Humanity: No Justice, No Peace! (Important Texas Dates)

If you know what it’s like to be oppressed or what it’s like to not be treated fairly or given the same resources and opportunities as the rest of society, then you know that doing nothing is not an option. Below are some important dates and resources to help you get involved in the demand for equality and fair treatment:

Women’s History Month…Famous & Infamous Women From Texas

Butterflies, women have been fighting for equality for centuries and slowly but surely our voices are being heard. International Women’s Day is celebrated annually all over the world every March 8th and Women’s History Month is celebrated every year for the entire month of March. In honor of women’s history month, I wanted to share a few women from Texas who made history by being fearless and going against the grain, whether you agree with their lifestyle choices or not. Here is a list of some of the world’s most iconic women from Texas:

Wellness: Texas Tonix a Texas Wellness Company

Butterflies, are you familiar with the health benefits of Hemp/CBD? Hemp is a strain of the cannabis sativa plant that is grown specifically for industrial uses. Hemp has lower concentrations of THC and higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which decreases or eliminates its psychoactive effects. The use of CBD for wellness purposes is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, the production and sale of CBD became officially legal in Texas about a year ago.

For the past month I’ve had the pleasure of trying two very beneficial hemp wellness products for Texas Tonix. Texas Tonix is a Texas owned-and-operated CBD company, and one of the fastest-growing CBD companies in the state. Inspired to start sharing their passion for CBD after seeing how it positively impacted the life of their special needs family member, Texas Tonix has since developed a variety of CBD products with tons of health benefits.

Visiting Texas: Date Night at City Orchard Cidery

Butterflies, we had the pleasure of attending a pre-opening party for a new kind of brewery opening soon in Houston. City Orchard Cidery is a urban cidery located not far from downtown Houston that features various ciders on tap including the Austin born Texas Keeper Cider and Fairweather Cider Co.; there’s also a mouth watering menu full of delicious options. 

Visiting Texas: Things to Do in Montrose

Butterflies, without a doubt Montrose is easily one of my favorite neighbors in Houston. Overflowing with quirkinesses and super hipster vibes, the Montrose area is definitely worth the visit if you’re looking to let loose and have some fun while living your best butterfly lifestyle.

Check out some of my favorite places to eat, shop, and be entertained in Montrose:

Visiting Texas: 20 Cool & Unusual Things to Do In Dallas

Hey Butterflies. I traveled to Dallas, Texas for the first time in 2017, I enjoyed it so much that I’ve been there twice since then and every trip has been amazingly fun and full of exciting new adventures. I personally prefer to mix up my trips with very minimal touristy spots and a whole lot of hidden gems. I enjoy visiting historic places, becoming one with nature and all of it’s beautiful creatures, gazing upon quirky art, indulging in amazing food and so much more. Check out some of the interesting sites I’ve visited and cool places I’ve experienced:

Visiting Texas: My Thoughts on the Councilman Dwight Boykins Situation

Butterflies, if you’re in the Houston area you’ve probably heard about all the backlash Councilman and Mayoral candidate Dwight Boykins is receiving following a speech he gave at the 2019 Youth Advocacy Summit hosted by Mi Familia Vota Education Fund. My kid attended the summit and she, as well as a lot of the other young ladies that were present were very unsettled by Mr. Boykin's message. Apparently Mr. Boykins was asked a question by the young ladies about women’s rights and somewhere along the line his response to the question morphed into an entirely different discussion. My daughter showed me the video when she got home and we talked about it.

Visiting Texas: Popular Places to Brunch in Houston

If you’re in the Houston area and are looking for somewhere to enjoy weekend brunch, here’s a list of a few of my favorite places to brunch in and around the Houston, Texas area (list is in no particular order):

Visiting Texas: Date Night at Houston Axe Throwing

Houston Butterflies. I tried the gun range for the first time about two years ago and archery for the first time about five years ago and although my fingers were throbbing afterwards on both occasions, it was an awesome experience. More recently, I got to experience axe throwing for the first time at Houston Axe Throwing, Houston's first indoor urban axe throwing range and the first axe throwing club in Texas. 

Visiting Texas: Date Night at Saint Arnold Brewery

This place has been on my “to experience” list for a very long time and I finally made it happen. Saint Arnold Brewery is located near downtown Houston; when we first arrived we kind of just walked around and checked out the place…it’s huge. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, a beer garden, an outdoor big screen for sports fans, outdoor games, a banquet hall for hosting events and of course the brewery tours.

Visiting Texas: iT'Z Family Food & Fun

Hey Butterflies! iT'Z the summer family fun destination! iT'Z offers something fun for everyone in your family. Whether it is the unlimited buffet, bowling, arcade, or bumper cars, we have all the fun you can handle! Buy an annual pass at http://www.itzusa.com/annualpass for the best value all summer long - just $9.99 per visit with an 8-visit pass! Planning a birthday? iT'Z is the place to party! Let their birthday coordinators plan the perfect party for your child! Check out www.itzusa.com/pricing-specials for every day savings or join our email club for exclusive discounts all year long. Kids eat free every Thursday!

BOGO Biggest Deal - Over $25 Savings! - Buy one Biggest Deal at regular price($28.99 plus tax) and get one Biggest Deal Free! The Biggest Deal includes Unlimited Buffet & Drink, Unlimited Video Games * & Attractions, (1) game of bowling(includes shoe rental) plus a $5 Fun Card - 20 points. *Unlimited Video Games does not include ticket, coin action, or prize games. Fun Card points may be used for all games. Attractions vary per location. Not valid with any other offers. Must present coupon.

Visiting Texas: Brunch at B&B Butchers & Restaurant in Houston

Visiting Texas: A Day Trip to Brenham

Hey Butterflies. It’s spring which means it’s Bluebonnet season here in Texas and last Saturday I took a day trip up Highway 290 to Brenham, Texas with the kid to check out the Bluebonnets. Before getting to the Bluebonnets we had to make a necessary stop at Buc-ee’s because...it’s a Texas road trip must! If you know, you know; btw…what is your favorite thing to pick up from Buc-we’d? 

Battle For Texas: The Experience in San Antonio

Yesterday was Go Texan Day here in Houston and seeing everyone all over the city dressed in their cowboy/cowgirl getup just reminded me of why I'm so proud to be a native Texan. This state has an abundance of history to appreciate which is why I try to indulge in it every chance I get. It's been almost three years since I last visited San Antonio, I can't wait to go back this summer and stop by Battle For Texas: The Experience.

Visiting Texas: Homeschool Nature Series & Winter Workshop at Austin Zoo

Butterfly Mommies, if you are homeschooling in the Austin, Texas area I have some exciting news...there are two new education programs coming to Austin Zoo! The Homeschool Nature Series & Winter Workshop will have kids learning about biology and participating in exciting labs! 

The programs are designed for kids aged 7-13 years old but the Winter Workshop is fun for the entire family! For more information about these and other educational programs at the Austin Zoo visit: https://austinzoo.org

Visiting Texas: The 2017 TXU Energy BakerRipley Turkey Trot

Hey Butterflies! Houston's annual Turkey Trot is in a few weeks and you can get $5 off registration by using code 17BUTTERFLY when you sign up for the race. The TXU Energy BakerRipley Turkey Trot benefits BakerRipley, a community development organization that has served this region for 110 years. BakerRipley connects families and individuals to opportunities, so they can achieve the life they’ve imagined. If you're in town and will be free the morning of Thursday November 23rd (Thanksgivings Day), check it out!

Visiting Texas: Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch in Dallas/Fort Worth

Hey Butterflies! I recently took a road trip to the Dallas area and made a stop at a wildlife ranch in Pilot Point, Texas. Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch is a 501(c)3 non-profit, interactive educational wildlife ranch. This unique facility sits on 126 breath-taking acres and is home to over 100 animals. Get ready to come face to face with exotic animals from around the world! Sharkarosa offers field trips, private tours, and birthday parties. 

Visiting Texas: Texas Renaissance Festival 2017

Good Day Butterflies! It's that time of year again, The Texas Renaissance Festival opened for the season two weekends ago and I can't wait to attend this year's festival. I attended the TRF for the first time last year and had an amazing time. The Texas Renaissance Festival is the nation's largest and most acclaimed Renaissance themed event.

Established in 1974, the event attracts over half a million visitors each year to its 55-acre New Market Village and Fields of New Market Campgrounds in Todd Mission, Texas.

Visiting Texas: Pumpkin Patch at Old Time Christmas Tree Farm in Spring, TX

Hey Butterflies. For the first time last year we took the kiddo to a pumpkin patch; I hadn't been since I was a kid so we all had a great time. If you're looking for something fun to do with the entire family and you want to get out and enjoy the Texas fall weather; Old Time Christmas Tree Farm hosts a pumpkin patch every October. Once inside you can purchase pumpkins and carving accessories and/or tickets for their super fun attractions. There's a Train, Hayride, Petting Zoo (Saturdays & Sundays only), Giant Slide, Mini Slide, Inflatable Corn Maze, Bounce House, and Jump Pad. Also, enjoy some Tex Mex, Shaved Ice, or Funnel Cakes in the shade in their Picnic Area. 

Visiting Texas: Houston Restaurant Weeks- Sunday Brunch at Backstreet Cafe

Happy Sunday Butterflies! Besides staying in and taking it easy, brunching is one of my favorite things to do on a Sunday morning/afternoon and since this year's Houston Restaurant Weeks was extended to the end of September due to Hurricane Harvey and I enjoyed my HRW meal so much the last time I decided to make a reservation for Brunch at Backstreet Cafe. Backstreet has been on my list of Houston restaurants to try for some time and since they are a participating Restaurant in Houston Restaurant Weeks and donating a portion of their profits from drinks to hurricane relief efforts I thought now would be a great time to give them a try. Houston Restaurant Weeks celebrates food and charitable giving annually from August 1st through September 1st;  portion of the proceeds from each meal ordered will benefit the Houston Food Bank.