Summer Starts Here
TRAVEL
EXPLORE PALMAÏA, MEXICO’S WELLNESS ESCAPE
CARRY-ON CONFIDENTIAL: HOUSTON JETSETTER’S MUST-HAVE TRAVEL PICKS
BEYOND THE TASTING ROOM IN FREDERICKSBURG
Design Smart. Build Better. Live Exceptionally.
Explore More!
This month, we are leaning into the spirit of discovery, from beautiful destinations to meaningful community moments that remind us why exploring can take so many forms.
In this issue, we take you to House of AïA in Playa del Carmen, a gorgeous setting and an incredible vacation option for anyone dreaming of a restorative escape. We also share travel favorites from local jet setters, offering inspiration from those who know how to make a trip memorable. And closer to home, we explore a different side of Fredericksburg. Think of it as the unexpected Fredericksburg, a fresh way to spend a fun weekend in one of Texas’ most beloved destinations.
This issue is also especially meaningful to me because we are highlighting The TEN! 2026, our exclusive annual women’s event recognizing 10 powerhouse women in our community. When I launched Memorial Lifestyle in 2020, I had a vision for creating something that would not only celebrate the people and places that make this area special, but also bring the community together in beautiful, intentional ways.
On the evening of May 14th, that vision came to life at The Chifley Houston in a way that truly exceeded my expectations. The event was experiential, inspirational, and spectacular from start to finish, made possible by our wonderful sponsors, honorees, guests, and partners. It is still being talked about, and I believe it will be for months to come. I am so excited to see how The TEN! continues to grow over time.
As always, thank you for reading, supporting, and being part of this community. I hope this issue inspires you to explore something new.
Cheers to Your Next Adventure!
SUZANNE SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Gabriela De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kayla Bokemeyer | kayla.bokemeyer@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Jennifer Kahlden | jennifer.kahlden@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Savannah Schakett
INTERN
Antonio de la Rosa
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Caroline Heiberg
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Daniel Arizpe, Apollo Productions
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle Learn
YOUR HOME DESERVES TO BE SEEN AT ITS BEST
In a buyer’s market, first impressions matter. From staging to refurbishment suggestions, we position your home to stand out.
“Fantastic realtor. Had the team at Energy Realty list my home for rent. They got the job done! Also, the photos they took of the home were very professional. Thanks again to the entire team.”
— Energy Realty Client
Buyers are spoiled for choice right now, so Sherry Campbell and the Energy Realty team are on hand to help position your home for the best possible result. We suggest budgettailored refurbishments, provide complimentary staging, and commission professional photography and video to showcase your home beautifully.
your home beautifully. took
Skip the Hassle, Step Into the Calm, Leave Behind the Sand & Stress
There’s a version of the beach you ’ ve almost forgotten – uncrowded, unhurried, with nothing on the agenda but the sound of the surf. We handle the chairs, the cooler, the cleanup, and provide the shade, the fun, the bathrooms, and the ability to rinse off. You simply arrive, and exhale.
Until now, a luxurious, stress-free beach day was a privilege reserved for those who own a beach house Not anymore Drive down, step into your reserved private beach cabana, and let us handle every last detail No packing the car No hauling chairs across hot sand No hunting for a spot No praying your umbrella survives the afternoon storm No dreaded searches for an acceptable bathroom No vacuuming sand for days Just a short drive to one of the most expansive, and most peaceful stretches of the Texas Gulf Coast – curated and waiting just for you
Vacations are great and ownership is even better. But, all too often, all life allows for is a day. Never again waste it in front of the TV when, with the Seahorse Beach Club, your family could be living its best beach life.
inside the issue
From
Honoring
Exploring
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Guests and models in evening gowns at the “Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend” luncheon at Elizabeth Anthony. 2: Mother/daughter models Emi Ganchev, left, and Diana Hare at the ‘Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend’ luncheon. 3: Lili Caraminas, Yanet Carmona, Maria Percival, Elia Gabbanelli at Houston Symphony Wine Dinner & Collector’s Auction. 4: Ann & Jonathan Ayre at the Houston Symphony Wine Dinner & Collector’s Auction. 5: Bahareh and James Flavin at Discovery Green’s “A Night of Discovery.” 6: Joe Casiano and Lacey Dalcour-Salas at Discovery Green’s “A Night of Discovery.” 7: Zion Escobar and Desrye Morgan at Discovery Green’s “A Night of Discovery.”
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PRISCILLA DICKSON
PRISCILLA DICKSON
DANIEL ORTIZ
DANIEL ORTIZ
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DANIEL ORTIZ
The Taco Stand Opens Fourth Houston Location in Memorial
Chef Matthew Pak and his business partner Shawn Bermudez opened The Taco Stand Memorial recently, marking the fourth Houston location of their authentic Mexican taco concept. The new restaurant is located at 1016 Gessner Road, next door to the duo’s hit concept, The Burger Joint. The menu centers on traditional streetstyle meats — carne asada, al pastor, barbacoa, lengua, and carnitas — alongside fish, shrimp, and vegan and vegetarian options.
Photography by Becca Wright
Ways2Well, Preventive & Regenerative Healthcare, Expands into Houston
One of the most sought-after clinics in longevity health care, recently opened in Houston Heights (5307 N. Main St) with its first major expansion out of Austin where it was established in 2022. Founded by Brigham Buhler and championed by dozens of celebrity supporters, Ways2Well blends a longevity-focused healthcare program with a cutting-edge digital platform making it easy and convenient for clients to gain helpful knowledge with a personalized and detailed health experience.
Ronald McDonald House Greater Houston Opens New Facility
Ronald McDonald House Greater Houston marked its 45th anniversary on May 15, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling its newest facility, Amschwand House, a 16-unit apartment complex designed to expand support for families with seriously ill children receiving medical care in the Texas Medical Center. Ronald McDonald House Greater Houston regularly faces a waiting list of 20 to 30 families, which can climb to 50 during certain seasons, as families travel to Houston for pediatric care.
Photography Courtesy of Love Advertising
Photography by Bryson Valencia
MFAH Hosts Exhibition
Featuring Masterpieces from the Museum Berggruen, Berlin
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will host the U.S. debut of a selection of modern masterworks by Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, Alberto Giacometti and other figures of the postwar European avant-garde, assembled by the famed gallerist and collector Heinz Berggruen. The exhibition explores Berggruen’s relationship with the artists, literary community and art-market network to which he was intimately connected in postwar Paris, through his Berggruen & Cie gallery on Rue de l’Université.
Photography Courtesy of
Some journeys are measured in miles. Others are measured in impact.
FROM HOUSTON TO UKRAINE
Founded by long-time UkrainianAmerican residents of the Memorial Villages, Daar Foundation connects communities here with families in Ukraine through humanitarian aid.
What began as a deeply personal commitment has grown into a trusted network delivering essential aid across Ukraine – reaching hospitals, clinics, volunteer groups, and families living through the horrors of war.
From medical supplies and water purification systems to children's essentials and everyday necessities, every shipment meets the urgent, onthe-ground needs.
These shipments provide more than aid. They provide dignity, relief, and the reassurance that the Ukrainian people have not been forgotten. Because making a difference doesn't require crossing an ocean.
Explore how you can help.
standwithukrainefund.org help@daarcharitablefoundation.org
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECCA WRIGHT
IF YOU EAT ONE THING
A CRISP GULF SOFT-SHELL CRAB DISH LAYERED WITH BRIGHT FLAVORS, CRUNCH, SWEETNESS, AND RICH COASTAL CHARACTER.
At Latuli, the food feels so much like Houston itself: tied to Gulf Coast traditions, shaped by many cultures, and full of personality. Executive Chef and Co-Founder Bryan Caswell pulls inspiration from years spent cooking around the world, but the menu never strays far from Texas. Gulf seafood, ranching traditions, Asian flavors, and Italian influences all appear across the menu, creating dishes that feel elevated but approachable.
The restaurant’s design and thoughtful artwork add to that warm feeling and this summer season, one dish in particular captures the restaurant’s layered approach especially well: softshelled crab. latuli.com
THE CRAB
On the first bite, the soft-shell crab has an audible crunch before you’ll taste the sweet, delicate meat. The crabs are selected for their balance of tenderness and size, ensuring they have plenty of flavor along with their signature texture.
“Our soft-shell crabs come from Seadrift, Texas, right on the Gulf Coast,” says Caswell. “The season is short, so we work with a supplier who brings them in at their peak.”
Rather than burying the ingredient beneath heavy breading or complicated preparation, Caswell takes a restrained approach. “We keep the preparation intentionally simple,” he says. “The crab
is tempura-fried, which gives it a light, crisp exterior while letting the natural sweetness of the crab shine through. It’s all about honoring the ingredient and letting the Gulf speak for itself.”
THE SAUCE
The richness of the fried crab is balanced by a sauce that is sweet, acidic, and has depth. Roasted shallots, carrots, and garlic are caramelized until deeply golden, then blended with rice vinegar and palm sugar.
“The result is a depth of flavor and acidic lift that complements the fattiness and richness of the crab,” says Caswell. “It ties the whole dish together without overpowering either the crab or the salad.”
THE SALAD
Instead of traditional green papaya, Caswell uses butternut squash in the salad, adding a fresh, crunchy element to the fried seafood. Tossed with cashews, the salad adds texture and subtle sweetness in every bite.
“I needed a vegetable that could be served raw, hold its structure, and stay crunchy even once dressed,” says Caswell. “Butternut squash works beautifully. It has a clean sweetness and a firm texture that doesn’t wilt or soften too quickly.”
Latuli, Soft Shelled Crab.
Rebuilding Lives in Houston
Julie Comiskey, Chief Development Officer, shares how The Women’s Home transforms the lives of Houston women.
What is one misconception people have about the women you serve, and what do you wish more Houstonians understood?
One of the most common misconceptions is that the women we serve lack motivation or have simply made poor choices. In reality, many are navigating the aftermath of trauma, systemic barriers, and circumstances beyond their control. What we wish more Houstonians understood is that these women are incredibly resilient. Given the right support and stability, they are not only able to rebuild their lives, but they also become strong contributors to their families and our community.
For someone in Houston who wants to get involved but doesn’t know where to start, what are some approachable ways to support your work?
Getting involved can be simpler than people think. You can start by attending an event, making a gift at any level, or even sharing our mission with your network. Volunteering your time or professional skills is another meaningful way to connect.
What does donor support make possible on a day-to-day level that people might not immediately see or understand?
Donor support makes the everyday moments of stability possible. It ensures a woman has a safe place to sleep, access to counseling, help navigating employment, and the consistency of a supportive community. It’s the behind-the-scenes support that allows someone to focus not just on getting through the day, but on building a future.
How do you create spaces that feel welcoming, rather than institutional, for the women you serve?
We are very intentional about creating environments that feel warm, respectful, and community-centered. We want every woman who walks through our doors to feel seen, not as a case to be managed, but as a person with strength, potential, and a future worth investing in.
thewomenshome.org
The Women’s Home helps Houston women rebuild stability, confidence, and independence through compassionate support.
WHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PALMAÏA – THE HOUSE OF AÏA
A natureimmersed luxury resort in Mexico offering wellness, plant-based dining, and peaceful beachfront escapes.
Palmaïa – The House of Aïa, just south of Playa del Carmen, redefines the typical all-inclusive resort experience in Mexico. The Two Michelin Key property is tucked away in 1,000 acres of dense forest, with pathways winding through palms, mangroves, and native flora that make it feel more like a nature preserve with the benefits of both forest and beachfront views. Palmaïa is the kind of place that encourages guests to reset without demanding that they abandon comfort or luxury.
From the moment visitors arrive, the resort provides a peaceful experience. The buildings were designed to blend into their surroundings, and the resort’s layout encourages guests to explore by foot or on the complimentary bikes scattered across the property. Because the resort is immersed in nature, there is a high probability of spotting birds, iguanas, monkeys, and agoutis in their native habitat. Natural cenotes and man-made pools of varying temperatures can be found across the grounds, offering different ways to enjoy the water, whether it's in a hot tub or cold plunge, shaded by trees, or on a lounger at the beach. There is a noticeable absence of the usual resort noise – rowdy crowds are replaced by the rustling of leaves and the sound of the waves, both of which subtly set the tone for a slower, more intentional stay.
Palmaïa offers more than 50 classes per week including yoga and meditation.
The rooms and suites are bright, well-appointed, and designed with clean lines and cruelty-free materials. Many have views of the Caribbean, where private balconies open to spectacular sunrise views or the chance for late-afternoon relaxation. Room amenities include minibars stocked with coconut water and kombucha instead of soda, and oversized tubs with herbal salts for long soaks. The atmosphere of the entire property, but especially in the rooms, feels restorative and relaxing. Even small details, such as the soft lighting and natural textures, reinforce the sense that every element has been thoughtfully curated for a restful stay.
Food is another reason to visit Palmaïa, and not in the way most all-inclusive resorts execute their culinary offerings. Palmaïa’s menus are primarily plant-based, but they never feel limiting and are always delicious. Across six different concepts, there are cross-cultural influences and a concentration on fresh, thoughtfully prepared ingredients. Guests can enjoy a beachside taco truck serving flavor-packed dishes, and several open-air restaurants with views of the sea or the treetops. Even the twostory coffee bar has sweeping Caribbean Sea views that make a morning espresso and protein waffles worth waking up for.
What makes Palmaïa unique, though, is its wellness offerings. Instead of strict schedules or one-size-fits-all programs, the resort offers more than 50 weekly activities for guests to explore at their own pace. A typical morning could be filled with breathwork or yoga on a wooden deck surrounded by trees, followed by a meditation session or a sound-healing class. Afternoons can be filled with art workshops, time spent in the cenotes, or along the beach. The on-property spa has private treatment spaces tucked into the jungle where visitors can enjoy both traditional ceremonies and modern therapies. At Palmaïa, wellness is not something to achieve; it is something guests experience.
Palmaïa is many things: a luxury resort, a wellness retreat, and a nature-inspired escape. Guests arrive for different reasons, and what they find is a place that makes the outside world appear, at least for a while, a little farther away. thehouseofaia.com
Palmaïa, Su Casa restaurant offers beachfront views.
Palmaïa has several vegan-based restaurants to explore including four themed restaurants.
Carry-On Confidential: Houston Jetsetters Share Their Travel Favorites
FROM JET LAG CURES TO FAVORITE SNACKS, TRAVELERS REVEAL THE ROUTINES AND ESSENTIALS THEY SWEAR BY.
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
Local tastemakers reveal the travel essentials, snacks, and rituals always packed for takeoff. Photo by DigitalPenTH.
Victoria Bludorn
Partner, HR & Marketing Director, Bludorn Hospitality Group
AISLE OR WINDOW SEAT? Aisle for me, with Aaron at the window.
DREAM TRIP? I’m really looking forward to taking our kids to Japan. It will be my first time, too!
ITEMS YOU CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT? My own hairdryer and La Bonne Brosse brush.
BEST CELEBRITY TRAVEL COMPANION? Chef Aaron Bludorn
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO DRINK ORDER AND SNACK ON AN AIRPLANE? I usually pack my own lunch – lately, a chicken salad from Green Fork. My go-to drink order is tomato juice (and hopefully the flight attendant gives the whole can).
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO JET LAG CURE? Cortado right when you land at the destination airport. Then we try to assimilate into the time zone and the culture as naturally as possible.
Colin Michael Brush
Director, Sarah and Ernest Butler Houston Grand Opera Studio
DREAM TRIP? Music is my passion and what I do for a living, but outside of that, I’m a huge nature enthusiast, so I’d have to say either the Amazon Rainforest or the Galápagos Islands.
AISLE OR WINDOW SEAT? If the flight path goes over mountains or some breathtaking nature, OR if we’re flying overnight, window. Otherwise, aisle – at 6’1” it’s more about survival.
ITEMS YOU CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT? Headphones and music.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO TRAVEL OUTFIT? Something simple and all black. Can’t forget my big infinity scarf, since it’s usually a bit chilly on the plane at takeoff.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO JET LAG CURE? Coffee and walking all around a new place.
DO YOU HAVE ANY AIRPORT OR IN-FLIGHT RITUALS TO KEEP CALM? I’m a pacer and love people-watching, so I will sometimes just walk around the terminal nonstop until it’s time to board. I’ve actually run into old friends in the most random cities all over the world.
Victoria and Aaron Bludorn. Photo courtesy of Victoria Bludorn
Colin Michael Brush. Photo courtesy of Houston Grand Opera
Miron Crosby Co-Founders Lizzie Means Duplantis (L) and Sarah Means (R).
Sarah Means Jacquelyn Long Vazakas
Co-Founder, Miron Crosby
WEIRDEST ITEM IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAG? There’s always a ring or two of leather swatches rolling around in the bottom of my bag.
AISLE OR WINDOW SEAT? Aisle, always! I like to roam.
DREAM TRIP? Hiking to Machu Picchu has been at the top of my list forever.
ITEMS YOU CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT? My Miron Crosby Y’all tote bag is the perfect carry-on and always comes with me, home to my Kindle, a Yeti water bottle, Laneige lip balm, and snack packs of green olives from Trader Joe’s.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO TRAVEL OUTFIT? A perfectly oversized button-down, wide-legged trousers, and a pair of Miron Crosby boots. I always wear boots on the plane so I don’t have to sacrifice suitcase real estate.
BEST CELEBRITY TRAVEL COMPANION? Kacey Musgraves would undoubtedly know all of the best taco shops and probably run a tiny bit late for her connecting flights, too.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO DRINK ORDER AND SNACK ON AN AIRPLANE? A ranch water if it’s socially acceptable for the flight time, otherwise sparkling water. Snack-wise: green olives and gummy bears.
Soloist, Houston Ballet
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO JET LAG CURE? It’s not a cure, but I don’t let myself nap for more than 15 minutes on the first and second days after I’ve arrived.
DO YOU HAVE ANY AIRPORT OR IN-FLIGHT RITUALS TO KEEP CALM? I always carry sour candy. They say sour candy helps distract you from your anxiety and makes you present. I love the Joyride candy brand.
AISLE OR WINDOW SEAT? For me, it depends on the trip: for shorter flights, I prefer the aisle; for longer flights, I pick the window for sleeping.
ITEMS YOU CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT? I must travel with my Bonine motion sickness medicine. This has helped me so much, and this brand doesn’t cause drowsiness like others.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO PLANE ACTIVITY? I love listening to music for new ballets on planes. There’s something about not being able to move that helps me visualize more in my brain.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO TRAVEL OUTFIT? I love my Rhône set. It’s their DreamGlow mock neck pullover and DreamGlow trousers. It’s perfect for long haul as it’s not too tight and the material is breathable and comfortable.
Houston Ballet Soloist Jacquelyn Long as The Sugar Plum Fairy and Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox
CELEBRATING THE SECOND ANNUAL, THE TEN!
Honoring Houston’s impactful women leaders through stories of service, leadership, and personal connections at The TEN!
The second annual The TEN! was an unforgettable evening celebrating ten remarkable women making a lasting impact across Houston. These women were selected because of their leadership, philanthropy, and community involvement. With record attendance, the event was held at The Chifley Houston and welcomed beautifully-dressed guests from across the city. Throughout the night, inspiring stories of entrepreneurship, service, confidence, and
perseverance were shared about each honoree, and unlike other events of this kind, each woman was introduced by someone who knows her personally, giving attendees a more in-depth and intimate look at the people behind the accomplishments. To close out the evening, each honoree received a custom-engraved glass keepsake in recognition of her lasting influence on the Houston community.
ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL
ARIZPE, APOLLO PRODUCTIONS
Beth Braniff Harp, Faith Majors, Ruth Lopez Turley, Katie Stone, Beth Wolff, Suzanne Schakett, Dr. Christi Pramudji Dawe, Katie Mehnert, Aplanalp Ruzicka, Dr. Peta-gay Ledbetter, Lauren Levicki Courville
Dr. Christi Pramudji Dawe and Scott Dawe
Cindy Aplanalp Ruzicka and Dion Ruzicka
Haley Harp, Beth Braniff Harp, Marty Braniff
Suzanne Schakett
Nisreen Nassif, Rosina Maria Cheverez, Heather Holmes, Faith Majors, Tiffany Sebastian, Star Hand, Amy Becker, Seidy Sabek
Creative Summer Fun
The Suite Destination for Meetings, Celebrations & Gatherings
From intimate dinners to corporate meetings and milestone celebrations, The Chifley Houston offers flexible event spaces, all-suite accommodations, and personalized service in the heart of Uptown. Pair your gathering with chef-driven catering from Rouse Craft Cooking and create an experience designed to impress every guest.
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
Elevated Essentials
Summer
Looking for gifts to celebrate summer? From sun protection to chic accessories, this collection features items that blend fashion, function, and comfort. Whether you’re upgrading your beach essentials, adding color to your wardrobe, or surprising someone special, this guide delivers options for everyone. Each pick is thoughtful, practical, and designed to keep you looking and feeling your best all season long, from beach days to weekend getaways.
Tommy Bahama,
Beachy WavesBandeau Tankini Top, $118,
Daneault, Double Up Bag - The Pen
Avara,
Cream American Flag Knit Sweater, $88, shopavara.com
Arden Cove, Kelso RFID-Blocking Passport Pouch, $89, rdencove.com
Exagger-Eyes Easy Eyeshadow Sticks, $32, charlottetilbury.com
Titan,
24 Can Backpack Cooler, $52.99, arcticzone.com
Lancôme,
Fragrance Collection, $320, irfe.com
Garnier, Fructis
Curl Construct Creation Mousse, $5.99, garnierusa.com
IRFÉ, Charlotte Tilbury,
Melani, Cloudten, $79.99–$129.99, mellanni.com
Par Bleu Golf,
Golf Towel, $29, parbleugolf.com
Sound of Sleep, LetroFan Micro2, $43.95, lectrofan.com
La Jolie Muse, 19 oz Candle (scents vary), $38, amazon.com
Fragrance Collection, $320, irfe.com
Lancôme,
Juicy Tubes Cheeks Blush Tint & Highlighter, $25, lancome-usa.com
Earthly Threads, Spontaneous Tank & Jogger Set, $77.95, earthlythreads.com
There is always something to celebrate in Fredericksburg.
Exploring a different side of Fredericksburg through wildlife, wine, design and local makers.
BEYOND THE TASTING ROOM
ARTICLE BY CAROLINE HEIBERG
It’s easy to think a Fredericksburg weekend follows a familiar pattern with wine tastings, shopping, and a walk down Main Street. However, over a few days, exploring the Hill Country city can offer something unexpected. For this group of Houston travelers, 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, and when the road leads to elephants, it stops feeling like Texas altogether. The town has attracted business owners, chefs, sommeliers, and animal conservationists,
Photo by Mieke Dalle
each dedicated to their craft. In turn, each offers its own atmosphere and experience to those who wander the roads of the Texas Hill Country.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Small plates of chocolates arranged across the table, wine glasses set out; the first evening begins inside Maple Haus, a Gästehaus Schmidt property where owners Jessica and Travis Mittel opened their home for the stay. The tasting 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.
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: he left 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 are themes among local business owners.
Whether chocolate, wine, or something else entirely, Fredericksburg attracts craftsmen–individuals passionate about creating something topof-the-line and one-of-a-kind experiences. The local craftsman culture is woven into the town's fabric, making exploring the city a worthwhile endeavor.
UNIQUE RETAIL EXPERIENCES
The next morning, the group begins shopping just off Main Street along Warehouse Row, where repurposed industrial buildings allow for a larger scale shopping experience that the historic storefronts can’t.
At Carol Hicks Bolton Antiqüités, the former mohair warehouse has become a distinct space filled with European antiques, iron beds, and custom linens. Nothing feels mass-produced. Rather, she curated her signature style through decades of global travel. A 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 Elliott 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. Jill was initially inspired by
The town has attracted business owners, chefs, sommeliers, 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.
Inside Maple Haus, guests gathered for an intimate evening of wine and chocolate pairings. Photo courtesy of Maple Haus
Fredericksburg's Main Street.
Photo by Andreas Felipe
the lack of variety in home furnishings. When she entered the business 25 years ago, the local market was very Western-inspired, with bulky leather furniture dominating the landscape. 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 choose styles that reflect their own personalities.
HILL COUNTRY FUN
After spending the morning moving through showrooms, the itinerary takes an unexpected turn with Brooke’s Bubble Bus pulling the day in a new direction. Inside, pink epoxy floors, bubble-esque tile, disco balls, and sequin details make everything feel 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, the group transitions to lunch 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. 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.
From lunch, a visit to The Preserve, an animal sanctuary established in the Hill Country in 2018, is in store. Owners Kari and Gary Johnson each bring more than fifty years of experience working with elephants. The elephants are already visible on arrival, and as the group approaches, three Asian elephants raise their trunks in unison, welcoming guests with a wave. The Preserve is also home to giraffes, kangaroos, laughing kookaburras, and other exotic animals.
TEXAS WINE
By late afternoon, the day circles back to wine. The next destination is Adega Vinho, where owner Andrew Bilger speaks on everything from tasting to growing wine in Texas. After years in commercial real estate, he followed through on a dream he had been talking about for years and built the vineyard himself. Inside the tasting room, the wines range from estategrown selections to an award-winning Chardonnay that has earned multiple gold medals, including recognition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Although it’s just down the road, Slate Theory Winery is a world away from its Hill Country counterparts. The modern structure opens to wide
The Preserve. Photo by Danielle Lochte
Pioneer Museum. Photo by Marco.
landscape views while stark interiors crafted from concrete, steel, and themed artwork demand as much attention as the wine itself. Below, the cellar is a cold, dim zone lined with barrels and living plant walls, reinforcing the otherworldly atmosphere of wine making. On a tour of the facility, guests can see large fermentation tanks and the production process that takes place entirely onsite.
RELAXATION
The final day of a Fredericksburg adventure is best spent in relaxation. A late lunch at Calivence Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro stretches easily over glasses of wine and Frenchinspired plates inside a historic building, tucked away from the pace of Main Street. From there, Six Twists Sparkling gives the weekend its celebratory toast, with champagne flights and caviar replacing the usual Hill Country tasting room routine. 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.
Guests at The Preserve come face-to-face with Asian elephants and other rescued animals. Photo courtesy of The Preserve.
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.
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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.
Birdwatching Made Simple
EXPERT TIPS TO MAKE BACKYARD BIRDING A FASCINATING AND PEACEFUL PART OF YOUR LIFE.
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Thinking of putting up a bird feeder? You’re not alone. Backyard birding is the second most popular hobby in the U.S.—right behind gardening. Bob Gors of Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb, MI, shares expert tips to help you get started—and get results.
START WITH THE RIGHT SETUP
If you’re new to bird feeding, don’t overcomplicate it. Bob recommends starting with a tray feeder, either pole-mounted or hung. “It’s accessible to the widest range of birds,” he says, “and it lets you experiment with different seed blends.”
Before setting up, take a look at your yard. Birds prefer to feed near trees or shrubs where they can perch and scan for predators. “If your yard is wide open, it’s going to be harder to attract them,” Bob notes.
Quick Tip: Place your feeder about 15 feet from trees or shrubs to give birds a safe place to wait their turn.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED—AND SKIP THE FILLERS
Not all bird seed is created equal. Bob advises avoiding blends with fillers like milo, wheat, or oats. “Those are agricultural leftovers. Most birds won’t eat them.”
Each Wild Birds Unlimited store owner customizes their seed blends, based on the birds in each store’s specific area. Their blends contain no fillers—just high-quality ingredients birds actually eat. They’re available in no-mess varieties—no shells, no waste. “With standard seed, up to 40% of the weight of the bag is shells,” Bob says. “No-mess is 100 percent pure bird food.”
Quick Tip: Choose fresh, unscented, unflavored seed. Birds don’t need additives—just what they’d eat in nature. Check the ingredients on the bag: sunflower should be the first ingredient—since it’s the seed most birds love.
IT’S REMAINED PART OF THEIR LIVES: ONE COUPLE TOLD BOB THEY STILL START EVERY MORNING ON THE PORCH WITH COFFEE AND BIRDSONG. “IT BECAME A RITUAL THAT
KEEP UNWANTED GUESTS AWAY
Squirrels causing trouble? Try safflower seed. “It tastes bitter to squirrels but attracts cardinals, grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees,” Bob says. Hot pepper blends also work—birds can’t taste the heat, but mammals can.
To deter large birds like starlings, Bob recommends using a cage around tube feeders to limit access.
Tube feeders with small perches help discourage bigger birds. For tidier feeding, seed cylinders— compressed seed—are a great lowmess option.
Quick Tip: “Start simple,” Bob advises. “Watch what’s happening in your yard, then adjust as needed.” Unlike loose seed, cylinders make the birds work harder—and give you longer-lasting views of the birds.
SPOT BIRD BEHAVIOR (AND BACKYARD DRAMA)
Once your feeder’s up, the show begins.
“Different species act differently,” Bob explains. “Cardinals are typically the first and last birds of the day to the feeder. Male hummingbirds are very territorial and will defend ‘their’ feeder. Chickadees come to the feeder in a flash; they have a grab-and-go strategy. “In our backyard, orioles and bluebirds battle over live mealworms,” he adds. “The female bluebird often holds her ground.”
Quick Tip: You don’t need to track every species. “Just sit back with a cup of coffee and watch,” Bob says. “You’ll start noticing more than you’d expect.”
SEASONAL CHANGES TO EXPECT
Feeder activity increases in summer, thanks to fledglings. “By July, your bird population has basically doubled,” Bob says. At the same time, some favorites—like male orioles—start their fall migration as early as July.
One common myth? That goldfinches leave in winter. “They stay put,” Bob says. “But the males molt into drab-colored feathers, so people often don’t recognize them.”
Quick Tip: Keep feeding in winter. “Some of the best bird watching happens in the colder months—different species of birds visit us in the winter.”
HOW TO ATTRACT SPECIFIC BIRDS
Want cardinals? Use tray feeders or tube feeders with U-shaped perches. “They’re heavier birds,” Bob says. “Standard tube feeders are hard for them to use.”
Hoping for bluebirds? They prefer park-like settings. If your yard fits, try a nesting box with a 1.5-inch entrance, and offer live mealworms far away from the nest box.
Hummingbirds? Stick to sugar water—no red dye needed. “And expect a show,” Bob adds. “Males are fiercely territorial at the feeder.”
Wild Birds Unlimited carries feeders tailored to specific birds, but Bob and his team focus on fit. “We ask about your yard, your goals, and guide you from there.”
Quick Tip: Not sure what birds are in your area? Ask your local Wild Birds Unlimited shop.
WHY BIRD WATCHING STICKS
Bob says many customers started birding during the pandemic—and never stopped. “They looked out the window and realized something was there,” he says. It’s remained part of their lives: one couple told Bob they still start every morning on the porch with coffee and birdsong. “It became a ritual that many people now cherish,” Bob says.
For expert help making bird watching your ritual, stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in your area or visit wbu.com.
JULY 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 4TH
Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park (Downtown)
Eleanor Tinsley Park | 3:00 PM
Freedom Over Texas is the City of Houston's official Fourth of July celebration, held at Eleanor Tinsley Park along Buffalo Bayou downtown. The 2026 edition runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and headlines country star Keith Urban with opening acts Collective Soul and Los Lonely Boys. The fireworks finale launches from a barge on Buffalo Bayou.
JULY 4TH
Houston Symphony's Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Miller Outdoor Theater | 8:30 PM
The Houston Symphony's free Star-Spangled Salute concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre (in Hermann Park) is the city's most-loved Fourth of July tradition. The orchestra plays a patriotic program — The Star-Spangled Banner, American Salute, the 1812 Overture, Sousa marches, and a finale that ends with fireworks above the hill. Free admission.
JULY 5TH
Outlaw Festival: Willie Nelson, Wilco, Sheryl Crow & More
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 2:00 PM
The Outlaw Music Festival is a premier touring Americana and country festival headlined and curated by music icon Willie Nelson. Launched in 2016, it spans large outdoor amphitheaters and features an eclectic, rotating lineup of veteran legends and rising stars who celebrate the authentic "outlaw" spirit and genre-defying music.
JULY 21ST
The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 8:00 PM
Featuring Michael Cavanaugh with the Houston Symphony. Who better to sing the songs of two American icons than the man Billy Joel himself hand-picked to play him on Broadway? Michael Cavanaugh, star of the Broadway smash Movin’ Out, joins the Houston Symphony for an unforgettable evening celebrating the music of Billy Joel and Elton John.
JULY 24TH
Margaritaville Presents Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 8:00 PM
Tropical rock legend Jimmy Buffett may sadly have passed on from these shores back in 2023, but his laid back soul and beach-loving persona live on through his Coral Reefer Band. With a mandate to keep the party going, the band that backed Jimmy throughout his entire five decade-long career hits the road this summer for a tour of North America.
JULY 24TH
A. R. Rahman with the Houston Symphony
Jones Hall | 8:00 PM
The Houston Symphony presents an extraordinary symphonic celebration of music with the global icon A. R. Rahman. A Grammy and two-time academy award winner, Rahman is one of the world’s most prolific music composers and the musical genius behind the soul-stirring music of Slumdog Millionaire.
JULY 28TH
Houston Broadway Theater
Presents: The Falsettos
Zilkha Hall | 7:30 PM
Falsettos is a hilarious and heartbreaking musical from Tony Award winner William Finn and acclaimed director James Lapine. It’s New York in the early 1980s, and Marvin’s life is complicated—he’s recently left his wife Trina for his boyfriend Whizzer, but he still wants to stay close to his son Jason. What could go wrong? Everything. And it’s spectacular.
JULY 29TH
Bryan Adams 'Roll with the Punches' Tour
Toyota Center | 7:30 PM
Canadian rock legend Bryan Adams is heading on a massive new tour called 'Roll With The Punches World Tour'!
With special guests Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo for the states, this new outing will showcase Adams' whopping 16th studio album and will see this mega-star head out across the globe, bringing his multi-award-winning hits to his adoring fans.
JULY 31ST
The Fray Summer of Light Tour
713 Music Hall | 7:00 PM
By pitching their music somewhere between the arena-friendly style of U2 and the mature, piano-driven poprock sound of bands like the Counting Crows and Coldplay, the Fray have earned themselves a devout fan following around the world. Don't miss The Fray as they are supported by emo-rock heavyweights Dashboard Confessional.
PLANNING YOUR DAY AROUND THE NEAREST BATHROOM?
Schedule a bladder health consult today
Specializing in pelvic floor repair, sling procedures, and bladder lift surgery to help women regain control, comfort, and quality of life.
Dr. Christi
Dr. Dereska
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
Summer Seafood Gazpacho
This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
Website: alyssalavy.com
Instagram: @alyssalavyrd
Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)
• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)
*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.
Directions:
1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.
2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.
3. Mince garlic. Set aside.
4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.
5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.
6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.
7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.
8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!
Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.
A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!
