Issuu

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

The Gratitude Issue

LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Kamilla Batchelor | kamilla.batchelor@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Oh, What a Year!

Gabriela De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall

WOW, HOUSTON! How can it be that we are already nearing the end of this crazy

L AYO UT DESIGNER

year? Whether you are ready to bid 2020 farewell or just grateful that we made it

Jayme Emery

through an unprecedented time, the holidays will be here before we know it.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chris Spicks, Yvonne Villegas-Vasquez

Before everything gets crazy and we start shopping for all of the people on our gift list, we want to take this time to pause and reflect. This issue marks the first anniversary of River Oaks Lifestyle Magazine. We never imagined that we would be working through such extraordinary times in our community when we embarked on this journey. We are grateful that we get to create this magazine every month and connect with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your stories and for reading ours. This issue is a special one; it highlights the frontline healthcare workers that have kept our city going. As everyone stayed in to avoid the virus, they were ready and willing to be our first line of defense. This issue also spotlights so many fantastic small businesses in our community - we hope we have given you many options to shop local this holiday season! As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, don’t forget to look at each person around

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

your table and remember how they have made a difference in your life. We wouldn’t

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

be here without each other.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Stay safe and well, Houston!

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Gabi De la Rosa, Editorial Coordinator 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Dr. Hina Pandya, Associate Vice President of Medical Operations with Memorial Hermann Medical Group

Bindu Akkanti, MD, associate professor of

critical care medicine with McGovern Medical

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

School at UTHealth in Houston Location: Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center

PHOTOGRAPHY BY YVONNE VILLEGAS-VASQUEZ 4

River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

Proverbs 3:5-6 River Oaks Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the River Oaks area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in River Oaks Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 10 Voices from Houston’s Front Line Two Houstonian front line heroes share some of their experiences working during a global pandemic.

16 From Texas with Love Highly anticipated restaurant Bludorn, showcases the bounties of the Texas Gulf Coast, farms, and ranches.

20 On the Road Again Hotel Valencia Riverwalk and The George are just what you need for a luxurious getaway.

30 Giving Thanks These Houston kids remind us that

10 30

it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Hometown Hero

Culinary Creations

20 Road Trip 22 Local Limelight 26 Trend Setter 30 Local’s Choice 34 DIY 36 Healthy Lifestyle 38 Locals Only

HOMETOWN HERO

VOICES FROM HOUSTONâ€™S FRONT LINE

ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA PHOTOGRAPHY YVONNE VILLEGAS-VASQUEZ

MONTHS AFTER HOUSTON EXPERIENCED ITS COVID-

last line of defense against the disease, that as of this writing,

19 SURGE, DR. Bindu Akkanti, MD, associate professor of

has affected more than 200,000 people in the Houston area.Â

critical care medicine with McGovern Medical School at

At the height of Houston's surge, both doctors were

UTHealth in Houston, lost two patients within a short time.

working 16-hour days trying to keep up with a pandemic

The emotional toll of this, coupled with the never-ending

that showed no sign of slowing down. They were con-

stress of the past few months, made her weary, and she

cerned about taking the virus home to their families and

didn't want to face another day in the ICU. However, her

troubled that they were only at the beginning of a bat-

years of training took over, and Dr. Akkanti made it to work

tle that might overwhelm Houston's healthcare system.

that day just as she has every day in the weeks and months

The beginning of July marked the onset of a surge as

since coronavirus became a part of our daily lives.

healthcare providers hunkered down in area hospitals

A short drive away from Houston's Texas Medical Center

and watched news stations broadcast images of people

(TMC), Dr. Hina Pandya, Associate Vice President of Medical

gathering to celebrate Independence Day on beaches.

Operations with Memorial Hermann Medical Group, was

"On July 4, we had just started the night service at

gearing herself up for another long day of meetings, confer-

Memorial Hermann, and I got nine admissions from the

ence calls, and patient work. In charge of ambulatory care for

ER back to back and five consults for ECMO from around

the Memorial Hermann Medical Group, Dr. Pandya and her

the city," said Dr. Akkanti. "During the 12 hours of my

colleagues were tasked with creating COVID-19 screening

shift, I don't think I got to sit down. Everyone working

protocols for all clinics, ensuring adequate PPE supplies, and

during that time was in a state of shell shock."

continuously communicating with the over 300 physicians who look to her for guidance.

Fear of the unknown also plagued Dr. Pandya as patients began trickling into Houston clinics. For months her col-

Drs. Pandya and Akkanti are just two of the hundreds of

leagues had been watching the news and seen posts on

healthcare professionals in lockstep with the responsibility

social media about the virus, but hadn't yet dealt with it

of not only caring for patients, but researching, teaching,

firsthand. Rapidly emerging science, constant vigilance, and

and creating protocols that will save countless lives from a

communication with physicians about the virus have since

disease that didn't even exist a year ago. They are not only on

quelled fears. "We know so much more about how to prevent

the front lines facing COVID-19; they are in many cases the

spread, and I feel very comfortable with the protocols we CONTINUED >

River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

“AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC, I FELT LIKE WE HAD A CALL TO ARMS AND THIS WAS OUR WAR. IT WAS AFFECTING PEOPLE ACROSS THE GLOBE; IT WAS IN HOUSTON AND WE WERE READY.” DR. BINDU AKKANTI

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

have put in place," she says. "My biggest concern is that people are going to go back to their lives the way they were before the virus, and we can't do that yet. We can't let our guard down." Conversely, Dr. Pandya also worries about those who are still socially isolated because of fear of the virus. She worries about the adverse effects stress and social isolation can have on mental health. She is encouraged however, that patients are coming back in for regular health screenings like mammograms and emphasizes that there is a way to keep every interaction safe. Dr. Akkanti agrees that the fight against COVID-19 isn't over. For her, the biggest misconception is that many think they won't contract the virus themselves. She points out that as long as people are dying of COVID-19 in the community, it affects everyone. "We were prepared to see a lot of older people with comorbidities in the hospital, but the sad thing is that most of the patients we are seeing are between the ages of 35 â€“ 55 years old," she says. These healthcare professionals are just two of the many front line heroes at TMC, the world's largest medical center. They have utilized their medical knowledge and employed compassion, empathy, and resilience to create a bridge between families and patients who are on their own because of hospital visitation rules. "When you are standing in front of a patient who isn't able to get oxygen, you just hope that all your training is going to help you save this one person so that you can get them back to their family," said Akkanti. "Because of the advances we have made, we are in a much better position to take care of patients, and we work hard every day to make sure that medicine is better than it was the day before."

River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

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CULINARY CREATIONS

from texas w it h love HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RESTAURANT BLUDORN, SHOWCASES THE BOUNTIES OF THE TEXAS GULF COAST, FARMS, AND RANCHES. ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY JULIE SOEFER

River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

OPEN THE DOORS TO BLUDORN ON ANY GIVEN EVENING, AND YOU WILL SOON BE ENVELOPED BY THE ATMOSPHERE OF PEOPLE ENJOYING THEMSELVES. Bludorn opened in August amid a global pandemic but has enjoyed a full dining room and the buzzy reviews that only Houstonians can offer. Chef Aaron Bludorn, a Culinary Institute of America grad, spent the last five years as executive chef at acclaimed CafĂŠ Boulud in New York City and recently moved to Houston with his wife Victoria Pappas to open a restaurant of their own. "I think that we wouldn't have been able to open in any other city, but because of Houstonian's passion for restaurants and dining out, we were well received," says Bludorn. "I wanted to create an experience that transports you away from any cares you might have had during the day and lets you enjoy a delicious meal with friends." The menu boasts familiar New American cuisine cooked with sophisticated French techniques. The foundation of the menu is locally sourced seasonal ingredients that showcase Gulf Coast seafood and ingredients from Texas farms and ranches. With so many dazzling dishes on the menu it can be hard to choose, but guests shouldn't overlook the roasted oysters from the raw bar or the tuna with melon, sesame, and soy-jalapeno, they are a bright start to any meal. For our main dish, we found that fig and blue cheese are perfect compliments to the puffy pillows of Short Rib Ravioli â€“ a wonderfully satisfying dish. The Rainbow Trout is also a menu standout with a combination of fresh fish, marble potatoes, almonds, and brown butter. Bludorn has his sights set on the winter menu that will showcase some of his favorite ingredients. "I have a few things up my sleeve; we have a seared foie gras dish that I feel very strongly about. We will also feature black truffles when they come into season, which is always an exciting time of year for me." While Bludorn is excited about his menus, we are just as excited to take a seat in front of the restaurant's open concept kitchen and welcome them to Houston.

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

C O L L E C T I O N

David Oriental Rugs Direct Importer of Fine Rugs

Warehouse Clearance • Trade Welcome Celebrating 38 Year Anniversary • Trade Welcome

OVER 1000 DECORATIVE AREA RUGS IN STOCK

ROAD TRIP

ON THE ROAD AGAIN LOOKING FOR A LUXURIOUS GETAWAY? ONE TANK OF GAS AND MILES OF TEXAS’ SCENIC VIEWS WILL GET YOU THERE.

ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA Hotel Valencia is located on the River Walk in San Antonio.

SOMEONE ONCE SAID, "NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE THER-

including two bars and an Argentinean-influenced restaurant,

APEUTIC POWER OF DRIVING AND LISTENING TO VERY LOUD

Dorrego's, you will never have a reason to leave the property.

MUSIC", AND WE COULDN'T AGREE MORE. Air travel is down

Touches of old San Antonio can be found everywhere you look,

because of the pandemic, but the highways are still open, and Texas

from the artwork to the accessories in public spaces - it's Texas

is a big state with a lot to explore. We encourage you to upload a

sophistication can't be missed.

playlist and hit the road.

Through the end of the year, the hotel is offering a Tango in the

The Valencia Hotel Group has luxury and full-service hotels

Courtyard. This fun getaway package includes a private balcony

across Texas. If you are looking for a road trip destination, one tank

room with the perfect view of the central courtyard where guests

of gas will get you to the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio or

can view two hours of Tango and related Latin-dance styles on

The George in College Station. Each one is unique, as the Valencia

Friday and Saturday nights. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary

Hotel Group prides itself on providing locally authentic experiences

cheese plate and a bottle of Malbec wine.

at each of their properties.

If a drive into Aggie-land is more your style, The George,

Voted #1 in San Antonio by Condé Nast Traveler in 2020, the

located in Bryan College Station, is a four-star boutique hotel

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is a luxury boutique hotel located on

that is not only luxurious but steeped in Texas A&M tradition. The

the San Antonio River Walk. With numerous upscale amenities,

George is one of Century Square's anchors, a walkable mixed-use

River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

Located in Bryan College Station, The George is a luxury boutique hotel.

10,000 books make up the famous Texas Flag Book Wall at The George.

destination that offers retail, dining, and entertainment venues. You'll want to be camera ready for the famous Texas flag book wall â€“ where 10,000 books with red, white, and blue spines were stacked together by artist Thedra Cullar-Ledford to form the Texas state flag. The art installation was dedicated to former first lady Barbara Bush after she passed in 2018. Stop in for a meal at Poppy, so called in honor of the nickname given to President George H.W. Bush by his grandchildren, or relax with a drink at 1791, a whiskey bar commemorating the beginning of the Whiskey Rebellion under President George Washington.

TEXAS IS A BIG STATE WITH A LOT TO EXPLORE. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO UPLOAD A PLAYLIST AND HIT THE ROAD. CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

ACHIEVE BETTER SLEEP AT THE NEWLY OPENED BREATHEMD SLEEP & WELLNESS CENTER

PRIORITIZE WELLNESS W I T H B R E AT H E M D ARTICLE RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS SPICKS SLEEPY HOUSTONIANS CAN REJOICE; THE NEWLY

can do for your overall health. The BreatheMD Sleep &

OPENED BREATHEMD SLEEP & WELLNESS CENTER

Wellness Center will offer resources to combat unhealthy

IS POISED TO HELP PATIENTS ACHIEVE BETTER

sleep habits. Nutrition, balance therapy, wellness IV drips,

SLEEP THROUGH PRACTICAL TREATMENT AND

an infrared sauna, and sleep studies are just some of the

WELLNESS OPTIONS. The sleep and wellness center is

new outpost’s services.

the brainchild of Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, who is certified

One of the amenities of the new wellness center that

in both Otolaryngology and Sleep Medicine. Dr. Bowden’s

Dr. Bowden is most excited about is the salt cave. The first

idea of adding this service to her already bustling prac-

of its kind inside the loop, Houstonians can enjoy all the

tice has been years in the making and complements the

health benefits a salt cave offers. “We have guided medi-

robust list of services already offered by BreatheMD.

tation, balance therapy, yoga classes and Pilates reformer

“The focus of the new space is sleep, but to get good sleep, you have to be healthy,” says the doctor. “The space is not only used to test people for sleep disorders, but we also offer different wellness strategies to achieve better sleep.” Two of the most common culprits of sleep loss are patients who are overweight or stressed, and according to Dr. Bowden, sleep is one of the most important things you

River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

classes,” she says. “We are excited to be the first to offer these wellness options in a salt cave.” For more information about BreatheMD Sleep & Wellness Center or any other services offered by BreatheMD, visit, breathemd.org

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CL ASSIC HOMES!

The last available penthouse in River Oaks. This move-in ready, neverlived-in unit is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Wonderful English Tudor originally designed by L.W. Lindsay circa 1925, and carefully renovated. This light filled home is one of a kind.

Beautiful custom home built in the contemporary French Country Style circa 2012. Close proximity to River Oaks Elementary Sparks Park.

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CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

TREND SETTER

Photo Credit: Banavenue Photography

ROSLYN BAZZELLE MITCHELL KNEW THAT FASHION WOULD BE A PART OF HER LIFE AT A VERY YOUNG AGE. The 2020 Houston Chronicle Best Dressed nominee has always had an interest in fashion and views style as art. Although her career as a commercial real estate attorney doesn’t allow for much artistic expression, she flexes her creative muscles through RoKi Design, the silk scarf business she recently launched with her business partner Kimberly Phipps-Nichol. “Scarves are an accessory that we can all wear in our own unique and fashionable way. There is no size limitation on them, so no matter what size you are, you can wear it to dress yourself up or accessorize,” says the business owner. We asked Mitchell to share her favorite looks for fall – accessorized with a beautiful silk scarf, of course.

style one TOP: HUNTER BELL STAR BLOUSE FROM TOOTSIES BELT: ROKI DESIGN PRIMAS SCARF BOOTS: BIRMAN FROM TOOTSIES

style two TOP: DOLCE & GABBANA CROSSBODY HANDBAG AND FACE MASK: ROKI DESIGN MADE FROM A REPURPOSED CARTIER PANTHERE SCARF BOOTS: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

style three DRESS: OSCAR DE LA RENTA BRACELET: FRANCO DAVALOS

one

FRAMED SCARF: ROKI DESIGN 2019 NU BOULE ARCHOUSAI SCARF

AUTUMN 26

River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

FROM BOOTS TO GOWNS, ROSLYN BAZZELLE MITCHELL SHOWS OFF THREE LOOKS FOR FALL.

ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA

Photo Credit: Banavenue Photography

Photo Credit: Gittings

TWO

THREE

INSPIRATION CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

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WELLNESS ROOM | MAN ICURE | PEDICURE & MASS AG ES

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GRAND REOPENING DATE Only 5 Miles from our previous address. 10707 Haddington Dr. Houston 77043

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DESIGNER DIVA R E S A L E

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River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

Transform Your Living Space Sunnyroad has been beautifying homes in the Houston Area since 1985. Let us put our 30 plus years of design experience to help you with your project. At our Design Center, we invite you to explored and reinvent your style. From unique fabrics to custom furniture, Sunnyroad has the best selection in Houston. • UPHOLSTERY/SLIPCOVERS

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713 - 266 - 0310

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CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

LOCAL’S CHOICE

RAISING TWO CHILDREN IN THE WORLD

ARTICLE RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF

OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE HAS ITS CHALLENGES, BUT NANCY ALMODOVAR,

THESE HOUSTON KIDS REMIND US THAT IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE.

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF NAN AND COMPANY PROPERTIES, HAS MADE IT LOOK EASY. Along with her husband Jose, she has embraced family life, along with everything that comes along with being one

GIVING THANKS

of the top residential real estate companies in Houston. For Almodovar, all the awards and accolades don’t compare to what matters most in her life – her family. We asked her children, Manny and Kamila, to share what they are most grateful for this year.

MANNY A L M O D OVA R 1 0 KAMILA A L M O D OVA R 9

River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

We are thankful for God’s love.

We love our family, our home, and our dogs

I am thankful that I get to play Fortnite on

I am grateful that I get to spend so much

I am thankful that I get to learn in school –

Chiquis and Ella.

weekends (Manny).

time outside, especially lately (Kamila).

even if it is different this year (Manny).

AMANDA VLASTAS, A SINGLE MOM OF TWO BOYS, IS THE ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT

BEHIND

WEST

UNIVERSITY

MOMS. This resource website provides moms and families with a “one-stopshop” platform to find curated lists of local resources, great deals, activities, and events in West University and surrounding Houston neighborhoods. As the mom of two young boys, Vlastas understands the importance of teaching her boys about being grateful for the simple things, especially in a year like 2020.

M AT T I A S C UA R TA S 7 EMILIO C UA R TA S 4 01

We are grateful that we get to ride our bikes

Minecraft Lego sets are the best and most of

We are grateful for our Mommy and Daddy.

We have the same best friend. His name is

in the neighborhood.

the time, we share them.

Marcello and we like it when we get to play with him.

We are grateful that we got to see our grandma Pammie in October. We hadn’t seen her for a long time because of coronavirus.

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

SPAR Houston HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING Spar Houston is a unique boxing fitness facility on Washington Avenue across from Memorial Park. Our classes are designed to master the skills necessary to take your fitness to a new level while learning the art of boxing.

Develop the skills necessary to take your fitness to a new level - outside your comfort zone and motivated for more.

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Our facility is equipped with heavy bags, towel service, boxing ring, and complete strength training area.

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River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

BOLD, BEAUTIFUL, AND UNIQUELY YOU. Mention River Oaks Lifestyle when booking and R E C E I V E A C O M P L I M E N TA R Y W AT E R C O L O R P O R T R A I T F R O M YO U R S E S S I O N

VonVis Photography by Yvonne Villegas-Vasquez specializes in photojournalistic, emotive and lifestyle elements in every image. We create photographs that are Bold, Beautiful and Uniquely yours. Published by Nikon | Houston Voyage | CafÃ© Mom | Shoutout HTX | Diversity Weddings and more.

70 2 . 2 7 5 . 2 8 8 9

V O N V I S P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M

VONVIS_PHOTOGR APHY

VONVIS PHOTOGR APHY

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

DIY

H O P P Y+ F R E S H

D I Y H O P - I N F U S E D S H A M P O O ( & C AT S I F Y O U ' R E B R AV E ) PHOTOGRAPHY COLLEEN KELLY

River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

F O R

P U P S

H O M E M A D E H O P - I N F U S E D D O G S H A M P O O Perfect for a fresh, deep clean scented with hops. + 1 pint gentle natural dish washing soap + 1 pint hop water + 1 pint apple cider vinegar + 3/4 cups hops + 4 oz. glycerin + 1 tablespoon baking soda 01 Infuse water and hops in a jar for at least an hour. 02 Mix all of the ingredients together and put in a bottle. 03 Grab your pup and suds up. Rinse thoroughly.

V O I L À !

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AUREA IV SPA HAS EXPANDED THEIR TREATMENT OPTIONS, THIS TIME FOR WOMEN.

New Options for Women's Health

ALONG WITH THEIR ALREADY CONSIDERABLE ARRAY

Touch uses a gentle laser to stimulate the tissues' colla-

OF WELLNESS SERVICES, AUREA IV SPA IS FOCUSING

gen production, typically with just three procedures over

ON FEMALE INTIMACY AND WELLNESS TREATMENTS.

18 weeks. Aurea also offers Cliovana, a female intimacy

It has recently added two physicians to their staff of highly

treatment that uses sound wave technology to boost cel-

skilled practitioners. Dr. Amanda Andrade and Dr. Michael

lular regeneration and improve nerve function. Emsella is

Balat joined Plaza OB/GYN & Associates, which is also owned

another breakthrough treatment that can stimulate up to

and operated by Aurea's chief medical director Dr. Isam Balat.

11,000 Kegel contractions in under 30 minutes. Emsella

Dr. Andrade and Dr. Balat, along with their other highly

technology provides a non-invasive option for women suf-

qualified providers, will focus on female intimacy and wellness

fering from incontinence.

treatments. Aurea IV Spa believes that intimate health is linked

All of these treatments are conducted within the doctor's

to overall health and is committed to leading the way with vari-

office in a matter of 5-10 minutes and do not require an anes-

ous treatment options for female wellness in Houston.

thetic as they are virtually painless. If you have any questions

The spa provides various options for patients such as vaginal rejuvenation with the MonaLisa Touch. MonaLisa

about these female intimacy and wellness services or would like to book a consultation, please visit, aureaivspa.com.

ARTICLE RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF 36

River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

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LOCALS ONLY

BEST OF BEAUTY: SkinCeuticals SkinLab SKINCEUTICALS SKINLAB OFFERS LUXURIOUS AND CONVENIENT TREATMENTS FOR BUSY HOUSTON CLIENTELE.

ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA

TWO WELL-KNOWN NAMES HAVE COME TOGETHER TO ENHANCE THE ALREADY IMPRESSIVE SKINCARE SCENE IN HOUSTON. SkinCeuticals, the brand known for advanced, professional-grade skincare backed by science, opened SkinCeuticals SkinLab in partnership with West Ave Plastic Surgery led by Dr. Forrest Roth. Located on the second floor of the upscale West Ave shopping center in the River Oaks area, their collaboration opened in June. Houston is the third location in the country to have an exclusive SkinCeuticals outpost and the first that partnered with a plastic surgeon. Dr. Roth, a Baylor College of Medicine general surgery and plastic surgery alum, is well-versed in Houston clientele's aesthetics. "The partnership with SkinCeuticals is completely synergistic as SkinCeuticals SkinLab offers unique, efficacious treatments," says Dr. Roth. "It's a destination built with convenience in mind, which I know our consumers will truly appreciate." Already a favorite of many of the city's beauty aficionados, SkinCeuticals created three signature treatments for the SkinLab location. The SkinSmooth, SkinBright, and SkinFirm are minimally invasive procedures that give skin a youthful refresh. Keeping with the goal of ease and convenience, each of the signature treatments takes less than one hour from start to finish. According to SkinLab medical aesthetician Cynthia Vazquez, the most popular treatments since the boutique spa opened are the SkinFirm and the SkinBright. She also notes that as the weather turns colder, clients opt for more laser-based treatments that are easier to tolerate with less heat and humidity. SkinLab, designed by Leslie Strauss, is a calm, sleek space that encourages patients to unplug and destress. Clients can look forward to an expert skincare consultation, as well as a customized skincare regimen with SkinCeuticals products. SkinCeuticals SkinLab might be the perfect antidote to the past year - after all, we could all use some downtime to erase what 2020 has left behind on our skin.

Photo Credit: SkinCeuticals

River Oaks Lifestyle | November 2020

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