The magazine has featured articles on style, healthy living, home building and decorating, food, and more.  Their latest issue, which hit stands on Saturday, has a piece on the upcoming Tyler Rose marathon and the Rose Festival.

Operating under the same roof as the Tyler Morning Telegraph, IN Magazine has access to the city’s most talented writers and photographers.  Think of it as a newspaper but cooler.  Maybe the news isn’t quite as relevant as the news reported in the traditional paper, but the traditional paper doesn’t have the big, pretty, glossy photos that IN Magazine has.

You should definitely read IN Magazine if you do not already.  It can be found at racks all over Tyler. I hear the new issue  features a blurb on food bloggers…  I am definitely looking forward to reading that!

My previous extensions had been reapplied, trimmed, styled, etc. numerous times and weren’t exactly looking their greatest.   So obviously I was thrilled when Kimberly opened her cabinet to reveal a supply of pristine, shining blonde hair that would blend oh so perfectly into my hair.  This time, she used a combination of one tract at the base of my hair and then used several strand by strand pieces over that up to the crown that together create both thickness and movability

It feels so great to have a fresh, healthy, thick head of hair again.   So what if it’s not all exactly mine?  If you are interested in getting hair extensions call Kimberly at (903) 372-2977 for a free consultation in a relaxed private atmosphere.

Unk’s Shrimp Shack is, obviously, a seafood restaurant.  Family owned and operated, the restaurant has been serving area residents and guests at The Villages resort for years.  Though the grilled shrimp and steamed broccoli is good, nobody should ever go to Unk’s and not order the Seafood Platter which, even in the Seafood Platter for One size, is enough fried food to feed a family of six.  Piled high with french fries, fried clam strips, fried catfish filet, fried oysters, stuffed crab, hush puppies, and boiled shrimp, the Seafood Platter is unbeatable when you’ve got a craving for anything fried.  I also love the condiment station stocked with homemade green tomato relish, cocktail, remoulade, and tarter sauces, and there’s even a tub of pure, nose burning horseradish which I love to eat on saltine crackers with a bit of the tomato relish.

The one downside of Unk’s, is the price.   Me and my husband always get the Seafood Platter for One and an order of grilled shrimp, and it really adds up quick.  However, the food is delicious, and you couldn’t ask for nicer people than the folks over at Unk’s to buy dinner from.  Also, they do serve beer at Unk’s, which is a plus in my book,  but also usually ends up being another wallet drainer if we are dining in.

Unk’s Shrimp Shack is located on the corner of Big Eddy Road and 2661 in Noonday, just outside of the Villages Resort on Lake Palestine.  They have seasonal hours and are not open every day, so I strongly suggest calling first before heading out that way to ensure they’re going to be open.  Also, another word of advice… the guys in the kitchen might throw some extras on your Seafood Platter if you buy them a beer, so be sure to keep that in mind!

Unk’s Shrimp Shack
16760 County Road 1261
Flint, TX 75762-9182
(903) 939-2323

Now we all have a reason to go to Penney’s aside from the easy access to the mall and the always plentiful parking.  The Sephora store located inside offers a modified product selection that is not quite as extensive as their full stores, but still offers us an option other than Ulta for higher end cosmetics and beauty products.

Today is the grand opening at the new Sephora and starting at 10am goodie bags will be gifted to the first shoppers who come check it out.  I am telling you now that I WILL be one of those who gets a goodie bag!

I definitely would not say that I frequent Fat Catz, but I really do like the food there and would recommend it to anyone searching for that type of cuisine.  I love the red beans and rice, the corn bread, the crawfish wraps, the blackened tilapia, and of course, the fried pickles.  Last time I dined there I had a pretty good salad topped with avocado, crab meat, shrimp, and roumalade sauce.  The menu at Fat Catz is extensive, and I’d say there’s something for everyone from fried fish to salads, from grilled chicken to gumbo.

In addition to their regular menu, Fat Catz also caters.   Recently, they catered an employee luncheon for me, and they did an incredible job.  They brought grilled chicken breasts, salad, crawfish wraps, dirty rice, mixed vegetables, and a whole tray of warm and delicious bread pudding.  They definitely went above and beyond and really stood out both in food quality and and quantity.

Fat Catz delivers consistently good food and decent service.   The owners actually live in the Dallas area, yet strive to make a connection with us Tylerites and actively support the Tyler Tourism Committee.  Hopefully more restaurateurs will follow in their footsteps and see what great things can come from being involved!