It’s no secret that many Houstonians LOVE to eat and can quite literally “taste” the delicious fare they often see in cookbooks and on the cooking channels.

Now, thanks to Williams-Sonoma, area foodies can learn to cook many of these exciting new recipes – at the same time, begin or add to a bestseller cookbook collection.

As we recently celebrated Independence Day and honored those who have served our country, I was reminded of the wonderful program designed to help our service men and women attain their dream of homeownership!

The Texas Veterans Loan Programs was originally formed by Sam Houston and the Texas Republic to reward veterans land in return for their military service. Although Texas no longer gives land away to veterans, there are many housing opportunities including low interest loans for everything from land purchase to home improvements.

Amidst the recent housing bubble, an unpredicted buyer has emerged – Women.

Women, in particular younger women, are finding their most opportune shot at home ownership. In recent years, more men than women lost their jobs by a ratio of almost three to one, in the financial and manufacturing sectors.

Are you looking for a way to save a little money this summer? Do you still want to experience an unforgettable family vacation? Look no further! La Torretta Resort and Spa is built around a vision of the ultimate lakeside retreat, this lush retreat just outside of Houston is packed with family friendly activities from a championship golf course for the pros to a miniature golf course for the kids. With so many of the luxurious amenities Mischer Development residents are accustomed to, you won’t be sorry you saved the airfare!

Although I have never been known to have a green thumb, when my five year old asked if we could have our own garden, I felt a parental obligation to make it happen. As we talked about all the things we might like to grow, I had a flashback to my childhood and filling buckets with berries that grew wild on our back fence. We had so much fun picking them, and we would devour a whole bowl in one sitting at our kitchen table.

One of the most beloved attractions at the Houston Zoo is the African Rhinos and thanks to the recent renovations, families can now take a break from their zoo adventures and dine in the Serengeti up close to these amazing creatures.

But, the zoo’s support of these endangered Rhinos does not stop there! In an effort to improve the critical situation facing Africa's black rhino, the Houston Zoo has joined forces with the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) for the 2011 Annual Bowling for Rhinos family night out event.

One of the most beloved attractions at the Houston Zoo is the African Rhinos. Thanks to recent zoo renovations, families can now take a break from their zoo adventures and dine in the Serengeti up close to these amazing creatures.

But, the zoo’s support of these endangered Rhinos does not stop there! In an effort to improve the critical situation facing Africa's black rhino, the Houston Zoo has joined forces with the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) for the 2011 Annual Bowling for Rhinos family night out event.

There is no better time to get started on money saving home improvement projects than summer. The harshness of the cold, wet winter months has past and with a little elbow grease and smart spending, you home can sprout new life (and even new value) with these home improvement ideas:

You could be one of the very first Houstonians to see what might be the most significant prehistoric monsters, Mosasaur, moving into the new Houston Museum of Natural Science Paleontology Hall scheduled to open to the public next summer!

Construction is complete and Tuckerton Road is now open in Cypress, Harris County. Tuckerton Road is a now a major thoroughfare connecting Fry Road to Greenhouse and is a major, new east-west connector for travelers.

Tuckerton Road also runs through Phase 3 of the master-planned community of Cypress Creek Lakes. This new artery will make it easier for Cypress Creek Lakes residents to get to Cy-Fair ISD's Berry Center, Lone Star College, retail centers and more.