AUGUST 2020
CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks
Kids & Pets Issue CARRIE COLBERT’S CURATE CAPITAL
HIGH-TECH PETS
DIY FUN FAMILY PHOTOS
LIFESTYLE LETTER
AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER
Kamilla Batchelor | kamilla.batchelor@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Gabriela De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@lifestylepubs.com
Can't Handle the Cuteness! CAN’T HANDLE THE CUTENESS!
AD DESIGNER
Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER
Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Houston, this issue is quite the treat. (And not just dog treats!) We have rounded up the cutest kids and pets in our area and put them all over these pages for you to enjoy.
Deborah Blumberg, Mellanie Perez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chris Spicks, Yvonne Villegas-Vasquez
This issue was such a pleasure to create. Joy Green offers tips on how to take cute photos with kids, and Executive Chef Bobby Matos shares some of his delicious kidfriendly recipes. We also found out it takes precisely five people to wrangle a threeyear-old and a poodle for a magazine cover shoot. Carrie Colbert and her cute daughter Elle made the whole process easy and fun - we hope you love the cover and learning about Carrie's passion for helping female founders as much as we do. Take this month to spoil your little ones, whether they walk on two legs or four, and watch them all get a little bit bigger and a little bit smarter. We don't yet know what this school year will be like for our community, but I am cherishing this slower time with my crew (pictured here) before the hustle and bustle of the school year take hold. Stay safe and well, Houston!
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Gabriela De la Rosa, Editorial Coordinator
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Location: Safina at Intercontinental Houston - Medical Center Wardrobe: Hunter Bell NYC and Cuteheads
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS SPICKS 4
River Oaks Lifestyle | August 2020
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks
Proverbs 3:5-6 River Oaks Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the River Oaks areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in River Oaks Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020
FEATURES 10 DIY Fun Family Photos Take effortless family photos with tips from content creator, Joy Green.
14 Kid Friendly Recipes Get your kids in the kitchen with delicious recipes from Executive Chef Bobby Matos.
18 Curate Capital, Investing in the Future of Female Entrepreneurs Inside Carrie Colbert’s mission to funnel investment dollars into businesses owned by women.
18 10
30 High Tech Pups Three Must Haves for Smart Dogs & Smart Homes
30
14
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Around Town
10 DIY 14
Culinary Creations
18
Local Limelight
22 Inspired By 26 Open House 30 Renovate & Refine 32 Artist’s Palette 34 Healthy Lifestyle
Can c u n Wat e rs I I, m i xed m edi um o n ac ry l i c , 72 ” X 6 0 ”, 2 0 2 0
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DIY HOUSTON BASED CONTENT CREATOR JOY GREEN
DIY Fun Family Photos
HAS A PLAYFUL STYLE ALL HER OWN. Her Instagram feed @joyfullgreen is full of beautiful photos, color-coordinated props, and just enough whimsy to keep you scrolling for more. After being in medical sales for eight years, Green turned to blogging and social media after the birth of her daughter Kai. Fast forward four years, and the mother of two quit her sales job, is a full-time content creator, and works with national brands like Martha Stewart and Pottery Barn Kids. We sat down with the self-made photographer to get three tips on how to take great photos with your family.
TAKE EFFORTLESS FAMILY PHOTOS WITH TIPS FROM CONTENT CREATOR, JOY GREEN.
Photo Credit: Joy Green
ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA 10
River Oaks Lifestyle | August 2020
Photo Credit: Joy Green
01.
Photo Credit: Joy Green
When working with kids and pets, you have to have the right mindset going into the shoot. Give yourself plenty of time and proper preparation. Depending on their age, you can let them pick outfits or props and keep them involved in the process.
02.
Photo Credit: Joy Green
As far as outfits, we try to keep it simple with the kids. I like to use coordinating colors, so I usually start with an outfit for myself and work from there picking outfits for everyone else. The best way to keep it all cohesive is to work off one color scheme – when you have a monochrome pallet, it makes your photo look pulled together.
03.
There are many digital tools and technology available to us that make it straightforward to take a great photo without being a professional photographer. Using a tripod with a self-timer or a Bluetooth remote is essential. My favorite apps are Enlight Photofox, Snapseed, and Lightroom, which are all available for your phone and easy to use. CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks
11
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CULINARY CREATIONS
recipes your kids will love
ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY YVONNE VILLEGAS-VASQUEZ
14
River Oaks Lifestyle | August 2020
HONEY BUTTER CHICKEN
Executive Chef Bobby Matos cooks up his famous Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits with his mini chefs, Brody and Bailey.
BISCUITS
AWARD WINNING EXECUTIVE CHEF BOBBY MATOS, A CALIFORNIA NATIVE, HAS BEEN A PART OF THE RESTAURANT SCENE SINCE BEFORE HE COULD DRIVE. Starting out as a dishwasher he soon realized that where he wanted to be was not washing dishes, but creating menus that people will enjoy. Matos is at the helm of two of Houston’s most popular restaurants, State of Grace and La Lucha which has earned him the distinction of being one of the busiest chefs in Houston. He is also dad to 8-year-old Brody and 6-year-old Bailey who keep him busy in and out of the kitchen. If there is one thing Chef Bobby Matos is appreciated for in his own house and in Houston it’s his crispy and delicious fried chicken. 12 Biscuits 2 hours, 15 min
Who can pass up the Pollo Especiale from La Lucha? Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits are so satisfying – even the pickiest eaters in your household will love them. Chef Matos’ pro tip? Rub both sides of hot biscuit with whipped honey butter and enjoy.
INGREDIENTS Butter Biscuits
+ 40 oz. all-purpose flour + 1 oz. salt + ¾ c. sugar + 6 Tbs. baking powder + 1.5 lbs. butter + 3 c. buttermilk Fried Chicken Dredge
+ 1 c. all-purpose flour + 1 Tbs. smoked paprika + Pinch cayenne pepper + Pinch freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS Chop butter into tiny cubes and freeze at least two hours. Whisk together the dry ingredients. Either by hand or with paddle attachment to a mixer cut in the butter and then add buttermilk until just combined. Pour out mix onto a sheet ray and level. Refrigerate for one hour. Remove from pan and cut into desired shape, then brush with buttermilk and bake at 375 degrees until golden brown (approximately 16 min depending on shape/size). Directions for Fried Chicken: Cut chicken into small squares and marinate in seasoned buttermilk - use same seasoning from dredge. Coat with dredge and fry until crispy using this dredge and then toss in honey. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks
15
CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)
Texas Peaches and Berries with State of Grace Granola
TEXAS PEACHES AND BERRIES WITH STATE OF GRACE
GRANOLA
Nothing says summer in Texas like peaches and berries. What is the best part of making this dish according to the Matos kids? The honey drizzle, of course! State of Grace Granola, Greek yogurt with Texas peaches and berries makes a delicious breakfast or snack. Chef Matos’ pro tip: toss peaches with a half and half mixture of Steen’s cane syrup and vinegar to bring out their flavor.
4 Servings 25 Min
INGREDIENTS + 2 c. rolled Oats + ½ c. slivered almonds + ¼ c. brown sugar + ¼ c. maple syrup + ¾ c. dried fruit + ¼ c. blended oil
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 225 F. In one bowl mix all dry ingredients (not the fruit). In bowl of larger or equal size, mix oil and syrup. Toss dry ingredients in bowl with oil and syrup until evenly coated. Pour mixture in an even layer onto a sheet tray lined with parchment paper. Place in oven. Set timer for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes stir. Set another timer for six minutes or cook until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool. Once the granola is cool, in a different bowl add yogurt, granola, and Texas peaches and blueberries. Drizzle honey over the top and add mint garnish, if desired.
16
River Oaks Lifestyle | August 2020
LOCAL LIMELIGHT Photo Credit: Courtesy of Carrie Colbert
INSIDE CARRIE COLBERT’S MISSION TO FUNNEL INVESTMENT DOLLARS INTO BUSINESSES OWNED BY WOMEN.
C U R AT E C A P I TA L , INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS SPICKS AS A NEARLY TWENTY-YEAR VETERAN OF THE OIL
Colbert quickly made a name for herself in the digital
AND GAS BUSINESS, CARRIE COLBERT FOUND HER-
space where her colorful photos and blog posts embodied
SELF IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO PIVOT AND CHANGE
her slogan, “More color, please.” Soon she was connecting
THE DIRECTION OF HER CAREER PATH ALTOGETHER.
with other creatives online and speaking at conferences
Corporate life burnout left her wanting to explore her cre-
geared toward creative businesswomen and entrepreneurs.
ative side and the burgeoning business of social media.
It seemed quite naturally, and without meaning to, Colbert
Unattached and childless at the time, Colbert settled
Armed with an entrepreneurial spirit, an engineering
blog and social media, but always knew that wasn’t her end
degree, and MBA from the University of Texas, Colbert
game. “When I started out blogging, my goal was never to
realized she had the distinct ability to help other business
be the traditional blogger or influencer. It was more from
women. Her online connections began to turn into profes-
a business perspective – I wanted to learn about this new
sional partnerships, where Colbert was able to add value
online economy and how people were making money aided
with her unique hybrid of expertise.
by social media,” said the entrepreneur. “My perspective was to learn the landscape.” 18
had stumbled upon her new career path.
into chronicling her travels and high-end fashion on her
River Oaks Lifestyle | August 2020
“I started connecting with women who had great creative ideas, but didn’t have the background in finance or business
that I have,” says Colbert. “I’ve always been passionate about female-founded businesses, so at that point, along with running my blog, I started investing in them.” Although 50% of businesses vying for venture capital dollars are female-founded, less than 3% receive funding. By any standards, this is an abysmal number, so when word got out that Colbert was working to change that with her investments, the deals began to roll in. Opportunities soon exceeded Colbert’s personal capacity to handle them. Ever the entrepreneur, Colbert founded Curate Capital, a venture capital fund whose sole mission is to invest in female-founded businesses that cater to other females. “We have been able to work with such great women – we are talking about Forbes 30 Under 30 caliber of women,” says Colbert. “They are out there doing great things to change the landscape of the businesses they are in. It is an exciting time to be in that space as a creative person and investor.” Colbert, now a mom to three-year-old Elle, still runs her blog as a creative outlet and a way to connect with others in an online space, but it is quite evident even after talking with her briefly that her new passion is Curate Capital. Her first and most substantial investment, a party decorations business, Packed Party, recently announced their partnership with Walmart – notably the first-ever non-celebrity partnership for the big box store. “Walmart approached us with the deal,” says Colbert. “But it never would have happened if I hadn’t met Jordan Jones (the founder of Packed Party) on Instagram.” This marks a full-circle moment for Colbert and an exciting indication of what’s to come for Curate Capital.
“I AM NOT IN THIS FEMALE FOUNDED SPACE BECAUSE IT IS POLITICALLY CORRECT OR TRENDY RIGHT NOW. I AM IN THIS SPACE BECAUSE I REALLY BELIEVE IN HELPING OTHER BUSINESS WOMEN.” - CARRIE COLBERT
CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks
19
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INSPIRED BY
The Science and Hope Behind Headache Research
THE WILL ERWIN HEADACHE RESEARCH FOUNDATION SUPPORTS RESEARCH DEDICATED TO FINDING A CURE FOR ALL DEBILITATING HEADACHES.
ARTICLE DEBORAH BLUMBERG 22
River Oaks Lifestyle | August 2020
Pam and Jimmy Erwin founded the Will Erwin Headache Research Foundation in honor of their late son, Will.
HOUSTONIAN WILL ERWIN TOOK HIS OWN LIFE
so extreme that those who suffer from them can vomit or
AT AGE 24 AFTER YEARS OF SUFFERING FROM
have so much light sensitivity that they can't stand to look
CLUSTER HEADACHES, OFTEN CALLED "SUICIDE
at a screen. Migraines affect more than 10% of people, says
HEADACHES" FOR THEIR EXCRUCIATING PAIN. Will's
Burish, who's an assistant professor in the Department of
parents, Pam and Jimmy Erwin were determined for some
Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Health Science
good to come out of their son's tragedy.
Center at Houston, a neurologist, and interventional pain
The couple established the Will Erwin Headache
specialist. "It's important to find a cure," he says.
Research Foundation, a non-profit that channels money into
In current, cutting-edge research, Burish, along with
cluster headache research. Its goal is to find a cure for these
Drs. Seung-Hee Yoo and Zheng Chen of UTHealth, has
life-changing and debilitating headaches and connect and
been looking at the daily rhythm of headaches. Cluster
bring relief to the community of headache sufferers, family,
headache patients often have headaches at the same time
and friends whose lives are impacted by the disorder.
each day like clockwork, and their headaches seem to get
Historically, government funding for cluster headache
worse during the same few months every year.
research has been comparatively small over the last
"We think this may be a key to understanding how a
decade, leaving a huge gap that's needed to be filled. The
cluster headache turns on, and hopefully will be a key to
Foundation pledged $20 million and partnered with the
understanding how to turn it off," Burish says.
Memorial Hermann Healthcare System and The University
The Will Erwin Headache Research Center also sup-
of Texas Health Science Center at the McGovern Medical
ports headache patients themselves, and especially in the
School to create the Will Erwin Headache Research Center,
greater Houston area, by treating their headaches.
where leading research into cluster headaches is ongoing.
Ultimately, the research center's goal is to be obsolete.
"These headaches, by definition, are not mild," says Dr.
Burish hopes for a day when headache treatment is so
Mark Burish, who leads the Headache Research Center.
effective and so simple, and the scientific community's
"Patients can be in an extreme amount of pain for hours at
understanding of headaches is so complete that the cen-
a time. It can be incredibly hard to work, spend time with
ter isn't necessary. "Until then," he says, "we can't rest."
your family, or do anything while you have a headache." The Foundation also helps to fund migraine research. For many people, migraine headache symptoms can be
For more information or to donate to the Will Erwin
Headache
Research
Foundation,
visit
cureheadaches.org.
CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks
23
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OPEN HOUSE
REDEFINE LUXURY IN RIVER OAKS THIS PENTHOUSE LISTING IN RIVER OAKS WILL HAVE YOU LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE.
ARTICLE RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF 26
River Oaks Lifestyle | August 2020
THE RIVER OAKS, A LUXURY HIGH-RISE, WAS DESIGNED WITH RESIDENTS IN MIND. The creative team utilized local designers to make the priorities of residents not only heard but understood. The historic footprint of the building and greenspace was maintained while bringing the whole property up to the standards of Houston’s most discerning residents. Famed interior designer Lauren Rottet designed the interiors of The River Oaks. Her vision was to create contemporary and warm residences with dark emollients, hardwoods, and warm limestone. “This rarefied property will form a unique bond with residents, much like great art does with collectors,” said Rottet. Preserving a sense of neighborhood was the goal of architect Andre Landon, Vice President and Principal at EDI International, Inc. All units have grand corner living spaces that anchor the floor plans, and large terraces maintain an indoor/ outdoor lifestyle. “We think the real magic is in creating exquisitely modern residences even as we preserve a sense of the River Oaks neighborhood.” Listed by William Wheless of Wheless Realty, this River Oaks penthouse offers floor to ceiling views with incredible natural light. There are over 1,000 square feet of covered patio, and the unit has three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. An oversized media room offers the opportunity for a fourth bedroom, and there is a large bar for entertaining with gas fireplaces throughout. The River Oaks is located on three acres of property in the heart of Houston and boasts five-star level service and amenities including two resort-style pools, a pet grooming spa and dog park, massage therapy room, yoga/Pilates studio, fitness center with Peloton bikes, private conference rooms, valet parking, and concierge. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit whelessproperties.com.
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RENOVATE & REFINE
high-tech pets
Photo Courtesy of Media Systems, Inc.
THREE MUST HAVES FOR SMART DOGS & SMART HOMES
30
River Oaks Lifestyle | August 2020
THE LANDSCAPE OF SMART TECHNOL-
Boutwell, that may be the most critical feature
OGY FOR PETS IN 2020 IS VAST. Donnie
if you have a pet who tends to run. Fi Collar
Boutwell, CEO of Media Systems, gives his top
also has many health features to keep tabs on
three picks for keeping your four-legged family
your dog and utilizes GPS over cellular ser-
members safe, healthy, and comfortable.
vice, which, according to Boutwell, is incredible technology for this kind of a device.
DOGGIE CAMS Doggie cams are not very expensive,
CONNECTED HOME
and they’re easy to manage. According to
Crestron is the premiere home automa-
Boutwell, something as simple as a Ring
tion system with integrations for whole-
Indoor Security Camera that allows you to
home lighting, shades, drapes, music,
see the room and even talk back is a great
climate, TV, Home Theater, door locks, and
start. In addition to Ring, there are several
security. There are so many opportunities to
other options on the market if this is what
automate your entire home with Crestron’s
you’re looking for. “What we have in our
features, not only for your pet but also your
home and love is Furbo,” says Boutwell.
whole family. Shades open and close with
“Furbo takes doggie cams to another level
sunrise and sunset, lights ramp up gently in
by giving us real-time alerts to a cell phone.
the morning, and the climate is automatically
We know when Bennie is barking, crying or
adjusted. Staying out later than usual? Not
howling, and we can talk to him through the
a problem, Boutwell says with the push of a
two-way audio feature. It records 1080p HD
button on your iPhone, your pet can be set-
video with the added “Nanny” cloud record-
tled in front of the TV watching Animal Planet.
ing service, and our favorite feature is that
“Crestron can integrate with WaveTrend.net
we can toss him a treat.”
RF Readers (worn on collars) to open doggie doors, change lighting scenes, turn on TVs,
SMART COLLARS
or whatever you could dream of doing for
There are several smart collars on the
your pooch,” says Boutwell. “Automating the
market now, and if you read other reviews,
home is great for you, but it’s even better for
you’ll see that Fi Collar is at the top of the list.
your four-legged family members who stay
The extended battery life sets it apart from
home all day.”
other collars out there, and it can tell where your dog is within about 7 feet. According to
For more information about home automation, visit mediasystems.com.
ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA
CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks
31
ARTIST’S PALETTE
+HANDCRAFTED+
FUN PAPER CRAFT ACTIVITY FOR YOU + YOUR KIDDO ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN
M AT E R I A L S + Cardboard + White crepe paper + Construction paper + Glue + Scissors + Beads, yarn, pom poms, etc.
DIRECTIONS 1. Take your cardboard and cut two pieces into the shape of a llama (we found a stencil online). Then, cut strips of cardboard the depth you want your llama to be. You’ll connect these to either side of the llama cutouts to enclose your piñata. 2. Glue your strip of cardboard all along the edge of one side of your llama, then glue to the other side. (Be sure to leave a hole you can close up later so you can fill it with your favorite candy!)
PIÑLLAMA
3. Starting at the neck, cover the front, back and sides of your llama with white crepe paper, cutting a slit every half inch or so to create the traditional piñata look. 4. Cover all remaining sides the neck and head with white construction paper, cut to fit your design. 5. Using construction paper, beads, pom poms, tassels, buttons, etc., add some flair to the rest of your llama! Bonus points for incorporating different shapes and textures into your final product.
32
River Oaks Lifestyle | August 2020
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CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks 33
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Tips to Keep Yo u r K i d s Sa f e this Summer WHEN THE TEMPERATURES START PUSHING THE UPPER
ARTICLE MELLANIE PEREZ
BROKEN BONES
NINETIES AND THE SUN STARTS SETTING AFTER 8 P.M., KIDS
You’ve probably seen it happen. A child is swinging off the mon-
AND FAMILIES START SPENDING MORE TIME OUTDOORS.
key bars, lands wrong, and twists an ankle. Or they’re running in
Summer means it’s time to play, and who takes that more seriously
flip-flops, trip, and fall. It may be nearly impossible to make sure your
than kids themselves? Perhaps Dr. Noam Rosines, Chief Medical
kids don’t fall — the most common incident resulting in pediatric
Officer at Village Emergency Centers. With an outpost in River Oaks,
non-fatal injuries, but you can eschew the consequences. “You want
Rosines tends to a fair share of pediatric emergencies year-round,
to make sure the kids are always wearing proper footwear that pro-
but the summertime brings about a unique set of stumbling blocks,
tects their skin and balance,” says Rosines.
literally and figuratively. Here are the most common injuries Rosines sees in the summer, plus his take on how to prevent them.
LACERATIONS
SUNBURNS
results in stitches, most commonly in the face. “Kids fall, hit their
If a fall doesn’t end in a broken bone, it may end up in a cut that Burns are generally super common with kids, and in the summertime,
foreheads, or severely cut their palms,” says Rosines. “If they’re
this readily translates to sunburns. Rosines has seen kids in the ER with
going for a bike ride or playing rough, have them wear a helmet.
blistering sunburns, an unfortunate consequence, since these are easy
That can save not only their face, but also their lives.”
to prevent. “Most people know they’re supposed to wear sunscreen, but then they’re playing in the water all day and forget to reapply,” says Rosines. “For children, use a sunscreen suitable for kids — one that has fewer chemicals and irritants, and has at least a 15 SPF.”
THE SUMMER TRIP YOU DIDN’T PLAN; DR. ROSINES SHARES HOW TO KEEP YOUR KIDS OUT OF THE ER.
34
River Oaks Lifestyle | August 2020
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