Houston Methodist Hospital
#1 HOSPITAL IN TEXAS FOR PATIENT CARE & QUALITY
Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the Best Hospital in Texas for 13 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report and recognized on the Honor Roll eight times — with 10 nationally ranked specialties. For more than 100 years, we have provided patients with the highest quality care, the most advanced technology and the best patient experience. That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.
houstonmethodist.org/bestintexas
713.790.3333
The Femine Force
Welcome to one of our favorite editions of the year— our annual Women’s Issue! This is always one of our most anticipated and widely read issues, and for good reason. As a woman-owned business, this project holds a special place in our hearts, and our team pours so much passion into every page.
Inside, you’ll find stories that inspire, uplift, and celebrate the creativity and resilience of incredible women—right here in our community and beyond. Our cover feature, Sewn in Swagger, introduces you to Jolie Helms, founder of Sapana , a vintage, handcrafted fashion line with serious style. Jolie’s colorful pieces are just as bold and beautiful as her journey— you might even find yourself adding a few to your wardrobe!
We’re also taking you on a little getaway to Healdsburg, a gem in California’s wine country. It’s a charming destination where several woman-owned businesses are making waves and redefining success on their own terms. If you haven’t added it to your travel list yet, trust me—you must.
Back home in Houston, we dive into the worlds of two dynamic interior design forces, Nina Magon and Nadia Palacios Lauterbach. Their visions, style, and fearless approach to design are sure to spark your own creative fire.
More than anything, this issue is a celebration. A celebration of women who are boldly chasing dreams, creating beauty, building businesses, and inspiring others along the way. We hope their stories remind you of the power of your own voice, your ideas, and your dreams.
Thank you for being part of our community and for continuing to support local storytelling. We’re so glad you’re here—and we hope you love every single page.
With gratitude,
SUZANNE SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kayla Bokemeyer | kayla.bokemeyer@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Savannah Schakett
INTERN
Antonio De la Rosa
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Diane Cowen, Alison Kartevold
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Our 17,000-square-foot restaurant and event center offers the ideal setting for both dining and celebrations. Indulge in our mouthwatering lunch menu, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients to satisfy every craving. Plus, don't miss our unbeatable weekly happy hour deals—whether you're unwinding with friends or grabbing a quick bite, you’ll find great food and drinks at prices that can’t be beat. With spacious, elegant interiors and exceptional service, we’re the go-to destination for any occasion. Come dine with us and experience the best in both flavor and atmosphere!
Houston
Sapana
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Asia Society Texas Tiger Ball chairs Rishi & Michelle Varma, S. Shawn Stephens & Jim Jordan 2: Sue & Randy Sim at Asia Society Texas’ Tiger Ball 2025: Enchanting Shanghai. 3: Dr. Sippi & Ajay Khurana at the Houston Museum of Natural Science gala. 4: Roslyn Clowers, Gretchen Sheirr, Lawanda Laases at the Rockets Clutch City Foundation gala. 5: Fady Armanious, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Bill Baldwin at the Rockets Clutch City Foundation gala. 6: James Keathley, Shundra Harris, and Diane Cowen at the Leaders in Design event. 7: Stuart Rae and Deborah Goolsby and the Leaders in Design event.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOUSTON ROCKETS
DANIEL ORTIZ
DANIEL ORTIZ
DANIEL ORTIZ
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOUSTON ROCKETS
DANIEL ORTIZ
DANIEL ORTIZ
River Oaks Advanced Bodyworks has offerings for healing and wellness
At the River Oaks Advanced Bodywork spa, services range from massage sessions designed to relax the body and mind, to massages that cater to specific medical conditions, to choreographed flexibility training. Whether guests are looking to wind down after a stressful week or detox and rejuvenate after a surgical procedure, their packages are carefully constructed with comfort and wellness in mind.
Culinary Canvas at Le Jardinier – Tamara de Lempicka
Michelin-starred Le Jardinier, in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, continues its Culinary Canvas series with two menu items honoring MFAH’s spring exhibit on Tamara de Lempicka. Culinary director Alain Verzeroli and chef Felipe Botero created L’Art du Rouge, a vibrant blend of tomatoes and griotte cherries. The Roaring Tomorrow, a French 75-inspired cocktail, features Polish vodka, sparkling wine, strawberry, and lavender. Available through May 26.
Hotel Granduca debuts Remi
Hotel Granduca, Houston’s iconic luxury all-suite hotel, proudly announces the highly anticipated opening of Remi, a distinguished new restaurant that seamlessly blends European culinary artistry with Texas hospitality. In collaboration with Episcope Hospitality, Transwestern presents Remi—a refined dining experience set to become a cornerstone of Houston’s vibrant culinary scene.
Photography Courtesy of River Oaks Advanced Body Works
Photography by Julie Soefer
Photography by Alex Montoya
The Original Ninfa's on Navigation offers free shuttle during Astros
2025 Season
Houston’s beloved Astros pregame ritual returns as The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation resumes its free shuttle to Daikin Park this season. Available with any purchase, the shuttle runs every home game, starting an hour before first pitch and ending an hour after. Fans can enjoy cocktails and classic Tex-Mex before hopping on. Parking is available at Ninfa’s, with pick-up at St. Emanuel and Congress.
Photography by Kirsten Gilliam
For local business owners, we offer two publications to showcase your brand with the most affluent homeowners in these specific communities:
ARTICLE BY DIANE COWEN
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
Nadia Palacios Lauterbach sees buildings in the context of world history.
The green lacquered cabinets with brass inlay form a stunning backdrop in this library architect Nadia Palacios Lauterbach. Photo by Tría Giovan.
When Nadia Palacios Lauterbach was a little girl, her father, a history professor told her bedtime stories about Julius Caesar and the Gallic wars.
“In all of the stories, the connective thread was the structures. If he was talking about Greek democracy, I had to see the Parthenon,” said Nadia, 44 and a native of Nicaragua. “I had this idea that human life was played with a background of civilization, buildings and structures, and I was fascinated by it.”
She is the May honoree in the Houston Design District’s Leaders In Design program.
While studying architecture at the University of Notre Dame, Nadia met her husband, John Lauterbach, now an engineer at NASA. After internships in Washington D.C., and Chicago, Nadia went to work for Curtis & Windham Architects in Houston.
Since 2009, she’s helped interior designers, architects and builders finish great homes through her Nadia Palacios Architecture + Interiors + Landscape, a firm known for highly detailed designs in stone and millwork.
“What I enjoy about architecture the most is that life develops against a background of architecture,” Nadia said. “We are creating the theater for future memories.”
by
Architect Nadia Palacios Lauterbach designed the intricate custom millwork in this Houston kitchen. Photo by Jack Thompson
Nadia Palacios Lauterbach is a University of Notre Dame-educated architect and principal at Nadia Palacios Architecture + Interiors + Landscape. Photo by Jack Opatrny
Photo
Tria Giovan
The Birdsall Residences
REDEFINING LUXURY
ARTICLE BY ALISON KARTEVOLD PHOTOGRAPHY BY NINA MAGON STUDIO
HOUSTON BASED NINA MAGON STUDIO’S BOLD REBRAND AND GLOBAL EXPANSION
The Nina Magon Studio's client list encompasses individuals and companies from Conroe to Dallas and Houston to Milan. Now
Nina Magon, an internationally renowned designer in Houston celebrated for her visionary collaborations with luxury brands such as Balmain and Saks Fifth Avenue, has unveiled a complete rebranding of her namesake studio. This comprehensive transformation includes a striking new visual identity and logo, reflecting the studio's evolution as a leader in ultra-luxury interior design.
This exciting New Chapter in the Studio’s Legacy showcases a sharpened focus on transformative design and elevating the future of global luxury. The rebrand coincides with the studio's expansion into new luxury markets, including aviation and yacht design.
Nina Magon Studio has also embarked on a landmark $20MM development project: 19 luxury townhomes in a prestigious Houston neighborhood. Designed and developed exclusively by Magon, these three-story residences, ranging from 2,300 to 3,000 square feet, offer exclusive amenities and start at $1.2 million. This project exemplifies Magon's commitment to elevating luxury residential design.
"We're not just rebranding; we're redefining what it means to be a luxury design firm. Our new identity is a testament to our unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence. It is a reflection of our journey, a testament to our growth,” says the studio's principal, Nina Magon.
Since 2008, Nina Magon Studio has been synonymous with bold, boundary-pushing designs that transcend trends. This rebrand reaffirms the studio's continued growth and influence within the luxury design industry, showcasing an entirely fresh yet sophisticated aesthetic that embodies the convergence of art, fashion, and architecture.
Nina Magon, the founder and principal of Nina Magon Studio, believes designing luxury interiors isn’t defined by extravagance. Instead, it embodies refined taste, impeccable craftsmanship, and a seamless fusion of beauty and functionality. It’s about curating spaces that transcend trends and embrace timelessness.
“Interior designers play a pivotal role in translating visions of opulence into reality,” states Magon. “Their expertise in selecting sumptuous materials, envisioning architectural marvels, and orchestrating harmonious designs is what elevates a space from mere grandeur to artistry.”
Nina - photographed by Jay Marroquin
Atlas Restaurant Group is more than a destination; it’s a lifestyle where product integrity, impeccable service, and extraordinary entertainment redefine the essence of traditional dining.
Savor authentic Japanese cuisine at Azumi Houston, including fish flown in daily from Japan, complemented by a curated selection of sake, shochu, and Japanese whisky.
Azumi | River Oaks District 4444 Westheimer Road | AzumiRestaurant.com
Sewn In Swagger
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMIT SIHAG
Jolie Helms, founder and owner of Sapana, introduces her latest collection, focusing on creativity and evolution. After eight years in business, Helms continues to push the boundaries of vintage, repurposed, and handcrafted fashion while staying true to the brand’s roots.
SAPANA
UNVEILS A NEW LINE WITH HERITAGE TEXTILES AND FRESH DESIGNS.
Jolie Helms, founder and owner of Sapana in Round Top. Photo by Jordan Geibel
“WE’VE BEEN PLAYING WITH THE IDEA OF USING EVERY SINGLE SCRAP OF FABRIC. FINDING WAYS TO MINIMIZE WASTE WHILE CREATING SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL IS A BIG FOCUS FOR ME THIS YEAR.”
– JOLIE HELMS
“For this collection, I was really focused on getting creative, taking ideas that have been swirling in my mind and making them real,” Helms explains. “I love the challenge of designing something fresh while staying true to what Sapana is all about.”
The Rani Duster and Rani Vest are a new direction for Sapana. Customers had been requesting a vest, but Helms wanted to ensure the piece reflected the brand’s signature style. “While in India last November, I met a new tailor who was excited to work with even my craziest ideas,” she says. “She had access to this beautiful faux fur, and it seemed like a fun way to put a spin on the heritage textiles with Round Top and rodeo season in mind.”
Another notable expansion in the new collection is the introduction of larger coats, including the Patch Coat and Barn Coat. “The move into larger coats was completely customer-driven. We kept hearing requests for sleeves, so it was time to make it happen—but in a way that still felt true to Sapana,” says Helms.
All three of these new designs are currently made in India. Helms takes a carefully curated approach to fabric sourcing, working with tailors whose families have spent years collecting and preserving textiles. “They pull selections, and then I choose every piece one by one, either in person or through photos,” she says. “I never want to cut up a blanket just to sell a coat. My goal is to give these textiles a new life in a way that lets their history be appreciated.”
Helms is already planning for the next evolution of Sapana. “Expect something new and fresh, but always stay true to our core six shapes. It’s all about evolving while keeping the heart of Sapana intact. And I’ve learned to have a lot of fun with that.”
sapanadreams.com
The Patch Coat is a one-of-a-kind expression of creativity and craftsmanship.
Sapana recently released its newest collection featuring three new styles.
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUDIO RIVERA
IF YOU EAT ONE THING
AIKO’S
SLICED SCALLOPS ARE BURSTING WITH FLAVOR MAKING THEM A PERFECTLY LIGHT DISH FOR SUMMER.
Uchi-trained chef Patrick Pham, co-founder of Aiko, prepares and serves some of Houston's freshest and most innovative sushi. Although there isn't a bad seat in the house, guests to Aiko, the Japanese word for love-child, clamor to sit at the sushi bar to get an up-close look at the sushi being prepared. Chef de Cuisine, Michael Chong, is part of the experience curating a range of omakases and a variety of raw, cooked, and rolled items. The duo explains how they prepare Muki Hotate Usuzukuri, thinly sliced fresh shucked Japanese scallops served with house-made fermented citrus chili paste dressed with sanbaizu sauce. aikohtx.com
THE SCALLOPS
"Muki means shucked, so these Japanese scallops are shucked right before they are shipped to us, ensuring the best quality," says Pham. "The texture is firm, with more of a sweet taste. We slice them thin because they are firmer than your typical scallop." Chong adds, "In Japanese, Usuzukuri means thin slices, often to the point of transparency, to showcase the natural color and texture of the scallops."
THE TOPPINGS
"Our yuzu kosho is made with lemon and lime zest since it's pretty difficult to get yuzu consistently in the United States," Pham explains. "It adds a nice acidity and spice to the dish that complements the sweetness of the scallop."
THE GARNISH
"The garnish on the side is tsuma, which is thinly sliced daikon radish," says Pham. "We like to spread that across the dish and roll each piece into a bite. The daikon adds a crunchy texture to complete the bite."
THE SAUCE
"Sanbaizu is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and acidity that pairs well with salads or lighter crudos such as the Muki Hotate," Pham explains.
"It has refreshing aspects that pair well without overpowering the freshness of the scallops," adds Chong.
THINLY
Aiko, Muki hotate Usuzukuri
PARADIGM of Paradise
Jordan Estate Garden.
Photo courtesy of Jordan Winery
WITH WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES AT THE FOREFRONT, HEALDSBURG SHOULD BE ON EVERYONE’S WINE COUNTRY BUCKET LIST.
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
With boundless charm and that irresistible only-in-California beauty, Healdsburg, a small city in Sonoma County, is a must-visit destination in the state’s wine growing region. In 2024, it was named one of the “Best Cities in the Country” by Condé Nast Traveler, and for good reason. It not only boasts an elevated small-town vibe sans the pretentiousness of other nearby cities, but it is nestled along the banks of the Russian River and the gateway to three famous winegrowing regions, the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley.
From winemakers to farmers, artists, and entrepreneurs, the hills of Healdsburg are brimming with talented women-owned businesses and leaders that make up the fabric of the city.
WHERE TO EAT
Little Saint
Little Saint is a coffee bar, lounge, music venue, and restaurant that is always buzzing with activity. In addition to great wine from local labels, including Ernest Vineyards, Dot Wines, Sutro Wines, Poralupi Wines, and Smith Story Wine Cellars, each founded or co-founded by women, diners get a taste of its vegetarian food while supporting many causes the restaurant endorses including sustainability, climate justice, and animal welfare.
Lo & Behold Bar and Kitchen
Hospitality veterans Laura Sanfilippo and Tara Heffernon decided to open a restaurant that would bring in locals and be a hangout for industry professionals. Lo & Behold has a robust menu of signature cocktails and crowd favorite comfort food, including Coconut Shrimp Toast, housemade Kimchi Noodles, and Almost Famous Chicken Tendies.
Troubador Bread & Bistro
A visit to Healdsburg isn’t complete without dining at one of Melissa Yanc and Sean McGaughey’s restaurants Michelin recognized Quail & Condor and Troubadour, a James Beard semi-finalist. Troubadour serves artisan bread and local favorites by day. By night, it transitions to an intimate setting, offering a seven-course tasting menu showcasing Sonoma’s finest ingredients, sourced from producers the chefs know personally.
WHERE TO SIP
J Vineyards and Winery
For a dazzling wine and cheese tasting experience, visit J Vineyards & Winery. Head winemaker Nicole Hitchcock crafts sparkling and varietal wines grown in the Russian River Valley. The Legacy Room’s tasting room views, decor, and delicious wines make it an essential part of any wine tasting itinerary.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Nestled on a 1,200-acre estate in Alexander Valley, a visit to Jordan Winery is like a journey to a French chateau complete with panoramic vistas, beautiful art, and delicious pairings. Head winemaker Maggie Kruse and her team oversee operations and has helped make the brand a top producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and Russian River Valley Chardonnay.
WHERE TO PLAY
Single Thread Farms
The 24-acre farm, home to more than 300 varieties of crops, provides tours showcasing edible flowers, garnishes, fruits, and vegetables used at Sonoma County’s only three-star Michelin restaurant. Visitors can explore the farm through 1.5-hour guided walks, participate in flower arranging classes, and shop in the farm store.
Healdsburg Plaza
While wine might flow through Healdsburg, its plaza is at the heart of the city. Shops, restaurants, and more than two dozen
art galleries line the streets near the hub, making it a central stop for the best finds. Bon Ton Studio features a carefully curated selection of the season’s fashions, while Falling for Dainty, a contemporary jewelry brand, showcases permanent jewelry and handmade pieces. La Ruche is one of the plaza’s newest tenants and boasts a French-inspired outpost full of honey from across the globe. Owner Nicole White proffers the best honey and bee-infused educational tidbits for her guests.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Healdsburg
Centered off the main square and steps away from the best of what the city has to offer, Hotel Healdsburg provides luxe accommodations, an onsite spa, a swimming pool, and an award-winning restaurant. Owned by Plaza Hospitality and managed by visionary hotelier Circe Sher, Hotel Healdsburg, “the living room of the community,” has two sister properties, Harmon Guest House and h2Hotel, each with unique accommodations with art and sustainability at the forefront of their design.
Grape Leaf Inn
Delicious food and history go hand-in-hand in the quaint bed-and-breakfast Grape Leaf Inn. Co-owned by Diane Wilson of Wilson Artisan Wineries, the 13-room house features a temperature-controlled pool and a seasonal and sustainable menu that changes daily based on availability. Don’t miss the hidden library door that leads down to a speak-easy for private events or dinners.
J Vineyards Bubble Room.
Photo by Carly Hackbarth
Healdsburg Plaza. Photo courtesy of Visit Healdsburg
Alice Sutro, winemaker at Sutro Wines.
Photo courtesy of Sutro Wines
Complimentary bikes at Hotel Healdsburg. Photo courtesy of Hotel Healdsburg
Single Thread Farms, Spring Takiawase.
Photo courtesy of Single Thread Farms
Single Thread Farm greenhouse.
Photo by Kim Carroll
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“When
- Marthann Masterson
Christyna S Lewis
ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE MOTHERHOOD CENTER
“Our ideal client is a newly expecting mother seeking guidance and support throughout her pregnancy and motherhood.”
founder ofthe MotherhoodCenter.
SUPPORTING MOMS & BUILDING FAMILIES AT THE MOTHERHOOD CENTER
A TRUSTED HOUSTON RESOURCE SUPPORTING MOTHERS, FAMILIES, AND PARENTING JOURNEYS FOR 25 YEARS.
Known as the "New Mommy Country Club," the Motherhood Center has been helping Houston moms and families for 25 years. It was founded by Gabriela Gerhart, a baby nurse who noticed a lack of resources for new mothers and hoped to become a hub of education and information. Fast forward 25 years, Gerhart's vision has evolved into a one-stop shop for everything from pre and postnatal massage to educational classes for the whole family, and assistance with in-home childcare services.
We sat down with Gerhart to find out more about Houston's one-of-akind resource for moms and families.
Photo by Corey Allyn Photography
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE CELEBRATING 25 YEARS?
It is remarkable that what started as a concept with no precedent has grown into a thriving business serving over 50,000 families in the Houston area. Every day, I feel honored to work with my team and support our clients on their pregnancy and parenting journey.
When I founded the Motherhood Center in 2000, access to information and services was limited. Even Google was in its infancy, and pregnancy and parenting were not widely discussed. Now, many years later, these topics are part of media, politics, and boardroom conversations. With so much information available, having a trusted place to ask questions, find resources, and receive unbiased, study-based guidance is something our clients truly value.
HOW HAS THE MOTHERHOOD CENTER EVOLVED?
One of my goals in creating the Motherhood Center was to recreate the village atmosphere I knew from my small hometown in Czechoslovakia. I didn't see that kind of support when I arrived in America, especially in a big city. I knew no one here, but now, many years later, I have built a village for both my clients and myself. So many of our clients have become dear friends, and helping to lay the foundation for their families is something I am proud of.
Now, we see a third generation coming to the Motherhood Center. Young moms I once helped as a baby nurse are returning for Grandparents' Refresher classes, while their children attend pregnancy education, parenting classes, prenatal yoga, newborn care classes, massages, and Mom and Baby Yoga. The babies from our humble beginnings are now bringing their babies to us.
WHO IS THE IDEAL CLIENT FOR THE MOTHERHOOD CENTER?
Our ideal client is a newly expecting mother seeking guidance and support throughout pregnancy and motherhood. Many are busy professionals looking for a reliable support system that offers wellness, education, and childcare.
The journey often begins with prenatal yoga and fitness, massages, and educational classes. Clients utilize our breastfeeding support, new mom and dad groups, and newborn care services to ease the transition into parenthood. One client even called our services "better than jewelry" for a push gift. After the fourth trimester, our Nanny Placement and Family Assistant Services and Babysitting Services complete the support system.
Clients often form lasting friendships in our Mom and Baby Yoga classes and Meetup groups. Many are international or new to Houston, and our bi-monthly Baby Bump Socials help them connect. Attendees, including high-profile families, professionals, and entrepreneurs, find a welcoming community at the Motherhood Center. motherhoodcenter.com
The Motherhood Center combines wellness, education, and staffing services to help women with their journey into motherhood.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings.
As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions
associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.
In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
Hanging Florals
Florals and Fruit
Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between long-stemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.
No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.
Flower Frogs
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
Curating Elegance Through Organization
Through refined organization and design expertise, Carol Appelbaum transforms high-end homes into elegant, functional spaces.
Carol Appelbaum, founder and lead organizer of Luxury Pro Organizer, has built her career on transforming high-end homes into functional, elegantly structured spaces. Her approach to organization is not just about decluttering. She enhances her clients' homes while maintaining a beautiful aesthetic.
Appelbaum became interested in design at an early age. "At 12 years old, I spent hours sketching dream homes on graphing paper," she recalls. Growing up with a single mother who worked nights, Appelbaum found comfort in structured and peaceful environments. In college, she studied interior design, furniture design, and sculpture, which broadened her understanding of how aesthetics and functionality intersect.
Her experiences in luxury hotels, highend boutiques, and spa retreats played an important role in shaping her approach. She recognized that these spaces were beautiful and designed to promote a sense of ease. "True luxury isn't cluttered; it's curated," Appelbaum explains. This realization led
her to establish Luxury Pro Organizer, a company dedicated to integrating high-end aesthetics with functional organization.
Appelbaum believes that organization is an art form, comparable to interior design. "It's not just about putting things away; it's about curating a space that supports daily life while maintaining elegance," she says. She works closely with clients who appreciate fine design but struggle with maintaining order. Her goal is to create easyto-manage systems that ensure efficiency without disrupting a home's visual appeal.
Confidentiality and trust are essential to Appelbaum's work. "A professional organizer must have an intuitive understanding of space, function, and lifestyle," she notes. Through Luxury Pro Organizer, she provides tailored solutions, from optimizing luxury wardrobes to designing streamlined kitchens and pantries. Her 12-month VIP membership offers ongoing maintenance, ensuring that clients always have a polished, stress-free space throughout the year. luxuryproorganizer.com
True luxury isn’t cluttered; it’s curated. “
MAY 2ND
Houston Grand Opera, Breaking the Waves
Brown Theater | 7:30 PM
Houston finally gets its chance to see Breaking the Waves, the critically acclaimed contemporary opera from sought-after composer-and-librettist team Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek. The award-winning, boundary-pushing opera will be led by two Houston favorites, soprano Lauren Snouffer as Bess, and bass-baritone Ryan McKinny as Jan. Sara Brodie directs with Maestro Patrick Summers conducting Mazzoli’s original score.
MAY 2ND
2025 Wish Ball – The Hero Within
Post Oak Hotel | 6:00 PM
Join us Friday, May 2, 2025, for a one-of-a-kind journey and experience the power of a wish first-hand at our 2025 Wish Ball. Enjoy live performances and more at one of Houston’s premier venues – The Post Oak Hotel. The Wish Ball is a unique opportunity to connect individuals and companies to the Make-A-Wish mission.
MAY 3RD
Houston Grand Opera, Tannhäuser
Brown Theater | 7:00 PM
Wagner’s Tannhäuser receives a highly anticipated new staging from internationally acclaimed director Francesca Zambello—and Houston audiences will be the first to experience her strikingly beautiful production. Lust and love, diametrically opposed forces in the opera’s universe, do battle within the title character’s psyche as the story unfolds. Erik Nielsen, acclaimed music director of Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, makes his company debut.
MAY 3RD
Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes: A Kentucky
Post Oak Hotel | 5:00 PM
Derby Affair
Join Bo’s Place for the best Derby party outside of Churchill Downs! Enjoy an afternoon with top shelf libations and gourmet bites, including a classic Derby Mint Julep. Snap a photo in your finest derby attire. Stay and play with a “run for the roses” racing wall, a silent auction of unique offerings, festive music.
MAY 4TH
Houston Ballet ‘Raising the Barre’
Caracol | 6:00 PM
Raising the Barre, one of Houston Ballet’s most exciting spring traditions offers a dining experience unlike any other! Top Houston chefs join Houston Ballet Company dancers in creating a fabulous multi-course dinner in support of Houston Ballet’s mission. Hear directly from the chefs and dancers on what inspired each course.
MAY 7TH
Katy Perry, The Lifetimes Tour
Toyota Center | 7:00 PM
After selling out shows around the world for her upcoming The Lifetimes Tour, Katy Perry has announced that she will launch an extensive run in the United States, beginning in Houston, Texas on May 7 at Toyota Center.
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- Project Management
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CONTINUED
MAY 9TH
Houston Symphony presents Trumpet Brilliane & Bolero
Jones Hall | 7:30 PM
Sensuous sounds, showstopping brilliance, and irresistible rhythms! Venezuelan trumpet virtuoso Pacho Flores heats up Jones Hall with not one but two crowd-pleasing concertos, both composed specifically for him: first, hear Arturo Márquez’s fiery Concierto de Otoño, followed by Paquito D’Rivera’s jazzy Venezuelan Concerto. Domingo Hindoyan leads the orchestra through an array of music inspired by Spain, ending with Ravel’s Boléro
MAY 16TH
Houston Symphony presents Stayin' Alive: The Bee Gees & Beyond
Jones Hall | 7:30 PM
Break out your sequins and bellbottoms—we’re celebrating the best of The Bee Gees, and beyond! You should (and will!) be dancing in your seat as world-renowned a cappella sensation Rajaton bring their smooth harmonies to the songs that lit up the disco era. Relive the magic of an unforgettable time in this high-energy concert, led by Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke.
MAY 30TH
Alejandro Fernandez: De Rey a Rey
Toyota Center | 7:30 PM
Alejandro Fernandez's new tour De Rey a Rey is a tribute to the music of his late father, the legendary Vicente Fernández. The tour celebrates the Fernández legacy—music, family, Mexico, and the classic songs that are the soundtrack of Latino life.
