Inside Houston - Most Beautiful - Spring 2023

10 Most

Beautiful

By Warner Roberts

Houstonians care: PetSet, Crime Stoppers, Health Museum, Kid’s Meals

Day Trip - Deer Lake Lodge

Love is in the air: Make your party glow

PHOTO BY IVAN GARCIA STUDIOS

Laurette M. Veres MANAGING EDITOR

Tom Flynn

PRODUCTION

Fatima Ramos

EDITORIAL

Logan Sullivan

Warner Roberts

Fatima Ramos

Jessica Rossman

COPY EDITING

Annalisa Cheek

©Copywrite 2023-2024 www.insidehoustonmagazine.com editor@htexas.com

HOUSTON IS BEAUTIFUL

Welcome to our Most Beautiful issue for 2023! We are always looking for ways to honor the tremendous amount of volunteer work done in Houston. So many people contribute so much of their time and funds to those in need. Warner Roberts, Houston’s own sweetheart, compiled this list after much heartfelt research. Her goal: to recognize the extraordinary Houstonians who make our city great. We celebrate this list with The Social Book (thesocialbook.com) where the list is prominently published on their home page.

As rodeo season is upon us, I’m thrilled to feature homegrown innovator: Christina McAllen, owner and designer at jewelry hot spot Christina Greene. I met Christina just before she changed her name to McAllen when she launched her bridal line. Meet this local gem and enjoy her entrepreneurial story.

And a shoutout to our very own Houston Astros! Thank you for another amazing season and bringing the championship back home. We loved every minute of it!

BEST BITES

Congrats to People’s Choice award winner Cotton Culinary and the Grand Champion Best of Show Le Chemin du Roi Brut Champagne AOC, NV

My view as the Astros clench the World Series.

PHOTO BY IVAN GARCIA STUDIO

MINUTE MAID PARK

Houston Pet Set

The 18th Annual Fierce and Fabulous Soirée hosted by PetSet raised an unprecedented $1.1 million. More than 700 animal lovers packed the Post Oak Hotel ballroom to see Cole Hauser and Forrie Smith of Yellowstone fame. Leading the helm of this sold-out event were chairmen Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist and Sue Smith. The philanthropic trio honored Houston’s sweetheart Sidney Faust for all her hard work and charitable generosity to the community.  Houston PetSet is a non-profit organization providing grants to Houston area charities that benefit animal welfare and is committed to spaying, neutering, rescuing, adopting, and transporting the homeless pet population. -LMV

https://www.houstonpetset.org/

Images by Priscilla Dickson

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

VIVA LA VIDA

The theme of the Health Museum’s gala was Dia de los Muertos. Some of Houston’s top healthcare professionals were honored for dedicating their careers, and their lives, to address health inequities and developing educational programs that will pass on their advances to the next generation of caregivers. Between the live auction and donations, the museum raised $287,000 to benefit the museum’s educational and community programs. —L.M.V.

ABOVE: HONOREE JACKIE WARD, DNP, RN, NE-BC

MIDDLE: CAROL PARET, DARYL SHORTER, MD, TOMA OMOFOYE, MD, JOHN ARCIDIACONO, MARIA FERNANDEZ, PHD, JESUS VILLEJO, MD, JACKIE WARD, DNP, RN, NE-BC, GARY SHEPPARD, MD

BOTTOM: ERICA LITTLE,JOHN BURNETTE AND ROBERT BURNETTE, EMILIO ARMSTRONG AND KELLY ROBICHAU

Wilson Parish Photography

ABOVE: JENNIFER AND JIM DREW, CHAIRS DAVID AND SARA CORDUA, DR. MARIA FERNANDEZ AND JENNIFER FRANCO

MIDDLE: DR. PHILLIP CHANG AND ELIZABETH HOLT, KEN AND JUNE MATTOX, LUCIA AND MICHAEL CORDUA

BOTTOM: HONOREE DARYL SHORTER, MD, DANCING - THE HEALTH MUSEUM VIVA LA VIDA GALA 2022

SAFETY TO ALL

Crime Stoppers of Houston’s ‘Leading the Way to a Safer Houston’ Annual Gala, slammed one of the park. Chaired by Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, the event raised over $1,355,000 for crime prevention programs and critically-needed victim services. This memorable event brought together 500 generous supporters, courageous victims of crime, devoted community advocates, elected officials and law enforcement from across Texas for a moving evening that honored Houston leaders, remembered innocent lives lost to senseless violence, and called for communities to come together and unite with Crime Stoppers in making Houston a safer place for all.

www.crime-stoppers.org

Photo: CatchLight Group

WHAT HAPPENS IN HOUSTON STAYS IN HOUSTON

By Fatima Ramos

The Children’s Museum Houston raised $950,000 at the “Viva Las Vegas” gala on October 1, 2022. Houston’s leaders and supporters attended a gambling evening to support the education and outreach programs the Museum provides. At the gala, there were Vegas showgirl entertainers, a casino, and the King of Rock n’ Roll. Attendees enjoyed a multi-course feast and a dessert inspired by Elvis. The Drywater Band performed and had the guests dancing all night. Moreover, a live auction took place with exclusive and unique items donated by guests. The Children’s Museum of Houston is dedicated to increasing children’s desire for learning.

Visit www.cmhouston.org

Photo Credit: Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design

Meals For Kids

By Fatima Ramos

Photos by Kids’ Meals

Kids Meals and Luncheon’s CoChairs hosted the Annual Harvest Luncheon at the Marriott Marquis with over 1,400 guests on November 11, 2022. Last year, Kid’s Meals celebrated reaching their goal of providing 1.7 million meals with the help of supporters.

Some guests shared their stories about the significance of community and how they relied on organizations that provide food. The venue had a lively atmosphere, with nine-foot orange trees and bins decorated on the stage. For entertainment, there was an auction, a raffle, and a performance by Allen.

Guests gathered for the VIP greetand-meet hosted by Co-Chairs Nancy Lisenby and Lynn Johnson, with special guests Jimmie Allen and Co-Chairs of Mimosas & Market. The event announced the purchase of a five-acre site for building a feeding facility and a grant donation from RSM to nourish children who face hunger and poverty. Visit www.kidsmealsinc.org

Kids’ Meals has delivered free and healthy meals to the homes of children who face hunger and poverty in Houston since 2006, dedicated to ending hunger in childhood through collaborations and providing resources to families.

MOULIN ROUGE

Photography by Zenith Creative

The Entrepreneur Organization of Houston kicked off the new year with a Moulin Rouge themed fete. The Historic Majestic Metro was a whirlwind of feathers, sequins and rhinestones and the Parisian cabaret décor by Demartino Design Group, took guests back in time. Emcee Corey Greene set the stage as entertainers from, Elevate NC memorized the sold out event with aerialists and themed dancers. EVOKE Experiences conceived this creative event featuring food by Amazen Chef Creations, entertainment from DJ Jason Farr and a costume contest. - LMV

THE BRIDE

BILLBOARD EXPERIENCE

By Logan Sullivan

Every year, the Bridal Extravaganza Show chooses a real-life Houston-area bride to be the face of the show. This bride is seen on billboards, across social media platforms, and at the show inspiring others with her story. Ka’cha Tousant, this year’s Billboard Bride, opened up about her experience at the show, and how it has shifted her wedding planning journey.

Ka’cha says she had never been to a bridal show before. She decided to attend the Bridal Extravaganza after hearing about it across Facebook, and

First Bridal Show

from her sister, who walked in the fashion show the previous year.

One of the recurring crowd-favorite events is the Vendor Scavenger Hunt, which takes VIP brides throughout the convention to different vendor booths where they can fill their goodie bags with special prizes provided by the vendors. This scavenger hunt also gives brides the chance to explore the convention, and visit booths they may not have considered otherwise.

“I got to learn a lot about the wedding planning process,” said Ka’cha. “My favorite part was getting to run around and have fun while getting things done.”

Becoming Billboard Bride

“Whenever I found out, I was really excited,” said Ka’cha. “When going up against so many people, you never expect that it’s going to be you.”

Ka’cha detailed her excitement when she found out she was selected to be this year’s Billboard Bride. Not only is she the face of the Bridal Extravaganza Show, but this was an opportunity to dive head-first into the wedding planning world for a sneak peek of what is to come. From a styled shoot coordinated by some of Houston’s top vendors, to receiving her first facial treatment, Ka’cha says she realized she was able to slow down and stress less.

Planning a Fairytale Wedding

Ka’cha says the Bridal Extravaganza and Billboard Bride experience has had a huge impact on her wedding planning process. Throughout the show, brides are given the unique opportunity to not only discuss business in person with different vendors, but also share personal stories, ideas, and experiences with one another. This is something that simply cannot be achieved through an email consultation.

“This experience has completely opened my eyes to a ton of little things that I didn’t even think of,” said Ka’cha. “I’m learning how to make my day the most perfect day for me.”

Photography by Ivan Garcia

You could be the next billboard bride

Every January and July, the Billboard Bride booth at the Bridal Extravaganza is the place to scan your QR code and enter to win. For more information visit www.bridalextravaganza.com or call 281-340-7777.

Get this look:

Beauty: Serendipity Luxury Wellness

Venue: The Orchard at Caney Creek

Photographer: Ivan Garcia Studio

Fashion: Ventura’s Bridal Fashions

Floral & Décor: Bloom and Grove

Hair & Makeup: Simple Beauty Artistry

Coordinator: Weddings by Andrea

Cake: Who Made the Cake

Sponsor: Bridal Extravaganza

Costa Baja Resort and Spa: Espiritu

Nestled in the mountains of the Baja California Sur in Mexico on the Sea of Cortez, the Costa Baja Resort and Spa in La Paz provides a true escape from overcrowded, bustling tourist beach wedding destinations. Espiritu, the resort’s spa, offers guests unique treatments that aim to harmonize the body, mind and spirit for a journey of inner and outer wellness. The spa utilizes a fusion of aromatherapy, local herbs, Chakra, Reiki, hot stones, quartz, reflexology, Ho’oponopono, and self-made elixirs to blend the new and ancestral techniques for custom spa treatments.

-Kate Axtell

Inside Houston recommends: The signature Damiana Ritual, based on a local, ancient plant with therapeutic benefits, begins with a foot massage with oranges, a cleansing of the aura with local Copal incense, a reading of the body’s energy that indicates the custom aromatherapy treatment needed, followed by a full body massage, facial, body wrap, and scalp massage using pure almond oil, Mexican lavender and Damiana extract.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is well known as a breath-taking Mexican beach destination of stunning sunsets, expansive white sandy beaches and impossibly delicious cuisine. At the Marriott Puerto Vallarta, spa lovers, are welcomed to the largest spa in Puerto Vallarta.  The Ohtli Spa is an astonishing 22,000 square feet in which to relax and be pampered. The Ohtli Spa welcomes guests with treatments from the traditional to the transformative, with traditional Thai massage to local tribalinspired treatments, such as the water-based Jantzu Rebirth Water Therapy or Fire Opal Balancing Stone Therapy.  -JR

courtesy photo

ESCAPE TO THE TRANQUIL BEAUTY OF DEER LAKE LODGE

MONTGOMERY, TEXAS SPA RESORT

By Kathleen Axtell

Photos by Faith Johnson and Laurette Veres

Deer Lake Lodge Spa Resort, located near Houston in the heart of the woods, is a secluded retreat offering guests a chance to unwind, relax, and reset their bodies and minds. Decorated with Texas boho flair, this unique destination offers a range of health and wellness experiences, making it the perfect getaway for those seeking self-care and relaxation.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the friendly staff, who will help them check in and settle into their cozy, rustic accommodations. Each room is thoughtfully appointed with comfortable furnishings and a unique blend of vintage and modern décor, making guests feel right at home.

The real heart of Deer Lake Lodge Spa Resort is its lounge and spa, where guests participate in the daily fasting program, attend classes, and can indulge in various treatments designed to promote overall wellness. From yoga classes and spa treatments to energy healing, reiki, and colonics, there’s something for everyone here.

For those looking for a truly immersive experience, the resort offers wellness packages giving guests ample time to relax and rejuvenate. The “Retreat” package is popular and is the perfect place to start. This package is designed for guests who need a quick reset from their hectic schedules. The retreat plan starts at three days and two nights and includes the

fasting program, daily classes, and one optional colon hydrotherapy treatment.

Deer Lake Lodge offers a full range of massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, and energy healing, to help guests find balance and inner peace. In addition to traditional spa treatments, Deer Lake Lodge Spa Resort also offers unique experiences like the infrared sauna, which uses heat to help detoxify the body and reduce inflammation, and the ionic foot bath, which uses ions to cleanse the body and restore balance.

Deer Lake Lodge Spa Resort is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a secluded retreat in the woods, surrounded by natural beauty and offering a momentary escape from the rigors of daily life. Whether you’re looking to unwind and relax or jumpstart your health and wellness journey, Deer Lake Lodge Spa Resort has everything you need to help you reach your goals.

10 MOST BEAUTIFUL HOUSTONIANS SPRING 2023

By Warner Roberts

I believe there is something beautiful about every human being. I take the liberty to define beauty as the ability to spread joy, lift spirits, encourage, and inspire. This beauty is measured through service. The men and women on this list are not only physically captivating, but they make our city a more beautiful place through their generosity of spirit, compassion, creativity, and dedication to serving. Kahlil Gibran wrote, “Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.”

Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to Spring 2023

10 Most Beautiful Houstonians. I am excited to present this article on Laurette Veres’ publication INSIDE HOUSTON  and Scott Evans’ website socialbook.com

ANDREW “ANDY” CORDES

Without a doubt, one of the most popular citizens in Houston is Andy Cordes, long time “shining light” of Gittings Photography. As he says, “I am just an ordinary guy from a small Midwest town who is privileged to be associated with an extraordinary company serving notable clientele. I cherish the opportunities to assist our leaders to make a difference in our community, and we take every opportunity to do what we can to help.” And help, he and the company always do.  That help has been showered on a multitude of non-profit organizations, such as Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, CAPs, March of Dimes, Men of Distinction, Mission of Yahweh, Baylor College of Medicine, and many others.

DEBORAH DUNCAN

Raised in a military family, Deborah lived in many locations before eventually settling in San Antonio. At the University of Texas in Austin, she earned a degree in Radio-Television-Film. Deborah’s career started in radio, but she quickly segued to television as a reporter on the CBS station in Austin. Soon she became an anchor at the ABC station. In Dallas, she created a talk show called Good Morning Texas at WFAA-TV, the sister station of KHOU-TV. After three years, Deborah cohosted a talk show, Our Home for Lifetime Television in New York. When her contract with ABC ended, Deborah returned to the news business. In 2002, Deborah joined KHOU-TV Channel 11 as an anchor on 11 News This Morning. After six years in news, Deborah returned to the talk show format as host of Great Day Houston and has just celebrated 20 years with KHOU-TV. She is the recipient of many local and national awards for television excellence, including two Emmy Awards, two Gracie Allen Awards and a Telly Award. Deborah feels that her job has called on her to provide calm in the mist of disaster, to give people information to empower their lives, to provide a voice to the business community and to lend a hand to many non-profit organizations.

Always, Deborah has been committed to community service. She is passionate about many causes and has chaired numerous events. And, she uses her remarkable talent as an emcee to add to the success of many charitable events. In addition, there are a multitude of individual contributions Deborah makes that are totally unknown to the public. She might buy toys for a hundred homeless children, adopt a family/families to support or provide innumerable kindnesses to strangers. Deborah serves on the National Board of Directors for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and is a Board Member for the Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP). Her first priority always is her son, Duncan.

Photo by Gittings

Courtesy KHOU

JOANNE KING HERRING

Some of the titles used to describe Joanne are The Dame, Knight, Ambassador, Consulate General of Pakistan and Morocco, Medal of Honor Nominee, Texas Hall of Famer, international socialite, global political activist, philanthropist, author and television personality. Julia Roberts portrayed Joanne in “Charlie Wilson’s War,” the film that documents her improbable and crucial support of the Afghans against the Soviet Union. The Afghans won without involving American soldiers.

For her efforts, Joanne received the highest medal given by the nation of Pakistan, was made Dame by the Order of St. Francis and knighted by the King of Belgium and honored by the US and Afghan militaries including the US Marine and Navy Seals. She was elected into the Texas Hall of Fame and is a Medal of Honor nominee.

Joanne’s very successful autobiography Diplomacy & Diamonds: My Wars from the Ballroom to the Battlefield documents what she learned from being “dirt poor to filthy rich.”

Currently Joanne is tackling human trafficking with Governor Greg Abbott. She recently met with the Queen of Sweden, the Secretary General of the UN, along with Nobel Peace Prize board members at the United Nations to establish a world plan to end this crisis. She is heavily involved in plans for the soccer World Cup where she will be hosting international dignitaries. She will be hosting the Queen of Spain here in Houston in May. She is in meetings now to discuss a television series based on her life.

BRIGITTE KALAI

Brigitte Kalai is a native Houstonian and loves being a part of this wonderful community. After earning a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Texas, she began working as a nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital. Her passion was pediatrics and working with children who had significant and chronic health challenges. She began her volunteer work with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America as a big sister mentor. She also worked with many organizations that help the aging and infirm, making home visits to the sick and elderly.

Brigitte champions causes that uplift women and children in underserved communities and those facing medical issues. She has a deep understanding of the financial and emotional toll medical issues can take on a family due to her nursing background as well as her own struggle with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

She serves or has served on the boards of Interfaith Ministries, UNICEF, The Sheriff’s Advisory Board, Nora’s Home, and Crime Stoppers and has broken records for almost everything she has chaired.  Brigitte, along with husband, Bashar, have established the Brigitte and Bashar Kalai Family Workshops at Rice, The Brigitte and Bashar Kalai Event Space for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and helped fund The Kinkaid Tomorrow’s Promise as well as many other scholarships and programs. The Brigitte & Bashar Kalai Plaza of Respect at Interfaith Ministries is an outdoor space designed to celebrate the rich interfaith diversity of our city to host events that educate, inspire and connect and represent the three Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

Among all her accomplishments, she feels her greatest is her happy family, Bashar and her two sons, Alex and Remy.

Photo by Gittings

Photo by Gittings

TAMA LUNDQUIST AND TENA FAUST

Tena and Tama are identical twins who grew up being taught by their parents to “give back.” When Tena was only five, she told her father that “someday I will have a dog sanctuary.” For over 15 years now, both Tena and Tama have worked toward alleviating suffering and solving the problem of animal homelessness in our city. In 2008, they co-founded The Highland Village Adoption Center, served as founding members of Houston’s BARC Foundation and currently serve as Co-President of Houston PetSet.

Tena and Tama also serve as board members of Magpies and Peacocks and are members of Crime Stoppers Leading Women for Public Safety. They are founding members of the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce. Tama is also involved in working with troubled youth, currently mentoring children through 8 Million Stories.

As Co-Presidents of Houston PetSet, the sisters have chaired the organization’s Fierce & Fabulous Soiree seven times, most recently raising $500,000. Since its inception, Houston PetSet has granted more than $2.7 million dollars to animal nonprofits. Tama loves spending time with her son, Harrison “Cole” Owen and her “fur” kids Sparky, Vinny, and Sonny Corleone. Tena, with her husband, Tyson, always make time for their rescue dog, Finnegan.

JIM “MATTRESS MACK” MCINGVALE

Businessman, philanthropist, television personality, Jim McIngvale, is best known by the name “Mattress Mack,” founder of Gallery Furniture. He and wife, Linda, started their company with $5,000 in 1982 and turned it into one of Houston’s largest furniture stores. He became a local icon after starring in television commercials for the furniture store in 1983 where he jumped up and down shouting the slogan, “Gallery Furniture will save you money!” Many may recall him wearing a mattress on air, clinging to a dollar bill in his fist. Though Gallery Furniture has always come first for Mattress Mack, he has focused on other career pursuits, as well. In 1992, he and Linda served as executive producers of the Chuck Norris film Sidekicks. In 2002, he co-authored a book which outlines his career as an entrepreneur titled Always Think Big.. How Mattress Mack’s Uncompromising Attitude Built the Biggest Single Retail Store in America. In 2017, he opened the doors of Gallery Furniture to anyone affected by Harvey, a hurricane that flooded the city. In 2019, tropical storm, Imelda, flooded Houston, and he, along with Crisis Clean Up, offered free meals and shelter. In 2021 he again opened the Gallery Furniture doors to provide shelter during Hurricane Ida. Mack has given millions to organizations, from the Texas Heart Institute to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, The Salvation Army and many others. His annual Christmas Giveaway has provided furniture to more than 500 households, and the store has hosted free Thanksgiving dinners for children with autism.

A quote from Mattress Mack explains his commitment to the community.  “My parents taught me when I was a little boy that the essence of living is giving. We’ve always had a saying here at Gallery Furniture that we have a responsibility for the wellbeing of the community, so if something bad happens, we want to be one of the first businesses to act. It’s our job to help the community, not just take money out of the community.”

Photo by Gittings

Photo by Gittings

BRAD MARKS

Brad Marks is Texas A&M graduate who, as President and CEO of I W Marks Jewelers, carries on a long-standing tradition of dedication to the community and to family. Married to Joanna Hartland since 2003, the duo balances a full family life with their four children, Kennedy, Garrison, Bradley, Jr. and Hannah, while continuing the legacy of the exemplary customer service at I W Marks Jewelers and supporting the community. The company has garnered multiple honors including being a five-time recipient of the Business Committee for the Arts, Inc. and FORBES Magazine’s national Business in the Arts Award, and the Jefferson Award for community service.

Brad, along with Joanna, are involved in multiple charities, supporting a wide range of organizations that truly make a difference. They feel the most fulfilling of the events on their calendar are those benefiting others. I W Marks Jewelers underwrites the annual Holiday Shopping Card, benefiting the American Cancer Society. The company has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through silent auctions to support the families of children battling cancer. In 2022, Brad became a Board Member of Houston Children’s Charity, dedicated to improving the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children. Additional organizations Brad and Joanna routinely support are the Periwinkle Foundation, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Educational Scholarships, The Women’s Fund, BEAR Houston, Snow Drop Foundation, The Mission of Yahweh, the Houston Humane Society, and Rice University athletic scholarships.

DR. LAURA MURILLO

In 2007, Dr. Laura Murillo was named President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, the Chamber has set unprecedented records in membership and revenue, becoming one of the most influential Chambers in the nation. Just two years after taking the helm, the Chamber won the National and Regional Hispanic Chamber of the Year Award from the U. S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. And, throughout her leadership, the organization has continued to receive recognition, including Marketer of the Year by the American Marketing Association three times and two Diversity in Houston Awards from the Houston Business Journal.  Last year, Houston Business Journal named her Outstanding Diversity Champion.

Dr. Murillo is the Founding President and CEO of the Greater Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation.  During her tenure, the Emerging Leaders Institute was established and has celebrated over three hundred graduates. She is the Founding Executive Producer/Host of the Chamber’s Radio and Television Programs on CBS-KHOU 11, Audacy, Univision with viewership of 3.3 million.  She is also a commentator on national media outlets. Her book, Lead in Life, People. Passion. Persistence:  Succeed in the New Era of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a #1 International best seller.

She has received a multitude of state, national and international honors. The Ohtli Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Mexican government to a Mexican American, was awarded to her for her advocacy and civic leadership. Dr. Murillo is the youngest of nine children born to Mexican immigrant parents and raised in Houston’s East End/Magnolia, where she began working at age ten at her family’s restaurant. She is the proud mother of two daughters, Marisa and Mia.

Photo by Gittings

Photo by Joanna Marks

KRISTI SCHILLER

Kristi is a Quarter Horse owner and breeder, businesswoman, socialite, philanthropist and Founding Chairman of K9s4COPS, a 501(c)(3) foundation that provides K9 police dogs trained in narcotics, explosives and firearms detection to police across the country. Kristi created K9s4KIDS, an initiative of K9s4COPS, as a result of recent school shootings and the suggestion for police to use dogs as a solution. The thought was that dogs could help in situations where campus security is lacking.

Kristi prides herself in the fact that the non-profit organization has confiscated $2.5 billion in contraband nationwide by using the trained K9s. It has also provided 28 school K9s to 15 schools and universities across the U.S. and kept over two million students safe each school year. The organization now operates in 38 states.

In 2021, Kristi experienced crippling migraines, occasional amnesia and speech problems, which led to tests revealing that she had suffered multiple strokes. After weeks of testing, doctors discovered that her multiple strokes were most likely causes by a heart murmur she had from birth. Happily, after months of recovery, testing, speech therapy and medication, Kristi has made a full recovery. She is back home on Schiller Ranch near College Station where she and husband, John, breed Quarter Horses for racing. In addition to operating her non-profit organization, she now uses her social platform of 165,000 followers to advocate for stroke awareness and prevention. She reminds all that cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the number one cause of death in women.

MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS

As chairman of the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation, the charitable legacy set forth by her parents, Margaret perpetuates her families’s mission to advance educational and medical institutions and to preserve and promote the arts. Preserving and promoting the performing arts has been a tradition in the Alkek family. Margaret’s affection for the arts, largely influenced by her mother, has been a lifelong journey. After studying acting at Stanford University and earning a music degree at the University of Texas, she performed briefly with the Philadelphia’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society and sang in the Houston Grand Opera in the 1960s.

Margaret’s dedication to Houston’s cultural community is legendary; grants to performing arts organizations have provided a major impetus for new productions, buildings, endowments and programs.  Major gifts, directed by Margaret, have made possible the creation of the Margaret Alkek Williams Chair held by Patrick Summers, Artistic and Music Director of Houston Grand Opera, the endowment for The Margaret Alkek Williams Executive Director/CEO Chair at Houston Symphony, the Margaret Alkek Williams CPAM Endowment for Arts Integration at Houston Methodist Hospital and the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Arts and Education and  a 20,000 square foot addition for Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS).

Margaret currently serves on twenty-two boards and their various committees and remains personally involved.  She became a member of the Houston Ballet executive committee in 1989 and became an Inaugural member of the ballet’s highest giving Society, Etoile, in 2003.  In 2018, to guarantee that one of the Ballet’s most popular programs, Jubilee of Dance, would continue into perpetuity, Margaret donated ten million dollars.  The one night performance extravaganza has been re-named The Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance.

Margaret has one son, Charles A. Williams who serves as President of the Albert and Margaret Alkek foundation, daughter-inlaw, Randa, who serves as Vice President of the foundation and a grandson, Harrison M. Williams.

Photo by Gittings

Photo by Gittings

A RESORT FOR ALL SEASONS

HOUSTON’S DOWNTOWN GEM IS RENOVATION-READY

By Logan Sullivan

Photos by Don Riddle

Whether you are visiting Houston for the first time or a long-time resident seeking a Staycation, look no further than the Four Seasons Hotel for your home away from home. The hotel completed a full renovation during the pandemic, breathing new life to the already gorgeous property.

NEW AND REFRESHED AMENITIES

Not one guest room went untouched during this massive renovation. From the 289 one-bed guest rooms to the 115 suites, you will find beautiful and dark luxurious materials throughout thanks to renowned designer Lauren Rottet. Aesthetics are emphasized by Saddle leather, dark oak wood, and antique brass tones. Penthouse and presidential suites even host an in-room Peloton bike and interactive fitness MIRROR, offering guests a bit more privacy should they desire.

Stepping outside of your room, you will find new additions such as a richly appointed spa and resort-style pool, complete with fire pits and Pool Deck Café. If you are looking for something a little more unique, check out the Bandista, a 1920’s style speakeasy tucked away behind a bookcase. Here guests can discover rare liquor and cocktails or enjoy something classic.

DIVINE DINING

Guests can enjoy award-winning PanLatin cuisine thanks to chef Richard Sandoval at the Toro Toro steakhouse, now open on-site at the Four Seasons. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner service daily with a wide variety of options to accommodate any guest.

LIFESTYLE MEMBERSHIP

Want to soak up the best that the Four Seasons has to offer? Consider a Lifestyle Membership, gaining members priority access to on-site dinner and bar reservations, yearround use of the resort pool and fitness center, exclusive member-only experiences, and additional savings throughout your stay.

For more information and to plan your luxurious getaway, visit www.fourseasons.com/ houston.

A Gemstone in Houston

By Fatima Ramos

Christina McAllen is the owner of Christina Greene jewelry store in Houston. Before opening her store, she designed jewelry as a hobby during college. McAllen began her college career studying interior design at TCU. However, she transferred to public relations and marketing. During this time, she began to design bracelets and necklaces with wire wrap and stones. Realizing this was her passion, McAllen returned to school in New York to study design and fashion. Once she graduated with her master’s degree, she moved to Houston, where she started her jewelry business and opened a jewelry store.

McAllen has various collections in her store. Two years ago, during her personal wedding planning, she created an exclusive Bridal collection. McAllen personally crafted the “Elli earrings,” after one of her bridesmaids, a beautiful teardrop crystal flower with three cascading crystals shaped like a teardrop. A few items in the Bridal collection

Photos by Kenneth Castano

were later changed, like the “Christina earrings,” where she added blue sapphire.

All the pieces in the Bridal collection are a nod to family and friends in attendance on her big day. For example, McAllen named the “McAllen bracelet” after her new last name. Other collection items have a story from a person or trip. The Gingko collection, for example, was inspired by her trip to Thailand. Different people and travels influence McAllen’s creations.

McAllen also believes in giving back. As a Houston Rodeo volunteer and exhibitor, she loves the mission to support Houston’s youth. Her first booth was the smallest size available and as her business has grown, so has her presence at the Houston tradition. To raise funds after Hurricane Harvey, McAllen sketched a Texas necklace as a tribute. She designed a gold Texas plate with a small turquoise stone representing Houston and its strength as a city.

When Inside Houston Magazine asked her about her favorite designs, Christina found it hard to choose a favorite as she has many. Nonetheless, she picked the squash blossom as one of her favorites.

In addition to jewelry, McAllen also sells clothing, purses, and other fashionwear. Located at Rice Village, near Rice University, McAllen has a few expectations when a visitor comes to her store, a great shopping experience. Follow her on her website www. christina-greene.com

Mexican Paradise

Puerto Vallarta offers an out of this world traveling experience

By Jessica Rossman

What would be a truly out-of-this-world vacation? One is not constrained by the earthly world in which we live, but one that reaches into what may lay beyond. A destination wedding that includes both the friends and family in the here and now, as well as the generations of loved ones who have passed through this physical world and now live in our hearts and our memories. Puerto Vallarta’s Dia de Los Muertos holiday, or Day of the Dead is the perfect occasion and the Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa is the perfect setting.

Courtesy photos

Puerto Vallarta is well known as a breath-taking Mexican beach destination of stunning sunsets, expansive white sandy beaches and impossibly delicious cuisine.  While it offers the gorgeous resort amenities of a Pacific beach get-away, it also nestles up against the colonial town center with its cobblestone roads, street markets and the ornate Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe cathedral. Connecting the colonial town to the popular beach destinations is the beach boardwalk, the Malecon dotted on one side with wine bars, tequila dives and fine dining, and on the other with the brilliant Pacific Ocean, behind which the sun sets every evening with a brilliant show of undulating colors. Permeating this unusual combination of beachy resort town and historical colonial center are boutique shops, art galleries, and, after the sun goes down–and some time on the beach, long before–Puerto Vallarta’s famed nightlife.

All these elements merge into a uniquely complicated Mexican beach destination.

In addition to all of this, Puerto Vallarta transforms itself during the first few days of November into the center of a uniquely Mexican holiday. Contrary to its name, the Dia de Los Muertos holiday is about celebrating life and the lives of all of those we have loved and lost. The streets are filled with music; street art known as ofrendas showcases lives well-lived; and Mexican street food vendors fill the air with their delicacies while revelers line up to have their faces painted with a face-painting tradition made famous for its creativity and playfulness with the notions of life and death. Families gather in the many cemeteries dotting the city to have what can only be described as a party at the gravesites of their loved ones. Graveyards become the site of lively celebrations for friends or family members laid to rest there, complete with their

favorite foods, music, and family photographs. And as with any proper Mexican festival, Dia de Los Muertos culminates with a parade down the Malecon with facepainted revelers crowding the streets, parade horses prancing in formation, and traditional Mexican ballads being sung along to by the crowd.

It is in this setting and celebration of life that the Puerto Vallarta Marriott Resort and Spa excels.

The expansive Puerto Vallarta Marriott is already known for its prime location, just minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and central to downtown and beach destinations. In 2017, the Marriott Puerto Vallarta finalized a complete reimagining of its 63,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space, easily accommodating events up to 700 guests. Its 433 ocean-facing rooms and suites were also included in the property’s revitalization. Guests may choose among six different restaurants in which to dine. Or, they have the option to glide to the swim-up bar in the infinity pool for a full 180-degree view of the bay and Puerto Vallarta’s surrounding mountains. If you or your guests would like to become a tequila expert or ceviche chef, Marriott Puerto Vallarta has that covered for you as well. Try a tequila tasting from among the 180 different tequilas offered, some of which are proprietary to the Marriott Puerto Vallarta and made with blue agave grown on the property itself. For the aspiring chef, Marriott Puerto Vallarta offers ceviche classes in its open air lobby with a view of the Pacific, at the conclusion of which all guests celebrate by feasting on their newly-learned specialties.

Traveling here during Dia de Los Muertos in this beachside jewel, adds an out of this world element to your beach escape.

Let Love Glow

By Amber Hollier

Valentine’s Day is a chance to celebrate the people you love, whether it’s your significant other or close friends and family. Each year, Texas Weddings Magazine hosts a Valentine Party with a theme that highlights the love and affection Valentine’s Day represents. For this year’s event we wanted to do something a little different than the conventional Valentine’s Day aesthetic. However, we still wanted to incorporate the traditional Valentine’s Day elements. This is how we came up with “Let Love Glow” and there was no shortage of exciting and eye-catching attractions for guests to enjoy!

them a first look glimpse into the night ahead.

The invitation asked guests to dress in white or neon, as they would be entering a dark room with blacklights lining every wall over the course of the evening. The room encompassed a unique attraction set up by A Fancy Wall that had guests oohing and awing as their drinks and desserts revolved around the room via a built-in conveyor belt system.

Both adults and children had fun taking photos of (and even more fun eating) the delicious cotton candy provided by Sweet Thang Cotton Candy as the fluffy treat glowed due to special cones that came with each twirl. One of three flavors included watermelon with a sour topping option.

traditional elements such as red, pink, and white lights, a hot pink neon “xoxo” sign at the bar, a charcuterie dessert board with chocolatecovered strawberries and a variety of sweet pink and red treats, heart-shaped LED balloons, and charming “I love you” cotton candy toppers. These details coupled with the enthusiastic spirit of our guests made for a fun and unforgettable Valentine’s Day evening.

One highlight was a selection of giant LED yard games, including cornhole and chess that illuminated red and pink lights. These games gave a bright welcome to our guests and were strategically placed in the front yard to catch their attention and give

Guests gathered around the talented violinist Marion DuBose as he stylishly played the instrumentals of popular songs and fan favorites while the courtyard glowed with pink and red LED cocktail tables. Children painted glowing art under a blacklight tree that had an individual canvas, easel, and brush set for each child.

Overall, this glow party brought a fresh and exciting twist to the traditional Valentine’s Day celebration. However, it still acknowledged the occasion by incorporating various

Photos by Laura Powell and Fatima Ramos