Rebecca "ThursdayGirl" H.'s Profile

Allrecords is the last, great independent music store in Houston. Opened in 1980 by Fred Allred, Allrecords is a music-lover's oasis tucked away in an unassuming little corner of the River Oaks Shopping Center. Most days Fred himself mans the register and stops to chat with customers about new releases and special orders. He is a true music lover and will bend over backward to find anything you're looking for.

Although Allrecords always has the latest releases, their specialty is jazz, classical, showtunes and pop standards. I have a real weakness for big band music and the vocal greats like Peggy Lee and Mel Torme. Fred always made sure to let me know when box sets, new releases and remastered reissues would be available.

With the advent of iTunes, I haven't been back to Allrecords in a while. But just thinking about the fun I had climbing over boxes and shuffling through stacks of yet-to-be-alphabetized discs (the place is so small that it's literally crammed to the rafters with merchandise) is making me nostalgic for the thrill of musical discovery once more. After I get my next paycheck, I think I'll pay Fred a visit -- hope to see you there!

I can't really explain the odd, coincidental set of circumstances that prompted me to show up for my first Nia class (I don't often try new things on the spur of the moment), and I don't know how I was comfortable doing things with a group of strangers that included shouting, dancing and pretending I was an ocean wave. But I do know that it was one of the best cardio workouts I ever had, and the most fun by a mile. I now attend three Nia classes a week and look forward to every session like a five-year-old looks forward to recess.

Nia (which stands for Neuromuscular Integrative Action) is, according to their website, "a dynamic cardiovascular workout that stimulates and integrates your mind/body/spirit and leaves you feeling recharged, rejuvenated, and fully alive." I can definitely attest to that!

In addition to Nia classes, the two studio locations offer yoga, pilates, aikido, tai chi, ZUMBA and several other body therapies. They also have a full plate of workshops on everything from Tantra for Couples to Exotic Dancing for Everyday Women.

If you have an inner dancer, martial artist or yogini begging to be released, Nia is probably the place for you to discover it. The instructors are highly-skilled and very unique in their presentations, so it pays to try a few different classes and see if a particular person speaks to you. Their studios are roomy, well-lit and provide ample parking space. Best of all, they offer a two-week free trial coupon on their website (http://niamoves.com) for beginners -- so you can check out their different classes and see if it's right for you.

Josephine's is my husband's and my go-to restaurant when we decide at 7 p.m. on a Friday that we want to get a little dressed up, have a nice meal and wine, and not have to wait for 3 hours. Although there are always plenty of patrons, we've never had to wait for seating. The food is delicious, served in just-right portions and reasonably priced. Dishes we've enjoyed include the Vegetable Lasagna, the Sicilian Ziti and the Chicken Sampler (seasoned chicken breast and three types of pastas -- a generous serving that we often split). The wine list is more than adequate -- my husband usually gets the Kendall Jackson pinot and I stick with a split of Chandon sparkling wine.

Josephine's has the feel (and look) of an old-school, family-run Italian restaurant. The servers are friendly and attentive. There always seems to be animated conversation and the warm glow of candles. Very rarely have we encountered children here -- it seems to be a place for grown-ups who want a delicious meal in a relaxed setting, before heading off into the downtown evening on their way to other adventures.

Husband and I just ordered it on the advice of friends, and to say we were happily surprised is putting it mildly. This is the best pizza we've had in quite a while (and we're true pizza lovers). Delicious crust, generous toppings and a pleasantly spicy sauce make this our new go-to pizza place when we get a craving. Service was great too -- and the delivery guy was here much quicker than we expected. One more great place for the Heights!