Seeing the World Through Eyes of Unconditional Love
A Love Letter from Magnolia ("Maggie")
Beloved German Shorthaired Pointer of Katy City Lifestyle Publisher, Shawna Hinman
Joy has a way of finding us when we least expect it. Sometimes it comes wrapped in tiny hands. Sometimes it arrives with four paws and a wagging tail.
Either way, it has an extraordinary way of changing our lives.
As the beloved German Shorthaired Pointer of Katy City Lifestyle Publisher Shawna Hinman, I've had the privilege of witnessing that kind of joy every single day. By nature, my breed is endlessly curious, adventurous, and devoted - always eager to explore, quick to make a new friend, and happiest simply being with the people we love. Maybe that's why I've noticed children and pets have so much in common.
We remind the grown-ups in our lives to laugh a little louder, play a little longer, and find wonder in the ordinary. We don't keep score. We don't worry about tomorrow. We simply love - freely, wholeheartedly, and without conditions.
This month's Kids & Pets issue celebrates that kind of joy.
Within these pages, you'll discover stories of adoption and rescue, families brought together through love, and remarkable therapy and service animals whose quiet presence offers comfort, confidence, healing, and hope. You'll also meet the people and organizations who faithfully support children and the families raising them, because supporting the next generation has always been a community effort.
It truly takes a village.
From where I sit & shake, that's what makes Katy so special. It's a community that believes every child deserves to be loved, every family deserves to be supported, and every life has the ability to make a meaningful difference.
As you turn these pages, I hope you'll borrow a lesson from the children and pets in your life: stay curious, celebrate the little things, love generously, and never underestimate the power of simple joy.
Because the moments that shape us most are often the ones filled with laughter, muddy paws, bedtime stories, and unconditional love.
Here's to wagging tails, little footsteps, and hearts full of joy!
MAGNOLIA, GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER @KATYCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Shawna Hinman | Shawna.Hinman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Lauren Piland | Lauren.Piland@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Gillian Nichols | Gillian.Nichols@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
G. Nichols Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick Proverbs
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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: DADvoted and Dig World teamed up for a Father's Day event & book giveaway 2: Half & Half Bakery wins Best of Katy's Best Bakery & Best Dessert Shop 3: Women of Katy shines as booth sponsors, Katy Area Chamber's Best of Katy 2026 Celebration 4: Blo Blow Dry Bar wins Best of Katy's Best Blow Dry Bar 5: The Well Counseling Center wins Best of Katy's Best Mental Health Provider & Wellness Center 6: Sonoma Wine & Cheese wins Best of Katy's Best Wine Selection + Best Wine Store 7: Body20 gets pumped as title sponsors, Katy Area Chamber's Best of Katy 2026 Celebration Photography by G. Nichols Photography
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Katy Cares and Abigail’s Place Share More Than a Mission
Katy Cares, Inc. delivers certified, evidence-based, trauma-informed parenting, personal development, and transitional housing programs to single-parent families across Fort Bend and Harris counties. Abigail's Place provides Fort Bend County's only transitional housing exclusively for single, working mothers experiencing episodic homelessness across seven residential homes. Together, they now share a model of care providing a seamless continuum from shelter to session, from surviving to thriving — one family at a time. More at KatyCares.org
Vino Veritas Opens Fulshear’s First Wine Tasting Room
Nestled in a cozy cabin in old Fulshear, Vino Veritas is bringing authentic, small-production wines to Texas that tell stories of its places and people. Owners Evelyn and Michael Martin personally seek out family-run vineyards where generations of knowledge meet modern craftsmanship - from sundrenched Italian hillsides to the mineral-rich soils of France, from the high-altitude vines of Argentina to emerging Texas terroirs. More at VinoVeritasTX.com
Creating Unique Spaces Tailored to You
At Edwards Interior Design, we believe that every home should be a reflection of its owner With years of expertise and a passion for thoughtful design, we create spaces that blend beauty, comfort, and functionality tailored uniquely for you
Photography by Vino Veritas
Chiropractors and owners Paul Barnwell and Brian Horne have brought their passion for helping patients achieve better health to their Firethorne office. Their holistic services aim to heal and relieve a range of injuries and symptoms with chiropractic care, laser therapy, orthotics, spinal decompression and shockwave therapy. They recently hosted a patient appreciation event and are dedicated to helping patients reach optimal health with personalized plans to meet individual needs. More at KatyCornerstoneChiro.com
Photography by G. Nichols Photography
Taking
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY G. NICHOLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Reining Strength’s equine-assisted therapy proves benefits beyond the saddle
the Reins
Soulful eyes, velvety snouts, delicate gaits. It’s not hard to imagine how therapeutic being on the back of a gentle giant can be for anyone.
But, at Reining Strength they take this experience to the next level. With their serene property tucked in the curve of Pecan Creek and neighboring the stately oaks of Jones Creek Park, a visit to their pristine facility is a retreat in its own right.
But, just beyond these gates and grassy pastures is where the magic happens.
Their massive, open-air covered arena with giant overhead fans lends a simplistic yet engaging space for riders with special needs and their support teams to aid in every aspect of horsemanship from grooming and tack, to ground work and slow trots.
Feeling the breeze in their face.
Feeling every step under foot.
Feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Nonverbal riders cue with glee. Young riders clap their hands in excitement. Mature riders’ eyes widen with a sense of accomplishment. Their support teams beaming with reassuring smiles.
A magical culmination of learning, growing, experiencing and building routines that extend far beyond the lesson itself.
Where physical limitations are met with strength-building routines. Where emotional walls are broken down with each smooth trot.
Co-Founder Heather Hernandez Sedillo first saw these transformations firsthand when she worked in youth programs for her social work degree at Texas Tech.
And, once back home in Richmond, she knew she wanted to open her own facility here alongside her parents, Thomas and Peggy Hernandez, and her husband RD Sedillo.
Compassion comes easy to Heather and her family. Heather smiles as she recalls her younger years with her uncle. As a person with autism, he and their family met more than their share of challenges. But, that never slowed him down for long, as he became one of the first to compete in the Special Olympics. And later in life, became a fan of horseback riding at Reining Strength as well.
She always knew she wanted to work with horses, and seeing how horse-led therapy sessions can enrich human lives, she knew that’s exactly what she wanted to do.
“IT'S EASY
TO MOTIVATE KIDS WITH HORSES, IT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE THERAPY, IT FEELS LIKE FUN,” HEATHER SAYS, EXPLAINING HOW HORSE-LED THERAPY SESSIONS CAN ENRICH HUMAN LIVES IN A VARIETY OF WAYS.
She explains, “it’s easy to motivate kids with horses, it doesn’t feel like therapy, it feels like fun.”
Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is an approach that promotes emotional growth, personal growth and professional growth, in a wide variety of ways based on individual needs.
And with every unique rider comes a pairing with an equally diverse equine partner.
In addition to their human certified trainers and volunteers, each one of their 21 four-legged equine staff was hand-picked based on very special personality traits. They have to work hard, yet exemplify patience as they undergo continuous and extensive training to develop, and ready them for therapeutic horsemanship clients.
Longtime staff like Ice Man the striking pinto, Whinny the Norwegian Fjord and Keke the blue-eyed pony are all stunning sights to see, yet beyond those gazes lie a mind made for connection.
Heather says, “they’re prey animals, so they pick up on those instincts and emotions, making them easy to connect with while being honest, authentic and mirroring your own emotions. They’re very in tune with each rider, each trainer.”
Browsing through the barn you’ll see horses in every color and every size. Heather says they love curating a variety of breeds that meet the different needs of their riders. So while one stall might house a towering and majestic Fresian, next door you could see a pintsized neighbor with just as big of a personality.
But, beyond the soft strokes and friendly demeanors, they know they have a job to do.
Working in 8-week increments, sessions might include increasing muscle tone, core strength, endurance, posture and coordination for riders with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, traumatic brain injuries or post-stroke therapies.
While sessions might highlight more physiological or social benefits like promoting independence, self control, spatial awareness, cooperation, positive reinforcement, interaction with others and fostering relationships for riders with anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, PTSD, Down syndrome or other intellectual or learning disabilities.
And building this special program has been a labor of love for Heather and RD, where they’re showcasing over 100 riders a week, or supporting their traveling show team that competes in big rodeos like Dallas, Houston and Fort Bend County, as well as hosting their annual Derby Day fundraiser, and their own Special Olympics events.
Reining Strength has always been more than a picturesque stable and flowing pastures, it’s built upon taking the reins and breaking free.
To learn more about Reining Strength’s services, horse shows, competitions and events or how to volunteer or donate, please visit ReiningStrength.org
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND
READING. Blooming. SHARING.
sparking harder conversations with our kids in easier ways
Planting the seeds. Nurturing the growth. Pruning the prickles. Raising our most precious children is a process of love, patience and guidance.
And as most parents know, there is no manual, no easy-button, no perfect road map in guiding a child through the world from their most vulnerable younger years into their most impressionable teenage years.
Parents, teachers and caregivers can be confronted with pintsized problems to colossal catastrophes at any given moment. And we’re often left wondering, what is the best solution? The best response? How should we proceed?
But, there are tools to help. And reading thoughtful books together is not just a win for literacy, but for connection as well.
When I exited the elementary classroom as a young mother myself, I was left with the lasting impression and importance of not just academic success for all of our children and students, but how it stems from strong social and emotional roots.
It wasn’t until I started my own author journey and research that I realized the treasure trove of ideas, stories and shared experiences that come from story books.
Children can see themselves in relatable characters and scenarios. Students can identify with everyday struggles and classroom stresses. Parents and teachers can model solutions and conversations to help guide them through those trickier situations.
Since my time in the classroom, the importance of SocialEmotional Learning (SEL) has skyrocketed amongst districts and campuses that see the correlation of a more emotionally-stable and supportive environment, and the overall success of not only one student, but the whole class.
Classrooms where acceptance is valued.
Playgrounds of inclusion in full swing.
Cafeterias serving kindness and compassion.
Campuses where diverse voices are heard and appreciated.
But, with millions of books out there, where to even begin?!
That was a question I found for myself, even after immersing myself in reading, researching and reveling in the sea of fellow children’s book authors and beyond.
After I published my first children's title, I decided to create more resources for parents and teachers. So, in addition to SEL activities and games, I created an archive of topics and book picks that can be drawn upon at any time.
Whether you’re looking for kid lit recommendations on a multitude of themes from social struggles and anxiety, to diversity, grief and conflict resolution, we have a book pick for that! Or two!
Thus, The Blooming Books Podcast was born.
A place where I wanted to create a welcoming, non-judgmental space to hear real-life conversations with a plethora of experts, yet still feeling like you’re chatting with a friend at a coffee shop, and getting some nuggets of advice that can help navigate rougher waters.
Reading thoughtful books together is not just a win for literacy, but for connection as well.
Now in our fifth season, I still get excited over hosting phenomenal guests from around our area and beyond, who graciously lend their expertise, experience and insight into a challenging topic we usually see all too often.
In season one, I sat down with local moms Aydee Deaton and Hayley Von Frank to discuss the importance of not only accepting all friends around us, but really celebrating our differences. Conversations that can be awkward or intimidating at first when befriending someone who might look, act or think differently than us, but how it’s a gift to lead with curiosity and compassion that turns to real connection. We then shared our favorite kid lit picks that introduce young readers to dynamic characters in fun ways, like “Masterpiece” by Alexandra Hoffman, "Not Quite Narwhal" by Jessie Sima, and “What Can Hayes Be?” by Kayce Smith.
Season three had us sitting down with local artist Cynthia Jackson, and chatting about using art as a therapeutic stress reliever and a way to help overcome perfectionism through embracing the journey itself. Our favorite picks were some of my favorites from my art classroom like “Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg and “I’m Not Just a Scribble” by Diane Alber. We also loved middle grade picks for budding artists like Diane’s “Charlie Picasso” series and “Find Your Way,” an interactive adventure by teacher-extraordinaire Cassie Stephens.
Books with a purpose. Conversations that flow easier. Questions that aren’t left unanswered.
As a community of parents, educators, and book lovers, we can raise a more mindful generation, and might even gain a nugget or two for our younger selves.
You can browse & stream The Blooming Books Podcast and learn more about our Blooming Rose SEL book series at BloomingRoseKids.com
BLOOMING BOOKS ON NAVIGATING FRIENDSHIPS
• “The Recess Queen” by Alexis O’Neill (PB)
• “The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig (PB)
• “The Not-So-Friendly Friend” by Christina Furnival (PB)
• “What is Empathy? A Bullying Storybook for Kids” by Amanda Morin (MG)
Books with a purpose. Conversations that flow easier. Questions that aren’t left unanswered.
Jillian Reed Photography
BLOOMING BOOKS ON FACING CHALLENGES
• “Who You Were Made to Be” by Joanna Gaines (PB)
• “Blooming Rose Blasts Off!” by Lauren Piland (PB)
• “Aaron Slater, Illustrator” by Andrea Beaty (PB)
• “The Magical Yet” by Angela DiTerlizzi (PB)
BLOOMING BOOKS ON STRESS & ANXIETY
• “Wilma Jean the Worry Machine” by Julia Cook (PB)
• “The Whatifs” by Emily Kilgore (PB)
• “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn (PB)
• “Worry Says What?” by Allison Edwards (PB)
• “Blooming Rose Finds Her Jam!” by Lauren Piland (PB)
BLOOMING BOOKS ON ATTENTION INTENTIONS
• “The Rocket Inside Me” by Karelle Vezina (PB)
• “Benji’s Busy Brain” by Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez (PB)
• “My Brain Needs Glasses” by Annick Vincent, MD (MG)
• “ADHD is Awesome” by Penn & Kim Holderness (MG)
( PB) denotes picture book for ages 4+ (MG) denotes middle grade for ages 8+
Jillian Reed Photography
Jillian Reed Photography
THE animal EFFECT
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY G. NICHOLS PHOTOGRAPHY
There are few things in life as transformative as the love of an animal.
They arrive quietly at first - a curious kitten peeking from behind a couch, a puppy learning the rhythm of a new home, a rescue dog cautiously discovering that this time, they can stay.
And somehow, before we even realize it, they become part of the family.
They claim their spot at the foot of the bed. They wait patiently at the front door. They become our walking partners, our couch companions, our greatest source of comfort on difficult days and our loudest cheerleaders on the good ones.
A constant companion.
A loyal friend.
A devoted partner.
We often think of adoption as changing the life of an animal.
But ask almost any pet owner and they'll tell you the same thing:
It's the animal that changed theirs.
Take Annie Grace, a golden Labrador mix adopted more than a decade ago. From the moment she arrived home, she gravitated toward her two special-needs brothers, offering years of patience, loyalty, and unconditional love.
WE often THINK OF ADOPTION AS changing THE LIFE OF AN ANIMAL. BUT
Or Susy, a gentle white cat whose soft purrs transformed a quiet home into one filled with companionship, comfort, and purpose.
Or Nilla, a spirited wire-haired terrier adopted this spring after her owner lost two beloved senior dogs. "She truly is the one who saved me," says her owner, Sandra.
It's a sentiment echoed time and time again throughout the rescue community.
The animals arrive looking for a second chance.
The people leave with one too.
For more than 50 years, Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) has been helping create those moments like the ones mentioned above. Walk into their facility and you'll see it happen in real time.
Families wandering the halls.
Children pressing their faces against kennel doors.
A hopeful tail wag.
A curious nose.
A connection that can't quite be explained.
Some arrive looking for a specific pet. Most come with little more than hope. The faith that they'll meet the one. The hope that they'll fall in love.
Because often, the best connections aren't planned. They're discovered.
What began in 1972 as a small group of concerned citizens determined to help homeless animals has grown into one of the region's most respected animal welfare organizations. Thousands of animals each year find shelter, care, and ultimately loving homes through CAP's efforts.
But perhaps CAP's greatest impact can't be measured in numbers alone.
It's measured in the families built.
The hearts healed.
The children growing up alongside beloved friends.
The countless moments of joy that begin with a single adoption.
Every animal that arrives at CAP brings with them a story. Some have known hardship. Some have experienced uncertainty. All are waiting for what comes next.
SOME HAVE KNOWN hardship. SOME HAVE EXPERIENCED uncertainty. ALL ARE WAITING FOR WHAT COMES next.
A safe place to land.
A safe place to heal.
A safe place to hope.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the community that has rallied around CAP for generations. Volunteers, fosters, staff members, and donors help ensure that animals in need receive the care and compassion they deserve while waiting for their forever homes.
It takes a village. But, in many ways, it takes an army.
An army of citizens with hearts of gold.
An army of people who refuse to turn a blind eye.
And for more than five decades, that army has continued to show up.
Not because it's easy.
Not because it doesn't take hard work.
But because our community sees the need and chooses to answer it.
A community that proves what a difference one group of concerned citizens can make.
One rescue. One family. One happilyever-after at a time.
To view current adoptable dogs and cats, schedule a vet visit to the Cornelius Clinic, or become involved through foster, volunteer and outreach efforts, please visit CAP4Pets. org (the animals pictured here may have already found their forever homes by the time of this publishing, so please check their website for current availability)
Roxie
Blue
Cleo
Makayla
Max Casper
Evangeline
Miss Cotton Tail
It Takes a Village
From the villages of Africa to the families of Katy
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY G. NICHOLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Basking under a Sub-Saharan sky can seem like a limitless expanse of endless possibilities and new horizons.
And in moments like these, it can forever shape the way we see the world.
For Mary Beth Cameron, those moments came beneath the vast skies of Uganda and Tanzania, where what began as a mission trip became four years of serving alongside her family.
Living among communities that relied on one another through both hardship and celebration, teaching her something she still carries today: every person deserves to know they are not walking alone.
That lesson has never left her.
When the Cameron family returned to Katy, Mary Beth and her husband decided to take a leap of faith. One that resulted in her returning to practice family law with her own firm, and her husband, Darren, down a path of ministry with Young Life.
Both working to build and support families, just in different ways.
CONTINUED >
Today, her practice, Goodnight Law Firm, serves families through a variety of legal matters including family law, estate planning, probate, guardianship, and mediation, but there is one area that holds an especially meaningful place in her heart.
Adoption.
"It's one of my favorite things we do," Mary Beth says without hesitation.
For her, adoption is far more than paperwork, court hearings, or legal filings. It is the beautiful moment when a family becomes whole.
Every adoption tells a different story. Some begin with uncertainty. Others with heartbreak. All require patience, perseverance, and hope. By the time families walk into the courtroom for finalization day, they have often spent months, or even years, waiting, praying, and overcoming obstacles together.
"Adoption days are the best days," Mary Beth says. "There's such celebration, such a culmination of hard work from a long process, and there are just so many happy tears."
Her passion for helping families through that journey is deeply personal. Mary Beth's own niece and nephew were adopted, giving her a firsthand glimpse into the extraordinary gift adoption can be.
"Adoptive children are like a piece to a puzzle you didn't know was missing, but fits perfectly."
That same compassion first cultivated in Africa now finds its way into every adoption she handles. Just as she once served families across the world, today she walks beside families here in Katy as they begin one of life's greatest adventures.
But adventures come with their share of obstacles. Mary Beth and her team are well-versed in the intricacies of our judicial system here in Texas, and she says setting realistic expectations and timelines helps prepare her clients for the road ahead.
"The adoption process is like eating a whale," she laughs. "You have to do it one bite at a time."
It's why her team focuses not only on legal guidance, but on offering steady encouragement
“Adoptive children are like a piece to a puzzle you didn't know was missing, but fits perfectly.”
through every step. Their goal is simple: to make families feel seen, supported, and cared for during both the difficult moments and the joyful ones.
And sometimes, that comfort comes from an unexpected member of the team.
Enter Bandit, formally known as Bandit Jo Sir Sharkington Chewy Jubilation (Jubi) Cameron.
Mary Beth’s Havanese sidekick quickly became the firm's beloved therapy dog, and something of a local celebrity, greeting clients with a wagging tail and a calming presence. In fact, clients can even request Bandit to join their appointments as an emotional support companion.
Whether someone is navigating a difficult family matter or celebrating the finalization of an adoption, Bandit has a remarkable way of helping people exhale.
"Lovely people walk through difficult seasons," Mary Beth says. "We want to be a light in that hard place. My team and I come into this work to serve. This is our ministry, to truly help walk people through difficult processes in the most gentle way we know how."
Perhaps that's what makes Goodnight Law Firm feel different.
It's not simply about practicing law. It's about building families, offering hope, and reminding people that they don't have to face life's biggest moments alone.
Bandit
It's a philosophy beautifully reflected in the firm's promise: "Say Goodnight to Your Legal Fight." Not because every challenge disappears overnight, but because with compassionate counsel, a trusted advocate, and a team that genuinely cares, families can finally rest knowing they don't have to face it alone.
Because every child deserves a family.
Every family deserves someone in their corner.
And sometimes, all it takes is a village, and one very good pup.
Learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation at GoodnightLaw.com
Mary Beth Cameron
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
JOSIAH’S
ADVENTURES! CULINARY
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAUNTELLE PARHAM, INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
A young chef and selfproclaimed foodie with a love for learning how to cook
From kid-friendly cuisine, sweet treats and even Sunday dinners, Chef Josiah brings followers along as he chops, dices and whips his way around the kitchen.
His sous chef, mom Shauntelle, is the local interior designer behind Infinite Possibilities who trades her luxury lens for design for one of video editing and blooper management as Josiah brings viewers on an epicurean ride through his favorite recipes.
From the Chef
A culinary prodigy-in-training, 9-year-old Chef Josiah is full of curiosity and determination, and is eager to share his creation — a colorful and flavor-packed “Vegetable Soup” that’s perfect for any day of the week.
The kitchen comes alive with the scent of sautéed onions, garlic, and ripe tomatoes, soon joined by earthy cumin and a splash of zesty lime. Together, they laugh over a potato-peeling mishap and sneak a few tastes to make sure the flavors are just right. Josiah beams with pride as he adds the finishing touches - fresh cilantro and vibrant spinach.
By the end, the “Vegetable Soup” isn’t just a meal - it’s a celebration of teamwork, learning, and the joy of cooking across generations. Viewers leave not only with a recipe they can recreate at home, but also with a smile, inspired by the magic that happens when passion and patience meet in the kitchen.
Chef Josiah
JOSIAH’S VEGETABLE SOUP
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Serves: 6 Servings
Level: Beginner
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 tomatoes
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Step 1: In a large pot, sauté onions in oil over medium high heat until tender.
Step 2: Add garlic and tomatoes, cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
Step 3: Add potatoes, broth, cumin, and lime juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 30 minutes or until potatoes are cooked.
Step 4: Add beans, cilantro, spinach, salt, and pepper. Simmer until heated through.
You can follow along with Josiah’s Culinary Adventures on his YouTube channel @JosiahtheYoungChef, and with mom, Shauntelle of Infinite Possibilities at I PHomeStaging.com
Chef Josiah
Fun Tricks To Teach Your Puppy
A list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy
ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS
We created a list of some fun tricks to teach your puppy! Whether you just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or you’re teaching an old dog new tricks, you and your pet are sure to have a fun time! Spending time playing and training with your pet makes for a great bonding experience! Don’t forget to reward them with some delicious dog treats when they successfully do a trick. My pup’s personal favorite treats are chicken, peanut butter, and carrots. We hope you and your pup have a great time learning the tricks on this list!
SPEAK
Get your dog to bark naturally (try ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door). Once they bark, say ‘speak’ and reward them.
STAY
Have your dog sit and then tell them to stay. Hold your hand out with your palm toward their nose in the stop position. If they hold the position for a second or two, praise them and reward them with a treat. Keep repeating this and gradually having them stay longer.
SHAKE
Hold your hand out in front of your dog. Your dog may do some experimenting trying to figure out what you want. Once they put their paw in your hand, immediately praise and reward them.
AUGUST 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SATURDAYS
Katy's Farmers Market at The Dryer
The Dryer, 5339 E. Third Street, Katy | 9:00 AM
Located in the historic area of The Dryer venue & the Katy Beer Garden, every Saturday, 9am-1pm, rain or shine, this weekly farmers market features a traditional assortment of locally grown and harvested vegetables, fruits, dairy, meat and other wholesome products. More at TheDryer.com
SATURDAYS
Farmers Market on Grand Parkway
1225 W. Grand Parkway S, Katy | 8:00 AM
Every Saturday from 8am-noon, rain or shine, stroll the longstanding vendor lanes of the Farmers Market on Grand Parkway, located at the Church of the Holy Apostles and featuring local, sustainably grown produce, pasture-raised meats, free-range eggs, local raw honey, crafts, breads, baked goods and more! More at FarmersMarketonGrandParkway.com
AUGUST 1ST
Central Green Park Back to School Bash
Central Green Park at LaCenterra, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy | 7:30 PM
Central Green Park is hosting a Back to School Bash at their LaCenterra stage with two live musical bands, a scavenger hunt, prizes and fun for the whole family! More at CentralGreenPark.com
AUGUST 6TH
Shop & Splash Kids Market at Typhoon Texas
Typhoon Texas, 555 Fort Bend Road, Katy | 10:30 AM
Kids Markets is making waves at the Typhoon Texas Water Park on Thursday, August 6. Kids run their own business, sell products they create, earn profits, and learn skills like communication, money management, and confidence in a family-friendly setting. Come support our brave, young entrepreneurs while having fun under the sun! More at KidsMarkets.com
AUGUST 22ND
Rock the Block Party
Katy Historic Town Square, 904 Avenue C, Katy | 7:00 PM
A night of rocking tunes, local vendors and community fellowship in Katy's Historic Town Square hosted by the City of Katy. More information at CityofKaty.com
SEPTEMBER 3RD
Katy Cares Boots & Bling Gala
Venue 116, 907 Bains Street, Brookshire | 6:00 PM
Katy Cares' 10th Annual Gala is a night filled with delicious cuisine like mouth-watering BBQ, desserts, wine & beer. And, dance the night away with live music from Anywhere But Up - playing hits from country, pop, disco and classic rock. All funds support their mission in helping single-parent families in our area. Tables and sponsorship information at KatyCares.org
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