We Are Going On An Adventure!
When I was in fifth grade, I had one of those extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime type of teachers who leaves a permanent mark on their students' lives. Every week, we would dive into National Geographic magazines focused on whichever region of the world we were studying that quarter, creating oversized visual scrapbooks filled with images, stories, and moments that inspired us. What began as a simple class project quickly became an obsession for me.
I became captivated by the beauty of the world — by cultures, landscapes, people, and the thrill of exploration itself. My scrapbook grew larger and larger as my curiosity expanded beyond the classroom walls. From that moment on, travel became woven into the fabric of who I was. With my heart initially set on Africa, I spent the following years finding every possible opportunity to travel to Africa through mission trips — much to my mother’s dismay.
Looking back, I still don’t fully know how it all unfolded, but I’ve had the incredible privilege of traveling across this beautiful world — from Africa to Ecuador, Japan and throughout Europe, from Mexico and beyond, even to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Antarctica. I’ve experienced breathtaking places, unforgettable cuisine, and, most importantly, meaningful connections with remarkable people and cultures. What an extraordinary journey life truly is.
One of the things my family loves most about the Houston area is its incredible diversity. In many ways, we can explore the world right here in our own backyard — through culinary adventures, conversations with neighbors, and the passionate business owners who bring global inspiration and craftsmanship to Katy every day.
We hope Katy City Lifestyle’s July Explore issue inspires you to begin your own journey — whether that means venturing down the street, across Texas, or across the ocean.
From the food, wine, art, and charm flourishing throughout the Texas Hill Country, to the talented local entrepreneurs blooming with excellence and hospitality in our Katy community, to practical inspiration for worldwide travel — this issue is designed to awaken your sense of exploration.
Every meaningful journey begins with inspiration.
Bon Voyage, Katy — and thank you for going on this adventure with us!
SHAWNA HINMAN, PUBLISHER @KATYCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Shawna Hinman | Shawna.Hinman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Lauren Piland | Lauren.Piland@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Gillian Nichols | Gillian.Nichols@citylifestyle.com
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
city scene
1: Reining Strength hosted their annual Derby Party supporting their therapeutic horsemanship lessons and facility. 2: Misfits Mission hosted their annual Ruckraiser walk fundraising for their Hiding Place safe haven property. 3: Society Prosper's Healing in Bloom Fashion Show supports breaking the cycle of child abuse. 4: Foster Village Houston celebrates their Katy opening of The Burrow House. 5: Mothers of Held Angels hosted their 2026 Angels Among Us Gala to support bereaved families. 6-7: Over 30 restaurants brought the heat for Katy Sip N Stroll's competition benefitting Christ Clinic.
ANGELICA TROUTT
LIFETIME OF CLICKS
KATY SIP N STROLL
KATY SIP N STROLL
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
Villagio Shopping Center - Cinco Ranch 22764 Westheimer Parkway Suite 620B Katy, TX 77450 | 832 437 6214 www edwardsinteriordesign com hello@edwardsinteriordesign com
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
business monthly
Houston Methodist Opens Cinco Ranch Facility
Houston Methodist welcomes their brand new, Cinco Ranch Comprehensive Care Center. This state-of-the-art facility spans 67,000 square feet, combining primary care and specialty services in one place. In addition to primary, specialties include gastroenterology, orthopedics, imaging, lab services, and ear, nose & throat - with cardiology and physical therapy coming soon! More at HoustonMethodist.org
Christ Clinic Nonprofit Unites with Innovative Wellness
Through a unique partnership with Christ Clinic, a Texas-based nonprofit primary care organization, Innovative Wellness unites advanced, proactive functional medicine with compassionate, mission-driven service. Every service at Innovative Wellness directly supports Christ Clinic’s ability to continue providing essential medical care to patients who otherwise cannot access it. Your investment in your health fuels care for others—helping sustain, expand and grow nonprofit primary care across communities. More at InnovativeWellnessKaty.com
Renew Wellness Opens New Location in Cinco Ranch
Dr. Nina Patel and Dr. Dhara Patel are bringing their expert care and innovative treatments closer to you, with their newest space in Cinco Ranch. Proud to be a female physician-owned and operated practice, Renew offers a unique level of dedication and a hands-on approach that ensures your absolute safety while achieving beautiful, natural results with their extensive aesthetic and rejuvenating med spa services. More at RenewWellnessCenter.com
Photography by Houston Methodist
Photography by Innovative Wellness
Photography by Renew Wellness
Luxury isn’t about abundance it’s about choosing what truly resonates.
Thoughtfully curated pieces that bring warmth, texture, and effortless elegance into everyday living
The Comfortable Luxe Shop offers a collection of artisan crafted decor, candles, pillows, and home accents each selected to make your home feel elevated, and authentically yours Because comfort and beauty should live side by side
Comfortable Luxury, Thoughtfully Designed SHOP →
INTERIOR DESIGN | LUXURY HOME STAGING | COMFORTABLE LUXE SHOP www iphomestaging com
Beyond the Tasting Room
Exploring a different side of Fredericksburg through wildlife, wine, design and local makers.
ARTICLE BY CAROLINE HEIBERG
The Preserve Fredericksburg
It’s easy to think a Fredericksburg weekend follows a familiar pattern with wine tastings, shopping and a walk down Main Street. Over the course of a few days, exploring reveals something less predictable.
The weekend begins in a house, a cozy space with wine and chocolate passed between guests. By the next morning, it shifts to a warehouse filled with antiques and oddities sourced from across the globe. Not long after, the setting turns pink, closer to Las Vegas than the Hill Country. When the yellow brick road leads to elephants, it stops feeling like Texas altogether. By late afternoon, the landscape softens into the vineyards of the Hill Country.
The town has attracted business owners, chefs, sommeliers and animal conservationists, each dedicated to their craft. In turn, each offers their own atmosphere and experience to those who wander the roads of the Texas Hill Country.
SWEET & SAVORY PAIRINGS
Small plates of chocolates arranged across the table, wine glasses set out; the first evening begins inside Maple Haus, a Gastehaus Schmidt property where owners Jessica and Travis Mittel opened their home for the stay. The experience brings together Turtle Creek Vineyard, Hill Country Chocolate and sommelier Andre Boada of Vino Cadre.
Wines from Turtle Creek Vineyard in Kerrville are poured alongside each chocolate course, with Carl Schulse offering brief notes that keep the focus on how they interact rather than stand alone. A deeper pairing consists of a dark chocolate and red wine that leans rich and structured. While a peach-infused chocolate paired with a bright white wine was described as tasting like “being in Hawaii.”
Six Twists Sparkling
Slate Theory Winery
That willingness and passion to create something unique and decadent is a theme among local business owners.
Hill Country Chocolate owner Dan McCoy speaks to both sides of the process: the technical precision behind the chocolate and the curiosity that drives it. His path into the craft wasn’t linear, leaving a previous career to learn from chocolatiers across the country before building something of his own. That willingness and passion to create something unique and decadent is a theme among local business owners.
Whether chocolate, wine or something else entirely, Fredericksburg attracts craftsmen – individuals passionate about creating something topof-the-line, one-of-a-kind, that must be experienced to be understood. The local craftsman culture is woven into the fabric of the town and lies at the root of what makes exploration an immersive endeavor.
AN ANTIQUES & COFFEE STROLL
The next morning begins with shopping just off Main Street along Warehouse Row, where repurposed industrial buildings allow for scale that the historic storefronts can’t. Larger pieces, diverse inventory and slower browsing take shape outside the tighter footprint of downtown.
Hill Country Chocolate
Brooke’s Bubble Bar
Covington Cellars
At Carol Hicks Bolton Antiqüités, the former mohair warehouse has become a distinct space filled with European antiques, iron beds and custom linens. The grand dame of Fredericksburg retail, Carol is a defining presence in the town’s design scene, with a following that extends well beyond Texas. Across her spaces, including Dish and Neighbor, the mix carries a European sensibility that would feel at home in a Parisian or Italian antique market.
Across the street in Warehouse Row, owner Jill Elliot works from a building with a different past – a former laundromat. Remnants remain, giving Blackchalk Home and Laundry a storied feel before even stepping inside. At Blackchalk and its sister clothing boutique, The Haberdashery, pieces are sourced for how they feel and how they wear, not how they fit into a trend. The result is a shift away from uniformity and toward individuality. The Fredericksburg design scene has increasingly become a place where shoppers can opt for style choices that reflect their own personality.
Six Twists Sparkling
AN AFTERNOON ADVENTURE
After a morning spent moving through showrooms, Brooke’s Bubble Bar pulls the day in a different direction. Inside, it’s difficult to believe it’s located in Texas. Pink epoxy floors, bubble-esque tile, disco balls and sequins detail everything that feels closer to Miami or Las Vegas than the Hill Country. The pink buses and limousines, immediately recognizable anywhere in town, carry that same atmosphere and turn the drive itself into part of the day. Owner Brooke Rogan started with a single bus and built an empire from there. “I love bringing people together and making people happy,” she says.
By midday, lunch awaits at Covington Cellars, where the tasting room opens to the vineyard and the focus returns to the table. Owners Cindy and David Lawson bring a long background in winemaking to the pairings, building each course alongside the wine, keeping the two tied together. Labels carry their own stories. A wine called Josie Rose was named for a young visitor whose artwork now appears on the bottle. As chef Briana Fuchs walks visitors through each course, the thoughtful touches and airy atmosphere reflect something closer to a shared meal than a formal tasting.
Turtle Creek Vineyards
Blackchalk Home & Laundry
Adega Vinho
From lunch, the group moves to The Preserve Fredericksburg, an animal sanctuary in the Hill Country. Owners Kari and Gary Johnson bring more than fifty years of experience working with elephants. The elephants are already visible on arrival. As the group approaches, three Asian elephants raise their trunks in unison, welcoming guests with a wave. The reaction is audible. Hands to faces, a collective intake of breath, even some tears of awe; up close their size becomes real in a way that is hard to anticipate. The Preserve is also home to giraffes, kangaroos, laughing kookaburra and other special animals.
WINING DOWN
By late afternoon, the day returns to wine. At Adega Vinho, owner Andrew Bilger speaks on everything from tasting to growing wine in Texas. Inside the tasting room, the wines range from estate-grown selections to an award-winning Chardonnay that has earned multiple gold medals, including recognition at the Houston Rodeo. As Bilger puts it, they have an “old school” methodology–they take what the grapes give them and work from there. Although it’s just down the road, Slate Theory Winery could be a universe apart. The modern structure opens to wide views of the Hill Country through floor-to-ceiling
windows, while the interiors lean stark with concrete, steel and themed artwork that draws as much attention as the wine itself. Below, the cellar is a cold and dim zone lined with barrels and living plant walls, reinforcing the other-worldly atmosphere of wine making. Large fermentation tanks line the back and the process is visible throughout the tour.
Moving from the open views above to the chilly enclosed cellar below, the design folds neatly into the concept the winery was built upon. Blank slate theory, associated with philosopher John Locke, suggests the mind begins as an empty page shaped by experience. And this winery is exactly that.
A FINAL TOAST
Preparing for a drive home, day three of a Fredericksburg adventure is best spent in relaxation. A late lunch at Calivence stretches easily over glasses of wine and French-inspired plates inside a historic building.
From there, Six Twists Sparkling gives the weekend its celebratory toast, with champagne flights. Before heading home, one last winery stop at Michael Ros Winery offers a peaceful retreat with Texas-grown wines and open views that let the weekend linger a little longer.
Every Fredericksburg trip ends with the same feeling: a sense that there is still more to discover, and a reason to return.
The Preserve Fredericksburg
WORLDLY BEAUTY IN BLOOM
floral traditions from a world away
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY G. NICHOLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Flowers have long-standing been a sign of nature’s beauty, peace and awe.
Delicate petals engulfing enticing centers. Colors of the rainbow bathing each ornate bloom. Delicate scents that hint at past experiences, feelings and loves.
Kvitkafa
Meaning flower in Ukrainian, the word kvitka invokes symbolism rooted in natural beauty, growth and care.
A universal symbol of appreciation for the world around us, and its people.
No one understands that connection more than Yuliya Dar, a Ukrainian-born artist who brings depth, sophistication and elegance to every floral arrangement she carefully crafts by hand at her atelier shop, Kvitkafa.
Meaning flower in Ukrainian, the word kvitka invokes symbolism rooted in natural beauty, growth and care. It’s even used as a term of endearment.
Like in the U.S., many Ukrainian holidays and traditions are adorned with ornamental flora of its region.
The national flower of Ukraine is the sunflower, a symbol of peace and resilience. The rows of towering
sunny blooms along its countryside cast against a boundless blue sky are also mimicked in the colors of their national flag.
A sense of pride. A sense of beauty. A sense of unity.
But their traditions run just as deep as their mighty roots.
One of their most notable pieces is a Vinok, a wreath that can feature up to a dozen different flowers, each with its own significance, and paired with colorful ribbons. Traditionally worn by young, unmarried women as a sign of youth and purity during celebrations and weddings, their artistic assembly is awe-inspiring.
And you’ll see this thoughtful and intentional design in Yuliya’s creations here in her shop off Westheimer.
CONTINUED >
G. Nichols Photography
“How many times were the words just not enough? Your feelings have a color, your emotions have a scent, and your confessions have a form.”
Noticeably absent are the greenery frills and filler, with bouquets consisting wholly of the blooms themselves. Blooms that demand attention. Bouquets that emphasize each floret. Designs that will take your breath away.
Yuliya explains, “How many times were the words just not enough? Your feelings have a color, your emotions have a scent, and your confessions have a form.”
And, it’s been her passion for over a decade to bring these feelings to life.
Back in her hometown of Kyiv, Yuliya started Kvitkafa back in 2014 before replanting her business here in Katy.
Now a blooming & booming local shop, she prides her work on delivering not just pretty blooms, but the essence of appreciation and artistry all mixed into one.
“My talent is to cherish, caress, express gratitude, ask for forgiveness, reconcile, extend compliments and surprise. My talent is to deliver all that you feel in the language of flowers and convey the scent of your feelings to reach the very heart,” Yuliya says.
When words simply aren’t enough, let the blooms of the world speak for themselves.
For more on unforgettable blooms delivered to your home or fresh in the shop, visit kvitkafa.com
Top: G. Nichols Photography Bottom: Kvitkafa
THE MULTIFACETED splendor of SPAIN & Portugal
A Luxury European Escape Curated by My Mountain Travel Planning Co.
ARTICLE BY MY MOUNTAIN TRAVEL PLANNING CO.
There’s a certain kind of European journey travelers dream about — one where the hotels are as memorable as the destinations, every dinner feels like an event, and each day unfolds effortlessly from one unforgettable moment to the next.
That’s exactly the kind of experience My Mountain Travel Planning Co. specializes in creating.
The adventure begins in Barcelona at the iconic W Barcelona, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Mediterranean and mornings begin with the soft rhythm of waves along Sant Sebastià Beach.
Barcelona’s itinerary is designed around discovery. One afternoon may begin wandering through Las Ramblas before stepping into La Boqueria Market — rows of hanging jamón, fresh seafood, local cheeses, and colorful fruit stands tucked beneath the market’s historic ironwork ceilings.
Another day unfolds inside the imaginative world of Antoni Gaudí. Travelers explore the mosaic pathways and panoramic terraces of Park Güell before making their way to Sagrada Família, where sunlight filters through stained glass in brilliant shades of blue, gold, and crimson.
But in Barcelona, some of the most memorable moments happen around the table.
Dinner at Can Fisher introduces guests to fresh seafood and traditional coastal cuisine just steps from the beach, while the celebrated ABaC restaurant transforms dinner into a true culinary event through its three-Michelin-star tasting experience.
As evening settles over the city, guests can join a private gourmet tapas tour through the Gothic Quarter. Along hidden side streets and lively plazas, travelers sample curated tapas and regional wines before ending the night with an intimate flamenco performance inside a medieval palace.
Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain
Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain
From the Mediterranean coast, the journey continues inland to Madrid, where the atmosphere shifts from coastal ease to timeless European elegance. Guests check into the legendary Mandarin Oriental Ritz, neighboring Retiro Park and some of the city’s most celebrated museums and landmarks.
Madrid’s itinerary balances culture, history, and culinary exploration. Travelers can spend mornings strolling through Retiro Park, admiring the glass-walled Palacio de Cristal tucked within the gardens, or stopping for churros and chocolate at the historic San Ginés Chocolatería.
Lisbon, Portugal
Palacio de Cristal, Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
A private guided tour through the Prado Museum and Royal Palace offers an immersive look into Spain’s artistic and royal history, while evenings are reserved for unforgettable dining experiences.
Dinner at Botín — officially recognized as the oldest restaurant in the world — feels like stepping into another era beneath centuries-old stone archways. Food lovers will especially appreciate TEN CON TEN in Madrid’s fashionable Salamanca district. And don’t miss a thoughtfully curated walking tasting tour woven throughout the city.
For sports enthusiasts, the itinerary can also include VIP hospitality seating at a Real Madrid match inside Santiago Bernabéu Stadium — an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most iconic football venues.
The final chapter of the journey unfolds in Portugal, where Lisbon offers a softer rhythm filled with tiled facades and winding streets. Guests settle into The One Palácio da Anunciada, a restored 16th-century palace hotel in the heart of the city.
Walking tours lead travelers through the neighborhoods of Alfama, Chiado, and Belém, where historic trams climb steep hillsides and local cafés serve warm pastéis. Along the way, guests discover scenic viewpoints, centuries-old churches, and the unmistakable charm that makes Lisbon one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.
Beyond Lisbon, day trips to Cascais and Sintra reveal another side of Portugal. Cascais offers seaside charm and dramatic coastal scenery, while Sintra feels cinematic with its colorful palaces, hidden gardens, and mist-covered hillsides. Travelers can explore the winding village streets that feel untouched by time.
To conclude the experience, guests board a private yacht along the Lisbon coastline before enjoying waterfront dining overlooking the marina as the sun disappears over the Tagus River.
Every hotel, excursion, restaurant reservation, and curated recommendation is thoughtfully arranged by My Mountain Travel Planning Co., allowing travelers to simply immerse themselves in the experience.
For travelers dreaming of an escape filled with luxury, culture, cuisine, and unforgettable moments, My Mountain Travel Planning Co. creates personalized journeys designed to turn those dreams into reality. To begin planning your journey, contact mymountaintravelco@gmail.com.
Culinary Highlights: Michelin-Starred Experiences Across Spain & Portugal
Barcelona
Disfrutar – 3 Michelin Stars
Frequently ranked among the best restaurants in the world, Disfrutar is known for its playful, avant-garde tasting menus and immersive culinary storytelling.
A must for serious food lovers visiting Barcelona.
Madrid
DiverXO – 3 Michelin Stars
Madrid’s most famous fine dining destination, DiverXO delivers an unforgettable theatrical dining experience from Chef Dabiz Muñoz with bold flavors, artistic presentation, and globally inspired cuisine.
Lisbon
Belcanto – 2 Michelin Stars
Located in Lisbon’s historic Chiado district, Chef José Avillez’s Belcanto blends Portuguese tradition with contemporary innovation, creating one of Portugal’s most celebrated fine dining experiences.
Sintra, Portugal
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND
COLORS OF THE CARIBBEAN
BRINGING THE HOSPITALITY, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND FLAIR OF ISLAND LIFE TO KATY
When one hears the word Caribbean we probably all have similar visions in mind.
Vibrant colors.
Sandy beaches.
Bold flavors.
Smiling faces.
A distinct way of life that has not been lost on Trinidad native, Coleen Gokool.
There’s a teary glance and a cracking smile that takes over her demeanor when mentioning her hometown.
A place she thinks of fondly, and visits often, a world she wants her two daughters to know and appreciate as well.
“Every summer, we take our daughters to Trinidad to spend time with our family and to get to know our culture. Usually spending one week on the beautiful beaches in Tobago, and one week with our extended family in Trinidad,” she says.
And, sharing her culture, weaving her past with the present, has been an unspoken joy within her community here in Katy.
After years of living and traveling abroad, celebrating the differences, and savoring traditions, Coleen states, “Katy is home. You can never put a price on the relationships we’ve built here.”
Coleen loves to give her non-Trinidadian friends a taste of her upbringing by gifting them her local curry powder, and she loves cooking them traditional Trinidadian dishes.
Favorites include an iconic street food called Doubles , their soft, fried turmeric-seasoned flatbreads, in addition to their one-pot rice & chicken dish called Pelau . Another notable type of roti, or flatbread, is referred to as buss-up-shut, known for its buttery and flakey, yet torn-looking texture. And sweet lovers delight in decadent cake desserts like rum cake, sponge cake, or sugar cake.
But, when not indulging in bold flavors and nostalgic dishes with her family and friends, Coleen is hard at work running her own local remodeling and handyman business, House Doctors of South Katy.
“PEOPLE FROM MY HOMETOWN BELIEVE INVESTING IN YOUR HOME IS A LIFETIME COMMITMENT, YOU PUT YOUR LIFE’S SAVINGS INTO YOUR HOMES BECAUSE YOU LIVE THERE INTO YOUR TWILIGHT YEARS, THEN PASS IT DOWN TO YOUR KIDS.”
And it’s no surprise that her hardworking and honest Caribbean roots run deep in her business as well.
Alongside her contractor Jermaine, who hails from the Bahamas, the team knows and appreciates how important it is when homeowners entrust their projects to them.
As a master carpenter, Jermaine’s expertise includes advanced woodworking, structural expertise and a keen eye for detail that he instills in every project.
“People from my hometown believe investing in your home is a lifetime commitment, you put your life’s savings into your homes because you live there into your twilight years, then pass it down to your kids,” Coleen explains.
From the biggest of remodels to everyday maintenance needs, House Doctors brings Caribbean hospitality and craftsmanship into their client’s home, treating each home as if it was their own.
One noticeable difference between homes in the U.S. versus the Caribbean: the vibrant colors. Colors are a personal preference, and many locals feel it’s usually safer to go with grays and whites, but Coleen always supports her clients in experimenting with more colors.
Whether it's a bold accent wall that makes a statement, or colorful rooms that spark the overall essence of a vibrant life, your home should reflect the experiences, the uniqueness and the people who live in it.
Coleen says she loves the famous quote from Maya Angelou that states, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
A goal she keeps in mind for every project, every punch list, every detail. Giving her clients that feeling of colorful, Caribbean hospitality.
You can learn more about House Doctors at HouseDoctors.com/ south-katy
The Art of Packing
Effortless strategies for a smoother, more refined travel experience
Travel is an invitation to slow down and explore the world.
But, too often, the stress of packing, forgetting essentials, and disorganized luggage can distract from the journey itself. The art of packing well isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating ease, and making room for the moments that matter most once you arrive.
Before becoming the publisher of Katy City Lifestyle, I spent more than 15 years working as a travel nanny and personal assistant for high-profile families. While the experiences were often extraordinary, the job also gave me firsthand understanding of the less glamorous side of travel. I’ve experienced delayed flights, missed connections, overpacked suitcases, and just about every travel challenge imaginable.
Somewhere along the way, I realized that enjoyable travel rarely happens by chance. The difference between chaos and calm usually comes down to preparation, mindset, and a few simple habits that make everything run more smoothly.
Travel should feel inspiring, memorable, and full of connection with the people we love most. Yet too often, stress and anxiety take over before the trip even begins.
The good news is travel doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are a few of my favorite travel hacks, that I hope help you journey well, stress less, and enjoy the adventure with every step.
ARTICLE
BY SHAWNA HINMAN
Favorite Luggage
“Travel doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are a few of my favorite travel hacks, that I hope help you journey well, stress less, and enjoy the adventure with every step.”
Lipault and Away soft-sided luggage are my forever favorites—lightweight, durable, and somehow able to fit everything. A pro tip: give each family member a different luggage color so everyone can instantly spot their suitcase. I also always pack a collapsible duffle. You inevitably return home with more than originally packed, I’m always grateful to have the extra space.
Soft-side d luggage
Comfort Essentials Kid Travel Essentials
Travel days are long, and comfort staples make all the difference. Stay hydrated with a compact water bottle packed empty through security, then refill before boarding. On flights, hydrating skincare like rose water spray and rose oil helps combat dry cabin air. Slippers and sleep masks make planes and hotels feel instantly cozier. And nothing is worse than digging through a bag while jet lagged, convinced something is missing—clear makeup and toiletry bags keep everything visible and stress-free.
Keeping little ones comfortable and entertained makes travel days smoother. Stick to familiar sleep routines when possible—sleep masks and a favorite stuffed animal help kids settle on planes and in hotels. Pack lightweight, kid-friendly headphones since airline versions rarely fit well. A nanny favorite? Sticker books for mess-free fun - never chase a rolling crayon again! Small toys like Calico Critters or action figures keep kids happily engaged without overpacking.
Packing Secrets
Sometimes the simplest tricks make the biggest difference. Before packing, clasp necklaces and bracelets to prevent tangled jewelry disasters after travel. Another favorite hack? Dedicate one suitcase to dirty clothes on the trip home. It can go straight to the laundry room when you return, while the rest of your luggage stays clean, organized, and ready to unpack with ease.
Mess-fr ee fun
Clean & o rganized
Hydrati o n is key
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
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
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
JULY 4TH
Smith Ranch Fourth of July Jamboree
Smith Ranch, 25440 Beckendorff Road, Katy | 3:00 PM
Patriotic fun on the farm is coming to Katy for Smith Ranch's 4th of July Jamboree! Join in for an afternoon and evening of games, food, shopping, live music, fireworks - and of course, a red, white and petting zoo! Bring your blankets & lawn chairs for a hometown 4th celebration! More at SmithRanchKaty.com
JULY 4TH
Red, White & Boom! 4th of July at Typhoon Texas
Typhoon Texas, 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy | 11:00 AM
Typhoon Texas is pulling out all the stops again for another patriotic celebration at the water park! Families can show their red, white and blue pride all day enjoying regular rides and attractions, and sending the night off with a bang for their spectacular fireworks show at 9m. More at TyphoonTexas.com
JULY 24TH
Central Green Park Concert Series with NightBird
Central Green Park at LaCenterra, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. | 7:00 PM
Calling all Fleetwood Mac fans! Nightbird is returning to Central Green for a free cover show on Friday, July 24th! Experience the magic of Mac under the stars. Pack your chairs, blankets, and your best Stevie Nicks-inspired shawls. Full concert lineup at CentralGreenPark.com
JULY 27TH
The
Iron Horse Golf Tournament
Weston Lakes Country Club, 5646 Weston Drive | 9:00 AM
Tee time takes the reins for the Iron Horse Golf Tournament at the Weston Lakes Country Club. Hosted by the Fulshear Regional Chamber of Commerce, this stunning course boasts rolling hills, shady oaks and winding creeks. Check in starts at 9am, with Games on the Green beginning at 10am and a 12pm Shotgun Start. Registration information at FulshearRegional.com
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