Last year, most of us stayed in for New Year’s with no idea how to celebrate at home. We made it up as we went, stumbling through the holiday in pajamas while eating hoppin’ john straight out of the slow cooker. In years past, many parents opted for a babysitter while hitting the town, dressed in glitz and watching the blazing fireworks with a glass of champagne. In 2020, it seemed fitting to settle for red plastic cups of decent Prosecco after the kids fell asleep.
This year, the kids are a little older. And it may still be the best option to stay in — a decision made easier if you’re staying in your brand-new home in Amira. So why not celebrate in your beautiful new home in style? There are many creative ways to throw a swinging celebration at home with the kids. Imagine getting all dressed up, having a sumptuous dinner, making merry with fancy drinks (non-alcoholic for the kids), and watching fireworks (on TV). Plus, it’s easier on the wallet than a night out!
Some holidays, like New Year’s Eve, are more geared toward adults than kids. If you’re opting to stay home this year, and you’re not sure how to celebrate the New Year with the kiddos, you’re in luck. We have some great suggestions that the kids will love.
Make a Mocktail
This mocktail punch is an oldie but a goodie: Fun Punch. Simply pour two large cans of pineapple juice, two tubes of frozen OJ, and a 2 liter of lemon-lime soda pop or ginger ale into a punch bowl. Then, scoop out 6-7 giant ice cream scoops of orange sherbet and add it to the mix. Yes, it’s a lot of sugar — especially after the kids have just had their fill of holiday cookies — but they will love it.
It’s a common tradition to ring in the New Year with a champagne toast. Not exactly a kid-friendly activity. But it can be. Around this time of year, you can find sparkling juice made from apples, cider, or grape juice in grocery stores everywhere. That way, the kids can have a toast with you while getting some great vitamins from fruit juice.
Slow cooker hot cocoa is also a great way to celebrate. At the end of December, even though we’re in a warmer climate, the cool dark evenings call for something warm. You can make several versions of this, and they’re all amazing. Start with 3-4 cups of any kind of milk and one bar of baking chocolate. If you don’t have baking chocolate, you can use a cup of chocolate chips. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon of vanilla paste. Then, add two scoops of hot cocoa mix and your marshmallows. Save some marshmallows for the garnish, too! You can also make this peppermint-flavored by adding two leftover candy canes or 4-5 drops of peppermint extract.
Countdown to Bedtime
As kids, we have fuzzy memories of staying up far too late, nodding off, and waiting for Dick Clark to drop the ball. With today’s technology, we don’t have to keep the kids up until midnight to participate in the countdown.
Instead of counting down to the New Year, count down to bedtime instead. There are several apps and online videos on spaces like YouTube that will mock a midnight countdown so little ones can be part of the celebration. Sound the noisemakers and toss the confetti at 8 p.m. if you’d like. The best pet of the bedtime countdown: that little bit of adults-only time to relax after the kids crash.
Make a Family New Year’s Resolution
What a great way to unite as a family, making a New Year’s resolution together. Maybe you want to travel more. Maybe you’d like to go hiking or be more active together. Maybe you resolve to volunteer or visit grandma more. Whatever it may be, setting goals as a family is a great way to bond.
Start a New Tradition
Thankful jar:
If you have an old mason jar lying around or another special jar, jug, box, or container, you can create your thankful jar. Snip up small pieces of paper and tape a colorful pen or marker to the jar with string. Then your kids can feel inspired to jot down the things they are thankful for throughout the year. On New Year’s Eve, you can create a tradition of reading aloud all the things you were thankful for throughout the year. Then empty the jar and repeat.
Best things that happened this year collage:
It might also be fun to create a family collage. You can use poster board or canvas to really make it special. The kids can cut out photos, pictures from magazines, or draw their own pictures to express their favorite memories from the past year.
Saving the loose change jar:
This one is a family favorite. Save all your loose change from the year then dump it out and count it on New Year’s Eve. Then decide as a family what to do with the money. Put it toward your next vacation, use it to go out to dinner, or use it for a day at the museum. The kids will have lots of fun learning to save.
Video diary:
Another fun idea is creating a video diary from the year. Go through your phones and put together all the videos from the past year. Then you can watch them all together in your favorite pajamas. It’s simple, and it really helps to reflect on the precious memories from the previous year.
Happy 2022
However you choose to celebrate this year, we wish you a very happy, fulfilling, spirited, healthy and adventurous New Year!
It’s true — we really, REALLY enjoyed our weekly Taste of Tomball posts this year, tantalizing your tastebuds with tales of new restaurants, long-standing family-owned local restaurants, unique eateries and everything in between.
Why the sudden interest in all things edible? Perhaps it grew from a pent-up desire to explore all of the many dining experiences within minutes of Amira that we missed out on in 2020. The pandemic forced many restaurants to shutter their business (or at least their dining rooms), and in 2021 we celebrated getting back to a semi-normal life of dining. And 2022? While it remains to be seen what the new year has in store for all of us, we are hopeful! Meanwhile, the Tomball area continues to grow and flourish with many new eateries recognizing our growth and choosing us for their new location.
Let’s take a moment to revisit the many restaurants that made our Taste of Tomball gallery:
Mandi’s
This year, we’re adding something new to our Facebook page — a weekly highlight of local restaurants, eateries and food trucks that are all within minutes of Amira. Kicking off our “Taste of Tomball” is the restaurant awarded the #1 spot by @Nick’s Local Eats — @Mandi Cocina Mexicana Restaurant! Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, Mandi’s offers contemporary Mexican dishes with authentic tastes and fresh ingredients.
https://www.facebook.com/mandicocinamexicana
Los Tacos Al Pastor
Craving authentic Mexican street tacos? Check out new local spot @Los Tacos Al Pastor, located on TX-249, about 20 minutes from Amira. The restaurant serves tacos with various fillings including al pastor, steak, chorizo and fajita. Their menu also includes breakfast tacos, quesadillas and more.
https://www.facebook.com/Los-Tacos-Al-Pastor-110671110835442
2 Guys 1 Pit
Hungry for Texas BBQ and a big scoop of southern hospitality? Check out award-winning @2 Guys 1 Pit, a veteran-owned and operated restaurant recently named 2020 Restaurant Owner of The Year by @Nick’s Local Eats. Insider tip – the burnt ends are a must-try!
https://www.facebook.com/2guys1pit
Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue
Treat your sweetheart (and your sweet tooth) any time of year at Tomball’s @Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue. Appearing in @Texas Monthly and @Southern Living magazines, the award-winning restaurant serves up HANDMADE CHOCOLATE and urban barbecue. Only minutes from Amira! 😋💝
https://www.tejaschocolate.com
https://www.facebook.com/TejasChocolate
Craft Grill
For this week’s Taste of Tomball, we are highlighting a great neighborhood restaurant and bar in Tomball — @Craft Grill, located within minutes of Amira. Serving up hot Southern food and a full bar, they also offer brunch packs and family packs to go. Sound good? Let’s go! 😋
https://www.facebook.com/CraftGrill
Rita’s Cantina Mexican Kitchen
This week’s Taste of Tomball takes us to a local restaurant serving up authentic red chili enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and mush more. Located just minutes south of Amira on U.S. 290, @RitasCantinaMxKitchen was voted as a Top 5 local restaurant by @Nick’s Local Eats. Rita’s also offers family packs and curbside pickup. Tell us if you’ve been!
Little Woodrows
This week’s Taste of Tomball takes us to newly opened @LittleWoodrowsTomball, just minutes from Amira. Located off TX-249, the sports bar serves pizzas and ‘sammies, as well as a full bar that includes numerous craft beer options. Feel free to bring your well-behaved furry friends — their outdoor patio is dog-friendly! 🐶🐾
Masones Pub & Grill
This week’s Taste of Tomball contains some news — @masonespub is relocating to Tomball! Offering a selection of tacos, wings, flatbreads and more, the eatery’s new locale will be less than 10 miles from Amira.
Dottie’s Gelato and Italian Ices
Tomball’s tastiness continues to grow and grow! Coming soon to Main Street in Tomball — Dottie’s Gelato and Italian ices, a gelato shop serving up homemade gelato, waffle cones and bowls, espresso and other coffee beverages.
Martha’s Mexican Restaurant and Grill
New to Amira? Join us weekly on Facebook as we give you a taste of Tomball. This week, we’re visiting @Martha’s Mexican Restaurant and Grill, voted Best New Restaurant of 2020 by @Nick’s Local Eats. Earning a stellar 5-star rating on Yelp, the restaurant receives high marks for both food and service. It’s located on Alma St, about 20 minutes from Amira.
https://www.facebook.com/Marthas-Mexican-Restaurant-and-Grill-105910901054120
BonFire Grill
Enjoy pizzas from a true Italian wood-fire brick oven, locally made pasta, house-smoked brisket ravioli, and much more at @Bonfire Grill425, voted a 2020 Top 5 restaurant by @Nick’s Local Eats. Just minutes from Amira, the restaurant has an outdoor patio, too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTz2FqYT4PU
House of Pies
Have a sweet tooth? @houseofpiestx will open a location later this year at 25686 Hwy. 290, just minutes from Amira. The premium pie bakery offers flavors ranging from lemon icebox and strawberry cream cheese to sweet potato, coconut cream, German chocolate and more. In addition to sweets, House of Pies also offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menu options.
Street Food Guru
This week’s Taste of Tomball takes us to @Street Food Guru Tomball, where you can find authentic dishes such as pho, banh mi sandwiches, Singapore noodles and more. A short drive from Amira, the eatery is located on FM 2920. Also on the menu — crawfish fried rice! 😋
Yokohamaya
NOW OPEN! This week’s Taste of Tomball takes us to newly opened @Yokohamayatomball, located just minutes from Amira on FM 2920 near Academy. The top-ranked restaurant serves both traditional and authentic Japanese foods including takoyaki, gyoza and sushi.
Capt. Brad’s Coastal Kitchen
It’s time for Tuesday’s Taste of Tomball! This week, we’re visiting @Capt. Brad’s Coastal Kitchen, rated as a Top Ten restaurant by @Nick’s Local Eats. Located off Tomball Pkwy and less than 10 miles from Amira, the restaurant is known for their fresh, local seafood and Southern hospitality. Let us know if you’ve been!
Craft Grill Breakfast Club
Tomball might just be the tastiest town in Texas! Have you tried @Craft Grill Breakfast Club yet? Located about 30 minutes from Amira, the restaurant serves Southern brunch cuisine with a spicy Texas kick. They also have a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Open 7am-2pm daily.
https://craftgrillrestaurants.com/about-breakfast-club
Tejas Burger Joint
If you’re on a personal quest to find the best burger in Texas, look no further than @Tejas Burger Joint, home of the Smokehouse Burger and located just minutes from Amira in Old Town Tomball. But don’t take our word for it, read what the @Houston Chronicle has to say! 😍🍔
https://preview.houstonchronicle.com/dining/burger-friday-tejas-burger-joint-in-tomball-15090531
Fire Ant Brew Pub
When are fire ants ever a good thing? When you’re talking about @fireantbrewpubtomball! Just minutes from Amira, the pub is where you can unwind and enjoy a craft beer on the patio, mimosa flights on Sundays and steak night on Mondays.
https://www.facebook.com/fireantbrewpubtomball/
C.C’s Cafe Tomball
This week’s Taste of Tomball takes us to @CCs Cafe on Alma Street, a local diner only minutes from Amira. Online reviewers give compliments to the railroad-themed decor, good service, and big portions. In addition to breakfast, CC’s also serves burgers, sandwiches and more.
https://www.facebook.com/CCs-Cafe-Tomball-185073581603404/
Buzzles Shaved Ice
Texas temps are heating up! We know just where to take the family for a frosty treat after a day at the pool— @Buzzles Shaved Ice! Located just minutes from Amira at the Old Town Tomball Lighthouse on Main Street, they offer hundreds of flavor choices and extra add-ons like sweet cream. Yum!
Bearded Fox Brewing Company
Could Tomball be the tastiest town in Texas? It just might! Amira residents have many nearby options for food and drink, including the @Bearded Fox Brewing Company located just 12 miles from the community on Spring Cypress Rd. The kid-friendly and dog-friendly craft micro-brewery hosts a rotation of food trucks featuring BBQ, burgers and more.
http://www.beardedfoxbrewing.com
SkeetersTomball
It’s Tuesday, and you know what that means — it’s time for this week’s Taste of Tomball! Have you heard about @SkeetersTomball? It’s a newly opened spot at 102 Market St, just minutes from Amira. Their menu includes shakes, ice cream, gourmet hot dogs and more.
Cisco’s Salsa Company
Craving a cold margarita, tasty salsa and Baja-style Mexican cuisine? Check out this week’s Taste of Tomball — @Cisco Salsa Company, located just minutes from Amira on Commerce Street in Tomball’s historic area. Enjoy live music on the patio every Friday and Saturday night!
Cajunville
With so many delicious restaurants to choose from, can Tomball possibly get any tastier? Look who’s coming to town — Cajunville, a fast-casual restaurant serving po’boys, boudin and more. Slated to open its doors this fall!
Taquitos Al Chile
Where to go to get great tacos? @Community Impact recently published a story on @taquitosAlChile, a family-friendly taqueria serving up authentic Mexican food including tacos, nachos, roasted street corn and more. Located on FM 2920, it’s an easy drive from Amira.
EveryBellies
This week’s Taste of Tomball has us drooling, with the most delicious-looking loaded potatoes you’ve ever seen! Located just minutes from Amira in Tomball’s historic downtown area, @EveryBellies also serves loaded burgers, BBQ, salads and sweet treats. Yum!
Tailgators Pub
What happens when Cajun cuisine and pasta are combined? Crave-worthy dishes from @tailgatorspubkuykendahl, including Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, and Crawfish Pasta! Located just minutes from Amira, the sports bar/ grill is open 11am-10pm daily.
Che Gaucho
This week’s Taste of Tomball is sure to tantalize your tastebuds, with authentic Argentinian recipes and true South American flavor. Located on Main St in Tomball and only minutes from Amira, the menu at @chegauchorestaurant includes steak, Argentine asados, pizza, milanesa and their famous homemade empanadas. 😋
https://www.chegauchorestaurant.com
JLB Eatery
Amira residents don’t have far to go when they’re hungry for a juicy burger, wings or a sumptuous sandwich; @JLB Eatery Tomball is only minutes away. Rated a top-40 restaurant by @Nick’s Local Eats, the eatery gets high praise from online reviewers for their bacon avocado burger, fried pork chop sandwich, freshly baked rolls and huge portions.
https://www.facebook.com/JLBEateryTomball/
Pine Street Eats
Like to dine out for breakfast or brunch? Amira residents have a number of scrumptious places within minutes of our community. Have you visited @pinestreeteatstx yet? Folks online are raving about their Papa Bear Breakfast Sandwich and Hashbrown Casserole. Tell us if you’ve been, and what you had! 😋
Market Street Cafe
It’s time once again for Tuesday’s Taste of Tomball! Only minutes from Amira, @marketstreetcafe serves up certified Angus Beef burgers, South of the Border enchiladas, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. Be sure to check out their weekend brunch menu, too! 🍳🥓☕️
https://www.facebook.com/marketstreetcafe
The Whistle Stop Tea Room
Amira is just a short drive from Tomball’s historic district, where you can shop and stroll to your heart’s delight. And when lunchtime arrives, pop in to @Whistle Stop Tea Room, serving delicious daily offerings including their house-made Chicken Salad and Broccoli Salad on a bed of fresh greens. Open 11am-3pm for dine-in and takeout.
https://whistlestoptomball.com
Bearded Fox Brewing Co.
Where to go on a sunny September day when you feel like sitting outside and enjoying a cold one? When you live at Amira, you hop on over to @Bearded Fox Brewing Company, a small, craft micro-brewery in Tomball. The kid-friendly and dog-friendly venue is open Fridays through Sundays.
https://www.facebook.com/beardedfoxbrewing
Just Love Coffee Cafe
How will you be celebrating the first day of fall tomorrow? We’re headed over to @Just Love Tomball for a yummy Pumpkin Spice Latte. It’s only minutes from Amira, via the Grand Pkwy. ☕️
Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili
Regardless of the temps in Texas, when the calendar says it’s fall, we’re ready for a good bowl of chili! Awarded four stars by the International Chili Society for their chili, Tomball’s @ronshamburgerstexas is only 8 miles from Amira.
Dexter Dogs
Did you know that Tomball has a Food Truck Park? Fall is a lovely time of year to enjoy the great outdoors and a tasty hotdog or Frito pie from @dexterdogs403. The dog-friendly place also hosts bingo nights, karaoke, and live music. 🌭🐶🎤🎶
https://www.facebook.com/Dexter-Dogs-109267633897557/
Mels Country Cafe
This week’s Taste of Tomball takes us to @MelsCountryCafe, a family-owned and operated restaurant known for their home-style cooking at family prices. Dinner specials include a Sunday Special Pot Roast and a lip-smacking Shrimp and Catfish that online reviewers rave about. Located on Stanolind Rd, just 12 miles from Amira via Waller-Tomball Rd. 😋
https://www.facebook.com/MelsCountryCafe/
Murdoch’s Backyard
Have you heard about the “boo-licious” October burger at @Murdochsbackyard? The culinary creation boasts Boar’s Head Swiss cheese, roasted pumpkin seeds, a pretzel bun and bacon jam. Located just 2.5 miles from Amira.
https://www.facebook.com/murdochsbackyard/photos/a.1959916027610957/3129448147324400
Dracula’s Chimney Cakes
Get ready to sink your fangs into this week’s Taste of Tomball! Voted Best Food Truck by @Nick’s Local Eats, @DraculasChimneyCakes serves tasty tubular cakes filled with sweet or savory options. In fact, the recipe can be traced back to a medieval Transylvania tradition. Get ready for love at first bite! 🧛🏼♂️
Gianna Italian Kitchen
This week’s Taste of Tomball is sure to tantalize your taste buds! Located just minutes from Amira on Tomball Pkwy, highly rated @Gianna Italian Kitchen serves up mouth-watering Italian dishes including Brandy Beef Tips, Pollo Florentina, Salmon Bisque and more. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant recently celebrated their 19th birthday.
https://giannaitaliankitchen.com
Graze
Opening in mid-November at 208 N. Elm St. in Tomball and only minutes from Amira — Graze, a restaurant offering shrimp and grits, grilled octopus, ahi tuna tacos, craft beer, boutique wines and more. Hours will be Tuesdays through Saturdays for lunch and dinner and Sundays for lunch.
Fire Ant Brew Pub
This week’s Taste of Tomball has us on the search for the tastiest wings near Amira. Located on Market St. and just minutes from Amira, @fireantbrewpubtomball serves up jumbo chicken wings with scratch ranch dressing and a variety of Buffalo Style sauces described as “wimpy, kinda wimpy, hot or atomic fire ant.” 😄 Have you been? Let us know in the comments! 😋
Cinnaholic
Who’s ready for dessert? ’Tis the season, y’all! If you’re craving something sweet, @Cinnaholic.Cypress is less than 8 miles from Amira. The shop is best known for their award-winning gourmet cinnamon rolls, featured on ABC’s show Shark Tank. All of their products are 100% vegan, dairy and lactose-free, egg-free, and cholesterol-free.
https://www.cinnaholiccypress.com
Frio Grill
Burned out on Thanksgiving leftovers? It might be time to take those taste buds out to eat. Located less than 5 miles from Amira on Mueschke Rd, @Frio Grill offers a locally sourced Texas menu with dishes such as Brisket Enchiladas, Texas BBQ Shrimp & Grits, and a scrumptious-sounding Stuffed Chicken Fried Chicken stuffed with hatch chilis and smoked gouda .Let us know if you’ve been!
MENU: 👉🏼 https://friogrill.com/menu/
Hans Crawfish
Heads up, crawfish fans! @Hans’ Crawfish is relocating after the first of the year to 15920 FM 2920, just 6 miles from Amira. Situated on 5 acres of land, the new location will have plenty of room for seating and parking. Mmmm, we can hardly wait for crawfish season and feast on some tasty crawfish, shrimp, corn and potatoes!
Dutch Bros. Coffee
It’s confirmed — @Dutch Bros Coffee is coming to Tomball! 😍 ☕️
The Oregon-based, drive-thru coffee shop will be located at 27657 Hwy. 249, just minutes from Amira via the Grand Pkwy.
Crust Pizza Co.
Pizza lovers, rejoice! @CrustPizzaCo. is opening its first Tomball location early next year. To be located just 8 miles from Amira at 14441 FM 2920, the family-style restaurant offers gourmet pizza, pastas, salads and hot sandwiches. 😋🍕
Noticing a lack of canned cranberry sauce at your local grocery store? You aren’t alone. A labor shortage, supply chain issues and more have conspired to make our favorite turkey side dish a little hard to find. Not to worry, making your own cranberry sauce is quick, easy and fun. Once you’ve made it, you may never go back to canned sauce again.
Basic Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce at its heart is just fresh cranberries, sugar, a little water and orange peel. Food Network’s Perfect Cranberry Sauce takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Bon Appetit shows you how to up your game by making a few simple changes.
Add Some Spirit
Replace the water with some spirited alternatives. Leslie Sutherland’s Grandma Erma’s Spirited Cranberry Sauce kicks it up a notch with port and orange liqueur. Cooking Light offers up a healthier version of our favorite sauce flavored with Grand Marnier. Combine your favorite cocktail with cranberries for a Cosmopolitan Cranberry Sauce.
More Fruit!
There’s no reason your cranberry sauce should be limited to cranberries. Change things up by adding additional seasonal fruits. Southern Living devised this delicious apple-cranberry sauce that makes enough for guests to take home. Rachael Ray adds pears and pistachios for a yummy twist. Need more berries? Try Ree Drummond’s Very Berry Cranberry Sauce.
Serve Up Salsa
Spice up your holidays and your turkey with cranberry salsa instead of sauce. Jalapenos bring the heat in this Southern Living take. This New York Time’s version combines the tart fruit with lime and tequila. Melissa D’arabian adds color and flavor with cilantro, bell peppers and onion in her cranberry salsa.
And for Something Completely Different
Chutneys are slow-cooked fruits or vegetables, vinegar and spices originating from India. You can create numerous cranberry chutneys to add international flare to your Thanksgiving feast. Mary Catherine and Drew Curren use pecans, apricots, ginger and red pepper in their flavorful chutney. A little spice and everything nice go into Southern Living’s spicy cranberry and orange recipe. Balsamic vinegar adds complexity to this Food & Wine chutney.
There’s always a lot to remember when it comes to Thanksgiving. There’s a menu to plan, shopping to do, a house to clean and a dog to coach. The dog? Yes. A happy dog is less likely to engage in “fowl” behavior. Here are some tips for crafting a dog-friendly Thanksgiving.
Know Their Limits
All dogs love people but not all dogs enjoy crowds. If your dog tends to become anxious, create a quiet space where they can escape the noise and confusion that accompanies the big feast. Use a crate (if they are trained) filled with toys and a snack or two. Otherwise, set up a baby gate so your dog can be part of the action without becoming rambunctious.
Are You Up to Date?
Constantly opening the door to new guests is a recipe for spending Thanksgiving Day hunting for a runaway. If you’ve recently moved, make sure your dog’s tags and microchip data are up to date. Tags can fall off so you might want to invest in a personalized dog collar.
Back to Obedience School
If it’s been a while since obedience school, brush up on commands. If your dog hasn’t been to school, there may still be time to teach simple behaviors. Check out this American Kennel Club primer.
Don’t Break the Routine
Dogs don’t understand that you can’t take them for their morning walk because you are frantically trying to defrost the turkey. Instead of breaking your dog’s routine, ask family members to step in and help. Your kids can feed Fido. Maybe your dad would love to take your pooch for a morning amble.
Exercise is Key
A tired dog is less likely to get under your feet. Add an extra mile to your morning walk. Send the kids out to toss a tennis ball around with them. Let Rover burn off energy with his friends in the dog park. (Amira residents are lucky, they have beautiful backyards, trails and Derby Dog Park.) Do this before guests arrive and chances are Fido will sleep through most of the feast.
Train Your Humans
Dogs aren’t the only guests who may need a little training. Make guests aware of your dog’s quirks so they aren’t surprised. That can include barking when guests arrive, being shy or just dropping their favorite toy at everyone’s feet in an attempt to play. Keep your dog on his or her leash while introducing children. Teach children the right way to approach your dog. Let your guests know what your rules are for table scraps and discourage them from secretly feeding treats under the table.
No to Bones, Yes to Pumpkin
Many human foods are bad or even deadly for dogs. To keep your pup in the pink of health (and prevent an unexpected trip to the emergency room) keep turkey bones, chocolate and yeast doughs away. That doesn’t mean your pooch can’t mooch a few delicacies. Pumpkin puree, sweet potatoes sans marshmallows and turkey without the skin can be fine for your dog in small quantities. Here’s a list of safe foods to feed your dog.
Walkies After Dinner?
After a big meal you and your dog probably need to burn off some calories. Before plopping down in front of the television, take your dog for an extra-long walk. It will help with digestion and act as a reward for your dog’s good behavior. This is especially important if your dog has been in a crate for most of the party. While your dog is out of the house, take time to put food away and take out the trash to prevent your canine from trying to snag an unhealthy midnight snack.
The list is out on the best schools in Texas, and while Grand Oaks Elementary and Grand Lakes Junior High were too new to be included, the other two schools serving Amira fared impressively. In addition, Tomball ISD has been named the Best School District in Harris County and the district with the best teachers in Harris County.
Serving students in fifth and sixth grades, Tomball Intermediate School was just shy of being ranked among the top 10 percent of Texas middle schools, coming in at No. 231 out of 2,223 middle schools considered. The school was awarded an overall “A” and boasts an impressive student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. Tomball Intermediate has a strong music program, offering sixth grade choir, band and orchestra, and students show high proficiency on state-mandated tests.
In 2019 — the last year the Texas Education Agency rated Texas schools — Tomball Intermediate earned distinctions for English language arts/reading, math, science, social studies, postsecondary readiness and top 25 percent for comparative academic growth and closing the gaps.
Tomball High School also rated highly on the new report, receiving an overall grade of “A-“ and landing at No. 283 out of the 1,773 Texas high schools included in the study. Students excel in the safe and secure environment the high school provides, benefiting from a challenging curriculum that includes 30 Pre-AP and AP classes and 11 dual credit courses. The high school boasts a full athletic program for both boys and girls and a variety of clubs that allow students to explore interests ranging from foreign languages to chess. Nearly 90 percent of graduating seniors go on to a two- or four-year college program.
Niche compiles its annual report cards after examining data from dozens of public data sources such as the U.S. Department of Education and Common Core Data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Parent and student reviews are also considered.