River Oaks, TX May 2023

The Women's Issue

PROSTHODONTICS

VENEERS

Honoring the Women in Our Lives

I relish every chance to acknowledge the women who enrich and embellish our lives. Our mothers, daughters, and friends hold significant sway over us, and this May issue is dedicated to lauding the robustness, grace, and enterprising nature of women in our community and inner circles.

This edition highlights some of the remarkable female entrepreneurs making waves in the Houston business community. From architects to retail shops and everything in between, these women are proving that the sky is the limit for those who are willing to work hard and chase their dreams.

With summer just around the corner, we also take a look at the hottest fashion trends for the season. Our team of experts at The Cotton Club Collection curated a selection of must-have pieces that will keep you looking stylish all summer long.

If you're looking for a delicious meal in Houston, you won't want to miss our feature on Valencia's Tex-Mex. This iconic Houston restaurant is a beloved institution, and we can't wait to share some of its unique and savory dishes with you.

Friendships are so important, especially in challenging times. That's why we're focusing on ways to strengthen your friendships this month. From organizing fun get-togethers to sharing thoughtful gifts, we have some great tips on how to build and maintain meaningful connections with the women in your life.

Finally, with Mother's Day coming up, we've put together a guide to help you find the perfect way to spend time with the remarkable women in your life. From pampering spa treatments to a weekend away, we have something for every mom.

We hope you enjoy this special issue and that it inspires you to celebrate the women in your life.

CHRISTA EIXMAN, EDITOR @RIVEROAKSLIFESTYLE

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Alan Eixman | Alan.Eixman@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Christa Eixman | christa.eixman@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Olivia Eixman

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amanda Thomas, Christa Eixman, Lori Hawkins, Tara Norris, and River Oaks Lifestyle Staff.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Tifnay Nicole

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

7 WAYS TO FOSTER YOUR FRIENDSHIPS

AND BUILD STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS

ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF

STRENGTHENING THE BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP

Friendship is a fundamental aspect of human relationships. It is a social bond that brings people together, giving us a sense of belonging and emotional support.

Our friends provide us with a shoulder to cry on, someone to vent to, or simply someone to listen to us in times of need. Having a friend means having someone to share experiences with, whether good or bad, helping us build resilience and a sense of community.

Healthy friendships require effort and nurturing, but the rewards are worth it. It is essential to cherish and nurture these relationships as much as we can, as our friends are the people who make life worth living.

Here are some tips to improve your friendships:

BE PRESENT AND ATTENTIVE.

One of the most important aspects of a healthy friendship is being present and attentive to your friend. When spending time with your friend, be fully present and engaged. This means putting away your phone and other distractions

and actively listening to what they say. Make eye contact, ask questions, and show genuine interest in their life.

COMMUNICATE

OPENLY AND HONESTLY.

Communication is vital in any relationship, and friendships are no exception. If you have a problem with your friend or something is bothering you, it’s essential to talk about it openly and honestly. Avoiding confrontation or keeping your feelings bottled up can damage the friendship. Instead, approach the conversation in a calm and respectful manner, and focus on finding a solution together.

RESPECT BOUNDARIES

Respecting each other’s boundaries is an essential part of any healthy relationship. If your friend is going through a tough time or needs space, give them the time and space they need. You can still reach out to check in or offer support, but be mindful of their needs and give them the space they need.

SHOW APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE.

It’s crucial to show your friends how much you appreciate and value them. This can be as simple as sending a thoughtful text message or planning to spend time together. Take the time to thank them for their support, celebrate their accomplishments, and show gratitude for their presence in your life.

BE A GOOD LISTENER

Being a good listener is an essential part of any healthy friendship. When your friend shares their thoughts and feelings with you, resist the urge to interrupt or offer unsolicited advice. Instead, listen actively and empathetically. Validate their feelings and let them know you are there for them.

BE DEPENDABLE

Dependability is an essential aspect of any healthy friendship. By being dependable and reliable, you show your friend that they can count on you. If you make plans with your friend, follow through and show up on time. If your friend is going through a tough time and needs your support, be there for them.

HAVE FUN TOGETHER

Having fun together is an essential part of any healthy friendship. Whether trying a new activity, going on a trip together, or simply hanging out and laughing, having fun together helps strengthen the bond between friends. Make an effort to plan fun activities and adventures with your friend, and enjoy the time you spend together.

Nurturing our friendships requires effort, but it’s worth it for the support and happiness they bring to our lives. Our friends are the ones who accept and celebrate us, and maintaining these relationships is crucial for our well-being.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate our friends and make time for them in our busy lives. Send a message, plan a get-together, or simply listen when they need us. By investing in our friendships, we invest in ourselves and create a community of love and support.

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HOUSTON'S LEADING LADIES

ARTICLE BY AMANDA THOMAS

MEET 5 WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS WHO ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

While growing up, Lois Snider dreamed of becoming a buyer for a large retail clothing store, which makes sense.

Her dad, Ed Friedman, was senior vice president of Foley’s in Houston, where Lois worked in the clothing department during high school. But fate had other plans when her parents, Ed and Wilma, opened The Great Rug Company in 1989.

Lois began helping at the rug store in 1990, during her last year in college as a marketing major. Around the same time, she met her future husband, John, who helped with bookkeeping.

While at the company, Lois became a rug buyer, using her eye for color and design to select the perfect rugs. In 2007, Lois and John purchased the business.

As an owner, Lois still uses her skills as a buyer to find unique, high-quality rugs.

“I try to buy what’s trending,” she says, noting a current shift from grays toward more vibrant colors.

But rugs aren’t the only product available.

“We do wall-to-wall carpeting, and also make rugs out of carpet, offering various patterns, textures and custom sizes,” she explains.

What Lois enjoys most about the business is building relationships.

“We really get to know our customers,” she says. “Rugs are very personal and are like artwork. A rug adds color and texture to the room, and pulls the room together. Finding the right rug for the right person keeps us going.”

Learn more at greatrug.com

Lois Snider Owner | The Great Rug Company

Photo by Tifany Nicole

Alex Cox-Cuzzi

Co-owner, certified senior advisor (CSA)® CarePatrol Central Houston

Imagine it’s the day before Thanksgiving, and someone from the hospital calls to say they need to discharge an aging loved one tomorrow.

But you need help placing them in a new senior living community.

What do you do?

This happened to one of Alex Cox-Cuzzi’s relatives, so she contacted the local CarePatrol senior advisor for help.

“She was able to place our relative in a community the day after Thanksgiving,” Alex recalls.

That level of service is also available in Houston. Alex and her husband, Lew Mickley, purchased CarePatrol Central Houston in September 2022. Their service area includes Garden Oaks, River Oaks, Tanglewood, the Heights and Timbergrove.

“My husband and I have been interested in the senior industry for a while,” Alex says. “Both of us have aging parents we’re assisting.”

As Certified Senior Advisors (CSAs) for CarePatrol Central Houston, they empower seniors and their caregivers with what they need to make informed decisions. One pro tip is to contact them before you or a loved one is ready to move into a senior living community because you may have limited options if you wait.

“The most fulfilling part of working with seniors and their caregivers is seeing the relief on their faces when they realize that I can help them,” she says. “I want people to know that they’re not alone.”

Learn more at carepatrol.com/centralhouston .

Photo by Tifany Nicole

Megan Roe’s love for architecture began as a teenager when she helped her father work on projects around the house, which ranged from home remodeling to building furniture.

“In high school, I started taking architecture classes and knew right away I wanted to be a part of the architecture program at A&M my freshman year in college,” she recalls. “Ever since then, it’s been my passion.”

After earning her master’s degree and gaining experience working at various architecture firms, she opened M Architecture in 2013. Her firm specializes in creating stylish, unique designs that make clients’ spaces personalized and functional.

“I love the creative aspect of it,” she says. “Building a strong client/architect relationship is a must.”

Megan’s attention to detail and ability to bring her clients’ projects to life, no matter how big or small, helped propel M Architecture to a multiple award-winning firm. Luxe Interiors + Design recognized Megan’s work by naming one of her projects the 2020 winner of its regional Residential Excellence in Design (RED) award for contemporary/modern architecture in Houston.

Over the years, the firm has designed projects for hundreds of clients and recently created a design/build platform. Megan is proud of what she has achieved as a woman in a very competitive and male-dominated industry.

“Having a dream at a young age and now living it is really exciting,” she says.

Learn more at marchitecture.com

Meg Gaydou  Owner/architect | M Architecture

“Having a dream at a young age and now living it is really exciting.”

Photo provided by M Architecture

Kristi Axel President | HAXEL Landscaping

When Kristi Axel learned about the tragic loss of Tellepsen Landscaping founder Marc Tellepsen and lead landscape architect Mark Scioneaux in a 2019 plane crash, she was at the site of an installation for a commercial project in Houston.

"I remember knowing I have to complete this, and it had to be the best because this was Marc Tellepsen's pride and joy," she recalls.

The project was a success, and they even won the bid to do maintenance.

"What kept me going was I just wanted them to be proud," she says.

This dedication and determination helped Kristi excel after joining Tellepsen Landscaping as an operations manager in 2015. So it made sense when Marc's wife, Jennifer, approached her about taking over the company in 2021.

Given Kristi's degree in business administration, she always thought she'd own a company. But she never thought it'd be a landscape designbuild firm.

Even so, she partnered with lead designer Michael Hernandez to purchase the company in 2022. While they renamed the company HAXEL Landscaping, it remains a family business dedicated to providing excellence in design, hardscape, installation and maintenance services.

From residential yards to commercial projects, there's no job too big or small.

"Everybody deserves beautiful landscaping, so our tagline is, 'Live your best outside life,' and that's what I want people to do," she says.

Learn more at haxellandscaping.com.

Photo by Tifany Nicole

Tammy Spencer

Founder | Dyslexia School of Houston

When Tammy Spencer turned the apartment above her detached garage into a classroom over two years ago, she had one goal: to provide a space where children with dyslexia could learn and thrive.

This was during the pandemic when schools closed, and many students struggled to adjust to online learning. With decades of public education experience, Tammy understands the challenges children with dyslexia face, so she founded the Dyslexia School of Houston, where students could get individualized attention in a safe space.

“If they can’t learn the way that we teach, then it’s up to us to teach the way that they learn,” she says.

The classroom had just a few chairs, folding tables and a whiteboard. But it was a place of limitless possibility where teachers taught a curriculum that met each student’s needs.

Today, the school serves over 60 students ages 4 to 15 in a building nearby. And what started as a small experiment grew into a collection of success stories.

For Tammy, seeing a student’s face light up when they realize they can do anything they set their minds to is rewarding.

“The best thing is when I get videos from family members where a child we’ve been working with is reading to their younger sibling,” she says.

Learn more at dyslexiahouston.org

Photo provided by HNPR

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ARTICLE BY CHRISTA EIXMAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE COTTON CLUB COLLECTION

LIGHT, BRIGHT AND BOLD

As the temperature rises, it's time to think about refreshing your wardrobe and adding some new pieces to your collection. Summer is about soaking up the sun, enjoying outdoor activities, and feeling free and relaxed. And what better way to embrace the spirit of summer than through fashion?   Here are some pieces that are on trend this season.

The Cotton Club Collection Shares Some Fashion Trends to Elevate Your Summer Wardrobe

COLOR YOUR WORLD

Bright colors are a popular fashion trend for the 2023 summer season. This season, unique shades like yellow, olive, pale pink, and tranquil blue are exceptionally fashionable. These colors can add a fun and playful element to any outfit and are perfect for warmer weather when people want to wear more eye-catching and cheerful clothing.

CITY SHORTS

City shorts are a more formal and polished version of traditional shorts. They have feminine details such as higher waistlines, pleats, or decorative buttons. City shorts are versatile and can be dressed up with a blouse or blazer or dressed down with a t-shirt or tank top. When choosing city shorts for women, it’s essential to consider the length and fit to ensure a comfortable and flattering look.

BALLET FLATS

Ballet flats are a classic and comfortable shoe choice for women that are lightweight and perfect for summer. They pair well with a range of outfits and come in various colors, styles, and heel heights, making it easy to find a pair that suits your style.

FOOD, FAMILY, AND FUN AT VALENCIA’S TEX-MEX GARAGE

When you step inside Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage , you’re in for a unique dining experience bigger than the menu.

Houston Siblings Serve Up Tex-Mex Fare With a Side of Tradition

ARTICLE BY AMANDA THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIFANY NICOLE

You’re in for a celebration of family, tradition and the TexMex favorites Houstonians love. Owned by siblings 60-yearold Ricardo “Rico” Valencia and 63-year-old Vienna Valencia Bement , the restaurant is a tribute to their family’s legacy.

From the bright atmosphere to the wall adorned with a Day of the Dead mural of colorful sugar skulls hand-painted by Houston artist Gonzo247, it’s clear their vibrant personalities and love of family are at the center of everything they do. There’s also a welcoming dose of Southern hospitality.

This makes sense when you consider the restaurant’s roots. Rico and Vienna served the community for decades as the former owners of Cyclone Anaya’s in Houston.

COOKING UP A FAMILY TRADITION

Their passion for serving the community began when they were kids, helping out in their parents’ popular Tex-Mex restaurant, which opened in 1966.

Cyclone Anaya’s takes its name from the professional wrestling persona of their father, Jesús Becerra Valencia

“It was all about the family, working hard and learning at an early age how to treat guests,” Vienna recalls. “That was very valuable to our success. You never know who would walk through the door, and we just treated everyone as family.”

Rico and Vienna eventually took over the business. But years later, Rico faced a cancer diagnosis, and they sold the restaurant chain in 2017 while maintaining ownership of a location in Austin’s Domain NORTHSIDE.

While Rico (now cancer-free) and Vienna closed that chapter, they kept their eyes open to new opportunities, opening Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage in 2020.

“It’s a new, less formal concept,” Rico explains. “It’s very sports-driven with big-screen TVs, high-end finishes and everything is made in-house.”

Located in Houston’s Oak Forest neighborhood where they grew up, the restaurant is across the street from Waltrip High School, where they graduated. While the restaurant is different in design and concept, some things remain the same.

“What didn’t change was our work ethic, standards, quality, the way we treat our guests and the way we treat our employees,” Rico says.

Rico and Vienna later rebranded their Austin restaurant to match Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage. And in November 2022, they opened their newest location in Greenway, nestled between River Oaks and West University.

Vienna Valencia Bement Ricardo "Rico" Valencia

DINING IS IN THE DETAILS

Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage offers diners a fun, nostalgic and upbeat atmosphere.

Each restaurant features a beautiful design, open seating and vibrant artwork. The restaurants also feature an outdoor patio, partitioned off from the main dining area by modern garage doors.

“Going back to our original location that our parents had, they had garage doors, so it’s an homage to them,” Vienna says.

You can bring your dog to dine with you on the pet-friendly patio, where they can quench their thirst by drinking from complimentary water bowls and satisfy their hunger with biscuits ordered from a bakery.

The menu features an eclectic mix of made-from-scratch TexMex dishes with locally sourced ingredients, which includes their top-selling chile con queso and popular chipotle deviled eggs.

“We’re the only Mexican restaurant that serves deviled eggs,” Vienna says. “People love them and get them to go.”

There’s also a variety of drink selections, including local craft beers, ranch waters, jumbo margaritas and penny mimosa refills.

A LASTING EXPERIENCE

The architecture, menu and location aren’t the only things that make Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage special.

It’s also the people — the guests and staff — who come together to create an unforgettable experience. Thanks in part to the vision of Rico and Vienna, who are honoring the past while embracing the future.

“I tell our staff, ‘Restaurants are theater,’” Rico says. “It’s an event. It’s an experience, and we take that seriously from the beginning to the end.”

To learn more, visit texmexgarage.com .

May is Healthy Vision Month

Approximately 37 millions adults in America have age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma, all of which can cause visual impairment or blindness.

Recent studies show that making healthy choices and getting regular eye exams will help reduce your risk of vision loss.

In May, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is encouraging everyone to take charge of their eye health and preserve their sight.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jenkins today to ensure your eyes are in great health!

Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Take a Flower Arranging Class

Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

Make a Memory Book or Scrapbook Together

Before Mother’s Day, go through everybody’s camera rolls and Instagram feeds and choose her favorite photos. Get them printed ahead of time so you can make a memory book. You might just love it so much you make it a yearly tradition.

Plan a Spa Day For Her and Her Friends

Mom will truly appreciate you going out of your way to set her up with a massage or facial appointment. Invite her friends along, too!

Craft the Perfect Playlist

Songs about mothers and mom’s favorite songs can come together into the perfect playlist to put on during brunch or dinner. You can either make it for her or take turns being DJ and alternate picks.

Have a Make-Your-Own Pizza Party

DIY pizza: It’s a craft (depending on how artfully you place the toppings), an activity and a meal all at once! Start with basic pizza dough, then everyone gets to add their favorite toppings. Mom gets the first pick, of course.

Hold a Lawn-Game Tournament

Croquet, cornhole, bocce, outdoor Jenga or horseshoes — what’s your family’s game of choice? Split into teams and drum up some friendly rivalry — while soaking in rays — with a backyard challenge. Make it an annual event, and pass around a trophy to the winner each year.

Visit an Amusement Park

For the mom who’s always seeking adventure, a trip to your nearest amusement park will be a welcome surprise. Not only will you be able to treat her to her fill of funnel cakes and caramel corn, but she’ll enjoy all the rides and attractions her heart desires. If you ask us, it’s a win-win.

Have a Backyard BBQ

Sure, backyard barbecues are often associated with Father’s Day, but Mom loves her burgers and dogs, too, so why should Dad get all the fun? If the weather cooperates, fire up the grill!

Make Something Totally Unique

If you do a DIY craft project, write a poem or come up with a silly dance, you know mom will love it because it is 100% you. No one can one-up a one-of-a-kind experience! You can make them for her and present them to her, or involve her in their creation.

Spruce Up The Garden

Gardeners know that Mother’s Day is the perfect time to start planting seeds. Get the whole family outside and dig in the dirt together. Every time she sees them, she’ll be reminded of the special day — it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Some flowers that are fairly easy to maintain include sunflowers, marigolds and sweet peas.

Make Pottery

Not only will you leave with a one-of-a-kind piece, but you’ll also be able to bond as you explore a new activity.

Head to the Farmers Market

There’s nothing like waking up with the sun and going to the farmer’s market on the weekend. Pick fresh produce and discover new favorites with mom, coffee in hand.

Watch Home Movies

Whether this involves digitizing old VHS tapes or getting video files off your phone and onto the TV, dig into the family archives and host a home-movie marathon. She’ll get emotional seeing how much everyone has grown.

Check Something Off Her To-Do List

Dad knows - Mom has a to-do list a mile long. Whether it’s tasks around the house or a DIY project, find out what has been nagging Mom and help her cross it off her list by doing it for her!

Play a Family Board Game

If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Get Theater Tickets

Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling. 20

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

Planting Spring Flowers

Helpful tips for planting spring flowers

Sun-Loving Plants:

Spring is here! We compiled a list of flowers that - depending on your planting zone - can be planted in the season.

Plumbago

Has beautiful dark blue or white flowers on a large shrub of 3 to 5 feet. This tends to freeze down in winter and comes back from roots in the spring.

Hibiscus

The tropical variety will not survive the winters so move those pots inside. The plant can get up to 5 feet tall and there are many different colors and varieties. The perennial varieties will freeze to the ground but come back in the spring. The variety Moy Grande is known as the dinner plate hibiscus. The Texas star hibiscus has beautiful flowers in red or white.

Bougainvillea

These colorful plants can be planted in baskets and pots, not in water-logged or low areas where water might collect. They will grow best when given enough space to spread out, and should be planted in an area that will allow them a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight every day. Colors include orange, pink, purple, white, red, tangerine and fuschia to name a few.

Purslane

This is great in baskets for trailing leaves with lots of colors. The bees love it!

Butterfly Weed

This 3 to 4-foot bush is a must for monarch lovers. Monarchs feed on the leaves before making their cocoons. It has beautiful orange and yellow flowers.

Lantana

This is a great hot weather plant that comes in many colors and varieties. Trailing varieties only get about 1 foot tall but can get 3 to 4 feet wide. There are bush varieties that get 4 feet tall and dwarf bushes only get about 2 feet tall. It comes in yellows, purples, reds, oranges, pinks, fuschia, and many others.

Greggs Blue Mist

This fuzzy light blue flower is a butterfly favorite.

Pentas

This is another bee and butterfly favorite that grows about 10 to 12 inches tall. There is a graffiti variety in different colors that works in beds or pots.

Vinca/Periwinkle

This plant comes in upright or trailing varieties. There are many colors to choose from: lavender, white with a red center, peach, white and red pink to strawberry.

Sages

There are many varieties of sage. The Texas sage is a shrub that has beautiful lavender flowers - a favorite for bees. They usually bloom around the time it rains. Henry Duelberg variety is a smaller bush 18 to 20 inches tall with blue stalks of blooms. Russian Sage is a tall silver lacey foliage with light blue flower spikes and grows to 4 feet tall. Deer tend to stay away from most of the sages.

ARTICLE BY LORI HAWKINS

Shade-Loving Plants:

Turk’s Cap

This plant makes a large bush of red or pink flowers. It has low water needs once established and can tolerate drought conditions and hot temperatures. Prune back plant in winter if it gets too leggy.

Impatiens

These need more water than most other plants and come in many colors. They are valued for their vibrant colors, abundant blooms, and tolerance for shade.

Caladiums

With lush multicolored leaves, many larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens—with many recent introductions being sun tolerant.

GARDEN TO GLASS

DIY COCKTAILS WITH FRESH HERBS

Nothing says spring like the aroma of fresh cut herbs in a crisp, cold, cocktail. With warmer weather finally here, growing herbs at home can transform your cocktail hour and add a fresh kick to your springtime favorites.

Growing herbs is incredibly easy and can be done in a variety of ways- from a container in a window, to a planter box in the yard. With a container or garden full of fresh herbs, you will be ready to take your cocktails up a notch.

Basil is a bright herb that is easy to grow and perfect for cocktails. Make sure and harvest immediately before mixing drinks and take leaves from the top to ensure a continual harvest. Fresh muddled basil leaves lend a crispness to the Gin Basil Cucumber cocktail.

Sage is easy to grow and does well in containers. The leaves add an earthy freshness to a refreshing cherry infused Bourbon.

Mint is also easy to grow, but give it lots of room, as it likes to spread out and is virtually indestructible in the garden. Mint is a versatile herb but is especially lovely in the Rhubarb Mint Mojito.

Try recreating these refreshing cocktails with herbs grown at home and take your cocktail game to new heights!

ARTICLE BY TARA NORRIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADALYN SINCLAIR

MR. BROWN INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. cherry-sage infused Bourbon

• 0.75 oz. apple brandy or apple jack brandy

DIRECTIONS

• Place over an ice ball in an old fashion glass

• Top with ginger beer and garnish with Bordeaux cherries and leaf of sage

RHUBARB MINT MOJITO

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz. white rum

• 1 oz. rhubarb puree (2 cups rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water)

• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves

• soda water

• lemon lime soda

• ice

DIRECTIONS:

• Muddle mint, lime juice, and rhubarb puree in a glass or small cocktail shaker

• Once muddled, add the white rum and ice

• Top with large cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds

• Remove large shaker and pour everything into a glass

• Top with more ice

• Add soda water and lemon-lime soda (equal parts to your liking)

• Garnish with mint leaf and lime wheel

GIN BASIL CUCUMBER

INGREDIENTS

• 2-3 fresh basil leaves

• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice

• 0.25 oz. simple syrup

• 2-3 cucumber slices

• 2 oz. gin

• tonic water

DIRECTIONS

• Muddle basil, lime juice, simple syrup and cucumber slices together in a small cocktail shaker

• Add gin and ice to cocktail shaker

• Shake well

• Strain over an ice ball

• Top with tonic water and garnish with basil leaf and a cucumber slice

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

MAY 5TH - 7TH

Broadway Hits Go To Hollywood

JONES HALL, 3910 YOAKUM BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77006

Enjoy Hollywood's greatest movie musicals with songs from Singin’ in the Rain to La La Land, plus My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Cabaret, and more. Broadway stars will perform "I Dreamed a Dream," "The Music of the Night," "Don’t Rain on my Parade," "The Impossible Dream," and other beloved classics.

May 5th & 6th at 8:00 PM and May 7th at 2:30 PM

MAY 13TH

Heights Mercantile Mother's Day Market

714 YALE STREET HOUSTON, TX 77007 | 11:00 AM

Enjoy unique pop-up shops on the promenade, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts for mom including artisanal products, vintage items, clothing, jewelry, home goods, and more. This FREE, kid and pet-friendly event has limited parking, walking, biking, or ride-sharing is encouraged.

MAY 16TH

Ed Sheeran, The +–=÷× Tour

NRG STADIUM, 8825 KIRBY DRIVE, HOUSTON, TX 77054

6:00 PM

Ed Sheeran, the globally acclaimed singer-songwriter with multiple GRAMMY® Awards, is embarking on the North American leg of his "Mathematics Tour." The tour is in support of his latest album, and fans can expect Sheeran's signature blend of pop, folk, and acoustic music.

Driscoll

Cason

The Way You Age Matters

MAY 16TH - 28TH

Rent

SAROFIM HALL AT THE HOBBY CENTER, 800 BAGBY ST, HOUSTON, TX 77002

Theatre Under The Stars brings you Rent, the acclaimed musical that has won the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This brand-new production promises to inspire, move, and captivate you, and leave you craving for more. Experience the sensational story of Rent exclusively at Theatre Under The Stars.

MAY 20TH

Michael W. Smith: Live In Concert

BAYOU MUSIC CENTER, 520 TEXAS AVE, HOUSTON, TX 77002 | 8:00 PM

Michael W. Smith, one of the most successful and beloved Christian music artists of all time, is touring across North America. This highly anticipated tour, is set to feature Smith's classic hits, including "Friends", "Place in This World", and "Healing Rain", as well as new material from his latest album

MAY 25TH

Red Hot Chili Peppers

2023 Tour

MINUTE MAID PARK, 501 CRAWFORD ST, HOUSTON, TX 77002 | 6:30 PM

Red Hot Chili Peppers announced their 2023 Tour in support of their two #1 studio albums released in 2022. They will embark on a 23date global trek starting March 29th in Vancouver, with stadium shows and festival stops in North America and Europe, ending on July 23rd in Glasgow.