September 06, 2014 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

West Houston Airport, Hangar B-5
18000 Groschke Rd, Houston, TX 77084

The Houston Wing of the Commemorative Air Force invites you and your family, friends or group to visit our Hangar and tour our WWII Museum on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. Get up close to our Wing’s 5 flyable WWII military aircraft. Go inside a WWII Paratroop aircraft and climb into the cockpit of a WWII trainer. Our hangar is located at the West Houston Airport 2 miles north of I-10, just east of Barker Cypress on Groschke Rd. (For detailed directions go to: www.houstonwing.org) The Commemorative Air Force is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring and flying military aircraft so that younger generations can appreciate the role of military aviation through history in the defense of our country and the preservation of our liberties.

Price: FREE!!!

Centennial Family Fest Celebrates Houston Ship Channel’s 100th Birthday

Saturday, September 06, 2014 from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Bayport Cruise Terminal

4700 Cruise Road, Pasadena, TX 77586

During the festival, attendees will be dazzled by many exciting and educational activities and attractions ranging from tours of the M/V Sam Houston Vessel, a tug boat tug-of-war, an interactive antique fire truck, toy sailboat games, face painting, treasure hunts and much more.

Additionally, historic Houston Ship Channel movies and exhibits will educate festival goers about the importance of the ship channel and the port. The daily traffic of the ship channel will serve as the festival’s lively backdrop. A variety of food, beverages and treats will also be available.

Parking will be accessible on site and a shuttle service will run to and from nearby parking areas.

Price: FREE!!!

Shadows on the Wall: Cameraless Photography from 1851 to Today

August 31, 2014 – November 30, 2014

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005

Drawn from the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Shadows on the Wall: Cameraless Photography from 1851 to Today presents 50 evocative images created with light and chemistry but without the use of a camera.

Price: Free on Thursdays and $15.00 and you can see the Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House exhibit for free!

Wellness Wednesday

by Lydia Eat Well Wednesday Uncategorized

Hi Framers!

Can you believe Summer is almost over and Fall is just around the corner?!

Well regardless of the “seasonal change” in Houston, here are a couple of easy healthy recipes to help you get ready for the Fall.

27 Awesome Easy Lunches To Bring To Work

http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/awesome-easy-work-lunches#mzwu6s

Zucchini Pizza

(What could be better than hearing the words “healthy” and “pizza” in the same sentence?)

Zucchini Pizza is great healthy alternative to Pizza. Skip the bread, sub some veggies, still delicious!

Ingredients:
Zucchini
Marinara Sauce
Parmesan Cheese
Jack Cheese
Salt & Pepper

Directions:

1. Slice the Zucchini long ways. Heat up a pan with a bit of oil. Saute the Zucchini to until it’s almost cooked through. Go light on the oil, I always use a Paper Towel to get any excess oil off the Zucchini.

2. After you pat off the excess oil. Put your Zucchini on tin foil or a cookie sheet and build your pizza. I add a little Salt and Pepper on the zucchini, spoon on some Marinara, Sprinkle Jack Cheese and Parmesan on top.

3. Broil on Low for 5 Minutes and you’re ready to eat your delicious and healthy Zucchini Pizza!

And for dessert…

NO BAKE Protein Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients:
-4 Cupcake Liners
-2 TB of PB2
-1 TB of water (*may need more)
-2 TB of Plain Greek Yogurt
-1 TB of coco powder (unsweetened)
-1 Scoop of [Chocolate Muscle Milk Protein Powder]
*Optional:
-1 Stevia Packet or a small spoonful of Honey *For Taste

Directions:

1. Mix together the Coco Powder, Greek Yogurt, and [Chocolate Muscle Milk Protein Powder] . Slowly one TB at a time, add water, until the mixture is easy to pour (NOT THICK).

2. Next (in a separate bowl) mix together your PB2 & water. You may have to slowly add water so that this mixture is also a liquid consistent.

3. First pour your chocolate mixture into the bottom of the cupcake liners, about a quater of the way up. Then Pour your PB2 mixture in.

4. And one more time, Top it off with some more of the Chocolate Mixture. NOTE: You don’t want to fill these up too high since they are mostly “liquid”.

5. Now just pop them in the freezer for about 15 minutes and your all done! I store my leftover ones in the freezer in tupperware containers. They are a great snack when I’m having a chocolate craving!

Total Calories: 87 (one peanut butter cup)
*recipe makes 4 peanut butter cups