H-Town, It's Goin' Down

First time in Texas, of course a road trip was in order. Taking a car sometimes saves you more money, than grabbing a plane ticket; especially if the trip is planned in little time. Hope ya'll enjoy a few fun Houston spots. Contact me if you have any extra questions.

My cousin Bebe's birthday came around, so we decided driving up to Houston would be inexpensive and a blast; boy was she right about this one... Kinda. To start off she has a kick ass, eco friendly car. So it was literally under $100 there, and under $100 back in gas. That is already less than a round trip ticket for ONE of us. So I will be honest, the drive was total sh**! Damn near 15 hours of pitch black curves, swaying truck drivers and back cramps. Now, I may just be acting like a total cry baby about it; others may love this. I will say though, this is the BEST way to go to save money.

We decided to stay with family a couple of nights for peace and modesty. Then the very exquisite Magnolia Hotel for a few long nights, and early mornings. This hotel was decked out; it was a total mom and pops luxury package. The staff was the sweetest, they were all so helpful with everything. I loved how they didn't limit themselves to their property when guiding us. They worked so quickly, professionally and all with a bright smile on their faces. I love to stay on a property where every level of staffing has great energy towards you. Want to give personal shout outs to some of Magnolia's staff; to Chantay H. because she gave me great service as soon as I called, very detailed and hands on. Reginald S. was on the night shift and acknowledged us every time we were around with a smile. I don't have much of a favorite anything, but Iris, was just super kick a**, she referred to me as Ms. Mars, offered things before we even asked, her multitasking skills blew me away. Even Carlos out front with his contagious smile, and helpful services. Thank you all for the great treatment to myself and my guests. We were placed on the 21st floor of the hotel, overlooking beautiful Downtown Houston. The city is so beautiful, the locals are so friendly and catering. We enjoyed all the amnesties at the Magnolia hotel. They had free WiFi and snacks, happy hour, room service, gym, roof top pool and more. We even had a mini photoshoot on the roof, great view. They do have $30/day parking; we just parked at a meter right across and paid $7 for the whole day though (budget life). I got a great workout in while at the Magnolia, their equipment was all new and advanced; they have a fruit, water, and towel section for guests. I want to extend my gratitude to them 20 times more. Ms. Mars will be at the Magnolia hotel next time in Houston hands down!!

Tried to grab my Caribbean roots in a meal while out in Houston. Cool Runnings, mi soon come back man. I grabbed a very classic plate; rice and peas, oxtails, cabbage and sweet plantains large plate ran about $14. All the food tasted fresh, the meat was nice and tender too. Grabbed a beef and chicken patty for the road that Marie made sure was fresh. Marie put Bebe onto their rum punch for happy hour. Two of those bad boys and you will have to dutty wine once or twice. They are always offering lunch specials under $10. These plates are big enough to eat some, and take some too. They have the cool food truck in the front that stops in different places, they offer catering for affordable prices. Met some gentlemen at the barber college next door, I am all for people bettering themselves.

The laid back, drink specials, dance all night vibe place is The Flat for sure. The Flat has themed nights whenever they're open. I love the variety in music that they offer. Any place that plays the Goonies on the wall while Madonna is playing on the table is A1 in my book. As soon as you walk up to the door the security greets you extra friendly with a kick ass studded vest. You make your way inside and already see people dancing like an OG club. I am a total dancer, so I received the perfect energy when I saw everyone in groups feeling the beat. They always have drink specials, in which case budgets are attainable for a good night out at this place. I went on a Monday night which is Maniac Monday's where Dj Fredstar kills his sets with 80's music. Dj took me in a total time machine dancing daze, must hear if you're into the type of music to get it. Maybe you're more into smooth jams, like jazz. In which case head out for Tuesdays Jazz Jam this includes live music too. Wednesday's are made for my island lovers for reggae night, Thursday's are for on calls, these days are announced as they get closer. Friday's are for for house music lovers, edm, and electronic. Drink specials are too long to list, not too many bars can say the same.

This post is dedicated out to my cousin Sharlene, her fiancé Freddy and my perfect God kids Arri and JJ!! Houston trip was made for them and Bebe's birthday, I am just blessed enough to have family that know work must be done in between the fun. Thank you to all my supporters; I appreciate the ongoing support in everything. Soon Mars Madness will have pre orders so that you all are able to have a piece of me, wherever you go. Next stop is San Diego and Los Angeles. Be on the lookout for more posts near you. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved.

Magnolia Hotel

1100 Texas Ave Houston, Tx 77002

713-221-0011

Cool Runnings

8270 W Bellfort Blvd Houston, Tx 77071

713-777-1566

Monday-Thursday 8am-10pm Friday 8am-12am Saturday 8am-230am Sunday 11am-10pm

The Flat

1701 Commonwealth St Houston, Tx 77006

713-360-7228

Daily 4pm-2am

Daily Happy Hour 4pm-7pm

Pinchos Factory

I enjoy to have my full blown cheat meal once a week. Going steady on sticking to healthier eating habits, but know I still have work that needs to be done. I went with one of my best friends, Laura to grab a bite to eat and catch up.

We went and visited Pinchos Factory, I loved this place as soon as I walked in. The total vibes were giving me eco-friendly and homey. The seating is pretty well spaced out which helps if you go to eat alone, or 6 other people. The best service we had was from a young woman named Brooklynn. She was so amicable, respectful and attentive. I noticed her as she attended to other customers and it was the same for everyone. Loved the energy she gave us, wish her nothing but love and light. They have a selection of wines and beers to enjoy with your meals. Their meat is 100% humanely raised, anti-biotic and hormone free too. 

Laura grabbed a rice and chicken bowl, chipotle style. I am a big baby for anything spicy, so I just took her word on it being hot. She had rice, chicken, jalapeno, pico de gallo, homemade chipotle mayo and she got a side of cilantro sauce. She said that the side of sauce helped subside the intense spices. It was a great portion size as well, she felt full, but not bloated. If you like you food with a kick, this may be it. $8-$9

I of course, grabbed something a little out of the ordinary. Mine was called a toston burger. They use tostones which are fried plantains, as buns. Inside it came with jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and their homemade cilantro sauce. The first bite was filled with great flavors. Tasted like something that we should all have at our barbecues. I also grabbed a side of sweet potato tots, with a kick ass apple butter dip. $8.49 $4.49 All their burgers are cooked at medium well, my favorite. I was fond of them being 100% fresh and natural. Also they won the 2015 Burger Bash Champion. If you're winning awards, then it definitely has to account for something.

Overall this is a great place to enjoy with family, some takeout or even a solo date. They have 7 locations and seem to continue to be growing. I can not wait to hear the feedback you guys have for this place. Hope to see some pictures of your tasty meals. Thank you all for the ongoing support you give me. Excuse my absence last week. Been hectic with graduation around the corner. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved. Xoxo 

Pinchos Factory

7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. #102 Orlando, Fl 32819

407-275-4462

Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm

Saturday and Sunday 11am-12am

Chocolate Lovers

As I have said before, I am a sweets lover. I enjoy anything candy, cake, chocolate and whatever is in between. I decided to put ya'll onto something sweet, cheap, family friendly and educational. I will be keeping this entry pretty short, because it is best to just go to the place and experience it yourselves.

I took my god brother out with me to this outing. I don't see his as often as I would like with my hectic schedule, so I wanted to take him somewhere I know every kid would enjoy. This is a Chocolate museum, not a factory. From what I was told by the tour guide, they may be converting it into a factory this summer (do not quote me). The tours run about every 30 minutes and they last about an hour long. The cost at the location is about $16 per person, but ya'll know I am a budget Betty so I grabbed a Groupon for only $10 for each of us, plus we pay the tax when we get there which was $1.30 so $21.30 for two through Groupon.

So we got there a little early so I could take some pictures in the front and ask some questions. I enjoyed a passion fruit mimosa with sorbet in the inside. it was great, I recommend it to anyone who likes a baby buzz on at noon, it was $7. The tour is so informative it takes you through the history of chocolate, the growth of it, how it has traveled and evolved. It is so interesting to see how much work goes into that chocolate bar that you indulge in. In the museum there are many different sculptures, all made up of real chocolate in a climate controlled room. I did not take a picture of them all, just so you guys can have some surprise when you visit. You get to see machines that were first used to make the chocolate, what gets it from the beans, to the liquid form, to the solid form. Then comes my favorite part, the tasting of the different chocolates they have to offer. From milk chocolate, to white chocolate (which technically isn't even chocolate) to dark chocolate with 77% cacao beans. The tour ends with showing you all types of chocolate wrappers from different countries. If you travel you can pick out a few bars that you tasted. They have a variety of cakes, and chocolate goodies in the store to enjoy from. The three chocolate bars I have a picture of down below were my favorites.

Hope ya'll enjoyed this quick overview of the Chocolate Museum and that you will head out there soon. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I love to know how I can make your outing a little easier. Also when you all go to the places I blog on, I would love a message, or just a picture of it sent to me. I love you all, and appreciate all the ongoing support. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved. Xo

World of Chocolate Museum and Cafe

11701 International Dr, Orlando, Fl 32821

407-778-4871

Monday-Friday 11am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 10:30am-7pm

Fun & inexpensive activities in Orlando! Pt. 1

We all enjoy fun days and nights in the city. If you are anything like me though you are a college student, regular Joe or Jill on a budget. How do you incorporate fun outings with little to no change to spare? I am here to guide you around the beautiful city with some fun activities to get into. I took my time and visited a few interesting places in Orlando to have a bit of variety for you all.

First on my list I visited 'Natura Coffee and Tea.' they have different fun events on different days of the week, I went on a Wednesday night which is Jazz night and on a Sunday witch is open mic night, a mixture of comedy, live music, and poetry. This location is right around the University of Central Florida which makes it very accessible for many. Both nights start at about 9pm, I arrived about 30 minutes after to both. My personal favorite had to be the Jazz night though, super laid back, amazing music overall. Staff is very nice and helpful, you do have to kind of wave them down at the bar to get things considering the few people that work there. This is a lounge that serves coffee, teas, beers, wines, finger foods, a few pastries and hookah. Everything ranges from about $3-$8. The hookah has a happy hour 6pm-8pm in which you can enjoy them for $10 (regularly about $13-$15.) They even have different art around the shop that you can buy if you like them enough. This place has a totally funky and unique environment. They have no cover charge which is awesome if you just want to hop on the wifi and study. You are more than welcome to just grab a spot on a couch or a table and enjoy the vibes, their products smell so good though, I'm sure you will want to enjoy a coffee or some spinach dip while you're there (grab the pita chips with any dip.) I had the pleasure of listening to Caleb Joel on the Saxophone that night along with his band, and let me tell you if every single person in there doesn't tap a foot, or nod their head I will personally buy you TWO drinks, the whole atmosphere is just leaking with talent and vibrant music. If you are in the mood for somewhere to hide out alone, enjoy an inexpensive date or overall just love to listen to talent and celebrate creativity this is the place for you. Not to mention if you have a talent that you would love to let others enjoy, give them a call and find a slot to show off your art.

Naturacoffeeandtea.com (407) 482 - 8599 12078 Collegiate Way Orlando Fl, 32765

Next place that I swung by is a little more on the family oriented side. I took this chance since I do not have kids of my own, while my 3 year old goddaughter was in town from Buffalo I took her to the Downtown Orlando public library. We simply did a walk in to Story time for toddlers and school kids. This is all free and every child will enjoy it from beginning to end. They stretch to start off, loosen up those muscles and get a kick of energy started. The librarian reads the children three books, they sing songs and best of all her voice alone make the stories come alive for kids. This is a great way to expand your child's vocabulary, allow them to interact with other children and also to expand their imaginations. The librarian teaches them new words, animals and places that you can later bring up again to refresh their memories and expand their education. She allows them to sing tunes a few times during the session and allows them to shout and express themselves too. Another thing I loved was how she allows them to use props in the stories and songs. She had a light scarf the kids had to throw around and make believe was a waterfall, and use it for certain sounds. I found this awesome because it is a great way for children to learn to follow directions while still having fun. You can choose to sit in the shadows or interact with your child in the mist of it all. They have different activities for different aged children on different days too. This is a great outing for kids in my opinion. Its educational, fun filled, best of all safe and free.

www.Ocls.info find the library near you and find out when their story times are or contact me for help.

Last location that I stopped in at was a little more slow paced, but very rewarding, artistic and also educating. I visited the Cornell Art museum located at the Rollins college in Winter Park. Conveniently this also was a free event, thanks to Dale Montgomery '60. This isn't too big of an art museum, but it is just right to spend an hour or two of your day either alone, with a date or a couple of friends. The woman at the front desk was so welcoming and helpful with all the questions I had. This museum has a lot of older European art, mixed with a little modern and a new featured artist each semester. The new artist for every semester has their own section in the museum to exhibit their work. There is a booklet that allows you to follow the great art as you go and gives you a good amount of information on many of the pieces. I went alone to this one and loved every tranquil bit of it. I personally enjoyed just going to each piece reading up on the piece itself, the artist and getting a close look at the brush strokes and colors. I find it fascinating how art work stays in tact or how others can remake such an original piece and still make it look marvelous. This is more of a place to head to if you like art, quite small places and learning about old artifacts. You can also call and do scavenger hunts with your kids on specific days and engage in hands on art activities. This can be something that can also be fun for the whole family.

 Closed Mondays Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday Noon-5pm (407) 646 2526 1000 Holt Ave Winter Park, Fl 32789 Building 303

Now all these places are in Orlando or right around considering I live here. I do hope that this does not limit my audience that are in other cities to get up and out. Search for places in your city that offer these same great options. Most cities offer free art museums on certain days, and all should have free library reading times for kids. Now this was a very brief and simple start to my adventure take off for you all. I will be engaging in a lot of fun things to do on a budget as time passes. Tune in next Sunday for a wild, adventurous and high experience. Remember "Love and allow to be loved." Thank you all for the amazing support, please drop comments, likes, or contact me personally with any questions or feedback. Xoxo