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

Ember Vibes

I recently went to a sweet place with a great ambiance. Ember is a little indoor, as much as outdoor venue in Downtown Orlando. They have many drink specials and tasty food with a great staff to cater to you. Happy hour may never be the same for you all!

I will begin with my personal experience at Ember. Even on a rainy Friday they had a packed house. That did not stop the staff from being on their toes throughout the night. Even from the host at the front, she greets you with a smile and points you to the right place. The whole place is perfectly spaced, nice big tables too. Lots of areas to hang out with friends, and to make new ones too. There is a DJ there for the night, the music selection had me dancing a bit more after each drink. Our bartender was Jeremy, he was very attentive and friendly. He was very patient with us and our questions too, all with a genuine smile on his face. I could tell that their whole staff are probably similar in that sense, but he ultimately was the face of Ember that day. Friday's are 3 for 1 (no typo). There is no entry fee and the drinks are all premium liquor, bottled beer, and select wine; call the Uber there and back. Use Uber code "UberMarsUe" for a free first ride. Use a new email, same card for a free ride.

Ember's week of great food and drink specials start early. Sunday sets it off with Sunday Funday brunch. For $29.95 you get bottomless mimosas, red and white sangria along with an all you can eat brunch. This is from 10am-3pm be on time. You want to be able to eat and drink, then head over to Lake Eola for a nice stroll if wanted. For others it may just be the last hooray before the Monday blues take over.

Don't be too sad, Ember has Wednesday's covered too. Let's make our way to the Wine Down Wednesday greatness. From 5pm-9pm for only $10 you get bottomless mimosas, sangria, select beer and wine. This also includes endless appetizers. For $10 you must text "WINE" to 25827 and must be there before 7pm. Other than that, ladies are $15 and men are $20. You spend more than that on two drinks anywhere else, NO food included. Make this your new and light hump day entertainment.

Can't wait to continue coming out and enjoying the ember vibes. I want to thank the professional staff of Ember for showing myself and my friends a great time. Below are a couple of pictures of when we went there Friday. Thank you to all my supporters for your ongoing love. Hope to see pictures of you all at Ember @ me or tag me in them please. ALL feedback is welcomed, and appreciated. Remember to always love and allow to be loved. Xo

Ember

42 W. Central Blvd. Orlando, fl 32801

407-849-5200

Monday-Friday 11:30am-2am

Saturday 4pm-2am

Sunday 10am-2am

Central Florida Wine Lovers

If you are new to my blog, my name is Wendolyn and I like to get you out of your house. Not only do I enjoy to get others out and about, but I like to do it so that you spend little to no money doing so. I had the pleasure of visiting Lakeridge Winery this week. For those who do not know, I am a student taking 5 courses, work a full time job, and manage to publish a blog entry once a week. Needless to say, it can get hectic on my side. Only time I was able to fit this awesome tour in was at 10:30 am. Yes, I was buzzed before noon (judge free zone). Hope you enjoy my entry, and visit them soon.. 

The hill tops of Clermont instantly put you at ease. All the space around, the beautiful views are just very calming. Getting away from traffic and cars, and horns once in a while is needed and appreciated. You begin the tour with a video telling you the history, and some processes that go into making the wines. You are then shown around by an awesome tour guide, mine was Stuart. Stuart showed us around, we began where the wine is stored in big stainless steel barrels. Some hold as little as 2,500 gallons of wine, others hold as much as 25,000 gallons of wine. Next you are shown outside where you get a better view of the fields and vines that are patiently waiting to grow come spring. When it is time to get the grapes off, they use a huge blue truck to shake the grapes off, it grabs about 60 tons of grapes per day. This location has 80 acres, but they have another with 120 acres, all to fulfill our wine needs. Next you are shown where the wine is packaged, and sent out to their customers. They produce about 1.5 million wine bottles per year. They can be distributed to 25 states, and you can even get them at stores near you, or get them packaged and mailed right to your front door. After you are shown around out to try their marvelous selections of wine, and bubbly. You try a total of 8 different selections, depending what season you may have one or two added. Stuart explains to you everything he pours, what it is best with and describes the wine itself. There are 5 steps to wine tasting, won't go into detail, I rather him tell you specifically. But they are see, swirl, smell, sip, and savor. This tour is completely FREE, you are not forced to purchase anything afterwards either. I did however grab a bottle of their Southern White for only $10. All of their wines are award winning, they have a nice display of all their wines, and what awards they earned. This place is awesome because they have monthly festivals too. From arts and crafts, to seafood, chocolate, jazz, grape stomping. They have it all, this also a family friendly place. Kids are even allowed on the tour, where they are given grape juice when they get to the wine tasting portion. 

I hope you all enjoyed my brief overview of this amazing winery and will soon visit. If you get Stuart as your tour guide, tell him Wendolyn, the blogger sent you and he will have you cracking up the whole tour. I want to mention to you all, life is short. It is meant to be lived, to see new things, try new foods and make new memories. Do not let the thought of doing something alone, or not having enough funds stop you from having a good time. I do this blog for people like myself, people who love to go out, but unfortunately have to be on budgets. I will be rich one day, but until then, I will continue to explore and meet people down the road. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved. Xo

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

19239 US 27 N. Clermont, Fl 34715

352-394-8627

www.LakeridgeWinery.com

Tours:

Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm

Sunday 11am-5pm

Tours run about every 30 minutes

Barber Park Farmers Market

Farmers Markets are the go to for bargains, handmade or from scratch products and a great environment of amicable people along the way. Every first of the month Barber Park holds their own farmers market open to the public, they do not open for December, but they will resume this the first Sunday of January.

Like most farmers markets, they have just about everything available for sale you can think of. A lot of the eateries have samples to reel you in just a little more. They have from fatty foods, to veterinarian foods, to sweets galore. They have a lot of jewelry stands, a place where you can adopt animals, handmade candles, and honey too. All while listening to live music as you shop and mingle around.

First place I made a pick up at was a very delightful candle making business by the name of "Juliet Scents." A very lovely couple who helped me find just what I needed. I enjoy light, lavender scents and they pointed me to "calming" the perfect mix to melt in my home. Her products are all natural and dye free, also she makes them all by hand so it gives it an extra sense of warmth and love to them. She makes different salt and sugar scrubs along with oils for sensitive skin. The pampering is endless for your home, and your body. I grabbed 6 wax tarts for $7

Next pickup was a sweet treat. A gentleman named Mark, helped me taste a few dabs of honey from his "Happy Bee Honey" collection to see which would be my favorites. There were so many options, so I decided to leave with two and even that was hard. I chose the "Nutty Amaretto" and "Cinnamon" honey. Both were amazing. I actually cooked with the Cinnamon honey on Thanksgiving and my family loved the flavors I incorporated into the dish. They have so many products that they make with their amazing honey. They have body butters, walnuts and honey,cream and salt soaps, they even have raw wasabi honey. Needless to say, they can add their honey to just about anything. I paid 2 for $5 deal on the products.

I will put these couple of companies I personally enjoyed down at the bottom, that  way you all can enjoy them for yourselves. I hope to get you all out to the farmers market the first Sunday of January to mingle with other people around the city, as well as get some great food and goodies for great prices.

Barber Park

3701 Gatlin Ave Orlando, Fl 32812

407-254-6860

Juliet Scents 

Email: Julietscents@Gmail.com

Facebook.com/JulietscentsLLC

Phone: 407-913-0394

Happy Bee Honey

Trish.HappyBeeHoney@Gmail.com

www.HappyBeeHoney.net

407-733-7514