HAIR that will make people stop and STARE!

Owner Lucy Hinojosa (standing) and Lolys Ferrara

Bad hair day? We've all had one. Whether it was yearbook pictures, the first day of school, or during a job interview, the inevitable hair day comes with a vengeance. At Salon Mio, you'll forget about all those bad hair days, and emerge yourself in relaxing sweet shampoo heaven.

Sit back in the shampooing station and listen to some music while you get ready to get your new do.

The setting is comfortable and laid back, letting the customer feel relaxed and worry free about their haircut.

They offer hair cuts and trims, up dos, facial waxings, and other salon care services.




    Many people are "regulars" at Salon Mio due to their satisfaction with what the stylists at Salon Mio have to offer. "It's so hip here," Linda San Miguel said while sitting in the laid back waiting area. Linda has been a customer for years and does not plan on going anywhere to get her hair done."I've been coming here since the 7th grade. I dont trust anyone else with my hair," Linda said. She said she enjoys it most because of the relaxed environment and for the one-on-one attention she gets at Salon Mio in Harlingen.

    Owner Lucy agreed with Linda and said they always get to personally know everyone. Lucy Hinojosa worked at Master Cuts over ten years ago, but did not enjoy it because the customers were "just a number." She also added that it was fast paced, and as for Salon Mio, you get the feeling that they are not in a rush to get the money out of your pocket and get you out the door.
   But it's not just hair to the stylists. They agreed that, "Hair is our life. It's not a job. It's art in action." Lolys enjoys working at Salon Mio along side Lucy. She said the business is invigorating and homie.
   Being open for ten years, the stylists have always been up on the "trends." "We try to travel and learn," Lucy said. She also realizes that many people in the valley don't get outrageous hairdos every single day, but said they can bring "New York looks" to whoever wants something different.
  The hairstylists not pictured are Isabel Tamez and Pricilla Garza who were not in at the time. Rick Hinojosa, Lucy's husband, also helps around the salon.
  Weither you're getting a up-do, highlights, hair color, extentions, or a facial waxing, swing by your local SALON MIO. They are a cut above your "normal" salon.

Go small, or go BROKE!

You've heard of "go big or go home," and probably never go small or go broke, well because I just made that up.
Recently, there's been a lot of hustle and bustle about BIG BANKS such as Wells Fargo, Capital One, Chase, JP Morgan, and well the list goes on.
Instead of putting your big bucks in BIG banks, switch over to a credit union, like Harlingen Area Teacher's Credit Union. CU's are not-for-profit. Yeah, big banks want you there for profit, but at Harlingen Teacher's area credit union, you are a member of the union, meaning you own part of it. I only paid a SINGLE dollar to open my account, and there are no hidden fees. Wells Fargo over 300 dollars in fees over the past few months, so I made the switch to something more local and personal, HATCU! Put your money where your house is, not in a corporation hundreds of miles away.

Serendipity: An unfortunate accident.

Probably one of the best inventions in dessert history, ever!

I was fortunate enough to cross paths with this place the other day. Serendipity is located in New York City, New York. I know that is definitely a far drive, but I think something like this would be successful in the valley. There's no denying that people of the RGV love food. At Serendipity, they have food all day, and once it hits about 11 PM they serve dessert for the night, but are not open 24 hours a day. Some people have sweet tooth's and could be satisfied at ALMOST any time of day. It is so much better than going to Chili's or Cheddars for dessert that it already pre-made. Here, you can get scrumptious amounts of desserts, all made fresh. The one I tried was frozen hot chocolate. They have a variety of other "weird" desserts that aren't something you just find at a "normal" restaurant, and I think the valley should have something like this. Something different. 

Quips and Quotes

Sign at Quips and Quotes located in Harlingen. 

Quips and quotes seems like it's a big business. I was about to ask the manager, when I saw the sign above, so it answered my question. You can find many people, mostly ladies who are shopping around for unique finds or a brunch. They sell items from Hello Kitty to Dallas Cowboy gifts to Godiva chocolate. In the little kitchen area, they serve iced coffees, sandwiches, fresh desserts, and many other menu choices which are available for lunch or brunch. 

The store has been around ever since I can remember. They also have a post office inside, so if you decide to buy a gift there, you can even mail it out that day. They sell greeting cards and do gift wrapping. To shop locally, you can stop by their store in either Harlingen or McAllen. 

Harlingen store is open from 9AM-6PM and closed on Sundays.

Sweet tooth pleaser!

Want something different in the RGV? Get yourself to Red Mango where there's soft serve yogurt. In between class, on a study break, or during the weekend, you must try RED MANGO yogurt. The name is deceiving, there are no red mangos, but there are animal crackers, fruity pebbles, strawberries, kiwis, and other yogurt topping concoctions you can add to your little bowl of yogurt goodness. Don't be afraid to try something new. It won't disappoint. I personally want to stop by every hour on the hour, but unfortunately I'm a broke college student, for now. Im definitely getting a Red Mango installed in my house when I'm out of school. My life would then be complete. Give in to that persistent sweet tooth and head on over to Red Mango in the plaza right beside Best Buy in Brownsville.

There's a small business for everything

Need to change your oil?

 

Sure you can change your oil at Walmart, but who goes to Walmart these days, unless it's 4 AM and you're in desperate need of a loaf of bread or something. My oil change here was a little under 35 dollars for my midsize car, and they did a terrific job. I usually get my oil changed at Just Right Lube Service because it's a small business in my local community. It's located off of a main road, Business 77, in San Benito. Get your car, truck, jeep to this place to change your oil next month. REMEMBER to support local economic growth by spending your green at local, small businesses! 

Freebirds!

The early bird gets the... BURRITO?! Free birds recently opened in Mission Texas. While you're there, make a foil sculpture to display in the restaurant. Yes, aluminum foil! The burritos are the best thing created since, the microwave oven. They have different sizes, even one called the MONSTER burrito. If you have been fasting for days, then I don't see why you shouldn't order a monster burrito. If you have not, I suggest you just go with the free bird.

"I'm as free as a bird now, and this bird you cannot change."

Yummy food

With so many Mexican food places to choose from, it gets difficult to choose from, but...

PEPE'S HAS THE BEST, THEEEE BEST fajitas ever. Many people swear by it. 

It's located off of business 77 in Harlingen and open Monday-Saturday. They have been featured in magazines and been award numerous Mexican cuisine awards.  

They have everything from tortilla soup, chicken fajitas, chalupas, flan, and even that margarita everyone longs for after a stressful week of school work, blogging, or a job. 

It's usually a full house at Pepe's so expect a wait on weekends, but do not leave because you will regret not trying their Mexican food. 

Out of towners even stop to pay a visit when they come down to the Rio Grande Valley. The owner has been open years, and hires fast paced, accurate, and friendly servers that will RARELY to NEVER forget anything you ask for. There is not a rude server in the restaurant and the chips and salsa are unlimited. Luckily, most of us have to limit ourselves, if not you could eat 400 thousand bowls of these amazing homemade chips and salsa. GET YOURSELF, YOUR COWORKERS, YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW to Pepe's now. They'll love you for it. 

Italian coffee?

Mmm, mmm, mmm coffee. Quit that Starbucks addiction. If you're in the Brownsville area, it's off of the expressway down Ruben Torres, BEFORE you get to Starbucks. So, save that extra .25 miles of gasoline, and give in to your caffeine addiction, just once more.

Satisfying food

Coletti's ambiance is like NO other. I would have to say, it is one of my favorite restaurants in Harlingen. There menu is minimal, BUT we have all had a hard time contemplating what to order. At Coletti's, everything on the menu is appealing. The soups are, well, soup-er! It has a classy and comforting atmosphere in a remodeled building in Harlingen, Texas. Coletti's is an Italian restaurant, new to the area. Instead of stopping at Olive Garden, keep on going to the Tyler exit and give Coletti's a taste.

Photo from Urban Spoon

CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE: http://www.letseat.at/Collettis

Vintage

There's nothing like wearing something new. BUT something old, can be something new. The Vintage Shop in Harlingen is all that. Quirky finds, antiques, and more. It's on Harrison in Harlingen.

Harlingen Flooring.

Everyone needs a secure floor below their feet, but if you want a floor that's good to look at, nice for your home, and affordable, Harlingen flooring is where it is at.

It's a family owned business owned by Carlos and Olga Cortez, Harlingen residents. Their daughter, Vanessa also contributes to their business by helping out when she can.

Harlingen flooring can give your home a new look with carpet, wood, ceramic, or tile flooring. They are frisky and inviting to all their regular and new customers.
Weather you're building a new house, or redoing your floors. Drive by Harlingen Flooring off of Lincoln in Harlingen.

Wink's.

Wink's is a fun place to go on a weekend or for their weekly specials. If you like country music, or want to try something new, I'd recommend this saloon and roping arena. They have live music, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, a mechanical bull, a dance floor, and plenty of space to get your Texas two-step on. Saturday's are their busiest days and you can find people from young and old having an Alan Jackson good time.
You get a feeling you're in a country warehouse. Their restrooms even look somewhat like outhouses.
So get your boots on and head down passed the city limits sign to Wink's in Brownsville to support your local business. They'll promise you some friendly hospitality, delicious food, and a fun-filled night.

Quelle

The main girls at Quelle.

The owner and neighbor of Quelle are the sweetest ladies around town. Walking into the store, you'll be greeted by one of these two friendly ladies. Inside quelle, you'll find jewelry, clothes, hats, shoes, ect. It's worth the stop! I heard of Quelle from a local, and decided to give it a try, and it is worth it. You get the ultimate hometown friendly greeting from the owner, something you won't get at a big business.

Lola's Boutique and Tea Room

Lola's Boutique is located in San Benito, just off Sam Houston Boulevard. It has unique finds, mainly clothing for ladies of all ages. It has a hometown feel. As you walk in, you see jewelry and you are greeted promptly my the owner. Towards the back, you can sit and enjoy a down-home recipe, whether it be a sandwich or dessert. You can also order hot tea or cold tea which is brewed for you to enjoy.

There are many clothing items you can try on that are not seen anywhere else in San Benito or even at the mall.

Chicken Salad, Pickel Spear and Green Tea Offered In The Tea Room

Dresses shown hanging at the boutique. 

LOCAL MOM & POP spotlight: Chocoterre by Le Chocolat

Chocoterre is located at 1425 Ruben Torres Boulevard in Brownsville

    Chocoterre by Le Chocolat is a pastry boutique in Brownsville, Texas. The original pastry shop originated in Matamoros, Mexico and expanded their business to Brownsville in February 2011.

    The shop is owned by two sisters who have eight years of experience in the delectable dessert business. Anna Hernandez, co-owner, happened to be behind the counter during my first stop Monday, September 19. Anna said that she and her sister are both live in Brownsville and said, "We are from here, and we wanted to grow and start here in the valley."
    Chocoterre has an array chocolate pleasure for those wanting to indulge in satisfying their sweet tooth.  They offer cakes, chocolate, French macaroons, pies, brownie, caramel apples, and other dessert boutique items.
    They also make cakes for weddings, graduations, parties, or even if you want to take a cake home to eat while watching sappy movies (not that I have ever done that before...).
    Anna's sister Marcela went to the French Culinary Arts Institute in New York and is also a co-owner of Chocoterre. "The French Culinary Institute is a world-class culinary school that blends classic French techniques with American inventiveness in an exciting, fast-paced curriculum." (Based off of their website, (http://www.internationalculinarycenter.com/)).

    Some of their ingredients are special ordered from suppliers, but they do locally purchase fruit to keep the menu on the fresh side.
During my quick stroll by the business, I purchased a white chocolate covered pretzel for a quarter and a Pecan Rock for a dollar, both which were chololat-rific.
   As I was leaving, a customer said, "Las pasteles son muy ricos!" She recommended the chocolate strawberry cake, which she bought for her husband's birthday.
    Whether it's someone's birthday or if somone needs a little "pick-me-up," a cupcake could put a smile on their face, unless they are depressed about blowing their diet.
    Stop by Chocoterre on Monday-Friday from 10 AM-2 PM and from 3 PM-6 PM. They're also open on Saturday from 10 AM until 5 PM. Instead of going to your typical mall candy store, support your local businesses! Au revoir.