Houston Lifestyles & Homes June 2013 by Lifestyles & Homes Magazines/Fort Bend Publishing

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JUNE 2013

Majestic Home in Memorial

GARY ZVONKOVIC

Real People, Real Homes, Real Styleâ&#x20AC;ŚReal Houston Living www.houstonlifestyles.com

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Contents

Established 1995

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES June 2013

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SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DIRECT-MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 40,000 PREMIER HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN HOUSTON Including River Oaks, Memorial, Tanglewood/Galleria, West University/Village, Meyerland/Bellaire

facebook.com/Lifestyles.Admin houstonlifestyles.com founder and publisher Bill and Linda Anderson

Editor Linda Vaughan Anderson editor@fortbendpublishing.com

Office Manager Linda Peterson

Editorial Assistant Angela Crissman

Contributing Editors Cheryl Alexander • Kelly Foss Cathy Gordon • Judy Latta Dr. Lori • Denman Moody • Tish Raymond Melanie Saxton • Cindy Ziervogel

Social Editor Jan Carson

Photographers

Home & Lifestyle 28

ASTROS PITCHING COACH DOUG BROCAIL

J. Pamela Photography, Inc. Bookwalter Photography

He knows a thing — or five — about fatherhood

A MAJESTIC HOME IN MEMORIAL Roger and Debbie Clemens’ estate was designed for outdoor living and indoor comfort

Tips to create colorful drama

BEFORE YOU BUY HARDWOOD FLOORING Seven tips for savvy shopping

A TRIBUTE TO PAUL BOESCH Paul Boesch became synonymous with Houston Wrestling

DECORATING TIPS FOR EVERY ROOM Instant changes make a refreshing difference

MEET MISS HOUSTON 2013 Zoe Cadore heads for state pageant in June

Cover photo by Gary Zvonkovic

A GUIDE TO LASTING COLOR IN YOUR GARDEN

Production Manager Michael Ogrodowicz

Graphic Designers Todd Anderson • Lettie Rudel

Account Executives Marita Pratt • Kim Zeiner Amy Barker Richards Amy Ahlbrand Robinson • Tracy Ray Joe Welch • Jennifer Coleman Donna Sommer

ADVERTISING INFORMATION houstonlifestyles.com 281.240.2445 Ext. 128 REACH OUR FULL CIRCULATION: Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes

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HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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AYSHIRE COMMUNITY

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Contents HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES June 2013

Departments 6

HAPPENINGS Mark your calendar for upcoming activities and charitable events

THE ARTS Experience the latest performances and exhibits

ON THE TOWN Parties, galas and social occasions with Jan Carson

THE EDITOR’S PICKS Fun suggestions from Linda Anderson

45 20

BOOKS New releases with something for everyone

DISCOVERIES Unique finds for your home and lifestyle

FASHION Stella McCartney Summer Collection and Summer Finds

ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI Collecting Antique Motorcycles

HEALTH & WELL-BEING Beauty IS Skin Deep

NEW AUTOS See the new Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio TDI

WINE Moet & Chandon

Special Promotions 29 42 48 54 64

Gifts for Dads and Grads Interior Detail Resources Home Improvement Resources Cosmetic Surgery Progress & Growth

MEMORABLE WEDDINGS Taylor & Tyler

TRAVEL Living La Pura Vida

CITY SCOPE Civic and residential news developing in our city

HISTORICALLY HOUSTON Houston’s Historic Sporting Life

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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H A P P E N I N G S EVENTS AT MARKET SQUARE PARK

ONLY

HEIGHTS FUN RUN

COURTESY OF GEORGE EASTMAN HOUSE, INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM, ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

The Houston Heights Association’s 28th Heights Fun Run will be held Saturday, June 1. The fast out-and-back 5K course is held on the scenic and historic Heights Boulevard. The race starts and ends at Marmion Park and includes a 5K Fun Run, a 5K Walk, and a Kids 1K. The 5K course is certified, JUNE and disposable Chip Timing will be conducted by Run Wild Sports Timing. The 5K Fun Run starts at 7:30 a.m., the 5K Walk starts at 7:35 a.m., and the Kids 1K starts at 8:30 a.m. Each kid participating in the 1K receives an award. The Post-Race Party begins at 8 a.m. at Marmion Park, and the Awards Ceremony starts at 9 a.m. There will be entertainment, door prizes and refreshments. To register online, visit houstonheights.org through May 31 at 8 p.m. Registration is also available at Luke’s Locker on May 30-31 or at Marmion Park on race day. The Houston Heights Association is a nonprofit organization and proceeds for the Fun Run go directly into the community for beautification, restoration, maintenance and education. For more information, email funrun@houstonheights.org. Unknown American artist, Man on Rooftop with Eleven Men in Formation on His Shoulders, c. 1930; gelatin silver print, George Eastman House. BEGINNING

EXHIBITIONS AT MFAH

James Turrell: A Retrospective will be on view at JUNE The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston from June 9-Sept. 22. This exhibition gathers approximately 50 works spanning nearly five decades in one of the most complete overviews of his career to date including his early geometric light projections, prints and drawings, installations exploring sensory deprivation and seemingly unmodulated fields of colored light, and recent two-dimensional holograms. In June, MFAH presents an acclaimed survey of more than 100 years of manipulated photography, as well as an exclusive showing of a prominent private collection of Latin American art: Faking It: Manipulated Photography before Photoshop, on view June 2-Aug. 25, is the first major exhibition devoted to the history of manipulated photographs before the digital age, some 180 works demonstrate that today’s digitally altered photographs are part of a tradition that extends back to the beginning of photography. For information, visit mfah.org.

Market Square Park in downtown’s Historic District presents a lineup of free spring and summer activities. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the beauty of Houston’s waterways, hop on your mountain bike and meet the Bayou Bikers, an informal meet-up group that encourages local and visiting cyclists to join them on a 25-40 mile bike ride exploring the area’s bayous. These rides are free and open to all skill levels, but mountain bikes or bikes with fat tires are necessary. The group meets the first Sunday of the month, 8 a.m. Another fun activity for avid cyclists is Critical Mass, an informal bike group that meets the last Friday of each month at 7:15 p.m. to ride around the city as an act to raise awareness and advocate a bicycle-friendly urban environment. All bikes and skill levels are welcomed. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy some of the hottest musical talents as they perform each month at 8 p.m. in the heart of Market Square Park. The next performance is May 24, Grupo Fantasma. Market Square Park is open daily from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics are welcome; food, beer and wine are available for purchase at Niko Niko’s Market Square. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages are allowed. For more information, visit marketsquarepark.com.

FARMERS’ MARKET OPEN AT CITY HALL, WEDNESDAYS City Hall Farmers’ Market, located on the grounds of Houston’s City Hall at 901 Bagby, is cropping up again for its fourth year. Market hours are 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through June 26 along both sides of City Hall’s reflection pool. The market supports local, fresh and sustainable food amidst Houston’s downtown urban setting. The market showcases 3040 “micro businesses” including produce farmers, cheesemakers, coffee roasters and baristas, bakers, prepared food vendors, olive oil producers and more. The market also boasts live music, a Community Table, and a Chef’s Corner which hosts Houston’s top culinary talent preparing and serving samples of dishes made with market products.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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H A P P E N I N G S Emily Ellyn has been named the 2013 Wizard Gourmet. BEGINNING

HOUSTON’S WINE & FOOD WEEK

Houston’s Wine & Food Week 2013, set for June 3-9, features scores of events with more than 500 wines, 50 JUNE restaurants, legendary wine producers and culinary personalities from around the globe, and a vast collection of craft beers and gourmet food purveyors. Food Network Star Emily Ellyn has been named the 2013 Wizard Gourmet, bringing her quirky retro rad style and recipe re-dos to the state’s largest, most comprehensive epicurean extravaganza. Author, teacher and one of two Americans to earn the first Master of Wine title, Tim Hanni will oversee Wine Wizard duties. Wine & Food Week features exceptional wine experiences for the novice to the enthusiast paired with delicacies created by some of America’s top chefs. Wine education classes, chef demonstrations, cookbook author events, live and silent auctions, and casual to fine wine-and-dine experiences round out the week’s festivities. Wine & Food Week’s big three events include Thursday, June 6, H-E-B Wine Walk @ Market Street, a taste and stroll experience in a European-style center featuring wine and light bites at more than 30 tasting stations; Sips, Suds & Sliders, presented by The Woodlands Mall, a Texassize celebration featuring live music, specialty beers, values wines and a gourmet slider competition on Friday, June 7; and Saturday, June 8, the ultimate adult evening: The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase, presented by Capital One Bank, where guests sample delectable cuisine and hundreds of wines as chefs representing more than 50 restaurants compete for Wine & Food Week’s Waterford Crystal Chef of Chefs Award and a $5,000 cash prize. To complete the evening, the epicurean experience culminates with the Xfinity “Just Desserts” contest, a confectionary competition to crown the night’s dessert extraordinaire. Wine & Food Week events and auctions benefit Swing for a Cure and the Signature Series Literacy Education efforts of the John Cooper School. To purchase tickets or a complete schedule, visit wineandfoodweek.com or call 713-557-5732.

ONLY

BARRY SEA PARADOX PERFORMANCE

The Barry Sea Paradox Band is one of the Houston area’s JUNE most popular and versatile groups. Featuring Katy’s own Barry and Bobbie Sea, the group specializes in classic soul/rhythm and blues and smooth jazz; but also plays Motown, disco, Latin, swing, rock oldies, standards ranging from Sinatra to Satchmo, and even a little country. The group will be performing Saturday, June 29, 8:30 p.m.-midnight at Capones Bar & Oven, 4304 Westheimer Road in Houston. For the band’s full schedule, call 713822-5011 or go to barrysea.com. Reservations are recommended for all events.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

EVENTS AT DISCOVERY GREEN DURING JUNE Special events at Discovery Green during the month of June include: Flea by Night, Saturday June 15, 6-10 p.m. A vintage market where everything old is new again featuring live music, food trucks and more. Celebrate Houston’s international communities through music and performance. Made possible in part through the city’s Initiative Grant Program of the Houston Arts Alliance. Celebrating Asia is set for Sunday, June 2, 4-10 p.m. Performances include a fashion show; Shailon Academy (China), Dragon Dance; Kim Kuja School (Korea); Infused performing arts (India); and Ustad Lal Singh Bhatti (India). Celebrating Africa will be held Sunday, June 16, 4-10 p.m. with performances by Bel-Ami; Vivalda Dulia (Angola); Ingoma planet; Impande Ye Africa Production Company; a fashion show; and Mellow Rythm (Fela Kuti Tribute Band). UHD presents Thursday Concerts at Discovery Green through June 27 at 6:30 p.m. on the Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space. Bring the family for a stellar line-up of Texas and Gulf Coast musicians — free. Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics are welcome; beer and wine will be available for purchase. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages. Free Fitness in the Park programs include Bum-ba Toning on Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Core Focused Yoga, Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Zumba, Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Blissful Warrior Yoga, Saturdays, 9-10 a.m.; and Discovery Hoop Dance, Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Young Writers Workshop will be held Saturdays through June 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Writers in the Schools, HPL Express and Discovery Green have teamed up to offer Houston’s only free open writing workshop for kids! Part of Families & Children Series presented by Shell. For a complete listing of events, visit discoverygreen.com.

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H A P P E N I N G S Cheryl Crow and Martina McBride will perform at the City of Houston’s July 4th event. ONLY

CITY OF HOUSTON’S FOURTH OF JULY EVENT

Fireworks will ignite the Houston sky and an array of diverse music will set the stage for a patriotic celebration at the city of Houston’s official Fourth of July event, Southwest Airlines Freedom Over Texas featuring Sheryl Crow and Martina McBride, which is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, from 4-10 p.m. Freedom Stage featured artists, Crow and McBride, will showcase their talents and wow Houston crowds with songs from the past and present. Throughout the day there will be local music from a variety of Houston’s best known bands and a few surprise national acts at the main Freedom Stage. KBR Liberty Park will conduct on-site recruiting and showcase military artifacts and vehicles from all five military branches. Patrons will be able to make donations to H.O.T. (Honoring Our Troops) or send a care packet overseas. In the Family Fitness Challenge Area, activities will be provided by all five of Houston’s hometown professional sports teams. The cost is $8 per person; children 5 and under are free. For information, visit freedomovertexas.org

Percussionist Matthew Strauss will perform in the Mark Anthony Turnage: Fractured Lines on June 8.

JULY

Bee Box Reconfigured by Ellen Abbott and Marc Leva, the first-place winner from the 2012 Annual Juried Exhibition at Archway Gallery. BEGINNING

ARCHWAY GALLERY’S ANNUAL JURIED EXHIBITION

Archway Gallery is accepting entries to its 5th Annual Juried JULY Exhibition July 9-10. The prospectus is available for download at archwaygallery.com; hard copies are available at the gallery. This openthemed competition is open to all artists in south and central Texas, age 18 years or older. Interested 2-D and 3-D artists are encouraged to follow guidelines as outlined in the prospectus. The 5th Annual Juried Exhibition at Archway Gallery opens July 13 and runs through July 31. The opening reception, which is free and open to the public, is set for July 13 at Archway Gallery from 5-8 p.m. All accepted work will be on exhibit and awards will be presented. The Best of Show winner will be presented with a $500 cash award and receive guest artist privileges for one month at the gallery. Cash awards will also be presented to the second- and thirdplace award-winning artists. Honorable Mentions will be awarded at the discretion of the juror. A portion of the proceeds from the sale from this year’s exhibition will benefit Buffalo Bayou Project and The Endangered Species Media Project. Buffalo Bayou is a native habitat to more than 25 state or federally threatened or endangered species.

TEXAS MUSIC FESTIVAL, BEGINNING JUNE 4 Classical music’s rising stars will shine in Houston June 4-29 for the Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival, with performances by outstanding student musicians and distinguished conductors and faculty artists from all over the world. TMF is Houston’s largest classical music presenter in the month of June with nearly 30 performances, many free or at a nominal cost. Most concerts are indoors. The one-month international music residency, now in its 24th season, is based at the University of Houston Moores School of Music. Each TMF Orchestra Series concert will kick off with an outdoor festival on the school’s Jane Blaffer Owen Plaza, featuring pre-concert musical performances by the Virtuosi of Houston, refreshments by local food trucks, and pre-concert lectures hosted by noted music theorist Dr. Andrew Davis, director of Graduate Studies and Associate Professor of Music Theory in the Moores School of Music. The Orchestral Institute is the core of the Festival, challenging participants each week with a new, full symphonic program under conductors of international stature each Saturday night in June. The Festival also trains another 250 young musicians through its summer institutes for voice (Le Chiavi: The Keys to Bel Canto), high school jazz and piano, and the Classical Minds Guitar Festival and Competition. There is also the Perspectives Series consisting of four chamber music concerts showcasing the talents of the TMF faculty. All seats are general admission. Single tickets are $15 and can be purchased at tmh.uh.edu or by calling 713743-3313. Admission for students and seniors is $10. For a list of performances, visit the website. HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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H A P P E N I N G S

Swing, Jive and Pop! Into Dance is set for June 5 at 11 a.m.

JUNE EVENTS AT MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE There’s something for everyone at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park including daytime programs for young children to family friendly evening performances of music, dance, theater and more. Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. As always, open seating on the hill. Grab your dancing shoes and join Texas Folklife for the 24th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Festival on June 1 at 6:30 p.m. Houston Metropolitan Dance Company’s “Swing, Jive and Pop into Dance” takes the stage on June 5 at 11 a.m., incorporating

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

history, fashion, music and the arts into an interactive blast of excitement. Houston Metropolitan Dance closes its 17th season at Miller on June 7 at 8:30 p.m. with a concert that has something for everyone including a collection of repertoire pieces from classic to avant garde. Jacques Offenbach’s La Vie Parisienne will be performed June 8, 8:30 p.m. The vocal stars of tomorrow delight audiences in Offenbach’s spoof on the cultural melting pot that is Paris. High-jinks and Can-Cans assure a memorable evening at the theater. The Sounds Like Fun! series returns June 17 at 11 a.m. with a relaxed and dynamic music experience designed for the family. Celebrate Juneteenth and commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation with a musical showcase headlined by CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band on June 19 at 7 p.m. ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights Centennial Celebration is June 21, 8:30 p.m. and ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights are June 22 and June 28-29 at 8:30 p.m. For the complete schedule, visit milleroutdoortheatre.com.

OPERA IN THE HEIGHTS RELEASES FALL SCHEDULE Four of the most popular works in all of opera will come alive on the Opera in the Heights stage beginning this fall. The season opens with Verdi’s La Traviata, a story of passionate love and heartbreaking sacrifice. Every nuance of emotion can be heard in the music. Look for age-appropriate singer/actors in these roles of the young Parisians pushing the boundaries of societal rules. Performances are Oct.4-6 and Oct. 1013. In November, Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti bounds to the stage in all its bluster. This over-the-hill dandy thinks because he is rich, he will be able to marry a young woman and be happy. This comedy is played out to some of Donizetti’s most high-spirited and tuneful music. Performance dates are Nov. 15-17 and Nov. 21-23. The remainder of the season includes Don Giovanni, Jan. 31-Feb. 2 and Feb. 6-9; and Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, March 28-30 and April 3-6. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 1. To purchase tickets, visit operaintheheights.org or call 713-861-5303. Performances take place at Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd.

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H A P P E N I N G S HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY’S COMPANION CAMPS, BEGINNING JUNE 17

As Evening Nears by Eldon Faries.

WAS-H JUNE WATERMEDIA MEMBERS’ EXHIBIT, BEGINNING JUNE 7 The Watercolor Art Society-Houston presents the June Watermedia Members’ Exhibit, juried by noted artist Marty Hatcher, on Friday, June 7, with a reception from 6-8 p.m. Admission is free and the gallery is located at 1601 W. Alabama. The exhibit will be on view through June 27. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 713-942-9966 or visit watercolorhouston.org for information. Meet WAS-H’s new board of directors at the June reception. For the first time, there are two co-presidents: Susenne Telage and Jan Shrader.

Companion Camp at the Houston Humane Society is an opportunity for children ages 7-13 to work hands-on with the animals cared for by the Houston Humane Society and learn valuable life lessons concerning the welfare of animals. During a typical day, campers receive humane education, a workshop from a veterinarian or animal expert, games, crafts, and hands on animal activities. Session dates begin June 17 and run through Aug. 16. Each week of camp also features guest speakers and an opportunity to talk with a veterinarian and vet technician from the HHS Animal Wellness Clinic, tour the building, and watch a real surgery. The cost is $275 per session and includes daily snacks and drinks, a T-shirt, crafts, and all activities. Lunch will not be provided; campers should bring a sack lunch. Camp hours are from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. To register, visit houstonhumane.org.

Dance From the Heart members present El Moro, a signature piece from the 2011 concert Domari.

DANCE FROM THE HEART CLASSES Dance From The Heart offers dance, conditioning and fitness classes for adults, novice through expert levels. Dance disciplines include multi-cultural fusion, modern and ballet. Conditioning and fitness classes include Yoga, Mat Pilates and Gyrokinesis. Supported by nutrition advice of certified nutritionists on staff, instructors aim to help participants achieve and maintain improved levels of fitness activity through and beyond their middle years. For additional information, visit dfth.org or call 832-304-DFTH. DFTH is located at 3221 Houston Avenue.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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BARA PHOTOGRAPHY

H A P P E N I N G S opened his and the world’s eyes. Tickets can be purchased online at adplayers.org. A. D. Players is located at 2710 W. Alabama.

Vicky McCormick and Marty Blair in A.D. Players’ production of Malcolm and Theresa.

A.D. PLAYERS PRESENTS MALCOLM AND THERESA, THROUGH JUNE 23 A. D. Players’ upcoming production of Malcolm and Theresa runs through June 23. Malcolm and Teresa tells the true story of BBC Reporter Malcolm Muggeridge, who showed the world the truth of man’s evils, and his interviews with Mother Teresa, who showed him the truth of God’s love. A staunch supporter of the then-new Soviet political system in the ’30s, Muggeridge eagerly set out to report from the Soviet Union, only to find that millions were starving in the Ukraine. When he later interviewed a then-unknown Mother Teresa, her way of serving the poor

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT HOUSTON MUSEUMS The Houston Museum of Natural Science and the The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston are also seeking tour guides. Asia Society Texas Center seeks volunteers to serve as docents and to help with monthly family days, serve at the information desk, and assist with a variety of business and cultural programs. Applications are available online. For information, contact Tim Raeke at aeke@AsiaSociety.org or call 713-496-9919.

The Jung Center of Houston has a volunteer program for both special projects and ongoing commitments. For information, call June Foster at 713-524-8253, ext. 10. Lawndale Art Center needs volunteers for a range of duties including serving refreshments at receptions and fundraisers, installing exhibitions, and general office assistance. Lawndale is also seeking interns to assist the staff with exhibition installation, research and archiving, special events and administrative activities. Preference is given to individuals currently enrolled in an undergraduate studio art degree program and recent graduates. For a complete list of volunteer opportunities, visit houstonmuseumdistrict.org. Frankie Valli

SYMPHONY SUMMER IN THE CITY, BEGINNING JULY 5 Houston Symphony announced its line-up of “Symphony Summer in the City” concerts at Jones Hall. Innovative, multi-media experiences are the core of summer programming as the Symphony continues its tradition of encouraging new audiences to experience live music from a full orchestra while featuring familiar entertainment. Rock-and-roll, movie and video game fans will all have something to enjoy. The blockbusters include Video Games Live, July 5; Music of The Rolling Stones, July 6; Pixar in Concert, July 19-20; and Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, July 27. Performances at Jones Hall. For tickets and information, visit houstonsymphony.org.

GEXA ENERGY’S BROADWAY SEASON AT THE HOBBY CENTER GEXA Energy Broadway at The Hobby Center’s current season contains a lineup of both new hits and familiar Broadway favorites including the feel-good musical with heart and soul, Sister Act, May 28-June 2; and Houston’s most popular musical Wicked, which will wow audiences July 10Aug. 11. For tickets, call 800-982-ARTS or visit broadwayacrossamerica.com/houston.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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T H E

A R T S Photo by CAtherine AShmore

PAMELA FRASER

FLASHDANCE

AmitAvA SArkAr

THEATRE UNDER THE STARS, JUNE 4 - 16 Theatre Under the Stars presents Flashdance – The Musical, which tells the unforgettable story of Alex, a working class girl from Pittsburgh striving to make her dreams of becoming a professional dancer a reality. Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, this new musical features a score of smash hits, along with 10 original songs. Performances are June 4-16 at Hobby Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tuts.com.

James Gotesky as Hook in Peter Pan.

PETER PAN HOUSTON BALLET, JUNE 13 - 23 Join Wendy, Peter and the Darling boys as they embark on a magical adventure to Neverland. It’s a magnificent world where people fly, fairies are real, crocodiles tick like clocks, and boys never grow up. With swashbuckling swordfights, giant puppets, vibrant masks and colorful sets by Thomas Boyd, Trey McIntyre’s Peter Pan is an invigorating journey from beginning to end. It’s a voyage navigated by a choreographer who appreciates the fantasies of youth yet understands the complexities of aging. Peter Pan may not have grown up, but his story has. Performances in the Brown Theater at Wortham Theater Center. For tickets, visit houstonballet.org.

Lidded cup and tray, India, Mughal dominions, 17th century, gold with champlevé and painted enamel; The al-Sabah Collection, Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, Kuwait.

ARTS OF ISLAMIC LANDS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON, THROUGH JAN. 26, 2014 Islamic masterworks from Kuwait’s renowned al-Sabah Collection come to the MFAH as part of a long-term collaboration with the cultural institution Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah. The privately held alSabah Collection is one of the greatest collections of Islamic art in the world, and the partnership initiates a historic exchange of objects, staff, and expertise. Among the highlights showcased in this display are spectacular Mughal jewelry, illuminated manuscripts, exquisite ceramics, and intricately decorated ceiling panels. More than 60 examples from the 8th to 18th centuries are on view, made in the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The collection also includes carpets, glass and metalwork, paintings, architectural fragments, scientific instruments, and works on paper. For more information, visit mfah.org.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

BLAFFER GALLERY, BEGINNING JUNE 1 The Fourth Dimension was Ha-Ha, in Other Words, That it is Laughter draws its title from the 1966 Robert Smithson essay “Entropy and the New Monuments,” wherein Smithson defines laughter by conflating specific architectural concepts, literary references and the new crystalline, geometric sculpture with which he aligned himself (the “ha-ha-crystal”). Pamela Fraser is interested in similar speculative moments where the deliberate might inspire the spontaneous. Aiming to embody such optimism as a proactive philosophical mode, she seeks to assert levity in painting through delicate abstractions that marry simple forms with complex color schemes. This exhibition, Fraser’s first solo museum show, introduces a selection of large and small-scale paintings, drawings, and “cutouts.” Specific geometric shapes and their variations, spatial arrangements, and experimentations with scale trace her explorations through color as a fluid, ineffable topic and experience — the proposed, implied and often inconsistent logic within color systems, expectations of color relationships, and aesthetic decisions as value choices. Through these works, she challenges the viewer’s inherent desire for narrative and considers color as it relates to natural and man-made elements, design theory, and the culturallyspecific meanings of logos, branding, pie charts, diagrams. The exhibition will be on view June 1-July 20. For additional details, visit blaffergallery.org.

BLUE MAN GROUP SOCIETY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, JUNE 4 - 9 Blue Man Group returns to Houston with its high-octane theatrical experience. Escape the ordinary and surround yourself in an explosion of comedy, music, and technology. If you’ve never seen Blue Man Group, it’s a must-see. Performances at Jones Hall. Visit spahouston.org to purchase tickets.

WILDEST DREAMS THE COMPANY ONSTAGE, THROUGH JUNE 8 The Company OnStage presents Wildest Dreams, a comedy by Alan Ayckbourn, with performances through June 8. When four friends gather to play their usual game of fantasy, a new character enters the contest and casts her spell over all of them. The results are as wild as anyone’s wildest dreams. Visit companyonstage.org for more information.

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Livable Luxury PERSPECTIVES 182: LATOYA RUBY FRAZIER CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON, BEGINNING JUNE 21

LaToya Ruby Frazier’s work explores the psychological connections of intergenerational relationships within her family and community through photographs and videos that blur the line between self-portraiture and social documentary. Frazier’s work is informed by late 19th- and early 20th-century modes of representation in documentary practice with an emphasis on postmodern conditions, class, and capitalism. For the past nine years, Frazier has collaborated with family members to produce a series of images that deal directly and critically with issues of self-representation, access to health care, and the social, economic and environmental decline of the town of Braddock, a working-class suburb of Pittsburgh where the artist was born and raised. The series of prints Campaign for Braddock Hospital (Save Our Community Hospital) (2011) is a record of the demolition of the Braddock U.P.M.C. Hospital and of the voices of residents left to seek alternatives to the care they received there. This exhibition will feature the precise black and white photographic images for which the artist is well known, as well as a newer series of video works and prints in which Frazier investigates issues of propaganda, politics and individual autonomy. This exhibition will be on view June 21-Oct. 13. For more information, visit camh.org.

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ADAM MAGYAR: KONTINUUM HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, THROUGH JUNE 23 Hungarian artist Adam Magyar has been receiving international attention with art that explores concept of urban life. Magyar depicts the synergies of people, the cities they inhabit, and the technological support structures created to facilitate urban life. He explores the flow of time and life through multiple photography and video-based series, three of which will be presented in Syracuse. Magyar uses unconventional devices like an industrial machine-vision camera that relies on scanning technology. Utilizing software and drivers which he programs himself, Magyar creates constructed images that capture moments in time and place that can neither be seen with the bare eye nor conventional optical cameras. The images combine the aesthetics of classic photogra-

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phy with a technology that redefines one’s understanding of linear time and singular space in a perfect blend of science and art. In his works, Magyar scrutinizes the transience of life and man’s inherent urge to leave some trace behind. For more information, visit hcponline.org.

THE TENORS HOBBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, JUNE 29 Since their inception only five years ago, The Tenors have been thrilling audiences around the world with their powerful voices and memorable melodies. Their blend of classical music and contemporary pop has garnered them international success. Their music is rich and soulful with powerful anthems and beautiful melodies. For their live performance, The Tenors will draw selections from their new album Lead With Your Heart, as well as some of their past hits. Lead With Your Heart, their second studio album, stretches the boundaries of classical crossover by combining classic songs, modern tunes and Spanish and French world music.

Over the past two years, The Tenors have performed worldwide and shared the stage with legendary artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion (on the Oprah show) Sting, and Paul McCartney, to name a few. More recently, The Tenors were featured performers on two primetime international broadcasts: The Emmy Awards live from Los Angeles and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations from Windsor Castle in the U.K. For information, visit thehobbycenter.org.

ROADSHOW STAGES THEATRE, THROUGH JUNE 30 Stephen Sondheim’s latest musical masterpiece Roadshow is the true story of brothers Addison and Wilson Mizner, two quintessential con men who swindled their way across America at the turn of the century. Whether bamboozling miners during the Alaska Gold Rush or scamming rich Floridians in Boca Raton, the Mizner brothers were their era’s proof positive that the path to the American Dream can be a seductively treacherous tightrope walk. For tickets, visit stagestheater.com.

PARALLEL PRACTICES: JOAN JONAS & GINA PANE CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON, THROUGH JUNE 30 Parallel Practices: Joan Jonas & Gina Pane brings together a selection of works by two renowned artists spanning the courses of their careers. Designed to function as two solo exhibitions staged in a single space at the same time, this exhibition offers viewers an opportunity to investigate the development of each artist’s practice. Complementary and shared aspects of Gina Pane and Joan Jonas’ works are highlighted, as are the differences that characterize each artist’s body of work. Born in the mid-1930s, Jonas and Pane were proto-Feminists, developing significant careers in advance of social movements that advocated for attention and recognition of work by women. Both artists blazed early trails in the field of performance art, and worked multidisciplinarily, making sculptures, drawings, installations, film, and video in addition to live actions. This exhibition will be on view March 23-June 30. For more information, got to camh.org.

WICKED BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA, BEGINNING JULY 10

Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete — and completely satisfying — new musical in a long time” (USA Today). On Broadway and around the world, Wicked has worked its magic on critics and audiences alike. Winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, Wicked is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” and “the defining musical of the decade” (The New York Times). Performances at The Hobby Center from July 10-Aug. 11. For tickets, visit broadwayacrossamerica.com.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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On the Town A

with

Jan Carson

kim CoffmAn

udrey Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, will be in Houston on Sept. 6 for the inaugural UNICEF Audrey Hepburn Society Ball. It’s a white-tie celebration honoring Margaret Alkek Williams, the first person in the U.S. to receive the Audrey Hepburn Society Philanthropist of the Year. Jennifer Love Hewitt hosts the evening, with Joanne King Herring as Honorary Chair and dozens of social stars as supporting cast. It’s sure to be a night to remember!

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Red Hot Rio Society for the Performing Arts PHOTO CREDIT: PRISCILLA DIXON

The Wortham Center Grand Foyer shimmered and samba’ed as more than 6,500 yards of hot-hued ribbons danced from the ceiling, suspended by giant horizontal hoops. This was RED HOT RIO, the Society for the Performing Arts gala, and the dancing ribbons perfectly complemented the shades of hot pink, sassy orange and vibrant red in the flowers and table décor. Co-chairs Rosemary Schatzman and Vanessa Sendukas, with Honorary Chairs Liz and Tom Glanville and Honorees Steve and Leticia Trauber, led the crowd of nearly 400 to raise $600,000 for SPA programs.

Celebration of Reading Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has kicked off a new initiative – to establish the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. The announcement was made at the 19th Celebration of Reading, which raised $2.1 million and, as always, inspired, motivated and delighted the crowd of 2,000 guests. Mrs. Bush joked about her husband’s sock fetish and the former President impishly rode his scooter on stage with the Houston Texans cheerleaders to show off his patriotic footwear, leading Neil Bush to pledge to “Sock Out Illiteracy”.

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5 HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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Celebration of Reading 1) Jon Meacham, author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, with Doro Bush Koch, former First Lady Barbara Bush and author Brad Thor, whose most recent best-seller is Black List. 2) Maria and Neil Bush with Pierce Bush, Ashley Bush and Mark Shriver, author of A Good Man – Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver. 3) Houston Texans Cheerleaders posing with President Bush, Neil Bush and Pierce Bush. 4) Cal and Hannah McNair spent time talking with Mark Shriver, son of Sargent and Eunice Shriver. 5) The talented Tamar Davis joined the HSPVA chorus for a memorable and emotional performance that closed the evening.

Red Hot Rio 1) Co-chairs Rosemary Schatzman and Vanessa Sendukas pose with some sassy Red Hot Rio performers. 2) Honorary chairs Liz and Tom Glanville swayed to the sounds of Latin Grammy Award winner Diogo Nogueira. 3) Leticia and Steve Trauber, longtime SPA supporters, were honored at Red Hot Rio. 4) SPA Executive Director June Christensen and Ginni Mithoff at the Society for the Performing Arts gala. 5) Auctioneer Jeff Smith with SPA auction chair Kathryn Smith upped the night’s haul for SPA.

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It All Started With A Turtle Lemonade Day PHOTO CREDIT: FULTON DAVENPORT

Bright and sunny yellow was the fashion statement at a cocktail reception celebrating Lemonade Day, co-founded by Lisa and Michael Holthouse. Lisa signed copies of her new book It All Started with a Turtle. The book describes the beginning of the entrepreneurial program which has grown to 150,000 kids in 36 cities in the U.S. and Canada, with hopes of reaching 1 million youngsters in 100 cities.

Out and About PHOTO CREDIT: PRISCILLA DIXON, WOODALLEN HOUSTON

A new future for St. Luke’s Health System tops our Out and About section this month, along with the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary “Chic Boutique & Fashion Show” and The Women’s Home Invitational Golf Tournament.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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It All Started With A Turtle 1) Lemonade Day co-founder Lisa Holthouse with Lucinda Loya at a reception featuring an informal presentation of the Ralph Lauren 2013 Spring Collection. 2) Melissa Mithoff and Sue Smith were among the 175 guests asking new author Lisa to sign one of her books for them. 3) Mandy Kao and Duyen Hugnh stood out in their vibrant “school bus yellow” dresses. 4) Isabel David with her copy of It All Started With a Turtle. 5) Lisa Holthouse joins Elizabeth Peterson and Jill Schlenker at the party where 100 percent of book sales benefited Lemonade Day.

Out and About 1) Scott and Jana Arnoldy (center) opened their gorgeous River Oaks home for a gathering of the St. Luke’s Hospital “Friends of Nursing” along with St. Luke’s CEO Peg Van Bree (left) and Chief Nursing Officer Karen Myers (right). The group was abuzz with the news of CHI’s winning bid to take over the hospital system. 2) Best friends Sidney Faust and Cora Sue Mach received two standing ovations as they were honored at the 2013 Reflections on Style Fashion Show “Best Friends & Fashion”, benefiting the Salvation Army. The “Dynamo Duo” has chaired numerous charitable events through the years. 3) Bargain-savvy fashionistas Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust joined 200 others at the Chic Boutique & Fashion Show which raised more than $500,000 for the Salvation Army. 4) LPGA legend Nancy Lopez with major underwriters Kay and Rene Joyce at Champions Golf Club. Lopez was a star attraction at The Women’s Home Invitational Golf Tournament. 5) Sportscaster Bob Allen, who recently retired from ABC/13 after 38 years and “un-retired” by joining KHOU-TV/11, with Champions Golf Club founder Jack Burke at The Women’s Home Invitational Tournament. l

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the Editor’s

Picks

Books

Linda Anderson

s The Cute Baby Twin ze ee Sn y’s dd Da ic im M

THE GARDENER’S GUIDE TO COMMON-SENSE PEST CONTROL ns, Falcon These cute baby twi king people ma are ix, oen and Ph rld as they wo the und aro laugh eze sne s dy’ dad ic mim s?feature=watch m/user/twinnerwinner http://www.youtube.co & Homes!

th Lifestyles Share your video wihoustonlifestyles.com email to: Linda@

On Follow Linda Anderson -Lifestyles & Homes on Pinterest Do you have an original Pinterest idea?

In this new edition of the 1995 original, The Gardener’s Guide to CommonSense Pest Control by William Olkowski, Sheila Daar, Helga Olkowski and coauthored and edited by Steven Ash provides updated information on the control of all pests (insects and diseases) that can afflict lawns, food, ornamental gardens, and shade trees. This guide walks you through what you need to know to claim control of your garden without harsh chemicals. With 200 photographs, 100 drawings, and easy-to-access finding guides, this book makes it easy to remedy what’s ailing any garden.

150 BEST DESSERTS IN A JAR Serving and sometimes preparing desserts in a jar lets you get creative — whether you’re going for funky or traditional. In the book 150 Best Desserts in a Jar, you’ll discover useful information on choosing the right type of jar, along with helpful baking tips and techniques. Author Andrea Jourdan has developed an array of recipes that are fun to make. Two dozen color photos provide the inspiration to make your next dessert an event. All of the recipes are single serving treats, making them the perfect ending to a family meal or dinner party.

Share it with Lifestyles & Homes! email to: Linda@houstonlifestyles.com

Watermelon Angry Birds Kids love watermelon! This is a clever and colorful party theme for birthdays or just a fun family project to do this summer.

Black-Eyed Pea Salad This recipe uses lots of fresh ingredients and looks very appetizing displayed in these cocktail/beverage glasses.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

DESIGNERS AT HOME Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living by Ronda Rice Carman presents the personal living spaces of today’s design leaders including Ashley Hicks, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Jan Showers, Rose Tarlow, and Bunny Williams. The dwellings range from chic apartments and luxurious estates to charming country homes. Each page is filled with inspiring home design, ideas for entertaining, and imagery that invites readers to explore the idiosyncrasies of design while infusing their homes with individuality and flair.

CHAMPIONSHIP BBQ SECRETS FOR REAL SMOKED FOOD, 2ND. ED. Learn all about the art of slow-cooking in this comprehensive cookbook by Karen Putnam and Judith Fertig. Championship BBQ Secrets will appeal to both novice and experienced outdoor chefs alike. It has been updated with 16 new photographs — which includes 12 pages of step-by-step photos — featuring all new secret tips from championship barbecuers across North America. There’s even more information on creating the perfect balance of flavors. More than 300 carefully selected recipes are organized by ingredient to offer inspiration for the ultimate in smoked foods.

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LIVING THE GOOD LIFE In Living the Good Life, Martha Stewart shares her expertise in her signature topics — food, exercise, balanced living, home and organizing — for thriving through life’s evolution. The book draws on advice from the experts Stewart personally relies on including her nutritionist, trainer, makeup artist, as well as doctors at the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai. Chockfull of color photographs, sidebars, charts and tips, this book will be an inspiration and valuable resource for older adults and the family members who care for them.

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Discoveries

Chicken Coop at Arhaus Fresh eggs anyone? The Chicken Coop available at Arhaus Furniture is rustic and charming, yet extremely practical for the city or suburban farmer’s quest for fresh eggs. A new item for the retailer’s 2013 outdoor furnishings line-up, the Chicken Coop is like all other designs sold in-store and online—handmade and exclusive. arhaus.com

Lemonwood Mini Pitcher From Michael Aram, the gleaming stainless steel pitcher is approximately 4 1/4”and ornamented with a gold-plated lemon at the curvy handle. nordstrom.com

Lavender & Rosemary Woven Crystal Candle Agraria 7-oz Perfume Candles are presented in a woven crystal glass and silver-plated lid with the Agraria crest. The design is a modern interpretation of the woven palm leaf cases used for 20 years beginning in the early 1980s. These beautifully luminous, fragrant, and clean-burning candles are a special blend of vegetable-based premium soft waxes. agrariahome.com

Menlo 3-Light Cluster Pendant The Menlo is a near look-alike of the kinds of fixtures that were very common in industrial and utilitarian settings prior to the introduction of the tungsten-filament bulb, when it took multiple exposed carbon-filament bulbs to create any significant amount of illumination. Despite its industrial origins, today it serves as a warm addition to kitchens, dining rooms, and other shared spaces. rejuvenation.com

Frederick Cooper Lamp Introduced at Spring High Point Market, Frederick Cooper’s collection of new desk lamps pays homage to mid-century design but with its added signature quirks. While appearing small of stature, this oversized desk lamp has an adventurous spirit reminiscent of an archaeologist’s lantern. frederickcooper.com

Cabana Geometric Pillow A Moroccan windowpane design brings a sense of structure to the Geometric version of these Cabana pillows. They are super-soft and plush, and available in a rainbow of bright, summery shades. pier1.com

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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Utility Tweed Alvara Dress

Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty

Satin Helene Dress

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

Organza Odilia Dress with Long Sleeves Airtex Jumper

Stella McCartney Summer Collection

Intarsia Sleeveless Dress with Utility Tweed Georgina Jacket

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Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty

Smith’s Fine Jewelry Vintage Jewelry Custom Design Jewelry Repair Rolex Service Watch Repair Watch Batteries

L’OCCITANE’S Anti-Aging Immortelle The Flower That Never Fades More than 30 years ago, Olivier Baussan founded L’OCCITANE and captured the true art de vivre of Provence, France, offering a sensorial immersion in the natural beauty, fragrance and lifestyle of its mother land. From the texture of L’OCCITANE products to their scent, each promises pleasure through beauty and well-being. With traceable, efficacious ingredients, experiential formulations and a commitment to social responsibility, L’OCCITANE unites nature and lifestyle to provide peaceful, earthly calm with the benefit of visible results. Recently, L’OCCITANE uncovered a secret within the heart of the eternal, never-wilting immortelle flower... a precious nectar with a powerful anti-aging action. Immortelle Cell Extracts contain actives which improves cohesion between the dermis and epidermis, effectively firming and smoothing skin. The Cell Extracts work in synergy with Immortelle Essential Oil to stimulate collagen production, filling in deep wrinkles and restructuring skin. Improved microcirculation promotes cell renewal and protects skin against free radicals for a younger-looking complexion. Scientific Director for L’OCCITANE, JeanLouis Pierrisnard, says, “The idea was to intervene at the very origin of the aging process, on the first link of the chain: the genes that protect against aging caused by genetic factors or environmental stresses. Thanks to the expertise of our laboratory, we’ve identified the genes involved in preserving the skin’s youth, and shown the stimulating action of our immortelle extracts on these very genes.” Immortelle Precious Skincare includes the following products: Precious Cream (for day), Precious Night Cream, Immortelle Precious Eye Balm, Immortelle Essential Water (toner), Immortelle Precious Protection SPF 20, Immortelle Precious Fluid (a make-up primer). Combined, the regimen works continuously to stimulate collagen production and cell renewal to optimally reinforce skin’s internal support structure. L’OCCITANE products are available at usa.loccitane.com and boutiques in Highland Village and Memorial City.

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Summer Finds PANDORA TAURUS ZODIAC CLUTCH – In Chocolate from the Charlotte Olympia collection. neimanmarcus.com

GEVRIL GLAMOUR – Avenue of Americas Mini will be available with a beautiful mother of pearl dial, along with two rows of glittering diamonds on the bezel. gevril.com

TED BAKER WEDGES – Brandee Wedge Platform Heel has rounded toe, metallic sock with printed detail. tedbaker.com

OSCAR DE LA RENTA – Resin Flower Necklace. oscardelarenta.com

ELAINE TURNER – Kathleen Butter Leather Crossbody. elaineturner.com

TRINA TURK New Bonita Dress in a bold Sea Cove print. lanvin.com

KATE SPADE – Carmelita Heel has 4’’ rope covered heel. katespade.com TED BAKER – From the summer collection, Aryanna, a natural kingdom playsuit has floral detail, contrast pink trim and is made from recycled material. tedbaker.com

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LANVIN – Luxurious “CUFF” is made of glass and brass. lanvin.com

Multi-Stone Mosaic Ring is solid bronze with a faceted blue topaz, multicolored opal mosaic cabochon, and blue agate quartz. bergdorfgoodman.com

PINK OPAL EARRINGS – Jessie Lane combines natural woods, stones and elements with the delicate beauty of rough cut diamonds. jessielane.com

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Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty

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Astros Pitching Coach Doug Brocail Delighted with his lovely daughters, Doug Brocail knows a thing — or five — about fatherhood #26 Doug Brocail

By Melanie Saxton e played professional baseball right out of high school and traveled the country as a pitcher, first with the San Diego Padres and then the Detroit Tigers. He pitched in 61 games for the Texas Rangers before heading back to the Padres. Then Houston came calling and Doug Brocail signed on as a pitcher with the Astros. In 2011 he was hired as the Astros pitching coach. By this time he and Lisa, his wife of over two decades, had planted roots in the outskirts of Houston — Missouri City, to be precise.

Team Brocail Pressures in the field, on the road or in the bullpen are one thing. Daughters are another. Brocail absolutely loves being the father of five girls, all born within a dozen-year span. His unique career has come with sacrifice, for it requires time spent away from home… but not the cellphone. To this day he keeps it handy, for communication comes first and foremost, especially when navigating the teen years.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

“Lisa has the hard job,” says Brocail, who travels frequently to away games. “When Lisa is gone, I’ve tried to be single dad and ended up calling my mom.” At times he’s raised his daughters over phone. It’s not easy being a long-distance disciplinarian, but it comes with the career in Major League baseball, something sports families understand all too well. Face time is precious, especially with his older daughters leaving the nest. “Daddy got a raise — two girls with jobs,” says Brocail, noting the bittersweet departure of his two oldest from college and career. Firstborn Taylor is 23, who attended Blinn and is a Realtor. McKinzie is 21, works in public relations and recently graduated from Sam Houston State University. Madisyne, 19, graduated from Elkins High School and is enrolled at University of Houston. Camdyn is 15 and in high school. Parker is 12 and in junior high. Now the older girls have their own independent schedules to coordinate. Gone are the days when the whole family could converge

at Minute Maid Park at the drop of a hat. The younger girls miss their big sisters, but some things never change, like trips to the great outdoors with Dad. Brocail enjoys his fair share of hunting and fishing, often taking his daughters with him to a deer lease. “My girls are wellrounded,” he says. He didn’t have to have boys “just because,” and feels blessed to have daughters.The outdoor memorymaking adventures bind them together. A Busy Dad At 6 feet 5 inches tall, Brocail is an imposing figure — but he’s quick to smile and is a community volunteer. Through the years he’s been a “not-so-fat” Santa at the ASTROrdinary Clubhouse Christmas party, which hosted the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. He’s welcomed a group from Sunshine Kids to Minute Maid Park for a pregame meet and greet. He visited with family members at the HomeAid Houston “Feast of Thanks.” Lisa was among the Houston Astros wives who posed for the SNAPshots Calendar to benefit SNAP, an organization that enables pet owners to give their animals free and low-cost services. The Brocails count their own pets as family members — four cats and a dog. As a strong supporter of military members and their families, Brocail has spent much time with military families. “On Sundays, Drayton McLane played military music and invited military families on the field. Interacting with them was a life-changer,” he says. He hosted two shows for the television show Veteran Outdoors, which airs on the Sportsman Channel every Monday evening at 7:30 CST. Veteran Outdoors is a nonprofit organization that surprises wounded veterans with their dream hunting and fishing adventures. On one special episode Brocail surprised veteran Tim Seckel and his son Grant on their first father/son hunt. “What an awesome experience!” says Brocail. “After all, I got to play a game for a living because of what these guys do. It’s always touched my heart.”

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A Baseball Career As a testament to Brocail’s love of baseball, his youngest daughters, Camdyn and Parker, were named in honor of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Born Douglas Keith Brocail on May 16, 1967, Brocail attended Lamar High School in Lamar, Colorado and won All-State honors in football, basketball, and baseball. He was the first round draft pick of the San Diego Padres in 1986, but didn’t debut in the major leagues until 1992 because of injuries he suffered in the minor leagues. Hit-steal-win feats are a rarity in baseball, but Brocail is one of four Padres pitchers to have hit and stolen a base during a game (his accomplishment occurred in 1993). He’s experienced other historic moments, such as playing the last game at Tiger Stadium in 1999 before the Tigers moved to Comerica Park. Through the course of his career, he endured two Tommy John surgeries and numerous elbow clean-outs and a shoulder reconstruction… and more trips to the disabled list than he’d like to remember. At 38 he had a close call, undergoing angioplasty twice after feeling sluggish during Spring Training. When he sneezed, he felt a pain in his shoulder. Was it allergies? Was it a reaction to the medication he was taking for an abscessed tooth? Though he was clocking 90 mph on the radar gun, there was a heaviness in his chest and he was exhausted. Perhaps it was asthma — something he’s coped with since junior high. His family has a history of heart problems, but that thought didn’t register until the doctors found a 99 percent blockage of the left anterior descending artery, one of three coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. Although his injuries were hard on Lisa, she and the children rallied around Brocail, and still do. Thankfully, he’s healthy and happy. He looks forward to all of his younger children attending college one day like their sisters, finding their own career paths and pursuing what they love. As one of the luckiest fathers around, he’ll continue to enjoy his home life and coaching career, and looks forward to another Father’s Day. l

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A Majestic Home in Memorial TEXT BY MELANIE SAXTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY ZVONKOVIC

ust a bit off the beaten path in the heart of Memorial is the expansive home of Roger and Debbie Clemens. The view from their gated entrance reveals breathtaking architecture spanning over 10,000 square feet — a masterpiece of red brick that surrounds the exterior, but also finds its way into the kitchen. This use of brick inside and outside the home adds a certain warmth and reflects Debbie's aesthetic — coziness and comfort in the midst of a busy life. Debbie is first and foremost, a wife and the mother of four boys, who grew up in their Memorial home. Their youngest, Kody, attends Memorial High School. Second son Kory is the “creative child” and a chef who is opening Katch 22, a restaurant in Houston. Their third, Kacy, is college bound (University of Texas). Koby, the oldest, is a catcher for the Sugar Land Skeeters minor league baseball team. This is the only home any of her children can remember, although Debbie and Roger lived in Katy in the ’80s when the older boys were babies. At that time, Roger was known as the “Katy Rocket” and played for the Boston Red Sox. His steady rise as a baseball pitcher and their desire to raise their boys on acreage had them looking at

THESE PAGES: USA, State of Texas, Memorial High School and University of Texas flags greet visitors. ˙ On the day of this photo shoot, the Clemens family was coordinating a red and white celebration for Memorial High School athletes. The Labrador, Cy, is on "patrol," adopted during a Memorial High School fundraiser. ˙ A circular driveway leads to this luxurious Memorial home. ˙ A formal but comfortable living area includes a stunning water feature against the far wall, adding an element of serenity to their fast-paced lives.

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Roger and Debbie Clemensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; estate was

designed for outdoor living and indoor comfort

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THESE PAGES: On one side of the formal living area, a dark green marble fireplace ascends to the ceiling. ˙ The Clemens family, in their 2012 Christmas portrait, posed with Longhorns to commemorate the season — and their ties to University of Texas. Photo by Hallie Keller. ˙ A grand entrance is submerged in natural light. The marble landing leads to double staircases and descends into a stunning interior.

HALLIE KELLER

property, ultimately in a serene enclave in the Memorial area. They settled in an ideal location, large enough to host a variety of guests and eventually accommodate team gatherings for their sons’ friends and coaches. Roger and Debbie created their home with a sense of community in mind. Over the years they hosted charity events, baseball clinics and practices for youth from neighboring churches and organizations. It’s a busy household, and the family spends a good deal of time outdoors. They enjoy cooking on the patio, and although the backyard bustles with activity, a sense of scenic serenity meets the eye. Cy, a friendly Labrador, and Rocket, a Jack Russell Terrier, patrol the yard along with their loyal grounds crew who have tended their property for years.

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Walking Distance At just under three acres, the property has a distinct flow. From the curvature of the driveway to the interesting architecture of adjacent buildings on the property, the layout requires physical movement. “I get a workout just walking back and forth on the grounds,” says Debbie’s mother, Jan Wilde, who is the director of the Roger Clemens Foundation and the coordinator of many of the family’s events. A detached music studio is accessed by walking from the front entrance or out through the multi-car garage. One end of the structure is constructed in a circular shape, originally built to store Roger’s motorcycles. He converted the space for use as an entertainment retreat which displays dozens of wall-mounted guitars owned or autographed by famous musicians. Fitted with an electric keyboard, electric drum set and four microphones, it is an ideal place for karaoke. The Jack Russell terrier often “sings” along with Roger. French doors open to an immense backyard. A stone patio flows down and around a beauti-

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THESE PAGES: Brick coordinates with wall finishes and molding painted in soft metallic hues. The dining area was designed to be spacious, yet warm and inviting. ˙ The kitchen has its own unique charm, designed with cooking and baking in mind. A floating island accommodates food preparation, and a bar area in brick has overhead cupboards of glass and wood, displaying family treasures. ˙ At the far end of the gym are lounge chairs customized with the famed UT burnt orange and white and the iconic Longhorn mascot, where athletes can relax after a workout and enjoy watching sports and playing games. ˙ On what used to be a tennis court, a gym was constructed with a basketball court and pitching mound. A large mural of baseball athletes in action is a focal point in the gym. A University of Texas longhorn embellishes the wood floors. ˙ The gym includes a game room with a unique horse-racing gaming system that enables players to raise colts, train and race them.

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As the boys grew older, Roger replaced the tennis court with a massive gym, complete with basketball hoops, pitcher’s mound, weight equipment, bleachers, batting cage, whirlpool tubs and a game room. ful heated pool, and continues into pathways leading to various buildings, including the pool house. Inside there is a mounted display of deer heads and antlers bagged during hunting expeditions. To feminize the space, Debbie had the kitchen area tiled in bright colors, mixing greens and turquoise and vibrant hues to compliment the festively painted table and chairs. Acrylic barstools provide additional seating. The building also functions as a lounge and guest quarters, equipped with amenities for family gatherings. Far back on the property is a wooden fort built for the boys. It boasts a deck strategically structured around a large tree and is home to a popcorn maker, air conditioner unit and a few remnants from the boys’ earlier years. Although her children have outgrown it, this is the perfect playhouse for future grandchildren… “When that day arrives,” says Debbie. As the boys grew older, Roger replaced the tennis court with a massive gym, complete with basketball hoops, pitcher’s mound, weight equipment, bleachers, batting cage, whirlpool tubs and a game room. The entire family is athletic and uses the equipment routinely. Roger and Debbie are both fitness aficionados. “I believe my fitness routine should be varied, but most importantly fun,” Debbie says, and includes a fitness page on her website with tips for staying in shape at any age. Style and Design Debbie designed the interior of her home with help of her mother Jan, or “Nana,” as Roger calls her. They purchased the furniture, lovingly appointed each room, and attended to the details, hiring

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THESE PAGES: The exterior of the music studio is round, adding a unique design element to a family gathering place. Guitars fill the space, commemorating the careers of some of the biggest names in music. ˙ Leading to the third floor is artwork hung on the mirrored stairwell, with images of Debbie and Roger hidden in each piece. Some are framed in neon, popping with color and complementing the neon sign hanging above their home theater. ˙ The second floor hallway displays Roger’s jerseys and a wonderful collection of bats given to him by friends and colleagues throughout his career.

specialists and craftsmen for special touches. With the help of a custom designer, Debbie had area rugs made to order and displays them throughout the three-story home. Two bronze limited edition sculptures stand in the main entrance of the house, Être “Emerald Vase” and Être “Lovers and Idol,” each nestled on a column pedestal on either end of the double doors. Two fine oil on canvas 82-inch by 60-inch paintings, also located in the entrance, depict cathedral scenes, both painted by European artist Lentowski. Debbie had a vision for the soaring columns in the entrance, preferring unusual smooth round bases. Arched doorways lead throughout the home, each inlaid with tile. In fact, stone and tile work compel the eye and unify the flow from room to room. The foyer ceiling, also tiled, showcases an exquisite chandelier. A “serenity wall” in the formal living room has a tiled backdrop and a soothing waterfall which evokes a calm atmosphere. At the opposite end, a magnificent dark green marble fireplace draws attention, a work of art in itself. A collection of precious stones, minerals and gems is spread across coffee tables and the mantle, completing the theme. Throughout the home, Debbie chose warm tones for the wall treatments and soft metallic hues for the trim and moldings, which is especially striking in the formal dining room. Accessible from the kitchen and the main room, the space features a large dining room table and upholstered chairs which can easily accommodate their large family and friends. The room has notable artistic touches, including entry glass panels by Andrea Smith — “Perfect Balance” — made of star fire crystal and measuring

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61 inches by 47 inches each. The “Mother & Child” pastel on paper on the wall is also by Andrea Smith. Standing at the end of the room is an urn of hand cut crystal, enhanced with 24 kt gold overlay and ormolu trim, purchased from the Metropolitan Fine Arts & Antiques in New York City. The light and airy kitchen is filled with appliances meant for serious cooking and baking — a necessity in a busy household filled with hungry boys and their friends. Bright ceramics peep from behind glass and wood cupboards above the bar, and a festive curio cabinet sits to the side, blending fun and functionality in a popular gathering place. The master bedroom is a grand retreat for the couple featuring a quartzite fireplace and a large circular tub. A generous sitting area, luxurious bedding and tranquil colors are punctuated by gold accents on the bed frame and furniture. One of Debbie’s favorite rooms in the house is a guest bedroom designated for her mother. With four boys, she was kept busy decorating in masculine themes. This feminine boudoir, frilly and filled with the dolls her mother collected for her, was a welcome change. Fun and Memorabilia “Fun” is a theme throughout the Clemens home. A sports memorabilia, or “game” room holds many treasures accumulated from an outstanding career spent in the spotlight. Autographed balls, special gifts from friends, and photographs of sports legends, celebrities and politicians fill display cases and spark conversation. Many fond memories and a few historic accomplishments, such as the seven Cy Young awards mounted above the fireplace, attest to Roger’s career in Major League baseball. A collection of hundreds of Roger’s bats lines one hallway on the second floor, most given to him by and autographed by his colleagues. Photographs of the family and famous friends line the wall leading up the stairs, a mix of exciting and precious moments captured over the decades.

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THESE PAGES: Roger’s gameroom holds his baseball memorabilia and mementos. His seven Cy Young Awards hang above the fireplace, and glass-enclosed cases display a collection of autographed balls, hats and photographs. ˙ The third-floor home theater is complete with a neon box office sign and comfortable leather seats. ˙ A vintage guest bath features a charming tiled mural. ˙ The boys’ custom-built fort has a round outdoor deck built around a tree. ˙ The master bedroom is a relaxing retreat, with a spacious sitting area and quartzite fireplace. Gold finishes on the furniture complement the soft metallic hues in the moldings and warm finishes on the walls. ˙ One special bedroom has fanciful and feminine touches, and holds Debbie's favorite dolls.

The family’s third floor movie theater is comfortable with leather seats and snuggle blankets — a favorite hangout for the boys and their friends. Debbie and Roger enjoy watching each of their sons cultivate their own interests and career paths. Academics are important, and the home includes study areas and all the technology needed for homework and projects. Extracurricular activities are important as well, and these busy parents

attend Kody’s games at Memorial High and Koby’s games at Constellation Field, rooting for the home teams. Now they’ll be visiting University of Texas as Kacy begins his college career. And they’ll dine at Katch 22, Kory’s new restaurant. It’s not easy watching the inevitable departure of their children from the nest, but “there’s no place like home,” especially one filled with lifelong childhood memories and achievements. l

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I N T E R I O R

D E TA I L S

Decorating Tips for Every Room Instant changes from accessories to window treatments make a refreshing difference

ecorating spruce-ups do not have to involve a lot of time or expense when you follow these inventive tips from Sally Morse, Director of Creative Services for Hunter Douglas, North America’s largest and most successful manufacturer of custom window fashions, and the design expert featured on hunterdouglas.com, to give an instant uplift to every room in your house:

LIVING ROOMS Refresh your living room with slipcovers in light, washable fabrics. Morse suggests bringing standard slipcovers to a monogram shop where you can add your initials, a family crest or motto to give them a custom look. Lighten up that dark fireplace with the addition of some pale wood strung with lights

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas feature a patented honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb construction that protects against summer heat gain and winter heat loss. A new semi-sheer fabric is used on the skylight. The Top-Down /Bottom-Up design option lowers from the top for privacy and a view, and raises from the bottom.

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Silhouette® window shadings from Hunter Douglas feature soft fabric vanes suspended between two sheer facings.

and replace pictures with groupings of mirrors to add reflected light to a room. Take down heavy draperies and bring the outdoors in with Hunter Douglas Silhouette® window shadings. Featuring soft fabric vanes suspended between two sheer facings, this window fashion allows you to have your view and even with the vanes open, filter out a significant portion of harmful UV rays. BEDROOMS To refresh your bedroom, Morse suggests new bedding to make the room seem like it belongs in a luxurious boutique hotel. Add some pillows in a variety of sizes anchored by a bolster. Top the bed with a lightweight blanket or pretty sheet and roll a comforter at the foot to have on hand for chilly evenings. Morse also recommends adding some “green” to your rooms with new bamboo fabrics that offer great softness and

moisture absorption, making them an especially great choice for summer. According to Morse, a new coat of paint is one of the quickest and most dramatic decorating uplifts. Bring home those tranquil colors from a seaside vacation, especially the soft blue/greens at the point where the sky meets the sea. As psychologists advise that we sleep better in a dark room, add some roomdarkening window treatments. Pirouette® window shadings are available in two opacities — semi-opaque and room-darkening — in a delightful array of textured fabrics and colors. This innovative window fashion resembles a hobbled Roman shade, but features soft horizontal fabric vanes attached to a sheer backing that open into soft contoured folds for an enhanced view and slide into a flattened position for excellent light blockage — and a good night’s sleep, especially in the room-darkening option.

BATHROOMS Morse suggests turning your master bath into a spa with the addition of piles of white towels, scented candles and a fresh coat of paint. And don’t forget the “fifth” wall… if you choose white for the walls try painting the ceiling sky blue. To have privacy plus a real sky view in your bath select a window fashion with a Top-Down/Bottom-Up design option such as Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades. This product features a patented h o n e yc o m b - w i t h i n - a - h o n e yc o m b construction for more air pockets than traditional honeycomb shades. It dramatically increases insulating R-values (resistance to heat flow) in colder months and offers impressive Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC) ratings to cut cooling costs in warmer months. It is also the only window shade without add-on insulation systems to qualify for the Federal Energy Tax Credit. HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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Silhouette® window shadings from Hunter Douglas filter out most of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

KITCHENS Don’t be afraid of adding color to your kitchen, Morse advises. She reports that the recent addition of a black glass backsplash to her counters sets off other colors and adds space by creating an optical illusion of infinity. Something as simple as changing your kitchen towels can add color and “spice” to a kitchen. At the windows, consider the addition of Heritance® hardwood shutters. These custom-crafted shutters add architectural interest to a room, are easy to maintain and are now available in more colors than ever. DINING ROOMS To dress up your dining room, get your silver, mercury glass and china out from the cupboard and put it on display. Add an area rug and change the shades on lamps and ceiling fixtures. Sheer shades will create a soft translucent light. Put all lighting on dimmers so that you can be the movie director of your meals! For summer don’t forget natural light. Now is a good time to send heavy draperies to the dry cleaner or replace them all together with a more versatile window fashion like Silhouette window shadings, or Luminette® Privacy Sheers, a product similar to Silhouette shadings but on the vertical. MEDIA ROOMS A media room now is perhaps the most popular new room in the house. To make yours seem like a movie theater, take some tips from Morse and add movie posters (available on the Internet) and a popcorn machine. Be sure to have opaque window coverings. An excellent choice is Vignette® Modern Roman Shades, a dramatically improved innovation on the traditional Roman shade available in everything from seersucker to satin weaves, with PowerRise® motorization which can now be operated with the Platinum™ App. This technology allows users to operate their window coverings — by activity, by room, by time of day — for on-demand control over incoming light, privacy, security and energy efficiency. Simple, customized slider bars, specific to the type of Hunter Douglas

motorized window fashion being controlled, make shade control easy. Duette Architella honeycomb shades in an opaque fabric with PowerRise with the Platinum App are another option. Both of these products also offer high sound absorption ratings. CHILDREN’S ROOMS Follow Morse’s tips for children’s rooms to better organize the space, eliminate clutter and provide the kids with a room they’ll want to spend time in. For an inexpensive headboard that also has shelf space, Morse suggests painting a ladder in bright colors. And brighten up standard white or wood-tone storage units with brightly colored paint or fun decals. Decorate the walls to reflect your child’s special interests — hang a tutu on the wall for a budding ballerina and for your little league star create a window valance with a bat. Make curtains from blue denim and add giant red pockets where your little leaguer can stash his treasure instead of heaping them on the floor! A glue gun can transform an inexpensive lamp into something personal and pretty with the addition of bright buttons. To address the hazards to young children that can be posed by window covering cords, Hunter Douglas has pioneered safety at the window with the LiteRise® cordless lifting system as well single-cord lift systems, cord stops, cord tensioners, wand/cord controls and other safety options. HOME OFFICE As many people today are working at home some or all of the time, chances are you need a home office. but frequently that space has to serve more than one purpose. Morse advises adding a sleep sofa so your office can also serve as a guest room. Here again she suggests using paint to personalize standard storage units. Add family photos and a comfortable chair to make your home office seem more residential and less commercial. That way work won’t seem so tough. With these tips, your home will have an instant uplift for summer and beyond.l HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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Arts & Antiques by Dr. Lori Collecting Antique Motorcycles o some, a motorcycle is just a vehicle. To motorcycle enthusiasts, collectors, and historians, motorcycles are so much more. After pioneers moved westward in Conestoga wagons and encountered tribes of Native Americans, motorcycles became vital to settling the Wild West. At a time when areas of the country were referred to simply as “Indian Territory” (such as the state of Oklahoma prior to 1906), the motorcycle offered a groundbreaking advancement in technology. In the early 1900s, the two most popular American brands were Harley Davidson and Indian. Of course, Harley Davidson continued into the 21st century and documented a long and important history among the ranks of great American industries. The Indian brand, a firm that produced motorbikes and motorcycles, including the classic Indian Chief model until 1954, was known for highly stylized bikes that could get the job done in grand style. Inventors William Harley and brothers, Arthur and Walter Davidson launched their now world famous motorcycle company in 1903. However, one of the first production motorcycles was made by Harley Davidson, circa 1905. It was a single cylinder motor mounted to a reinforced bicycle frame that is credited with winning the old west. On this 1905 Harley, the rider would have to pedal very fast to get the motor running. Once the motor was engaged, the rider would have to be satisfied with a top speed of 25 mph. When you were relying on the vehicle to take on dirt roads and rough terrain, a top speed of 25 mph was just fine. Harley only made 16 of these models in 1905, adding to its rarity in today’s collectors market. Just like other collectibles, vintage motorcycles drive their market based on visual appeal, background or provenance (who once owned the bike), race history, technological innovation, and originality. Some tips for newcomers to the world of motorcycle collecting: numbers on the frame and the engine should match. Experts can tell when a serial number has been ground down and re-stamped and too much shine and sparkle may mean too much restoration and that could be a bad thing. Pay attention to the details as they can cost you big bucks. You might be surprised to learn that sales for antique (pre1912) or vintage motorcycles have nearly doubled in the last decade. That’s right, not only are motorcycle enthusiasts serious about their bikes but they are spending serious money collecting motorcycles. For about $10,000 you can get a 1950s Triumph -- the kind of motorcycle made famous by Brando in The Wild One film — and be the envy of your friends. American motorcycles from the pre-1920s era command high prices today. And many collectors also want BMW motorcycles from the same era. A traditional 1920s BMW ride will sell for upwards of $75,000 and the market is only getting

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

Harley-Davidson motorcycle, circa 1905

more competitive. And it has been noted that Italian bikes have it all. If you are looking for an artful motorcycle, consider the Ducati 916. Looking back, a rare 1907 Harley strap tank with original paint stunned collectors when it brought $175,000 at an auction a few years ago. Its seller had the bike tucked away in a Nebraska barn for nearly a century. Custom brands with a cult following like Indian, Cyclone, and Excelsior attract tried and true collectors too. If you are true motorcycle aficionado and want to partake in the love affair with the motorcycle, consider the one that highlights the icon ride’s impact. Rev those engines. l

Dr. Lori Star Appraiser on the hit TV show Auction Kings on Discovery Channel. Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and awardwinning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents appraisal events nationwide. Watch Dr. Lori appraise antiques on Discovery’s hit TV show, Auction Kings airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. Central time. Learn about your antiques at www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010. Visit her Facebook at: Facebook.com/DoctorLori

Sig 3 40-52 Hou June 13_Layout 1 5/13/13 3:08 PM Page 45

H O M E

I M P R OV E M E N T S

Before You Buy Hardwood Flooring Seven tips for savvy shopping By Sandra Meineke

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Armstrong Floor Products has introduced Midtown, an innovative hardwood floor that is superior to traditional solid or engineered wood flooring. The collection features eight different colors in 5-inch wide Oak, Maple and Walnut planks with a low gloss that enhances the woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural characteristics.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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Chelsea Birch hardwood from Mannington.

ou’ve decided to go both timeless and timely with a beautiful new hardwood floor for your home. Congratulations! But before you hand over that credit card or sign that check, you should review these important steps towards a smart purchase:

Species Each species of hardwood comes with its own unique characteristics. Color is determined by the species and from which part of the tree the wood is cut. Grain pattern is determined by the species and how the wood is cut. Natural variations in the color and grain are to be expected. Similar to natural stone, these variations combine

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

to create your floor’s unique natural beauty. Pre-Finished Pre-finished hardwood floors come already sanded, screened and stained from highly efficient manufacturing plants. Multiple coats of urethane are sprayed on the hardwood boards, which are then UV dried to create a lasting finish. (UV drying isn’t something that can be done at home.) Pre-finished hardwood floors can be screened and recoated in your home to rejuvenate their finish and revitalize their natural beauty. Finish in Place The term “finish in place” refers to

having unfinished hardwood installed, sanded, stained and then finished with 2-3 coats of urethane right there in your home. Finishing in place can take a lot more time than installing pre-finished boards — and can make quite a mess. But the result is a level of customization and uniqueness that can’t be found on any store shelf. Dust If you decide to go with a finish in place floor, it’s important to consider that your floor will not be dust-free, as it’s impossible to create a “dust free” environment in your home. It’s inevitable that some dust will fall onto the freshly applied topcoat of urethane finish. You may also discover ➝

Sig 3 40-52 Hou June 13_Layout 1 5/13/13 3:08 PM Page 47

Glamour Flooring

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HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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HOUSTON ADVERTISING

THE SLIDING DOOR COMPANY

TEXAS CUSTOM PATIOS They custom design and build patio covers (attached and freestanding), outdoor kitchens, screened porches, room additions, decorative patios, decks and more. The latest trends and products will transform your backyard but maintain your home’s original architecture and add value, beauty and function all year. Well known for their exceptional professionalism, seamless construction and excellent workmanship. Texas Custom Patios is a BBB Gold Star winner. Call for a free consultation or view their project portfolio online. 281-265-1994 texascustompatios.com

JOSHUA’S NATIVE PLANTS At Joshua’s you’ll find one-of-a-kind garden art and architectural relics as well as drought-tolerant evergreen succulents and cactus. Specializing in zero-care Texas native plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Check out their warehouse full of pots and planters. A thousand urns and fountains are on location. 713-862-7444

Open the door to all your space solutions using The Sliding Door Company’s signature line of residential and commercial interior sliding doors featuring modern and cost- effective room dividers, wall slide doors, closet doors, pocket and swing.713-850-0707 txslidingdoor.com 3601 W. Alabama #107, Houston

joshuasnativeplants.com 502 W. 18th Street, Houston

BLACKBIRD LANDSCAPES, LLC GALLANT GARAGE & PATIO DESOLA GLASS, ART & FRAME GALLERY Shower Yourself In Luxury...with the hottest trends in shower enclosures. Heavy frameless glass enclosures lend a clean, upscale look that is easy to maintain while greatly enhancing the look of your bathroom and therefore adding to the value of your home. DeSola Glass has become the Houston area’s #1 source for glass shower enclosures. Their beautiful showroom offers the customer a huge variety of glass and hardware styles to choose from. 713-581-8082 desolaglass.com 7770 Louetta Road, Spring

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

The premium coatings offered at Gallant Garage & Patio are the new, high-tech way to make your garage look better than new... even if your concrete slab is stained or cracked. These industrial-strength coatings are impervious to chemicals and automotive fluids. Gallant Garage coatings are also unaffected by heat, unlike do-it-yourself “garage paints,” which peel up or stick to your car tires. They have an extensive variety of standard colors, as well as custom finishes that resemble Granite or Terrazzo. Call for a free estimate. 281-762-9707 gallantgarage.com

Blackbird Landscapes designs and builds unique, modern landscapes. From pizza ovens, decks and pergolas to landscape and lighting design, Blackbird Landscapes is committed to constructing timeless, green environments. It's all possible. What can Blackbird build for you? 713-683-0206 blackbirdenvironments.com

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Armstrong’s American Scrape features richly textured solid and engineered hardwood floors, inspired by the rugged beauty of the American landscape. This special collection is offered in domestic hickory, known for its rustic character and superior hardness, and oak, an American classic.

Wood is a natural product that expands and contracts unevenly with changes in moisture and temperature. The result can be hairline cracks and/or minor variations in height or width. sanding marks, brush marks and tiny bubbles after installation is complete. If these tiny imperfections become bothersome to you, know that finish in place floors can be screened and recoated at any time to revitalize their natural beauty. Effects of Weather Wood is a natural product that expands and contracts unevenly with changes in moisture and temperature. The result can be hairline cracks and/or minor variations in height or width. If you live in a wet climate, make sure your home is well insu-

lated. If you live in a dry climate, consider the use of a whole house humidifier to minimize the effects of weather. Subfloor No subfloor is perfectly level. Hollow sounds may result when you walk on your subfloor’s dips or ridges. These imperfections do not affect the integrity or installation of hardwood floors. UV Light All hardwood floors will fade or change shades over time. Exposure to

sunlight greatly accelerates this process. Window treatments are recommended, as well as rotating area rugs and furniture regularly, to allow floors to age evenly from UV exposure. Cost The “cost per square foot” of your hardwood floor is just one aspect of the entire price tag of a new hardwoodfloor. Ask your retailer to calculate the total cost of your floor covering project. Here are some of the things he or she may include in the equation: ➝

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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HOUSTON ADVERTISING

EZ FLOORS EZ Floors has the flooring and countertops to finish any remodeling project. Luxurious carpet in the bedroom. Elegant hardwood flooring in the living and dining rooms. And timeless tile in the kitchen, bath and entry. They highly value your complete satisfaction with their products and service. Their philosophy is very simple; if you are pleased with your shopping experience, they are confident you will share it with others and continue to use EZ Floors for all your floor covering needs. 1557 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N, #110 713-465-6741 24150 Hwy. 290, #270 281-758-2980 16945 N. Eldridge Parkway, #100 281-257-5955 17111 West Road, #105 281-656-2224 5015 FM 2920, Suite A 281-288-2300 20680 Westheimer Parkway, #150 281-647-0777 ezfloorsonline.com

LONE STAR BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. The Greater Houston Builders Association named Lone Star Building & Construction Services, Inc. the Remodeler of the Year in 2008 and 2010. The National Association of Home Builders has awarded them the February 2011 "Remodeler of the Month." Lone Star Building & Construction Services offers: • 3D Design/Build • Budget Driven • Guaranteed Timely Project Completion • Fully Insured • Owned by Master Craftsman. Lone Star offers all of these and more. For more award-winning projects, visit their website. 713-522-7111 lonestarbuilding.com

SHOWER DOORS OF HOUSTON With over 25 years of experience, Shower Doors of Houston designs and installs high quality shower enclosures, custom fit to your shower or tub. No matter the design, framed or frameless, they provide the very best in products and service. They work with homeowners, builders, designers, architects and remodelers. They provide high-quality custom shower glass at a competitive price with quick and courteous installation. Call or go online for a quote or to schedule a free consultation. Shower Doors of Houston is an accredited BBB business. 281-220-6886 houstonshowerdoors.com 1660 Townhurst, Suite A, Houston

GLAMOUR FLOORING When you don’t know where to start in your kitchen, simply go to Glamour Flooring. They have a design team to take care of your backsplash, granite tops and flooring. With a large selection in their showroom, they can easily turn your dream kitchen into your actual kitchen. They also carry all the major name brands in the flooring industry. Glamour Floors has the best prices and customer service in town. Give them a try and see for yourself. Don’t forget to look through their selection of beautiful marble medallions. 832-437-4495 GlamourFlooring.com 920 South Mason Road, Katy

ENCORE LANDSCAPES Putting customer service first, Encore offers: • Professional landscape design service • Lawn maintenance/ mulching • Create flowerbeds / add seasonal color • Put in a garden / tree trimming • Outdoor lighting...adds security • Sprinkler systems / repair / drainage issues • Fountains / Natural stone borders • Driveways / pathways / steps / pavers • Patios / patio covers / arbors / pergolas Providing service to Houston, Bellaire, Tanglewood, Memorial, Memorial Villages, West University, South Side, Sugar Land, Missouri City and Stafford. Call for a free on-site consultation visit.

713-660-9974 encorelandscapes.com

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

Sig 3 40-52 Hou June 13_Layout 1 5/13/13 3:09 PM Page 51

• Furniture removal/replacement Some retailers or installers may charge to remove (and then replace) furniture in the installation areas.

Enjoy Summer at Home

• Demolition/disposal of old floor covering Unless your home is brand new, there’s probably an old floor covering that is going to need to be removed and properly disposed of. • Sub-floor preparation Depending on its condition (after removal of the old floor covering), your subfloor may need to be prepped for hardwood installation.

PATIO COVERS SCREENED PORCHES GAZEBOS OUTDOOR KITCHENS DECORATIVE PATIOS SUNROOMS

• Product delivery Delivering your hardwood may not be included in the “cost per square foot” price. • Installation There will most likely be a “cost per square foot” to install your new hard wood floor.

AND MORE

Call today to schedule a free design consultation

• Materials required to complete the installation Additional materials may be required to properly install your hardwood floor. • Financing Many retailers offer financing as an option of payment. Be sure to check the interest rate, minimum payment due and any finance charges if you choose to pay your purchase off over time.

TE AS

281-265-1994 See more ideas on our website

www.texascustompatios.com

In addition to your total project cost, annual cleanings are also recommended to maintain the beauty and life of your hardwood floor. Ask your retailer and/or consult the manufacturer’s warranty and care guide for directions on cleaning and maintenance. Courtesy of the World Floor Covering Association. l

•Custom Homes •Small Offices •Power Washing

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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A Guide to Lasting Color in Your Garden Tips to create beautiful drama by mixing and matching plants

By Lance Walheim esigning a breathtaking flower garden is a lot like composing a symphony. You mix and match plants just like the notes of a great concerto. There are moments of drama and impact followed by ones of subtle beauty and texture. Strong notes contrast with soft ones. Individual notes seem stark by themselves, but together they create beauty much greater than any of the parts. The good news is that you don’t have to be a maestro to create lasting color in your garden. Here are some tips and tricks you can use to ensure that your garden is vibrant throughout the growing season. Choose well-adapted plants and care for them properly. A great place to start is with the Texas Superstar Program, provided by Texas A&M AgriLife. Texas Superstars provides a list of plants that are highly recommended for the Texas area, giving you an idea of which plants will have the most success in your garden. The website also provides cultural information so you can blend plants that

have similar needs. Establish a color theme and stick to it. This will bring order to what often seems like a chaotic mix of bright colors. Try different flowers in shades of one color or blend complementary colors such as red and violet. For an even stronger impact, mix contrasting colors such as yellow and blue, or yellow and red. Take clues from the color of your home or hardscape to create an ensemble that will really accentuate your home and feel like a natural extension of the property. Use all kinds of plants. Nurseries and garden centers are full of flowering annuals and perennials, but don’t overlook flowering shrubs and small trees. Landscape roses in particular can form the blooming backbone of your garden. Texas A&M AgriLife will once again prove to be a valuable resource for you with its list of Earth-Kind Roses. Remember to expand your possibilities though — don’t forget bulbs like tulips and daffodils! Work the seasons. It’s easy to plan a spring garden. The bigger challenge is

to have great color throughout the growing season. Look for summer- and fallblooming plants, but also seek out trees and shrubs with great fall foliage color or brightly colored fruit. Use a touch of white. White flowers make everything else look better, so add a few if you need extra punch. Silver foliage plants like Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ can have a similar affect, and like white flowered plants, look great in gardens with night lighting. Throw in some bold foliage. Strong foliage plants like purple fountain grass, sun coleus or dusty miller contribute texture and make your garden even more striking. Let your garden evolve. Great gardens don’t happen overnight. If a particular plant isn’t working, take it out and try something new. With proper planning and ongoing maintenance, you can create a symphony of color that will be the envy of your neighborhood. Happy conducting! Lance Walheim is a Bayer Advanced garden expert and author of Landscaping for Dummies and Roses for Dummies.l

Take clues from the color of your home or hardscape to create an ensemble that will really accentuate your home and feel like a natural extension of the property. 52

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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H E A LT H

W E L L - B E I N G

Beauty IS Skin Deep Dermal fillers offer similar benefits to a facelift without the expense and downtime minimally invasive approaches in between. One of the more popular procedures, less invasive than surgery but more aggressive than any over-the-counter remedy, is dermal filler treatment. The ASAPS newsletter, Beautiful Choice, describes dermal fillers as “much like an old friend who can fill a gap or lift us up.” A wide range of dermal fillers can be injected into those crow's feet, frown lines, marionette lines, thinning lips and brow furrows, and can take years off your face. A fresh look from dermal filler treatment can boost your confidence and make you look and feel younger. What Are Dermal Fillers? Dermal fillers are substances, either natural or synthetic, that a dermatologist or plastic surgeon injects into the middle layer of skin — the dermis — to fill creases, soften wrinkles, and/or plump facial areas such as the lips and forehead. Dermal fillers have been called "liquid faces, resulting in changes to the texture

facelifts" because they offer many of the

ark Twain once said that “wrin-

and contour of our skin. These factors,

benefits of a surgical facelift without the

kles should merely indicate

along with the effects of recurrent facial

risk, recovery time, and expense of major

where smiles have been.” That

muscle movements, such as smiling and

surgery. Fillers work under the skin to

By Judy Latta

actually is true in a literal sense, but let’s

squinting, lead to dreaded lines and wrin-

replace elasticity and to plump sagginess.

be honest, most of us don’t consider wrin-

kles on our faces; the “smile lines” cele-

Dermal fillers often look more natural

kles to be a welcome sign of a happy life

brated by Twain.

well lived. Most of us look in the mirror

The good news is we don’t have to grin

than a facelift, since facelifts stretch and tighten, while fillers replenish and

and see those “smile lines” as an indica-

and bear it. Modern technology and med-

tion that we are losing the eternal battle

icine offer a plethora of options for

According to the American Society of

against the fated aging process. When we’re young, our skin is toned,

plump.

reclaiming more youthful looks. The

Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), wrinkle fillers

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic

can be divided into two categories:

elastic and smooth. Through the years,

Surgery (ASAPS) reports that in 2012 skin

Temporary, which usually last 6 to 12

the effects of sun damage, estrogen loss,

rejuvenation procedures were more pop-

months before a follow up treatment is

aging, genetics, smoking, and other

ular than ever before. These range from

needed; and Semi-Permanent, which

lifestyle and environmental factors lead

over-the-counter treatments to complex

involves more gradual, but longer-lasting

to the depletion of collagen and fat in our

surgical procedures, with a multitude of

effects. The ASPS lists the following derHOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

Sig 4 53-68 Hou June 13_Layout 1 5/13/13 3:29 PM Page 54

A D V E R T I S I N G

BASU PLASTIC SURGERY Basu Plastic Surgery is proud to announce that we are now offering Ultherapy! Ultherapy is the only FDA-approved procedure to lift skin on the neck, chin and brow! Ultherapy is a new type of non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound and the body’s own natural healing process to lift, tone, and tighten loose skin on the brow, neck, and under the chin. With Ultherapy, there’s no downtime, no foreign substances, no incisions, and no needles. Ultherapy uses the safe, time-tested energy of ultrasound to stimulate the deep structural support layers of the skin—including those typically addressed in a surgical facelift—without disturbing the surface of the skin. With Ultherapy, you can go about your day after a single, 60-90 minute inoffice procedure. You may notice a short-term “boost” but the natural process of creating new, more elastic, collagen builds over time. Call our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 713-799-2278. Gift Cards are available for purchase. Visit our Aesthetics Center at our Katy Location for Spa Treatments, Botox, Juvederm, and Radiesse.713-799-2278 basuplasticsurgery.com Texas Medical Center: 6400 Fannin, Ste. 2100 Houston Cypress: 21216 Northwest Freeway, Ste. 210 Katy: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Ste. B200

JULY ISSUE

Upcoming promotions ‰ Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology

mal fillers as the most common options

duction so results appear gradually over a

associated with each of these categories.

period of a few months.

Temporary Dermal Fillers

Semi-Permanent Dermal Fillers

Human fat harvested from your own

PMMA

(polymethylmethacrylate)

body can be used to fill facial depressions.

fillers contain about 20 percent of tiny

Using your own fat requires a more exten-

PMMA microspheres that are suspended

sive procedure than other fillers because

in 80 percent purified collagen gel. This

you first must undergo liposuction to

substance, considered to be semi-perma-

extract the fat prior to injection. You elim-

nent, can be removed. PMMA is most

inate the risk of allergic reaction or rejec-

often used to treat medium-to-deep wrin-

tion by the body by using your own fat.

kles, folds and furrows. It can also be used

Collagen is a natural substance known

to fill out pitted scars and to augment thin

as a protein, and the main component in

lips. PMMA has been used for many years

cartilage, teeth and bones. It is derived

in permanent surgical implants.

either from human skin or cows (known as bovine collagen).

Each type of dermal filler has its own

Human cadaveric dermis is skin that's

set of possible side effects, and these effects

cultivated from a cadaver, then injected

can show up at different times in the heal-

into your face.

ing process. Fortunately, there is typically

Hyaluronic acid is also a natural sub-

little pain involved with dermal filler treat-

stance found in your body. High concen-

ment and common side effects such as

trations are found in soft connective

itching, bruising, redness and swelling

tissue and in the fluid surrounding your

usually subside within a few days. Allergic

eyes. It's also in some cartilage and joint

reactions to the filler are a possibility, but

fluids, as well as skin tissue. Of the vari-

your dermatologist or plastic surgeon

ous dermal fillers, hyaluronic acid is cur-

should test for allergies prior to beginning

rently used most often.

the treatment. Infections can occur, but

Calcium hydroxylapatite, the heavi-

they are rare and typically easily treatable.

est of facial fillers, is found naturally in

Any other risks are minimal, and your der-

‰ Med Spas

human bones. This mineral-like com-

matologist or plastic surgeon will discuss

pound is reserved to fill the deepest

them with you prior to making decisions

‰ Medical Profiles

creases. It's also used to enhance fullness

on treatment.

Ask about our FREE ADVERTORIAL OFFER with Ad Purchase For Advertising Information, contact your sales representative or call 281.240.2445 ext. 128 www.houstonlifestyles.com

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that in 2012 skin rejuvenation procedures were more popular than ever before.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

of the cheeks and other facial contours.

With so many options, which dermal

Polylactic acid is a synthetic material.

filler is best for you? It depends on your

When it is injected, it stimulates the

personal needs and priorities. Are you

body's own production of collagen. This

seeking natural results, dramatic change,

substance is known to work particularly

long-lasting effects, affordability? Each

well in the lower half of your face to fill

type of filler is different with diverse pros

the lines caused by laughing, to augment

and cons. Do a little research on your own,

thin lips and fill out deep folds. This sub-

and then consult your dermatologist or

stance is unlike other dermal fillers

cosmetic surgeon for a professional assess-

because it doesn't produce immediate

ment of your options based your unique

results. Instead, it stimulates collagen pro-

skin type, priorities, and budget. l

Sig 4 53-68 Hou June 13_Layout 1 5/13/13 3:29 PM Page 55

Meet Miss Houston 2013 Law school student Zoe Cadore heads for the state pageant in June By Don Mainer oe Cadore, who just completed her first year at the University of Houston Law Center, is Miss Houston 2013. The 23-year-old beauty, a 2007 graduate of Bay City High School, hopes to follow in the footsteps of another law student, the reigning Miss Texas, Danae Couch, by claiming the state crown. Cadore, a 2011 cum laude graduate of Spelman College who lives on campus at UH, will compete at the 78th annual Miss Texas Scholarship Pageant June 29July 6 at the John Q. Ham mons Center, 210 East Stacy Road, in Allen. The winner will represent the Lone Star State at this year’s Miss America competition at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. Finals of the pageant will be telecast live Sunday, Sept. 15 on ABC-TV. At the Miss Houston pageant, where Cadore won the interview competition, a judge asked her a question that she gets asked a lot: “You do so much. When do you sleep?” Cadore’s reply: “I’ll sleep when I die!” She laughed, “I’ve gone straight to work from an appearance, without time to change out of a gown.” In addition, Cadore explained, “My classmates see me at the law school studying late at night. They see me on Facebook with all of my events. People see me running around so much. I probably don’t sleep as much as most people.” Judges at Miss Houston were convinced that Cadore had shown up ready to roll up her sleeves and work, said the

Cadore also partners with KIPP Public Charter Schools, Children’s Miracle Network, Ronald McDonald House and the Jewish Community Center. In April, Cadore was named to “Who’s Who in Black Houston,” and she was the keynote speaker at Authentikos 2013, which was sponsored by Holman Street Baptist Church. “I spoke to girls about loving yourself and living with authenticity through faith,” said Cadore, the daughter of Dr. Judith Martin Cadore of Houston. “I told them how I had entered pageants in college, but I didn’t win, so I thought I was done. Lo and behold, I won Miss Houston. Everything has a time and place. If it is not the right time, it is not going to happen, but that does not mean you should give up on your dream. It’s about patience.” As a classically trained dancer and actress, Cadore has performed in more 300 productions including The Bluest Eye, directed by Jasmine Guy. Her choreography was featured at The Alliance Theater in Atlanta. Cadore interned for U.S. Rep Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston) and Georgia State Rep. Nikki Randal. A former Teen Court attorney in Matagorda County, Cadore worships at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in downtown Houston. She is a member of the UH law school’s mock trial team, the Houston Area Urban League and Houston Young Professionals for the Arts. For more information about the Miss Houston Organization, contact executive director Sheila Milner at happymil@aol.com. Visit misstexas.org for further information about Miss Texas and Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen scholarship competitions. l

Zoe in one of her lovely pageant gowns at Hermann Park.

pageant’s director, Sheila Milner. “I probably get that from Sheila,” said Cadore. Milner, who owns Dancezone in Missouri City, also directs Miss Houston’s Outstanding Teen and the Miss and Teen contestants who represent Harris County, Sugar Land and The Woodlands. Among Cadore’s recent activity has been promoting her platform, Home is Where the HeART Is. “It’s a mentoring program that inspires and supports homeless children through the arts,” said Cadore, a 2011 cum laude graduate of Spelman College in musical theater. While rehearsing a contemporary ballet performance to “Por Una Cabeza” for the talent competition at Miss Texas, Cadore has taught free dance classes for children at Star of Hope, the Christ-centered community dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women and their children

Cadore’s platform is Home is Where the HeART Is. “It’s a mentoring program that inspires and supports homeless children through the arts,” said Cadore, a 2011 cum laude graduate of Spelman College in musical theater. HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

Sig 4 53-68 Hou June 13_Layout 1 5/14/13 11:31 AM Page 56

A Tribute to Paul Boesch Paul Boesch became synonymous with Houston Wrestling

announcer and promoter, Boesch retired in 1987 and was honored by a sold-out crowd of 12,000 Houston fans at the Paul Boesch Retirement Show. His good friend, then-Vice President George H. W. Bush, sent a telegram praising Boesch’s accomplishments. Boesch passed away in 1989, leaving his musically gifted son Joey and devoted wife Valerie to preserve his memory, along with the organizations he influenced and supported. “I can't believe he would be 100 years old,” says Valerie, noting that her husband was born in Brooklyn in 1912. He was posthumously inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2005, and the National Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2012. From the Paul Boesch Library,

GeorGe Smith & Stan Callahan and indyFanatiCS.Com

By Melanie Saxton any people may remember the glory days of the 1980s when the name Paul Boesch became synonymous with Houston Wrestling, one of the most popular promotions at that time. A legion of fans as varied as housewives, youngsters, businessmen and athletes followed along, looking forward to weekly viewings of Friday night wrestling. Some attended actual matches at the Sam Houston Col iseum to see the outrageous antics — a blend of skill and performance. Wrestlers from Mid South Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation, Uni versal Wrestling Federation, and World Class Championship Wrestling appeared on Boesch's show, making it a ratings hit. Boesch became a wrestler in 1932 and developed his famous “cauli-

After 55 exciting years as a wrestler, announcer and promoter, Boesch retired in 1987 and was honored by a sold-out crowd of 12,000 Houston fans. flower ears,” a testament to time spent in the ring. This was a fairly common condition among wrestlers and boxers, caused by blows to the ear. He appeared at professional matches across the U.S. and internationally, including Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the Philippines. Then came 1942 and World War II. Boesch enlisted in the Army and fought the Nazis in France and Germany. He became a decorated war hero earning a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the French Croix de Guerre. His broadcasting career began in the 1950s on KHTVChannel 39, and he made good use of his wrestling background, knowing firsthand what it was like to be inside the ring. After 55 exciting years as a wrestler,

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

NWA President Bruce Tharpe and NWA Vice President Chris Ronquillo announced that they would pay tribute to Boesch as a pioneer of Texas wrestling. A “Parade of Champions” brought in NWA wrestlers from around the country for a one-night celebration on April 20. “Everyone at the National Wrestling Alliance would like to thank our incredible fans, the sponsors who helped make this possible, and the Boesch family for entrusting us to carry on the legacy of Houston Wrestling,” says Tharpe. It is likely that Boesch would be proud and pleased that the NWA is a presence in Houston, pulling in new fans. Visit nwahouston.com to find dates for matches in Houston and CyFair, more information on the organization, and details about the Paul Boesch tribute. l

The poster by BDM Designs is a collage of all but four wrestlers who wrestled at the Boesch tribute. Paul Boesch is the central black and white figure. At top right is "Ironman" Rob Conway; top left is "The Masterpiece" Chris Masters. Below Masters are Scot Summers and Ryan Genesis, a tag team known as the "Kingz of the Underground." They wrestled the two men on the right below Conway, Lance Archer and Davey Boy Smith Jr., known as the "Killer Elite Squad." To the left of Paul's ear is "One Man" Mike Dell; on his right ear is Ray Rowe. Wearing a Canada jacket with the belt on his shoulder is the "Canadian Lion" Lance Erikson. In the black cap wearing a "BOW" t-shirt is "Godzilla" Jax Dane. Across the bottom, l-r: "Addictive and Expensive" Byron Wilcott; Tokyo Monster Kahagas; "The Texas Prodigy" Houston Carson and "The Xperience" Damien Wayne. v (L-R): R. Bruce Tharpe, President of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA); James Beard, a legendary Texas referee; and Chris Ronquillo, Vice President of the NWA and the Houston promoter who put on the Boesch tribute event.

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N E W

AU T O S

By Kelly Foss; MyCarData.com

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CABRIO TDI Starting price: about $20,000

he roots of the Volkswagen Beetle date back to 1938 Germany. The original was produced with limited change until 2003. It was replaced by the New Beetle in 1997. The second generation of the New Beetle was introduced last year and the car continues to develop and evolve. The current Beetle is actually the largest ever. Whereas the previous model was very round, the current model has a more sinister look, something a man won’t mind being seen in. The design and shape of the Beetle is dictated by its past but VW has masterfully built an engaging, modern vehicle within those confines. Beetles today are more fully developed and the variety of models available is quite impressive. Basically VW offers the Beetle in either a hard top which they call the Coupe, or the Convertible. Beyond that there are special editions. The Fender Edition, named after the guitar manufacturer and not the automotive bit that goes

over the tire, has a special look and an upscale audio system. There are also ’50s, ’60s and ’70s versions of the convertibles. The interior is also highly styled. Gone is the little artificial flower holder reminiscent of the hippie days of yore. The current interior is clean, interesting and very cool. The seating is great, it has ample room and amenities like navigation and premium audio systems are available. My test car was a Convertible TDI, meaning that it was equipped with the 4 cylinder clean turbo diesel and a manual transmission. That’s a unique combination but it worked very well. Unlike the original Beetles, which had an air cooled engine in the back and the trunk in the front, current Beetles have the engine up front and the trunk in the rear. VW’s 2.0 TDI clean diesel is easily the most successful and popular automotive diesel on the market. It has great power, no diesel clanking noise, no bad smells and no smoke. The big benefit is fantastic

fuel economy with EPA ratings of 28 city and 41 highway. The Beetle also offers a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder and a speedy 2.0 gas turbo engine. The convertible top on the Beetle worked flawlessly and easily. A simple push of the button and the magic happens. The top when folded sits perched above and behind the rear seats just like the classic Beetle. The interior with top down was windy but not hurricane-like. A challenge for automotive designers is having a solid body structure on a convertible car but the Beetle passed that test with flying colors. Beyond the specification and the list of features that the Beetle has, I found the car fun to drive. Fun is a relative and subjective judgment and is hard to “design” into a car, yet somehow the Beetle has it. Driving the Beetle is like the automotive equivalent of eating a chocolate chip cookie. Visit MyCarData.com for more information on this model.l HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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W I N E

Moet & Chandon PHOTO BY LEIF CARLSON

A tasteful visit with a sixth-generation winemaker

Moet & Chandon winemaker Elise Losfelt.

By Denman Moody TheAdvancedOenophile.com t was my pleasure to meet and sip some bubbly with Elise Losfelt, one of the winemakers from Moet & Chandon. She is also spokesperson for the company, communicating its technical wine message to markets within France and abroad. She looks too young to have done all this, but she has a master’s degree in Engineering from Paris’ Agro Paris Tech, followed by a master’s in Viticulture and Oenology from Supagro in Montpellier. She also holds a National Diploma of Oenology and has worked for Mendoza’s Chamber of Commerce, as well as being assistant winemaker at three different vineyards: Dominique Portet in Aus tralia, Chateau Beychevelle in Bordeaux and Bodega Mortix in Majoca, Spain. She is a sixth-generation winemaker, and if you ask me, it looks like she’s over-qualified!! I tasted two of her wines: Moet & Chandon Brut Impérial — This is Moet’s iconic non-vintage Champagne. Created in 1869, it has had an enormous worldwide following seem-

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

ingly forever. It is created from more than a hundred different wines of which 20 percent to 30 percent are reserve wines, specially selected to insure generosity, structure and of course, the consistent house style.

Moet & Chandon Brut Impérial is created from more than a hundred different wines, of which 20 percent to 30 percent are reserve wines, specially selected to insure generosity, structure and of course, the consistent house style. After an exhaustive recent study, it was very recently determined to reduce the dosage so that the residual sugar in the wine would be 9 grams/liter (roughly .9 percent) instead of 13 grams/liter. And there is a noticeable difference, this being the best Brut Impérial I’ve experienced since I started writing about wine

in 1978! For the first time, I put it up there with my other four or five favorite non-vintage Bruts. $42 Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Brut 2004 — Moet’s vintage Champagne is only 5 percent to 10 percent of its production, and it is only produced in great years. The 2004, Moet’s 70th vintage Champagne, proved to be just about a perfect harvest: unusually mild growing season, early summer rains and subsequent hot, sunny weather. Made from 38 percent Chardonnay, 33 percent Pinot Noir and 29 percent Pinot Menuier, the residual sugar is 5 grams/liter, which is considered an Extra Brut dosage. The wine is matured in the Moet cellars for seven years and aged an additional six months after disgorgement. The aging here has provided a precision of aromas and helped develop a gracefulness and elegant silkiness on the palate. Refreshing fruit, balancing acidity and a rich, lengthy finish. Like the Brut Impérial, this is a natural match for hors d’oeuvre, but an even better match with seafood appetizers and chicken entrées. With the 2000 and 2004 vintages, Moet has evolved in its philosophy of vintage wines. The ratio of the three grapes is now based upon the particular qualities of the fruit instead of accepted convention, and the aging period has been extended. Chef Benoit Govez says, “Each Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage must tell a story, and it has to offer a new experience. The selection of the base wines is carefully based on character, personality, difference and uniqueness. The Grand Vintage 2004 is elegantly sleek and particularly graceful, and holds irresistible appeal for lovers of finely aged Champagne.” $56

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Recently Tested Winners White Wines: Makara Sauvignon Blanc Marl borough 2011—A combination of citrus, tropical fruit flavors and balancing acidity make this a refreshingly bright and enjoyable wine. The back label states, “…perfect with shellfish… ” It worked well for me with goat cheese and Blue Diamond Almond Nut Thins (nut and cracker snacks!) And I love the label which is inspired by the romantic tropical paintings of Gauguin. $12 Jordan Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2011 — Rob Davis, winemaker since inception, says, “I had to use all 36 years of experience to make quality wine this year.” I might add that he succeeded. The wine exhibits a floral aroma with hints of Granny Smith Apples, with acidity and minerality reminiscent of a very good Puligny-Montrachet. Malolactic was limited to 30 percent of the juice, resulting in bright, lively flavors. The winery recommends ceviche, raw oysters, crab and shrimp. But the “…depth and midpalate allow it to accompany grilled or roasted chicken, pasta with cream sauce and white-fleshed fish such as halibut or sole.” YUM! A great bargain. $30 Talbot Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands Sleepy Hollow Vineyard 2011 — Originally planted in 1972, Sleepy Hollow is one of the oldest and highest quality vineyards in the area and the most famous in the region. Made almost entirely from a special selection of the oldest Wente Clone plantings in the prized South Block, which yields a wine of “incredible length.” An opulent Chardonnay with rich fruit and lovely texture. $40

Red Wines: Mountain Door Malbec Mendoza 2011 — Gotta love the screw cap. Medium-bodied, charming red wine with only 13 percent alcohol. Well-balanced with ample fruit. Nice pairing with roasted chicken and even better

after dinner with a couple squares of Central Market 71 percent dark chocolate!! $11.99 Layer Cake Primitivo (A.K.A. Zin fandel) Puglia 2010 — “…fruit, mocha and chocolate, hints of spice and rich, always rich…” This Italian will give you a new appreciation for Primitivo — and maybe your first wine from Puglia! Meat pizzas and burgers. $13.99 Carmel Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Gallillee 2009 — Extended fermentation on the skins, and aged 14 months in small oak barrels. Rich and jammy with black cherries in aroma and broad across the palate. Good example of how planting vineyards at higher altitudes in warm climates (like in Mendoza) have produced world-class wines at reasonable prices. From Israel’s largest winery. $20 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Pisoni Vineyard 2010 — The

most powerful and voluptuous offering from the Patz & Hall stable of great Pinot Noirs. Using whole-cluster pressing and 100 percent indigenous yeast fermentation, this wine was then aged in 52 percent new French oak and bottled without filtration. Purity, power and concentration. Perfect with roasted duck with cherry sauce (and cherries). This is a counterpoint to an elegant, 13 percent alcohol red Burgundy. I love both styles!! Grab one of these while you can. Unique. $85 l Denman Moody is the former publisher of Moody’s Wine Review, which the Washington Post said was “...certainly the best publication in this country for tracking the state of rare and exotic wines.” He was also the contributing editor on rare wines for the International Wine Review in New York from 1984-1990. He is an author, freelance wine writer and wine consultant. Denman is the Texas broker for the wines of Dr. Konstantin Frank, Finger Lakes, NY. TheAdvancedOenophile.com.

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Memorable Weddings

TAYLOR

TYLER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS BAILEY

Beautiful bride Taylor smiles on her wedding day. The “House United” theme appeared on napkins and match boxes to commemorate the occasion. The couple share a kiss in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s Methodist Church. Eleven bridesmaids and two maids-ofhonor wore latte floor-length dresses and held bouquets of hydrangeas and white Majolica spray roses. Taylor’s elegant wedding ring nestled in a rosebud.

magine a wedding reception themed around the iconic Longhorn and Aggie football rivalry. A University of Texas bride and a Texas A&M groom did just that, calling it "House United."

First Date Taylor Kingshill and Tyler Brady met through mutual friends... in a roundabout way. Taylor was invited by a sorority sister to Port Aransas. Tyler's parents own a home nearby and were hosting a group of A&M fraternity brothers. Taylor and a group of Kappa sisters from UT visited Tyler's house, and school rivalries were set aside. Taylor and Tyler hit it off. They visited an Austin restaurant for their first date and have been inseparable ever since.

Courtship & Proposal Over the next three and one-half years, Taylor and Tyler attended many UT vs. A&M football games, as well as Rockets vs. Spurs games. They traveled with the bride's parents to a wedding in Germany and a ski trip in Colorado. They also visited Las Vegas with the

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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Memorable Weddings

The bridal bouquet featured exquisite Eskimo, white O’Hara and white Majolica spray roses with Stephanotis and white Coral Vine. Guess which team these ladies root for? Flats by Lanvin sparkled on the bride. A love of fishing inspired the creation of the groom’s cake. Tyler with flower girls Isabel, Madison and McKenna. Five tiers of beautifully decorated wedding cake were interspersed with Eskimo roses. Taylor and Tyler’s parents, Brian and Diane Kingshill and Brian and Karen Brady, dine with couple on the special night when Tyler proposed.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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Memorable Weddings

Sample photographs required for review. Weddings up to 18 months accepted for review. There is no charge if your wedding is chosen. Wedding Announcements are $300 which includes one photo and approximately 250 words. email:Linda@houstonlifestyles.com

The Bride and a bridesmaid having a fun moment. A clever “House United” themed sports bar accommodated football fans from different teams. The couple enjoys a romantic first dance as husband and wife. Guests mixed, mingled and danced the night away. The newlyweds make their getaway in a 1972 Corvette Stingray given to the bride’s father by her mother for a 25th wedding anniversary. Cheers!

groom's parents. Between travels, they managed to partake in another favorite activity—ice skating. Taylor fondly recalls one magical evening in January when Tyler and her parents treated her to the surprise of her life. "They fooled me into believing we needed to attend a party at the Houston Oaks Country Club," she states. Tyler picked her up, and they stopped by Tiny Boxwoods for a quick bite, then headed to the country club. The guard at the gate informed them that the parking lot was full and directed them to the overflow lot. "We had to take a golf cart to the party," says Taylor. "Tyler suggested we take a detour to gaze at the stars on such a pretty night, then asked me to close my eyes." As she opened them, a gazebo lit

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

up to reveal framed pictures of the couple everywhere. Tyler proposed at that romantic moment, and Taylor realized there was no party after all! She and Tyler took a limo back to Houston where their best friends and families were waiting to celebrate the proposal and engagement.

The Wedding The entire wedding was planned around college football schedules, which presented more than a few obstacles. "It was stressful to choose a date because most of our friends attend the home games," says Taylor. Ideally, her ceremony and reception needed to be scheduled on an away game for both A&M and UT. But as it turned out, UT

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Memorable Weddings Lifestyles & Homes

ended up with a home game and A&M faced the No. 1 team in the country â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alabama. The bride and groom came up with a festive solution and included a sports bar at the wedding so that no one would miss any football action. Style: The bride credits the fall football season and a sense of tradition as influences in her floral and decor choices. The unmistakable burnt orange of UT and maroon of A&M were showcased at the sports bar in a "House United" theme, bringing together family and guests regardless of school affiliation or favorite team. The bridal bouquet featured Eskimo, white O'Hara and white Majolica spray roses with Stephanotis and white Coral Vine tied with lace from her mother's wedding dress. Bridesmaid bouquets consisted of hydrangeas and white Majolica spray roses. The bride wore a strapless two-piece couture gown designed by Monique Lhuillier of embroidered silk and satin with an asymmetrical ruched trumpet skirt and chapel train. A sweetheart neckline, fitted corset, crystal embroidered belt with pearls and rhinestones, soft ivory illusion cathedral veil by Toni Federici, and white and ivory flats by Lanvin completed the ensemble. The groom and groomsmen wore black tuxedos. A stunning five-tiered wedding cake sat upon a sterling silver plateau and alternated layers of vanilla buttercream and Amaretto cake. Fondant draped tiers one and five, tier three was adorned with hand-made sugar paste roses, and tiers two and four had buttercream frosting. White fresh Polo Star and Eskimo roses were placed by the florist in between the cake tiers and at the top. Because the groom spent so many happy moments fishing at his parents' house in Port Aransas, his cake was a fitting tribute made of chocolate with milk chocolate buttercream frosting and designed as two rectangular tiers with seven hand-made sugar paste redfish tails, blue water, a sandbar, and reeds with a fishing boat. Family and Attendants: The bride was given in marriage by her parents, Brian and Diane Kingshill, and escorted down the aisle by her father. The groom's parents, Brian and Karen Brady, were joined by honorary guests Kristin Clayton Hassenmiller, Jodi Lynn Hatton and Shannah Marie Lyon (all of Houston), and Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Moeller of Germany. Meredith Cerie Muecke and Julia Harrison Robinson served as matrons of honor. Bridesmaids included sisters of the groom Abigail Tate Brady and Allison Leigh Brady, Whitney Lynn Conkling, Seliece Rae Dodds, Laura Elizabeth

Fowler, Catherine Leigh Umstattd, Brooke Elizabeth Simmons, Lacey Virginia Elick, Tayler Stogner Lee, Noralea Jordan O'Meilia, and Meredith Shell Thompson. Flower girls included Isabel Marie Curran, Madison Faith Durst, and McKenna Len Durst. Ring bearers included Mason Durst, Mason Gary McClanahan, and Coen Johnson Urioste. Best Man Christopher Bell Weyand of Houston stood with groomsmen Matthew Colter Brown, Gregory Gerard Dyer, James Tyler Munson, Clinton Mark Oncken, Jacob Johnson Ethridge, Lawson Wells Jessee, Jeff Reese Specht, and John Ryan Zimmer. Serving as Ushers were Tanner James Catalani, Andy Allen Frazier, Austin Ryan Frazier, and Lawrence Elliott Goudge. Boyd Wagner and Duncan Dodds officiated. Special Touches: The bride gave the groom a framed A&M jersey signed by Ryan Tannehill and displayed it at the wedding. The groom surprised the bride with diamond earrings the night before the wedding. As her something borrowed, Taylor wore pearl and diamond jewelry on loan from Valobra Jewelers. Her mother's jewelry was also on loan from Valobra Jewelers... but the bride's father surprised her mother by giving her the borrowed jewelry as a Christmas gift. The couple made their getaway in a 1972 Corvette Stingray convertible given to the bride's father by her mother on their 25th wedding anniversary. Behind the Scenes: "The A&M vs. Alabama game was scheduled to start at 3 p.m, and the wedding was at 7 p.m.," says the bride. "The groom and most of the groomsmen are Aggies, so they cut short their golf game and suffered through the pre-wedding photographs by huddling around my mom's iPad and watching the game." About 10 minutes before the wedding was to begin, the game ended and the Aggies beat the No.1 team in the nation. Screams of joy reverberated all throughout the church and the parking lot as the news spread. During the wedding the groomsmen all had big smiles on their faces and at the reception they were ready to celebrate! The Longhorn fans were happy because they knew the party would be fun that night!

Memorable Weddings

We would love to hear about your special day! Sample photographs required for review. Weddings up to 18 months accepted for review. There is no charge if your wedding is chosen. Wedding Announcements are $300 which includes one photo and approximately 250 words. email:Linda@houstonlifestyles.com

Honeymoon & Beyond Taylor and Tyler enjoyed a wonderful destination honeymoon at Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands. Taylor is a tax accountant with Deloitte, and Tyler is in commercial real estate. They recently bought and renovated a home in Briargrove. l

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progress

growth

Realtors Report: Surging Demand for Texas Homes Predicted to Carry Through 2013 First quarter of 2013 sets aggressive pace he Texas Association of REALTORS® released the 2013-Q1 edition of the Texas Quarterly Housing Report, showing surging demand for Texas homes at the start of the year as well as rising prices and shrinking inventory. Fueled by Texas’ population and job growth, the report bodes well for the summer selling season. Shad Bogany, chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS®, said, “2012 was a strong year for Texas real estate and, based on these first-quarter results, 2013 looks to be even stronger. We’ve heard a lot about the growth of Texas and now we’re starting to really see the impact on our real estate market.” As featured in the report, 53,937 single-family homes were sold in Texas in the first quarter of 2013, which is 17.53 percent more than the same quarter of the prior year. Of the 48 markets included in the report, 40 markets featured increases in sales, indicating the surge is broad-based throughout the state. The median price for Texas homes in 2013-Q1 was $158,000, which is 7.04 percent more than the first quarter of 2012. In the same timeframe, the average price was $204,718 — that’s 6.87 percent more than 2012-Q1. The median price for Texas homes has steadily increased, exceeding or matching the price of the prior year every quarter since the Texas Quarterly Housing Report began in 2009. “Historically, the median price for Texas homes has increased about 4 percent each year and we usually see the biggest jump in price between the first and second quarters,” said Jim Gaines, Ph.D., economist with the Real Estate

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

Center at Texas A&M University. “So, with price increases already in the range of 7 percent in the first quarter, we could see Texas homes increase in value significantly this year.” However, Gaines also offered a strong caution, “We’ll only realize our potential for increased sales volume if more sellers enter the market and start listing their properties, increasing the inventory of homes for sale.” In the first quarter 2013, the market featured 4.2 months of inventory, which is 1.7 months less than the prior year. That is significantly less than the 6.5

As featured in the report, 53,937 single-family homes were sold in Texas in the first quarter of 2013, which is 17.53 percent more than the same quarter of the prior year. months of inventory cited by the Real Estate Center as a market in which the supply of homes is balanced with demand. Gaines explained, “There is clearly demand for Texas homes and rising prices are encouraging more homeowners to consider listing their properties. However, if a homeowner wants to move up, they must be able to find a property to move to, so more supply is needed to capture the growth potential in the market.” Gaines continued, “In the coming months, I expect we’ll start to hear national news reports about increasing

sales in other markets, possibly exceeding those in Texas. That’s because other markets boomed in the mid-2000s and busted in the late 2000s, meaning they need dramatic increases in sales volume and price to recover. I call that an ‘echo boom’ and it’s more indicative of market fluctuations than fundamentals. That never happened in Texas, so the increases you’re seeing in our state are indicative of true increases in demand, driven by population growth. Assuming we continue to add jobs as we have recently, that will make our increases more sustainable.” The Texas Association of REALTORS® has been working to help the state absorb that growth, advocating for homeowners at the Texas Capitol during the current legislative session. Texas REALTORS ® have advanced ideas on improving infrastructure for transportation and water in the state as well as consumer-protection provisions in the property-tax loan industry, mortgage lending, and the property-appraisal process. The 83rd Texas Legislature regular session ends May 31. Chairman Bogany concluded, “The word is out that Texas is a great place to live and these results are further evidence of that. Now, Texas REALTORS® are on a mission to ensure that remains the case and help our state provide for the needs of its homeowners today and far into the future.” The Texas Quarterly Housing Report is issued four times per year by the Texas Association of REALTORS® with multiple listing service data compiled and analyzed by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.l

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UPCOMING PREVIEWS JULY 2013 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

A D V E R T I S I N G

PRINCETON CLASSIC HOMES THE WOODLANDS RESORT Experience The Woodlands Resort, just 30 minutes north of Houston, where kids enjoy hours of entertainment at the signature Forest Oasis Waterscape™ with waterfalls, twisting two-story waterslide, underwater murals, live music, s’mores at dusk and dive-in movies. Other resort amenities include two, on-property golf courses, a full-service spa and fitness facility, 180 miles of nature and bike trails, and 21 tennis courts. Plus, there are no resort fees and plenty of complimentary self-parking. 866-882-9996 woodlandsresort.com

Sometimes, the best location for your new home is the one you create on your own lot. When you select an experienced company like Princeton Classic Homes as your Build on Your Lot partner, they will take care of every possible issue before it arises, from site preparation and financing, through design and construction. They will provide a thorough cost estimate and building schedule before they begin, so there are no surprises. They do all this so you can focus on the fun part — designing and building a beautiful new home that’s uniquely yours. Build one of their plans, or select from many custom options and designer selections. 281-671-9000 princetonclassichome.com

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UPCOMING PREVIEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

JULY 2013

DAVY OAKUM PROPERTIES Davy Oakum Properties is a luxury boutique real estate firm in the Galleria area. “When you are passionate about what you do, how could you not succeed!” says top producing Realtor Reneé Davy Oakum. A native Houstonian, she finds that her background and knowledge of the city are a definite advantage in the Houston real estate market. Reneé has been a licensed Realtor since 1989. She believes it is paramount to treat each client’s transaction individually and understands that communication is key. Davy Oakum Properties offers knowledgeable, ethical and professional services to buyers and sellers of all price ranges. 713-456-9861

FERNANDO M. HERNANDEZ DAVY OAKUM PROPERTIES A licensed Realtor since 2004, Fernando began his real estate career selling new construction and knows most of the Houston area builders. That experience gives him the advantage of staying current on new trends and specifications. He is originally from Monterrey N.L. Mexico, and his clientele consists primarily of business people from Mexico and all Latin America. He is bilingual and has an undergraduate degree in engineering and a master’s in business and marketing. “My business begins with a passion for my work,” he says. “I am very sympathetic to my clients’ needs, extremely patient, and very energetic. I deliver results!” Cell: 713-416-7791 Office: 713-647-8272 har.com/fernandohernandez fernando@davyoakumproperties.com micasaenhouston@gmail.com

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Growth ‰ Private Schools

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HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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Living La Pura Vida The Palms — Luxury oceanfront retreat in exotic Costa Rica

By Cheryl Alexander osta Rica is well known for its stunning natural beauty and La Pura Vida (The Pure Life), a phrase commonly heard around this beautiful, diverse and tropical Central American country which aptly describes the lifestyle here. Costa Rica is small — half the size of Kentucky — yet it has astounding diversity, from lush rainforests to spectacular volcanoes; majestic mountains laced with pristine rivers and pounding waterfalls; and hundreds of miles of fabulous beaches washed by the waves of both the Pacific and the Caribbean. Guanacaste, Costa Rica is part of the Nicoya Peninsula, one of just four “Blue Zones” in the world — areas where people commonly live active lives past the age of 100! This magical part of Costa Rica seems to create happy, satisfied

Amazing Sunsets

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

people who have a zest for life and a reverence for family, tradition and the natural beauty around them. Bill Anderson, Lifestyles & Homes publisher, recently visited Costa Rica and relates that “the countryside is beautiful; the locals seemed to be very happy and the people relaxed... living a very simple life.” The Palms, a beautiful memberowned luxury community, is located in the heart of the Guanacaste region on the pristine Playa Flamingo beach. Renowned for its clear warm waters (80 degrees year-round), soft white sand and breathtaking sunsets, Playa Flamingo is one of the most desired beaches in Guanacaste and Costa Rica partly because it is among the rare 3 percent of the country’s privately titled. Additionally, The Palms is western facing, and watching gorgeous sunsets

Living Area

over the Pacific Ocean is a nightly tradition. Mark Randall, U.S. Director of Sales for the Palms, says, “Literally, everyone finishes the day outside watching the sunset. It is show-stopping and a highlight of everyone’s experience here.” Your Own Piece of Paradise The Palms, ideally located just steps from the ocean on Playa Flamingo, combines the benefits of home ownership with the amenities, pampering service and conveniences of a resort hotel. It is a private residence club comprised of elegant two-bedroom Villas and superior amenities in a luxuriously landscaped sanctuary. The 34 villas are adorned with only the finest appliances and finishes and offer more than 2,300 square feet of living space. Bob Reddy, CFO for the developer, Spence Enterprises, LLC,

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shares, “There is nothing like the finishes at The Palms. Everything is so beautiful, as high-end as you can get: bamboo ceilings, exposed timbers, gourmet chef’s kitchens, spa-like appointments. Just like the million- dollar residences back home. The Palms offers luxury living with the simplicity of Costa Rican life.” Bill Anderson concurs. “Our villa had a great kitchen with modern appliances. We had ordered groceries beforehand, and they were procured and placed in our villa for our arrival. The furnishings, interior decor, art, lighting and plumbing fixtures are all first-class. I couldn’t believe how many drawers, shelves and storage units that are built-in throughout the villa. And the views… all villas overlook a fountain, the pool and the Pacific Ocean and each with a back patio and outdoor furniture.” The Palms offers all the advantages of vacation home ownership with the services and amenities of a first-class resort. Mark shares, “We hear from folks that they are tired of Hawaii and Mexico. Costa Rica is now their destination of choice.” The Palms offers residents 24-hour security on the premises and the beach. Mark continues, “We are from Chicago, but I’ve moved my wife and children to The Palms, and truthfully, we allow them more freedom here than back home.” The private residence club appeals to those seeking safety with access to beachfront real estate in an eco-sensitive country full of activities for every

member of the family. Bob adds, “Because we offer a smaller location than something like the Four Seasons — our 34 residences compared to their 400 — our people enjoy more personal experiences all around. They know the housekeeper, the bartender, the concierge, even the groundskeepers by name and are welcomed home like family members when they arrive. ” Bill shares of their experience, “You can cook your own food daily or eat at one of the many restaurants a short drive from the resort. You can also have a chef prepare your meal in your villa or on the beach at sunset. I highly recommend this, and if you do, be sure to ask for Roy. He’s a great chef with a world of information about Costa Rica and local activities, golf, tours, scuba and more. He personally selects the catch of the day.” Unlike other developments in the United States, Mexico and Central America, The Palms represents a great value without sacrificing quality, luxury or safety, and two ownership options make The Palms a smart choice for everyone. Traditional, outright ownership is available, and this is how most residents enjoy the property. With prices starting at $795,000 and HOA fees of $1,063 monthly, your vacation home delivers the ultimate in luxury, with the option to live in this paradise year-round or to rent through exclusive luxury rental partners when you’re not there.

Balcony Beach View

“Some folks love Costa Rica,” says Mark, “but desire a different ownership option: buying what you can use rather than more than you can use. That’s why we offer one-tenth fractional ownership opportunities. You literally own one-tenth interest in a residence, which translates to about 5.2 weeks per year.” This option delivers ease of ownership without the burden of the full commitment, and costs $129,000 with dues of $5,646 annually. Bob elaborates, “People love paying one annual fee that covers everything. It is truly turn-key, with everything from wi-fi, to real estate taxes, to insurance, even cash reserves to cover upgrades in fixtures and furniture when needed.” Here you’ll have the privacy you want, the beachfront location and million-dollar views anyone HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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Kitchen/Dining Area

Master Bath

Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course Hole 15

Reserva Conchal Golf Course

would want, and access to first-class amenities and services. And it is all inclusive, which means that access to the amenities is free: the gym, surfboards, boogie boards, kayaks, daily housekeeping, outdoor grills. When you arrive, your home is ready and waiting, and when you leave, a professional staff takes care of everything until you return. Activities and Amenities There is so much to do while at The Palms. Costa Rica’s beaches afford a plethora of activities from sunbathing to scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, jet skiing, surfing. One of the best scuba diving areas in Costa Rica is Playa del Coco, where marine turtles and moray eels can be spotted everywhere, along with manta rays, grouper, tuna, jewfish and several types of sharks and whales. Eco-tourism activities also abound. You may want to trek through the rainforest, hike along the beach, ride horses, zip-line through the canopy or explore one of the charming towns nearby.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

Golf is a popular activity at The Palms, where members and guests can enjoy two professional 18-hole golf courses close to the property which are appropriate for any type of golfer. They include the Hacienda Pinilla, the 7,300yard Mike Young designed golf course; and the Reserva Conchal, designed in the classic tradition of the game by Robert Trent Jones II. Bill shares, “We played golf at both courses and enjoyed a challenging and an extraordinary ecogolf experience. We saw Howler monkeys in the trees bordering the fairways on both days; in fact, we saw a lot of wildlife — all types of tropical birds, iguanas and lemurs.” Everyone loves the amenities at The Palms that come with ownership. Some favorites include the following: • Multi-lingual concierge • Pre-arrival shopping • Outdoor infinity edge pool and tropical spa pool • Poolside bar — with fresh fruit drinks and smoothies • Private dining—in-house or beach-side

• Beach service—including towels, umbrellas, lounge chairs and tables • Fitness center — 1,600 square feet with ocean view • Daily housekeeping • Massage — in-villa massage available • Business center • Airport transfers The Palms is the ultimate vacation experience, where you and your family can escape to your exotic oceanside oasis and experience the culture, the nature and the adventure of colorful Costa Rica. Bill sums it up, “Every evening afforded us a great sunset and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. If you like star gazing, you’ll love Costa Rica. This secluded resort beach front is one of the most romantic places I’ve ever visited — a great couples getaway. You won’t want to leave!!!” That’s because it’s easy to settle into la pura vida at The Palms! Visit palmscostarica.com for more information, email info@palmscostarica.com, or call toll-free, 800-8675762. l

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DANIEL ORTIZ

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(L-R) Marilyn L. Brown, Stephen L. Williams and board member Donna Herron.

Coalition for the Homeless Celebrates 30 Years Mayor Annise D. Parker shared a notoften told story at the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston and Harris County Three Decades of Achievement celebration about how she and her life partner Kathy Hubbard rescued a young man from living on the streets. The soldout crowd of 350 at the Doubletree by Hilton Houston Downtown was silent as Mayor Parker emphasized how her personal insight would inform her actions to protect and house the community’s most vulnerable citizens. Mayor Parker received the Friends of the Homeless - Peg Dudar Individual Advocate award that recognizes an individual’s success in inspiring the community at large to become more involved in the fight to end homelessness. Coalition Board members, both past and present, were also in attendance including Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, Rev. William A. Lawson, and former Harris County Judge Jon Lindsay. Other notables included David Ruiz of Bank of America, the corporate honoree who received a Friends of the Homeless Award; Diane Hasell Englet and Lucretia Ahrens of CenterPoint Energy; Mandy Chapman Semple, special assistant to the Mayor for Homeless Initiatives; Friends of the Homeless Award Honoree Media/Journalist recipient Lisa Falkenberg, columnist for The Houston Chronicle; Robert M. Eury, president of Central Houston, who summarized the Coalition’s 30+ year history in eight minutes; and the event’s two superstars: Achievers of the Year, Friends of the Homeless honorees,

Shane Schlemeyer and Twaunette Sharpe, both of whom were formerly homeless and are now active, engaged members of the community. Marilyn L. Brown, Coalition president and CEO, concluded the luncheon program with the release of the preliminary results of the 2013 Point-in-Time Homeless Count. Brown noted that there has been a 27 percent drop in homelessness as many formerly homeless individuals have been transitioned to permanent supportive housing during the time period of January 2011 to January 2013. She also shared that the program to house 100 homeless veterans and/or chronically homeless individuals in 100 days, is now in its fourth phase, having housed 487 veterans and chronically homeless individuals to date. Brown announced a special Collaborative Award for homeless service providers by honoring Mark Thiele of the city of Houston, Houston Housing Authority, who spearheaded the 100 in 100 campaign in Houston.

Michael and Melissa Mithoff (left) and Heidi and Marcus Smith (right) with Hermann Park Conservancy executive director Doreen Stoller (center).

Hermann Park Conservancy Hosts Evening in the Park Guests gathered in the heart of Hermann Park for Hermann Park Conservancy’s annual gala Evening in the Park. Invitees joined chairs Melissa and Michael Mithoff, Heidi and Marcus Smith, and honorary chairs Shelby Hodge and Shafik I. This year’s theme Havana: A Night in White Linen began with berry mojitos to get guests in the Cuban spirit as they made their way by Hermann Park Railroad or carriage path to the event tent overlooking

McGovern Lake. While enjoying the Cuban-themed dinner prepared by caterer A Fare Extraordinaire, guests were welcomed by Conservancy board chair Ann Kennedy and event co-chairs Heidi Smith and Michael Mithoff. Phoebe Tudor and Sanford Criner, cochairs of the Conservancy’s Centennial Campaign, in full swing as the Park’s birthday approaches in 2014, made the announcement that long-time Park supporter Jim Flores surprised his wife Cherie with a $5 million donation to the Centennial Gardens. This grand birthday present also included the honor of naming the new garden center the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion. Ann Kennedy revealed that next year’s Gala chairs will be Andrea and Bill White, Anne and Albert Chao, and Mo and Ric Campo. Partygoers hit the dance floor and grand dessert display. More than $400,000 was raised for the Park’s operating budget, exceeding the night’s goal.

DeQuina Moore

Houstonian in Flashdance National Tour DeQuina Moore, who went to the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, is playing the role of one of the major characters, Kiki, in the national tour of Flashdance. She received a scholarship to attend New York University. Moore has performed in Broadway productions including Legally Blonde, Little Shop of Horrors, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Happy Days and Hair (Actor’s Fund Concert) as well as film and TV shows including Joyful Noise, Madea’s Big Happy Family, Law & Order: SVU, Third Watch and All Falls Down.

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Bunker Hill Village Makes Forbes List

Alley Theatre Announces Launch of Capital Campaign The Alley Theatre, one of the nation’s leading nonprofit theatre companies and housed in one of Houston’s most iconic buildings, unveiled plans to enhance its artistic product and complete the first extensive renovation of its facilities since its opening in 1968 through a $73 million capital campaign. Meredith Long and Roger Plank are cochairmen of the campaign, “Extended Engagement.” “The Alley’s commitment to ensuring a legacy of great theatre experiences is evident in the first-class facility planned,” said Long. “The goal of the renovation is to enhance the character of the Alley Theatre building and change the audience experience exponentially.” More than $31 million has already been raised toward the goal. The campaign will pay for updating all theatrical systems with state-of-the-art equipment, substantially improving the patron intheatre experience and amenities, and ensure the theatre’s future as a performing arts institution of national caliber that is sustainable, relevant, and accessible for future generations of Houstonians. “This capital campaign and the renovations envisioned will allow the Alley to enrich the audience’s experience, creating a more intimate space where actors and audience are closer,” said Artistic Director Gregory Boyd. “We will maintain our commitment to the resident company, supporting theatre artists working together on a variety of projects over time, embrace new theatre technology, and continue to nurture new play development.”

HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES / JUNE 2013

COURTESY OF MICHELLE WATSON.

The Alley Theatre unveils plans to renovate the building and enhance patron experience.

Bunker Hill Village was named one of the 25 Top Places to Retire Rich. The posh Memorial village south of I-10 made the Forbes.com list because of its luxury homes, proximity to health care and cultural amenities, and number of residents of retirement age. Of Bunker Hill’s 3,600 residents, 16 percent are 65 or older, according to Forbes. The national average is 12 percent. Other cities in the list include Belle Meade, Tenn.; Darien, Conn.; Honolulu, Hawaii; Palm Beach, Fla.; and Kiawah Island, S.C. Hans Graf poses next to his new Gold Star on the plaza at Jones Hall.

Walk of Fame Gold Star for Hans Graf The Houston Symphony’s Maestro Hans Graf was honored with a gold star plaque in front of Jones Hall. Graf was honored with the installation of a permanent star on the plaza outside of Jones Hall in recognition of his 12-year tenure, making him the longest-standing nusic director in the Symphony’s history.

I W Marks Jewelers Hosts Silent Auction for Fallen Bellaire Officer I W Marks Jewelers hosted a silent auction benefiting the family of fallen Bellaire officer, Sgt. Jimmie DeVeril Norman, who dedicated his life to law enforcement for 29 years, with 23 of those with the city of Bellaire. He was gunned down during a routine traffic stop on Dec. 24, 2012, leaving behind his wife of 31 years, a son and many extended family members and friends.

When Brad and Daniel Marks heard about the tragic incident and the loss of Sgt. Norman they, like so many others, wanted to help in any way possible. “The Bellaire police department has been an extended family to I W Marks, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy,” says Daniel. Individuals and businesses alike rallied together to contribute items for the silent auction, which ultimately raised $13,000. One hundred percent of these proceeds will go directly to the Norman family. Alan Helfman, owner of Helfman Ford, Helfman Dodge Chrystler Jeep Ram, River Oaks Dodge Chrystler Jeep Ram, donated a wide array of sports memorabilia that sparked bidding wars amongst attendees. While making their bids, guests snacked on fare from Gigi’s Asian Bistro and sipped cocktails provided by Izkali Tequila — all provided free-of-charge. Brad Marks said of the evening, “Despite the unfortunate circumstances, it has been uplifting to see our community come together and give back to such a worthy cause.”

Ride Service Available From Katy to Uptown Uptown Houston and Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) have partnered to offer the new Kingsland/Uptown Park & Ride service. Located off the Katy Freeway at 21669 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, the new 285 Park & Ride offers service to the Uptown/Galleria area to commuters in the greater Katy and surrounding areas. Riders can choose from nine morning and nine evening peak-hour trips, making travel to Uptown more convenient. Along Post Oak Boulevard from 610 to Hidalgo, the service includes eight inbound and nine outbound stops. The cost to ride is $4.50 each way and average travel time is less than an hour. For information, visit uptown-houston.com.

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Historic Lancaster Houston Hotel Announces $10 Million Renovation The historic Lancaster Houston Hotel, a 93-room boutique hotel in the heart of the downtown Houston Theater District and a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, is staging a $10 million renovation. The extensive re-design will encompass the hotel’s lobby and meeting spaces, all guest rooms and suites, and incorporate significant technology and core mechanical upgrades. “We are proud to refurbish this gem of a property that my great-grandfather, Michele DeGeorge, built as The Auditorium Hotel in 1926 and reopened as The Lancaster in 1983,” said Charles (Charlie) M. Lusk III, CRE, CCIM and president of The Lancaster Houston. The hotel will remain open during renovation as work proceeds one wing of the hotel at a time. Completion is targeted for mid-summer 2013. The Lancaster’s fresh new interior design will echo classic American styling with a bow to the hotel’s Theater District location. The décor will utilize men’s suiting fabrics mixed with a rich palette of luxurious accents and furnishings, including premier bedding and bathroom fixtures and fittings by WaterWorks, making The Lancaster the first and only Houston hotel to offer this prestigious brand of plumbing accoutrements. The hotel will provide the latest technology with Wi-Fi in all public spaces and guest rooms, 55-inch smart TVs and projectors in the meeting rooms for Skype/virtual meetings and in-room 42inch flat screen TVs. In addition, all guest rooms and suites will include safes and mini-refrigerators and VIP guest rooms will have smart TVs with Internet access.

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