Memorial, TX March 2020

MARCH 2020

LifestylePubs.com/Memorial

Home Sweet Home

RUN AWAY WITH CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

CREATING A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

BUILDING / REBUILDING HOUSTON

HOME STAGING TIPS

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2020 PUBLISHER

Andy Patel | andy.patel@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Nadine Parker | nadine.parker@lifestylepubs.com

Home Is Where the Heart Is EVERY HOUSE IS NOT A HOME, AND EVERY HOME IS NOT ALWAYS A HOUSE. We each have our own vision of where and what home is. We explore some of the not so traditional ‘homes’ in this issue. We take you to life in the circus and explore how Harrison’s Heroes are taking steps to make hospitals feel more like home for children requiring long term care.

AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Hayley Hyer, Pam Campbell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Fred Keinz, Nicolette Martin, Nadine Parker, Amitava Sarkar, TK Images

Spring is the time where home listings in the Memorial area spike. We worked with Bernstein Realty to provide tips on preparing and staging your home to ensure it stands out in the crowd. Also see how Habitat for Humanity is making an impact here in Houston.

Happy March, Memorial!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Nadine Parker, Editorial Coordinator

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Synchronized Trapeze Duo Roxane Gilliand and Nicolai Kuntz, Cirque du Soleil Alegría (2020)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NADINE PARKER 4

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

LifestylePubs.com/Memorial

Proverbs 3:5-6 Memorial Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Memorial 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 Memorial Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2020

FEATURES 12 I Ran Away with Cirque Du Soleil, Alegría Backstage with Synchronized Trapeze Duo Roxane Gilliand and Nicolai Kuntz

16 More than a House Habitat for Humanity: Building / Rebuilding Houston

20 A Home Away From Home Harrison's Heroes, Making Long Term Hospital Stays Less Scary

12 20

24 Stage for Sold Staging Tips for Selling Your Home from Bernstein Realty

16

24

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Back Stage

16

Giving Back

20 Inspired By 24 Open House 28 Food & Wine 32 Lifestyle Calendar

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GOOD TIMES

MLK Peace through PIE (Peace Includes Everyone) Social Beauty’s Garden, in partnership with St Matthews Church and Peace through PIE, hosted its 4th Annual Social and Fundraiser. Community Garden Director, Yvette Leno, hopes to increase the community garden’s awareness as a healthy and sustainable fresh produce source that’s available to Independence Heights and surrounding neighborhood residents.

This event featured free food, pies and the annual homemade community pie contest.

1.

The Forest Club Presentation Ball A tradition returned to The Forest Club after an 18-year hiatus. Seven debutantes, college-aged daughters and granddaughters of members were presented at a formal ball on December 28. 310 guests dined and danced to the music of The Grooves. The season leading up to the ball included lessons in etiquette and dancing, as well as numerous parties. PHOTOS BY FRED KEINZ

1. Debutantes: Andie Chilson, Duchesne Academy (2016); Attends Baylor University, Meg Espey, Memorial High School (2018); Attends the University of Texas, Margaret Trautner, St. Johns School (2016); Attends MIT, Hailey Hix, School of the Woods (2018) Attends University of Denver, Chandler Cade, Episcopal High School (2017); Attends SMU, Gia Osso, Stratford High School (2017); Attends the University of Mississippi, Christie Fatica, Duchesne Academy (2016); Attends Bates College 8

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

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AROUND TOWN truth, more than one set of facts? As the story of Winston’s fight for individual identity unfolds, the vision grows increasingly terrifying as the world it depicts grows uncomfortably familiar. A ferocious and provocative adaptation of one of the most prescient works of literature of the last century.

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CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ALEGRÍA Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría is a true a classic that has touched over 14 million people in 250 cities around the world. The revival of the show keeps the essence of the original production by revisiting its signature elements and pushing them further to today’s audiences as it was at its first performance in 1994. Alegría embodies the Cirque du Soleil experience with all its signature components; jaw-dropping acrobatics, imaginary world populated by fanciful characters, soul-touching clowning, otherworldly costume and set designs, and an enchanting musical score.

HOUSTON BALLET: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Houston Ballet’s 50th anniversary season isn’t complete without a signature production from former Artistic Director Ben Stevenson.

Premiering in 1990, Stevenson’s The Sleeping Beauty is recognized as one of the supreme achievements of classical ballet and is an exquisite interpretation of the classic French fairytale

by Charles Perrault, where a beautiful princess is cursed by an evil fairy and awaits the kiss of her handsome prince to awaken her. Stunning costumes and sets by Desmond Heeley bring this magical fairytale to life. Performances run February 27 – March 8.

ALLEY THEATER PRESENTS 1984 Based

on

George

Orwell’s

Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2016). Courtesy of futuristic

novel, 1984 brings us the story of Winston Smith and a stark vision of a world in which freedom of action, word, and thought are controlled by Big Brother.

10

Houston Ballet

BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL MEMORIAL PARK

How far are we from realizing Orwell’s nightmare?

As one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine art

Are we already there? Can there be more than one

event, the three-day festival provides patrons

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

with the opportunity to personally meet artists,

this side of the Mississippi. Don’t forget to stop

view original works, and purchase world-class art,

by and see what the vendors have to offer or take

prints, sculptures, jewelry, functional art and more.

a ride at the carnival before the big concert. See

Bayou City Art Festival benefits local nonprof-

the full line up at rodeohouston.com.

its and features live music throughout the festival along with entertainment, beverage stations, food trucks, food vendors, and so much more for patrons to enjoy. In the Children’s Creative Zone, the festival’s nonprofit partners will host hands-on art activities for all ages.

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO Dust of your hats and shine up those boots and belt buckles cause it’s Rodeo Time in Houston! It’s not Houston’s first rodeo. In fact, the Rodeo built the Livestock Exposition Building

We are always accepting submissions for announce-

(Astrohall) in 1966. What a great way to spend

ments you’d like to see included in our Around Town

the day(s) meeting ranchers and getting up close

section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact

and personal with some of the finest livestock

Us tab at LifestylePubs.com/Memorial.

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March 2020 | Memorial Lifestyle

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11

BACK STAGE

I RAN AWAY WITH CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, ALEGRÍA BACKSTAGE WITH SYNCHRONIZED TRAPEZE DUO ROXANE GILLIAND AND NICOLAI KUNTZ

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ALEGRÍA IS COMING TO HOUSTON

environment both for the performers and the audience, as

FEBRUARY 29, 2020 AND IT IS AN EXPERIENCE YOU

well as setting the stage for the ultimate audience experience.

SHOULDN’T MISS. But the performance doesn’t just happen

When you enter the artists’ tent, it is apparent that you’ve

in front of the curtain, the real magic takes place backstage in

stepped into a small but close and unique community. As per-

preparation for the show. The groundwork and logistical feats

formers work with their coaches and training is underway, there

are just as fluid and enchanting as

is laughter, good humor and encour-

the performance.

aging words throughout. Individuals

This traveling city is complete with

are busy with everyday activities like

kitchen, gym, business offices and

doing homework, watching movies,

medical, laundry and training facili-

talking and texting on their phones,

ties. 70 trucks are required, one ded-

and simply relaxing. Wardrobe wiz-

icated solely for wardrobe, to transport the show from city to city. Every inch of space is coveted and utilized with optimum efficiency. But even with space at a premium, they find room to pay homage to the original Alegría with a display of masks and other props from the first production.

Every detail is managed by a team of 125 Cirque employees and 150 locals to ensure smooth transitions from when the first truck

“AS PERFORMERS WORK WITH THEIR COACHES AND TRAINING IS UNDERWAY, THERE IS LAUGHTER, GOOD HUMOR AND ENCOURAGING WORDS THROUGHOUT.”

arrives to the site until the last

final repairs and ensuring attention to every minute detail.

Under the big top, riggers are busy checking and double checking to ensure a safe performance ahead. Production artists ensure lighting and sound is fine tuned.

Publicists are coordinating with the media box office, security and VIPs to ensure all get access and stay corralled. Many others are minding their assignments in

truck is off to the next location. The

preparation for the big show.

operation is truly a logistical wonder to behold. Between and

Roxane Gilliand and Nicolai Kuntz, the dynamic synchronized

throughout the shows there is a hive of activity as perform-

trapeze duo, were kind enough to invite me into their world tell-

ers and staff pull together to ensure every detail is managed

ing me about their experience and sharing an afternoon while

and every precaution is taken to provide a safe performing

preparing for the evening performance.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY NADINE PARKER 12

ards are darning and darting making

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Memorial Lifestyle

13

BACK STAGE (CONTINUED)

Gilliand saw her first circus at the age of five and told her family

Artists’ Tent where they work with colleagues and coaches to perfect

and friends she wanted to grow up and join the circus. Of course,

their art. Twice a week, they add a practice on stage. Preparation for

they didn’t take it very seriously but supported her to start circus

the show includes costume and make up, where make up alone can

training (circus acrobatics). She continued to train and eventually

take 45 minutes. The show begins at 8pm and lasts around two and

attended college at the National Circus School of Montreal. After

one-half hours. It’s a lot of work, but for the performers, it’s worth it.

graduation in 2017 she competed in several circus competitions

“Very fulfilling every night to hear the audience applauding and

before receiving her first circus contract with Cirque de Soleil.

Kuntz is a second-generation circus performer. His father specialized in acrobatics on horses and his mother worked in management

to see their faces full of joy and happiness… you’re making people happy which is a very good feeling” - Gilliand Artists dedicate themselves to perfecting their art through

for traveling circuses. He grew up touring with the modern circus

rigorous training. They also prepare for the future through corre-

company Flic Flac. Living in a caravan he went to private schools to

spondence college and on the job training. Cirque du Soleil is very

complete his elementary and high school diplomas. At 16 he received

supportive and encourages performers (and others) to obtain

his first contract performing Swinging Trapeze, Diabolo and Wheel

education and advanced training to ensure they have opportu-

of Death. He travelled with various European traditional circus com-

nities to pursue their passion of the circus, even when they’re

panies before securing his contract with Alegría fulfilling his lifelong

past their performance prime, with careers in logistics, marketing,

dream to perform in Cirque du Soleil.

rigging, wardrobe and many others.

Both Kuntz and Gilliand have won multiple awards for their talents and

“Being a part of the circus living day in and day out with people

attribute their success to great coaching and many hours of training, but

from around the world … being able to travel taking in cultures really

mostly to their passion for performing. When asked, “what is the best

helps to open your eyes and mind (to all that life has to offer). It’s not

thing about your chosen profession,” they both passionately agreed it

just about performing as everyone works (in harmony) to bring the

was the satisfaction of bringing joy and happiness to their audiences.

show together. Being a part of the circus is like a dream. We have our

A typical one-performance day begins with a little “free” time to study or take care of personal tasks. Then the training begins at the 14

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

own really big family…a very close environment and it creates a very nice feeling of community and friendship…it feels like home.”

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ARTICLE NADINE PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND NADINE PARKER

GIVING BACK

16

More than a House

Houston, Tex a s HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: BUILDING / REBUILDING HOUSTON Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

FOR MANY, HOMEOWNERSHIP IS JUST A

helping with the shoppers’ experience or work as

DREAM WITHOUT THE HELP OF HABITAT

an individual or join a group to build on site. There

FOR HUMANITY. Habitat has helped more than

are also other events across Houston such as the

5,000 Houston families through home builds and

wall build. Organizations like Grace Presbyterian

repair projects. Their mission includes:

Church work with Habitat to build walls offsite.

“New home construction, home rehabilitation and

This helps the process by speeding up time on site.

repair, infrastructure development for new commu-

On December 15, 2019 church and community

nities, neighborhood revitalization and community

volunteers, assisted by Habitat representatives,

building in the city of Houston. Since Hurricane

built walls in the church parking lot for 5 homes in

Harvey alone, Houston Habitat has repaired more

preparation of on-site builds in spring.

than 450 homes for families who are without resources to make repairs (and more are needed).”

Homes are built with a commitment to sustainability and has earned numerous awards for sustainable building.

“This can greatly speed up the onsite process allowing families to get into their homes quicker once spring building season starts”.

It is an amazing experience when more than 200 volunteers come together to transform piles

“Prompted by the devastating impact of

of lumber into walls. There is an array of typical

Hurricane Harvey, Houston Habitat is currently

building activities but no less important is the

investigating ways to prevent and/or mitigate

inclusion of hand-written scriptures, blessings

home damage from flooding.”

and well wishes on every wall.

There are opportunities to volunteer in Houston

Volunteers put a lot of time and hard work into

or globally. You can volunteer with the ReStore cast

the builds, but potential homeowners must meet CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Memorial Lifestyle

17

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

“IT’S A BLESSING THAT WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP OTHERS TO HAVE A HOME OF THEIR OWN.” - HOUSTON HABITAT HOMEOWNER qualification and put in their share of the work as well. Prior to getting their home, homeowners must meet minimum qualifications such as citizenship, general need, and ability to pay. But they must also attend financial counseling, home maintenance training and perform up to 250 hours of “sweat equity”, which includes helping to build others’ homes. Many go on to become regular volunteers.

Having a safe place to live is important to all of us. Enabling individuals to buy homes is beneficial to everyone. “Habitat homeowners build wealth through home equity and invest in their communities by paying more than $700,000 annually in property taxes”.

Volunteers are needed and donations always appreciated. Find out more about how you can help at HabitatforHumanity.org

by the numbers Houston Habitat believes that everyone deserves a decent, affordable place to live. Since 1987, Houston Habitat has served more than 5,000 families, and counting, through new homeownership and home repair.

Houston Habitat helps preserve affordable homeownership by providing home repair for seniors, veterans and disabled homeowners and for homeowners impacted by floods in 2015, 2016 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Houston Habitat is currently developing Robins Landing, an affordable, mixed income master planned community in Northeast Houston, which will provide over 400 single-family houses, as well as multifamily housing, greenspace and other amenities required for a healthy community.

18

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

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INSPIRED BY ARTICLE PAM CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HARRISON'S HEROES

A HOME AWAY F R O M HOME HARRISON'S HEROES, MAKING LONG TERM HOSPITAL STAYS LESS SCARY

Maximus

20

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

MAXIMUS HAS SPENT A LOT OF HIS 10 1/2 YEARS IN THE HOSPITAL. Texas Children’s Hospital truly is his “home away from home”.

Getting a bag filled with fun things helps to divert his attention away from where he is. Most parents of medically complex kids have big hopes of one day giving back. It’s wonderful that Harrison’s Heroes has found a way to do that.

Harrison Kothari was just shy of his second birthday when he underwent brain surgery in 2010, then spent the next three months in and out of the hospital. It was during this time that his parents, who were by his side 24/7, noticed that many other children were also hospitalized for lengthy stays, some without parents always by their side, some without visitors at all, except for the hospital staff and Child Life specialists.

Some of these kids were from communities outside of Houston where they don’t have access to the quality care that Houston’s med center offers. And two-income families aren’t always able to take time off to see their hospitalized kids every day. The Kotharis became aware of how overwhelming the strains are on families who are dealing with the urgent needs of caring for a hospitalized child.

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Memorial Lifestyle

21

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

After Harrison passed away in late 2010, his parents, Sandy and

complete with individual paint palettes, jars of paint brushes,

Shanoop Kothari, created a foundation in order to support sick

and boxes of markers. Throughout the afternoon, the festivi-

children who are experiencing long term hospital stays. Harrison’s

ties included snow cones, a photo booth, rock painting, spin

Heroes was launched in 2016 to “comfort kids and create smiles.”

art, and music, staffed with TCH Child Life Specialists and

Now, children who are hospitalized at Texas Children’s

volunteers from the Houston Junior Forum. Their support

Hospital, M.D. Anderson, and Children’s Memorial Herman

helped to make the party a real splash for the kids!

Hospital are served by Harrison’s Heroes with themed parties,

Bailey the service dog was having fun and enjoying the

animal themed socks and hats, and age appropriate gift pack-

attention! By the end of the afternoon, the Child Life Zone was

ages, especially on holidays such as Easter and Thanksgiving. filled with embellished picture frames and bedazzled rocks, In the four years since Harrison’s Heroes’ inception, this foundation has made numerous contributions to local hospitals to

taking a break and having fun during their hospital stays.

enable them to provide a more “home away from home” atmo-

PLAY-LEARN-HEAL – Harrison’s Heroes has recently

sphere for kids in long term hospital stays. Monthly craft and

underwritten “Playtime Bed Sheets” – where kids undergoing

“Super hero” parties for kids at Children’s Memorial Hermann,

cancer treatments can play games like checkers, tic-tac-toe

a “reverse haunted house” at Texas Children’s that allows the

and word find puzzles on these interactive sheets during

kids to “scare” the staff and doctors during Halloween season

their hospital stays at MD Anderson. Parents and/or specially

(which prompts more giggles than shrieks!), an annual Polar

trained Child Life Specialists playing with kids is an excel-

Express Pajama Party in the Kid Zone at Texas Children’s,

lent restorative option to excessive TV watching and video

complete with PJs for all the kids, games, ornament and gin-

games – and just plain boredom from being stuck in a hospital

gerbread house decorating, hot cocoa and, of course, the Polar

room. Kids love the one on one attention and it creates an envi-

Express movie! One thing that is obvious when you host a

ronment for more relaxed recovery and healing.

party for kids that are in the hospital – no matter how sick they are, they still want to go to a party and have fun!

Hospital treatment rooms can be scary places – especially if your child is ill. Harrison’s Heroes recently turned a drab and

AND THEY WANT TO CREATE! The first large effort after

stark treatment room at Houston’s Shriners Hospital into a

Harrison’s Heroes launched was to fully fund an Art Studio

room where kids can follow the adventure of a fishing teddy

at Texas Children’s Hospital, complete with 6 mobile art

bear with brightly colored fish swimming along the wall, and

carts for kids that are too sick to go leave their rooms or

the Harrison’s Heroes mascot giraffe flying an airplane through

in isolation. Think Michael’s on “steroids” – this art studio,

the blue sky. Kermit Eisenhut, a well-known native Houstonian

located next to the Child Life Play Zone and Radio Lollipop

artist, was carefully selected by Sandy Kothari, looking for a

on the 16th floor, has everything a child would want or

way to comfort kids undergoing treatments such as IV infu-

need to color, draw, mold, photograph, glue, and provides

sions, lumbar punctures and broken bone castings by provid-

a positive outlet where kids can express their feelings in an

ing a soothing environment for them.

environment that stimulates their imaginations.

22

and dozens of paintings expressing the imaginations of kids

Thanksgiving Day can be a lonely and boring day for kids at

This past July, kids that were hospitalized at Texas Children’s

any hospital – it’s typically quiet in the halls, lights are dimmed

Hospital (TCH) attended a whimsical art party hosted by

and minimally staffed. However, Harrison’s Heroes ensures that

Harrison’s Heroes with a chance to have their own artwork

each child at Texas Children’s ON THANKSGIVING DAY receives

featured on the 2019 TCH Christmas card.

a shopping bag filled with toys that were selected for their age

At least 50 kids attended the festive event and helped

level! The joy on these kids’ faces is so heartwarming; they light

to design holiday cards with the extensive inventory of art

up! While they are lying in their hospital beds, they pull out the

supplies, provided by the Harrison’s Heroes Art Room in the

games, books, toys, and funny animal themed hats that they

Child Life Zone. Colorful mylar balloons, vibrant crayon and

immediately pop on their heads, smiles beaming on their faces.

paintbrush themed banners, and multi-colored party favor

They are on the mend when they are happy. And it’s Home Away

bags transformed the Zone into a delightful artist retreat,

from Home when they can play…thanks to Harrison’s Heroes.

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

March 2020 | Memorial Lifestyle

23

OPEN HOUSE

stage

fo r s o l d

WELL LIT Use lighting to highlight your home’s features and create a feeling of warmth and comfort.

STAGING TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME FROM BERNSTEIN REALTY ARTICLE NADINE PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY TK IMAGES, STAGING BY CHRISTOS WITH DESIGN FIRM 360

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Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

THERE ARE MULTIPLE OPTIONS WHEN STAGING A HOME: DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) OR HIRE A PROFESSIONAL OR A COMBINATION OF EACH. Before you invest in major projects go to your realty professionals. They know the market and can help you make wise decisions that will help your home be as competitive as possible.

Light and Airy: A well lite home is inviting and can show off features. Use natural lighting when possible, but if natural light is not available turn on lights when showing, add a few extra lamps or other lighting accents. Open or remove heavy

DECLUTTERED

draperies and consider repainting with lighter and more modern colors. If your bud-

Provides potential buyers with ability to visualize their belongings.

get allows, consider opening up the home by removing walls especially for older homes with more closed in floorplans.

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Memorial Lifestyle

25

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

WELL-KEPT AND MAINTAINED Fresh paint and grout, clean unscarred counters and sinks

NEUTRAL DECOR Design and decorate with a neutral pallet and refrain from extreme décor.

Decluttered: You may think if you can fit the entire

We tend to accept the little things but be sure most buy-

Winter and Spring collection from Saks in your closet it

ers will not. Oh, and don’t forget your other senses. Make

will confirm the mass closet space… On the contrary, if

sure your home smells nice and clean, no pet odors or

your home looks full or like you need more space, potential

leftover dinner and no over-powering deodorizes; that

buyers may think it doesn’t have enough space for them.

screams “I have some serious odor in this house I don’t

Decluttering helps to create the illusion of more space and

want you to know about” …the nose knows.

helps potential buyers to visualize their belongings in the house. Rent storage if needed.

26

Know your Target Market: Professional stagers can help with this one. Know your market and decorate

Well Kept and Properly Maintained: Ensure your home

accordingly. It’s always a good idea to remove or hide pet

presents with its best foot forward. According to Bernstein

items as not everyone is a pet lover or may be allergic. If

Realty, first and foremost, take care of all those honey-do

you aren’t targeting families, consider putting away the

items you’ve been putting off for yourself. A potential home

big wheel in the living room. Keep your décor neutral and

buyer may not be so forgiving. When competing with new

consider repainting that art deco wall.

homes on the market, buyers want to know that a previ-

It’s always a good idea to talk to the professionals

ously loved home has been well cared for. Take a moment

who can identify what sells. They know what buyers

to look around, and be honest, do you need a little paint or

are looking for in your market and can guide you to

fresh grout. And that pool, is it squeaky clean? Get detailed,

invest both your time and money into the things that

give yourself the baseboard to ceiling white glove test.

will help your home move.

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

$

300 in Upgrades Plus FREE Installation

Minimum purchase of $1800. Not valid with any other offer or discount.

Call for FREE Design Consultation

281-370-6868

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March 2020 | Memorial Lifestyle

27

FOOD & WINE ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLETTE MARTIN

check your groceries at the door

SPEND MORE TIME AT HOME + GET MEAL KITS DELIVERED FOR EASY COOKING AND HEALTHY LIVING

Choos in g

1

choose your meals

a bra n d ALL PLANT-BASED Purple Carrot

FARM FRESH + ORGANIC Sun Basket

FAST + EASY COOKING Gobble

When you sign up for a meal subscription box, you get to decide if you want all of your food for the week delivered or just a couple of meals.

Maybe you want to ditch going to the grocery store altogether and use your box as your main source, or maybe you are just running out of dinner ideas and want to try some new recipes.

Either way, you can pick the plan that is most compatible with what you are looking for, and with many companies, you can also decide whether your boxes ship weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

28

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

CUSTOMIZABLE Imperfect Foods

delivery

TIP:

2

Most food subscription boxes will allow you to choose a delivery day and time frame that works best for you. Since

Try to avoid leaving your boxes overnight!

You can always log in to your account and choose to skip a delivery if you realize you won’t be home.

can reuse the insulation and ice packs in kids’ lunch boxes, on road trips or in your own lunches at work.

Imperfect Foods’ items come from local grocery stores

With sustainability being a primary focus for these

and farms in your regional area, the day of the week your

companies, most of the items are recyclable. Imperfect

box is delivered depends on your specific zip code. But you

Foods has an option for you to leave unwanted boxes

still get to choose a window of time for it to arrive.

and ice packs on your porch for your delivery person

Your grocery items will be packaged as intuitively as

to pick up when they drop off your next box, and Sun

possible, with any freezer items in specially insulated sacks

Basket provides detailed instructions on how you can

and refrigerator items tucked in with ice packs. Bonus: You

recycle each item yourself.

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Memorial Lifestyle

29

TIP:

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

3

If you have a babysitter who likes to cook, you could set out the instructions and ingredients for them to have something fun to do with your kids—it beats ordering pizza again!

ingredients + Prep

Depending on what you order, you may need some of your own supplies. When you select your meals, think about what you will need to cook the food in and if any other kitchen utensils would be helpful.

Have them ready to go so you don’t have to make any last-minute trips to the store, defeating the purpose of getting your box delivered!

Look over the prep times and cook times to ensure you won’t be rushed, and have fun! If the meals are foods you would enjoy reheated, you could do all of your cooking the day you get the box to meal prep for your week, or you can just store the ingredients to the other meals in your fridge and cook them throughout the week.

4

cooking

If you’re a little less-experienced in the kitchen, meal kits are great for learning! Read the instructions carefully before you get started so you don’t feel frazzled while the heat is up high, and take your time. Gobble is great for beginners because all of the meals are prepped for you and can be cooked in 15 minutes with just one skillet. If you want to learn how to do more plant-based cooking for your health and the environment, Purple Carrot makes it easy to enjoy delicious meals and not even miss the meat.

If you are a more seasoned chef, feel free to take your own spin on the recipes and add some extra flavor or swap out ingredients to make it perfect for your palate. If you know what you want to make and have your own recipes already,

TIP:

Imperfect Foods is a nice choice because you select all of

30

Place used dishes and pans in the sink with soapy water as you cook so they can start soaking for easy clean-up when you are done!

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

the individual ingredients yourself. You can help eliminate food waste, use organic, high-quality ingredients and save money all at the same time—without leaving your house.

5

let’s eat!

This is the really fun part! It’s time to start taste-testing. Make a note tab in your phone for tracking what you love and what isn’t your favorite. That way, when it’s time to select more meals, you know what you have tried and what you absolutely have to try again. Don’t forget to ask your family what was a hit and a miss.

Who knows—maybe the kids love some of the Purple Carrot recipes and don’t even notice how many veggies they are eating!

$$$ c o s t b r e a k d o w n imperfect foods You choose how much to spend

l ea rn more

based on what you add to your

onl i ne

spend $60 on your box.

IMPERFECT FOODS imperfectfoods.com

PURPLE CARROT purplecarrot.com

SUN BASKET sunbasket.com

GOBBLE

gobble.com

cart. Shipping is $5 or free if you

purple carrot Box price is based on how many meals and how many servings you order. Meals cost $10-$12 per serving. Shipping is free.

sun basket Box price is based on how many meals and how many servings you order. Meals cost $11-$13 per

TIP:

serving. Shipping is $6.

Try out a few different boxes. You can pause your subscription for the first one while you try a second one. Just remember to cancel the accounts you don’t want anymore!

gobble Box price is based on how many meals and how many servings you order. Meals cost $12 per serving. Shipping is $7.

March 2020 | Memorial Lifestyle

31

THE

NASSAR GROUP

FEB 27 - MAR 8 HOUSTON BALLET: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Wortham Theatre Center - Brown Theatre

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

Sleeping Beauty is an exquisite interpretation of the classic French fairytale by Charles Perrault: a beautiful

princess is cursed by an evil fairy, and doomed to sleep for a hundred years – only to be awakened by the kiss of the handsome prince who loves her. Stunning cos-

tumes and spectacular sets help make the production as magical as the story it tells.

FEB 29 - APR 12 CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ALEGRÍA

Under the Big Top at Sam Houston Race Park

Alegría (‘joy’ in Spanish) takes audiences at the heart of a once glorious kingdom now in decay led by the

INCOME 4 LIFE Income is the most important thing in retirement.

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king’s fool and a dusty aristocracy. Carried by an intangible wind of change, an emerging movement from the streets strives to shake this established order, instilling hope and renewal to bring light and harmony to their world. With its joyful spirit, Alegría is a vital, energizing force driven by a thirst for a brighter tomorrow.

3-22 HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO NRG Park

It Rodeo Time, Ya’ll! Round ‘em up and head on down.

There are always new, fun and exciting things to do regardless of your interest. Get the full schedule at Rodeohouston.com

6-29 CARLOS NASSAR Turning 65?

Medicare & Retirement Planning

ALLEY THEATER PRESENTS 1984 Alley Theatre - Hubbard Stage

Based on George Orwell’s futuristic novel, 1984 brings us the story of Winston Smith and a stark vision of a world in which freedom of action, word, and thought are controlled by Big Brother. As the story of Winston’s

(832) 876-2817 Houston | TX

fight for individual identity unfolds, the vision grows increasingly terrifying as the world it depicts grows uncomfortably familiar. A ferocious and provocative adaptation of one of the most prescient works of literature of the last century.

32

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

CONTINUED >

EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME E XPERT ADVICE • COLLABORATIVE PLANNING • TRAVEL MEMORIES

( 7 1 3 ) 4 8 5 - 4 2 2 5 | B L U N T Z E R T R AV E L . c o m | A N N E @ B L U N T Z E R T R AV E L . c o m

All Instruments All Ages

• Complete line of food, cages and toys!

• Exotic birds • Boarding & grooming HOURS Tues / Wed / Fri / Sat 10am-6pm Thurs / Sun 11am-3pm CLOSED ON MONDAY

www.adventuresinbirdsinc.com 7414 Westview Dr., Houston, TX 77055

1313 Campbell Rd 713 468 9100 www.groovemusicschool.com March 2020 | Memorial Lifestyle

33

7 KATY PRAIRIE CONSERVANCY STEWARDSHIP SATURDAYS

The Ultimate in Antiques,

Decor, Retro and Vintage Finds!

Indiangrass Preserve, 31975 Hebert Rd. in Waller

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

The Katy Prairie Conservancy invites the public to participate in Stewardship Saturdays, in which corporate groups, service organizations, and individuals

can come out to the Indiangrass Preserve on the

Katy Prairie and help maintain the health of this vital natural resource. Stewardship Saturdays, held on the first Saturday of each month, guide volunteers through

several restoration tasks each week that keep the land healthy, including managing invasive species, clearing fences of vegetation, and planting native plants.

27-29 BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL MEMORIAL PARK Memorial Park

The Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA) will celebrate 49 years of art for all and giving back to local nonprofits as it spotlights 300 artists, representing 19 different disciplines. As one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine art events, the three-day festival will provide patrons with the opportunity to personally meet artists, view original works, and purchase world-class art, prints, sculptures, jewelry, functional art and more.

Open 7 Days A W eek Mon - Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: 12pm-6pm

9950 Hempstead Road, Houston, TX 77092

(713) 688-4211 antiquecenteroftexas.com

We are always accepting submissions for events you'd like to see included in our Calendar section.

Submissions are accepted via the Contact Us tab at LifestylePubs.com/Memorial.

34

Memorial Lifestyle | March 2020

T H E R E S E L A N DA

Broker-Ow ner

Multi-million Dollar Top Producer 25 Years of Full Time Practice Experience Fourth Generation Native Houstonian Area Specialist Philanthropist/ Social Influencer Cancer Survivor

Everything

She Touches Turns to Sold!

FOR SALE Listed then Pending in 4 days ! Over list price!

Completely remodeled to the studs, with architectural/engineering plans and required permits in place. High End stainless Kitchenaid appliances, farm front sink, large pantry and built in spice racks.

Spacious open floor plan with designer touches. Master suite has a luxury bath and closet. The shower has an over sized walk in frameless glass shower with a freestanding luxury soaking tub.

The closet has practical custom built ins to maximize the large space.

This is an absolute must see!

12459 MOOREMEADOW 77024, PENDING!

|

$933,000

If you want results listing your property in Memorial, Call Broker Therese Landa owner of Houstonian Properties.�

W W W. H O U S T O N IA N P R O P E R T I E S . C O M

(713) 934-9599 • CELL/TEXT (281) 236-6348