'Keep EJ's Open' Month

Restaurants are a dime a dozen in the Cypress area, some better than others.

But it means a lot when you have one close to home that can be called upon to feed the family in a pinch or when Mama just ain't feelin' it...if you know what I mean.

EJ's Neighborhood Pizzeria needs your help. See the letter below from Eric, the owner. BTW- their Tomato Vinaigrette is to DIE for.

Dear Loyal EJ’s Customers,

I have reached out over the past few months asking for your help to keep our doors open. The response has been great and I want to share a sincere thank you!

Over the past month, we have seen a few restaurants and businesses close their doors here in the Cypress area. Please help us continue to thrive so we do not become another victim of this economy.

As we continue to move forward, I am officially declaring August as “Keep EJ’s Open Month”. Although we are doing better, August has historically been one of our worst months. I am personally asking you to help us keep our doors open through continued visits and inviting those who may have not been to EJ’s before, to give us a try.

Here are some other ways that you may not be aware of that can continue to help us thrive:

Host a birthday or team party here. We have a great deal of $5 per person that gets you pizza and drinks for everyone!

Let us cater your party. If you are hosting a party at home or at work, we can provide you with pick-up or drop-off catering orders.

Are you a part of an organization who’s looking to raise money? EJ’s has hosted numerous successful fundraisers in the past! We will donate 15% of our sales back to your organization.

Need to entertain a group of kids? We offer kitchen tours and make your own pizza parties. We host kids groups of 10-15 where they get to take a tour of the kitchen and then make their own pizza. We’ve been doing this for years and is one of our best kept secrets (not purposely though).

Be an EJ’s advocate! Please feel free to forward our email offers to your friends and encourage them to sign up for our email club. You can also join us on Facebook and share you great experiences with you friends.

I know that I have continually asked you for your support and you have stepped up. Now it’s my turn. I vow to you that EJ’s will continue to improve. I am already working on several new menu items. I also plan to refresh the restaurant and retrain my employees to provide better customer service. These are just a few of the commitments I am personally making to you, our loyal EJ’s customers.

Once again, I sincerely appreciate all of the time and support you have given to EJ’s. I look forward to being a part of this community for many years to come!

Eric Lippmann

Houston Restaurant Week 2010

Are you a foodie?

Get ready to be dazzled.

It's time for Houston Restaurant Week 2010.

From August 1st-21st, you have a chance to dine out to help fight hunger in Houston. The opportunity to enjoy a three course gourmet meal for $35 per person (not including beverages, tax or gratuity) awaits you. Participating restaurants will donate $5 from each special meal sold to the Houston Food Bank. This is a wonderful opportunity for diners to try new restaurants or re-visit old favorites while helping to fight hunger in Houston.

And new this year....a LUNCH option! 2 courses for $20 and $3 will be donated to the Houston Food Bank.

Below is a sneak peek of some of the restaurants that are participating....and you can go here to view menu choices.


III Forks
51 Fifteen
Americas Post Oak "The Original"
Amerigo's Grille
Azuma Sushi and Robata Bar
Backstreet Café
benjy's in The Village
benjy's on Washington
Bistro Catron
Bistro Don Camillo
Branch Water Tavern
Brasserie Max & Julie
Brennan's of Houston
Brenner's on the Bayou
Brenner's Steakhouse
Cadillac Bar Houston
Café Moustache
The Capital Grille
Carmelo's Ristorante Italiano
Cavatore Italian Restaurant
Ciao Bello
Cielo Mexican Bistro
Crapitto's Cucina Italiana
Crave Sushi Boutique
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
Downtown Aquarium
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Feast
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Frank's Chop House
Gigi's Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar
Gravitas
Grotto
The Grove
Haven, A Seasonal Kitchen
House of Blues Foundation Room
Hugo's
La Griglia
Le Mistral
Mark's American Cuisine
Masraff's
Max's Wine Dive
McCormick & Schmick's
The Melting Pot - Westheimer
Michelangelo's
Mockingbird Bistro
Monarch Restaurant and Lounge
Morton's The Steakhouse
Mo's…A Place for Steaks
Noe @ The Omni Houston Galleria Hotel
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Ocean's
Olivette at The Houstonian
Ouisie's Table
Palm Restaurant
Pappas Bros. Steak House
Pappas Grill
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
Pesce
Polo's Signature
Post Oak Grill
Prego Restaurant
Quattro at Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Rainbow Lodge
Ruggles Grill
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Sambuca Restaurant
Smith & Wollensky
Soma Sushi
The St. Regis Houston - Remington Restaurant
Strata Restaurant & Bar
Sullivan's Steakhouse
Tony's
Truluck's
Valentino Vin Bar
Vic & Anthony's
Willie G's Seafood & Steaks

Bringing the 411 for August

*Free 1st Sunday at The Children's Museum of Houston: Admission is waived each first Sunday of the month courtesy of Target. Noon - 6 pm.

*Kiwanis Kids Triathlon: August 7th at The Lakeland Center at Bridgeland hosts this triathlon designed for kids ages 7-12. Races are divided into age groups. Register at www.usatriathlon.org. 7am-10 am, Cost $25-$30

*NW Houston Shot Blitz: The annual event, hosted by Northwest Assistance Ministries, provides low-cost immunizations for uninsured children. Patients with private insurance aren't accepted. Cash only, $10 per child. 15555 Kuykendahl Rd. August 9th-13th, and August 16th-19th. More info? Check here

*Just the Two of Us: Shield-Bearer Counseling Center hosts a 3-course candlelit meal for married couples who have forgotten how fun dating can be. Held at the Pecos Grilling Co, in Tomball. Limited seating is available and registration is required a their website. $50

.....and I read that a Babies R Us is also coming to the shopping center at SH 249 and Gessner....my best guess is the lot either across from Costco or where the old Circuit City was located. Keep your eyes open for that!

Cypress Falls Pet Resort

Pet lovers near and far, there is a new choice in the area.

The new Cypress Falls Pet Resort will be open Labor Day, just in time for your pet to enjoy the weekend holiday.

The 17,000+ sq ft. facility will be located 1 mile west of SH 249 on Spring Cypress @ Avenplace Rd.

They will also offer training, grooming, doggie daycare, and a few more surprises. Check out their website for more information.

Save The Date:: Penny Pinching Mama's Resale

Hi Ladies!

I've been off the radar for awhile because I just didn't have much that was blog-worthy.

But I'm back and I've got a few things to share.

First, you'll want to save the date for something new coming to our area... (please excuse the all caps...I cut and pasted directly, I'm not one to shout unless it involves some dang good dessert.) Now, know that I don't know anything about this group, I'm just reporting what I saw from a sign at the Berry Center, so if you know more scoop, please leave a comment. Thanks!

PENNY PINCHING MAMAs will have its huge Back to School Summer/Fall Consignment Sale August 26-28th at the Berry Center off Barker Cypress in Northwest Houston. Want to Go Green? Have Kid's Item's? Need Extra Cash? If you answered yes, then you are reading the right AD!! PENNY PINCHING MAMAs is having a Back to School/Baby Consignment Sales Event featuring tons of name brand clothing (GYMBOREE), baby equipment, toys, books, shoes, nursery furniture, strollers, car seats, swings, bouncers, etc. We will also have teen clothing, shoes, and other accessories. First time parents, please be sure to log on to our website at www.pennypinchingmamastx.com to sign up for your free PRE-SALE Pass! As a consignor you will automaticall earn 70% of your PROFITS and get to attend the presale! You can even earn up to 80% of your profits! Log on to our website to find out how. www.pennypinchingmamastx.com

Whether you are a Consignor, Shopper, Volunteer, or First Time Parent.... PENNY PINCHING MAMAs CHILDREN'S CONSIGNMENT SALE is right for you!

Be sure to mark your calendars! We are accepting OVER 100+ consignors!
There will be plenty of space and you will find everything you need!

PENNY PINCHING MAMAs CHILDREN'S CONSIGNMENT RESALE EVENT IS COMING THIS AUGUST!!

WE ARE NORTHWEST HOUSTON LARGEST CHILDREN'S CONSIGNMENT RESALE EVENT WITH OVER 4900 SQFT OF BARGINS!!!

SAVE THE DATE !! AUGUST 27TH - 28TH @ THE BERRY CENTER IN CYPRESS

CONSIGNOR ARE STILL NEEDED!! EARN 70%-80% OF YOUR SALES!! REGISTER AT www.pennypinchingmamastx.com

PLEASE JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE (PENNY PINCHING MAMAS) FOR UPDATES AND CONTEST POSTING

WE ALSO HAVE TONS OF VENDORS TO SHOP BOUTIQUE AND GIFT ITEM.

Christmas in July Summertime Market

Sleigh Bells Ring, are you listening?

Wait....what???

How can one even think about snow, sweaters or hot chocolate when the heat index is over 100 here in Cypress?

Duck in from the heat and join lots of local vendors for the Christmas In July Summer Gift Market at Winwood Presbyterian Church this Thursday, July 15th, from 9 am until 7 pm.

You might just run into the gals from Carriage Candles, Sweet Pea of Mine, Sassy Zebra and more!

Here's the 411

Thursday July 15th
9 am - 7 pm
Winwood Presbyterian Church
249 and Spring Cypress

Shoplifting Birthday Party Ideas

I'm a rule-follower to the core, so I can safely tell you that I don't lie, cheat or steal...or tolerate those that do (and all the Aggies said, Whoop!).

So when I say I'm shoplifting birthday party ideas, I mean that I'm linking to another fabulous site and giving her all the credit.

We do share a name, after all.

Happy Birthday Planning!

Fireworks!

Looking for a place to go see fireworks tonight?

Check out this link and have a wonderful 4th!

Groupon for Silverado Theater

I'm new to the whole Groupon thing....but I decided to take the plunge on their Houston deal today....2 tickets at the Silverado theater in Tomball for $9.

Click here to check it out. TODAY only!

What about you? Had any luck with Groupon or other online coupon sites?