HOUSTON TEXAS | VOL. 7
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TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION READ THIS ISSUE ONLINE.
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RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY
HOUSTON TEXAS | VOL. 7
TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION READ THIS ISSUE ONLINE.
SCAN THE QR CODE
RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY
An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the
same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.
There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.
A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.
A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.
An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.
It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much
income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.
Valero Texas Open
APRIL 1 - 7
APRIL 8 - 14
APRIL 15 - 21
APRIL 15 - 21
APRIL 22 - 28
APRIL 29 - MAY 5
MAY 6 - 12
MAY 6 - 12
MAY 13 - 19
MAY 20 - 26
MAY 27 - JUNE 2
JUNE 3 - 9
JUNE 10 - 16
JUNE 17 - 23
+ Signature Event
* Schedule subject to change
TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas
Masters Tournament #
Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia
RBC Heritage +
Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Corales Puntacana Championship
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, ESPN+
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic GOLF
Zurich Classic of New Orleans
TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana
AT&T Byron Nelsons
TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas
Wells Fargo Championship +
Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina
Myrtle Beach Classic
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF
PGA Championship #
Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky
Charles Schwab Challenge
Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas
RBC Canadian Open
Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday +
Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio
U.S. Open #
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina
Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
CBS, ESPN+
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
JUNE 24 - 30
Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan
JULY 1 - 7 John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois
JULY 8 - 14
JULY 8 - 14
JULY 15 - 21
JULY 22 - 28
JUNE 29 - AUG 4
AUG 5 - 11
AUG 12 - 18
AUG 19 - 25
AUG 26 - SEP 1
* Schedule subject to change
Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF
Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF
3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF
Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina
FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee
BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado
TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
The Houston Latin Fest is a family- oriented cultural festival that provides the surrounding Latin communities in Houston.The festival was created to promote unity, diversity and to preserve traditions of the Latin culture for future generations. So come gather with family and friends to listen and dance to live entertainment, connect with other fans in an open social space! For more info visit: theofficialhoustonlatinfest.com
WorldFest brings a blend of feature films, shorts, screenplays, TV commercials, music videos and documentaries to viewers throughout the area.Join us for ten great days in April as we explore the endless possibilities of cinematic excellence. We bring the world to the silver screen in the most diverse city in America. For more info visit: worldfest.org
Lyte is a simple yet unique Sky Lantern Experience like no other. With Lyte Sky Lantern Festivals across the United States you don’t have to travel far to experience this magical moment. Come join us with your family and friends as we Lyte the Night Skies. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/54mycv6a
The Pasadena Strawberry Festival mission is to produce a large event to help support other nonprofits and to help give opportunity to students to further their education through our scholarships program, to preserve and celebrate the history of Pasadena. For more info visit: strawberryfest.org
Texas Outlaw Challenge, one of the country’s most respected and
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PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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popular speed boating events. This annual event features a car show, time trials, and a charity poker run. So come on down and enjoy all this great event! For more info visit: texasoutlawchallenge.com
Houston celebrates America’s birthday with lots of free music for any taste. The annual ExxonMobile Summer Symphony Nights Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre features patriotic tunes. The Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular at CityCentre will entertain the whole family. While the main Houston Independence Day event—Freedom Over Texas—always boasts top names in country music. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3q3eF0q
At the Great Texas Mosquito Festival, Willie-Man-Chew greets visitors from near and far to enjoy.
Willie quickly marshaled a group of humans as his official goodwill ambassadors. Willie affectionately and jokingly calls them his “Swat Team” present three fun filled days of special events, games, food, carnival rides, and contests, craft booths, cook-offs and much, much more. Ya’ll come down to Clute, Texas and join us for the fun of it! For more info visit: mosquitofestival.com
The Houston Horror Film Fest is a Film Festival and Expo, which includes over 70+ Horror Films, Celebrity special guests, special Q&A Panels. Over 100 Vendors, artists, horror memorabilia, filmmakers, apparel, authors and MORE! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5cz4pje5
Come to Houston, Texas and enjoy the BIG Salsa Festival in the salsa dancing capital of the south! Get
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PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (. . .continued from 22)
to know the diverse culture of Houston, amazing dancers, and delicious food. BIG Salsa Festival Houston is a four day latin event featuring some of the greatest names in performing arts! Each day is packed with dance classes, amazing performances, and latin dance parties into the early morning hours. For more info visit: bigsalsafestival.com
Puptopia encompasses everything that makes your dog happy and everything that makes you happy to have a dog! Dog-focused, science-based, fun-filled activities make this a one-of-a-kind experience that’ll be sure to get all the tails wagging. For more info visit: puptopiafestival.com
The only event in Houston where you get to sample a huge variety of gourmet, chef-inspired twists
on your childhood favorites: grilled cheese AND mac & cheese!Local chefs and restaurants are cooking up their most creative and delicious grilled cheese and mac & cheese while competing for the title of best bite in town. In between delicious bites, you’ll get to sample delicious beers from your favorite breweries plus discover new favorites! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3i7O9P2
The Mediterranean Festival features a tradition that is more than 100 years old, the Syrian Dinner. Along with food, families can enjoy camel rides, Greek and Arabic dance troupe performances, face painting, games, and other fun activities. For more info visit: greekmedfest.com
Mark your calendars for the Bay Area Houston Whiskey & Wine
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
Fest! The festival will feature: whiskey tasting, wine tasting, lite bites, live entertainment, and much more. Grab your loved ones and meet us for all the fun! CHEERS! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3q4sviN
NOV 1 - 30 | RENAISSANCE
Huzzah and welcome to the Texas Renaissance Festival, a grand spectacle that transports visitors to an era of chivalry, merriment, and enchantment. Nestled in the heart of Texas, we are the largest and most acclaimed Renaissance-themed attraction in the United States. Whether one is donned in period garb or simply a curious spectator in their favorite tee shirt and jeans, the Texas Renaissance Festival promises an unforgettable journey into the magic and splendor of the Renaissance era. For more info visit: texrenfest.com
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A Christmas Carol is a highly inventive adaptation of the Dickens classic, pared down to its essential elements. A resident company of actors assemble to perform a trunk-show production of the heart-warming Christmas story. It will be A Christmas Carol like no other. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2ZrINoO
JAN 17 - 18 | CHILI
Our annual Chili Quest & Beerfest will return to the Strand. Whip up a batch of your best chili recipe and bring it down to Galveston to compete for the gold and Chili Champion bragging rights. All the best chili you can eat, and beer you can drink! For more info visit: yagaschiliquest.com
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
Houston Auto Show is a business to business event that is intended to promote the automotive industrial sector worldwide. This industrial national event welcomes both trade professionals and general visitors! For more info visit: houstonautoshow.com
Mardi Gras Galveston has plenty of Cajun and Creole food throughout the celebration including, but certainly not limited to, gumbo, jambalaya, seafood and more, all while parades roll by and beads are thrown. Head down to the Texas coast and revel in the carnival season. For more info visit: mardigrasgalveston.com
The YMBL South Texas State Fair & Rodeo brings thousands of visitors to Beaumont each spring to experience food, entertainment, and carnival rides. Come out for a day of fun, music, and great food! For more info visit: ymbl.org
This American classic follows a family trapped in dreams and delusion. Amanda, a faded Southern belle, yearns for a better life for her children. However, her daughter Laura would rather spend time alone with her collection of delicate glass animals, while her restless son, Tom, longs to escape the monotony of his current life. This timeless masterpiece asks us to explore themes of memory, escape, and the delicate nature of human connections. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/43ukz6bv
MAY 26 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - TUE
- WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - SUN 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 03 - MON 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 03 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 04 - TUE 12:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 05 - WED 12:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 05 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 06 - THU 12:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’
JUN 07 - FRI 12:00 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 07 - FRI 3:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 08 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single
JUN 09 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single * Schedule subject to change
DATE
JULY 1 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 2 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 3 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 4 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 5 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 6 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 7 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 8 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 9 - TUE 11:00 AM
JULY 1- WED 11:00 AM
JULY 11 - THU 1:00 PM
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final
JULY 12 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals
JULY 13 - SAT 2:00 PM
JULY 14 - SUN 2:00 PM
Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final
Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final * Schedule subject to change
Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.
It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.
In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.
Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.
According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:
Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of
control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.
The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.
Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.
Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.
Sugar intake is a concern for many.
A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.
To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.
The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.
The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.
The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.
The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.
If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,
comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.
Here are a few amazing train trip options:
If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.
In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.
In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.
In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.