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Houston Lifestyles & Homes May 2016
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Contents MAY 2016
Established 1995 NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DIRECT-MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 40,000 PREMIER HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN HOUSTON INCLUDING River Oaks, Memorial, Tanglewood/Galleria, West University/Village, Meyerland/Bellaire
facebook.com/Lifestyles.Admin houstonlifestyles.com founder and publisher Bill and Linda Anderson
Editor Linda Vaughan Anderson editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
Office Manager Linda Peterson
Contributing Editors Cheryl Alexander • Mara Soloway Kelly Foss • Cathy Gordon Dr. Lori • Judy Latta Melanie Saxton • Cindy Ziervogel
Social Editor Jan Carson
{44} Stunning in Southgate Design provides livable, inviting fun. Interview by: Cheryl Alexander Photography by: Kyle Humphries, Murphy Mears Architects
Wine Editor Denman Moody
Photographers J. Pamela Photography, Inc.
Production Manager Michael Ogrodowicz
Graphic Designers Todd Anderson • Lettie Rudel
Account Executives Marita Pratt • Kim Zeiner Amy Barker Richards Amy Ahlbrand Robinson Tracy Ray • Joe Welch Donna Sommer • Lisa Adams
{8}
ARTS & HAPPENINGS Mark your calendar to attend community activities and charitable events.
ADVERTISING INFORMATION houstonlifestyles.com 281.240.2445 Ext. 128 REACH OUR FULL CIRCULATION: Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes Houston Lifestyles & Homes Katy/Fulshear Lifestyles & Homes
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ON THE TOWN Parties, galas and celebrations. See what Houston movers and shakers are doing!
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| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes SUBSCRIPTIONS: $18 per year houstonlifestyles.com FORT BEND PUBLISHING GROUP 10707 Corporate Drive, Suite 170 • Stafford, TX 77477 Tel: 281.240.2445 ext. 128 E: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
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Contents MAY 2016
In Store Now {28 DISCOVERIES} New and unique finds for your home and lifestyles. {30 EDITOR’S COLUMN} See what we are doing on Pinterest. {30 BOOKS} New reads on decorating, health, cooking, and more. {32 FASHION} What to wear now and a look at new styles for the upcoming season. {36 NEW AUTO} Reviews of the Jaguar XF and Cadillac CTS.
The Good Life {75 RECIPE} Orange Cardamom Blueberry Crostada {76 MEMORABLE WEDDINGS} Newlyweds share their special day. {82 TRAVEL} The Woodlands Resort is an enchanted oasis.
Cityscope
More Features
Home Inspirations Inside &Out
{38} Mini Murals Houston Promoting civic pride through civic art.
{52} INTERIOR DETAILS Interior Updates that Inspire
{57} HOME IMPROVEMENT Getting More from the Outdoors
Make a difference with fixes large or small.
Update your backyard living space.
{54}
{60}
INTERIOR DETAIL
HOME IMPROVEMENT
RESOURCES
RESOURCES {84}
A slice of Houston’s business, professional and cultural scene.
{62} All About Dahlias!
6
Follow this plan and prepare to be amazed.
Health & Well-Being
{65} Water Garden and Pond Tour, May 7-8
{70} Learning About Lupus
{42} ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI Kid
Know the symptoms and causes.
Collectors know what’s hot and what’s not.
Get inspired to create your own peaceful space!
{74} Family Health
{88} HISTORICAL Keep Houston Beautiful.
| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
Columns
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Imani Winds members (l-r)Jeff Scott, horn; Mariam Adam, clarinet; Monica Ellis, bassoon; Valerie Coleman, flute; and Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe.
Da Camera Presents Imani Winds and Harlem Quartet Passion For Bach and Coltrane, May 6 Chamber music and jazz come together in the adventurous Da Camera season finale concert Passion for Bach and Coltrane: Imani Winds, Harlem Quartet and Special Guests, Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m. at Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center. This concert celebrates the 50th anniversary of John Coltrane’s legendary album A Love Supreme. The acclaimed Imani Winds, the dynamic Harlem Quartet and an outstanding jazz trio each perform individually. The concert features the Houston premieres of Chick Corea’s The Adventures of Hippocrates for string quartet and Houston native pianist and composer Jason Moran’s Cane for wind quintet. All three ensembles and respected poet A.B. Spellman come together for the Houston premiere. The ensemble consists of Imani Winds (Valerie Coleman, flute; Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe; Mariam Adam, clarinet; Jeff Scott, horn; Monica Ellis, bassoon); Harlem Quartet (Ilmar Gavilan, violin; Melissa White, violin; Jaime Amador, viola; Matthew Zalkind, cello); Alex Brown, piano; Zach Brown, bass; Neal Smith, drums; and A.B. Spellman, narration. Imani Winds has established itself as one of the most successful chamber music ensembles in the United States. Harlem Quartet’s mission is to advance diversity in classical music, engaging young and new audiences through the discovery and presentation of varied repertoire that includes works
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| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
by minority composers. A.B. Spellman is an African-American poet, music critic, music historian, arts administrator and author. Tickets are $25 and are available at 1402 Sul Ross, at 713-524-5050 or online at dacamera.com. Tickets for students and senior citizens are always half-price. $5 student rush tickets available 30 minutes before the concert begins.
through Memorial Park as they take in the sights of artwork from 19 different disciplines and enjoy an array of local foods. ACA recently announced executive changes within the staff. Bridget Anderson joined ACA as the executive director, with more than 25 years of professional fundraising experience and a degree in the arts. Anderson hopes her training can help the Bayou City Art Festival continue to achieve national recognition as one of top outdoor festivals in the country. “It’s an amazing opportunity to be a part of the Bayou City Art Festival. I’m excited about what’s ahead in the 45th year of spotlighting talented artists, with a dedicated staff, and thousands of art lovers,” said Anderson. The ACA also welcomes new board president, Michael Piana, owner of a business consulting firm and an art enthusiast who has served as a board member for the past 18 years. Piana provides guidance to the board with his 40 years of experience in corporate and entrepreneurial executive management and is looking forward to his new role. The Memorial Park Festival continues to be one of the favorites for Houstonians to attend. For tickets visit artcolonyassociation.org. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children, ages 3-12. Shuttle busses return this year at Northwest Mall for easy access to festival grounds in front of the admission gates. Shuttle tickets are on sale for $3.
Red Potato MaRket days , aPRil 22-23
Bayou City aRt Festival MeMoRial PaRk, aPRil 29 - May 1 Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA) will celebrate 45 years of fine art as it spotlights more than 350 artists during its annual Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park on April 29-May 1. With an adoration of animals and spunky, colorful paintings, April Murphy, a local Houstonian, will serve as the featured artist. Festival patrons will enjoy a vibrant walk
Red Potato Market Days returns Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. 5 p.m. at 9114 FM 1489, in Simonton. There will be a Preview Party on Thursday, April 21 from 4 -7 p.m. Over 70 vendors participate, bringing vintage, antiques and painted furniture, lighting, eclectic finds, art, jewelry, clothing, pottery and handmade soaps and crafts. It’s the perfect place to relax in the country only 35 miles west of Houston and 15 miles west of Katy. Local Farmers also bring fresh produce and home made goods. Food trucks and a live band combine to make this a fun event. The event takes place under a covered area, rain or shine. The $5 admission supports Young Life & Simonton Christian Academy. Children under 12 are free. The cost to attend the Preview Party is $20. For more information visit the website, redpotatomarket.com, or call 281-533-9863.
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The evening will feature vocal stylist Cary Hoffman, who will share his Sinatra stories and songs in a customized performance for the first time in front of a Houston audience. Proceeds from this event will benefit HAA’s programs and services for arts organizations and individual artists. For more information, contact Kate Yadan at 713-581-6118 or kate@haatx.com. Frank Sinatra
haa hosts An intimAte evening with SinAtrA'S icOnic muSic, aPRil 28 On Thursday, April 28, Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) will host its third annual fundraising dinner, An Intimate Evening with Sinatra's Iconic Music, at Hotel Zaza. In celebration of Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday, this special evening of dining and entertainment will be reminiscent of a ‘50’s supper club showcasing “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” Chaired by Philamena Baird and Regina Garcia with Honorary Chair Trini Mendenhall, the event will honor HAA’s very own chairman of the board Marc Melcher.
Henry
theatRe southwest PResents One Slight hitch, thRough aPRil 30 Theatre Southwest presents One Slight Hitch, through April 30 at 8944A Clarkcrest. This hilarious comedy from comedian Lewis Black, takes place on Courtney's wedding day, and her mom, Delia, is making sure that everything is perfect. The groom is perfect, the dress is perfect, and the decorations (assuming they arrive) will be perfect. Then, of course, the doorbell rings. And all hell breaks loose. So much for perfect. The play is directed by David Hymel and assistant Crys Hymel. Performances run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through
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Tues.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 11-3
Delia explains to Doc that she just wants the perfect wedding (Scott Holmes, Vicky McCormick).
April 30. Tickets are $18 or $16 seniors and students (with ID). For tickets, visit theatresouthwest.org, email tickets@theatresouthwest.org or call 713-661 9505.
texas ChildRen’s hosPital/BayloR College oF MediCine host giRls elevated event, aPRil 30 On Saturday, April 30 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the United Way Community Resource Center (50 Waugh Drive), Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine will host a Girls Elevated event to empower teens and tweens. Girls Elevated is a fun, interactive, day-long session for girls ages 10-18 and their parents or caregivers, hosted by experts. The event is designed to make the journey through adolescence easier for daughters and caregivers. All girls and their mothers, fathers and other caregivers are invited to attend separate, age-appropriate sessions to hear from a team of experts on the subjects girls want and need to know about, from healthy relationships to the real image of beauty and more. Meanwhile, caregivers will hear expert advice to help strengthen their bond with their teen– from setting boundaries to talking to adolescents about difficult subjects. There’s never been a safer, more encouraging environment for girls to ask questions – or a trusted team of experts better equipped to answer them. There will be separate sessions for elementary, middle and high school girls, and for caregivers. The keynote speaker is Stacy Mosely, senior associate director of athletics at Rice University. Cost is $30 per adult/teen pair. Each additional girl or caretaker pays $20 (fee includes lunch, snacks and free convenient parking). For more information about the topics covered in each session and to register, visit girlselevated2016.eventbrite.com.
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houston ChildRen’s ChoRus PResents its annual sPRing ConCeRt, aPRil 30 The Houston Children’s Chorus will conclude its 27th season by presenting its annual Spring Concert at Grace Presbyterian Church. The concert will feature a multitude of sacred and secular works, highlighted by the premiere of Ripple of Kindness by Donna Butler Douglas, as well as performances of Jubilate Deo by William Krape, a setting of Psalm 150 by Sir David Wilcocks, and “Benedicte” by Andrew Carter. All choirs of the Houston Children’s Chorus as well as singers from Burrus Elementary School, a member school of the Chorus’s “Music in the Schools” program, will perform, all conducted by Stephen Roddy, founder and director of the chorus. The group has earned recognition as one of the finest children’s choruses in the nation by dedicating hundreds of hours each year to their rehearsals and performances, and is seen annually by hundreds of thousands of people. Auditions for the 2016-2017 season will take place in May and June; registration and audition information can be found at houstonchildren.org. Tickets for the Spring Concert are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12 and can be purchased on the website, by calling 713-650-3800, or at the door on the day of the event.
“CRaFttexas 2016” Call FoR aRtists aPPliCation deadline, aPRil 30 Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) announces its call for artists for the fall exhibition, CraftTexas 2016, open to craft artists currently residing in Texas. CraftTexas 2016 is the ninth in a series of juried exhibitions showcasing the finest in Texas-made contemporary craft. This encompassing exhibition will feature artists from across the state who work in clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, and found/recycled materials. On view Sept. 23-Jan. 8, the exhibition provides an introduction for the general public to develop an appreciation for the depth and breadth of craft being made in their local communities and across the state. Visit crafthouston.org/artists/artistopportunities/crafttexas-call-for-artists/ for a full list of details and eligibility requirements.
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| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
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Sam Hartley as The Beast and Brooke Quintana as Beauty.
THORNWOOD GALLERY
DISNEY'S BEAUTY & THE BEAST, aPRil 27-May 1 Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is returning to Houston at the Hobby Center as part of the 2015-2016 Season of Broadway at the Hobby Center Sponsored by Bank of America. Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to the Hobby Center April 27-May 1. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast features the Academy Award-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs composed by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The original creators of the Broadway production have reunited for this new touring production. The play is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, with costume design by Ann HouldWard (Tony Award winner for her work on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), lighting design by Natasha Katz (five-time Tony Award winner), scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, sound design by John Petrafesa Jr. and music supervision by Michael Kosarin. Based on the 1991 Academy Awardwinning animated feature film and celebrating 21 years since its Broadway premiere in 1994, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the ninth longest-running musical in Broadway history. It has become an international sensation seen by over 35 million people worldwide in 22 countries, and translated into nine different languages. This production launched in February 2010 and has been seen nearly 3 million people. Currently, there are five productions playing around the world. Visit BeautyAndTheBeastOnTour.com or BroadwayAtTheHobbyCenter.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
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(L-R): Kristin WolfeJenson, Alecia Lawyer and Danielle Kuhlmann.
tuts undeRgRound PResents heAtherS the muSicAl, thRough May 8 RiveR oaks ChaMBeR oRChestRa aPRil/May ConCeRt sChedule The River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) Brass Quintet will once again appear as part of the City of West University Place Parks and Recreation Department’s “Music Under the Stars” Classical Concert Series in Colonial Park on April 22 at 7 p.m. at Colonial Park, West University, 4130 Byron St. The event is free. The Unchambered Series and ROCO’s 2015–2016 season closes with “Singing Our Song” on May 15 at 5 p.m. at the Midtown Arts & Theatre Center Houston. The event is a special concert featuring artistic director and principal oboist Alecia Lawyer and associate artistic director and violist Suzanne LeFevre. The program includes works by Hugo Kauder and Ignaz Lachner, Robert Kahn’s “Serenade” and more. The evening is crowned by the performance of a world premiere piece by composer Reena Esmail, commissioned in honor of LeFevre. Tickets are $25 general admission; $15 students (+$2 serving and processing fee by MATCH).For more information, visit rocohouston.org. The Cosmos – An HD Odyssey will truly take audiences out of this world.
houston syMPhony May 2016 season ConCludes with woRld PReMieRe oF “the CosMos” The Houston Symphony’s 102nd season will come to a close in May with a varied sampling of family, classical, and POPS concerts. Classic rock will kick off the month, the final 2015-16 family concert will encourage children to follow their dreams, and Andrés OrozcoEstrada will take the stage for the season’s final classical concerts, which include the world
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premiere of The Cosmos – An HD Odyssey. Joined by guest vocalists Shem von Schroeck, Micah Wilshire and Lori Wilshire, the orchestra will perform music by some of the most distinguished rock bands of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s in Journey, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac & More at 8 p.m. May 6-7 and 2:30 p.m. May 8. The same weekend, at 10 and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, families and children of all ages are encouraged to attend the sea-
TUTS Underground presents Heathers The Musical through May 8 at The Hobby Center for Performing Arts – Zilkha Hall (800 Bagby St.) Heathers, based on the 1989 cult classic film, is a dark, delicious story of the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High - Heather, Heather and Heather. Veronica Sawyer, the only non-Heather of the clique, rejects their ruthless regime when she falls for bad boy J.D. who wants to see all the Heathers six feet under. Relive your high school years, friends and foes, in this rollercoaster ride of a musical. Join the group for the grand finale of TUTS Underground’s third season as these original “mean girls” show Houston audiences just how depraved the high school social stratosphere can really be. Ticket prices are $25 - $50 and can be purchased at tutsunderground.com or by phone at 713-558-TUTS (8887).
son’s final family concert, Dreams Can Come True. Led by Associate Conductor Robert Franz, the program explores the imagination with music from Disney’s classic “The Little Mermaid” as well as A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Andrés Orozco-Estrada returns to the podium at 8 p.m. May 21 and 2:30 p.m. May 22 for Andrés Conducts Symphonie Fantastique. In the season’s grand finale, The Cosmos – An HD Odyssey will truly take audiences out of this world at 8 p.m. May 26-29 featuring video and imagery of the universe’s far distant galaxies, the sun, and other astronomical wonders as seen from the Hubble Space Telescope. The film, from producer Duncan Copp, will be accompanied by the Houston Symphony’s live performance of Dvořák’s famous Symphony No. 9, From the New World. All concerts will take place at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana Street. For tickets and information, please call 713-224-7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org.
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toyota texas Bass ClassiC, May 20-22 The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) is now part of Toyota Texas Fest presented by JBL, a three-day festival of events to be held May 20-22 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. In addition to celebrating the 10-year anniversary of TTBC, Toyota Texas Fest will enable the event to further its mission to help broaden the audience reach and ultimately increase the awareness and funding for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Toyota Texas Fest will include concerts, an outdoor festival and fun activities for all ages. “We are very excited to introduce the Toyota Texas Fest presented by JBL. For 10 years, TTBC has been proud to support the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. We look forward to continuing this tradition through Toyota Texas Fest," said Katie Scallan, executive director of the Texas Bass Classic Foundation. Fans can expect a fun and exciting event that will offer live concerts from top country
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| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
music artists, an outdoor consumer expo, the TPWD Outdoor Adventure Area, a Kids Zone and the 10th anniversary celebration of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic––the championship of professional bass fishing. All activities will be held at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, but the championship fishing will take place on Lake Ray Roberts near Denton. Since TTBC’s inception over nine years ago, the partnership between TTBC and TPWD has helped raise awareness for TPWD’s conservation efforts and helped raise funding for youth and urban outreach programs. To date, TTBC has donated $2.25 million to the TPWD and will continue its support in 2016. Visit ToyotaTexasFest.com or call 1-866907-0143 for additional information.
Pink dooR – sPoRting Clays ChaRity touRnaMent On Saturday, May 21 at 9 a.m., join cochairs Matt Davis and Ryan van Steenis for the Pink Door – Sporting Clays Charity
Tournament at American Shooting Centers – 16500 Westheimer Pkwy. The tournament is an opportunity to bring together community and business leaders, medical professionals, philanthropists and shooting enthusiasts in support of women cancer patients in the Houston community. More than 100 participants/teams will compete in a private, 10‐stand sporting clay course, as well as shooting challenges and contests throughout the day. Following the competition, guests will enjoy food and drinks. Prize drawings and top‐team prizes will be awarded. The day will wrap with an informative talk about cancer risks and prevention from Julie Rowe, M.D., oncologist at UTHealth/Memorial Hermann‐Texas Medical Center. Sponsors include BQ Catering, Professional Insights and Saint Arnold Brewing Co. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities visit pinkdoornonprofit.org/sportingclays or call 832-727-3121. For more information, email ktankersley@pinkdoornonprofit.org.
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T E D C O WA R T A family enjoys meandering on the Lazy River.
suMMeR Fun at Moody gaRdens PalM BeaCh, May 21-sePt. 10 Moody Gardens is offering some new entertainment and traditional favorites at Palm Beach as this popular private beach attraction opens for the summer. Guests are invited to sink their toes in white sand, lounge beneath palm trees and splash amongst a variety of beach attractions. Visitors can even enjoy concerts and fireworks. Palm Beach will open weekends beginning May 21, including Memorial Day before opening daily for the summer season June 4 through August 21. As the summer season comes to an end, Palm Beach will be open weekends only August 27 through September 10, including Labor Day. Visitors can enjoy the interactive 650-foot lazy river, wave pool and two 18-foot tower slides. Other attractions include beach volleyball on regulation courts and the Aquarium Adventure play area. The Splashpad automated aquatic water feature offers interactive dump buckets, spray arches and fountains for a day of fun at the beach. Palm Beach admission is $23.95 for adults, $17.95 for children and seniors, or $55 for a season pass. Children ages three and under are free. Visitors can make it a weekend of entertainment with the popular Bands on the Sand summer concert series at Palm Beach. Beginning June 4, this live music series runs throughout the summer following each show with fireworks over the Moody Gardens pyramids and Offatts Bayou. Admission to each concert is $15 and free for kids three and under. Bands on the Sand will be held from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through August 13. Some of the area’s top local and regional bands will perform. For a complete schedule visit moodygardens.org or call 800-582-4673.
Summer Pond II, oil on canvas, 60 by 48 To view Ted’s work and contact information, visit www.CowartFineArt.com
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Many wounded veterans participate in the 5K Walk, Run and Wheel, which will be held at Cinco Ranch HIgh School on May 21.
12th annual iMPaCt a heRo weekend, May 21-23 The 12th Annual Impact A Hero Weekend is a three-day event from Saturday, May 21 through Monday, May 23. The event is hopsted by Impact A Hero, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization that provides immediate and ongoing emotional and financial support to severely wounded, post-9/11 combat veterans and their families. The weekend begins Saturday from 7:30 -10 a.m. with the 5K Walk, Run and Wheel, which will be held at Cinco Ranch High School. Participants should arrive at 6:30 a.m. Impact A Hero anticipates that more than 2,500 runners, including 50 wounded heroes and their families, will participate in the event. There will be a Family Focus with activities for kids. The cost per person is $35 until May 14, then $40 until race day. The Kids 1K race will also take place during the 5K event. The cost for the Kids 1K (age 10 and under) is $12 until May 14, then $18 until race day. The Impact a Hero Hall of Fame Gala dinner, “Diamonds & Denim,” will be held at NRG Stadium on the 50-yard line on Sunday, May 22 starting at 5 p.m. A standard single gala ticket is $250. On Monday, May 23, the Impact a Hero Golf Challenge will be held at Shadow Hawk Golf Club & Black Hawk Country Club. The Individual Champions golf play is $1,250. For more information on any of the events and to buy tickets, visit impactahero.org.
wanted: texas QuilteRs to showCase theiR talents Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is encouraging quilters from across the Lone Star State to participate in the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) 2016 Quilt Block Competition. This year’s quilt competition theme is Texas Wine and Floral – Two Texas Treasures. This theme was chosen to celebrate two shining industries in Texas that complement each other beautifully. “The best things in life spring from the Texas earth,” Miller said. “The same rich Texas soil that gives birth to the wine grape brings to life a wide array of colorful Texas plants. When you pair these two Texas treasures together, you will make the ultimate Lone Star statement.” As in previous years, each contestant will use a variety of fabrics to create a quilt block to submit to TDA. A panel of judges will select the winning entries, which will be pieced together into a quilt and unveiled in September at TDA’s Food and Fiber Pavilion at the 2016 State Fair of Texas. At the conclusion of the State Fair, the quilt will become part of TDA’s popular quilt collection. The final quilt will be designed and constructed by Terri Vogds of Denton and quilted by Maria Hall of Flower Mound. To participate, email gotexan@TexasAgriculture.gov or download a participant form at gotexan.org. The deadline for submissions is June 10.
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Abby Mueller as Carole King.
The Hobby Center Presents Beautiful – The Carole King Musical,May 31-June 5 Broadway at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby Street, presents Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. The musical, which will run May 31-
June5, tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband
Mei-Ann Chen conducts with exhilaration.
Texas Music Festival,June 3-July 2 The 27th annual Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival (TMF) will chart several musical firsts. TMF Orchestra Series opens Saturday, June 11 with a rich “Roman Holiday”-themed musi-
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cal getaway. Mark Hughes, Houston Symphony principal trumpet, will provide fitting fanfare as guest soloist under the baton of TMF Music director and chief Conductor Franz Anton Krager. For Week 2, June 18, Hans Graf
Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song, Beautiful has a book by Tony Award-nominee and Academy Award-nominated writer Douglas McGrath and choreography by Josh Prince, and took home two 2014 Tony Awards. Shows are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $35; discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call 800-982-ARTS or visit BroadwayAtTheHobbyCenter.com or TheHobbyCenter.org.
will conduct three musical firsts: Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 13; Webern: Passacaglia, Op. 1; and Berg: Three Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 6. Week 3 will be “The Audience’s Guide to the Orchestra,” TMF’s first approach to an orchestral “primer” program for classical music lovers of all ages. Guest Conductor Mei-Ann Chen will be on the podium for the June 24-25 concerts, which will boast the student winner of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition as soloist, complemented by the following family-friendly program: Piotr Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture – Fantasy; Benjamin Britten: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34 narrated by Houston Public Media’s St. John Flynn; and Igor Stravinsky: Petrouchka. The Grand Finale on Saturday, July 2, features Richard Strauss: An Alpine Symphony, Op. 64 and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds, Op. 297b spotlighting four of TMF’s faculty members with native Texan Carl St. Clair conducting. For a full calendar of events, visit uh.edu/class/music/tmf/ .
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On the Town
with
Jan Carson
ymphony Ball chairs Jana and Scotty Arnoldy love to have fun while doing good, so they hosted two evenings of lively salsa dance lessons at their River Oaks home to help guests get into the sassy “Carnival” theme of the May 14 Ball. The Symphony Ball returns to Jones Hall this year and honors longtime supporters Sybil Roos, Lindy and John Rydman and Robert Franz. Mary Ann and David McKeithan are heading up a tempting silent auction while Valerie and Tracy Dieterich chair the rockin’ After Party. Get out on the dance floor and show off your moves… call 713-337-8582 for Symphony Ball tickets.
S March of Dimes Houston Chronicle Best Dressed Luncheon PHOTOS: PRISCILLA DICKSON
Designer Zac Posen won praise for his fall 2016 collection at the Houston Chronicle Best Dressed Luncheon and Neiman Marcus Fashion Presentation, but the real runway showstoppers were the 10 community leaders who received the coveted Best Dressed award. Luncheon chair Yvonne Cormier presided over the 34th annual luncheon which raised more than $500,000 for the March of Dimes. In the spotlight were Hall of Fame honorees Mary Tere Perusquia, Susan Sarofim and Rosemary Schatzman, along with honorees Stephanie Cockrell, Laura Davenport, Isabelle David, Gayla Gardner, Winell Herron, Sippi Khurana and Millette Sherman.
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1) The 2016 Best Dressed honorees with featured designer Zac Posen. (L-R): Isabelle David, Laura Davenport, Gayla Gardner, Millette Sherman, Susan Sarofim, Zac Posen, Rosemary Schatzman, Mary Tere Perusquia, Sippi Khurana, Winell Herron and Stephanie Cockrell. 2) Alexandra Knight with Greggory Burk, Stephanie Cockrell and Lisa Holthouse at the 2016 Houston
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Chronicle Best Dressed Luncheon and Neiman Marcus Fashion Presentation. 3) 2016 Best Dressed honorees Gayla Gardner, Rosemary Schatzman, Millette Sherman and Winell Herron. 4) Past honoree Jana Arnoldy and Lindley Arnoldy. 5) Raffle chair Valerie Dieterich with Best Dressed Luncheon Chair Yvonne Cormier, raffle chair Mary D’Andrea and the March of Dimes’ Darcie Wells.
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“Vintage Houston” Covenant House Texas Covenant House Gala co-chairs June Reeder Leppard, Marlene Nondorf and Patti Nowak Turner turned back the pages of Houston history for a tribute to the city’s early years. “Vintage Houston” honored Randall L. Walker and Greg Hernandez and brought in more than $748,000 for programs to help homeless and runway youth at CHT. Special thanks was given to six Guild volunteers — Peggy Edwards, Annette Gordon, Barbara Jean Lauratis, Diane Poole, Mary Ann Rapp and Beatty Watts — who together have donated thousands of hours coordinating parties and fundraisers for CHT.
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4 1) Covenant House Texas Gala emcees David Paul and Chita Johnson with Executive Director & CEO Ronda Robinson and Board Chair Kurt Nondrof. 2) Bob George and Jo Ann Petersen enjoyed the live painting of artist Taft McWhoter, whose work was later auctioned off. 3) Lula Richard and former Astros pitcher J.R. Richard with Jacqueline Fair. J.R. delivered the invocation. 4) Greg and Heather Hernandez and Sharon and Randall Walker. Hernandez and Walker were honored at the gala for their longtime support of Covenant House Texas. 5) Special recognition went to (L-R) Beatty Watts, Mary Ann Rapp, Diane Poole, Barbara Jean Lauratis, Annette Gordon and Peggy Edwards for their many years of volunteer work for CHT.
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“Gotham City” San Luis Salute PHOTOS: DAVE ROSSMAN AND GARY FOUNTAIN
Tilman Fertitta, star of the new CNBC hit reality series Billion Dollar Buyer, brought TV cameras to the 20th annual San Luis Salute to interview guests about one of the products featured on his show. That was a new twist for the Mardi Gras mega-party which attracted 1,700 high-energy guests who went more than a bit crazy over the surprise appearance of “Mr. Worldwide” Pitbull. Astronaut Scott Kelly made a video appearance from the International Space Station, while exotic dancers, champagne-pouring aerialists and costumed superheroes created their own party buzz. All for the great cause of raising funds for UTMB in Galveston.
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1) The Fertitta family reigned over the 20th annual San Luis Salute Mardi Gras extravaganza. (L-R): Michael, Paige, Tilman, Blayne and Blake Fertitta. 2) Megastar Pitbull and his entourage dominated the stage, creating a frenzy of dancing by cheering fans who packed the dance floor. 3) Former U.S. Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband, retired NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, make a grand entrance into the Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort. 4) The evening honored Dr. Thomas Blackwell of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He and his wife Michele joined over 1,700 other guests in raising funds for the Jennie Sealy Hospital at UTMB. 5) Lane Craft and KHOU-TV Ch. 11’s Chita Johnson enjoyed dancers dressed as superheroes, awesome aerialists and even an alluring violinist, playing sweet music on stilts.
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Out and About PHOTOS: DAVE ROSSMAN, ANNETTE BOATWRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
Combine cute kiddoes in Easter outfits with soft, cuddly bunnies and you have a photographer’s dream! “Bunny Hops and Photo Ops” is featured in this month’s Out and About, along with the Friends of Nursing Luncheon and Fashion Show celebrating the dedicated work of nurses, and the unique traveling “Butterfly Project” which is part of Holocaust Museum Houston’s 20th anniversary year.
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1) Margaret Brown with adorable little Bonner Ball at the “Bunny Hops and Photo Ops” event held at the “Little Galleria” and benefiting The MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. 2) This totally irresistible portrait of brothers John and Thomas Weathers was taken by Annette Boatwright at “Bunny Hops and Photos Ops.” Besides fun with real bunnies, the kids decorated Easter eggs and enjoyed coloring and face painting. 3) Friends of Nursing Luncheon co-chairs Kiki Wilson, Elizabeth Vail and Millette Sherman. The event honored night-shift nurse Mario Trevino for his dedication to his patients. Trevino later won a raffle prize to the delight of the 275 guests. 4) Zahava Haenosh with Bill Spitz, who sported a butterfly-themed tie in support of Holocaust Museum Houston’s “The Butterfly Project” traveling exhibit. The 1.5 million handcrafted butterflies were collected worldwide in memory of the 1.5 million young victims. 5) Edith Orlin stands next to a display of handcrafted butterflies at Neiman Marcus. Her husband Bill Orlin is a Holocaust survivor and Holocaust Museum Houston Board Member. “The Butterfly Project” commemorates the children who perished during the Holocaust. l
Visit Our www.facebook.com/Houston Lifestyles & Homes
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Please e-mail me your latest information and party pics at jan@jancarson.com.
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PLAINS CREEK RUG Plains Creek Rug is artfully handknotted from wool and cotton yarn and designed with an earth-toned Southwestern-inspired motif. The traditional nomadic Soumak weave of 60 to 70 knots per inch creates a brocade chain-stitched effect that emphasizes the organic nature of this rug.Hand-knotted in India. ralphlauren.com
JAY STRONGWATER PILLOW Jay Strongwater's love of the elegant but vividly bejeweled objet— whether it's meant to rest on a tabletop or the graceful curve of a woman's neck—has led him on a journey through the worlds of fashion and home furnishings. The Dutch Floral Pillow is handcrafted and embellished with Swarovski® crystals and beads. neimanmarcus.com
LILY PAD TABLE LAMP
Michael Aram Lily Pad table lamp in Natural Bronze and Marble is handcrafted, with no two pieces alike. Each piece in this collection undergoes a series of casting, filing, welding and oxidation techniques. The finish is a
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result of a specialized patination process. Every piece is truly a work of art. michaelaram.com
SANTA BARBARA DESIGNS® Enjoy the outdoors in style! Santa Barbara Designs, makers of the iconic Santa Barbara Umbrella, recently announced its 2016 lineup of show-stopping, new shade fashions to enhance any outdoor setting. Every umbrella is a unique creation, custom crafted and individually registered. sbumbrella.com
MUSETTE SOFA
Like a musician tuning up for an evening at a best-kept-secret jazz club, the Musette Collection is a prelude to something spectacular. Underscoring your most treasured evenings, this set of perfectly eclectic furniture and accessories harmonizes a bohemian mashup of velvets and twill, from paisleys to stripes and back again and with hand-painted turned feet and handcrafted tassels. mackenzie-childs.com
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Find out what you’re made of. MEET YOUR MICROBES! Opens May 21 Trillions of microbes live inside our bodies, and we wouldn’t be able to survive without each other! In Zoo in You, discover what our tiny companions are up to, how diverse they are, and their importance to our personal health. Zoo in You: The Human Microbiome was produced and is toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. This exhibit was made possible by a Science Education Partnership Award.
SPONSORED BY
IN COLLABORATION WITH:
Bring your curious mind to The Health Museum and explore what it means to be human. Inspiring curiosity through multi-sensory and highly engaging experiences, The Health Museum offers year-long programs for all ages, special events, corporate rentals, spring and summer camps and more. For more info visit www.thehealthmuseum.org
SUPPORTED BY
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the Editor’s
Picks Linda Anderson
Kittens Chihuahua Protects CONTAIN YOUR PLANTS
a Charlie, the Chihuahu kitsteps in to protect the s big tens from this curiou black puppy. 3MUhirsQ .com/watch?v=vnF https://www.youtube yles & Homes! est Lif th wi eo vid Share your om styles-magazines.c email to: Linda@life
Follow Us On
With award-winning garden designer Nancy J. Ondra, gardeners of all levels and budgets can transform drab front steps, patios, decks and balconies into fabulous decorative masterpieces. In her latest book, Container Theme Gardens, Ondra has designed 42 foolproof gardens for every style, function and taste –– each using only five perfectly matched, easy-to-grow plants which she pairs with complementary contianers of all sizes, shapes and materials. Gardeners only need to determine light conditions, pick a theme and plant their garden.
On
TIME-TESTED TREATMENTS Honest Medicine introduces four lifesaving treatments that have been effectively treating – and in some cases curing – people for 25-90 years. However, for reasons of profitability (or lack thereof), these treatments have not been universally accepted. Author Julie Schopick shares the story of her husband’s illness with a brain tumor. She became his medical advocate and began writing on topics relating to health and medicine that were published in medical journals, magazines and news sources. Her mission is to empower people in their health choices.
pinterest.com/LifestyleMags
RAW PERFECTION
Grilled Potatoes These are delicious and easy to make! Grilled potatoes are great for summer cookouts.
Peach and Blueberry Greek Yogurt Cake Summer peaches and blueberries never tasted so good!
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Sushi isn’t tricky to make so long as you have the right utensils and instructions and the patience to get acquainted with the various techniques. The Complete Guide to Syushi & Sashimi, by Jeffrey Elliot and Robby Cook, provides all the information needed to get started –– from ingredients and knives, to equipment, fish butchery, plating techniques, making perfect rice and more. With full color throughout, lots of recipes, a userfriendly wire -bound hardcover, 500 photos and hundreds of tips, this book is the go-to guide for sushi and sashimi lovers, novice and experienced alike. All it takes is some practice and in no time at all, you’ll be making sumptuous sushi that will wow everyone.
LESSONS IN ARRANGING Whether hosting a party, helping out with a friend’s wedding or wishing to incorporate the beauty of flowers into everyday life, The Flower Workshop allows you to create dazzling arrangements that go beyond merely pretty and into realms of the dramatic, the unexpected and even the magical. Lavishly illustrated with full-color photgraphy, this book not only provides step-by-step instructions for more than 45 stunning projects, but also equips you with the skills to customize arrangements at home. With experience designing from the White House to the FlowerSchool New York, author Ariella Chezar walks you through a variety of small flourishes, tonal arrangements, branch arrangements, handheld bouquets, wreathes, garlands and more.
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PUTTING GREENS u PLAYGROUNDS SYNTHETIC TURF LAWNS
LUXURIOUS LATHERS Nourishing oils, healing fragrances, vitamin- and mineral-rich milks, nuts and herbs: these ingredients turn a routine shower into an organic spa experience. In Pure Soapmaking, AnneMarie Faiola teaches the art of creating natural luxury soap with 32 luscious formulas that are as gorgeous as they are healthful. With organic ingredients such as blueberries, wine, vegetable juices, coffee grounds, walnut shells, essential oils and more, Faiola’s recipes will inspire health-conscious crafters to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
Green Links designs and installs golf greens, game courts, playgrounds and synthetic turf lawn surfaces for your home, ranch and business. We integrate these with landscape designs to create inviting environments. With more than 600 installations, we are the region’s most experienced synthetic turf provider. Contact us for a consultation.
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The Sustainability Secret presents alarming truths about the effects of animal agriculture on the planet as one of the leading causes of deforestation, greenhouse gas production, water use, species extinction, ocean dead-zones and a host of other ills. Authors Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn uncover one shocking secret after another, and interview leading businesses, environmental organizations and political groups about the subject of animal agriculture and its disastrous effects. This book provides an indepth overview of this planetary crisis and demonstrates effective ways to offset the damage through personal dietary choices and a path to global sustainablity for a growing population.
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Style} file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
From the Spring 2016
Fendi Collection
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Style} file Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty What’s in store now.
Dial Watches
Paper-Cutting Art On Your Wrist Launching its very first collection in conjunction with British paper artist Sarah Dennis, whose work combines traditional paper cutting with collage, Dial aims to transform the world of watches, making high quality pieces that bring together modern art and classic watchmaking. With just one exclusive design featuring either a gold or rose gold outer case, Dial’s collaboration with the British paper-cutting artist has resulted in delicate handmade butterflies and woodland features across the navy faces of each watch, with the simple cream dial complimenting the feminine design details perfectly. Using classic shades, each Dial timepiece comes with two handmade leather straps in navy and cream, allowing the wearer to switch up their style with ease, while the high quality crystal glass and Miyota movement ensures the timepieces are made to and function at the highest possible quality. Dial embraces the idea that the two most important elements of the creative process are time and space, which is precisely what it offers the artists they work with. Artists are given a blank canvas – a watch face – and they are challenged to capture a unique moment of artistic inspiration. About Sarah Dennis–Sarah's work combines traditional paper cutting with collage. Sarah's pieces exemplify the beauty of nature in fairy tales and whimsical childhood dreams, telling classic poems and folk tales through the medium of paper. Each piece is individually hand-cut using a craft knife to reveal exquisite, delicate detail within the illustration. Not limiting herself to any one type of project, she takes on a variety of work and welcomes individual requests for bespoke, hand-crafted artwork. dialwatches.com
The promise of an experience unlike any other Home Furnishings & Accessories 345 W. 19TH ST HOUSTON HEIGHTS 713.869.1414 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm • Sun 1pm-5pm
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Style} file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
Stephen Dweck- The Five-Strand Turquoise Link Necklace has brushed sterling silver links and freeform turquoise stones. neimanmarcus.com
Dolce & Gabbana- The medium Sicily Bag in printed Dauphine Leather is embellished with exclusive cross stitched floral embroidery. dolcegabbana.com
Gucci- Studded leather platform pump. gucci.com
Stella McCartney- Chain-trimmed cat-eye acetate sunglasses in a bold monochrome marble-effect pattern and contrasting soft blush. net-a-porter.com
Oscar de la RentaFloral Broderie Anglaise Cross-Neck dress highlights the shoulders with sensual allure. oscardelarenta.com
Gucci- Silk chiffon gown with tiger print silk. gucci.com
Carole Shashona- Orange Women’s Soaring Goddess Bracelet lyst.com
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Proenza Schouler- Two-tone calfskin leather bucket bag with tiered fringe in Dune/Black. neimanmarcus.com
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Style} file Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty What’s in store now.
A Gift of Beauty for Mom: SK-II’s Spring Butterfly Limited Edition Facial Treatment Essence In honor of Mother’s Day, SK-II has created a new limited edition Spring Butterfly bottle of the iconic Facial Treatment Essence, dedicated to devoted mothers everywhere. Featuring fluttering butterflies that represent elegance and metamorphosis, the special edition design is symbolic of the unconditional love, encouragement, and support our mothers give us, which allow us the opportunity to grow into our best selves. Inspired by the transformative power of the mother-daughter bond, it’s the perfect gift for the woman whose unconditional love gives you the strength to soar beyond your destiny. SK-II's iconic product, Facial Treatment Essence, is a beacon of transformational beauty. The best-selling essence, often referred to as ‘miracle water’ by SK-II users around the world, was the first product offered when the brand launched in Japan more than 35 years ago, with its composition remaining unchanged. Facial Treatment Essence has been linked to lasting beautiful, ageless skin as SK-II recently discovered its landmark Skin Destiny study. SK-II found that women who start using Facial Treatment Essence in their 20s look significantly younger in their 30s and 40s, and shows that it’s never too early or too late for women to take control of their destiny and achieve the beautiful skin they’ve always wanted. The secret to lasting beautiful, ageless skin is SK-II's signature ingredient Pitera™, which is derived from a unique yeast fermentation and made up of a delicate composition of amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, minerals, and other valuable components for your skin. Available at SK-II counters and SK-11.com.
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ç By Kelly Foss mycardata.com
Jaguar XF and Cadillac CTS
Jaguar XF | STarTING prIcE: $52,000
W
hen Jaguar’s XF first made its debut in 2007, it ushered in a dramatically new design aesthetic for the British car maker. Everything about the XF was thoroughly modern — ready to take on the new century in style. Now, nine years later, the XF is all new again and poised to pounce like the predatory cat for which it is named. You have to look close, but it is indeed all new. “A few screws are all that we kept,” says Mike Bradley, senior launch manager. No sheet metal is shared; in fact, a lot of aluminum replaces a lot of steel. Take a walk around and you’ll notice a different nose and more upright glass, along with LED headlights to give this mid-size sedan some more dazzle. It does have an aggressive, catlike
stance, befitting of its lineage. Everything but the doors, trunklid, and rear floorpan are made of aluminum, and as Bradley pointed out, they retained what little steel there was to help with weight distribution. Lest you worry about safety, they did strategically place some steel inserts to bolster rigidity and crashworthiness. In all, the XF is about 75 percent aluminum and roughly 28 percent more rigid than before. Driving the XF offers a dynamic experience that is everything you would expect, and maybe more. The XF is powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 mated to an eightspeed automatic, yielding 340 horsepower and a solid 332 lb.-ft. of torque. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is optional. You get a nice growl from the engine without the whine of
the supercharger, meaning interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are kept to a minimum. Shifting is quick and smooth and hits 0-60 mph in just under five seconds. The electric power steering feels lively and points the car with laser-like precision. The XF rides on a mostly aluminum independent rear suspension and a double wishbone up front. This translates into a well-balanced ride that feels tight, smooth and well balanced. Enthusiasts can opt for the XF-S, which offers the same turbocharged engine but with 40 more horses. All that supercharged power juxtaposed with the lightweight aluminum design, means the XF gets up to 20 mpg in the city and up to 30 on the highway. Inside, this Jag is a luxurious and elegant space without the opulence. Perhaps its most notable feature is the gear selector dial, which takes some getting used to but also makes a great conversation piece. A decentsized center touch screen allows access to phone, navigation and audio functions, while actual knobs located just below allow operation of the climate control system. The leather seats offer a good deal of support, and as the car speeds up, it seems the cabin shrinks down and hugs itself around you. Starting at about $52K and ranging into the mid $60s, the XF is a worthy challenger to its German counterparts.
Cadillac CTS | STarTING prIcE: mid $40s
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f I had to sum up the 2016 Cadillac CTS in one word, that word would be options. That is to say, there is a CTS for everyone. Whether you’re looking for luxury, performance, or just plain old flash, there is a CTS that can satisfy. First of all, Cadillac went to painstaking measures to lighten its popular four-door sedan. At 240 pounds lighter than the previous model, it is now the lightest rear-wheel drive sedan in its class, says Cadillac. The company adds, “Every gram of material in the CTS had to justify its existence.” What this translates to
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is a more agile, better performing vehicle. Fortunately for Cadillac customers, that performance comes in a variety of options. The base model starts with a 268-horsepower, turbo-charged four cylinder mated to
an eight-speed automatic transmission. It presents stiff competition for vehicles like BMW and Audi, offering both pep and growl in a highly refined package. Other engine choices include the midline 3.6-liter V6 with 335 horsepower and 285 lb.-ft. of torque; as well as the heavyweight: a twinturbo 3.6-liter that delivers a whopping 420 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. The twin turbo, not surprisingly, is offered on rear-drive only models (AWD is optional for other powertrains) and is outfitted with
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#1 Garage Floor Specialist in the Greater Houston Area! steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an electronic limited slip differential and larger front brakes. Obviously, as you scale up the spectrum of trim levels and engine choices, the CTS will drive and handle in proportional response. The naturally-aspirated V6 seems to be the best match for this luxury sedan, whose ride quality and performance seem both refined and well-balanced. It certainly feels agile, with little body roll in the corners. Steering feels crisp and nicely controlled. The cabin remains quiet despite the lighter weight of the vehicle, for a very solid feel. Speaking of the cabin, everything seems to converge into one point, wrapping around the passengers and finishing nicely in the center stack. The interior trim is elegant, with a nice blend of wood, leather and metallic finishes. With its brightly lit gauges outlined in shiny nickel, it almost feels downright futuristic. Bluetooth, a Bose sound system and a CUE media center are just some of the luxuries in the CTS. Four trim levels for the CTS include Standard, Luxury, Performance and Premium. The CTS-V Sport comes in base and Premium trims. As for the enthusiasts out there, this year Cadillac rolled out the new CTS-V. Flash, sizzle and substance combine into one mighty fine performance sedan. It’ll hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, thanks to its mind-boggling 630-horsepower supercharged, 6.2-liter V8. And incidentally, it takes minimal driving experience to achieve those speeds. Merely engage the right settings, make sure it’s pointed straight ahead, floor the gas pedal and hold on. The turbo I-4 starts in the mid $40s, which gives you zippy performance. From there you can scale up into the low $60s for an AWD premium. And if your budget allows, my CTS-V test vehicle was priced at a stratospheric $95K... but oh what fun it is to ride! For information on these and other vehicles, visit MyCarData.com.l
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Mini Murals Houston Promoting civic pride through civic art
By artist Tra` Slaughter
Text by Cheryl Alexander Photography by Morris Malakoff
Y
ou’ve seen them. The large, unsightly gray boxes sitting obtrusively beside each and every one of the 2,600+ traffic lights in the city of Houston. You can’t help but see them. And many times you’ve probably wondered what they are and what purpose they serve. Well, so did Noah and Elia Quiles, owners of UP Art Studio. With what began years ago as graffiti vandalism, these two young visionaries are now thinking outside the box — or to be more literal… they are thinking ON the box — the traffic signal control cabinets to be exact, utilizing those big, ugly boxes as canvases for public art. Rather than populate their studio space with works of art that people must view only in their gallery or on the walls of their studio, the Quiles have made it their mission to bring art to unexpected places, where there would otherwise be blight, and encourage civic pride through civic art.
By artist Alex Arzu
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By artist DUAL
By artists Anat Ronen and PilotFX
The couple has initiated what has now been dubbed the Mini Murals Houston Project by commissioning artists to share their artistic talent with the city by painting on the abundance of traffic boxes that are scattered throughout the city. The project reimagines traffic signal control cabinets (also referred to as electrical or utility boxes) as blank canvases brimming with creative opportunity, inviting artistic expression for all to enjoy. Once painted, the cabinets are intended to help instill civic pride while beautifying neighborhoods and enhancing the urban landscape of Houston. Elia actually found the idea for the project online while researching for interesting public art in other cities. She came across projects similar to Mini Murals Houston. She also discovered that Houston has approximately 2,600 of these cabinets and that the Department of Public Works and Engineering (PW&E) is in charge of them. The couple then contacted Jeff Weatherford, the deputy director of the PW&E, who loved the idea of the Mini Murals, but By artist 2:12
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By artist Anat Ronen
sadly informed the Quiles that the department had no money with which to fund the project. The Quiles were undeterred and committed to the mission of engaging, educating and moving the community through public art. So when the PW&E challenged them to raise funds for a Houston Mini Murals project, it was a task right up their alley. “In our minds,” said Noah, “this was a low cost-high visual impact public art opportunity.” At that point, Weatherford turned to the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) and Minnette Boesel, executive director, who gave her approval for the project, and also to the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) and Sara Kellner, executive director, who also approved. With these principals in place, the Quiles then emailed all 13 city council members to solicit their support. Meahwhile, during more research, the Quiles located liquid assets in what is known as the district service fund. Elia explained, “We found that each district in the city — and there are 11 districts — has $1 million to use for discretionary projects, such as infrastructure, speed bumps, curbs AND beautification.” “Larry Green was the first council member to recognize By artist Anat Ronen
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By artist Anat Ronen
By artist Anat Ronen
By artist Ana María
the cultural excellence of this project,” said Noah, “and he funded the entire pilot phase of the Mini Murals.” With Noah and Elia at the helm, the pilot phase consisted of 13 hand-picked graffiti and street artists commissioned to paint 31 traffic boxes in City Council District K, and one in District B. Other boxes that have been completed were sponsored by the Houston Zoo, Midtown District, Westchase District, East End Foundation and the City of Bellaire.
By artist Anat Ronen
With the commencement of phase two, more boxes will be completed in Midtown, Greenspoint, Hobby, Northside and others. What makes this public art project unique? Foremost is that unlike other public art initiatives, which generally return only about 15-20 percent of monies raised back to the artist and art community, Mini Murals return is a whopping 47 percent. With funds for more than 100 boxes raised to date, that means $100,000 is back in
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ç By Lori Verderame
Dr. Lori’s Kid Collectors Young people know what’s hot and what’s not
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t my public antiques appraisal events held at venues nationwide, many of my audience members are kids. Some of these kids remind me of my childhood. I was a kid who spent many a weekend touring local flea markets and yard sales with my Dad. He liked to look for old tools and military objects and he taught me about them. But the kids that come to my events collect all types of objects from fine art to movie memorabilia and more. Young people are very keen collectors. They know what’s hot and what’s not. They learn to become good negotiators, they know how to spot a bargain, and they know how to use their technology skills to sell and trade online. I often feature kids and their collections on my antiques appraisal tour. They share their knowledge of a collectible category and talk about diverse collections ranging from Star Wars toys to vintage pottery. Meet a few of the kids that follow me and are at the core of my Kid Collectors programs: During the early years of my tour, I met Carly, age 5, who came to my event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Accompanied by her mother and older sister, she brought a medal that she found in her grandpa’s button jar. What Carly had found was a Native American peace medal that Lewis and Clark gave to the Indians during their expedi-
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One of the children from Dr. Lori’s Kid Collectors program.
tion under the auspices of the Jefferson administration. My evaluation of her valuable piece of Western history was the impetus for a childhood filled with the joy of collecting. Carly returned to my program years later to show me a Frederic Remington sculpture of a busting bronco that she bought at an auction, which she added to her growing western art collection. Six-year-old Asaya from Virginia Beach, Virginia, bought an autographed poster of Pete Rose from a thrift store. Asaya loves baseball and although he was unfamiliar with the former Cincinnati Reds slugger, Asaya liked the piece so much
| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
that it started him on his way as an autograph collector. He even asked for my autograph to add to his collection. I met Ethan, age 11, at my show in Baltimore, Maryland. He told me that he and his older brother collect “unusual objects” from flea markets and thrift stores, explaining, “If there is something that I have never seen before, I buy it and then search online to see if I can find something similar. It’s like solving a mystery.” I thought that was great for creative learning and as a fine collecting method. Ethan brought me a Medieval revival, base-metal relief sculpture of an equestrian from the 1870s worth $500.
The architectural object was interesting and unusual. Emily, age 12, brought a painting by a well-known regional artist to my appraisal event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and we became fast friends. I asked Emily why she collected paintings, and she commented quite intelligently and enthusiastically about the composition, brushwork, execution and formalist properties of the painting like a true art historian. I was so impressed with her command of the field’s vocabulary and knowledge that I asked how long she had been collecting. She replied that she studies art in school and has been collecting for a few years. When she is not helping out around the farm, Emily adds to her growing art collection with some pretty valuable pieces.l
Dr. Lori Ph.D. antiques appraiser and awardwinning TV expert, Dr. Lori Verderame is the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s international hit TV show Auction Kings and appears on FOX Business Network’s Strange Inheritance. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, or call (888) 431-1010.
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STUNNING IN
Southgate Urban design provides livable, inviting fun Text by Cheryl Alexander Photography by Kyle Humphries, Murphy Mears Architects Architecture by Walter D. Murphy, Jr. AIA, Murphy Mears Architects Construction by Keeland Associates, Inc. Landscape Design by Alisa Dawson Interiors by Marlys Tokerud and Courtney Blair, Tokerud & Co. Landscape Installation by Moss Landscaping
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eil and Kris Thomas have called Houston home for a long time. Married in 1984 after meeting in law school (he is a partner practicing public law at Norton Rose Fulbright, she is a lawyer employed by the federal judiciary), their first home together was an apartment. After that, they owned homes in the Heights and Candlelight Plaza before finding their current lot in Southgate in 2001. Back then, however, the house on the lot was completely different. The Thomases lived in and remodeled the original 1,700square-foot house over the ensuing 10 years, adding on a 700-square-foot two�story addition to the back of the house. Then disaster happened: severe drought caused the pier and beam foundation of the original house to separate from the slab foundation of the two-story addition, which pulled the walls apart. Though they considered all their options, they rebuilt on the same lot because they love the neighbors up and down their street, as well as the neighborhood and the location near Rice University, Rice Village, the Museum
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THESE PAGES: A mixture of paving textures framed by mature Live Oak trees greet those arriving at this Southgate home. | Rock salt finish concrete paving connects street and front door. | The dining and living spaces are defined and connected by a free-standing cabinet. Leucos Lighting over the dining table. Target sculpture by Gregory Johnston, "Lemans Gulf 917," 2012, automotive enamel on aluminum.
District, Hermann Park Golf Course and downtown. So the couple decided to tear down the house in December 2011, and for the next two years, they lived in a rented house nearby while they built a new house. Finding an architect was easy. Neil said, “We knew we wanted Walter Murphy to be our architect because of his body of work and because we have been friends for many years – we used to drive to Santa Fe, New Mexico for skiing trips at Christmas time.” Kris added, “We also knew we could not be trusted to achieve a coherent look for walls, furnishings and finishes on our own, so Walter suggested we meet with Marlys Tokerud. We loved everything Marlys and her associate, Courtney Blair, suggested.” The couple instructed the architect and designer to help them achieve a finished home that would be comfortable to live in, easy to care for and provide a good space for their books, parties and business-related events. Additionally, Neil wanted a study; Kris wanted a garden; and both wanted four bedrooms. For the aesthetic, they opted to fuse modern with traditional. The new home provides all of those details along with a strong connec-
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THESE PAGES: The kitchen window frames the fig tree saved from demolition. Cabinets by WoodMode Brookhaven Cabinets. | A modern powder room offers a glimpse of the outdoors. Window by Milgard Windows. Plumbing fixtures and hardware by Elegant Additions. Paintings by Greg Skol are "Juniper Ridge" above; "Still Water Morning" below. | The definition of interior and exterior are blurred and reflected in the stained concrete floors. Floor by Dungan Miller Design, Ltd. | Small upper windows modulate west afternoon light over the fireplace. Oceanic Bluestone fireplace surround from Thorntree. Painting above fireplace is "Sandia from Golden" by Ted Larsen| Hans Wegner wishbone chairs from Kuhl-Linscomb surround the custom 4' X 9' dining table made of reclaimed pine designed by Marlys Tokerud and built by Rick Hauser and David Miller. The painting is "Western Tanager" by Matt Mitchell. The cabinet on the left gives a glimpse through to the living room.
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tion to the outdoors, which enhances the Thomas’ interests in entertaining, gardening and music. The face brick and stucco on the front took their cues from the nearby houses and Rice University to keep this more contemporary structure in context with the older neighborhood. The orientation of the home on the narrow deep lot allows the back yard to be graced by prevailing breezes and be shaded by the two-story wing in the afternoon. The single-story brick wing, with its roof deck and trellis, separates the public from private outdoor spaces. Rock salt textured concrete exterior paving connects with grass pavers to accommodate guest parking off the narrow neighborhood street, which makes for easier entertaining. Guests are directed to the front door by the subtle geometry reflected in the auto court and entry that continues into the
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Concrete stepping stones float in the pool water linking the interiors to the garden outside.
THESE PAGES: A long narrow reflecting pool and fountain add drama to this outdoor space. | The master tub deck transforms into a bench seat for the shower. Plumbing fixtures and hardware by Elegant Additions. | The view south from the roof deck shows off the private garden below. | A steel trellis casts morning shadows on the stained concrete floor. | Glass sliding doors bring definition to the outdoor living spaces.
garden and long, tapering reflecting pool. A fountain produces soothing background noise. Concrete stepping stones float in the pool water linking the interiors to the garden outside. According to award-winning architect Murphy, several notable design features provide uniqueness and drama to the home, and also gained the home distinction on the 2015 AIA Houston Home Tour: •Multiple axes in the floor plan form a procession through the long narrow site and home, providing points of inter-connectivity among the varied spaces. •To save space, the living room serves as a library accommodating the Thomas’ primary book collection and as a music room with the piano framed by a large bay window. •The bay window looks east to large raised Corten steel planter boxes. Three gal-
vanized steel trellis structures cantilever off the east facade, modulating sunlight at key openings. A fourth trellis shades the terrace space facing south into the garden and frames the view from the study. •A large free-standing cabinet defines the living room from the dining room but provides a framed view to both. This passthrough counter is lined with black mill finish steel plate complete with handwritten marks from the factory still intact. •A stucco wall structure forms a “summer kitchen” space located on the east property line opposite the covered outdoor dining space and the kitchen. The stucco walls morph into an outdoor shower enclosure open to the sky. Energy efficiency was a consideration, too, in the concept of this home’s design. For example, glass is kept to a minimum on the west façade, and covering the back Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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as they freely move from inside to out during the day. portion of the main wing of the house is a fiber Access to the garden To accommodate their activity, a stained concrete floor is a step outside the cement horizontal rain screen on furring strips kitchen and across proved to be a smart choice. It works well for that provides ventilation through the skin. the reflection pool. entertaining, too. Additionally, Galvalume finish steel roof panels The master suite and bath provide comfort, luxury reflect a large portion of the sunlight. The Thomases say the result of their original vision is better and a distinctive aesthetic. A large picture window and highthan anything they ever imagined and that every space in the placed windows on the walls of the bathroom, bedroom and house is constantly used. Kris said, “We have events at our home closets offer interesting views and lighting effects — one creates fairly often and the entire downstairs flows easily between the a rainbow prism in the shower. They also enjoy their own sepabackyard patio and the dining room and living room, especially rate lavatories in the master bath so they don’t get in each other’s since visually the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors bring the way every morning. As for favorite spaces inside, Kris loves her closet. She said, “I outside in and vice versa.” And what is remarkable about their kitchen? This couple who cooks together said they love having insisted on extra lights in the ceiling, so I can easily see my clothes drawers deep enough to store pots and pans. The kitchen also when dressing, plus it is a nice large space.” Neil’s favorite is his study simply because it is where he has a whole room entirely to provides quick access to the outdoor dining and food garden. Kris said, “Neil and I both like to garden, so Alisa Dawson himself. And their kids? The couple says that since their kids made four large raised beds for us. They are made of steel so are grown and live away from home, they like the dining room they would rust and develop a nice patina. Alisa landscaped the because they get to eat there when they visit. The Thomas’ new home, though borne from a natural disaster, backyard with a large rectangle full of Muhly grass that turns pink in October and waves in the wind, which is an effect we now more effortlessly fulfills the needs and desires of their just love.” The couple has two Arbequina Olive trees that produce lifestyle in a way the previous home did not. And with a little olives. Additionally, because they have two dogs, they made sure insight and vision, paired with a lot of effort by a team of professionals, the couple was able to stay on the lot they love, in the to include a large rectangle of grass for their use. The dogs were a consideration in the floor plan downstairs neighborhood they love in a brand new home that they love. l
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By Mara Soloway ur innate sensibilities tell us when the visual beauty of our interior settings needs improvement. Look around at yours. Are they ready for all the changes that the warm seasons bring – longer days with lots of activities, visitors from far and near, and the sensations of beauty, growth and new life? Here are some ideas for changes large and small that you can make to bring beauty and new life to your interiors.
O
Replace an outdated sofa, chair or recliner Is your seating past its prime and just not comfortable any more? Replacing a piece of furniture is a perfect way to make an upgrade that will add emphasis. We can exptect to replace a sofa every 7-15 years, according to elledecor.com Have a seat in your worn sofa and begin to imagine the room with new furniture styles in new fabrics and color options. Once you start visiting furniture stores, you can examine the pieces you’re considering. There probably have been some innovations in construction and
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materials since you last shopped for furniture. Do some planning: know the dimensions of rooms and existing furniture. If you are budgeting, start with one or two pieces in the rooms where you spend the most time. Give your home a pillow update Updating accent pillows is likely the least expensive purchase you can make. What is the right amount to have, and what colors and patterns make a room look its best? According to “Here’s How to Master the Throw Pillow Mix” by design writer Becky Harris on houzz.com, “There are no hard and fast rules; it’s really about switching things up until you find the right combination and arrangement.” Harris’ categories include a pattern plus one solid color, a bold and a small pattern, a base of primary colors, several patterns in the same color palette, a theme (e.g., tribal or florals), and, thankfully for the indecisive, the “It Just Works” category in which she advises, “If the spirit grabs you, toss the formulas out the window and just have fun.”
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Add original artwork and/or paintings Does your entryway need some color? Is the impact wall in your living room a little bland? Select the walls in your home that are most visible and begin imagining them displaying art. But not every wall – it actually helps a room feel clutterfree when some wall space is kept blank. If you aren’t an art aficionado, don’t fret. The Houston metropolitan area abounds with art galleries, art fairs and even coffee shops where you can get ideas of the plethora of art styles and color schemes in which you can invest. Pack a visual punch with a large eye-catching abstract swirl of colors or keep it peaceful with a mountain scene. Whatever your taste in art, make the arrangements on your walls impressive but make it your own.
when we enter the room, making them one of the best spaces above which to put that new artwork. If your fireplace area isn’t visually up to being a supporting player for what you display on or above it, consider giving it an upgrade. This can be as simple as painting the bricks or stone, especially if a collage of colors in the bricks makes it hard for the art pieces to stand out. Traditional fireplace surrounds (mantel, legs, headers and trim) can be added or replaced with new ones made of wood, faux wood, tile, stone and cast concrete. Mix it up – have a marble mantel with stained wood legs. The hearth can also be upgraded with fireproof tiles. What about inside the fireplace itself? Have a professional install a gas-burning fireplace if you like the romance of a roaring fire but not the clean-up involved with burning logs.
Window treatments Like artwork, window treatments can add warmth or vibrancy in contemporary or classic styling. It can be a daunting design challenge to get the right mix of window blinds, curtains, Roman shades, cornices, shutters and valances. Study style and fabric options online and in magazines to find the look you want. Some of the current trends include hightech options that allow you to control window blinds with a remote, a light switch and online; organic and green materials like natural woven shades in wood, bamboo and matchstick; pops of color that tie into the room’s other elements; luxe fabrics such as silks, velvets, damasks, fur, leather and suede as embellishment; and the sleek lines of flowing drapes with chrome hardware.➝
Update or replace old light fixtures and lamps There’s a decorative side to lighting and a functional one. And there’s the consideration of which space you’re thinking about – that new artwork might require you to rework your light sources to enhance the piece. Decorator Cecil Hayes suggests in 9 Steps to Beautiful Living that you start with an assessment of existing light levels and light exposure. “Walk through your room several times at different times of the day. Does it have lots of natural light or is it dark?” she writes, adding to not be concerned if the space is dark. You can always add more lighting; she feels that low light levels aren’t necessarily bad: “Light – or lack of it – can be used to create a mood.” Fixtures come in an endless number of varieties – floor lamps, scones, chandeliers, track lighting, etc. – to match every decor and every personal style, from decorative, eclectic, nostalgic and more. Added to those considerations is the type of light bulb and the light spectrum they emanate. We have a big learning curve just to let there be light! Update your fireplace Even with mild winters, our homes are built with fireplaces to evoke comfort and nurture gathering. Our eye is naturally drawn to the fireplace and the mantel Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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HOUSTON ADVERTISING
THE DUMP America’s off-price outlet for high-end furniture, handmade mattresses and fine oriental rugs is right here in Houston. The outlet opens at 10 a.m. every Friday with an ever-changing selection of closeouts, overstocks, design samples and one-of-a-kind opportunity buys from top designers. They Dump the frills, pretense and costs of regular stores, and voila! You get high-end home furnishings at 30 to 70% off price. 281-447-2250 Thedump.com 10251 North Freeway, Houston
THE DESIGN FIRM For almost 40 years, The Design Firm has been Houston's most acclaimed interior design agency. Synonymous with luxury and sophistication, their philosophy has propelled them to be the watchword of interior design, not only in Houston, but across the U.S. Stop by and visit TDF's coveted studio boasting over 25,000 square feet and featuring 11 custom designed show rooms. Find them on Houzz, Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 281-494-4433 thedesignfirm.com 13013 Southwest Freeway
BETTER HOMES & BUSINESS Setting the standard for high quality commercial and residential cleaning services in the Houston area, Better Homes & Business specializes in carpet and upholstery cleaning, power washing, tile and grout cleaning, air duct cleaning and water damage restoration services. Certified and fully insured, we offer 24 hour emergency service. We do the job right the first time! Call for a free estimate today. 281-257-4977 betterhomesandbiz.com info@betterhomesandbiz.com 5701 Louetta Rd. #100, Spring
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JOYSTIX CLASSIC GAMES AND PINBALLS
TED COWART FINE ART
Joystix Classic Games and Pinballs has been the leader in Arcade Game and Pinball sales and rentals since 1987. Come visit their one-of-a-kind showroom located downtown across from Minute Maid Park. Their new and classic arcade games and pinball machines are in stock and ready for immediate delivery. The perfect finishing touch to any Gameroom, Home Theater, and Man Cave. 713-224-2225 joystixgames.com 1820 Franklin St., Houston 77002
Shown here, White Rocks with Stream, mixed media and collage on canvas, 48” by 60” – part of a grouping of abstract paintings. This series by artist Ted Cowart can be viewed at Arden’s Gallery in the Museum District, 1631 West Alabama. To see more of Ted’s works on canvas and paper and his gallery representation, visit his website. cowartfineart.com
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The Wheat Flare Table Lamp is handblown in West Virginia exclusively for Rejuvenation by Blenko Glass Company. The design is reissued from Blenko's 1956 catalog and also uses American-made shades. The shapes and colors of these pieces made them highly collectible mid-century icons.
The Carlin Chaise Sofa offers style and comfort to spare and can be used in an upscale or a casual setting, depending on your home. Its dark block feet and low arms, along with six toss pillows and chaise seating, are comfortable and inviting.
Hancock & Moore's Estate Chair by Jessica Charles comes in 200 coverings, including those with the 2016 Pantone Colors of the Year: the cool tranquil blue Serenity and the Rose Quartz, making them a nice complement for more dramatic fabrics. They are built by hand in North Carolina.
Baker Furniture describes its Churchill Loveseat as a true loveseat — at 61 inches, it's just the right length for the end of a bed or a large foyer. Visual continuity is accented by the exaggerated saddle arm, exposed wood legs and loose box cushion back.
Install a new picturesque window Do you have a beautiful garden but don’t have a window from which to view it? Consider installing a window that will let you gaze upon it when indoors. This can be a DIY project if you are experienced with home repairs, but then again, that’s why window companies exist with qualified window installers who will make the cut in your drywall, remove the insulation, make the cut in the siding, fit the window in properly, clean up, etc. If not installed correctly, water and insects can enter the gaps, ultimately damaging the home’s structure. If you have a sliding window already in place, projection windows that extend out at various angles – known as bow and bay windows – are features in new home construction. New windows should enhance the look of your home and be energy efficient. Popular frame materials are vinyl and aluminum, wood and clad-wood, each of which have pros and cons. Add interest to your ceilings While we might not pay that much attention to ceilings, they have a big impact on rooms. The craftsmen on thisoldhouse.com offer several ceiling improvements that are easy and effective ways to give a room a face-lift. These include: ceiling medallions; pressed-tin panels that complement older homes but don’t provide good acoustics; wallpaper-
ing, which the site says is “by far the most versatile treatment discussed here;” suspended-grid ceilings to cover exposed pipes, ducts or electrical connections; layered drywall, which helps define boundaries between rooms; and paneling to give a cottage look. Take a color inventory One of the 10 Stylists’ Secrets to Make Your Home Look Great on oprah.com is to conduct a color inventory, brown in particular. Stylist Olga Naiman cautions us that we “shouldn’t have more than three or four brown items in any room, including wooden floors or dark carpets.” Brown quietly takes over because it goes with any color scheme and hides stains, but “too much of it could be making the place look dated and, well, lair-like.” The solution is to choose three or so items to keep and either paint or reupholster in colors Naiman likes: spill-camouflaging neutrals like olive green, khaki or gray. Remove any pieces that don’t get upgraded. *** For more design ideas, consult an interior decorator and visit area furniture stores and home accessory stores. Some furniture stores have interior designers on staff to help you with your decisions. l Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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HOUSTON ADVERTISING
VALENTINA Exquisite elegance meets oceanfront living in this luxurious Miami residence, recently designed and furnished by local designer Valentina, Director of International Sales and Interior Design. In partnership with Noel Home, Valentina offers unsurpassed service, full service design, and extraordinary results. Valentina’s experience in achieving her client’s dreams is realized across the globe with recent projects completed in Russia, Austria and Ukraine. Office: 713-874-5200 Cell: 281-277-1966 Valentina@noelfurniture.com
MEREDITH O' DONNELL FINE FURNITURE Meredith O' Donnell Fine Furniture has too much inventory and summer stock has already shipped. The store and warehouse really need to clear it out! Take advantage of their dilemma and get top-of-theline furnishings for the lowest prices EVER seen! Product includes Trosby, Baker, Hickory Chair, Hancock & Moore, Councill, Century, Theodore & Alexander, John Richards, and on and on. 713-526-7332 meredithodonnell.com 1751 Post Oak Boulevard
ART IN THE CITY THORNWOOD GALLERY, LLC Nestled in the heart of Houston just one block West of Kirby Drive between Richmond and Alabama, Thornwood Gallery has earned a reputation of providing high quality artwork by international, national and local artists for homes and businesses. Their extensive inventory represents a wide variety of styles from abstract to impressionism and realism. 713-528-4278 thornwoodgallery.com 2643 Colquitt St.,Houston
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THE GREAT RUG COMPANY The Great Rug Company has provided the Houston area with quality rugs and carpet at the lowest prices for over 20 years. As a family business, making you feel at home without breaking the bank is their top priority. From traditional to contemporary, they've got you and your floor covered! 713-789-3666 GreatRug.com 3415 Fondren Road, Houston
Art in the City offers an exceptional selection of contemporary art in all sizes. Stop by to see their wonderful array of original art and accessories. Complimentary consulting is available. 713-552-0900 artinthecity.net 3601 West Alabama
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Getting More from the Outdoors Great options to update your backyard living space
By Merry Wise ere comes the sun! And with the warm weather comes inspiration to create new spaces or improve on others for full enjoyment of your home. In our area, we are blessed with the ability to enjoy outdoor living almost the entire year, and focusing on creating your outdoor room adds value and enjoyment to your home. Making the investment in a posh home exterior will pay off in greater pleasure in your home now and higher resale value later if you choose to sell.
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Hot Stuff: Fire Pits Harking back to the happy days of summer camp, adding an outdoor fire pit surrounded by comfy seating will enable your family to make fun memories. There are many appealing fire pit options on the market today. You can go sleek and
modern with a snazzy fire enhanced by colored beads. Or you can go rustic right down to the tree stump! Yes, there actually is a fire pit available made from a concrete tree stump so real you would swear it housed squirrels in the not-so-distant past. The addition of a fire pit is something your family will enjoy for years, from making s’mores to sitting around it swapping ghost stories and laughter. Perhaps this is the year to ditch the tired bargain patio furniture for an upgrade. Patio furniture has become more sophisticated and durable than ever before, and the choices in materials and colors are absolutely lush. From go-with-everything neutrals to a splash of color, simply adding new patio furniture will make your outdoor space your go-to spot for entertaining family and friends. Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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Live Outdoors!
BEFORE
Patio Covers Gazebos • Sunrooms Screened Porches Outdoor Kitchens Decorative Patios and More
Call today to schedule a free design consultation 281-265-1994 See more ideas on our website
www.texascustompatios.com
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Look Out for a Cook-Out Go big and go home — to a total living outdoor paradise! Adding a summer kitchen complete with high-end grill, sink, bar, fridge, and lots of counter prep space could give cooking for your family a whole new vibe! Everything seems to be more fun and more delicious when cooking outdoors, and it seems much easier, too. The grills available are ever more simple to operate and clean and produce excellent results. Having a summer kitchen space will make entertaining a breeze. Staying Cool is a Breeze Speaking of breezes, there are some unique ways to add climate control to your outdoor venue. A screened or open porch, gazebo, tropical palapa or awnings all add welcome shade. Consider adding ceiling fans for a more pleasant ambiance as well. There are outdoor mist systems to cool you off or add a mysterious effect, and there are even very effective mosquito fogging systems to keep those unwanted visitors at bay while you and your guests play. Fun Factors: Music, Media and Games Your outdoor living room can also be equipped with an outdoor television, so the family can enjoy watching the big game poolside. But it’s a good idea to house this equipment inside a weather enclosure made to protect it from the elements. The best kind will also have a built-in fan to distribute heat outside. And do consider adding a distributed audio sound system. The speakers no longer have to look like “speakers”! There are outdoor speakers that look like rocks to blend in with your pool’s rock waterfall, or contemporary globes, for example. And what could be cooler than swimming underwater and listening to the sounds of whales and dolphins? Underwater speakers are great fun and sound travels well through water. Another way to amp up the “cool” factor is to add an outdoor ping pong and/or pool table. Some tables provide both games. Many of the outdoor pool tables also “flip their top” and double as elegant dining tables! If your area is large enough, you might also want to add a sport court for volleyball, basketball or tennis. The more entertaining your space, the more it encourages your teenagers and their friends to want to stay at the house with all the fun — and your supervision, of course. In the Swim of Things Of course, nothing says summer enjoyment in the Houston area more than adding a swimming pool and/or spa to your outdoor space. Even the smallest space can be equipped with water, and if you want the option to swim but space is limited, a swim spa is a good option. Pools have become increasingly simple to care for over the years, too, and energy efficient components also make them less expensive to operate. The newer variable speed pumps are a very useful energy upgrade for swimming pools and spas. These pumps offer an excellent savings on energy costs for operating your pool, and are quieter as well.
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All Hands on (the Updated) Deck To update what’s underfoot, consider upgrading any deck areas. Old concrete patios or decks can be redone with realistic coatings that look exactly like stone or brick, or you can have these areas resurfaced with materials that will give them a whole new look. Pavers, slate, stone, all kinds of materials and many techniques such as stamped concrete can be used to enhance these areas. The addition or renewal of a wood deck is also a good way to completely update your outdoor space, and there are materials impervious to weather that simulate wood, but last much longer and are easier to maintain. Fencing for Privacy and Safety Fencing can also be an excellent upgrade. Whether you want to hide an unwanted view, enhance your yard with a decorative fence, or perhaps create a child barrier for your pool area, there are some excellent choices that will add security, beauty and value to your property.
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281-257.4977 BETTERHOMESANDBIZ.COM INFO@BETTERHOMESANDBIZ.COM Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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HOUSTON ADVERTISING
EZ FLOORS EZ Floors has the flooring and countertops to finish any remodeling project. Luxurious carpet in the bedroom. Elegant hardwood flooring in the living and dining rooms. And timeless tile in the kitchen, bath and entry. They highly value your complete satisfaction with their products and service. Their philosophy is very simple: if you are pleased with your shopping experience, they are confident you will share it with others and continue to use EZ Floors for all your floor covering needs. ezfloorsonline.com 1557 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N, #110 713-465-6741 20680 Westheimer Parkway, #150 281-647-0777 See website for other locations.
TEXAS CUSTOM PATIOS They custom design and build patio covers (attached and freestanding), outdoor kitchens, screened porches, room additions, decorative patios, decks and more. The latest trends and products will transform your backyard but maintain your home’s original architecture and add value, beauty and function all year. Well known for their exceptional professionalism, seamless construction and excellent workmanship. Texas Custom Patios is a BBB Gold Star winner. Call for a free consultation or view their project portfolio online. 281-265-1994 texascustompatios.com
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COLONY BUILDERS Our combined years of field, technical and management experience in all aspects of the construction industry, along with our in-depth knowledge and application of the design-build method for project management, make Colony Builders your choice as the general contractor for your next home renovation, addition, or restoration construction project. 713-272-6624 colonybuildersinc.com
DROPSHADE.COM From the smallest solar shade to giant patio drop shade systems, Dropshade has what it takes to create innovative and effective shade products. Our crews manufacture thousands of shades every year! Dropshade is family owned and operated, and our tradition, integrity and superior customer service have made us a leading manufacturer of sun control systems. We are continuously the No. 1 choice of both contractors and homeowners when it comes to their shading needs. Visit our website for more details or call for a free quote! 281-407-0830 dropshade.com
GALLANT GARAGE & PATIO The premium coatings offered at Gallant Garage & Patio are the new, high-tech way to make your garage look better than new... even if your concrete slab is stained or cracked. These industrial-strength coatings are impervious to chemicals and automotive fluids. Gallant Garage coatings are also unaffected by heat, unlike do-it-yourself “garage paints,” which peel up or stick to your car tires. They have an extensive variety of standard colors, as well as custom finishes that resemble Granite or Terrazzo. Call for a free estimate. Now offering garage storage! 281-762-9707 gallantgarage.com
GREEN LINKS Synthetic turf surfaces create wonderful entertainment and lifestyle improvement spaces. From improving your golf game to more family outdoor fun, let Green Links show you how to turn outdoor space into more usable and pleasing settings. Contact them for a consultation. 713-932-9997 greenlinksinc.com
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MOSQUITO SQUAD The original and most trusted mosquito eliminator for over 10 years, Mosquito Squad specializes in the elimination of mosquitoes from outdoor living areas. Our barrier spray treatments are pet friendly, and protect your family from mosquitoes for 21 days. Traditional and organic treatments are available for reoccurring or special event treatments. 713-766-0708 MosquitoSquadHouston.com
Wood fences are great screens and good as a privacy option. Metal fencing can add a more open and elegant look while also serving as a good security detail. Childproof fencing for pool areas is an excellent addition as well. Some of this fencing can even be installed so that it can be removed temporarily for adult parties or for use by grandparents only when the grandkids are visiting.
CABINETS & DESIGNS Visit Cabinets & Designs to experience the infinite possibilities of a high-concept showroom. For 40 years this family-owned business has specialized in lifestyle designs for home and office. They are the #1 Wood-Mode Lifestyle Design Showroom, and their mission is to help clients create personalized living and working spaces. When you visit their showroom, mention seeing their ad and you will receive a complimentary Dexas Flexi Cutting Board.
Light Up Your Night Life Evenings in your great outdoors can become even more magical with proper lighting. Path lighting, uplighting of trees and other landscape features, and unique color-changing lighting for pools and spas all make a big difference for a more beautiful space after dark. Color-changing lighting for pools is available that can be retrofitted into the older, traditional light niches, too. One company even has a new product coming out that interfaces with your computerized technology to project pictures of your choice onto the pool walls!
Refresh the Landscaping Choose some new plants to add color and texture at varying times of the season for a constant, colorful display throughout the months you will be spending the most time outdoors. June is the month to use such colorful and long-lasting choices as crepe myrtle, vitex and parkinsonia. The variety called "Montrose Purple" is an especially vibrant choice for intense color. Hardy standbys for our area also include oleander and gardenia, and of course creamy white gardenias will infuse the space with a lovely fragrance as well. Other great choices for summer are lantana, salvia, and black-eyed Susan. As September arrives, add container gardens to your outdoor space. Good plants for these that will add splashes of color include crotons, snapdragons, dianthus, mums, marigolds and petunias. A spring and summer spruce-up can provide many years of added enjoyment. The fun your family makes in your upgraded home resort will turn that outdoor investment into a priceless future memory.l
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All About Dahlias! Follow this plan and prepare to be amazed “American Dawn” from Longfield Gardens, is a modern dahlia that’s been bred for amazing color, abundant flower production and sturdy stems. Photo courtesy of Longfield Gardens.
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ahlias provide some of the garden's biggest and most spectacular blooms. The flowers come in a rainbow of colors and many different styles and sizes, and all are excellent cut flowers. One of the best things about dahlias is how abundantly they bloom. The plants begin flowering in midsummer and produce more and more flowers each week, right through the fall. Just plant the bulbs in spring and prepare to be amazed! STEP 1 — KNOW START WITH A BETTER BULB It’s easy to see the difference in a quality dahlia when you compare two plants side by side. Dahlia tubers are graded by size. Grade #1 tubers are the largest size available. The photo shows a grade #1 tuber on
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Soil: Most plants, including dahlias, grow best in loose, fertile, well-drained soil. To improve the quality of your soil, add compost and an all purpose fertilizer at planting time. Avoid planting in areas where the soil is soggy or compacted. When to Plant: Dahlias tubers are planted in the spring after all danger of frost is gone. Fill 6-inch or 8-inch pots with growing mix and plant one tuber per pot. Put the pots in a warm, sunny place until the plants are several inches tall and the weather outside is warm.
the right and a smaller, #3 tuber on the left. Larger tubers give you a fuller plant with more stems and more blooms. STEP 2 — PLAN PLAN FOR SUCCESS Dahlias are incredibly easy to grow. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results. Sun and Shade: Dahlias are sun-lovers and need a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. The more sun they get, the better they'll bloom, so it's best to plant your dahlias in the sunniest location you can. Zone: Dahlias are only winter hardy in zones 8-11. Planted in the spring, they will grow quickly and the plants will be blooming by mid to late summer. (The USDA Hardiness Zone map puts the Houston metro area in Zone 9A .)
WHERE TO PLANT DAHLIAS Flower Gardens: Dahlias bloom from late summer through fall and hit their stride as most perennials are starting to fade. Consider each dahlia variety’s ultimate height when placing them in your borders, with tallest ones in back, mid-size dahlias in the middle and border dahlias up front. Entryways, Patios and Decks: Decorate your home and welcome guests with a brilliant display of dahlias. Border dahlias are ideal for containers. The compact, bushy plants stay just 18-inches tall and cover themselves with flowers from midsummer to frost. Along Fences or for Screening: Dahlias can be functional as well as decorative. Full size varieties can be planted along a property line to add privacy. They can also be planted in pots to enclose a space or in a garden to screen an unwanted view. Vegetable Gardens: Dahlias are great companions for almost any vegetable. Just plant them at the same time you're planting tomatoes and peppers. When you harvest your dinner, you can also harvest fresh flowers for your table. Cutting Gardens: Dahlias are fabulous cut flowers, and just a few plants will give you armloads of blooms. Planting several different flower styles will give your bouquets a professional look.
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Many gardeners treat dahlias as annuals. The spectacular blooms come in a rainbow of colors andmake excellent cut flowers. Photo courtesy of Longfield Gardens.
STEP 3 — GROW PLANTING IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3 1. Dig a hole to 4-6 inches deep in well-drained soil. 2. Set the tubers in the hole with the stem facing up. 3. Replace the soil and water only if the soil is very dry. Sprouts will appear in 2-4 weeks. TIPS FOR GROWING DAHLIAS • Choose a sunny spot. Dahlias bloom best in full sun. • To give your dahlias the best possible start, improve the soil by adding compost and an all purpose (5-10-5) granular fertilizer when planting. • Dahlia tubers should be planted 4-6 inches deep. Position the tubers so the sprouts are facing up. If there are no sprouts, plant the tubers horizontally. • Once your dahlias are 8-10 inches tall, start fertilizing them with liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks. • Pinching dahlias when they are about 10 inches tall will give you bushier plants with more flowers. • When the first flower buds appear, cut back a couple of the tallest stems. This will help the plant fill out and produce more flowers.
Dahlias In Containers Few plants can compete with the flowering power of dahlias. These easy-togrow, heat-loving summer bulbs bloom non-stop from midsummer through fall, and with each week, their flowers keep getting bigger and better. While most dahlias grow 3 to 5 feet tall, border dahlias are much more compact. At just 15 to 20 inches high, they are an ideal height for growing in pots and planters. Don’t let their small size fool you. These low-growing dahlias flower with the same incredible energy as their full size cousins. The perfectly formed, brilliantly colored flowers keep decks, patios and entryways, looking bright and fresh all season long. After evaluating many different types of border dahlias, we have found that Melody and Gallery border dahlias produce the biggest blooms and the most flowers.
INSPIRING COMBINATIONS SUPPORT YOUR DAHLIAS If you are growing full size dahlias, they should be staked to support both the stems and the flowers. Use at least one sturdy, 6foot-tall stake per plant. Drive the stake into
A border dahlia is a bushy plant with a dome-shape top. On its own, a single plant will nicely fill a 10-inch to 12-inch planter. Pots of this size are easy to move around, so you can add splashes of color
whenever and wherever they're needed. In a larger pot, two or three border dahlias will give a nice, full look. You can stick with a single variety in each pot or combine several different colors. Here are some sun-loving container plants that make good companions for border dahlias: Coleus Verbena Creeping Jenny Lantana Liatris Sweet Potato Vine Million Bells Elephant Ears Dahlias are high-energy plants that need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun they get, the more flowers they produce. In southern areas, dahlias appreciate a little shade from hot afternoon sun. Dahlias will not tolerate freezing temperatures and they dislike cold soil. Don’t put them outdoors until all danger of frost has passed.
PLANTING AND CARE IN CONTAINERS Dahlias have vigorous root systems ➝
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Dahlias are great companions for almost any vegetable. Just plant them at the same time you’re planting tomatoes and peppers.
the ground 8 to 10 inches deep. Inserting the stakes at planting time means you won’t damage the plant or tubers later in the season. As the stems begin to grow, tie them to the stake every foot or two.
Plant the tubers 4-6 inches deep, stem up, in well-drained soil.
Here a colorful combination of dahlias make a beautiful arrangement.
When plants are well established and 5 to 6” tall, start fertilizing them twice a month.
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STEP 4 — AFTERCARE CARING FOR DAHLIAS AFTER THEY BLOOM Many gardeners treat dahlias as annuals. When the season is over, simply dig up the plant and the tubers and add them to your compost pile. If you want to save your dahlia tubers for the next growing season, here’s how to do it: • When the foliage begins to lose its color or is killed by frost, cut off the stems to within 6 inches of the ground. Wait about a week before digging to give the tubers time to develop next year’s sprouts, also called “eyes.” Label each plant so you can identify it next spring. • Dig around the plant and gently lift the tubers from the ground, using caution as
that need plenty of room to develop. Each border dahlia tuber will need a 10-inch to 12-inch diameter container or 2-gallon pot. Larger containers can accommodate more than one dahlia tuber or some other types of plants. Pots should always have a drainage hole on the bottom to prevent the soil from getting waterlogged. Here’s how to pot up a border dahlia. Fill the container a little more than half way with good quality potting mix. Find the place where the tubers come together, which is the base of the old stem. Set the tubers on the soil with the stem area on top. It should be at least 5 inches below the top of the pot. Cover the tubers with about 2 inches of soil and water well. Put the pot in a warm, sunny place where it will get six or more hours of sun each day. As the tubers start to grow, you can gradually add more soil until the pot is almost full.
the tubers are fragile. Allow the entire clump to air dry for a week (protected from rain and frost). This gives the tubers time to toughen their skin for winter storage. • Trim back the stems to 1 inch and remove any fine root hairs from the tubers. Tag the base of the stems so you can identify the tubers later. • Place each clump of tubers into a pot, bucket or bin and surround them with sand, sawdust or vermiculite. If you are putting multiple clumps in one container, layer them so they don't touch each other. Store the container in a cool (40-50°F), dark place. Check the tubers monthly to make sure they are not rotting (too wet) or shriveling (too dry). Adjust the humidity accordingly.
Article and images provided by Longfield Gardens (www.longfieldgardens.com) and reprinted with permission.
©2016 Longfield Gardens
Once the plants are well established and 5 to 6 inches tall, start fertilizing them twice a month. When the first flower buds appear, cut back the tallest two or three stems to about half their height. This will help the plant fill out and increase total flower production. During the growing season, removing faded flowers will stimulate growth and keep the plant looking its best. Dahlias should not be overwatered. It’s best to let the top couple inches of soil get fairly dry between waterings. TIP: Dahlias dislike cold weather. Though a chilly, early summer night won't kill them, it can set them back by several weeks. Pamper your young dahlia plants by keeping the pots in a warm, protected place until nighttime temperatures are consistently in the 60s.l
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Water Garden and Pond Tour, May 7-8, Set to Relax and Inspire Homeowners Event is a self-guided tour of gardens across metro area
A hidden retreat.
By Mara Soloway o you dream of turning your mundane St. Augustine lawn into a more meditative outdoor space with lovely water lilies and the sound of running water? Does the idea of sipping your morning coffee in a peaceful retreat with dancing dragonflies and swimming koi appeal to you? If so, come be inspired at the 2016 Water Garden and Pond Tour sponsored by the Houston Pond Society and the Lone Star Koi Club. You’ll find everything from serene pools to splashing waterfalls in hidden oases tucked into backyards across the Houston metro area. The self-guided tour of 20 members’ private backyard ponds and water gardens is being held the first weekend in May on Saturday and Sunday, May 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Half the ponds are open on Saturday and half are open on Sunday. Bring your cameras to record the featured backyard paradises for future reference.
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Yellow water lillies are a popular feature in area ponds.
Ponds and water gardens are an ideal enhancement to your backyard.
Hobbyists enjoy having fancy Koi in their ponds.
A pond in a natural setting. An above-ground pond.
The tour is spread out across the Greater Houston area from inside the Loop to the Heights to Katy to Friendswood. Some special features include a yard with a scale model railroad and bee hives; a home with habitats for turtles and parakeets; and a home with chickens, doves and a koi pond built into the side of the house with glass so you can see the fish from inside the home. Dan Cook, pond tour chairman, is a enthusiastic promoter of the joys of backyard water gardens. “We have had our pond for 20 years. We originally put it in to lessen the sound of traffic since we live close to the freeway. It really enhances our backyard and the time we spend in it,” he said.
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The tour is a beautiful event for anyone who just wants to visit and let themselves soak in the restful and serene ambience these gardens and ponds offer. It is also an
A pond or water garden attracts wildlife and birds to your backyard, which adds to their environmental value. inspirational and educational opportunity for anyone interested in creating their own backyard retreat filled with water gardens and ponds surrounded by lush vegetation and swimming with koi. Pond owners will
be on hand to answer questions about pond construction, fountains, filters, fish, water lilies, koi show competitions and more. “Our Pond Tour is a perfect opportunity to get firsthand insight into this fascinating hobby. Talk with homeowners to get their firsthand insight about raising and keeping exotic koi, water gardening, ponds, and landscaping. Find out how they did it, how they started and learn from their experiences. They will tell you what they would do differently, their successes and failures,” Cook said. “You will also discover that their ponds are actually works in progress and are never really finished.”
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celebrate mother Mother’s Day | May 8
SMITH’S FINE JEWELRY One of the ponds on this year's tour.
Each location on the tour will offer visitors something different from the others, anything from small backyard garden ponds, or patio fountains, or huge multi-pond landscapes, complete with koi ponds, waterfalls, or anything between. A pond is A lovely pond tucked away into a corner. limited only by its owner’s imagination. A pond or water garden attracts wildlife and birds to your backyard, which adds to their environmental value, according to Cook. “They are lovely places to go out and sit in the evening and relax and watch the fish and listen to the birds. It is very relaxing and great fun to sit at the pond.” He adds that ponds in the Houston area require no additional work in winter, just stop feeding the fish until the water gets warm enough. Ticket Info Tickets, good for both days, cost $10 and include a brochure with a description of the ponds and a map with driving directions to each home. Location information can be found on lonestarkoi.com and houstonpondsociety.org. Advance tickets may be purchased at Nelson Water Gardens in Katy beginning April 23, which is the start of Nelson’s two-day “Garden Party” hosted by tour participants. It will feature lectures, vendors and ticket sales. Starting April 25, tickets can still be purchased at Nelsons and at any of the homes on the day that the home is part of the tour. For more information, contact Dan Cook at 713-822-5515 or dcook1838@aol.com. The 2016 Water Garden and Pond Tour is a yearly fundraising event for the Houston Pond Society and the Lone Star Koi Club. “We are excited to show you our ponds and yards, and look forward to your visit,” said Cook. l
If you are looking for a unique piece of fine jewelry, look no further than Smith's Fine Jewelry. Smith's Fine Jewelry is having a blowout Going Out of Business sale! From May 1st to May 31st, shop 30-40 percent off plus an additional 10 percent off their entire store! Smith's carries many designer lines that are sure to impress, and who can resist at these prices? Shop now for the best selection. 713-463-7148 smithsfinejewelry.com 12472-B Memorial Dr., Houston
ECLECTIC HOME Now in its 14th year, Eclectic Home has become one of Houston’s destinations for affordable home furnishing, accessories and great gift ideas. Eclectic Home carries an assortment of lamps, wall décor, accent furniture and decorative accessories, all from traditional to contemporary styles. Open every day. 713-869-1414 Follow us on Facebook 345 W. 19th Street, Houston
MOCHIDOKI Mochidoki is an artisanal ice cream company that ships its delicious frozen dessert creations to your doorstep. Mochi ice cream is a frozen, Japanese-inspired treat stuffed with ice cream and wrapped in a thin layer of sweetened rice dough. Mochidoki is made of premium natural ingredients that are locally sourced, and the treats are free of artificial preservatives, sweeteners and colors. Looking for a sweet and special Mother’s Day gift? The company’s 12piece Mother’s Day “Heart to Heart” Collection is available for pre-ordering starting April 4 and consists of four pieces each of these flavors: • Vanilla Chocolate Chip mochi ice cream hearts decorated with pink and white chocolate • Rasberry mochi ice cream dipped in white chocolate and finished with cranberry crystals • Strawberry mochi ice cream dipped in tie-dye pink and white chocolate then drizzed with semisweet dark chocolate Each “Heart to Heart” Collection is $40 plus shipping and includes a personalized note card and festive Mother’s Day ribbon. Call 201-933-0388 or visit mochidoki.com. Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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By artists Anat Ronen and PilotFX
By artist PEZ
Mini Murals Houston
By artist Guerra Girl
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the art community supporting public artists and public arts in Houston. The project currently has funding for 120 more boxes with 60 completed. They are seeking sponsors in the form of individuals, corporations or other management districts to finish off all of the 2,600 boxes in the metro area. Sponsors may commission the artist of their choice from a pool of artists to complete their traffic box. The Quiles encourage citizens to call their city council members and ask for Mini Murals to be supported in their district. Noah broke it down: “If we were to paint every one of the 2,600 traffic boxes in the city, that would generate $6.5 million for public beautification and 47 percent of that would go back into the art community.” The Mini Murals project is supported by Houston’s PW&E, MOCA and HAA as well as the East End Foundation, City Council members and Brays Oaks and Five Corners Management Districts along with Fresh Arts as fiscal sponsor. The Advisory Board includes Jeff Reichman (January Advisors), Aimee Woodall and Monica Danna (The BlackSheep Agency), James Phelan (WhiteSpace Houston), Joel Luks (The CKP Group), Adam Brackman (Axelrad), Alex Saenz, Shawna Forney, Mac Miller, Erin
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By artist W3R3ON3
By artist Anat Ronen
By artist Guerra Girl
By artist Anat Ronen
McClarty, Andy Aguinaga, Gibson Hall, John McCann and Morris Malakoff. Artists participating in the pilot phase of the project include 2:12, Alex “Zu” Arzu, Ana Maria, Anat Ronen, Dual, Gabriel Prusmack, Jessica Guerra, Lee Washington, Sebastien “Mr. D” Boileau, Pilot FX, Shelbi-Nicole, W3R3oN3, Wiley and Tra` Slaughter. With the pilot phase completed and successful, UP Art Studio and its partners aim to raise awareness of the project in order to expand to other areas across Houston, especially areas that are art deficient. Contributions for the purpose of Mini Murals Houston must be made payable to Fresh Arts and are taxdeductible to the extent permitted by law. For more information, visit minimurals.org or upartstudio.org. l By artist PilotFX Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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Learning About Lupus When the immune system goes wrong
L
upus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. WHAT IS LUPUS? In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs. Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues (“auto” means “self”) and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body. Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and
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remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). More facts about lupus: • Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot “catch” lupus from someone or “give” lupus to someone. • Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above. However, some treatments for lupus may include immunosuppressant drugs that are also used in chemotherapy. • Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive. • Lupus can range from mild to lifethreatening and should always be treated
by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life. • Research by the Lupus Foundation of America estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there are no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus. • More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country. • It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus. • Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children and teenagers develop lupus, too. Most people with lupus develop the disease between the ages of 15-44. • Women of color are two to three times more likely to develop lupus than Caucasians. • People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus. COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS Because lupus can affect so many different organs, a wide range of symptoms can occur. These symptoms may come and go, and different symptoms may appear at different times during the course of the disease. The most common symptoms of lupus, which are the same for females and males, are: • Extreme fatigue • Headaches • Painful or swollen joints • Fever • Anemia (low numbers of red blood cells or hemoglobin, or low total blood volume) • Swelling (edema) in feet, legs, hands, and/or around eyes • Pain in chest on deep breathing (pleurisy) • Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
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Reshape Your Body in 20 Minutes! When Diane Rand reached age 50, she got concerned that her weight was slowly creeping higher and her clothes were feeling too tight. As a practicing physician in San Diego, she knew the diagnosis. “Your muscles atrophy as you age, and this slows down the metabolism,” says Rand. “I knew it would keep getting worse if I didn’t correct it.” The antidote? Effective weight training. But, she’d never lifted weights before. Plus, her full-time job as a physician as well as her family life left little time in her schedule for exercise.
Fortunately, Diane read an article about “slow-motion” strength training, a revolutionary new exercise method promising a firmer, stronger, more shapely body from just two 20-minute training sessions per week. Even though the time efficiency and results sounded almost too good to be true, she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout, a local company with 56 private fitness studios throughout the United States specializing in this unique approach.
In 3 months Laura Retana Shelp lost 23.4 pounds and 10½ inches off her waist with improved nutrition and two 20-minute training sessions a week at The Perfect Workout.
Right away she noticed immediate increases in her muscle tone and energy. After several months she’d also dropped 1 to 2 clothing sizes and was fitting into clothes which used to be too small. “My trainer pushes me in a safe way, and I walk away feeling great after each session,” says Diane. “This is the wave of the future.”
LEAN MUSCLES – THE KEY TO RESHAPING YOUR BODY
The Perfect Workout’s trainers encourage clients to build lean muscle tissue which increases the body’s metabolism, burning extra calories even while you’re sleeping. Not only does the extra muscle help burn fat and calories, muscle takes up 20% less space than fat. So a fit 140-pound person can wear clothes several sizes smaller than an out of shape 140-pound person. Adding muscle and losing fat will make your body firmer, smaller, and more shapely. Slow-motion strength training involves brief and demanding workouts to get great results. The basic concept? Lift relatively heavy weights excruciatingly slowly (10 seconds to lift, another 10 seconds to lower) for as many repetitions as you can until you’re unable to move the weights anymore. And when you learn to challenge your muscles as deeply as a skilled trainer can teach, it’s impossible to workout much longer than 20 minutes, even if you try. Dr. Philip Alexander, physician and Chief of Medicine Services at College Station Medical Center, explains that it’s the intensity of exercise that stimulates greatest changes. “A slower repetition loads the muscles more effectively and efficiently. It’s harder!” exclaims Alexander. “That’s why it stimulates such a great total response from the body.” Dr. Alexander has tracked hundreds of subjects using slow-motion strength training, noting significant improvements in muscular strength, HDL cholesterol profiles, bone
density, and glucose tolerance. Other research adds more supporting data. Two separate studies by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., and one study by Ellington Darden, Ph.D., demonstrate that slow-motion strength training produces 50% to 59% faster improvements than regular weight training.
JOYCE RECLAIMS HER YOUTHFUL FIGURE
54-year-old Joyce Magnuson had always been slim and slender when she was younger. But in her mid 40’s life’s stresses caught up with her, and she began gaining weight. “During the next few years, I kept getting heavier, until I was thoroughly broken and disgusted with myself,” says Joyce. Fortunately, she happened to read an article about slow-motion strength training and how it would reshape her body with just two 20-minute training sessions per week. The effectiveness of the method made sense to Joyce, and she decided to enroll with a personal trainer at The Perfect Workout. After five months of combining an effective nutrition plan with two 20-minute training sessions each week, not only had she gotten stronger, she’d lost 43 pounds and dropped from a size 16 to a size 10. She was also able to get completely off the blood pressure medications that she’d previously needed to take. She adds, “The perk is looking good in the current styles. Even Macy’s keeps me motivated to stay fit!” The Perfect Workout has 56 private studios that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these Houston area locations: Clear Lake (281) 456-3380, Cypress/N. Houston (832) 497-1121, Kingwood (281) 241-1628, Memorial (281) 724-5147, River Oaks (713) 999-5182, Sugar Land (281) 201-5309, and The Woodlands (281) 245-0478. www.ThePerfectWorkout.com
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Upcoming JUNE FCosmetic Surgery & Dermatology t Ask abou
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FREREIAL DVERTO
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Outstanding Markets Over 210,000 Homes Monthly THE WOODLANDS • KATY-FULSHEAR HOUSTON • FORT BEND • CY-FAIR To reserve space, contact your sales representative or call 281.240.2445 ext. 128 www.houstonlifestyles.com
• Sun-or light-sensitivity (photosensitivity) • Hair loss • Abnormal blood clotting • Fingers turning white and/or blue when cold (Raynaud’s phenomenon) • Mouth or nose ulcers Many of these symptoms occur in other illnesses. In fact, lupus is sometimes called “the great imitator” because its symptoms are often like the symptoms of rheumatoid
COMPOUNDING SHOP PHARMACY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY A PHARMACIST SINCE 1982
Hard to Find Medications • Sterile Compounds Back Ordered Medications Bio-Identical Hormones (BHRT)
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For NEW patients and ANY transferred compounded prescriptions. One time only.
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11851A Wilcrest Drive • Houston, TX 77031 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9am-6pm • Closed Sat. and Sun.
281-495-2230 • www.mycompoundingshop.com 72
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arthritis, blood disorders, fibromyalgia, diabetes, thyroid problems, Lyme disease, and a number of heart, lung, muscle, and bone diseases. WHAT CAUSES LUPUS? Many (but not all) scientists believe that lupus develops in response to a combination of factors both inside and outside the body, including hormones, genetics, and environment. Hormones Hormones are the body’s messengers. They regulate many of the body’s functions. Because nine of every 10 occurrences of lupus are in females, researchers have looked at the relationship between estrogen and lupus. While men and women both produce estrogen, its production is much greater in females. Many women have more lupus symptoms before menstrual periods and/or during pregnancy when estrogen production is high. This may indicate that estrogen somehow regulates the severity of lupus. However, no causal effect has been proven between estrogen, or any other hormone, and lupus. And, studies of women with lupus taking estrogen in either birth control pills or as postmenopausal therapy have shown no increase in disease activity. Genetics No gene or group of genes has been proven to cause lupus. Lupus does, however, appear in certain families, and certain genes have been identified as contributing to the development of lupus, but these associations alone are not
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enough to cause the disease. This is especially evident with twins who are raised in the same environment and have the same inherited features yet only one develops lupus. Although, when one of two identical twins has lupus, there is an increased chance that the other twin will also develop the disease (25 percent chance for identical twins; 2-3 percent chance for fraternal twins). Lupus can develop in people with no family history of lupus, but there are likely to be other autoimmune diseases in some family members. Certain ethnic groups (people of African, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Island descent) have a greater risk of developing lupus, which may be related to genes they have in common. Environment Most researchers today think that an environmental agent, such as a virus or possibly a chemical, randomly encountered by a genetically susceptible individual, acts to
trigger the disease. Researchers have not identified a specific environmental agent as yet but the hypothesis remains likely. While the environmental elements that can trigger lupus and cause flares aren’t fully known, the most commonly cited are ultraviolet light (UVB in particular); infections (including the effects of the Epstein-Barr virus), and exposure to silica dust in agricultural or industrial settings. Other examples of known environmental triggers include: • Ultraviolet rays from the sun • Ultraviolet rays from fluorescent light bulbs • Sulfa drugs, which make a person more sensitive to the sun, such as: Bactrim® and Septra® (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole); sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin®); tolbutamide (Orinase®); sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®); diuretics • Sun-sensitizing tetracycline drugs such as minocycline (Minocin®) • Penicillin or other antibiotic drugs such
as: amoxicillin (Amoxil®); ampicillin (Ampicillin Sodium ADD-Vantage®); cloxacillin (Cloxapen®) • Infection • Cold or a viral illness • Exhaustion • Injury • Emotional stress, such as divorce, illness, death in the family, or other life complications • Anything else that causes stress to the body such as surgery, physical harm, pregnancy, or giving birth Seemingly unrelated factors can also trigger the onset of lupus in a susceptible person. Scientists have noted some common features, including: exposure to the sun, infection, pregnancy, childbirth, or drugs taken to treat an illness. If you are diagnosed with lupus, you play an important role in helping your doctor manage your disease. Listen to your body, ask questions and stay involved.l Courtesy of Lupus Foundation of America
Painful Sex? Vaginal Aging and Dryness?
It’s Ok to talk about it is an innovative laser therapy that helps restore your vaginal health.
Get Your Life Back. Call for a consultation (832) 320-4000 Offices in Houston & Pearland www.yourobgyn.net Dr. Aurora Gonzalez is among the first physicians in the U.S. and the first in Texas to provide MonaLisa Touch. Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Aurora Gonzalez, M.D. & Associates Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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Family
Health
A D V E R T I S I N G
TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Texas Children’s Hospital is a not-for-profit organization committed to creating a community of healthy children through excellence in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Texas Children’s has recognized Centers of Excellence in multiple pediatric subspecialties including the Cancer and Heart Centers, and operates the largest primary pediatric care network in the country. For more than 50 years, Texas Children’s Heart Center, ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report, has been a pioneering leader in cardiac care, treating more than 17,000 children with congenital heart defects and performing more than 800 surgeries annually. Cardiologists and surgeons are world-renowned leaders in pediatric cardiology, congenital heart surgery and cardiovascular anesthesiology, and offer every procedure available for the treatment of pediatric heart diseases and defects for children of all ages, including preterm and low-birth-weight newborns. Some of the services offered include cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, diagnostic and cardiac imaging, adult congenital heart disease treatment, congenital heart surgery, cardiac nursing, cardiac critical care and heart transplantation. For more information please visit the website. texaschildrens.org/heart
HOUSTON METHODIST HOUSTON HOSPITAL Are you giving your health the time it deserves? Join Houston Methodist in making the month of May all about you — with fun, free and informative events covering a wide range of topics for women at every stage of life.Our women’s health experts will be on-hand to offer personalized advice that will help you live the healthy life you want, even with your busy routine. Whether you’re interested in comprehensive breast and pelvic care or want advice on other topics like heart health, hormones and more, you’ll walk away with important knowledge you can immediately start applying to your own health and lifestyle. Visit the website below to learn more and to register for any of our free women’s health events throughout Greater Houston in May. houstonmethodist.org/womens-event
THE PERFECT WORKOUT Many people – especially women – have a fear of “bulking up” like a bodybuilder if they were to start strength training. In reality, if you’re older than 25, it’s much more likely that too little muscle is the problem rather than too much muscle. The research studies indicate that adults who don’t strength train lose an average of a half pound of lean muscle tissue each year starting at age 25. Over time, this results in arms and thighs that are softer and less firm, a slower metabolism, and buying larger clothing sizes. Effective strength training changes all of this. It increases your metabolism, as well as sculpts your legs and arms. And since muscle is denser than fat, strength training helps make your body smaller, firmer, and more shapely. The Perfect Workout has 56 private studios that specialize in one-on-one personal training with the slow-motion strength training method, including these Houston locations: Sugar Land 281-201-5309 Memorial 281-724-5147 River Oaks 713-999-5182 The Woodlands 281-245-0478 Cypress/N. Houston 832-497-1121 Clear Lake 281-456-3380 Kingwood 281-241-1628
THE COMPOUNDING SHOP With more than 80 years of experience among its pharmacists, the Compounding Shop offers bio-identical hormone therapy and other customized prescriptions. Locally owned and operated since 1982, they are one of the first
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and most experienced compounding pharmacies in the Houston metropolitan area. The friendly, multi-lingual staff is certified and licensed, and they specialize in compounding. Providing exceptional customer service is their main goal, and they proudly stand by their products. In addition to bio-identical hormone replacement, the pharmacy offers pain management; veterinarian medicine; dental preparation; saliva hormone testing; nutritional and dietary support; consultation; and many other medications and products. The Compounding Shop is a member of the Professional Compounding Centers of America and the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists. The Shop is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday. Come by and see what they can do for you! They now accept all Major Medical and Prescription Insurances, including Medicare Part D, for both compound and legend drugs. Note: Medicare Part D may not cover compounds. Please call for more information. 281-495-2230 mycompoundingshop.com 11851-A Wilcrest Drive, Houston
AURORA GONZALEZ, M.D. AND ASSOCIATES Their medical team offers personalized obstetrical and gynecological services for women and adolescents. They strive to stay abreast of the latest developments, so that patients receive the most advanced medical care. Their physicians are here to care for your medical needs: Dr. Aurora Gonzalez, Dr. Vijaya Mandalapu, Dr. Sharon Vila-Wright, Dr. Stacey Coombes and Dr. Stacey Thomas. Their physicians are trained laparoscopic and vaginal surgeons who manage a majority of surgical issues ranging from endometriosis, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, uterine fibroids, and heavy uterine bleeding. They offer urinary incontinence treatment and surgery, robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, vaginal prolapse repair and reconstruction, vaginal atrophy treatment with the MonaLisa Touch laser and infertility evaluation. For the convenience of their patients, they provide minimally invasive outpatient procedures for the diagnoses and treatment of heavy uterine bleeding (Thermachoice endometrial ablation and hysteroscopy) and abnormal pap smears (LEEP and cervical cryotherapy). For patients desiring permanent contraceptive options, they also offer Essure. Their obstetrical services include prenatal counseling, routine prenatal care, high risk prenatal care, and full obstetrical ultrasounds. 713-757-9905 yourobgyn.net
THE COMPOUNDING SHOP With more than 80 years of experience among its pharmacists, the Compounding Shop offers bio-identical hormone therapy and other customized prescriptions. Locally owned and operated since 1982, they are one of the first and most experienced compounding pharmacies in the Houston metropolitan area. The friendly, multi-lingual staff is certified and licensed, and they specialize in compounding. Providing exceptional customer service is their main goal, and they proudly stand by their products. In addition to bio-identical hormone replacement, the pharmacy offers pain management; veterinarian medicine; dental preparation; saliva hormone testing; nutritional and dietary support; consultation; and many other medications and products. The Compounding Shop is a member of the Professional Compounding Centers of America and the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists. The Shop is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday. Come by and see what they can do for you! They now accept all Major Medical and Prescription Insurances, including Medicare Part D, for both compound and legend drugs. Note: Medicare Part D may not cover compounds. Please call for more information. 281-495-2230 mycompoundingshop.com 11851-A Wilcrest Drive, Houston
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Upcoming JUNE
Orange Cardamom Blueberry Crostata
F Home Improvement F Surfaces: Floors, Countertops & More F Interior Updates That Inspire F Real Estate & Development F Professional Resources: (Finance, Law & Insurance)
F Veterinary Services Preparation time: 10 min • Total Time: 1 hr 5 min • Servings: 6
1 ½ cup 2 tbsp ¼ tsp 2 cups 1 1 to 2 tbsp
Pillsbury™ refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box orange marmalade Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour ground cardamom fresh blueberries egg yolk coarse white sparkling sugar
Heat oven to 425°F. Line 15x10-inch pan with sides with parchment paper. Unroll pie crust in pan. In medium bowl, mix preserves, flour and cardamom. Carefully fold in blueberries. Spoon mixture over crust to within 2 inches of edge. Fold edge of crust over filling, pleating crust as necessary. In small bowl, beat egg yolk with two teaspoons water. Lightly brush crust edge with egg mixture; sprinkle with sugar. Bake 17 to 23 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool at least 30 minutes before serving.
F Father’s Day & Grads
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Outstanding Markets Over 210,000 Homes Monthly THE WOODLANDS • KATY-FULSHEAR HOUSTON • FORT BEND • CY-FAIR To reserve space, contact your sales representative or call 281.240.2445 ext. 128 www.houstonlifestyles.com Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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Rachel
&
Roshan
Text by Melanie Saxton Photos by Kelli Durham
S
A beautiful bride on her special day. • The happy couple steal a kiss under the veil.
even years after meeting in graduate school, Rachel Callahan and Roshan Gummattira finally began dating. Eventually their long-distance relationship led to two lovely wedding ceremonies, each with a different cultural theme. Rachel attended Lamar High School in Houston, earned a BBA in marketing at the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from University of Texas-Austin. She’s an investment advisor at Callahan Advisors. Roshan attended Taylor High School in Katy, earned a BS in chemical engineering and a master’s in electrical engineering at Rice University and an MBA from University Texas-Austin. He is managing director of Gulfstar Group. The couple enjoyed spectacular wedding celebrations at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond, St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Houston, and the ballroom of the Omni Hotel.
In the Beginning In 2006 Rachel and Roshan first noticed each other in the same MBA class at UT-Austin. They remained friends after graduation and talked on the phone, occasionally bumping into each other at weddings, football games and holidays in Houston.
Courtship Their friendship grew into a long-distance romance. Rachel lived in Dallas and Roshan lived in San Francisco. Both were ultimately drawn back to their Houston roots, with Rachel relocating in 2013, joined by Roshan in 2014 (he is a No. 1 fan of the city of Houston.) He soon knew that he wanted to marry Rachel.
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The Catholic Ceremony
Proposal Roshan suggested a pre-Valentine’s weekend trip on Feb. 6 to Austin — the city where they first met. He made reservations at the Hotel Ella and treated Rachel to a huge bouquet of roses and a bottle of champagne. She had no clue that he planned to propose and was caught off guard when he popped the question on the balcony! They quickly called their families to announce their engagement, and everyone acted surprised at the news. Little did Rachel know that everyone was in on the proposal, and the next morning she walked into the Four Seasons-Austin for brunch and spotted all their family members waiting at the table!
Engagement A stunning view of the nuptials. • The bride with her flower girl. • The groom relaxes with the guys. • Bridesmaids watch as the bride finalizes her outfit.
Over the next eight months, the couple planned their wedding. Rachel’s brother proposed to his girlfriend, leading to joint wedding excursions, bridal shows and dress shopping in Dallas. The incredibly busy year included double engagement parties, wedding showers and bachelor and bachelorette parties. Rachel and her mother also worked on wedding projects together. Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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The Hindu Wedding The groom’s mother and father are from southern India, and the whole Gummattira family was essential in recreating traditional wedding elements. The Kodava ceremony started early Friday morning at Safari Texas Ranch, followed by a celebratory lunch and dancing. The groom’s family had shopped for wedding attire in India, including a beautiful red and gold sari for the bride and jewel-toned saris for the bridesmaids. Family members also wore saris as well as the traditional men’s Kodava dress, reflecting a military tradition. Cherished rites such as Baale Birud, Ganapathy Puja, Dampathi Muurtha and Ganga Puja were incorporated in the ceremony. Since another full wedding awaited the next day, the rehearsal dinner was skipped. Instead, out-of-town guests experienced a Texas fajita party at Wild West.
The Catholic Wedding The bride envisioned classic and timeless elegance, as though the elements of her wedding would look like they were still in style 50 years in the future. The full Catholic mass featured a cantor, organist and trumpeter. As the bride and her father walked to Trumpet Voluntary, she smiled at her groom as a beam of light shone down on him at the altar. Attire: The Carolina Herrera droppedwaist ball gown was made from a silk Mikado with a jewel-embroidered mesh illusion neckline and a tailored pleated skirt. The bride carried an embroidered handkerchief in one of the pockets. She wore a satin-edged, cathedral length veil and Kate Spade shoes with ivory bows and sparkly heels. “Something old” was her Mother’s pearl earrings, “something new” was her dress and veil, “something borrowed” was a family heirloom tiara that would transform into a necklace for the reception after-party. “Something blue” was a handkerchief with blue embroidery. Bridesmaids wore Bill Levkoff navy long chiffon gowns with a pleated sweetheart neckline, sheer cap sleeves, key-hole back with bow and A-line skirt. The groom and groomsmen wore black tuxedos with ivory vests and bowties. Wedding Party: Father Alvin A. Sinasac officiated as parents of the bride, Thomas and Francis Callahan, and parents of the groom, Kaveriappa and Pushpa
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The wedding party shares the joy of the big day. • The bride wore pretty peep toe bridal shoes and carried a bouquet that contained callas. • The bride gave her beloved customized gold cufflinks. • The bride’s tiara converts into a necklace. • Proud parents wish their children well.
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Beautiful floral arrangements adorned the head table. • The glorious wedding cake had five tiers. • Special florals adorned the bride and groom’s chairs. • A romantic first dance • A groom’s cake with flags showing where guests live. • Family and friends joined the band on stage. • Guests danced the night away.
Gummattira, watched their children exchange vows in a double-ring ceremony. The bride’s sister, Sarah Callahan, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included the bride’s cousin Kathleen Ackerman, sisterin-law Malori Callahan, the groom’s sister Rashna Gummattira, and friends of the bride Kathleen Harken, Virginia Russell and Suzanne Winters. Teresa Schmidt, cousin of the bride, was flower girl. Daniel Arizpe served as best man. Groomsmen included brother of the groom
Thomas Callahan Jr. and friends Kenneth Brunette, Jamie Kerr, Paul Megler, Jonathan Sarley and James Rapp. Floral and Décor: The church was decorated with two arrangements of white lilies on either side of the altar. The bride carried a bouquet of white calla lilies and freesia. The bridesmaids carried bouquets of calla lilies, freesia, anemones, Queen Anne’s lace and peonies. Top wedding moments: The couple sat next to Father Al during the ceremony and
looked out at the smiling faces of the audience. Father Al gave a wonderful homily and incorporated elements of the Hindu ceremony from the day before, which he had attended in full Indian attire. The bride and groom received a round of applause after exchanging rings and kissing. It was pouring rain after the ceremony, but the wedding party piled into a bus and drove to the groom’s alma mater, Rice University, for photos under a beautiful covered archway while holding umbrellas. The
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The Hindu Ceremony
skylight in the bus started leaking and rain flowed in until the groomsmen fixed it with towels and T-shirts. They made a quick pit stop at Chick-Fil-A and received stuffed cows as a parting gift.
The Reception A “tailgate party” for guests filled the gap between the ceremony and reception in the Palm Court of the Omni. Televised football games, sliders, hot dogs, candy bars and a popcorn machine entertained guests. High tea was also served at 4 p.m. with a wide selection of crumpets. Floral and Décor: Guests received welcome bags with an “R & R” sticker as they checked into the hotel. Each contained snacks, Dr Pepper, a note from the bride and groom, and two different types of tissue paper (one with shamrocks representing Notre Dame, and one with owls representing Rice). Guests were also treated to toffee favors from Lambrecht Gourmet Toffee in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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The couple wore traditional Indian wedding attire. • The stage is set for the nuptials. • The groomsmen await the groom’s arrival. • The bride wore red and black bangles and traditional gold jewelry • Traditional Indian appetizers were served in martini glasses. • The Hindu ceremony would not be complete without Ganesha overseeing the ritual • Cousins dance in anticipation of the groom’s arrival.
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Planning a Wedding?
THE BELL TOWER ON 34TH
The bride and groom sit as the Hindu wedding rituals are performed.
A slide show of the couple’s childhoods and a guest book set amidst many family engagement and wedding photos were displayed in ballroom, which was transformed into a tropical paradise with 33 tables displaying unique arrangements. Orchids hung from the bride’s and groom’s chairs and the room was awash in special lighting. Gold chargers sat on tablecloths of eggshell Waldorf damask. The head table was covered in an ivory Italian crush cloth. Cake tables and high boys were covered in champagne sequin cloths. Guests sat on gold Chiavari chairs with ivory cushions. Several bars were set up throughout the room and a GoPro camera was attached to a champagne bottle so that guests could stop and leave a message. The Cakes: Five round and hexagonal tiers were iced in white buttercream with gold “pearls” covering the top layer and dripping down the side, with a few shamrocks tucked in. For the pre-reception cocktail hour, guests stopped at the groom’s cake table to pick up escort cards containing a glittery toothpick flag emblazoned with their name. They placed their toothpick flags in the cake (decorated with the State of Texas), and by the end of the cocktail hour the groom’s cake was full of flags from all over the world.
Top Reception Moments: The best man toasted “Two Aces who should never be split.” The groom, a blackjack player, got a kick out of that. Guests were treated to prime rib, paella, an entire buffet of Indian food and campechana served in martini glasses. The bride slipped into her pink “wedding” Toms and waltzed with her groom to Anne Murray’s Could I Have This Dance? Father and daughter waltzed to When Irish Eyes are Smiling. Then the band invited fathers and daughters onto the floor, including the groom’s father and sister, for a rendition of James Taylor’s How Sweet It Is. Guests danced to Frank Sinatra and modern pop. Children, the bridesmaids and the bride were invited up on stage and band members went out on the dance floor. By the end of the night, they were playing music and dancing on the tables!
The Bell Tower on 34th is Houston’s best-kept secret for events; featuring magnificent architecture, multiple ballrooms and stunning outdoor spaces, including a 30-foot water wall. The Bell Tower offers onsite catering, valet, AV, top-rated event planners and much more! A destination-style experience, it is ideal for 75-1,200 guests. Located in the heart of Houston, The Bell Tower on 34th will exceed your expectations! Let the Magic Begin…713-868-2355 TheBellTowerOn34th.com 901 West 34th, Houston
The Exit
LESLIE HOLLAND
Guests threw orchids during the grand exit, and the couple went upstairs to change clothes for the after-party. They took the elevator back down to the lobby expecting that most guests would have left, but everyone was having a lot of fun, and the party eventually moved to the bar.
Begin your new life with an heirloom. Awardwinning designer Leslie Holland has more than 30 years of experience in art direction in addition to her portfolio of exquisite graphite drawings. With the launch of “The Wedding Commission™,” Leslie will create a work based on the floral motif of your wedding. 713-307-4065 713-839-1871 www.lesliehollandhanddrawn.com leslieholland8321@att.net
The Honeymoon The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon that included flights to Fiji and New Zealand before returning home to work and live in Houston. l
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Enjoy Fun-Filled Days and Lazy Nights at The Woodlands Resort this Summer An enchanted oasis minutes from Houston, but worlds apart
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s temperatures begin to heat up in Texas, so does the fun at The Woodlands® Resort. Located just 30 minutes north of downtown Houston and set among 350 wooded acres, this fully renovated resort is the number one choice for families throughout Texas looking for a nearby respite from the traditional urban experience and a place to have a whole lot of fun! A WATER OASIS FULL OF THRILLS AND PLACES TO CHILL In the summer months, The Woodlands Resort is alive with excitement centering around the property’s Forest Oasis Waterscape™. Located within a vast poolside environment surrounded by three luxurious guestroom buildings, towering pines and the lush forest, the spectacular Forest Oasis Waterscape has been designed to provide a fun and refreshing experience for the entire family. Opened in July of 2014 as part of the Resort’s $77 million renovation, a thousand-and-five-foot lazy river provides riders with a relaxing nine-and-a-half minute trip surrounded by lush landscaping. As riders enter the river, they are greeted with a mosaic by Houston artist Denise Liebl celebrating the beauty of native wildlife in The Woodlands. Guests may also stop during their trip along the lazy river to get out and enjoy a refreshing ride down the Resort’s plunge slide, landing in the lazy lagoon pool.
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Just around the corner from the lazy river, more fun is to be found in the rest of the Forest Oasis Waterscape – ranked as one of the best pools in the nation – boasting a lagoon-style pool, two-story waterslide tower, flowing waterfalls, splash pad with pop fountains and underwater music and murals. Kids can relax poolside in the evening and take in a dive-in movie, shown nightly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Families can bask in the volume of kid-centric activities and amenities offered throughout the day, and whether dining poolside at Cool Water Cafe or in The Woodlands Dining Room, the Resort’s flagship dining locale, leisure guests will find themselves blissfully entertained exclusively within the Resort. HIT THE LINKS OR THE COURTS For the golf enthusiasts, the Resort features two on-property championship golf courses, Panther Trail™ and The Oaks. Both incorporate all the ingredients for exceptional golf — deep woods, glistening waters, exceptional fairways and pristine greens. With tree-lined fairways and challenging elevations, the courses allow golfers of all skill levels to test their talent and grow their game. For tennis lovers, the Resort features a world class tennis center with 21 first-rate clay and hard court playing surfaces.
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GET AWAY FROM IT ALL Searching for inner-peace, relaxation and rejuvenation? You will find it at The Woodlands Resort’s full-service day spa and fitness center. With a variety of nature-inspired treatments for both men and women including body wraps, facials and a variety of pampering for the hands and feet, the stress of everyday life will melt away at The Spa. Signature offerings include the Yellow Rose Mud Wrap, the Sunflower Salt Scrub and the soothing Green Tea Pedicure. In keeping with the family-friendly atmosphere, the Resort also offers Petite Spa services for those ages 6-12 that include manicures, pedicures, and facials. The Spa staff at The Woodlands Resort is highly trained at the art of delivering a restorative experience within a serene and peaceful environment. Rediscovering an appreciation for nature and its beauty is not hard to do at the Resort and throughout The Woodlands community. With over 200 miles of hike and bike trails through the southern reaches of the Texas Piney Woods, families can marvel at the unending canopy of trees and the varying species of birds. With more than 100 Texas parks and several lakes, guests can take time to enjoy nature in its purest form on foot or on a rented bicycle from the Resort with a guided map to find your way. ACTIVITIES & DINING FOR EVERY AGE AND TASTE The Woodlands has many amenities and dining options to entertain and delight staycationers. Experience perfection at one of the best restaurants in The Woodlands. Set on site at The Woodlands Resort, on the edge of the lake surrounding the 18th green, Robard’s is a classic American steakhouse offering an extensive menu of USDA prime grade, dry-
aged steaks and chops, seafood and chef-inspired specials. The main dining room at Robard’s boasts warm contemporary style, a stunning 8-foot long raised fireplace framed in dark bronze metal, 14-foot windows and 20-foot vaulted wood-beamed ceilings with custom chandeliers and skylights. Every table in the restaurant has expansive views of the 18th green of the Panther Trail™ golf course. For those looking for a casual dining experience featuring amazing global cuisine or simply having an after-dinner drink, The Bistro at The Woodlands Resort is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a lakeside view. The comfortable lounge boasts an inviting atmosphere with an adjoining game room featuring pool tables and multiple large TVs. With more than 400 upscale retailers, dining destinations and galleries, The Woodlands Town Center offers an endless array of kid-friendly sights and eats. Market Street, Hughes Landing and The Woodlands Mall are just a short complimentary ride from The Woodlands Resort and offer some of the finest restaurants and shopping in the area. Diners can overlook The Woodlands Waterway where you can enjoy kayaking or a Waterway cruise. If you time your visit appropriately, you can be a superstar in your teen’s eyes by surprising them with tickets to see any number of popular musical talents this summer at the nearby Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion — everyone from Twenty One Pilots to Dixie Chicks and 5 Seconds of Summer to Lynyrd Skynyrd will be performing live. With room packages to suit any occasion, The Woodlands Resort makes vacationing this summer easy, affordable and most of all, fun. Summer vacation is closer than you think. To plan your getaway today, visit woodlandsresort.com or call 866-882-9996. l
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Lifestyles & Homes Since 1987
Arden’s Gallery has completed the recent redesign of its space in the Museum District.
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Outstanding Markets
Arden’s Gallery Completes Redesign
Circulation: Over 210,000
Homes Monthly For Advertising Information 281.240.2445 ext. 128
Walls have been moved. Spaces realigned. New floors, new walls, new paint, new everything everywhere you look. Over the last few weeks, construction has transformed Arden’s Gallery at 1631 West Alabama in the Museum District. Now the Gallery is ready to celebrate this new chapter in its long history
21 YEARS OF SERVICE
CAMPBELL’S
of providing the finest art services in the city of Houston. While Arden’s is christening the newly redesigned spaces, the main purpose is to celebrate friends, customers, designers, decorators, architects, art consultants, suppliers and everyone else who has joined them on the journey. The new Arden’s features a large gallery space that allows them to showcase the fine art of Houston-area artists, including Ted Cowart, Ken Elliott, Sunny McKinnon and others. As is their tradition, framing and other art services will continue to be an integral component of the business. The Gallery’s frame collection is extensive and customers will find samples newly organized and ready for easy selection. The public is invited to stop by and discover the new Arden’s.
Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Announces New Visual Identity, Refined Focus
WINDOW CLEANING •Power Washing •Custom Homes •Small Offices
CALL FOR FREE QUOTES
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| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016
To find a remodeler, please go to GHBA.ORG To find a Houston Remodeling Guide, please visit these locations: BMC | BISON • Ferguson • Pella • Daltile Cabinets & Designs • Detering Co. Sliding Door Co. • The Design Firm • Gulf & Basco Morrison Supply • Sherwin-Williams Natural Stone Gallery • Factory Builder Stores By Design Interiors • MS International Venetian Blind/Carpet One • Ark Concrete
The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce revealed a new logo, website, and renewed focus on the future of Hispanic Houston at its 23rd Annual Luncheon & Business Expo on March 24. Speaking in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 1,500 attendees, Chamber President & CEO Dr. Laura G. Murillo called on the local Latino community to harness its collective power to have a profound impact on the future of the city of Houston and the state of Texas. “The future of Houston – and the State of Texas – is Latino,” said Dr. Murillo. “Our new logo and website serve as a reaffirmation to our renewed focus on the future of Latinos and the future of Hispanic Houston.”
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Representatives from the GHARG, along with PGA TOUR golfer and Ace spokesperson, Hunter Mahan, presented a check to Texas Children’s Hospital during the Houston Shell Open.
Greater Houston Ace Retailer Group Raises Funds for Texas Children’s Hospital Throughout 2015, the Greater Houston Ace Retailer Group (GHARG) helped raise funds to make miracles happen in Houston for Texas Children’s Hospital, its local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) member. Collectively, 33 Ace Hardware stores throughout Houston helped generate more than $385,000 for the local hospital, which was donated at Houston Shell Open on March 29 by PGA TOUR golfer and Ace spokesperson, Hunter Mahan. Throughout the year, the GHARG participated in grill competitions, golf tournaments, bucket and candy bar sales to name just a few. One hundred percent of the funds raised through these campaigns remain local, benefitting Texas Children’s Hospital. “The stores that make up the Greater Houston Ace Retailer Group are committed to being the helpful place in the Houston area, and part of that is our commitment to giving back to the community we serve,” said Rick Alspaugh, President of the GHARG. The GHARG has raised nearly $1 million for Texas Children’s Hospital in the last five years.
A rendering of the lounge at Tommy Bahama in Highland Village.
Tommy Bahama Now Open in Highland Village The iconic island-lifestyle brand Tommy Bahama opened its newest Houston store at Highland Village in March. The 3,742-square-foot store carries the complete collection of men’s and women’s sportswear, swimwear, footwear and accessories, as well as home decor items. Guests will immediately sense that this is a neighborhood location, with its casual flow leading to a lounge with comfy seating that beckons them to settle in and relax while a personal shopper assists with choices. The store design is Tommy Bahama’s modern beach house concept with a contemporary approach to island resort living. Simplified design elements create impact, and a neutral color palette features teak and light oak with dark metal accents. The storefront creates a grand impression similar to that of Tommy Bahama flagship stores. Tommy Bahama at Highland Village offers a complete immersion into a relaxed, casual lifestyle. Learn more at shophighlandvillage.com. Houston Lifestyles & Homes | May 2016 |
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Children's Museum, Space Center and Hyatt Regency to Boost Houston Tourism
(L-R) Tiffany Stroud, Katie Reed, Rachel Thompson, Haley Thompson, Kristin Gonzales, Kelly Martin, Debi Rolfing, Tiva Duff, Stephanie Kokrak and Lauren Gates generously donated $10,000 to the Children’s Cancer Hospital at MD Anderson during Putt Putt in the Park. Pictured with the wives at front left is , Cindy Schwartz, M.D., MPH, ad-interim chair of Pediatrics at UT-MD Anderson Cancer Center, accepting the c heck.
PGA TOUR Wives Give Back to MD Anderson On March 30, 10 PGA TOUR Wives, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support and assistance to children and families through charitable events, donated both their time and $10,000 to the Children’s Cancer Hospital at MD Anderson. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the PGA TOUR Wives Association hosted “Putt Putt in the Park,” an event that brings the fun of golf to the pediatric cancer patients being treated at MD Anderson’s Children’s Cancer Hospital. The event featured a nine-hole putt putt course, arts and crafts, and a healthy lunch. Putt Putt in the Park was open to children being treated at the hospital and their families. The Park at MD Anderson provides patients and visitors with a place to enjoy nature in a comfortable indoor setting. MD Anderson and the PGA TOUR Wives, in town for the 25th annual Shell Houston Open, created a nine-hole putt putt course for the day in the Park setting — sharing the spirit of golf with those who weren’t able to attend the tournament or leave the hospital’s campus.
Katie Reed and Elise take part in the arts and crafts station.
Lauren Gates and Damon take a shot on a tricky hole.
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The Children’s Museum of Houston, Space Center Houston and Hyatt Regency Houston will boost Houston tourism by targeting Mexican consumers. The three organizations have been awarded $25,000 collectively as part of a Houston First Matching Grant initiative to attract tourists to Houston. “Blast Off! to Houston” is a tourism value package that will encourage families to explore Houston’s Space City wonders and beyond. It capitalizes on the city’s current wave of Mexican visitors, creates awareness about Houston’s “Space City” moniker and showcases Houston as an all-inclusive destination for families, shopping and leisurely fun. This package will be offered year-round, with seasonal English and Spanish promotion marketed to Mexico (Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Puebla, Guadalajara, and Monterrey) through efforts involving a combination of digital mediums. This partnership brings together three powerhouses in Houston tourism: America’s No. 1 children’s museum, the Children’s Museum of Houston; the city’s most internationally recognized attraction, Space Center Houston; and the internationally recognized hotel brand, Hyatt Regency. The Friday to Sunday, 3-day/2-night value package will propel spring break and summertime visits. It includes discounted admission to the Children’s Museum of Houston and Space Center Houston, along with lodging at Hyatt Regency Houston. Complimentary and discounted breakfast and valet parking at the Hyatt Regency Houston, Space Center Houston discount vouchers, and admission to S.E.C.R.E.T—a premium children’s secret agent experience at the Children’s Museum of Houston also will be included with a total savings amounting to 50 percent. Consumers will book their packages at houstonregency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/offers/offerdetail.html?offerId=57200639&code=.
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Bryan Lee Named Vice President of Finance for Memorial HermannTexas Medical Center Bryan Lee, CPA, MBA, has been named Vice President of Finance for Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center(TMC). Lee has extensive experience overseeing hospital finances while continuing to champion expansions of much-needed services and facilities. That skillset is critical at Memorial Hermann-TMC, as the Campus currently is undertaking a $650 million renovation and expansion project to better serve a growing patient population in the most cost-effective manner possible. “We are thrilled Bryan has agreed to join our team here at Memorial HermannTMC,” said Brian Dean, Senior Vice President and CEO of the Campus. “Highly respected in his field, he’s a strong leader with a proven track record of bolstering hospitals’ financial and operational results while promoting growth.” In his new role, Lee will be accountable for all financial operations at the Memorial Hermann-TMC Campus – which includes Memorial Hermann-TMC, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and Memorial Hermann Orthopedic & Spine Hospital. He will oversee all financial management, reporting and analysis, financial support of strategic development initiatives and hospital financial controls. With 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Lee has a diverse résumé that includes several leadership roles assumed throughout his career. Lee is an esteemed member of several professional organizations promoting the financial industry. He earned his Bachelor of Science in accounting from Western Kentucky University and his Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University.
Officers Lahar (left) and Byrd with a Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital honorary “officer.”
Badges & Bears Pediatric patients at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital were recently recognized as honorary officers by the Houston Police Department (HPD) as part of its new Badges and Bears program. Officers J. Lahar, E.J. Joseph and J. Byrd presented certificates to each of the new “officers” and gave away teddy bears and stickers resembling police badges. “We wanted to make the children smile and take their minds off why they are at the hospital,” said Lahar. “It’s our hope that a positive visit from a police officer can aid the patients in taking a break from the challenges they might be facing in their lives. It also gives us an opportunity to answer questions the kids might have about a profession in law enforcement.” The officers also participated in different activities with the patients, such as board games and coloring books. “As the officers presented them with their honorary badges, the kids were lighting up,” said Giovaana Trainor, child life specialist with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital’s Child Life and Expressive Therapies team. “They love the gifts of course, but a visit from a real-life superhero means more to them than anything else.”
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Learning
P R O M O T I O N A L
PARISI SPEED SCHOOL MEMORIAL ATHLETIC CLUB Summer is a great time to take advantage of catching up on your strength, speed, flexibility, agility or whatever your weakness was during the In-season. The Parisi Speed School offers a comprehensive evaluation in speed (10 and 20 yard dash), power (vertical jump and broad jump), agility (20 yard shuttle), endurance (200 yard shuttle) and strength (chin up). Once your evaluation has been completed it’s time to train: speed training twice a week and lifting twice a week. This is exactly what you’ll get at the Parisi Speed School. Don’t let this summer time pass you by without turning your weaknesses into strengths. The Parisi Speed School at the Memorial Athletic Club offers programs throughout the year. Weekly summer camps are available June 8 through August 6. Please visit the website for more information. 281-497-7570 fitmac.com 14690 Memorial Drive, Houston
SCHOOL OF THE WOODS Now in its 6th decade. The three levels of School of the Woods — Woods High School, Woods Middle School and Woods Lower School — offer a total continuum of interactive Montessori education in an accredited and unique learning environment, from age 21/2 through Grade 12. Curriculum is personalized by Montessori-credentialed teachers according to each student’s individual needs, interests and abilities. Founded in 1962, School of the Woods is Houston’s oldest continuously operating Montessori school. Independent, non-sectarian and nonprofit, it is a Full Member School of the American Montessori Society, and accredited by AdvancED (formerly the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). Auxiliary programs include Dance, Gymnastics, Before/After School Care, Tutorials, Instrumental Music, Sports, and Summer School. Summer Programs include theatre workshops, reading/math skills classes, and more. For more information,call, fax or visit the website. Phone: 713-686-8811 Fax: 713-686-1936 schoolofthewoods.org 1321 Wirt Road, Houston
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OR ICA L T S I H — BY DR. TERESA TOMKINS-WALSH —
Sponsored ~ by ~
Keep Houston Beautiful
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Keep Houston Beautiful Day, South Union Civic Club, 2006.
Little Kids’ Litter Party at the Houston International Festival, 1996.
Mural produced by the KHB’s Graffiti Hurts program to involve youth in rectifying graffiti with cooperative art projects, photo undated.
city ordinance passed under Mayor Jim McConn in 1977 created the Houston Clean City Commission. By 1979, the Commission’s Clean Houston program formed as a nonprofit organization funded by the private sector. Operating as the d.b.a. for the Commission, Keep Houston Beautiful (KHB) became the local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful to promote a mission of education, personal responsibility and community collaboration for a clean and beautiful Houston. Teaching urban environmental awareness was an early part of KHB’s mission. KHB developed and distributed guidelines for recycling, composting and planting for beautification in public and private places. Workshop topics included strategies to stop illegal dumping and organize neighborhood cleanup campaigns. KHB offered ideas for classroom activities to Houston teachers at in-service training sessions. For example, the Junior Composter activity guide help students explore the characteristics of soil and the role of composting in soil enhancement. Sponsoring events such as the Little Kids’ Litter Party helped children learn the role of personal responsibility in littering and trash disposal. In 1996, children ages 3 to 5 participated in a Clean Houston event jointly sponsored by the Houston International Festival. Children enjoyed music, instruction on avoiding being a Litter Bug and the antics of cartoon characters. A truly collaborative event, the Litter Party drew support from schools, City of Houston departments, television stations and corporations. As a litter-free event, the party promoted positive waste handling of participants and sponsors at the event. KHB’s cleanup campaigns led to beautified neighborhoods and civic pride. Keep Houston Beautiful Day, celebrated each spring, promotes citywide cleanup efforts, organized around collaborative effort, distribution of prize premiums, and celebrity participation. In 2003, cleanup sites included Kashmere Gardens, Gessner/Braeswood, and Huntington Village in Alief, among others. From its beginnings more than 30 years ago, KHB worked to raise awareness on the premise that enhancing Houston’s environment creates measurable economic impact for all segments of the Houston area. Civic beautification, as encouraged by KHB, is about pretty trees and flowers but also the development of personal and community responsibility in the maintenance of a clean, healthy and successful city. l Keep Houston Beautiful Records in the Houston History Archives will be available for public viewing by the end of May 2016.
Author Dr. Teresa (Terry) Tomkins-Walsh is historian and archivist for the Houston History Archives with the Center for Public History at the University of Houston. Located in Special Collections at the UH Libraries, the Archives collects historical documents on the growth and development of Houston with particular concentrations in energy, environmental and ethnic history. Contact her at tomkinswalsh@uh.edu.
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