The quiet twilight-like feeling between Christmas and New Year’s Day is perhaps my favorite of all. Most people are off work – spending time with family and friends – while soaking in every last drop that the current year has to offer. It’s kind of like a never-ending but glorious Sunday! Now how does one fill that 7-day-long Sunday?
I’m here to tell you a few fun ideas in partnership with River Oaks Shopping Center!
Catch an Indie Flick at the Theatre
The films that hit the theater this time of year often rival those blockbusters that are all we can talk about come summertime. While big blockbusters are great and all – it’s often those less talked about gems that end up getting the Oscar nod and suddenly you have GOT to see it too! Stay one step ahead of your peers and catch a film at the historic River Oaks Theatre. Mary Queen of Scots is currently playing and I simply can’t wait to see it for myself too!
Spend Your Gift Cards on Something Special
Gift cards are the simple holiday gifts that keeps on giving. Whenever I receive one, I like to treat myself to something that I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to buy otherwise. For example, I’ll shop for a fancy sweet-smelling candle, deliciously scented soap, or colorful earrings to make an everyday outfit pop. Burd & Burdies is a pop-up shop you’ll find nestled in River Oaks Shopping Center for the remainder of the year. The pop-up is filled with colorful hand-picked knick knacks, gifts, clothes & accessories all at a great price point too. I was so impressed with the many beautiful pieces of handmade jeweler – most of which were under $40!
Wear Your Cozy Christmas Duds and Soak in the Rest of the Season
If you’re like me, you have cozy plaid pajamas and festive sweaters galore that you look forward to bringing out each and every holiday season. Just because Christmas is over, doesn’t mean that it’s time to put away those holiday pajamas and bold red sweaters! I still wear my Christmas favorites well into winter … even if wintertime in Houston doesn’t last too terribly long!
I’m loving this festive cozy combo from J. McLaughlin at River Oaks Shopping Center. I’m typically more of a jeans person because whenever I wear leggings – I feel like I should be working out. But these faux leather leggings have converted me to an officially “wear leggings everywhere” person. They are soooo comfortable and stylish too! And I have to say, this fringe buffalo plaid poncho might just be one of my favorite things I’m wearing lately. (And yes, I tend to say that a lot ha!) I love that this poncho gives off both a casual but polished vibe at the same time. Not to mention, it’s warm and feels like a big ol’ blanket!
Grab a Good Book to Curl Up With
I should include reading a book in each & every activity roundup I do. I simply can not get enough of a well-written page-turner! My family always gives each other a new read from Barnes & Noble for Christmas (we typically pick it out ourselves though). This way we can spend the slower days following the holiday nestled up flipping through the pages of our new books. It’s one of my favorite traditions!
Stock Up on Sweets Before those Resolutions Kick In
I’m all about eating healthy and following through (as best I can) with my new year’s resolutions. But the week before and after Christmas?! All bets are off!! Cacao and Cardamom is new to River Oaks Shopping Center and absolutely deserves a visit! There is a larger than life chocolate fountain sitting in its window and a plethora of sweet treats nestled in every nook and cranny inside the shop. Make sure you pause to smell the surroundings as soon as you walk in, it smells absolutely delightful inside!
Here’s a little tip too, stop by Caco and Cardamom for a tasty treat on your way to catching a film at the River Oaks Theatre next door. It’ll make your night out on the town all the sweeter!
Scoop Up Something Stylish to Wear While Ringing in the New Year
There are so many different spots to shop for something stylish at River Oaks Shopping Center. Saint Cloud, Francesca’s and Ann Taylor always have festive dresses this time of year. While I love to wear a bit of sparkle and bling on NYW, I opted for something sleeker that could be worn more than just once from J. McLaughlin. This black sheath dress has a fun geometric overlay to it that sets it apart from your typical LBD. It’s also easy to dress up with sparkly jewelry and fancy shoes fit for dancing.
Before I run off into my after Christmas twilight fun, I wanted to share how thankful I am to have had this amazing partnership with River Oaks Shopping Center this past year! I’ve had such a blast teaming up with this hot spot right in the heart of Houston. I’ve become a regular to this local haunt, visiting all 4 Starbucks in its radius more times than I can count. I’ve popped in and out of boutiques fit for every style and taste – discovering new looks that I might not have tried otherwise. My monthly Barnes & Noble visits have helped to fill holes in my bookshelves that I didn’t even know were there.
But my favorite part of the partnership perhaps has been trying all of the new & different restaurants in the center. Trying plantain chips at America’s was such a treat. The Mother’s Day Brunch Annie, my mom & I had at La Griglia was oh-so-special. And my favorite meal of all was when Patrick joined us at Brasserie 19 and I ordered the delicious French Onion Chicken Sandwich. (I’ve been back for that one a time or two, that’s for sure!) On that note, now I’m ready for lunch!
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Thank you all for stopping by the blog today! And by thank you to River Oaks Shopping Center for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are my own and thank you to you all for supporting the brands that make Lone Star Looking Glass possible.
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xo, alice
