Monday, November 21, 2011

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.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

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. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

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.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

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.

Friday, November 11, 2011

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! 

Thursday, November 10, 2011

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."

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

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. 

Monday, November 7, 2011

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.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

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

Thursday, November 3, 2011

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.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

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.