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Small Business Spotlight: Nutmaste

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Woodlands-Native Artist, Eiffel Taylor, Releases Debut Single

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Emerging indie pop artist, Eiffel Taylor, released her debut single “Tell Me Something” today on iTunes and all streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, as well as Amazon. The full-flavored and energetic coming-of-age song was written by Taylor and produced by MJ Music Group.

A native of The Woodlands, Texas, the sixteen-year-old talented musician, singer, and songwriter boasts a spirited, cultured voice with hints of rawness. "Tell Me Something" is the first single off Taylor’s upcoming, untitled debut EP. Lyrics are punchy and expressive, and the song’s melody is dance-club worthy. The track conveys an unmistakable awareness of self-confidence, tenacity, and grit.

“I felt empowered writing this song,” says Taylor. “The lyrics came to me months before my sixteenth birthday, just when I was starting to really recognize all the promise my future has in store for me.  I wanted to compose something assertive and inspiring for both myself and others – young and old - who are getting in touch with their creativity and starting new adventures.”

Taylor continues to improve her singing and songwriting craft by performing original songs at private events throughout the Greater Houston area. Other creative talents include playing guitar and piano, ballet, choreography, beats-making, and vocal arranging.

For ongoing updates on new music and performing dates, visit www.eiffeltaylor.com.

Buy on Amazon Here. 
Buy on Apple Music Here.
Stream on Spotify Here.

Connect with Eiffel Taylor: 
IG: @official_eiffeltaylor
www.eiffeltaylor.com

Live Music, Trivia Nights, classes - City Place!

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A variety of fun, family-friendly activities, ranging from live music, children’s stories and themed trivia nights to photography and fitness classes plus classic movies under the stars, are on tap for the remainder of summer on and around The Plaza at north Houston’s City Place. City Place Plaza is located at 1250 Lake Plaza Drive, Spring, TX, 77389.

Masters of useless facts are put to the challenge during Summer Trivia Nights, which take place at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The July 13 edition will call on the world of wizards with Harry Potter themed trivia. Old school audiophiles will be tested with ‘80s and ‘90s music questions on July 27. The August 10 edition will feature Disney films. And dragons and white walkers will get their moment to shine on August 24 with a Game of Thrones night. Participants will have the opportunity to win prizes and enjoy specials from neighboring restaurants. Costumes are welcome.

Bi-weekly series Friday Night Live! pairs local musicians with extended happy hour specials starting at $4 from Plaza restaurants 6-9 p.m. July 9 features rock and country band the Kelley Peters Trio. July 23 will be a can’t-miss for classic rock and country fans with Kyle Mathis. August 6 showcases the classic rock and pop tunes of Felix Luna.

After a long paddle from the Pacific, Disney princess Moana lands at City Place Plaza on July 8 at 6 p.m. for Children’s Storytime. She will share stories about Tamatoa, Hei Hei the Rooster, and Chief Tui and take photos with her fans. Costumes are encouraged. Children’s Storytime will return on August 8 - check the City Place events page for the special guest star.

Family Movie Night brings classics blockbusters back to The Plaza. Dinosaurs come alive with the earth-shaking Steven Spielberg favorite Jurassic Park on July 16. It’s a throwback to summers on the baseball diamond with coming-of-age tale The Sandlot on August 20. Fill a picnic basket full of goodies from City Place restaurants, lay down a blanket and get ready for the sun to go down. To reserve a group spot, RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line: Velociraptor for the July show and Benny the Jet for August.

Enjoy the lazy evenings of summer at The Plaza’s Sunday Strolls series, featuring live music and activities on the green from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Enjoy world music from the Rom Ryan Duo on July 18. Smooth jazz act LA Sax heats up the night on August 1. Pop and R&B group the Keith Vivens Duo cap off the week on August 15. And Bill Solley and Kim Prevose send off the season on August 29.

Photographers of all skill levels are invited to join the Houston Center for Photography on Saturday, July 24 and August, 28 at 10 a.m. for complimentary, monthly classes at City Place. The July theme is “Natural Light Photography” – how to harness the sun to create well-lit photographs outdoors. August’s class “Macro Photography” will engage participants to explore small details through close up compositions. All camera types are suitable. Space is limited; to reserve visit https://hcponline.org/education/cityplace-photography-workshop/.

City Place Plaza is home to a variety of fitness programming. Camp Gladiator showcases HIIT every Monday and Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. Join the group for a special community run on July 29 at 6 p.m. Fit4Mom Stroller Barre welcomes new mothers and their little ones Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. A yoga/mediation session is featured every Saturday at 10 a.m. Yoga/meditation is always complimentary, while Sphere, Camp Gladiator and Fit4Mom Stroller Barre are free for the first session with memberships available for ongoing attendance.

Stay and play at the AAA Four Diamond Houston CityPlace Marriott. Specially-priced Staycation promo rates are priced from $143 per room, per night and include 20% off food and beverage, plus a late check out time. In addition to a prime location directly on The Plaza, amenities include an infinity pool overlooking City Place Park and SwitcHouse Plates & Pours, a popular spot with shaded patio for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour. At the nearby Residence Inn Houston Springwoods Village, the Snacks On Us package offers overnight rates starting at $144 with a $10 snacks credit.

Local Parent Opens Hourly, No Reservations Child Care Center

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It’s no secret that parents need flexible childcare options. Enter KidsPark’s newest center.  The Woodlands location, at 24345 Gosling Road Suite 140, will allow families the opportunity to secure the childcare they need, no matter what their schedule may demand. This new center offers a modern-day childcare model. This includes late operating hours, hourly and drop-in care, and flexible preschool all under the guidance of certified staff. Parents in a pinch such as frontline workers, busy moms, and WFH dads now have their solution to any childcare needs.  

KidsPark at The Woodlands is just like dropping your kid off at their favorite friend's house -- the one with the fun and responsible mom and all the toys and neat stuff your kids adore. The center has books, learning games, manipulatives, and even an entire playhouse. A designated area for school-age children features an ample library of leveled readers along with learning pads with specific skill goals. For active kids, the Mountain of Energy lets them burn off some steam. A slide, tunnel, climbing structure and stair steps are the stuff of a young kid's indoor playhouse dreams. KidsPark staff is trained in early childhood education and CPR/first aid certified. All center areas are frequently cleaned and sanitized, and children regularly wash hands.

“When I first came to live in The Woodlands, over a year ago, I started looking for a business that was kid-related. As a mother of three children, I noticed there was a huge need for backup care, drop-in care, extended hours care, and weekend care for the families in our community. I studied all different kinds of franchises, but KidsPark won my heart. I am so happy that finally this dream is coming true.  Be part of our KidsPark family, we will be so happy to have you.”  Begoña Bisteni,Owner KidsPark The Woodlands. 

Grand Opening Party July 11 from 1- 4pm

On Sunday, July 11, join KidsPark for their Grand Opening Party! They will open their doors to already registered as well as new families. Families will get to see how the center works, meet with staff, plus enjoy games, crafts, sensory activities, raffles and lots of surprises. CLICK HERE to follow the event on Facebook, and make plans to celebrate with KidsPark!

Hobby Center Prepares for Reopening

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Broadway at the Hobby Center
will officially bring Houston’s protracted intermission to a close when the acclaimed Lincoln Center production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY takes the Hobby Center stage September 14-19, 2021, marking the beginning of its 2021-22 season. With Broadway set to reopen in New York in September and Broadway touring shows heading back on the road in late summer, life is on the brink of returning to an industry that has been wrought by uncertainty for more than a year.

The 2021-22 Season will feature four Houston premieres, as well as winner of eight 2019 Tony® Awards including Best Musical, HADESTOWN.  Additionally the season brings Tina Fey’s hilarious new musical comedy MEAN GIRLS, the beloved FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the hilarious Broadway smash TOOTSIE, the aforementioned production of MY FAIR LADY, the musical that is melting hearts, FROZEN and Broadway mega-sensation HAMILTON. Also included are two season options, the inspiring true story BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL and Houston’s most “popular” musical WICKED.

"Houston is more than just a top four market; it’s a community of passionate theatergoers and cultural tastemakers. It happens to be my hometown, and it delights me to no end to think of patrons returning to the Hobby Center to experience these great shows,” Broadway League Chair Lauren Reid said. “Equally important is the economic impact of getting these productions back out on the road. Not only are we getting artists back on stage, but also putting production teams, crews, venue staff, and so many others back to work. We know that a one-week engagement can infuse more than $3M in local economic impact, bringing business to a range of sectors including restaurants, hotels, and retailers. We have all waited a long time for this moment, and I know that no theater lover will take it for granted."

Early ticket purchasing data indicates a renewed enthusiasm for live theatre from both new patrons and life-long theatre fans.

"Everyone in the entertainment sector was unsure how quickly live audiences would return, but the response proves people are longing for it. Approximately 25% of current Broadway at the Hobby Center 21-22 subscribers are first time subscribers. And based on sales trends, we expect that percentage to continue to grow," said Fran Macferran, President and CEO of the Hobby Center Foundation. "I think folks recognized the importance of the arts during this past year and that nothing can replace the shared experience of live performance."

The Hobby Center Foundation has been working very hard to prepare the venue for reopening. Integral in this process has been the establishment of a partnership with Houston Methodist as a health care advisor. Audiences can rest assured the Foundation has taken thoughtful steps to provide a healthy and safe environment for all subscribers, ticket holders, staff, volunteers, artists and all those who make up the Foundation’s community.

The Hobby Center achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, the Hobby Center has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention in its facility.

Facility upgrades and preparedness highlights include:

  • MERV-13 air filters have been installed throughout the facility
  • HVAC systems have been thoroughly tested, inspected, and modified to introduce the maximum amount of treated fresh air which will give the building a positive air pressure
  • Restroom sinks and fixtures have been replaced with touchless faucets, soap dispensers and flushing mechanisms
  • CDC-approved cleaning products will continue to be used, including the introduction of electrostatic disinfecting sprayers to the standard housekeeping routine
  • A dedicated disinfecting staff has been established as part of the housekeeping team to focus specifically on sanitizing and disinfecting high touch areas
  • Hand sanitizing stations have been installed thought all areas of the venue
  • Box office and ticketing operations have been upgraded to limit contact

The Foundation will continue to consult with Houston Methodist throughout the reopening process and will comply with guidelines set forth by the City of Houston. Finalized and approved plans will be shared closer to show dates, with ample notification prior to the first show.

Broadway at the Hobby Center 2021-22 Season

MY FAIR LADY
September 14 –19, 2021

TOOTSIE
November 16-21, 2021

HADESTOWN
January 4-9, 2022

HAMILTON
February 22-March 20, 2022

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
April 26-May 1, 2022

BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
June 3 – 5, 2022

Disney’s FROZEN
June 30-July 17, 2022

MEAN GIRLS
August 16-21, 2022

WICKED
May 31-July 2, 2023

2021 Father's Day Photo Contest - Enter to Win!

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Is your child and his/her father the best-looking daddy-child duo in The Woodlands area? If they're simply a match made in heaven, and you have the photo to prove it, then you have an excellent chance of taking home the grand prize in WoodlandsMommy.com’s 2021 “Cutest Daddy & Me” Father's Day Contest! One Grand Prize winner will receive a $50 Gift Card to BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. CLICK HERE to enter contest.

* One entry per daddy & child couple, but you may enter a different photo of dad with each of his children. Only 2 subjects per photo allowed.
* Dads must be 18 years old or older on the date of entry.
* Children can be any age! Newborns are adorable; photos of dads with teens are just as awesome!
* Photo may not be from a professional photographer, and submitter most own the rights to the photo.
* Photo must have been taken within the last 12 months.
* Photos will be accepted through June 14, 2021 at  11:30pm.
* Contest open to dads in The Woodlands, Spring, Magnolia, Conroe, Montgomery, North Houston, Hunstville, Porter and surrounding areas.

 bjs gift card
JUDGING:

* Editors will narrow down from all entries and choose finales to upload into an album by WoodlandsMommy.com on June 15, 2021 on the WoodlandsMommy.com  Facebook fan page.
* To vote for a photo you MUST be a 'follower' of WoodlandsMommy.com.
* Click 'LIKE' for the photo you are voting for in the album labeled “Father’s Day 2021 Photo Contest”
* Photo with the most 'LIKES' will be the winner. Comments permitted, but WILL NOT count towards the total number of votes
* Voting will close Saturday, June 19 at 11:00pm
* Official winner will be notified and announced no later than Sunday, June 20 (Father’s Day)!