HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE
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Tiny But Mighty
Welcome to our special August issue, where we celebrate two of life's greatest joys: kids and pets! This month, we're thrilled to bring you "Who's New at the Zoo" in Hermann Park Zoo, where you can meet the latest additions to the animal family. Explore our family matching outfits article for adorable fashion inspiration, and learn about planning an unforgettable party with HopiTepee. Don't miss our feature article on the best shrimp in Houston. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or just looking for a new dining experience, this guide promises to tantalize your taste buds and lead you to some of the finest spots in the city. Pro-tip, check our curated City List to find the best of local doggie day cares and toy stores for your littles and fur babies.
On a personal note, this August is particularly special to me as it marks my first year of motherhood with my son, Andy. Reflecting on this journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the moments of pure joy and the lessons learned. Watching him grow and discover new things that may seem ordinary gives a whole new whimsical and magical perspective on life. Throughout this first year, I have found a new identity as a mother. Embracing the challenges and joys of motherhood has reshaped my perspective, deepened my empathy, and brought a new sense of purpose to my life. Not to mention, seeing my husband become an amazing dad has made this journey even more special, as his love and dedication to Andy inspire me every day.
And what would this letter be without mentioning my two dogs, Chickenwing and Louie. Seeing Andy play with our doggies fills my heart with even more love. Their bond is heartwarming, and the joy they bring to each other is priceless. Our home is a lively place thanks to the laughter and play shared between Andy and his furry friends
As we navigate through this issue, I hope you find as much joy and inspiration as I have found in my first year with Andy. Parenthood and pet ownership both come with their unique challenges and rewards, and they both fill our lives with moments of pure happiness.
Thank you for being a part of our community. We hope this issue brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
KAYLA
BOKEMEYER, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kayla Shutts | kayla.shutts@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Savannah Schakett
INTERN
Viviana De la Rosa
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Diane Cowen, Jessica Reyes
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
LE BLANC accepts new patients and is in-network with most PPO Dental plans. Dr. Kulic focuses on dental and facial aesthetics to slow down aging and maintain aligned, balanced, beautiful, and cavity-free teeth. With in-house specialists, referrals are eliminated, ensuring comprehensive patient care for maximum convenience, safety, and satisfaction.
Comprehensive Evaluations | Hygiene Cleanings
Porcelain Veneers | Braces | Invisalign Aligners
Laser Teeth Whitening | Dental Implants | Therapeutic Botox
TMJ/Occlusal Guards | Oral Surgery (With Sedation)
EMFACE | EXION microneedling RF | SOFWAVE
Dr. Kulic utilizes latest cutting edge medical devices to preserve her patients youth. She believes in stimulating the production of collagen, elastin as well as increasing facial muscle tone to look and feel your best!
Dr. Katya Kulic
Yésely
The
Tino, the newest addition to the Masai giraffe herd at the Houston Zoo, stood at an impressive six feet tall at birth. As he matures, Tino could reach a height nearly matching or surpassing his 16-foot-tall father.
Here’s
HopiTepees
2024
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Urban Green ‘Gardens & Goblets’ chairs Crystin Pactor and Julianne Scamperle at McGovern Centennial Gardens. 2: Liliana Perez and Sara Correa at the Foreign Fare and Hotel ZaZa Memorial City Summer Soiree. 3: Patrick Ryan, Linn Preston, Ally Shell, Foreign Fare co-founder Thy Mitchell, Shelley Ludwick and Karson Ludwick. 4: Obi Ibeto, Phil Sanchez, Brandon Outlaw, Erik Williams at the American Cancer Society ‘Men Wear Pink’ event. 5: Kristen Cannon, Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, Anna Reger, Sneha Merchant at the 2025 Women of Distinction honoree reveal. 6: Derrick Shore and Brandon Bourque at the Urban Green ‘Gardens & Goblets’ fundraiser. 7: Harry Massoud, Chef Bryan Caswell and Elie Massoud at the ‘Men Wear Pink’ event.
MONTOYA
JASCHKE
J. VINCE PHOTOGRAPHY
J. VINCE PHOTOGRAPHY
EMILY JASCHKE
business monthly
Punch Line Comedy Club Finds a New Home in Houston
A new Punch Line Comedy Club will open this fall in Houston, offering an intimate destination for laughs. Punch Line Houston provides the city with a new 250-capacity venue to attract more talent to the city’s growing comedy scene with plans to host over 350 shows annually. With Texas already recognized as a burgeoning hotspot for comedic talent, Downtown Houston was a natural neighborhood for the state’s first Punch Line Comedy Club.
A'bouzy launches Caviar Depot with Uber Eats
As the sun blazes and the days grow longer, a'Bouzy is thrilled to announce the launch of "Caviar Depot" on UberEats, bringing premium caviar directly to your doorstep. Just in time for pool parties, backyard gatherings, or simply indulging at home, a'Bouzy makes it easier than ever to savor their luxurious caviar selections on-demand. With just a few taps on your phone, you can explore and order from a'Bouzy's exclusive caviar menu.
Introducing The Ro, Houston’s First Auberge Resorts Collection Property
The RO, a casually refined and leafy public realm adjacent to Houston’s most prestigious neighborhood, will establish a new benchmark for mixed-use development in the city. A visionary project by Transwestern, The RO (pronounced ‘row’) transforms a coveted 17-acre site at the intersection of West Alabama Street and Buffalo Speedway into a vibrant extension of River Oaks, noted for its landscapes, formal gardens and rich architectural heritage. The RO will be breaking ground Summer 2024, with completion in 2027.
Photography courtesy of Live Nation
Photography by Becca Wright
Rendering courtesy of Michael Hsu Office of Architecture
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Toy Store
Big Blue Whale shoplocaltoys.com | 832.623.6990
Fundamentally Toys fundamentallytoys.com | 713.524.4400
Toys To Love toystolove.net | 713.599.0099
Learning Express Toys and Gifts learningexpress.com | 713.465.8697
Tomfoolery Toys & Books tomfoolerytoys.com | 832.879.2461
Doggie Daycare
The Best Little Dog House In Texas thebestlittledoghouseintexas.com | 713.533.1117
Dogtopia dogtopia.com | 281.985.5158
Dogs R Dogs dogsrdogsdaycare.com | 281.815.2872
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
What's Up Dog whatsupdoghtx.com | 713.955.3062
Houston Bark Park and Daycare houstonbarkpark.com | 713.864.2771
YÉSELY LOVE CREATES BEAUTIFUL SPACES WITH SUSTAINABLE AND HEALTHY MATERIALS
Mixing great style and better health
In August, Yésely was inducted into the Houston Design District’s Leaders in Design list.
ARTICLE BY DIANE COWEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA SANCHEZ
Yésely Love of Canaima Design created this little girl’s room with an elaborat e bookshelf for displaying favorite toys and books.
For this lobby, Yésely Love of Canaima Design chose a white modern sofa, curvy tables and a pair of burnt orange chairs.
“
If we’re going toward high-end finishes and there are no kids or pets, I love oak herringbone flooring, lacquered or diamond plaster walls, wallpaper, custom ceiling treatments and motorized draperies and shades. —Yésely Love
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, mother-of-two Yésely Love, sprang into action. An interior designer and construction project manager, she knew exactly how to get her children organized to keep learning.
She and other neighborhood moms worked together, setting up a school-day schedule that shared the supervision of video school and homework and found ways to keep books and school supplies always on hand.
For all of its upheaval, the pandemic also had silver linings, including many people finding a new appreciation for entertaining at home and others learning how easy it could be to work from home.
Yésely helped clients make home offices more beautiful and practical and, in turn, helped commercial clients make office workspaces feel more residential.
She’s still busy helping clients create great outdoor spaces such as patios, outdoor kitchens and bars and other play spaces. One client asked for an outdoor spa, and she created an above-ground endless pool with an outdoor shower. Another wanted an expansive backyard space to include seating areas, a kitchen/ bar and a huge in-ground pool with a spa.
A native of Venezuela who has a good deal of family in Spain, Yésely grew up coming to Houston often as her dad worked in the energy industry. She moved here 14 years ago, first working at National Oilwell Varco before shifting to a career in interior design and founding Canaima Design 9 years ago.
Now married to husband Justin Love, the founder and CEO of Blackbuck Resources, a midstream water solutions firm in the energy sector, the couple’s children are Justin Alexander Love,
11, and Caroline Marie Love, 10. Yésely’s volunteer work includes serving on the PTO board at her children's school, West U Elementary, and recently joining the board of Camp For All.
Kitchens and master bedrooms are two of her favorite residential spaces to work on.
“Dekton (slabs) are family friendly and vinyl flooring is great for homes with pets and kids,” Yésely said. “Now, if we’re going toward high-end finishes and there are no kids or pets, I love oak herringbone flooring, lacquered or diamond plaster walls, wallpaper, custom ceiling treatments and motorized draperies and shades.”
In commercial jobs, she is inspired by each company’s work and, sometimes, the location of a project. For example, they recently had a project in the Mellie Esperson building, a historic, Art Deco-style building in downtown Houston. For this project, she used concrete and brick, two important materials in the Depression-era building’s construction and exterior.
While both residential and commercial projects need to be beautiful and functional, Yésely and her team pay attention to the health of those who live and work in them. Using organic and eco-friendly materials goes a long way.
An easy option for everyone is low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, since traditional paints have chemicals that can off-gas for several months, she said.
Instead of vinyl tile, a product called Marmoleum is CO2 neutral and phthalate free and there are carpet options that use recycled materials and little to no chemicals. Cork is 100 percent recyclable and organic and can be used as wall covering for acoustics, she added.
Who’s New at the Houston Zoo
The Zoo’s newest additions are a must-see for kids this summer.
ARTICLE BY JESSICA REYES PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOUSTON ZOO
Chuck is the newest addition to the Asian elephant herd at the Houston Zoo.
The Houston Zoo, a top destination for over two million visitors annually, is ready to welcome young animal enthusiasts this summer. Kids will love meeting the zoo's newest residents, including adorable newborns and fascinating arrivals who have joined the zoo as part of important breeding programs. The Houston Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in the Species Survival Plan(SSP), a program that oversees the population of select species within AZA member organizations to ensure CONTINUED
Tino, the newest Masai giraffe was born on April 27.
IM”PASTA”BLY CUTE CAPYBARAS
a genetically diverse, demographically varied, and a biologically sound population. By visiting these new faces at the Zoo, guests are helping to save animals in the wild, since a portion of each Zoo membership and ticket supports the Zoo’s conservation partners worldwide.
In April, the Zoo welcomed five new capybaras who have affectionately been named after popular pasta varieties. Guests can see Bowtie, Ravioli, Rigatoni, Macaroni, and Gnocchi when they visit them in the South America’s Pantanal exhibit. Capybaras are the largest rodent in the world, and their name means “master of the grasses.” When pups are born, they have fur, open eyes, and a complete set of teeth. They grow and learn very fast. Capybaras communicate by scent and through various vocalizations, including growls, whinnies, alarm barks, whistles, and a frequent guttural purr emitted by the infant.
Guests who visit Bowtie, Ravioli, Rigatoni, Macaroni, and Gnocchi are helping save wild capybara families in Brazil. The Zoo supports Capybaras are native to Brazil and guests are helping to save wild capybaras when they visit the Zoo.
The Houston Zoo welcomed five new capybaras.
their Brazilian conservation partners in protecting wildlife from fires and finding solutions to prevent animals from being hit by cars on major roads across the region.
TINY TINO
Tino, the Masai giraffe, was born overnight on April 27 after his keepers kept a watchful eye on his mom, Kamili, during her 14-month pregnancy. Dad, Zawadi, came to the Zoo in 2022 at the recommendation of AZA’s Masai Giraffe SSP. Tino stood at an impressive six feet tall at birth and weighed approximately 160 pounds. As he matures, Tino could reach a height nearly matching or surpassing his 16-foot-tall father.
Guests can see Tino with the rest of the giraffe herd in the McGovern Giraffe Habitat and feed the rest of the herd during one of the two daily public feedings at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. By doing so; guests are helping to save wild giraffes in Africa. The Zoo provides funds for local people in Africa to protect giraffes in the wild. These funds pay salaries to those arresting illegal hunters, provide medical support, and watch over wild giraffes in Africa.
WELCOME HOME, CHUCK
Houston Zoo has welcomed a 9,500-pound addition to its Asian elephant herd packed with personality, 15-year-old Asian elephant Chuck. Chuck spent the last six years with Denver Zoo’s bull herd of Asian elephants and is now ready for his next adventure, where he will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the ladies next door in the cow yard.
By visiting these new faces at the Zoo, guests are helping to save animals in the wild. A portion of each Zoo membership and ticket supports the Zoo’s conservation partners worldwide.
Until then, Chuck is spending time getting to know his new herd, Thailand (58), Tucker (19), and Nelson (4). Chuck is a social butterfly who enjoys being around other elephants and never wants to miss out on the fun. If he thinks other elephants are having fun without him, he vocalizes and kicks his feet to show his feelings. Chuck is a high-energy, very intelligent, and affectionate elephant.
Houston Zoo helps protect an estimated 250 wild elephants in Asia. The Zoo provides equipment, training, and support for Malaysian elephant conservationists working to protect elephants in and around palm oil plantations. Palm oil is a common ingredient in everyday items like soap and snack foods, and it is grown in areas where elephants roam. The Zoo also purchases trees for people in Borneo to replant in palm oil plantations to create forested paths for wildlife. By visiting and supporting Houston Zoo, guests are helping the Zoo replant more than 300,000 trees in Borneo to save Asian elephants in the wild.
Marv, a male northern white cheeked gibbon.
When he was born, Tino was 6 feet tall and weighed 160 pounds.
A “CHEEKY” WILD ONE
A Houston Zoo first has turned one year old. Marv, a male northern white-cheeked gibbon, celebrated his first birthday on May 30. Born to first-time parents, Ting and Max, Marv is the first northern whitecheeked gibbon born at the Houston Zoo. Whitecheeked gibbons have a lot of unique features, including being dimorphic in fur color. All whitecheeked gibbons are born a cream color so they can camouflage when they cling to their mom. Their fur changes to black when they are about two years old, and at that point, they develop their iconic white cheek patches. Males will stay black, while females will revert to the cream color.
Another way to tell gibbons apart from other primates is through their exceptionally long arms. White-cheeked gibbons have the longest arm length relative to body size of any primate. Their arms are longer than their legs, which helps them swing from tree to tree.
Northern white-cheeked gibbons are native to southeast Asia, Vietnam, and Southern China and are critically endangered in the wild. Their numbers have declined by 80% over the past 45 years, primarily due to habitat loss and poaching. Houston Zoo helps wild species like the white-cheeked gibbon in Asia. The Zoo helps equip anti-poaching patrols, protects and restores habitat through reforestation initiatives led by locals, and provides expert veterinary care to heal and rehabilitate sick and injured primates. houstonzoo.org
Houston Zoo helps wild species like the white-cheeked gibbon in Asia through habitat restoration, veterinary care and anti-poaching patrols.
Chuck socializing with his new herd.
Here’s how to make the most out of the matchy-matchy years.
Family Fashion Perfect for Summer
You don’t need a photo shoot to dress in cute mommy-and-me outfits. Matching outfits can be fun for running errands, playing at the park, or going on vacation. There are options at many mainstream stores and indie boutiques where dads, siblings, grandparents, and pets can get in on the fun.
ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF
City Boots
City Boots proudly launches City Boots Kids, their first-ever children’s collection featuring mini versions of their iconic boot styles. This limited-edition drop caters to stylish young cowboys and cowgirls, crafted with the same quality and sophistication as the adult line. The collection includes three key items priced at $250: Scarlett and Rebecca, mini versions of the brand’s heart boots, and Maverick, a classic brown boot. CEO Lizzy Chesnut Bentley is excited about the nostalgic nature of these boots, which have been part of the vision for her brand from the beginning. Available in sizes 8 through 2, they are perfect for all adventures and special occasions. cityboots.com
Katie Kime
Katie Kime, an Austin, Texas-based designer known for a punchy color palette and custom prints, has partnered up with beautifully curated children’s e-commerce destination Maisonette on a capsule collection of Mama & Me pajamas. The adorable collection is available on Maisonette.com and KatieKime.com, where customers can personalize the pajamas with Katie Kime’s signature monogram offering. The pj sets are based on Katie Kime’s best-selling Retro Stripe pajama set in bubblegum; this new citrus colorway also features matching kids’ sets for the sweetest mommy-and-me moment. They are the perfect combination of comfort meets fashion with their classic shape and features. katiekime.com
Swim Zip
It’s estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer, emphasizing the need to teach children sun safety early. SwimZip offers stylish, functional, and affordable sun-safe products to make this process fun. After her skin cancer diagnosis at 26, Betsy founded SwimZip to promote better sun protection. As a mom, she aims to prevent children from facing the same fate. SwimZip’s UPF 50+ swimwear features unique designs that block 98% of UVA and UVB rays, with 4-way stretch, quick-drying, chlorine-resistant fabric, and flat seams for comfort. They also offer matching outfits for families to encourage sun safety together. swimzip.com
Photo courtesy of SwimZip
Photo by Crystal Wise
Photo courtesy of Katie Kime
ALL THE THRILLS
HopiTepees transforms spaces into themed wonderlands, creating unforgettable parties.
ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOPITEPEES
For kids, there is nothing more exciting and adventurous than a sleepover. These overnight parties allow kids to bond, play games, and create lasting memories. Over the past six years, HopiTepees has become a popular choice for indoor camping experiences. The company is known for its attention to detail, excellent customer service, and unique on-trend party ideas.
HopiTepees takes the stress out of party planning by offering a seamless experience. With over 50 themes to choose from, the company handles everything from setup to breakdown, ensuring a hassle-free event for parents. Their all-inclusive packages cater to children aged 6-15, providing a memorable sleepover for both boys and girls.
The dedicated team at HopiTepees is committed to personalization and detail, delivering an upscale experience that brings the magic of a sleepover to life. hopitepees.com
HopiTepees takes the stress out of party planning with plenty of fun on-trend options for kids ages 6 - 15.
WE SHRIMP-LY CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THESE TASTY CRUSTACEANS.
Shrimply the Best
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA
Shrimp is one of the most versatile proteins out there. Since its flavor is mild, it’s easy for chefs to pair it with delicious vegetables or spices. Here, we’ve rounded up a few of the tastiest and best-looking shrimp dishes to get you through until the end of summer and will remind you why those tiny little crustaceans are so lovable. From poached to fried to grilled, they offer endless inspiration for a night out on the town.
ROSA
MaKiin, Magic Noodle Salad. Photo by Sean Rainer
| MAKIIN, THE MAGIC NOODLE SALAD:
(Facing Page) Chicken, shrimp, and clear noodles salad, garnished with crushed peanuts, Chinese celery, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onion, cilantro, and Thai chili garlic.
| DUCHESS, TIGER PRAWN: Coconut red curry, cilantro, basil, and crispy shallots.
| JOSEPHINE’S CALABRIAN SHRIMP:
Head-on shrimp sourced from the Gulf of Mexico, Calabrian chilis, garlic, white wine, and parsley, served alongside French bread.
CONTINUED >
Josephine’s, Calabrian Shrimp.
Photo courtesy of Josephine's
Duchess, Tiger Prawn.
Photo by Jenn Duncan
Hugo’s, Tostadas de Camarones.
Photo courtesy of Hugo's
Bari Ristorante, Gnocch
Photo by Becca Wright
| HUGO’S, TOSTADAS DE CAMARONES:
Two tostadas, garlic sauteed shrimp, refritos, lettuce, tomato, crema, and queso fresco.
| BARI RISTORANTE, GNOCCHI:
Housemade potato dumpling with sautéed shrimp, cherry tomatoes, pesto sauce, topped with melted fior di latte cheese.
| GUARD AND GRACE: Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail: Served chilled or grilled over woodfire, accompanied by Guard and Grace’s housemade wasabi cocktail sauce.
| A’ BOUZY:
Blackened Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Gumbo: Jalapeño, Cheddar Cheese, Cornbread, and Baked Mixed Berry Cobbler is available as a rotating daily special that serves two.
A’Bouzy, Blackened Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Gumbo.
Photo courtesy of A'Bouzy
Guard and Grace, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail.
Photo by Leah Wilson Photography
AUGUST 3RD
White Linen Night
Houston Heights | 7:00 PM
Since 2006, The Heights neighborhood has celebrated White Linen Night In The Heights. Visit the many wonderful independently owned stores, shops, restaurants and businesses in this quaint enclave of the city. As you browse up and down White Oak Drive, you’ll get to experience some of the best shops, artisans and entertainment that Houston has to offer.
AUGUST 8TH
Sebastian Maniscalo - "It Ain't Right Tour"
Toyota Center | 7:30 PM
Join comedian, actor, and podcast host Sebastian Maniscalco for the 'It Ain't Right' Tour on August 8th. "Hop on the 'It Ain't Right' tour, where I'll roast today's absurdities – nonexistent manners, wallet-wincing prices, and the social media circus,” said Maniscalco. “Join me in laughing at the wrongs in this shameless world!" Don't miss Sebastian Maniscalco with special guest Pat Mcgann in Houston this summer.
Want
