The unknown can be terrifying. So, we are here to ease your fears and make a few things known. You know, really important things. Um, where to get a great massage and such. I-M-P-O-R-T-A-N-T.

There's nothing worse (well, not nothing, but this is pretty bad...) than spending an hour at the hands of a masseuse and walking away not feeling any better. There is NO way this would happen if you are in the care of Maryanne Martinez. Her specialty is chronic pain in women. She's also FANTASTIC for prenatal massages. She's hands down one of the best massage therapists in this area. Maryanne Martinez, Body Mind Massage Clinic, Beaumont, 409/656.8998.

Serving up good cups of joe: There's a few places that do it for us. If you live in Orange, stop by the Jumping Bean on Hwy 87 (next to Suki's Bridal) & pick up the Creme Brule. Beaumonters, try the Vanilla Latte at Rao's on Dowlen or Calder. If you are into fair trade, The Barking Dog on Pearl in Downtown Beaumont will do right by ya- any cup will do!

Yesterday, we saw you trip coming down the steps at the office. Don't worry, we won't tell anyone. To make matters worse, you broke the heel on your favorite pump! Get it fixed at Quality Shoe Repair. Located at 5955 Phelan in Beaumont (next to Belle Maman, Sans Souci, etc)., 409/866.6855.

We recently were invited to a "stock the bar" shower for an engaged couple. If you did, too, get great wine accessories (and a bottle!) at D'Vine Wine in Beaumont. They rent space for small parties, too. 409/861.0400.

Your obsession with candles is over the top. You just can't get enough. If that's the case, we'll first suggest therapy. Next, we'll send you to the Candle Cottage on Boston Ave. in Nederland. 409/721.5018.

We think this is enough to chew on for now. More known-unknown information to come.

Rainy Kimbrough just opened a new yarn shop called Strings and Things in the Oaks Shopping Center (think World Gym) on Dowlen in Beaumont. She offers beginner classes, project classes for advance, and a lounge area for circles of ladies who have gone 'a knittin.' Strings and Things, 225-5185.

"I recently learned I'll be moving to Beaumont Texas for a year and I was directed to your website by my boyfriend. He thought I'd benefit from "a girl's guide to Southeast Texas" and he was correct in his assumption! I love the website and I feel as if I already have a perspective on life in Southeast Texas. I'm situated between Philadelphia and New York so needless to say I'm accustomed to the hustle and bustle of city life. I know moving to Beaumont will be a change, but also a unique opportunity to experience a different part of the country! Thanks to your website I already have some places to explore. Thank you again for a great resource..." From Katie in New Jersey