In this month’s small business review we are featuring a great little boutique smack dab dilly in the middle of West University.  If you are familiar with the late JMH Market (a little trivia for you…Danny used to work at JMH when we were in high school), you won’t have to look hard to find Hip Hop Lollipop. 

Hip Hop Lollipop is the cutest little party place in town.  If you have little girls ages 3 to 12, then this is the place to shop and party.   

Diane Sizemore has owned and operated Hip Hop Lollipop for the last year and a half, specializing in full service girly parties, gifts and clothing.  The customer service and attention to detail is what sets them apart from other similar shops in and around the Houston area.  It’s also a huge plus that you can avoid mall madness!

They have a magical party room available for the ultimate girly girl parties. 

Hip Hop Lollipop has six different party themes that any little girl would just love.  If your princess likes to be pampered, than a Spa Day Party Package with mini facial and pedi/mani treatment is the thing to go for.  There is a great little area for makeup, dress-up, and all the fixins. 

I’m sure the imaginations run wild in the room during a party.  Everything is decorated gracefully with plenty of room to sit and enjoy.  Can’t you just hear the squeals of delight while they play dress up! 

You can see all the different party packages here or just give them a call and they will be happy to go through the options with you.  Whitney will be having her Hannah Montana party at Hip Hop Lollipop in August and she is beyond excited.  Stay tuned for party pics in August.

Hip Hop Lollipop can also make your little girl’s party a hit with custom invitations, decorations, party favors, refreshments, cake and even a gift registry! 

The front of the boutique is chalk full of great gifts and clothes for babies and hip little boys and girls.  They haven’t forgotten mommies either.  They have an entire line of fashionable clothing and gifts for us too.

Some of our favorite items we found were these wonderful plush little lovies.  They are so soft and sweet, so my recommendation is to probably get two, so you have one as a back-up when your child wears it out or even worse, loses it.

They also have these great necklaces that are magnetic bottle caps to coordinate with any outfit.  These are really popular and were invented by a 12 year old girl.  Isn’t that cool?  Our daughter Whitney saw these necklaces and just fell over in love with them.   

 

Another great product for your girly girl or even the jet setting mom is these train cases.  They come in many different coordinating colors and styles.  This is the perfect accessory to anyone that needs essential items for that slumber party or camping trip. 

 

The coolest of the cool were these jeans that have removable, interchangeable beaded designer cuffs.  
  

As you can see, Hip Hop Lollipop has something for everyone with a bright and cheery environment.  If you need help finding the perfect something for your littleone, Diane and her staff will be happy to help you.   Be sure to go by and visit Hip Hop Lollipop in West University and tell them we sent you.

6207 Edloe
713-218-7800

Posted by danny at 09:08 PM | Permalink

Recently I spent a few days in the Big Bend Area specifically heading towards Valentine, Texas to photograph the Prada Storefront.  A number of friends an relatives were shocked to see this wonderful piece of work in the middle of West Texas. Therefore without any hesitation, I gathered all the information I could and decided to explain the Prada Marfa Storefront in detail.

The storefront is a permanent installation of art off Highway 90 just West of Valentine, Texas.  In 2005 a pair of Berlin artists named Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset developed the installation with the help of The Art Production Fund and Ballroom Marfa.  

The building is not opened and the doors have been sealed shut.  There is no intention to keep the installation updated and will eventually deteriorate over time.  Shortly after the development of the storefront vandals broke in and stole the Prada shoes and Handbags.  Soon after the foundation had an alarm system installed and replaced all the shoes.  The original intent was that the storefront would deteriorate with age rather than at the hands of vandals. 

At the actual Prada Site there is a small plaque with the following information:

**************************************************** 

PRADA MARFA

 Established: October 1, 2005
Artists: Elmgreen & Dragset
Commissioners/Producers:  Art Production and Ballroom Marfa
Architects: Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello; Joerg Boettger
Construction: The Maxwell Company

Art Production Fund and Ballroom Marfa present PRADA MARFA, a site specific, permanent land art project by artists Elmgreen & Dragset.  Modeled after a Prada boutique, the structure includes luxury goods from the fall 2005 collection.  However , the sculpture will never function as a place of commerce, the door cannot be opened.

Art Production Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to realizing ambitious projects by contemporary artists.
Founders: Yvonne Force Villareal and Doreen Remen
Project Coordinator: Casey Fremont

Ballroom Marfa is a non-profit space in Marfa, TX dedicated to contemporary art culture.

This project is made possible through the support of local communities.  The family of the late Walter Alton "Slim" Brown, (Trucker, Rancher, Roper, Friend), has generously contributed to the project by lending their land.  Many thanks to Fondazione Prada for their support and in-kind product contribution.  Boyd Elder, artist, has overseen the project as our Project Site Representative, with additional support from his family Sahula Elder and Flaunn Elder Jamison.  Use of the Prada logo is made courtesy of Prada, Milano.

*****************************************************

So there are all the facts (or at least what we perceive to be the facts).  The Prada Marfa storefront was impressive.  Not the size or the luxury fashion in the shop but the simple fact that something so unique and different can be collectively placed in a location that so few will ever see.  The country around the storefront is wild and what I always imagined Texas was like years ago.  It was simple and strange.  To me the storefront made me think of what is old and new.  It makes me want more of less.  Life can be simple and beautiful and strange all at the same time.  I think that is pretty cool and worth moving forward every day. 

Along the ledge of the storefront people place small gifts, shoes, and business cards.  I went through and photographed each card that was there with the intent of contacting these individuals with one questions in mind.  I would like to know what PRADA MARFA means to them.  What they thought when they left their mark and do they ever plan on going back.  Hopefully some of them will leave their thoughts here on this blog entry.  Others may just not respond all together but lets hope not.

I hope that helps answer a lot of questions.  If you ever get a chance to see PRADA MARFA please let us know.  And remember, Texas is the State of the Arts. 

God Bless Texas and God Bless PRADA MARFA

Posted by danny at 08:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Nothing smells better on a Sunday afternoon than slow smoked ribs.  We are big fans of ribs and there are thousands of great ways to cook them.  They can come sloppy wet, sweet and tangy, dry and tender, or even deep fried (yeah I have done that too).

Today I am going to go through my process of slow smoked dry ribs.  This is a lot like the way I used to cook them in competition with the exception of secret spices. 

When shopping for your ribs, try to to get St. Louis Cut pork spare ribs.

These are sometimes also called "three-two ribs" or "Three Downs".

Just try to keep the size less than four pounds if they are untrimmed.  That way when they get trimmed they will lose about a pound.   These ribs will be cooked with a sweet spice.  Most of the rub includes brown sugar.  One I like to use is called Gordon's Grub Rub. 

It has a pretty mild flavor and mixes well with any sauce. Use whatever makes you happy.  If you want a spicy sweet rib, use a rub that has more pepper or mustard. 

Preparing your ribs is one of the most important parts to making a good rib.  After you have your smoker started and the temperature is ready, take your ribs out and make sure to wash and dry them.  Get all the water off the ribs so the rub sets into the meat well.

When trimming the ribs you want to remove any extra fat from the ribs. 

Also remove the cartilage from the bones so all you have are short meaty ribs.  After the fat is trimmed down remove the caps from the ribs.  This is the soft cartilage part of the rib.  This is best done with a cleaver.

Make sure to cut along the bone of the actual rib.  This will ensure that all you bite into is sweet ribs and not a bunch of fat or cartilage. 

Even though we don't want to keep these together they are still tasty.  You can cook these closer to the fire and they will give you a little half way point treat.  They also will give you an idea if your rub is working out. 

Once the ribs are trimmed the next step is to remove the thick membrane off the back side of the ribs.  This is what can make a rib tough.  To remove the membrane flip the ribs over and run your finger just under the membrane.  If the ribs are good and dry it should come off easily.

If the membrane is hard to pull off grab a tea towel and use it for leverage.  You can also use a butter knife to help get the membrane loose.

Once the trimming process is completed, the ribs should look like this.  MMMMMMM  Yummy.

the next step is to apply the rub.  This should be "rubbed" in not just sprinkled.  Coat the ribs and the rib trimmings thoroughly with the spices. 

This is also one of those great times to get your kids involved.  They get to hang with you and feel like they are being a part of the process.

Let the ribs set for a few minutes and make sure your smoker is ready to rock.  I like to cook my ribs between 200 and 250. 

This will ensure a good 5 hour cook.  Yeah, slow smoking is slow but there is a trick to enjoying the time.  This is also a good time to send your buddies off for the Bee Double E Double R-U- N.  BEER RUN!

Generally I hang my ribs but for this cooking we were also roasting corn so we had to lay them flat.  Just make sure to keep the ribs as far away from direct heat as possible. 

Once they are set in the smoker take a good look and shut the door.  You won't be back for at least 2 hours.

If there is room on the smoker add the trimmings to the hot side of the pit.  These will cook fast and make a good snack about half way through the cooking.  My kids love these and they are ready just about the time they start to complain that it is taking too long.

After about two hours, I go out and spray the ribs down with a little apple juice.  This ensures that there is still moisture on the outside and the ribs get a little sweeter. After about 3 hours the trimmings are ready.  My kids call them RIB-EEESS!

These cook closer to 350 degrees so they cook faster.  These are only for serious rib eaters.  you have to eat around all the junk to get a good hunk of meat. 

They are pretty good to share with a little dog too.  I don't think much is going to hit the floor.

Let the ribs smoke for a few more hours.  After the trimmings feast it is generally best to rest. (Yes, we are all asleep.)

 Once the nap is over the ribs should be close to done.  Take them out and let the ribs set for about 10 minutes. The ribs should look almost jet black.

Another indicator of doneness is if the meat is pulled back from the bone about  to 1.5 inches.

Cut the ribs down and then enjoy with your family. These are relatively dry but can be basted with sauce to make them sticky.

And that is the way that I like to cook ribs. Our family loves them with strawberry pie too!

God Bless Texas and God Bless the BBQ!

Posted by danny at 06:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Well our first run of the Lollipop Days are over and they were a huge success!  We had all ranges of ages come in.  We had big families and little babies too!  Thanks goes out to everyone that stopped by to hang with us.  We had a lot of fun and can't wait until July. 

If you didn't make it in to see us in June make sure and sign up for your July session.  There are a few slots left so get on it quick.  Give us a call (713-942-2272) and check out the prices.

Posted by danny at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Check Check Checkity Check it!  We are busy laughing and eating candy today.  There are a few slots left for Saturday so call quick if you want in on the fun and games.  And if anyone knows how to get candy out of your shoes please let us know.

Posted by danny at 10:36 AM | Permalink

We just got a few of our new frame samples in for our Lollipop Days and they are yummy scrumptious and fun!  We can't wait to show everyone the hundreds of crazy ways we can customize these frames. 

There are only three days left until the June Event.  If you can't make it in for June give us a shout and try to come in for the July event.  Its only 20 bucks a kid!   Here is all the info in case you missed it on our newsletter.  Or click this link to see the PRICES TOO!  Give us a call to reserve your spot before they all run out! 713-942-2272

Posted by danny at 10:12 PM | Permalink

I got back from the Big Bend area safely and a little more inspired to do what I love.  The trip was awesome and I couldn't have done it without the help of Uncle Jimmy. 

I think my sides hurt from laughing so much but we gathered up a few great images that I wanted to share.  So I hope you enjoy the eye candy.  Its 100% fat free.

On the way to the Davis Mountains to see the Star Party at the McDonald's Observatory!

One of the things we wanted to find was an infinity road.  I think we found it.

Ranch Fence.

Davis Mountains.

Just outside of the Observatory there is a park to the top of the Davis Mountains.  It was quite an "astronomical view"

The other side of the Davis Mountains in color.

Really Really Big Telescope.  One of the highlights of the trip was seeing Saturn through a telescope at the star party.  It was not just a dot it was the planet, rings and all. 

Bambi in the parking lot of the observatory.

The next morning we headed back to the Prada Storefront for a sunrise shot.  This way you could see the shoes and bags as well.  Opposite the storefront was this view of our great state of Texas.

When the sweet light came out I finally got my Prada portrait.  It was a long road but worth every single minute.

All around the sides of the storefront are little notes, gifts and cards.  Here is one that I thought was ridiculously romantic.

I hope Todd Allen Stapleton and his beautiful fiance' make the big time!

Saturday we headed back to my families ranch in Mikeska Texas.  That is between George West and Beeville.  When we got there we were presented with this beautiful image. 

 It was like the ranch was telling us "See guys, you didn't have to go all that way for a big sky country." 

This one is for Uncle Jimmy.  Its titled:  Big Sky Mesquite.

Ranch sunset. (This is not an altered image - even Chris Newlin can confirm).

The trip was awesome and I can't wait to go back.  I just hope the Big Bend Area will always be weired and beautiful.  I could do without the 4.25 cent gasoline but oh well.  After being in this area for 4 days you really do believe that Texas IS the State of the Arts!

God Bless Texas and God Bless Big Bend!

Posted by danny at 08:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Wednesday I took off to go to Valentine Texas to photograph an art installment called the Prada Storefront.  My uncle and I leftThursday morning and have had a great time.  I wanted to update with a few images so this is brief and short (wifi is really slow). 

It was raining in Corpus

 Bridge over Pecos River near Mexico

Gas station in Langtry (and the sell film)

Lobo Texas - www.lobotexas.org

Prada Storefront (we are hitting the sunrise in the morning).

Shoes at the Prada Storefront

Road to McDonald Observatory

Scenic road up the Davis Mountains.

We spent the night at the Gage Hotel.  This was our pace for the morning.

Right now I am in Marfa.  We are staying at the Thunderbird Hotel which is a minimalist hotel.  VERY MINIMALIST.

Thats it for now.  gotta go!

D

Posted by danny at 04:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

So if you have noticed lately the grocery stores are pushing strawberries pretty hard these days.  Well the next time you go to the store you need to grab hold of some strawberries and a few other goods to make one of the best pies for the summer. 

Strawberry pie is pretty tasty and not made often enough.  I know it is one of our neighborhood favorites.  Here is the run down on the recipe.  Click here to get a printable version of the recipe.

Set your oven to 450 degrees

You need to get 1/2 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

4 tablespoons cornstarch

1 package of refrigerated pie crust.  You can make your own but it is not necessary.

4 to 8 cups of strawberries.  Whatever you think you want.  The more the better.

Your also going to need one egg and some additional sugar for the top crust.  Take the pie crust and line the bottom of a deep pie tin.  I have a cobbler dish I like to use because it is deep.

Being perfect is not important.  Just make sure you cover the bottom.

Cut the strawberries in quarters but be gentle so they don't get too mushy. 

Add all the dry ingredients to the strawberries and mix gently.

Add the berries to the pie pan and then cover with the other pie crust.

Brush the top with a little egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.  This makes a yummy sweet top to the pie.

Now here is the tricky part.  Place the pie in the over but make sure and set it on a pan because it will bubble over the edges.  the pie will cook for 10 minutes at 450 then change the temperature to 350 for 50 minutes.  The pie will be ultra hot and could really hurt you so feel free to make it early in the day. 

When you dive into the pie the strawberries should actually be purple and gooey.  If you let it cool the strawberries will absorb a lot of its juices back. Otherwise there will be a lot of liquid  when you spoon it on. 

And the only way to really enjoy this awesome desert is to fill up on BBQ first then add a little ice cream to the pie.  Once your done try not to use any heavy machinery or operate a vehicle.

Posted by danny at 09:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)