Hotel Sorella City Centre-Visit Houston

Sometimes all we need is a little getaway with the family to bring you back to center.  No having to worry about cleaning or cooking, just having fun!

Thanks to New Creative Media and Hotel Sorella for inviting my family for a staycation.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

We left the beds unmade, the towels on the floor, and just walked out.  You read that right!  I did! 

Everyday we live with rules, schedules, and routines.  It is good to break the routine.  It is Summer and what better way to get out of the norm than to leave it all behind. 

Hotel Sorella is located at City Centre.  City Centre has so many shops, restaurants, live music, and so much more.  In the heart of City Centre is Hotel Sorella.  It is more than just a fancy room, a cool pool, and good service. 

It is a full service, top of the line, they have thought of it all:

1)  Food

 Poptails-Monnalisa

food and drinks-Radio Milano and Milano Bar

And even complimentary continental breakfast!

2)  Fitness

fitness center and complimentary bikes available

3)  Fun

pool and cabanas available

My daughter loves the pool.  She is a water baby.  She could live in the pool all day long and never have to eat. 

Hotel Sorella really went over and beyond.  We spent 4th of July at Hotel Sorella.  I had heard of the amazing experience to be had at Hotel Sorella.  We actually got to experience it.  We enjoyed ourselves poolside and the little did not want to leave the pool when it was time to get out.  I really liked that the staff kept bringing towels to the pool.  I have been to hotels before that you have to go fetch your towels and that is not good when you are dragging wet kids out.  The pool was very well attended.  The kids got to play and swim.  Mom got to relax. 

But our night did not end there.  We had dinner at Radio Milano and afterwards headed to our rooms for the big show.  The crowds were getting bigger and bigger.  Everyone ready to watch the show at City Centre.  The live band plays right in front of the hotel.  The band was playing some good music.  We headed back to our hotel.  We all jump in the shower and got in our pjs.  And then the big show started.....

My daughter likes fireworks but does not like how loud they are.  She has never been able to really enjoy fireworks because the louder they get, the more anxious it gets her.  We had the best seats in the house or should I say, the hotel.  Front row, indoors, in our pjs....she sat and watched.  I sat and watched her little face.  She was so amazed.  Her eyes just got bigger and bigger.  It was the perfect way to end our evening.  I have to tell you this was the best fireworks experience ever.  Hotel Sorella was the place to be.

For more information, go to hotelsorella-citycentre.com.

Newly Renovated Wyndham Houston West - Energy Corridor #GoHouston

Four years ago was the first time I visited the Wyndham Houston West - Energy Corridor for my niece's Quinceañera.  The location was perfect and easy for everyone to find.  We had family coming in from out of town and people from all over the Houston area.  Some of the guests stayed at the hotel.  My niece and her family's room was very spacious.  Everyone had all good things to say about their stay.

Thanks to New Creative Media and the Wyndham Houston West - Energy Corridor for hosting our family for a staycation.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Hospitality from the moment we walked in.  In the reception area, there is cool and refreshing infused water waiting for you.  And in our room, Chef Justin had a tasty surprise waiting for us.  How did he know that I love chocolate? 

Our family got to stay in the Deluxe room that has two double beds perfect for our family.  There is also a reading chair with ottoman that is a perfect place to sit and relax or get pampered at.

Wyndham Wellness for Body, Mind, and Soul where the guests well-being is top priority.

One thing we definitely took advantage of was the indoor pool that was open until 10 pm.  Bar Ten and Lounge is located right next to the pool.  You can grab your drinks and head to the pool or hot tub to relax and unwind. 

The next morning we woke up refreshed and ready for breakfast.  We were invited to the Park Restaurant & Grille which has been named by Zagat as one of the Top Ten Best Hotel Restaurants in Houston. 

There is no need to go wait in line at a breakfast restaurant chain or to only have #1-#10 as your choices for breakfast.  I hope you are not hungry because you will be after looking at the spread available at the Park Restaurant and Grille.  Do you want hot or cold breakfast?

My daughter actually woke up with pancakes on her mind.  I did not see any but all I had to do was ask.  Our order was placed with the kitchen and it came right out.

 Pancakes for the Princess

Omelette for me

But you do not have to leave your room to grab a bite, you can do in-room dining 7 days a week.  The Park Restaurant and Grille also has All-Day Dining.  You can see the entire menu here.

A few more things you may not know:

-pet friendly

-billiards and shuffleboard available

-complimentary shuttle within 5 miles which includes Houston CityCentre

For more information, go to wyndhamhoustonwest.com

Discover, Learn, and Explore-Visit Houston

Have you ever visited a city and you wanted to know where to take your family?  I like to explore wherever we visit.  Find fun places for the entire family to enjoy.  Someone once mentioned that we only get 18 summers with our kids, if we are lucky.  We should make the best of them.  Especially since together we work so hard all year, we deserve a little play.  Summer is the best time to discover, learn, and explore with your family. 

Thanks to Visit Houston for providing me with a CityPASS for each of us.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is the perfect place to discover, learn, and explore with a family.  There is something for everyone.  I know what you are thinking, you hated Science back in school and this is a snooze fest waiting to happen but it is not.  My husband, I will not tell you his age, had never been to HMNS.

There are three floors of exhibits.  There are 16 permanent exhibits like:

Strake Hall of Malacology-My daughter loves seashells. 

Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife-There were so many different animals to see and even hear.

Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall-This little mermaid was amazed with all the sea life in this display.

Hamman Hall Of Texas Coastal Ecology

Morian Hall of Paleontology-As many times as my kids and I have visited, we had never discovered the viewing deck.  This is a must see.  You get an aerial view of all the huge dinosaurs.

Hall of Ancient Egypt-We walked like Egyptians, we did!  It was fun!

Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife-My daughter's favorite animal is a Zebra.  She was our tour guide in this area.

John P. McGovern Hall of The Americas-Ever wanted to go to the ruins?

And there is so much more.  I could share pictures and pictures of this place.

If you have never been and even if you have been, the exhibits are always changing or new ones are added.  And with the Houston CityPASS this can be one of the attractions you visit.

What is CityPASS?  CityPASS allows you to explore Houston’s best attractions for 9 days.  There is no need to rush as your countdown does not start until the first day of use.  It also helps you save 48% on ticket admission. 

Admission includes:

1)      Space Center Houston

2)      Downtown Aquarium

3)      Houston Zoo OR Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

4)      Kemah Boardwalk OR Children’s Museum of Houston

5)      Houston Museum of Natural Science

That’s five places for one price.  And you don’t have to stand in long lines.  CityPASS holders have VIP status.  There is a separate line for entrance helping you get to your exploration even faster.  With small kids any time not spent in a line waiting for fun to begin is awesome!

Fore more information, go to www.citypass.com/houston.

Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria

When you think about pizza what do you think about?  I think about New York.  I have heard people say if you have not tried NY pizza then you have not had the best.  Pizza is a favorite in our family. 

Thanks to Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria in City Centre for hosting the Go Houston bloggers for lunch.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

When you walk in, the wonderful smell is the first thing you notice.  You then notice, the place.

This pizzeria is so New York with their signage and pictures.  The space is open.  There is a lot of table seating available.  And the food well.....where do I start?

We started our family style lunch by trying out their salads.  They have a variety of salads for all taste buds.

Kale Chopped Salad-I am into anything Kale right now. 

Caesar Salad-This is my husband's go to salad where ever we go.  This was the first salad to be gone. 

Spinach salad-This had bacon and lots of it.  Not a boring spinach at all.

Grimaldi's House Salad-This house salad had huge olives, oven roasted sweet peppers, and mushrooms.               

Mediterranean Salad-Anything Feta with more Feta on top. (picture credit: Lisa Carey)

These were just the starters.  Then came the pizza.

 The Don-Italian Sausage, Meatballs and Pepperoni....meat lovers dream pizza

 Brooklyn Bridge-Oven Roasted Peppers, Ricotta Cheese, and Italian Sausage....this was oozing cheese and sauce in every bite.

 Quattro Formaggi-Mozzarella, Asiago, Parmesian, Romano, and Gorgonzola cheese...cheese with cheese on top sprinkled with cheese.  It is perfect for cheese lovers.

 The Garden-Lots of veggies.  Roma Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Onions, Olives

  Margherita-Extra Famous Sauce? and basil.  Yum....

What I liked about the pizza the most is that it was thin and crispy.  They had enough ingredients all over.  I hate going places and all you get is a lot of dough.  I didn't order bread.  I wanted pizza.  It was good so good that we were licking our fingers after every bite.

Picture was taken in action.  She will hate me for this picture when she grows up but I caught her in the moment. 

We had a great time.  The staff was very attentive and knew the menu well.  My husband's favorite was The Don.  My daughter's was the Quattro.  I could not pick a favorite.  Each pizza was so different.  One thing we all agreed on was that it was awesome pizza.

Their fresh ingredients, handmade mozzarella, 'secret recipe' dough and pizza sauce has made them the most award-winning pizzeria in the United States.                

To find a location near you, go to grimaldispizzeria.com.

Behind the Fashion at Elaine Turner

I am celebrating the entire month of July since my birthday is this month.  I, like many moms, never take care of me first.  I don't buy myself things either.  This year I have been trying to do more for me. 

Thanks to Elaine Turner for giving me a $100 gift card to shop in store.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

The Go Houston bloggers were invited for a sneak peek and behind the scenes to the Elaine Turner fashion.  I had never been in this store but I can tell you, I quickly was like a kid in a candy store.

Trending Fashion, What's hot now?

1)  Cork-Everything cork.

2)  Animal print-Show me your wild side.

3)  Color-Make a statement....be bold!

What I liked most was the I could walk in there and walk out with a complete outfit from head to toe. 

I thought Elaine Turner was just a jewelry and accessories store and yeah, they do carry some really nice jewelry pieces.  But I ended getting great fashion tips and walking out with some new kicks.

Phoenix Python Flats-They have padded insoles which are great because I am always on the go.  I can use these from work to play.  The color is perfect and can go with jeans and also my dresses.

Since Elaine Turner was having an awesome sale, I also ended up treating myself to a new purse. 

This beauty was calling my name from the moment I walked into the store.  The Layover Tote has a snap-in, large zipper pouch, that you can snap out and use as a wristlet.  These totes are easy to wipe clean.  It is available in poppy, blue, eggshell and floral mosaic.  I definitely spoiled myself with this purchase. 

One more thing I learned, this is not just another store.  Elaine Turner is a Texan giving back to her community.  Elaine Turner is particularly passionate about causes related to women, children, and cancer.  Every week they open their doors to host fundraising events, donating both merchandise and funds to causes that their customers really care about. 

You can host a Party with a Purpose and 15% of the proceeds go to your event or cause.  She has given over $200,000 with the past two years. 

For more information, go to elaineturner.com/givingback.