Latest Tweet!!


Click for McAllen, Texas Forecast


About Us

Going out to eat? Need something to do tonight? A place to stay? Publish or learn of a Public Service? or simply just want to take advantage of the giveaways? You're on the right website!! McAllen is growing, becoming more metropolitan and we want you to keep up.  We want tourists to visit McAllen for vacation and for  McAllen citizens to enjoy their staycation as much as possible.

We are Lizbeth and Carlos Muriel.

"McAllen, a small town with a big city feel"

Let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.

Contact Us
Navigation
Friday
Feb052010

From Lizbeth <3

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting an incredible group of people for the past 7 months. IloveMcAllen.com was launched by my husband and I.. with one goal, to help the locals with their business. When we would go out of town, we would notice how there were nothing but franchises, and don’t get me wrong… I LOOOVEEE cheesecake factory, I’ll be the first in line if they opened one here. But the most beautiful thing about the valley is that it is full of dreamers, that get things done.


I am not going to say that the past 7 months have been easy, because I would be lying.. but they have been so rewarding. Launching your own business while going to school was very difficult. But it can be done! If I have not gotten the chance to meet you, let me tell you something about me. I am a newly wed, I have been married for 8 moths, to the most beautiful man on this earth, Carlos. He is my rock, my best friend, my everything, and although the whole idea of having a website like this was my idea, it would have not been possible without him.. Carlos and I are COMPLETE.. and I do mean TOTAL opposites.


EXAMPLES:
Carlos: can build a desk from instructions
Me (Lizbeth): if there are no pictures in the instruction manual, it will not be done. Plus, building is not my thing, why cant things just come assembled?
Carlos: he loves STAR WARS, he can assemble, disassemble, and build a computer from scratch.
Me (Lizbeth): Somehow, I have managed to make a MAC computer stop working… [they are soo incredibly reliable] and nooo, I have NEVER seen one Star Wars Movie.
Carlos: he has a toy room, full of geeky stuff, like 3 computers, literally bombarded by star wars figurines.. and what not..
Me (Lizbeth): the other extra room in the house is an extension of my closet.
You see what I mean? He is EVERYTHING I am not, and that’s why he completes me.

So anyways, he knows tons about computers and websites, and what not so he designed the site, came up with ideas, and also my ideas happen!! And VOILA! The site is there!!


As a new wife, I have tried coming up with traditions.. like going to the movies Saturdays, date night on Mondays, etc.. I find this soo incredibly important for a couple, and or a family.. to be able to rely on ONE day to be constant, not to change.. If you have kids in your family, I highly recommend PEPPER’S your tradition on MONDAYS, not because they are my clients and I love them… (I DO!) but because kids eat free on Mondays at Pepper’s!


Having a home, a business, a loving husband and family makes me realize how blessed I really am. I do not know if you guys know about the ILOVEMCALLEN.COM clients, but every single person that is on the site, has adopted a non-profit organization, it is actually a REQUIERMENT if they want to be on the site.  We need to give back!! Not take things for granted. This is why the Haiti devastation really hit close to home, seeing how many deaths, how many families were separated, it really hurt me. So IloveMcAllen decided to do something about it… local business joined forces to come up with a PROMOTIONAL card for YOU to buy for $20. 100% the money goes to the red cross, we did not spent a PENNY for the cards, or the posters everything was donated by COPY PLUS, (thank youu!!) these discount cards named: “MCALLEN <3’S HAITI” is a wonderful way to give back, not only will you be giving to HAITI but you will also be getting something in return.
This not a blog to promote anything, just so that you can get to know me a little more.. I am here to serve, if you should need anything please contact us ILOVEMCALLEN@GMAIL.COM feel free to add me to my facebook or twitter:


http://www.facebook.com/lizbeth.muriel
http://twitter.com/lizbethmuriel


"One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes."

The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

 

Tuesday
Dec012009

We Want To See Your Christmas Tree!!!

 

That's right and we want to give you a Christmas basket for your creativity... $50 Portillo Jewelers giftcard, 4 RGV Killer Bees tickets, $50 giftcard to Pepper's Uptown , 2 tickets for Cine El Rey, a gas card, a massage gift certificate & a BLISS MALE gift certificate.. WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN BY VOTES! deadline for submission is December 23rd, send your pictures to ILOVEMCALLEN@GMAIL.COM or submit them via facebook! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

 

Wednesday
Nov042009

Pepper's Go 2 Girls

 

Ginna(left) Giselle(right)

This group of lovely ladies are the brain behind the amazing restaurant, Pepper's. The second that you walk in you are guaranteed to see these two ladies on your right hand side sitting in a booth with customers or walking (more like running) around Pepper's making sure that their customers are 100% happy. Their motto is "YES WE CAN" and because of them Pepper's has had an amazing outcome in the past couple of months. They have the creativity and imagination of a 4 year old. These inspirational women have been one of the most positive people I have ever encountered in my life and the biggest go-getters. I would like for everyone to get to know them.. here are a few random questions that they have each answered. - Lizbeth Muriel

if you are nor friends with Pepper's on facebook.. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR:

http://www.facebook.com/peppers.uptown

Giselle

NAME: Giselle Dominique Mascarenhas-Gonzalez because I wanted to try and use every letter in the alphabet LOL!

BIRTHDAY: I am a VERY proud almost 37... December 09, 1972

FAVORITE COLOR: Hard one. Summer- White, Winter- Chocolate Brown, Evening- Black, Saturdays-COLOR... LOL! but seriously. OH and don't get me started on MOOD. Then it changes. 

DREAM CAR: I am leaning towards a FORD TRUCK, seriously... I love my sweet Cowboy's truck!

WHERE DO I WORK, AND WHAT DO I DO: I call myself a Consulting General Manager @ Pepper's Uptown, why? because I RUN the SHOW but my General Manager deserves that title and I don't know what to call myself then. So, I came up with "Consulting" GM... good one, huh? I also "wear" a lot of hats. I am a business marketing consultant. @ Pepper's I set the boundaries and INCREASE the bottom line. I have a FABULOUS general manager-Fernando and a rock'n Kitchen Manager- Tom- together we make a great TEAM!!

RANDOMNESS JOB I'VE DONE WHILE WORKING AT PEPPER'S: ... I want to be creative on this one but EVERYTHING I do is RANDOMNESS LOL!!!! 

FAVORITE DISH: When I am watching what I eat- grilled chicken and veggies. When I am like "I am starving and I want..." ohhhhh the Chicken Parmesan with linguini hmmmmmm so good!!!

FAVORITE PEPPER'S DESSERT: @ Pepper's the Coconut Cream Pie, or GIDDY Cupcakes

FAVORITE DRINK: I am IN LOVE with Water... yup water!

WHERE DO I WISH TO TRAVEL: GREECE!!!!!!!!!! then PARIS!!!!!!!!!!! Greece within the NEXT year FOR SURE!!!

WORST PICK UP LINE, EVER: I don't know, but the BEST one was- "You know YOU WILL date me" ... that was HOT! 

WHAT ARE THE "PEPPER'S GO TO GIRLS?": At Pepper's Ginna and I have a philosophy that we LIVE by, "YES". We like to make your perfect EVENT perfect! If you need something a little random and different, WE LOVE to make that happen. The great thing about life in general is that "happiness" revolves around food- a birthday, anniversary, X-Mas party, engagement, celebrating straight "a's", a promotion, YOU NAME it ... it revolves around FOOD!! At Pepper's we have culinary CHEFS (plural) that can make anything you wish a REALITY! The "Go 2 Girls" create and EXECUTE YOUR wishes!!

FAVORITE PART OF MCALLEN: Recently I drove downtown to see one of my best friends bar- Brewskies- and I was AMAZED at the beauty of 17th street. During the day it is under used... Pepper's will be SOUTH at Brewskies and it WILL be my FAVORITE part of McAllen. Parking on 17th on a Saturday early afternoon, walking down the beautiful street, enjoying the quaint patio at Brewskies while Pepper's is making a FRESH Philly Cheese STEAK... oh and a BREWSKIE of course... that will be AWESOME!! (Coming in December!!!)

BEST ADVICE EVER BEEN GIVEN: BE PATIENT: simple advice but it is the VERY best advice! Don't pull the trigger... live true to yourself and BE PATIENT...  

QUOTE TO LIVE BY: "When people show you who they are, believe them"

I'VE BEEN MISTAKEN FOR: hmmmmmm I don't think I have been mistaken for anyone...

BEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: cliche... but my beautiful children! My son is 16 and is an incredible artist with a heart of Gold, and my daughter is 6 and a GENIUS... seriously scary smart! I am so proud of that accomplishment!

WORST HABIT: Delayed reaction... I "process"... 

I WISH  I COULD STOP eating sweets BUT I CANT HELP IT.

MOST EMBARRASSING MUSIC ON YOUR IPOD: Jonas Brothers... I really like them.

I AM DYING FOR President Obama TO VISIT PEPPERS.

THE ONE TREND YOU'LL NEVER CATCH ME IN IS: Punk

I ALWAYS WEAR: wife beaters (tank tops)

COUNT ON ME FOR: SOLID ADVICE... if asked I answer with a truthful heart and sometimes it happens to be the exact opposite of what you want to hear... but I promise it is done with the BEST intentions. Sometimes, I wish people would just NOT ask.

I WANT TO SEE MORE OF: a LUNCH crowd AT PEPPERS because we have great and affordable options. We have a solid crowd but my wish is to have people waiting at the bar to be seated... JUST CRAZY BUSY!!!!

FAVORITE OUTFIT: A little black dress with 6 inch black pumps!

MY FAVORITE ANIMAL IS: a puppy that is potty trained and does not lick.... hmmmmm non-existent.

YOU ARE AT PEACE AT: THE BEACH!

AT HOME YOU WILL FIND ME: in pj's!!

DO YOU COOK? (CEREAL DOESN'T COUNT)... LOL!!!!!!! still laughing!!!!! I have many qualities that I am proud of but "cooking" is not one of them... Let see, my kids think I make a great french toast.

YOU'D BE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT I'VE NEVER.. seen a professional football game!

IF I COULD TRADE LIFES WITH A PERSON I WOULD BE OMG Oprah for ONE day!!!! She is brilliant, giving, funny, creative, innovative, and can overcome all OBSTACLES!!!!

FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A Go To Girl is I LOVE what I do and it translates to whoever is needing one of the many "services" I provide!!!

 

Ginna 

NAME: Let’s see well my birth certificate says Ginna, but everyone just calls me “G”, buncha lazies! Lol or Baby *G*

BIRTHDAY: Oct. 16th

AGE:  you tell me what year I was born, ‘cause I tend to forget how old I am, when I feel like being an adult I was born :cough: early 80’s, when I feel like being a kid (most of the time) I’m 20’ something ;)

FAVORITE COLOR:  hot pink & black!

DREAM CAR: Bentley Continental, now picture me rollin’ ...Ooooh yaaa

WHERE DO I WORK, AND WHAT DO I DO: I work for Pepper’s at Uptown and I am the Public Relations Executive, but I get to tap into a lot of different things...i’m kinda’ like Visa..everywhere!!!

RANDOMNESS JOB I'VE DONE WHILE WORKING AT PEPPER'S: At the Bill Clinton event besides mingling with people and making sure everyone was taken care of, I had to watch the chocolate fountain and it totally broke down & dried up on me (oopsy). Well, President Clinton was having a meeting inside and I couldn’t get passed to the kitchen so Secret Service (oh so handsome) asks,  “would you like for me to heat up your chocolate”? LOL..that was a very random & awkward situation. So I said “yes, can you please heat up my chocolate”, as I giggled and shook my head. 

FAVORITE DISH: I love what we named “The Mayor” after Mayor Ruben Villarreal. It’s a 10 oz. chopped sirloin cooked to my perfection with melted jack cheese, a big ‘ol tomato and asparagus on the side. It’s healthy but so dang good!

FAVORITE PEPPER'S DESSERT: Ohhhh man, the ice-cream brownie goes so hard!!! As my mouth is watering :siiiiigh:

FAVORITE DRINK: Are we talking alcohol here? Ok, well if we’re not I love Arnold Palmer but with Raspberry Tea & of course ½ lemonade.

WHERE DO I WISH TO TRAVEL: I would love to go on a cruise with my girlfriends!!! No boys allowed!!!

WORST PICK UP LINE, EVER: Well, someone asked me “if it hurt when I fell” and I was like OMG you saw me fall, how embarrassing! He was like “you just fell”? I said, “YES DUDE, I tripped outside, how embarrassing!” He said “I was gonna ask if it hurt when you fell from heaven” LMAO..what? I can’t help that I totally messed that up, plus I had heard it before :X Tell me something new, buddy!

WHAT ARE THE "PEPPER'S GO TO GIRLS?" Well it’s not really “Pepper’s Go 2 Girls” we’re just “Go 2 Girls” in GENERAL! I am always being asked for advice on anything ranging from makeup, fashion advice, what’s going on this weekend, relationship advice, etc, and people go to Giselle for the EXACT same things, so it just made sense! We both love to inspire, encourage and motivate people. We like to help others reach their potential at the same time learn from each other. I came up with the G2G, it was just perfect. We’re both G’s and it’s two of us, that’s my marketing skills kickin’ in! lol. I’ve always wanted to start my own business and I’ve been fortunate to have people who believe in me.  I’m a firm believer in God putting the right people in my path and I’m thankful that I came across Giselle, she’s someone who has the same energy, vision and sees the big picture like I do.  

FAVORITE PART OF MCALLEN: It’s growing like crazy and I don’t think many people my age grasp that! For years, we have been one of the fastest growing areas in the Nation. I always thought as soon as I graduated I would take off to New York, Los Angeles or back to Austin, but honestly, there is so much opportunity down here. I’m on a mission to make the Valley a cool place to stay! hahaha

BEST ADVICE EVER BEEN GIVEN:  I have received so much advice and I am constantly being mentored so I can’t think of just one so these are a couple: Remember where you came from, stay grounded, stay humble, treat people with respect, never let fear stand in the way of your dreams, God doesn’t put something in your heart if it was not suppose to be yours. God will bless you beyond your wildest dreams if you stay faithful to him and of course, stay true to yourself.

 

QUOTE TO LIVE BY: "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive & to do so with some passion, compassion, some humor, and some style" - Maya Angelou

I'VE BEEN MISTAKEN FOR: Well not mistaken but that I look like the chic from Pussy Cat Dolls, I’ll take that! She’s hot!

BEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:  I’d like to think I’m barely scratching the surface on things I would like to accomplish, but as of now, it would definitely be graduating from college. It was a very long journey, it took me longer than 4 years, but my mother always said, “make sure you get your degree, no one can ever take that away from you”.

WORST HABIT: I tend to self-diagnose myself. I claim to have “ADHD, early signs of arthritis, back problems, migraines” the list goes on..Mom says I’m just’a nut J

I WISH I COULD STOP my mind from going a hundred mph all the time BUT I CANT HELP IT.

MY FRIENDS ALWAYS MAKE FUN OF ME FOR: my RANDOM words I make up or my “lingo”

MOST EMBARRASSING MUSIC ON YOUR IPOD: These songs are a buck each, I don’t waste money on non-sense! LoL

I AM DYING FOR Jay-Z  TO VISIT PEPPERS, imagine?

THE ONE TREND YOU'LL NEVER CATCH ME IN IS: Never say never..cause I’m always up for  a good “I dare you”.

I ALWAYS WEAR: my heart on my sleeve.

COUNT ON ME FOR: Advice, if I know a friend is having issues of some sort or needs advice on anything, I pray for the wisdom to say the right things.

I WANT TO SEE MORE OF my friends AT PEPPERS.

FAVORITE OUTFIT: Torn jeans and a white tank or t-shirt, baseball cap or pony tail. That’s what I feel the sexiest in. 

MY FAVORITE ANIMAL IS Bentley, my little Yorkie. He’s evil, but he means well J

YOU ARE AT PEACE AT church, home or my best friend David’s place.

AT HOME YOU WILL FIND ME on the recliner with the plasma facing my direction tuned into Sports Center.

DO YOU COOK? I’m no Betty Crocker or Rachel Ray, but I can definitely get by.

YOU'D BE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT I'VE NEVER.. slapped someone. C’mon we all know we wish we could, my mama taught me better though.

IF I COULD TRADE LIFES WITH A PERSON I WOULD BE Mother Theresa.  

FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A Go To Girl: It would have to be knowing that people trust me with their heart for advice and my opinion on everything else.  On the business side, Giselle and I, are surrounded by business moguls and very savvy business people, that it’s sort of like attending college all over again, just learning and taking everything in from these amazing people. We have been blessed to work great events and it’s a great feeling knowing that people invest in us. Can’t wait to see what the future has in store for G2G!!!

 

 

Friday
Oct302009

Happy Halloween!!!!!

IloveMcAllen.com wants our young ones to be safe, here are some precautions:

  • Children shouldn't accept or eat candy that isn't commercially wrapped.
  • They should wait until they get home to eat their candy.
  • Parents should dispose of homemade items from their child's goodie bag, as well as small items that may be a choking hazard.
  • Inspect candy for suspicious markings and tampering, and discard.
  • Ensure that juice served at parties is pasteurized, to kill bacteria.
  • If your child is going to be in your neighborhood with a group of friends, make sure they have walkie talkie, but children under 14 shouldnt be left alone.
  • Halloween costumes are usually extremely flamable please make sure they do not get close to lanters or candles.
  • Costumes should not cover their eyes or make it difficult to see.
  • It is recommended to take a flashlight in case street lights dont light up enough..
  • Although Hidalgo County probation officials are gathering sex offenders for an education seminar from the hours of 6 to 10pm not all of them report,   so it wouldn't be a bad idea to look at this website to see which houses you could skip it tells you if there are any sex offenders in sight of your neighborhood, a picture and their address. http://www.familywatchdog.us/

Have a Happy Safe Halloween!!

Friday
Oct022009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

 

As a woman, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a wife many things concern me.. but one of the few things that does not is breast cancer, it is treatable.. but if it is not diagnosed on time it can be deadly. I do not want to alarm you, but inform you..  Ideally, every woman over age 40 should have a mammogram annually.. but if you know that cancer runs in your family you should not wait until you are 40. Cancer makes no exceptions.. but your early detection can make the difference between life and death. 

BREAST CANCER SELF EXAMINATION LINK:

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/About-Breast-Cancer/Breast-Self-Exam.aspx

HERE IS SOME THE INFORMATION THAT I HAVE GATHERED FOR YOU:

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. While the majority of new breast cancers are diagnosed as a result of an abnormality seen on a mammogram, a lump or change in consistency of the breast tissue can also be a warning sign of the disease. Heightened awareness of breast cancer risk in the past decades has led to an increase in the number of women undergoing mammography for screening, leading to detection of cancers in earlier stages and a resultant improvement in survival rates. Still, breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women between the ages of 45 and 55. Although breast cancer in women is a common form of cancer,male breast cancer  does occur and accounts for about 1% of all cancer deaths in men.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAN BE:

http://www.medicinenet.com/breast_cancer/article.htm

IF YOU KNOW OF ANY EVENTS BENEFITING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH FEEL FREE TO SEND US AN E-MAIL TO IloveMcAllen@gmail.com