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Contents
Established 1995
HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES March 2015
NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER
VERIFIED CIRCULATION COMMUNITY MAGAZINE NETWORK
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@lifestyles-magazines.com
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Office Manager Linda Peterson
Contributing Editors Cheryl Alexander • Kelly Foss Cathy Gordon • Judy Latta Dr. Lori • Denman Moody • Tish Raymond Melanie Saxton • Cindy Ziervogel
Home & Lifestyle 38
CELEBRATING SPRING FOR 80 YEARS!
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River Oaks Garden Club presents annual Azalea Trail
WATERCOLOR ART SOCIETY OF HOUSTON Group’s 38th International Exhibition runs March 10-April 9
PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW’S 70TH YEAR! 96 LIGHT AND BRIGHT RIVER OAKS RENOVATION Continuity and comfortable elegance
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FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2015
MUCH ADO ABOUT MARGARITAS!
SAN JACINTO DAY FESTIVAL, APRIL 18 Battle reenactment highlights the entertainment
Cover photo by Wade Blissard
CREATING BIRD AND BUTTERFLY-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPES
Despite changes, an eatery serves the community for nearly 50 years
| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015
Jan Carson J. Pamela Photography, Inc. Michael Ogrodowicz
Graphic Designers Todd Anderson • Lettie Rudel
Account Executives Marita Pratt • Kim Zeiner Amy Barker Richards Amy Ahlbrand Robinson • Tracy Ray Joe Welch • Donna Sommer • Lisa Adams
ADVERTISING INFORMATION houstonlifestyles.com 281.240.2445 Ext. 128 REACH OUR FULL CIRCULATION: Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes Houston Lifestyles & Homes Katy/Fulshear Lifestyles & Homes
CARVERDALE BBQ SPOT LIVES ON THROUGH NAMESAKE
Make your yard attractive to the wildlife you want
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Photographers
Houston couple create the highest-rated mix for the drink
A long tradition of giving and excellence
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Houston design scene making a splash!
Inspiring ideas to create interesting living spaces
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Social Editor
Production Manager
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TOP 5 HOME DESIGN TRENDS 2015
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The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes SUBSCRIPTIONS: $18 per year houstonlifestyles.com FORT BEND PUBLISHING GROUP 10707 Corporate Drive, Suite 170 • Stafford, TX 77477 Tel: 281.240.2445 ext. 128 E: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com
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Contents HOUSTON LIFESTYLES & HOMES March 2015
Departments 52
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THE ARTS & HAPPENINGS Mark your calendar for upcoming activities and charitable events
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ON THE TOWN Parties, galas and social occasions with Jan Carson
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FASHION Theia and Missoni
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BOOKS New releases with something for everyone
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NEW AUTOS The new Subaru Legacy and Ford Fiesta
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ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI Big Bucks for Old Books
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HEALTH & WELL-BEING Kidney Disease Undiagnosed in Majority of Type 2 Diabetics
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WINE Excellent Wines and Houston’s Only Certified Master Chef
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MEMORABLE WEDDINGS Jenni & Troy
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TRAVEL The Quintess Collection
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CITY SCOPE Civic and residential news developing in our city
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HISTORICALLY HOUSTON It’s RODEO Time!
Special Promotions 42
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| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015
62 70 76 88 94
Home Improvement Resources Interior Detail Resources Family Health Planning a Wedding? Professional Resources
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MILLENNIUM by Durango Doors
STEEL WINDOWS AND DOORS FABRICATED, INSTALLED, AND GLAZED BY DURANGO DOORS.
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bct presents A Funny Thing hAppened on The WAy To The Forum, through march 1 The 2015 Spring Season will open with Stephen Sondheim's first Broadway musical, of which he penned both music and lyrics: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. This hilarious production runs February 13 through March 1 at The Kaleidoscope. Premiering in 1962, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is given an imaginative update by the Bayou City Theatrics creative team. This new production takes a modern approach to casting, design, and delivery of the material while still maintaining every note and lyric from Sondheim’s
Cilium (2014), Handmade Japanese Paper, Resin, Gold Leaf, 17” x 15”.
MECA Presents “Sweat of the Sun,” Through March 6 MECA showcases the art of Grace Zuñiga in an exhibition titled, "Sweat of the Sun." In this body of work, the Incan reference to gold as the 'sweat of the sun,' inspired Zuñiga’s choice of materials and stirred her in the selection of a neutral, monochromatic color palette. She explores the innate materiality of paper fibers, thread, metal, and resin by manipulating these resources in order to reassign formal structures and applications. Zuñiga’s work is about alteration and the process of transforming. As an artist she has created a media of her own by meshing handmade charcoal and paper, textiles, and various metals among other objects. Fueled by the physicality of measures like beating pulp and hammering lead, Zuñiga is driven to a rhythmic, ritualistic process that allows her media to epitomize transformation. A native of Corpus Christi, Zuñiga now resides and works in
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Houston. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in photography from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi and a Master of Fine Arts in studio art with a focus in printmaking from the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia, Athens (UGA). In 2010 Zuñiga was awarded a scholarship to study printmaking and papermaking in Cortona, Italy as part of UGA’s Cortona Program. Zuñiga has exhibited nationally and internationally including The Sharjah Gallery in Cairo, Egypt, The Mexi-Arte Museum in Austin, with recent solo exhibitions throughout the Houston area. Having recently completed a nine-month residency at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Zuñiga currently teaches studio art courses at Houston Community College Central and the Museum of Fine Arts, Glassell Studio School. For more information, visit meca-houston.org.
| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015
original score, and every word from the hilarious book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gilbert. This uproarious production promises to evoke the nostalgic joy associated with …Forum, all the while packing a punch of new surprises and discoveries. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is directed and designed by Colton Berry with choreography by Luke Hamilton and music direction by Jane Volke. The production runs through Sunday, March 1 on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m., at Bayou City Theatrics’ downtown theatre, The Kaleidoscope (705 Main Street at Capitol, Suite B). Tickets ($35-$40) are available at BayouCityTheatrics.com as well as at the door.
On the set of ONCE, winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards.
Broadway at the Hobby Center, March 10-15 Broadway at the Hobby Center presents ONCE, a musical set in Dublin, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical and featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman
takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. The show runs March 10-15 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30. For more information, visit BroadwayAtThe HobbyCenter.com or TheHobbyCenter.org.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF HOUSTON BALLET
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as they identify with Alexander and the obstacles he encounters, encouraging them to share their feelings and to realize that bad days happen – even in Australia. The cast includes A. D. Players' resident actors William S. Burke, Craig Griffin, Megan Jackson, Michelle Ritter, and guest artists Will Ledesma, Daniel Miller, and Briana Resa.
The production team features scenic design by Robin Gillock, lighting design by Mark Lewis, properties design by Trisha Wise, costume design by Donna Southern Schmidt, and sound design by Orlando Arriaga. Directed by Braden Hunt. Tickets may be purchased online at adplayers.org, at the Box Office, 2710 W. Alabama, or by calling 713-526-2721.
Ballet: Ballo della Regina; Choreographer: George Balanchine; Dancer: Allison Miller.
Houston Ballet presents Modern Masters, March 12-22 From March 12 – 22 Houston Ballet offers up Modern Masters, a spring mixed repertory program showcasing works by three of the 20th century’s greatest choreographers. The program features George Balanchine’s classically virtuosic Ballo della Regina, Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato’s poignant Jardí Tancat, and Harald Lander’s Etudes, a ballet known for its demanding technicality. Houston Ballet will perform Modern Masters in the Brown Theater at Wortham Theater Center. Ballo della Regina, a ballet for two principals, four female soloists, and corps de ballet, is set to the ballet music of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Don Carlos. New York City Ballet premiered the work on January 12, 1978 to great acclaim. George Balanchine choreographed the ballet to showcase the talents of New York City Ballet ballerina Merrill Ashley. Lincoln Kirstein, who with Balanchine cofounded New York City Ballet, wrote that the ballet seems to take place in a grotto, with reference through lighting and costumes to the original tale of a fisherman's search for the perfect pearl.
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Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on March 12,14, 20, and 21 and at 2 p.m. on March 15, and 22. Tickets start at $19, and may be purchased at houstonballet.org or by calling Houston Ballet box office at 713-2272787or visit houstonballet.org.
a. D. players presents AlexAnder And The Terrible, horrible, no good, Very bAd dAy, march 3-22 A. D. Players announces that Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day will open March 3 and run through March 22 on their Grace Theater stage (2710 W. Alabama) as the third show of the company's 2014-2015 Children's Theater season. In this delightful adaptation of her popular book, Judith Viorst sets Alexander's rather trying life to music and brings to the stage one of America's feistiest characters. Not only does Alexander wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert, and his best friend decides he's not his best friend anymore. Alexander's struggles with life's daily dramas will not only entertain but educate young audiences
| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015
Funds raised at the Tour de Houston will benefit the city’s reforestation program managed by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
Tour De Houston March 15 Cyclists will line up at City Hall on Sunday, March 15, as the Tour de Houston bike ride kicks off to benefit the Re-Plant Houston Program managed by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. The ride begins at City Hall at 7:30 a.m., and all riders will finish at City Hall by 1:30 p.m. Mayor Annise Parker will be on hand to start the event and Senator Rodney Ellis will ride along with participants in the event. Tour de Houston is part of the Mayor’s Wellness Weekend which also includes the 38th Annual Bayou City Classic. For those who prefer to leave the bike at home and run, the Bayou City Classic will begin at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 14 at City Hall. Proceeds from the
10K Race and the familyfriendly 5K Fun Run & Walk will be donated to The Houston Parks Board for trees. The 10k race is the Texas State Championship 10,000 meter race of the Road Runners Club of America. Strollers are welcome in the 5K segment. Registration Fee Schedule: Registration through March 13 is $40 with online registration ending at 6 p.m.; Onsite event registration March 15 is $40 - cash or check only; Ages 12 and under is $20 for the duration. More details, including packet pick-up and schedules for pre-registered riders, can be found at tourdehouston.org. For more information and to register for the Bayou City Classic, visit bayoucityclassic.org by Feb. 28.
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TUTS Presents Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, March 17-29
Ace Young as Joseph in this popular production.
Theatre Under The Stars presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, March 17-29 at The Hobby Center for Performing Arts – Sarofim Hall (800 Bagby St.). One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. The new production will feature Broadway/television star Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray, Hair) as The Narrator and Broadway star Ace Young (Grease, Hair) as Joseph. Tickets range from $25 - $124, and may be purchased online at tuts.com or by phone at 713-558-TUTS.
Montrose gallery She Works Flexible pairs artists Sofia Cordova and Autumn Knight in I perceive the other and lose myself.
UH Mitchell Center Presents 2015 CounterCurrent Festival, April 14 - 19 For the second year in a row, the University of Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts will deliver the CounterCurrent festival, a week of free events and performances spotlighting works in some of the city’s most unique spaces. CounterCurrent activities are scheduled for April 14-19. CounterCurrent will feature nine major cutting-edge contemporary and collaborative works, including video installations, live performances, and participatory events by artists from around the globe. “For the second annual CounterCurrent festival, we are
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excited to bring a brilliant roster of artists from all disciplines,” said Karen Farber, executive director of the UH Mitchell Center. “This year’s festival takes a look at our collective and individual histories as Houstonians, as urbanites and as citizens. These artists revisit, revise, and remix these histories in the context of contemporary life.” Among the highlights of CounterCurrent are: “Ht/X” Luke Savisky – 8:30 p.m., April 14, Allen’s Landing Bridge (1001 Commerce St.); “In Walking Distance” – Maya Zbib, Omar Abi Azar, Zoukak Theater
| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015
Company –2 p.m., April 15 – 16 Meet in UH Wilhelmina Grove (Entrance 16 off Cullen Boulevard); “johnbrown” - Dean Moss – 8 p.m., April 17, 18 DiverseWorks (4102 Fannin St. #200); “Cry You One” - Mondo Bizarro and ArtSpot Productions – 2 p.m., April 17 –
19; “Bodycast,” an artist lecture by Suzanne Bocanegra starring Lili Taylor – 4 p.m., April 18, 19 Brown Auditorium Theater, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (1001 Bissonnet) A complete schedule of festival events is available at countercurrentfestival.org.
the museum of fine arts, houston, march exhibitions
based Gitter-Yelen Collection— one of the most comprehensive private holdings of Japanese art in the United States—are on view in Houston from March 1 to May 10. For a New World to Come: Experiments in Japanese Art and Photography, 1968–1979, which debuts in Houston and then travels to New York, examines the role of photography in the formation of Contemporary art in Japan. This exhibit presents some 250 works: photographs, photo books, paintings, sculpture, and film-based installations. The unprecedented survey demonstrates how 29 Japanese artists and photographers enlisted the camera to make experimental and conceptual shifts in their artistic practices during a time of radical societal change. The exhibition will be on view from March 7 to July 12.
In March, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, presents two notable exhibitions of Japanese art. Unfolding Worlds: Japanese Screens and Contemporary Ceramics from the Gitter-Yelen Collection reveals three centuries of artistic traditions and styles with a remarkable selection of painted screens and decorative arts. Amassed over a period of 50 years by Dr. Kurt A. Gitter and his wife, Alice Rae Yelen, the exhibition features more than 25 large-scale painted screens from leading artists active in Japan between the 17th and 20th centuries, exhibited together with some 35 ceramic works created by master and emerging ceramists in Japan from the 1950s to today. These masterpieces from the New Orleans-
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2015 BP MS 150 Bike Ride, April 18-19 Cyclists from across the country and the world will sign up for the annual trek from Houston to Austin on April 18-19. Now in its 31st year, the much-anticipated ride will bring together thousands of participants to raise approximately $21 million. Funds raised will support cutting-edge research, programs and services provided by the Society that benefit thousands of Texans impacted by MS. The 31st Annual BP MS 150 Bike Ride is the largest event of its
kind and the leading fundraising ride for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Approximately 13,000 cyclists are expected to take part in the two-day, 180-mile journey. The registration fee is $130, and a minimum pledge of $400 is required for participation. Individuals, families and groups are also encouraged to volunteer for the more than 3,000 positions in Houston, Austin and along the route. Log on to bpms150.net to register, volunteer or make an online donation.
Cyclists gear up for 31st annual BP MS 150.
Mackenzie Ward, Stools, 2014, inkjet print, Bellaire High School. © Mackenzie Ward.
Eye on Houston: High School Documentary Photography at MFAH, Through May 10 The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 5601 Main Street, debuted Eye on Houston: High School Documentary Photography, the annual photography exhibition that offers a unique view of Houston through the eyes of its students. The exhibition will remain on view through Sunday, May 10. Eye on Houston features photographs by students from three Houston-area high schools: Jack Yates High School, Bellaire High School, and Cesar E.
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Chavez High School. Founded in 1995 under the name Eye on Third Ward, the program was originally created to encourage Yates students to hone their skills and powers of observation by documenting their neighborhood and its residents. Now in its 20th year, the expanded program offers students the opportunity to express the diverse characteristics of Houston’s various and vibrant communities. This year, Yates students
| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015
photographed the Third Ward, Cesar E. Chavez students documented the communities of Houston’s East End, and Bellaire students documented the incorporated city of Bellaire, capturing the distinctive personality of each community and its inhabitants. Fifty-four photographs by junior and senior students were chosen for this year’s exhibition. Admission to the exhibit is free with general museum admission, which is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and military members, $7.50 for students, and free for children 12 and under. General admission is always free for MFAH members, and free for the general public on Thursdays, courtesy of Shell. Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 12:15–7 p.m. Sunday. Call 713-639-7300 or visit mfah.org for more information. For information in Spanish, call 713-639-7379.
the chilDren’s museum, march events Quirkiness and genius are taking over this Spring Break at the Children’s Museum of Houston. America’s No. 1 children’s museum will roll out the antics with thrills, surprising performances and the national debut of KLUTZ® Amazingly Immature exhibit during the Amazingly Immature Spring Break, March 7 – 22. Embrace your zany side then tumble, cartwheel or unicycle to Houston’s top spring break family destination. Some notable events include the following: Soda Geyser Showdown on March 11; Shaving Cream Pi(e) Fight on Pi Day, March 14; Human Hamster Balls and Bungee Trampolines; Amazingly Immature Challenge on March 16. The museum is located at 1500 Binz St. For information, call 713-522-1138 or visit cmhouston.org.
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THORNWOOD GALLERY YOUNG SURVIVOR COALITION SUMMIT, MARCH 6-8 The first Young Survival Coalition (YSC) Summit for young women affected by breast cancer and their co-survivors will be held March 6–8 at Hilton Americas-Houston, 600 Lamar Street. Although the risk of breast cancer increases with age, more than 250,000 women living in the U.S. today were diagnosed before their 41st birthday, and 13,000 more will be diagnosed this year. The primary goal of the YSC Summit is to address the unique emotional and medical concerns of young breast cancer survivors. The YSC Summit provides an opportunity for education and inspiration among women who can relate to each other. Whether a young woman is newly diagnosed, living with metastatic disease or several years out from diagnosis, the Summit includes workshops to help them live with their “new normal.” Sessions will be led by healthcare professionals on the following topics: nutrition, sex and intimacy, dating, fertility and family planning, parenting and ways to implement healthy lifestyle changes. The YSC Summit speakers include Dr. Susan Love, Dr. Don Dizon and Hollye Jacobs. Co-survivors (spouses, partners, siblings, parents and friends) will learn effective communication skills, while connecting with other co-survivors. Healthcare providers can increase their knowledge, better understand their patients’ needs and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The registration fee is $160 per person. Registration fee waivers and fundraising options are available to offset expenses. For more information or to register, visit summit.youngsurvival.org or call 877-972-1011.
UNITED DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY MEETING, THIRD SATURDAYS Are you interested in genealogy? Do you have an ancestor who fought or supplied assistance in the “War Between the States”? If so, consider joining the The United Daughters of the Confederacy, Varina Howell Davis Chapter 2143. The group meets the third Saturday of every month at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church (Hollister and Kempwood) at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Cynthia Hardy at 281-851-0525 or cintex08@hotmail.com.
Thornwood Gallery has earned a reputation of providing high quality artwork by international, national and local artists for homes and businesses. Our extensive inventory represents a wide variety of styles from abstract to impressionism and realism.
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Tango Buenos Aires
TSPA'S MARCH EVENTS One of Argentina’s great cultural exports, Tango Buenos Aires returns to Houston for a sensuous evening of dance at 8 p.m., Friday, March 13 at Jones Hall. Set to live music, the company will perform a tribute to the life of Argentina’s most famous first lady, Eva Perón. Feel as though you have been whisked away to an open plaza in Buenos Aires as this company of 25 dancers showcase precise movement and display the elements of love, passion and romance. Encounter the timeless wonder of the music made famous by an American treasure in Over the Rainbow: A Musical Tribute to the Artistry of Judy Garland. In a cabaret-style setting on the Jones Hall stage, vocalist Hilary Kole conjures the spirit and beauty of the legendary songstress Judy Garland at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27 at Jones Hall. With stunning Big Band arrangements, Kole sings such beloved works as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “The Trolley Song,” “As Long As He Needs Me” and “Look for the Silver Lining.” For tickets or more information, call 713-227-4772 or visit spahouston.org.
HOUSTON CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE MEETINGS, THIRD THURSDAYS The Houston Civil War Round Table is an organization that hosts authors and historians who present the history of various events during the period of the American Civil War. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month, except for summer. The group meets at the Hess Club, 5430 Westheimer. RSVP to attend the meeting. There is a charge for dinner. For information, visit houstoncivilwar.com.
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Wolfgang Puck
HOUSTON SYMPHONY WINE DINNER AND COLLECTOR’S AUCTION, MARCH 13 On Friday, March 13 at 6 p.m., the Houston Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction will be held at the Corinthian. The black-tie event, chaired by Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia, benefits Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Programming. The public is invited to one of the most celebrated events of the Symphony Season where celebrity chef Woflgang Puck will be the special guest. Enjoy a delectable multi-course menu, carefully paired with wines from Spec’s Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods selected by Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia and Lindy and John Rydman. Connoisseurs will also have the opportunity to bid at the Collector’s Auction, featuring rare fine wines, wine- related packages, and spirits – all to support the Houston Symphony. For tickets or more information, contact Alexandra Yates at specialevents@houstonsymphony.org, call 713-238-1485 or visit houstonsymphony.org.
T E D C O WA R T For representation or to see more work, visit www.CowartFineArt.com. Shown here: Trees with Stream V, oil on canvas, 48 by 48.
POP-UP IN THE PARK MARKET, FOURTH SATURDAY Pop-Up in the Park is a curated market, featuring products made or designed in the Greater Houston area that will be held the fourth Saturday of each month from 12-4 p.m. at Evelyn’s Park, 4400 Bellaire Blvd. The monthly market will showcase the creativity of the local community with jewelry, clothing, art, furniture, toys and more. The goal of the event is to bring the local community together, offer a wide variety of merchandise, and raise funds for Evelyn’s Park Conservancy. A portion of proceeds from the market will benefit the Conservancy. Admission is free and open to the public. Pop-up in the Park will also feature local musicians and food trucks.
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Trade & Public Welcome Tuesday-Friday 10-5 • Saturday 11-3 Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 |
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PUTTING GREENS u PLAYGROUNDS SYNTHETIC TURF LAWNS
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HOUSTON’S BEST DRESSED WOMEN 2015 LUNCHEON, MARCH 26 The Houston Chronicle and Neiman Marcus Fashion present Houston’s highest profile and most popular fashion show on March 26 at 11:30 a.m. at The Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar Street. The 2015 Best Dressed Women of Houston Luncheon brings the city’s best dressed together while raising funds for the March of Dimes. The event has raised over $7 million. In an average week in Texas, 7,723 babies are born – 1,001 of them are born too soon and 48 will die before their first birthday. Premature babies often spend their first weeks in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) fighting for life, and often have lasting consequences such as vision and hearing loss or learning disabilities. Funds raised by the luncheon support lifesaving research and community programs in Houston that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies and strong, healthy babies. Luncheon Chair is Rosemary Schatzman and Raffle Chairs are Vanessa Sendukas abd Phyllis Williams. For more information contact Amanda Hance, ahance@marchofdimes.com or go to marchofdimes.com/bestdressed.
TEXAS STATE-FISH ART CONTEST SEEKS ENTRIES The Texas State-Fish Art Contest, headquartered at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC), reminds Texas teachers and students that the deadline for entries in the 2015 State-Fish Art Contest is March 31. The contest is open to any student in public, private or home schools in grades K-12. Students must draw or paint any recognized state fish and write an essay about it. Complete contest details and entry forms can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/fishart. The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) provides funds for prizes for first-, secondand third-place Texas winners in each of the four grade-level divisions. First place in grades 10–12 wins $1,000; second place $750; third place $500. Prizes in the K–3, 4–6 and 7–9 grade levels are $100 for first; $75 for second; $50 for third. Educators who wish to have their students enter the contest can download the free “State-Fish Art Contest Lesson Plan” at statefishart.com.
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Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 |
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The Covenant House Texas (CHT) Guild of volunteers invites the public to the 2015 Covenant House Texas Gala on Friday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Americas. The theme this year is “Circus Carnivale.” Honorees are the trustees of the Iris and Lloyd Webre Foundation: Camille Tichenor, Lloyd P. Webre, Jr., Mary Iris Webre, Roberta Rude, Iris Allen, and Bob Duboise. The Spirit Award will be presented in memory of Eleanor “Puddie” Pitcock, a wellknown Houston philanthropist and good friend to all the youth of CHT. Heading up the Gala committee are Gala Chairs, Cheryl Boblitt, Andrea James and Jo Ann Petersen and CHT Guild President, June Reeder. As the number one fundraising event for Covenant House Texas, the annual Gala helps make it possible for CHT to continue providing homeless and runaway youth with the services and support they need to be successful. Table sponsorship and tickets are available, as well as the opportunity to donate items for the silent auciton. For information, contact Kate Ryner at 713-630-5636 or at kryther@covenanthouse.org. Purchase tickets online at covenanthousetx.org.
HOUSTON WRITERS GUILD “BUILDING YOUR AUTHOR PERSONA” MINI-CONFERENCE, MARCH 28 Join the Houston Writers Guild on March 28 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Road for their workshop “Building Your Author Persona.” Writers will attend 2 break-out sessions on the writer's journey, promoting your book, pitching tips and marketing trends. For more information, visit houstonwritersguild.org or email rlnolen@hotmail.com.
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designed race shirt, dog-danna, and race goodie bag. For more info or to sign up, go to events.houstonhumane.org.
"A CELEBRATION OF READING," APRIL 23
HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY’S 34TH ANNUAL K-9 FUN RUN & WALK It’s time for Houston Humane Society’s 34th Annual K-9 Fun Run & Walk. Participate in the 1 mile competitive run or the relaxed 1 mile non-competitive jog and walk. The event is at Sam Houston Park, Downtown Houston, 1100 Bagby St., Sunday, March 22 at 10 a.m.. Dog participation is encouraged. Entry fee includes a limited edition April Murphy
On Thursday, April 23 the public is invited to “A Celebration of Reading” at The Hobby Center. An authors’ reception will be held from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. followed by the main program at 7 p.m. President George W. Bush, Maria and Neil Bush, and other members of the Bush family, as well as several national best-selling authors and notable entertainers will be attending. Now in its 21st year, this annual fundraiser benefits the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Authors will bring their best-selling books to life and notable entertainers will perform. After the program, all guests will enjoy a light supper and more time to mix and mingle before going home with a book written by one of the authors. This year’s outstanding lineup of authors
George H.W. and George W. Bush
includes former President George W. Bush, Jackie Collins, David McCullough, and Byron Pitts. For ticket and sponsorship information, visit bushhoustonliteracy.org. Tickets will be mailed a week prior to the event. For any registrations received after April 16, tickets will be available at Will Call at the Hobby Center on the day of the event.
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On the Town T
with
Jan Carson
he social scene this month is dominated by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the umpteen events that call for your best boots, snappy hat and sassy fringe. But there’s also a ton of other happenings that herald springtime in Houston – especially the annual Azalea Trail March 6-8 benefiting the River Oaks Garden Club. The bloom fest is a terrific chance to enjoy some of Houston’s most impressive gardens so be sure to get your tickets at 713-523-2483.
“A Night on the Nile” CCFA Winter Ball
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The scene was downright exotic as snake charmers and bare-chested Egyptian guards mixed with designer gowned honorees at the annual Winter Ball, benefiting the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. The 2015 KTRK Channel 13 Women of Distinction were presented in front of murals of pyramids and antiquities. They included “Queen of the Nile” Pat Breen, Ambassador Trini Mendenhall, and honorees Carol Beck, Suzan Deison, Lesha Elsenbrook, Gayla Gardner, Carol Linn, Kim Moody, Leisa HollandNelson, Susan Osterberg, Cynthia Petrello and Roberta Schwartz.
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Announcement Party Houston Chronicle’s Best Dressed Honorees To be named a Houston Chronicle Best Dressed Honoree is to be recognized not only for community involvement, but also for exhibiting a unique sense of personal style while fulfilling those good deeds. This year’s 2015 Honorees clearly fit the bill as they were officially announced at a Neiman Marcus party staged, as always, in the Couture Department. Rosemary Schatzman chairs the Best Dressed Luncheon and Neiman Marcus Fashion Presentation on March 26 benefiting the March of Dimes.
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“A Night on the Nile” 1) 2015 Woman of Distinction Carol Beck with husband Paul. 2) Don Gardner with Woman of Distinction Gayla Gardner. 3) Chairs of the 2015 Winter Ball Elizabeth Stein and Patti Murphy. 4) Jim Smith with Winter Ball 2015 Ambassador Trini Mendenhall, Carlo Chiocchio and Suzani Asmlash-Grant. 5) Patrick Breen with “Queen of the Nile” Pat Breen and husband Daniel Breen.
Announcement Party 1) Second-time Best Dressed honoree Gina Gaston, with past honoree Phyllis Williams and first-time honoree Denise Bush Bahr. 2) Jana Arnoldy, Phoebe Tutor and Becca Cason Thrash congratulate Hall of Fame honoree Kelli Cohen Fein. 3) First-time Best Dressed honoree Kristy Bradshaw with Hall of Fame honoree Cynthia Petrello 4) Houston Chronicle chairman Jack Sweeney joins Luncheon Chair Rosemary Schatzman and Neiman Marcus GM Bob Devlin 5) Past honoree Vanessa Sendukas with 2015 first-time honorees Katie Brass, Kristy Bradshaw and Ali Fields.
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“Around The World in One Night” The 2015 Social Book PHOTOS: KIM COFFMAN
Combine an international ambience with tasty treats, tantalizing tunes and glamorous honorees and the stage was set for another amazing Social Book launch party – this one celebrating the party calendar’s 20th anniversary. Owners Scott Evans, Jeff Henry and Sami Shbeeb always make sure the Houston Treasures are in the spotlight and this year’s honorees included Rudy Avelar, Greggory and Pat Burk, Dr. O.H. “Bud” Frazier, Helen Shaffer and Paul-David Van Atta.
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Become a fan on
Come “Like” our new Facebook page and help us tag photos! www.facebook.com/Houston Lifestyles & Homes
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Please e-mail me your latest information and party pics at jan@jancarson.com.
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Out and About PHOTOS: JACK PERRY; PRISCILLA DICKSON; RICHARD CARSON
A couple of former baseball stars helping to mentor young kids headline our Out and About section this month, along with a kickoff party for the upcoming SPA Gala “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a famous guest speaker at a Women’s Symposium, and a thank-you to supporters of UT Health.
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“Around The World in One Night” 1) Social Book honoree Franelle Rogers with Alan and Roz Pactor. 2) Honorees John and Kristi Schiller get cozy with Joanne and Welcome Wilson. 3) Kevin Black, Tony Bradfield, with Rachel and Tom Regan. 4) Honorees Cathy and Gorgio Borlenghi. 5) Social Book owners Jeff Henry and Scott Evans survey the party scene. 6) Past Treasures honoree Merele Yarborough with Bill Littlejohn.
OUT and ABOUT 1) Lance Berkman (l-r) interviewed Andy Pettitte at SpringSpirit Baseball’s fifth annual “Breakfast for Champions” attended by Amanda and Trey Vick and 500 others who helped raised $700,000 for mentoring programs. 2) Michael Soliz got into the theme of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at the kickoff party for the March 28 Gala for the Society of Performing Arts. 3) Paul and Catherine Murphy hosted the kick-off party for 100 guests supporting the SPA Gala on March 28. 4) Dr. Marc Boom joins guest speaker Lisa Ling and Dr. Julie Boom at the Methodist Hospital 2015 Empowering Women’s event. 5) Kathy O’Neil, Charlie Parker, Phil Ferguson and Marsha Parker at UT Health’s annual Winter Reception at Tony’s, sponsored by President Giuseppe Colasurdo, M.D.l
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Style }file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
THEIA From the Pre-Fall 2015 collection. theia.com
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Style }file
Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty } What’s in store now.
MISSONI From the Spring-Summer 2015 collection. missoni.com
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Style} file Lifestyles & Homes } Fashion + Beauty What’s in store now.
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Typically, the term “cat lady” evokes images of an unfashionable, unkempt and slightly unhinged spinster hoarding multiple cats. Cat Lady Chic serves up the antidote, celebrating the Cat Lady with a compilation of artful, playful and sophisticated images of some of the most renowned, beautiful and accomplished women in modern history with the cats they love. Diane Lovejoy proves that Cat Ladies come from an impressive lineage, one that should be regarded with pride. Enjoy scores of photos of felines paired with famous feline fans.
SHEET PAN MEALS Ask about FREE ADVERTORIAL OFFER with Ad Purchase For Advertising Information, contact your sales representative or call 281.240.2445 ext. 128 www.houstonlifestyles.com
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Look no further for elegant, satisfying complete meals; unparalleled flavors and irresistible textures; easy prep, cooking and clean up! Sheet pan cooking means roasting, broiling and baking – three methods that con-
centrate and intensify flavor. All you do is toss the ingredients on a pan and pop it in the oven. The result: meats are juicy and tender, potatoes are crispy and vegetables are caramelized and slightly sweet, fruit is syrupy, and desserts are decadent. Sheet Pan Suppers: 120 Recipes for Simple, Surprising, Hands-off Meals Straight from the Oven by Molly Gilbert reinvents the one-pot meal impressively and effortlessly.
MAN’S BEST FRIEND In Good Dog, by David DeBenedetto, readers enjoy a sparkling collection of 51 dog stories – each entertaining, heartwarming and celebratory of our relationships with man’s best friend. This compilation offers some beautifully written stories of dog ownership, companionship, friendship and kinship. From the troublemakers who can’t be fenced in to the lifelong companions who won’t
leave our sides, this poignant anthology showcases the dog through all his most endearing – and sometimes maddening – attributes.
FUN, FRESH AND FLIRTY Four-time bestselling author Bethenny Frankel is back with amazingly delicious low calorie cocktails and recipes in Skinnygirl Cocktails: 100 Fun & Flirty Guilt-Free Recipes. The Queen of the Cocktail offers up her favorites as well as party-foods for any occasion, from theme parties to romantic evenings to just a girls’ night in. Her fresh and delicious craft recipes and signature cocktails are perfect for any size party or gettogether. This cocktail companion is the go-to guide for crowd-pleasing low calorie takes on the classic drinks and plenty of inspired contemporary concoctions.
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Subaru Legacy and Ford Fiesta
Subaru Legacy | Starting price: $21,700
S
ubaru has always distinguished itself in a very crowded automotive landscape by being the all-wheel-drive car company. We think of them in terms of ruggedized wagons like the Outback, which by the way is a very fine vehicle. But building on that firm foundation, Subaru has leveraged its technology advantage beyond building vehicles you’d want to go camping with. Their midsize sedan, the Legacy, is a perfect example of that transition. Though the Legacy truly is a Subaru and does come with one of their symmetrical allwheel drive systems as standard equipment, because it’s a sedan with low ground clearance its value lies elsewhere. The Legacy is designed and positioned to compete directly with the Toyota Camry,
Ford Fiesta Starting price: $13,900
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t may be a surprise to some but Ford Motor Company really does build something other than trucks; they’re called cars! And as it happens they build and sell lots of them every year. The Fiesta is the company’s sub-compact car sitting below the compact Focus and midsize Fusion. Actually the breadth of models in the Fiesta line is surprisingly broad. There is the S Sedan, which is the 4 door model; the S Hatch, which is the 5 door hatchback; the SE Sedan and Hatch; Titanium
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Honda Accord, Ford Fusion etc. In fact, current buyers might have a hard time telling some of these models apart because the basic shapes and dimensions appear to be very similar. And as much as the Legacy looks similar to the others, fundamentally it has some very unique attributes that set it apart. The styling of the Legacy is class leading. Whereas the Outback looks profoundly utilitarian, the Legacy is a very fine piece of automotive sculpturing. The interior is precise, proportional and well executed. It’s very left-brain in its design, which is in keeping with the philosophy of the company. With a Subaru, the vehicles are designed to “function” superbly in areas like safety, reliability and road worthiness, which they do masterfully. The good looks are used to
attract customers so that they will buy the car and thereby experience the superior functionality of the vehicle. With several other automobile manufacturers it’s the opposite. They build pretty cars that mask poor functionality. Owner satisfaction levels for these are predictably low. The Legacy comes in four trim levels. The base 2.5i is a 4 cylinder sedan with a cvt automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It’s priced very attractively and contains all the basic functional bits that the more expensive models do. The Legacy increases in price with additional optional equipment and the availability of a larger engine. The 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited have more equipment than the base model and the 3.6R Limited replaces the 4 with a 6 cylinder engine. The 2.5 engine has 175 horsepower and offers a 26 city and 36 highway fuel economy rating. The 3.6 has 256 horsepower and delivers a 20/29 rating. Though the 3.6 has significantly more power, the 2.5 is very lively and has more than enough scoot for the car. Fewer than 10 percent of buyers are willing to pay the additional $3,000 for the 3.6 with its 20 percent fuel economy penalty. So the Legacy is a totally modern svelte sedan that is good looking, roomy and attractively priced. But more than that it’s also an outstanding all-weather, all-road, sure-footed, fun-to-drive, long-legged, low-maintenance, long-lived sedan that owners tend to fall in love with and keep for a very long time.
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Sedan and Hatch; the sporty ST; and the newest addition, the Fiesta 1.0 or SFE. The styling to the Fiesta is very slick and Ford benefits from the European branch of the company that has over the decades developed extensive small car design prowess. The lines are sculpted, the exterior colors are lively and fun and the car looks much like its larger siblings. The interior of the Fiesta is also stylish and dramatic. The large center console and dramatically curved instrument panel consume scarce interior space but it’s a tradeoff that Ford is willing to take. Compared with other sub-compacts, the Fiesta is a pretty nice place to spend time.
Ford’s approach to increasing fuel economy is turbo-charging smaller engines so they have the power of a larger one when needed, yet the economy of a smaller one when you’re not in “turbo” mode. With the proliferation of many different engine configurations in other parts of the company, Ford has wisely stuck to the 1.6 liter engine architecture in the Fiesta line… until recently. Most models have the 1.6 un-EcoBoosted engine, the exception being the sporty ST model. The base 1.6 delivers 120 horsepower but the EcoBoost produces 197 with nearly the same fuel economy. Ford’s approach to increasing fuel economy is turbo-charging smaller engines so they have the power of a larger one when needed, yet the economy of a smaller one when you’re not in “turbo” mode. Ford plows totally new fuel economy turf with the Fiesta 1.0 SFE. Ford is now offering an ultra-tiny 1.0 liter 3 cylinder EcoBoost engine that produces basically the same power as the un-boosted 1.6 engine. The 1.0 liter is only 62 cubic inches and is smaller than many motor cycle engines. It has improved fuel economy numbers with EPA reporting 31 city, 43 highway with 36 combined compared with 28, 36, 31 for the larger 1.6 engine. The caveat is that the 1.0 is only offered with a 5 speed manual transmission and Ford charges an extra $995 for the smaller engine. The 15 percent fuel economy improvement is significant, but a quick calculation using the EPA average economy numbers and assuming 20,000 drive miles a year and current $2 a gallon for gas, the 1.0 would save you about $15 a month in fuel costs. But that also means that there is only about $20 a month in fuel cost difference between the “responsible” 1.0 and the “really fun” sporty turbo ST… don’t tempt me! The Fiesta continues to be a popular car and hats off to Ford for continuing to refine and improve the Fiesta. For more information on these models, visit MyCarData.com. l
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Celebrating Spring for 80 Years! River Oaks Garden Club presents annual Azalea Trail
Butterfly Garden.
By Elizabeth Anthony zalea is the name given to the various spectacular flowering shrubs (genus Rhododendron) of the Heath family that are in full bloom each spring in Houston. These showy flowers flourish in varying shades of pink, purple, white and red and are a magnificent sight to behold. River Oaks Garden Club (ROGC) is digging into all things spring as members prepare for the unveiling of the 80th Azalea Trail, the oldest continually running Azalea Trail in the nation. The Trail takes place from Friday, March 6 through Sunday, March 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the cost of a $20 ticket ($15 before March 1 or $5
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per home at the door), “trail blazers” will see four breathtaking private homes and gardens and two noteworthy public homes and gardens: Rienzi and Bayou Bend. As a bonus, admission is free to the historic Forum of Civics Building, home to ROGC, and its formal gardens where visitors can “Ask the Experts” for gardening advice. A Brief History In 1927, ROGC was organized by 27 residents of the new River Oaks area. It was not until 1935 that they held the first Garden Pilgrimage as it was called then. That first year there were 12 gardens on the tour, five of which were on Lazy Lane. The tour was also held the last weekend in April. The proceeds
from the tour were used to beautify the grounds of River Oaks School, known today as River Oaks Elementary. In 1936 the Pilgrimage changed its name to the Azalea Trail as three gardens were open in March to show azaleas in addition to the April Pilgrimage. People were not familiar with the beautiful azaleas as they were not native to this area, so the garden club used the Azalea Trail as a means of educating the public on azaleas and horticulture. The 1940s presented all kinds of challenges to the Azalea Trail as the war years brought severe shortages of plant material. As a result, members began growing bedding and landscape plants from seeds and
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Entry to the Clio Garden.
cuttings. This introduced the Victory Garden concept into the landscape design of Houston homes. The gardens incorporated vegetables into borders in combination with flowering species and fruit trees into the landscape rather than in isolated vegetable gardens and fruit orchards of the past. Each year the Azalea Trail’s attendance grew, setting a new record of 10,000 people in 1945. In 1948, the Forum Building first opened as an information center during the Azalea Trail. Flower arrangements by members were also on exhibit and member Frances Hannay published a pamphlet for the public called “Period Flower Arrangements.” In 1957, Night Gardens were shown on the Azalea Trail for the first time. In 1961, Miss Ima Hogg granted permanent supervision of Bayou Bend Gardens to ROGC. In 1982 the Garden Club received a resolution from the City Council and a proclamation from the Mayor designating ROGC Azalea Trail Days and commending its contribution to the historical preservation, conservation, and beautification of the city. In 2006, the City of Houston was designated an “Azalea City.” (History compiled by Jennifer Bowen)
East Garden and Dogwood.
Bayou Bend White Garden. Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 |
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Veranda to East Garden.
North Lawn to Diana Garden.
Azalea Trail visitors will see four breathtaking private homes and gardens and two noteworthy public homes and gardens: Rienzi and Bayou Bend.
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North Lawn to Diana Garden.
The Azalea Trail Today The Azalea Trail currently presents Houstonians an enjoyable weekend that raises awareness about architecture, flower arranging and horticultural possibilities in our region, and simultaneously raises funds to continually beautify and sustain our city’s landscape. Event proceeds help fund ROGC’s mission: to restore, improve and protect the quality of Houston’s environment through education, conservation and civic improvement. Through the years the proceeds have landscaped the area along Allen Parkway near Shepherd, built a new entrance to Bayou Bend on Westcott, helped landscape Tranquility Park and Discovery Green, and continue to landscape River
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Carla Garden.
Oaks Elementary. Recently, many of the funds have benefited Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter, Cedar Brook Elementary School, Chinquapin Preparatory School, Friends of Mandell Park, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, The Monarch School, Inc., Near Northwest Community Improvement Corporation and The Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum. The Azalea Trail offers visitors opportunities to see fabulous floral designs by ROGC members, beautiful interiors, amazing architecture, and stunning landscapes. What started 80 years ago as a means to educate the people of Houston has now become the heralding symbol for spring. The 80th annual Azalea Trail is sponsored by River Oaks Garden Club, a nonprofit organization and a member of The Garden Club of America. Chairpersons of this event are Gayle Hightower and Mimi Prioleau. Tickets are available at various locations throughout the Houston area. For more information, call 713-523-2483 or visit riveroaksgardenclub.org.l
Bayou Bend Diana Garden.
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Watercolor Art Society of Houston Group’s 38th International Exhibition runs March 10-April 9
“Dall Ram at Full Circle” watercolor by Karen Dwyer.
By Cheryl Alexander he Watercolor Art Society of Houston (WASH), a nonprofit arts organization that has been in existence for more than 50 years, encourages and supports the creation and appreciation of water-media art. The International Exhibition is the larger of WASH’s two major annual exhibits and attracts artists from around the world. This year marks the 38th International Exhibition and it will be on display from March 10 through April 9 with an opening reception on March 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the WASH Gallery located at 1601 West Alabama in Houston’s museum district. The International Exhibition at WASH is one of the nation’s top flight opportunities for seasoned professionals as well as talented amateurs to offer their work for critical consideration that may eventually bring another Van Gogh, Homer or Sargent to the market place.
T
Significance of the Exhibit The International Exhibition, reputable for high standards, is celebrating its 38th
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year. Local artists as well as those from around the globe anticipate the exhibit and look forward to submitting work. Considered one of the top 10 U.S. water-media exhibitions by the nationally renowned Watercolor Artists magazine, the show offers some of the largest monetary prize payouts in the country, encouraging talented artists to submit their best work and compete for the prizes. Each year between 350 and 400 entries are submitted for consideration, but only about 90-100 pieces are accepted for exhibit. Normally about 50 percent of the entries come from Texas, between 35 and 40 percent come from other states, and about 10 percent are from other countries. During the past five years the Inter national Exhibition has shown work from Canada, India, Malaysia, Serbia, Singapore and Spain. Because WASH and the International Exhibition is in Houston, the country’s fourth largest city, which has one of the nation’s largest “arts districts,” and because of its established age and reputation, the
event attracts the attention of a strong and active arts community that appreciates excellent work. “We are excited that the quality and variety of this year's work is better than ever and we are so fortunate to have Eric Weigardt judging the exhibition,” said Karen Lindeman, event chairman. Juror Eric Weigardt is a member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, and the Transparent Watercolor Society of America. Along with having his work in private collections around the country, his watercolors have received the endorsement of The Artist’s Magazine and Watercolor Artist Magazine by appearing on the covers of both. He has authored Watercolor Free and Easy, conducts classes and workshops nationally and has instructed over 5000 students. Weigardt has also achieved the Dolphin Fellowship and Dolphin Medal, the highest award offered by the American Watercolor Society. This places him along- side only 65 other watercolor artists who have received that honor since the society’s inception in 1948. He will bring that ability and knowledge about watercolor, art, and painting into play as he judges this year’s submissions. Those artists gaining entry into the exhibition will have cleared a very high bar having been thoughtfully reviewed by this accomplished professional. Why Artists Enter Because the International Exhibition attracts watercolor art from the global arena, it compels participants to submit their highest quality work. Further, being accepted for inclusion affirms that they have achieved a high standard, adding to the artist’s reputation and confidence that his work can compete with the best in the world. “The variety and breadth of watercolor painting today will literally take your breath away,” said Beverly Aderholt, society president. When an artist’s work compares favorably to the work of others, their
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artistic growth is stimulated. Exhibiting one’s art alongside other quality paintings that are diverse in style and technique acts as a catalyst for development of their craft. Each artist is compelled to take a fresh, objective look at their work. Continued acceptance into the International Exhibition will gain the artist a “signature status” (entry into three shows) or “elite signature status” (entry into five shows). Achieving that consistently high level of performance often opens doors to commercial gallery representation and individual shows. Because of the visibility the show offers, an artist’s unique vision and/or style can receive critical acclaim which will contribute to the greater body of painting and artistic knowledge that influences culture. This can inform and inspire other artists, and lead to commercial success. Being juried into the exhibition presents emerging talent with an opportunity to be seen on a bigger stage and it also affords the more seasoned practitioner with the opportunity to receive critical assessment of a new effort.
“Sticks and Stones” watercolor by Nellie Kress.
Who Are the Artists? Any artist (amateur as well as professional) painting in a waterbased media can enter the International Exhibition. It can be pure watercolor, gouache, acrylic or any combination of the three. The judges are professional artists who have been painting and making art most of their lives, and who do it to earn a living. The exhibit has such a high level of regard in the artistic community that former jurors often enter their own work in subsequent years. The majority of the artists entering the International Exhibition are gifted amateurs wanting to pit their skills against more seasoned painters. But no matter the level of talent — beginning amateurs or experienced professionals — making and sharing art is the common thread. Effect on the Community The International Exhibition is one of the more significant local art events that forms the broader arts fabric in the Houston area, adding to the cultural collateral that makes our community healthy and strong in tangible and intangible ways. The exhibition increases public awareness of water-media art: its diversity in style, technique, composition and subject themes. The show will ultimately encourage more people to consider water-media as an art form that they wish to undertake. More importantly, it will stimulate others to make their own creations regardless of the medium. WASH’S Year-Round Role WASH is a community that provides many artistic enrichment activities to its members, members’ families and friends, and the community at large. Though many artistic organizations focus on a particular media, just as WASH focuses on watermedia, WASH joins them all in a common bond to encourage creativity, individual expression and the making of art. WASH
“Watercourse” watercolor by Jun Zhu.
“Weeping Angel Study” watercolor by Cleo Ceeney. . Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 | 43
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The exhibit has such a high level of regard in the artistic community that former jurors often enter their own work in subsequent years.
“Hiking in a Circle” watercolor by Karen Lindeman.
presents the best in watercolor art to the Houston community and beyond. Local talent is exhibited regularly through juried monthly shows. In the fall, WASH presents the annual juried Members Exhibit, which is much like the International Exhibition except that it is limited to WASH members, which very often extends to people around the nation. Throughout the year, WASH offers painting demonstrations, workshops and classes for all ages and stages of painting experience. The professional artists who serve as jurors of the International Exhibition and the Members Exhibit provide demonstrations and workshops during their time in Houston, affording the community a unique opportunity to learn from the masters. WASH also provides community outreach programs at local schools and medical centers such as Texas Children’s Hospital. It offers tuition-free monthly and day classes to students enrolled at the Houston School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and also offers annual college scholarships to that school’s graduates. Additional information about WASH and the annual 38th International Exhibition can be obtained by calling 713-942-9966 or visiting watercolorhouston.org.l
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“Pungent Sunshine” watercolor by Kay Stern.
“Coffee House” watercolor by Keiko Yasuoko
“Memories of My Mother” watercolor by Gerry Finch. • (Below) “On the Surface” watercolor by Mark Stewart.
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Pin Oak Charity Horse Show’s 70th Year! SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
A long tradition of giving and excellence
Jen Alfano is a professional rider with SBS Farms (owned by Susie Schoellkopf ). This Buffalo, NY National and International Hunter Derbies and Hunter Rider is pictured with Jersey Boy, a famous Hunter "Derby" Horse with whom she competed for the first time in 2014.
By Melanie Saxton ompetitors, exhibitors and fans will become a part of history at the 2015 equestrian extravaganza, ringing in a remarkable 70th year. Since 1945, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has featured the world’s most accomplished equestrians to the delight of fans who travel near and far to witness the two-week event. A variety of competitions in five show rings will include stunning American Saddlebreds, Andalusians, Lusitanos and more. Elegant show hunters, powerful jumpers, and exacting Working Equitation always thrills the crowds! According to Pin Oak Charity Horse Show President Lynn Walsh, the fans, sponsors and volunteers play an integral part of making the Show a success. She notes, “One word comes to mind that accurately describes both the group that is involved with showing horses and the group that has piloted Pin Oak for the past 70 years, and that word is ‘passionate.’ ” Mark your calendar for March 17 to
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March 29 as competitors and exhibitors appear at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 S. Mason Rd. – right in the heart of Katy. What to Expect To watch last year’s horse show and enjoy a virtual “Pin Oak Experience,” fans can visit www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2014PinOak. Every year, the Grand Prix is a big draw. The Show is a sanctioned
Above all, Pin Oak is a charity outreach and has touched the lives of sick children locally, nationally, and internationally. U.S. Equestrian Team event and is also an Olympic qualifying competition. Riders from Mexico, Canada, South America and Europe compete in a course of jumps much more challenging than that of the average jumper class. Spectators are treated to
drama found only in the most competitive sporting events. The International Hunter Derby series, another big draw, was created to bring hunters to the forefront of the international circuit, showcasing their rich heritage and increasing awareness of this long-standing tradition to both spectators and other equestrians. The courses at Pin Oak are built to encourage and reward the brilliance and daring of riders and the true athletic ability of the horses. There is a prize list for hunters, jumpers, American Saddlebreds, Andalusians, Lusitanos, and All-breed Working Equitation. But what exactly does each competition entail? The following information can help fans “get to know” the horses. The Iberian Experience For the last three years, Pin Oak has been the largest show for Lusitanos and Andalusians. These compact, heavily muscled horses impress the crowds with their
Hunters vs. Jumpers People may wonder about the distinctions in equestrian sports, especially the similarities and differences between hunters and jumpers. “One way I describe the difference is that hunters are more like figure skaters (grace and style), while jumpers are very much like speed skaters (power and speed),” says Walsh. For instance, a show hunter is usually a Warmblood or Thoroughbred type known for their fluid movement as they navigate posts, rails, brush and stone walls that mimic a hunting field. When showing over fences, hunters should maintain an even hunting pace that would keep them up with the hounds and other horses in a foxhunt. A horse is said to have jumped “clean” if no faults are scored against him, such as knocking down a jump. At the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, all hunter classes compete for a trophy and eight ribbons. Welsh
Ponies show in the Pony Hunter division. Open jumper classes are among the most popular events with spectators because they provide such thrilling entertainment. Comp etition involves more complex and technical courses than hunters, and are scored objectively rather than subjectively. The horses are usually Warmbloods or Throughbreds, although various breeds have competed. The score is based on whether the horse clears an obstacle and finishes the course on time.
Luck, Champion of the $10,000 Week II USHJA National Hunter Derby. Derby competition is the top type competition for Hunter Horses. Pin Oak 2015 will host four Derby events.
SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
mystique, agility, and thick manes and tails. The Lusitano is a Portuguese horse breed closely related to the Spanish Andulusian – both referred to as Iberian horses. These performers are intelligent and have a kind disposition. The show will open with an IAHLA competition, and dressage sport horse classes will lead the way at the Haras Dos Cavaleiros arena. The honorable Wayne Hipsley of Lexington, Kentucky will be the judge this year. New for 2015 will be a High Point Award for Half-Andalusians. The prize includes bragging rights, a beautiful Pin Oak monogrammed High Point cooler, and $500.
Jersey Boy is a 2012 USEF National Horse of the Year, 2012 United States Equestrian Federation High Performance Horse of the year, and voted by professionals as the 2012 National show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse of the Year.
TRICIA BOOKER PHOTOGRAPHY
SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
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Longtime Pin Oak exhibitor Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, Ohio and Happy Z were the 2014 champions of the $25,000 Moet Chandon Grand Prix Week 1. Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 | 47
SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
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Jenni Martin-McAllister of Sun Valley, CA is a Show Jumping-Grand Prix exhibitor (pictured with Casseur de Prix). She competed at Pin Oak in 2013 and 2014 and went on to compete in the Longines 2014 FEI World Cup Final in Lyon, France.
American Saddlebreds As a U.S. horse breed, American Saddlebreds are thought to have descended from the riding horses of the American Revolution. They served as officers’ mounts in the Civil War, and their registry
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dates back to 1891. Favored for their stamina, long arched necks, well-defined withers, sloping shoulders and strong level backs, this breed also carries its tail high and has been referred to as the “peacock of the horse world.” The versatile Saddlebred competes under saddle in driving classes and can also be found in various disciplines of equine competition. At Pin Oak you will see Saddlebreds compete in the following classes: Pleasure, Equitation, Three-gaited, Five-gaited and Fine Harness. Working Equitation The popularity of this exciting and traditional Iberian discipline is spreading in the U.S. and worldwide. Working Equitation is a showcase for traditional riding costumes and equipment, but also promotes competition between international styles of working riding. Pin Oak will host four levels of competition March 19 – 21 sponsored by Lusitano breeders Haras Dos Cavalieros. At stake is a trophy, six ribbons and $15,000 in prize money. The honorable Sandra Migl of Austria will be the judge. Touching Children’s Lives The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show also is part of an important exhibit at the Kentucky Horse Park at the Wheeler Museum, headquarters of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA). Pin Oak was selected as one of 19 horse shows to be included in "A Sporting Tradition: Iconic Horse Shows Across the United States." Pin Oak was also the first designated Heritage Competition by the United States Equestrian Federation. But above all, Pin Oak is a charity outreach and has touched the lives of sick children locally, nationally, and internationally. Texas Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, and Candlelighters of Houston all benefit. General Admission tickets for $10 are available for Grand Prix events March 21 and March 28, and the International Hunter Derby on March 27. Children 12 and under can attend at no charge. All other Pin Oak days are free, though donations are welcome. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit pinoak.org. You won’t want to miss one minute of this spectacular and worldrenowned show! l
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ç By Lori Verderame
Big Bucks for Old Books Assembling an enviable library
I
have a lovely, scholarly sister who works as an English professor. She, better than anyone else I know, certainly is acquainted with and knowledgeable about great books. This level of education and passion is what makes someone a great book collector. My sister is not a book collector by any means but what she knows about books can help interested collectors select the best titles for both their bedside tables and their bank accounts. Informed book collectors know which books to covet and which ones to condemn. If you want a recommendation about a great book to read, I say that your best bet is to consult with an avid reader. And if you want to know about the market for a particularly great book, ask an appraiser who is an avid reader. If you want to start your own collection of fine literary masterpieces that are as interesting as they are valuable, my advice is to start reading. In this age of Nooks, Kindles, and other electronic readers, I have found over the years that the best collectors in any field are the ones who know their stuff inside and out — no matter the format. When it comes to books, knowing the field surely describes my sister. And, if I need the inside scoop on the best titles, she’s my “go to girl” on the topic.
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Whether you are interested in displaying or digesting your collection of old books, the book collector is not a thing of the past. Many people are enjoying the process of seeking out and assembling enviable libraries. Here are some tips to remember when collecting old books: 1. Books were made differently in bygone days compared to the way that they are made today. The paper used in centuries past had a high acid content and wood pulp, which promotes yellowing over time. These pages can easily rip, crease, tear, and discolor. Touching them repeatedly can also result in drying out your hands as you read these cherished titles. Be gentle. 2. If you are reading your old books solely for enjoyment, take care when turning the pages and when opening the cover. Don’t
| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015
stress the binding by opening and closing the book too often. Books should be placed on their side, not upright upon a shelf. 3. Use a book stand to host an aging book whenever it is convenient. This accessory will help to keep the binding strong, the pages intact, and protect the overall structure of the book. The condition of your old book will impact value, too. 4. Books featuring imagery by important illustrators hold their value in the marketplace, such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with John Tenniel illustrations or Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson with illustrations by N. C. Wyeth. Other famous illustrators can impact a vintage book’s value like Beatrix Potter, E.B. Lewis, Rockwell Kent, etc. 5. Good condition is very important. If you can, purchase or retain original wrappers, dust jackets,
and slipcases as these accessories can increase the value of a vintage book. Great novels that masterfully chronicle a time period and place in the world such as Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind are desirable and valuable. And, books that highlight a particular genre or make an impact on the history of literature itself, like J. K. Rowlings’ Harry Potter series, are favorites with collectors, too. So, before you put old books that are gathering dust into a box and take them to the a local book barn or neighborhood yard sale, find out what your bookshelves hold in terms of historical content and cash. l
Dr. Lori Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, Lori Verderame on Google+ or call (888) 431-1010.
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Light and Bright River Oaks Renovation Continuity and comfortable elegance Text by: Cheryl Alexander Photography by: Wade Blissard Interiors by: Bret Duhon and Michele Williams, Boxwood Interiors Finishes by: Leslie Sinclair, Segreto Finishes Renovations by: Darryl Dieciedue, Dieciedue Construction
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riginally built in 1932, aside from its grandeur and stateliness, this River Oaks home hardly resembles its former self. Current owners Millette and Haag Sherman purchased it in 2004, when its front elevation was Georgian red brick with columns, its interiors were filled with dark wood and the Great Room (an addition to the original structure in 1989) was a dark man-cave trophy room. The homeowners actually lived in the home for five years before they began to renovate in 2009. What was intended to be a simple six- to eight-month project quickly expanded as they began to discover issues that couldn’t be ignored within the home’s older structure, such as a basement that had water problems. Like with many older-home renovations, the more that was uncovered, the more they had to fix. Once the repairs were attended to, the couple began to focus on updating the interior design and aesthetic. “Their inspiration for the renovation was open flow living, French décor, elegant lighting and a monochromatic color scheme,” said Bret Duhon, the couple’s interior designer and Millette’s business partner at
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PREVIOUS PAGE: Plastered walls and aged beams by Segreto warm up the grand scale of this entertaining space. Sources: Graphite fabric on club chairs from Pindler and Pindler, Inc. Custom Schumacher Raja Embroidery fabric in Stone on Ikat pillows and custom finished chandelier from Boxwood Interiors. Harem and Stripe drapery fabric from Cowtan and Tout. Plaster and beams by Segreto. THESE PAGES: The previously stained fireplace was lightened with a texture glaze to remain a focal point of the room without overpowering it. Sources: Schumacher Gainsboro velvet in Beaver on loveseats, custom Highland Court Bardot fabric in Silver with Samuel and Sons Normandy Silk Crete in Gris pillows and custom iron sconces from Boxwood Interiors. Coffee table from Global Views. Plaster, fireplace mantle and bookcases by Segreto. | In the powder room, the chest, perfect in scale, was altered in finish by Segreto to complement the plaster waxed walls and lovely tile wainscoting. Sources: French iron grate mirror from The Original Round Top Antiques Fair. Sink from Chateau Domingue. Plaster walls and chest finish by Segreto. | In the dining room, the same color plaster was applied on the walls and ceilings to lend height to the lower ceilings and accentuate the oval inset in a subtle, sophisticated way. A car buffer was used to apply polished wax to the ceiling, creating a dramatic effect for night time entertaining. Sources: Schumacher Gainsborough fabric on custom Mutton Bone chairs, custom rock crystal chandelier, table, art and mirror from Boxwood Interiors. Oriental Tibetan rug by Stark. Plaster on walls and waxed ceiling by Segreto.
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Boxwood Containers. Millette explained that when she grew tired of what she was finding in local antique shops, she decided to partner with Bret in their own storefront. “We’ve been friends for years,” she said, “and because Bret has been my interior designer, I knew we shared a similar taste. He and I hand-select everything from estates and flea markets all over Europe. We have high quality and a large quantity of furniture, accessories, mirrors and chandeliers.” The consistency of the aesthetic is clear and certainly adds to the flow of the home from one space to the next. The neutral off-white/“greige” color scheme is soft and elegant, with equally elegant furnishings, accessories and lighting. Each is complementary in its visual appeal and could easily be moved to any room and be well-suited. In fact, most of the furnishings and accessories are from the same city in the South of France — Lisle, Dordogne. Axial architecture spanning the front of the home’s interior is an element of design that lends continuity and open flow. No matter which way
you look — right, left, up, down — there is a symmetry that is dramatically appealing. As you step into the foyer and gaze right or left, large arches frame and define each space from one end of the home to the other, inviting you to experience more of the home’s innate hospitality. Additionally, the floors, though different materials and textures, flow seamlessly in their presentation, heightening the interest in each room. In the Great Room, windows were added along an entire wall, flooding the room with tons of natural light and offering a wide open appeal to what was previously a dark, awkward and obvious addon to the home. “The room is so bright and open now that it is almost like sitting outside; we absolutely love the transformation,” said Millette. “Previously, we never wanted to come into this part of the house because it seemed so separate and closed off.” Large limestone tiles link the variety of seating options here — one around the huge 17th century armoire which houses a television; one in front of a grand fireplace and custom mantle; and one for
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“One of my favorite parts of this remodel was selecting the furniture, then seeing the changes in the furniture with Leslie’s finishes,” says the homeowner. simply admiring the view of the beautiful backyard swimming pool and lovely tailored garden, which stays green year-round, with fruit trees to provide pops of color. The home’s finishes provide another layer of continuity to the renovation. Leslie Sinclair of Segreto Finishes said, “This was my second time to work with the homeowners, so I understood well the aesthetic they were trying to achieve and the challenges they felt creating flow with a remodel. With multiple ceiling heights in the architecture and their hope for a warm, elegant comfortable home, we used plaster as a connecting factor throughout.” By using a variety of tones of the same even finish on the walls and ceilings, the home took on the sophistication the couple yearned for, acting as a soothing backdrop without being busy. The smooth, cool plaster on the walls also allows the couple’s magnificent art collection, beautiful furnishings and fabrics to take center stage. Changing things like pillows and accessories is also much easier with such a timeless backdrop. Leslie also finished the cabinetry and paneling in the home, adding depth and giving the spaces their own personality, as well as a furniture-quality finish in areas where the woodwork or cabinetry were the most noticeable elements of the room. One prime example is the kitchen island, where the finish is more textured, creating the feel of a reclaimed element in a new space. Other examples are the custom fireplaces throughout the home. Each lends that old-world French quality which amplifies the connectivity of design from room to room.
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THESE PAGES: The vestibule between the den and the living room has paneling painted by Segreto to create the illusion of reclaimed wood, balancing the transitional nature of the formal living space with the more casual den. | A feature reading nook uses every space in this vestibule leading to the great room. Embellished by a glaze the paneling is a subtle transition from the plaster walls it is next to. Sources: Schmacher Gainsborough velvet in Stone from Lelievre Reso on 18th c. Italian settee. Plaster by Segreto. | In the kitchen, a lighter tone plaster was applied than in the rest of the home. The cabinets were glazed to create a country French feel. Sources: Custom barstools from Boxwood Interiors. Plaster walls and range hood and glazed cabinet finish by Segreto.
“We love working with Leslie,” said Millette, “because she has similar vision, a positive attitude and confidence about her skill. Plus, we know the end result will be fabulous. One of my favorite parts of this remodel was selecting the furniture, then seeing the changes in the furniture with Leslie’s finishes.” Noticeable, too, when considering the flow and consistency of the home’s aesthetic are the ceilings, floors and countertops. Along with the limestone in the Great Room, stunning hardwood floors connect the spaces indoors. Some run vertically and some are parquet, yet the effect is immensely appealing and dramatic. Overhead, spectacular aged beams grace the ceilings. In the kitchen, for example, the beams are reclaimed from an ancient church in the south of France. The island countertop is a majestic marble, Calacatta Gold, which is also used as the sole material in the master bath. The Shermans also added an outdoor kitchen and a room above the new outdoor space that serves as Haag’s home office and workout area. The duality of the additions is a perfect set-up. The outdoor kitchen is a natural extension of the indoor living spaces, and uti-
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lizing the space above it provides this busy husband and father a chance to enjoy private time either working or working out. The third floor, too, received an overhaul. Previously, the space was an attic, then a children’s playroom. With the remodel, the couple decided to convert the room into a fourth bedroom, further boosting the home’s desirability should they ever decide to sell. As in any renovation, there are challenges and rewards. The most challenging part of the redesign, according to both the homeowners and the designer, was the master bedroom closets. “We literally had to steal inches to have two really nice walk-in closets and be able to maintain a sizeable master bathroom,” said Millette, “and the most fun was collecting the lighting.” Apart from the intrinsic growing pains and eventual rewards of a home remodel, the end result, especially in this case, was more than worth the trouble. The light and bright open flow — combined with the continuity of design and elegance the couple and their design team created — made the tranquil vision for their home a reality.
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THESE PAGES: In the sitting room, Luchino linen fabric on club chairs is from Clarence House. Rug from Stark, lamps from Boxwood Interior. Plaster by Segreto. | In the formal powder room a shimmery wallcovering provides an unexpected departure from the tone of the rest of this house. Sources: Wallcovering from Kravet, Inc. Sink from Chateau Domingue. French crystal sconces from MAI. | Serving as a perfect backdrop to the luscious silk covered settee, the plaster was toned to complement, creating an elegant and soothing master retreat. Sources: Margaux silk in pewter on bench and topiary scroll fabric in ice on pillows from Beacon Hill. Plaster by Segreto. | Leading from the bedroom to the master bath, this vestibule was glazed and bits of aged silver leafing were added to the rounded details for a touch of glamour. Sources: Glazed walls and plastered ceiling by Segreto.
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s a follow-up to our first book, Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors, this 304-page, oversized coffee table book takes readers on a pictorial tour through 39 spectacular full homes . We've been thrilled to see the way design lovers have utilized our first book as a strong visual tool to share their design style, the products they desire and the finishes that inspire them. Unlike many design books of this genre,Segreto Style is written from the perspective of a decorative finisher, who has been fortunate enough to work in the most amazing residences! It is not a how to book, but rather a design reference, providing readers with information regarding color and style to make their design dreams attainable. It also includes tips from the bevy of talented interior designers, builders and architects with whom I have had the privilege of collaborating.
A
–Leslie Sinclair
Segreto Style By Leslie Sinclair Available at book stores and online segretofinishes.com
"Segreto Style is a visual treat! Page after page is pure eye candy, and each image is more luscious than the next. Factor in Leslie's writing style, and it becomes a great, highly informative read. The book is filled with tips from talented designers, along with before and after photographs, making it perfect for both seasoned design lovers and the younger set just starting out in the design process." –Joni Webb, Cote De Texas
Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors
Segreto Vignettes
Released 2011
Fall 2015 release
"When one thinks of timeless interiors, the understated elegance of mixing old world charm with modern conveniences, I don't have to look any further than Segreto's books to explain my vision! Leslie's finishes set the perfect backdrop for the ever changing dynamic of the family home. They are the details that add warmth to our surroundings and texture to any space."
BIOGRAPHY OF LESLIE In 1995, after the birth of her third child, this University of Texas graduate left her successful marketing career in corporate America to start a company dedicated to creating quality plaster and decorative finishes. Named after her husband’s family,Segreto, meaning “secret” in Italian, Segreto Finishes combines all of Leslie’s passions – architecture, interior design, art, people, and business – into her idea of the perfect job. Located in Houston, with a staff of over 35 artisans, the company has become a premier finish design firm. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including Architectural Digest, Veranda, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Country French, Elle and Elegant Homes, to name a few. Leslie also writes a regular column for Antique Shops and Designers magazine and authors the blog, Secrets of Segreto, about interiors, art, and finishes. Inspired to share the beautiful homes she has been a part of creating, Leslie entered into the realm of self-publishing with her debut coffee table book, Segreto - Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors. Following the success of the first, Leslie’s second book,Segreto Style, features 39 stunning, full home tours and an extensive resource section for the reader inspired to create their own dream home.
–Randal Weeks, Aidan Gray Home
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Creating Bird and Butterflyfriendly Landscapes Make your yard attractive to the wildlife you want
Lantana is a butterfly favorite and it’s easy to grow!
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W
e gardeners have a choice. We can fill our landscapes with plants based purely on their looks alone, or we can deliberately select those that bring in an added dimension – wildlife. Take a walk around your neighborhood and you’ll soon spot the difference. Most gardens are gorgeous but some seem more alive. Take – for example – one with clipped evergreen hedges, avenues of matched trees and massed plantings in the garden beds. Stylish, green and well main-
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tained, this lovely landscape wraps itself becomingly around the home. It offers welcoming places to spend time outdoors, sitting around a fire pit on a chilly evening or under the cooling shade of a pergola on a warm day. However, from a biodiversity viewpoint, this landscape is less welcoming to non-human visitors. From the perspective of pollen or nectar-seeking insects or birds, there’s not much offered, so they’ll go looking for it elsewhere. Next look for a garden that seems more alive. It may also have clipped hedges, avenues of trees and masses of plantings in the garden beds, but there will be subtle but significant differences. In this type of garden there will be a lot more going on – birds swooping, butterflies dancing about, bees flitting here and there. This garden landscape is full of life because it supports it. It’s full of the right plants arranged in a wildlife-accommodating way. It’s also a garden that’s just as easy to create and maintain. Here’s how… 1. The framework. A garden’s bones – the walls, paths and fences – play an important role in providing habitat for insects, reptiles and birds. Skinks, lizards and frogs will colonize a dry stone wall, skipping quickly out of the sun when you need somewhere to sit. Plant a honeysuckle up and over a fence and you’ll not only provide a source for nectar feeders but some safe nesting sites. This framework is also important to humans because it helps give our landscapes some visual structure. A welldesigned landscape is also easier to maintain. Paved paths border lawns to stop the grass creeping into the garden
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HOUSTON ADVERTISING
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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 cothrendesign.com
LONE STAR BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. The Greater Houston Builders Association named Lone Star Building & Construction Services, Inc. the Remodeler of the Year twice. The National Association of Home Builders has awarded them the "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
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It all comes down to this native bee on a Flower Carpet Amber rose – gardens come to life when we encourage creatures other than humans to visit.
Sharing your outdoor space with other living things adds a dimension that will have you hooked before you realize it.
Introduce diverse plantings like this edgy combination of Flower Carpet roses set again a stand of Tropicanna.
beds and trees are positioned far enough from creeper-clad fences so the vines don’t climb into the canopies. And hopefully the design includes layered plantings – ground covers, knee-high plantings and an overstorey of trees. This mimics Mother Nature and helps create habitats for a huge range of critters to live, eat and be eaten.
2. The plants. This is the critical factor and the key to success. There are any number of lists of bird and butterfly-attracting plants available on the web, including National Wildlife Federation’s site. All you need do is refer to one of these when you’re selecting plants for your new garden (or hunting down some interesting additions
to your existing landscape). It’s not hard to do; it’s just one more thing to think about when you’re making your selections. For example, if you’re thinking about a massed planting alongside the drive to make maintenance a breeze, consider something like Flower Carpet roses because they provide what you need from a landscape
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HOUSTON ADVERTISING
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
SPACEMAN HOME & OFFICE Make room for your car in the garage, get your shoes off the closet floor, and create space in the pantry for everyone’s snacks and much more. You can achieve organized bliss with a perfectly functional and extremely flexible storage system that is uniquely yours. SpaceMan Home & Office will leave you completely satisfied with your new storage system, or they’ll give you your money back! Call for a free design appointment or go online to see more storage solutions. 713-688-8808 SpaceManager.com
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TOPCRET Topcret is the world’s leading company in production and installation of high quality cementbased coverings on floors, walls, bathrooms, countertops, pools, stairs and walls commercially called Microcement and Baxab. Topcret was born in Spain in 2003 when concrete specialist engineers solved the problem of cracks and low adherence to walls and ceilings. They mixed cement products with some chemicals and called the new product Microcement. In 2014, the product family is completed with Baxab, very similar to Microcement, but with a stronger surface and better durability that makes it almost indestructible. 832-797-0374 topcret.com
ROBERT HUFF LIGHTING Robert Huff Landscape Illumination has been designing and installing landscape lighting for more than 30 years. Their associates are experienced in all phases of exterior residential and commercial lighting from small garden atriums to large estates. Distinctive designs, energy efficient equipment , prompt service, and low maintenance costs are their trademarks. 713-861-2000 roberthuff.com
GOLD STAR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION At Gold Star Design and Construction customer service and quality craftsmanship is their biggest priority. From the smallest project to the largest and most complex remodel, Gold Star will provide professional and sincere customer service. Gold Star specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, home repair, complete interior design and remodels as well as custom cabinets. Call today for your free consultation and estimate. 281-206-7274 or 281-832-5163 goldstardesignandconstruction.com 10815 Warwana Road, Suite 302, Houston
GALLANT GARAGE & PATIO 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. Now offering garage storage! 281-762-9707 gallantgarage.com
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RICHARDS TOTAL BACKYARD SOLUTIONS One of today’s hottest trends is outdoor living areas! Envision your dream and watch it evolve. How much entertaining do you do? Imagine the atmosphere at your next gathering in your new backyard! Richards takes pride in their approach to accommodate your wants, needs and desires, while incorporating them into a design, offering their knowledge and still keeping your budget in mind. 713-777-POOL (7665) richardstbs.com 1701 Highway 6 South, Houston
perspective and as a wildlife bonus, they’ll bring in the bees and give foraging cover to the birds. So, whenever you’re considering your plant options, pause and think about which of them would work harder to attract wildlife. And remember to use little, if any, pesticides if you’re looking to attract bees and butterflies; those that kill the “bad bugs” also can kill those we want to encourage in the garden. So, whenever you’re considering your plant options, pause and think about which of them would work harder to attract and create habitats for wildlife. 3. The little extras. This is where it gets fun. Add water and you add Life! It doesn’t matter whether the water is just a small birdbath or a pond planted with some iris or Tropicanna cannas. The watery landscape plantings will bring in the insects and the
birds will follow. And if you’ve room for a larger pond, fish are a brilliant addition. You can also place nesting boxes in your trees or hang up a few bird feeders to encourage the avian visitors to hang around longer. These are incredibly simple steps that will make a profound difference to any garden and to those enjoying it. Sharing your outdoor space with other living things adds a dimension that will have you hooked before you realize it! l
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Top 5 Home Design Trends 2015 Houston design scene making a splash!
Interior Designer and HGTV star Abby Vasek
By Abby Vasek ouston’s design style is as diverse as its population but there are several identifiable design trends that have emerged onto the scene and will definitely be making a splash! •Glamour: The biggest trend in design for 2015 is an infusion of glamour into every design genre. The ‘Restoration Hardware look’ (vintage, faded, distressed, monotone materials) that has dominated the marketplace for almost a decade is finally making way for a new look called Rustic-Luxe. This is the pairing of distressed materials with metallic and Lucite to achieve another degree of contrast and sophistication. From the most classic and pristine design styles to the more vintage and industrial, you can expect to see more shimmer and shine in the New Year.
H
•Hello Rose: Every showroom at this season’s High Point Market (the world’s largest furniture market) had a new introduction item made of rose gold. While Brass and chrome are still design industry favorites you can expect to see more rose gold in furniture, lighting, hardware and fashion.
Mixing primitive elements such as horns, hides and petrified rock is in.
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Natural Stone accent pieces
•Go Geometrics: Take one look around and you will see that bold geometric shapes and patterns are continuing to grow in popularity. This is not just a regional trend but a global trend and one that is dominating the furniture and design industry. Angular embellishments are on everything. And the classic bee-hive shape (first made popular in the 1960’s by designer, David Hicks) has made a reemergence with a vengeance! You can find it in fabric, wall paper, rugs, and in the shapes of lighting fixtures, furniture and accessories. Move over Chevron we have a new pattern in town. •Positively Primitive: This is a style trend that we plan to see more of in 2015. It involves mixing primitive elements into your home with horns, hides, fur, taxidermy, petrified rock, crystals and other natural stones. Go shopping at the Houston Design Center and you’ll find geode crystals on book ends, box tops, lamp bases, made into chandeliers, encased in tables, printed on fabric….you name it. And keep your eye out for the hottest new primitive material in town; petrified rock! You can count on seeing this material used
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Furniture and Interior Design Trends for 2015 Inspiring ideas to create interesting living spaces
Baker Furniture’s Lola Chaise from the Laura Kirar Collection represents the ultimate in modern elegance, with its angular and multifaceted design. Its form speaks to the elegance of the Deco Era, while its geometric and complex lines allude to contemporary design. The chaise is an ideal complement for a boudoir or living room.
By Melanie Saxton ach year, we are treated to a host of trends, many based on offerings from elite brands and top design experts. Here are some defining furniture and interior accents that can be incorporated into our living spaces.
E
Trending, Then and Now As for specific furniture and interior design trends, you’ll find a variety of opinions and a fusion of styles, materials and décor. According to Zillow Digs design expert Kerrie Kelly, "Unexpected textures and an
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eclectic, modern vibe are about to find their way in 2015. Expect to see a more sophisticated look that incorporates gold hardware, natural textures, and a subtle mid-century modern undertone." The latter part of her statement refers to the mid-20th century design movement ranging from the 1930s through the 1960s that influenced architecture, furniture and home interiors for generations. The popularity of mid-century modern experienced a renaissance after the publication of Cara Greenberg’s 1983 book Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s (Random
House). Now it has resurfaced again, thanks in part to the television show Mad Men. Since airing in 2007, weekly broadcasts have romanticized the simplicity of that nostalgic era. Check your local showroom floor for the clean lines and classic tapered legs of mid-century modern. We can count on additional trends, as well — including the use of Pantone’s Color of the Year, Marsala. According to Marie Wood, Director of Design, Meridien, “Due to the underlying brown tones in the color, it works very well with neutrals, animal prints, golds and warm tones.” We see this
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A Nod to Neutrals Neutrals provide the blank canvases on which interior designers create living spaces. Beige, in fact, is confirmed as an ongoing favorite according Michael Boodro, editor-in-chief of Elle Décor. He tweeted in January all the way from France, “With all the color in Paris this week, beige isn't going away as #Farrow&Ball make clear.” Wallpaper continues to trend in 2015 and can provide a neutral backdrop for an entire room. Many sofas on today’s showroom floors are available in neutrals and look splendid against a solid or patterned rug. Accent pillows and decorative throws can infuse a contrasting pop of color. Animal Inspirations Animal influences continue to trend. Exciting splashes of zebra, leopard and cheetah can be found in pillows, throws, rugs and upholstery, often adding an exotic component to a room. Rustic nature elements are also popular – you might be tempted to hang an artful rack of antlers on a wall! Leather sofas and chairs are a perennial favorite, now available from many manufacturers in a variety of colors and textures. In 2015, cow prints in classic black and white are also finding more interior use, along with brown and white, and even dappled real hides. More commonly utilized as rugs, “hair on hide” is also an upholstery choice found on sofas, chairs and ottomans.
Mixed Metals Last year saw a resurgence of gold touches throughout homes, and this year is no exception. Gold-inspired sheens have appeared in everything from upholstered panel beds to lamps. Expect to see a luxurious ambiance of mixed metals in 2015. Iron, steel and even gunmetal are trending, as well as the more common brass. Michael Boodro announced via Twitter: “Copper continues its strong presence.”
tones to avoid overwhelming a room. In fact, Benjamin Moore’s 2015 color trends features four color familie that encompass this principle – green, blue, blush and berry paints. As always, fireplace accents on decorated mantels and hearths can provide a focal point. Mirrors, especially oversized, capture and reflect warmth. Candles, window treatments, chandeliers, artwork and flooring are also effective accents that help wrap a living space in a warm embrace.
Warm, Saturated Tones Homeowners seldom go wrong when utilizing upholstery options in warm tones, but careful balance creates a pleasing aesthetic. Interior designers often intersperse warm hues with neutral, pastel and cool
Elegance & Whimsy Luxurious textures and sophisticated accents add to the beauty of home interiors, especially when combined with “just the right” furniture. Showrooms offer options that are not only functional, but also invite
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rich, pleasing tone in established furniture collections that have been on showroom floors for years – and are still available. We also find it in exciting new collections available in 2015, including the neutral hues, animal influences, gold tones and overall warmth mentioned by Wood. The following details may help homeowners incorporate these trending ideas into upholstery selections, accents and furniture style options.
RICHMOND H WESTPARK
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HOUSTON ADVERTISING
DONNA’S HOME FURNISHINGS
THE DUMP At The Dump, fashion and quality meet big savings in home décor. Every weekend you can expect to see brand name and designer pieces, all from 3075% off, throughout a massive 150,000 square-foot showroom. The company’s buyers tirelessly scour the market for the newest trends in first quality furniture, rugs, and mattresses. Open Friday-Sunday and certain holidays only. Also, shop their weekly flash sales online at The Dump Shop (shop.thedump.com) 281-447-2250 thedump.com 10251 North Frwy, Houston
DAZZLING DÉCOR RUGS & ACCESSORIES Coordinating home furnishings with area rugs can be daunting. Dazzling Décor, sister store to Roberts Carpet & Fine Floors, makes it easy. A rug store and more, you will find thousands of area rugs from moderately priced to handmade one-of-a-kinds. Dazzle your décor with color, texture or shine. Creatively displayed in showroom vignettes, all décor items are for sale! Find that whimsical piece of art or custom designed furnishing and add that personal touch to your home décor. 832-377-4665 Facebook/dazzleyourdecor.com 3003 Fondren Rd., Houston
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Classic in its design, today’s swivel chair has come a long way with beautiful designs, styles and comfort. This chair makes a statement in your living room, family room, bedroom, office or even on your patio for entertaining. Donna’s Home Furnishings’ collection varies from low back with rounded arms to winged back in fabrics from linens to leather. Once you reconnect with this chair you’re instantly reminded how fun it can be! Visit their showroom or call to make an appointment with one of their design experts. 936-228-8786 dhfonline.com 5629 W. Davis St., Conroe
MEMORIAL ANTIQUES & INTERIORS
SPACEY MODERN ART
MAI/Memorial Antiques & Interiors is an interior design store offering today’s looks in interior decor. MAI offers a wide selection of current décor and unique antiques in 17,000+ square feet. MAI's 50+ select designers and antique dealers offer magazine-ready vignettes: a mix of French and other European antiques, mid-century modern, custom lighting, contemporary art, and more. Open daily. 713-827-8087 and 713-465-6405 maihouston.com 8719 and 8731 Katy Freeway, Houston
Bold. Progressive. Individualistic. Spacey Modern Art specializes in custom artwork and originals for the individual who seeks a little more rock n’ roll in the art world. Have a great photo of a friend, relative, or yourself that you think represents that individual and would look great hand painted onto canvas? Specializing in oils painted on gallery-wrapped canvases, Spacey Modern Art has the artist to reflect your individuality and eccentricities. 713-289-9078 SpaceyModernArt@gmail.com SpaceyModernArt.com
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(Left) “Paula’s Table” is from the Paula Deen Home collection, shown in Tobacco. Also shown is the Upholstered Side Chair and four of “Mike’s Side Chair.” This furniture has been inspired by Paula's life in the South and her home in Savannah. It's all about feeling good, safe and comfortable in one's home. • The Wrigley occasional chair from Klaussner Home Furnishings reinvents the notion of style with a look that is urbane and sophisticated. The sleek profile, tight seat and back cushions, roll arms plus tall tapered fluted legs create a welcoming feel.
The Salon Upholstered Panel Bed by Bernhardt has beautifully upholstered button-tufted headboard, footboard and side rails, with an alabaster finish on feet and a three slat support system with adjustable center support. Also available in standard ivory leather.
homeowners to discover their own personal aesthetic. But there is also an element of fun and caprice on showroom floors today, and 2015 is an opportunity to see alluring design potential through a new lens. A kaleidoscope of wood tones, a virtually unlimited amount of upholstery choices and striking decorative pieces allow homeowners to experiment with style. It never hurts to consult with an expert who can help separate fads from truly sustainable design. These interior design specialists take into account your personal tastes and blend exquisite – and sometimes surprising – décor into your home environment. l
Vanguard’s Brendle Bench in Ripley Crimson makes a statement at the foot of a bed. Finished in Langdon with a Valentino Graphite contrast welt and optional brushed nickel ferrules, it complements the antler accent on the wall. Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 |
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HOUSTON ADVERTISING
MEREDITH O’DONNELL FINE FURNITURE Bench made bespoke ENGLISH furniture is still available. French polished finishes, the old fashioned way, bring out the true beauty of the yew and walnut woods. Ask for TROSBY. On display now at Meredith O'Donnell Fine Furniture. 713- 526-7332 meredithodonnell.com
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THORNWOOD GALLERY, LLC Nestled in the heart of Houston just one block West of Kirby Drive between Richmond and Alabama, Thornwood Gallery has earned a reputation of providing high quality artwork by international, national and local artists for homes and businesses. Their extensive inventory represents a wide variety of styles from abstract to impressionism and realism. 2643 Colquitt St.,Houston 713-528-4278 thornwoodgallery.com
THE DESIGN FIRM The Design Firm is considered one of the top interior design firms as well as a truly unique home decor store. Their focus is to create a custom design that represents the client's personal style. The Design Firm's affordable services will allow your budget to go further than expected. 281-494-4433 thedesignfirm.com
TED COWART FINE ART
ART IN THE CITY
Trees with Stream VII, oil on canvas, 48” by 48” – from a new series of paintings on canvas by artist Ted Cowart. These contemporary works explore views of plants and trees. To view more of Ted’s works on canvas and paper and his gallery representation, visit the website. cowartfineart.com
Art in the City offers an exceptional selection of contemporary art in all sizes. The piece shown here is "Color Accent" by Henry and is 60 x 60 inches. Stop by to see their wonderful array of original art and accessories. Complimentary consulting is available. 713-552-0900 artinthecity.net 3601 West Alabama, Houston
| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015
THE GREAT RUG COMPANY The Great Rug Company has provided the Houston area with quality rugs and carpet at the lowest prices for over 20 years. As a family business, making you feel at home without breaking the bank is their top priority. From traditional to contemporary, they've got you and your floor covered! 713-789-3666 GreatRug.com 3415 Fondren Road, Houston
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Three distinctive chairs from Jessica Charles: (left) The Mamie Chair has a classic silhouette. The sophisticated details, including Geo print and ivory wood legs, make this a favorite accent for living spaces. (center) The Hollans Chair features a muted floral print which lends a romantic touch. A deep diamond tufted back adds depth while the soft Bisque wood finish complements the dusted mauve fabric. Its narrow width is ideal for fitting in apartments or small houses. (right) The Estate Chair lends understated elegance with its button tufted back and slim tapered legs. An eye-catching graphic print in a muted color complements the medium oak wood finish on the legs.
Hooker Furniture’s Dining Room Sanctuary Rectangle Dining Table, shown in Dune finish on the base and Amber Sands finish on top , offers a neutral creamy, cottage feel. Create your own personal sanctuary where you can experience comfort.
The Woodbury Console Table from Bernhardt Furniture features a fancy face diamond pattern top with metal center inset, metal corner brackets and carved leg posts.
The Curved Back Sofa from the Barbara Barry Collection at Baker is a contemporized crescent sofa. The back has three loose cushions, a shaped bench seat and a slope arm. The arm actually holds the seat in a crisp, contemporary way. The square tapered legs flare in the back. This sofa was designed to float in a rotunda - or anywhere a room divider might be necessary. Shown in Java.
Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 |
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Kidney Disease Undiagnosed in Majority of Type 2 Diabetics A new push to screen for it sooner
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| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015
by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF),
ney failure in the United States, and
assessed a total of 9,339 patients with type
more than 35 percent of diabetics over
2 diabetes in 466 primary care practices
age 20 are estimated to have CKD. “This research underscores the
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The multi-site cross-sectional study,
across the nation. Of the 5,036 patients with CKD (as defined by urine protein excretion
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for kidney disease,” said Joseph
were diagnosed by their primary care prac-
Vassalotti, MD, Chief Medical Officer
titioner.
of the National Kidney Foundation. “We
As a patient’s CKD worsened, the pro-
are missing important opportunities to
portion of patients correctly identified as
prevent kidney failure, dialysis and car-
having CKD increased (1.1 percent of Stage
diovascular events in those most at
1, 4.9 percent for Stage 2, 18.0 percent for
risk.” Chronic kidney disease, also
Stage 3, 52.9 percent for Stage 4, and 58.8
known as chronic renal disease, is a
percent for Stage 5). Clinicians were more
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Family
Health A D V E R T I S I N G
THE PERFECT WORKOUT Many people – especially women – have a fear of “bulking up” like a bodybuilder if they were to start strength training. In reality, if you’re older than 25, it’s much more likely that too little muscle is the problem rather than too much muscle. The research studies indicate that adults who don’t strength train lose an average of a half pound of lean muscle tissue each year starting at age 25. Over time, this results in arms and thighs that are softer and less firm, a slower metabolism, and buying larger clothing sizes. Effective strength training changes all of this. It increases your metabolism, as well as sculpts your legs and arms. And since muscle is denser than fat, strength training helps make your body smaller, firmer, and more shapely. The Perfect Workout’s personal trainers specialize in a revolutionary strength training method that stimulates all of these remarkable changes throughout your whole body from just two 20-minute training sessions a week. And they guarantee you’ll get results. Four Houston area locations: Sugar Land 281-201-5309 Memorial 281-724-5147 River Oaks 713-999-5182 The Woodlands 281-245-0478 Cypress/N. Houston 832-497-1121 ThePerfectWorkout.com
HOUSTON METHODIST PRIMARY CARE GROUP Your kidneys play an important – and often underappreciated – role in your health by producing hormones that regulate body functions, eliminating waste and regulating the proper amount of water that your body needs. “Monitoring kidney function is just one of the many ways your primary care physician can help you stay healthy,” said Dr. Eric Mueller, a Houston Methodist Primary Care Group physician practicing in the Texas Medical Center. “Chronic conditions which require a variety of different medications such as diabetes or high blood pressure can have a big impact on kidney health, and these patients may need check-ups a few times a year to ensure the kidneys are functioning properly.” “Patients with no underlying disease still need to have their kidney function checked annually through a standard blood test,” said Dr. Mueller, who recommends drinking plenty of water and avoiding overuse of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen which can damage kidneys. “Your urine should be light and clear. If it’s not, talk to your doctor.” To schedule an appointment today, visit the website. houstonmethodist.org/primarycare
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AURORA GONZALEZ, M.D. AND ASSOCIATES Their medical team offers personalized obstetrical and gynecological services for women and adolescents. They strive to stay abreast of the latest developments, so that patients receive the most advanced medical care. Their physicians are here to care for your medical needs: Dr. Aurora Gonzalez, Dr. Vijaya Mandalapu, Dr. Sharon Vila-Wright and Dr. Stacey Thomas. Their physicians are trained laparoscopic and vaginal surgeons who manage a majority of surgical issues ranging from endometriosis, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, uterine fibroids, and heavy uterine bleeding. They offer urinary incontinence treatment and surgery, robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, vaginal prolapse repair and reconstruction, vaginal atrophy treatment with the MonaLisa Touch laser and infertility evaluation. For the convenience of their patients, they provide minimally invasive outpatient procedures for the diagnoses and treatment of heavy uterine bleeding (Thermachoice endometrial ablation and hysteroscopy) and abnormal pap smears (LEEP and cervical cryotherapy). For patients desiring permanent contraceptive options, they also offer Essure. Their obstetrical services include prenatal counseling, routine prenatal care, high risk prenatal care, and full obstetrical ultrasounds. 713-757-9905 YourObgyn.net 6410 Fannin, Ste. 1200, Houston
TOM HALL, D.D.S., M.S. ORTHODONTIST Properly aligned teeth always look best. Dr. Hall has exclusive experience with the most advanced orthodontic systems. Accelerated orthodontics makes the best result achievable in less than half the time of conventional orthodontics. Schedule a complimentary initial visit to learn how. Thank you for considering Dr. Tom F. Hall as your orthodontist in Houston. His office provides comprehensive orthodontic care for adults and children in Houston utilizing the latest orthodontic technology in a relaxing contemporary setting. Dr. Hall has 25 years of experience as an orthodontic Specialist, and is the only Center of Excellence in Houston for 3M Incognito Lingual Inside braces.They also offer regular Outside Clear ceramic and metal braces, Accelerated Orthodontics, along with advanced TMD-TMJ therapy. Their goal is a beautiful smile for you. Call today for complimentary initial NP exam.713-8628223 BracesHouston.com
Fast Facts About CKD • 26 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk. • Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure. • Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD. • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function. • Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension. • Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present. • High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney failure. • African Americans, His panics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Seniors are at increased risk. • Two simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.
successful in recognizing CKD in more advanced stages (e.g., 3 and 4), but still missed nearly half of patients with stage 4 CKD, while 209 (47 percent) of the 445 clinicians enrolled in the study did not identify any of their
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Family
Health A D V E R T I S I N G
TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Texas Children’s Hospital is a not-for-profit organization committed to creating a community of healthy children through excellence in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Texas Children’s has recognized Centers of Excellence in multiple pediatric subspecialties including the Cancer and Heart Centers, and operates the largest primary pediatric care network in the country. For more than 50 years, Texas Children’s Heart Center, ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report, has been a pioneering leader in cardiac care, treating more than 17,000 children with congenital heart defects and performing more than 800 surgeries annually. Cardiologists and surgeons are worldrenowned leaders in pediatric cardiology, congenital heart surgery and cardiovascular anesthesiology, and offer every procedure available for the treatment of pediatric heart diseases and defects for children of all ages, including preterm and lowbirth-weight newborns. Some of the services offered include cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, diagnostic and cardiac imaging, adult congenital heart disease treatment, congenital heart surgery, cardiac nursing, cardiac critical care and heart transplantation. For more information visit the website. texaschildrens.org/heart
SANDERS CLINIC FOR ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND SPORTS MEDICINE According to Mark Sanders, MD FACS of the Sanders Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, an Orthopaedic surgeon is a Doctor of Medicine (MD), who completes four years of college, graduates from Medical School with a Doctor of Medicine degree, completes no less than five years of orthopedic surgical residency and often additional Fellowship years. They are trained to identify and correct, both surgically and nonsurgically, musculoskeletal problems throughout the body — including hard-to-detect load pressure points, deformities and stress and fragility fractures in the lower extremity before they become a crisis management or limb salvage (in the case of a diabetic patient) situation. A podiatrist is a doctor of “podiatric” medicine (DPM), not a Doctor of Medicine. Completing four years of training in a podiatric school and variable amounts of hospital residency training, they are qualified to diagnose and treat certain conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. They can effectively manage certain localized conditions such as callosities, diseases of the nail and diabetic foot ulcerations. Call or visit the website to learn more. 888-530-4494 sandersclinic.net
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MEMORIAL ATHLETIC CLUB PARISI SPEED SCHOOL Regardless of the sport, every kid dreams big. Those dreams are the seeds to motivation and kids need to be motivated to succeed. The lessons they learn will teach them to overcome obstacles in life. Traditional sports practices only go so far; the real lessons come from great training strategies taught by great coaches. After all, great athletes aren’t born, they’re made. Did you know there are techniques proven to make athletes faster and stronger? These tools help unlock speed, strength and quickness, while preventing injury and ultimately increasing self-confidence. This is the specialty of The Parisi Speed School at the Memorial Athletic Club! Parisi’s philosophy is simple: speed and strength are skills and any athlete can get faster and stronger. Their approach is technique and motivation. For over 20 years they have been perfecting a real-world training methodology that translates to proven results. These are secret techniques and tools other athletes don’t have. This training works! There’s a reason why youths from 7 years of age to the professional adult depend on the Parisi Speed School. Year-round programs offered, and weekly summer camps are available June 8 through August 6. Please visit the website for more information. fitmac.com
THE COMPOUNDING SHOP With more than 80 years of experience among its pharmacists, the Compounding Shop offers bio-identical hormone therapy and other customized prescriptions. Locally owned and operated since 1982, they are one of the first and most experienced compounding pharmacies in the Houston metropolitan area. The friendly, multi-lingual staff is certified and licensed, and they specialize in compounding. Providing exceptional customer service is their main goal, and they proudly stand by their products. In addition to bio-identical hormone replacement, the pharmacy offers pain management; veterinarian medicine; dental preparation; saliva hormone testing; nutritional and dietary support; consultation; and many other medications and products. The Compounding Shop is a member of the Professional Compounding Centers of America and the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists. The Shop is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday. Come by and see what they can do for you! They now accept all Major Medical and Prescription Insurances, including Medicare Part D, for both compound and legend drugs. Note: Medicare Part D may not cover compounds. Please call for more info. 281-495-2230 compoundingshopinc.com 11851-A Wilcrest Drive, Houston
patients as having CKD. No differences were noted in clinicians’ likelihood of identifying chronic kidney disease based on practice setting, number of years in practice or number of patients seen per week. “This shows we need clearer and simpler messages for both primary care clinicians and patients regarding the importance of screening for chronic kidney disease in people
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S., and more than 35 percent of diabetics over age 20 are estimated to have CKD. with diabetes,” said Chester Fox, MD, Professor of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo and ADD-CKD Steering Committee member. “We want to use these data to draw attention to the simple fact that recognizing kidney disease and performing simple steps may keep people off dialysis.” As a result of the findings, the National Kidney Foundation has announced two initiatives to tackle kidney disease in at-risk individuals. NKF will include ACR urine testing in its popular KEEP Healthy community screening program. An ACR (albumin/creatinine ratio) urine test uses a simple dipstick to identify protein in the urine – often the first sign of kidney damage. NKF has also launched its Primary Care Initiative to help doctors adopt
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“We can increase the awareness, prevention and management of chronic kidney disease in people living with diabetes by identifying CKD in its earliest stages,” Dr. Vassalotti said. “Only by working closely with primary care clinicians to understand their workflow, can we enhance care for people with CKD.” The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney
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ç By Denman Moody
author, The Advanced Oenophile
Excellent Wines and Houston’s Only Certified Master Chef WHITE WINES Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay Napa Valley 2013 — KARIA means graceful, which describes this Chardonnay. Pretty fruit, bright acidity and “… a mere butterfly kiss of oak.” Perfect accompaniment to seafood and chicken dishes. $28
one likes a combination of rich fruit with layers of flavors, minerality and a perfect dollop of oak. I would go with roasted red snapper topped with crabmeat in a cream sauce. Unique! $75
Bo Felton, Migration winemaker.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars winemaker Marcus Notaro.
Migration Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Dierberg Vineyard 2012 — WOW! This is what this style of top Chardonnay is all about. “Beautiful peach, nectarine and white flower aromatics with luscious taste.” The best wine I have tasted from this AVA. Stunning. Only 288 cases produced. $55
unexpected at this price. Could win a medal in competition with wines at twice the price. Serve with grilled meats. $15 Meiomi Pinot Noir 2012 — This lovely three-county blend from the Wagner family of Caymus fame, displays “…Santa Barbara’s spice-filled aromas, Sonoma’s bright berry flavors and Monterey’s rich textures.” Aged in French oak, this is one of the best under-$20 Pinot Noirs on the planet. An eye-opener and an excellent value. $18 Talbot Pinot Noir Diamond T Vineyard Monterey 2012 — As a Texan and Eagle Ford shale aficionado, I am intrigued by the fact that in 1982, Robb Talbot planted this vineyard “fractoring” the rock to plant Pinot Noir vines. Made from the finest Dijon Clone grapes from this Estate vineyard, this gorgeous wine has a deep, vibrant color with seductive aromas, followed by luscious tastes of ripe cherries, plums and spice, ending with a long, tender-tannin finish. Elegant and intensely flavored, and a joy to drink. $52
RED WINES
Dan Karlsen, Talbott Vineyards winemaker.
Talbot Chardonnay Diamond T Audrey Monterey 2012 — The finest Chardonnay from the Talbot Estate vineyards. It is more deeply colored than most at this age — a Talbot trait, which in this case is not a negative . This rare and other-worldly wine — 100 percent barrel-fermented and 100 percent new French oak aged — is perfect, if
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| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015
Carmen Carmenère Gran Reserva Colchagua Valley Apalta Vineyard 2011 — This year marks the 20th anniversary of the rediscovery of the varietal Carmenère at Carmen — Chile’s oldest winery. “With the structure of a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and the roundness of a Merlot, Carmenère is a wine that both stands well on its own and pairs perfectly with food, especially spicy meats.” Certainly one of the best of this varietal produced. Carmen knows Carmenère ™. $15 Doña Paula Estate Malbec 2012 — From Doña Paula’s very best vineyards at over 3,700 feet above sea level in Altamira, this beauty has intense, dark violet color with aroma of blackberries, plums and spice. A surprisingly voluptuous wine, completely
David Rossi, Fulcrum winemaker.
Fulcrum Pinot Noir Gap’s Crown Sonoma Coast 2012 — Winemaker David Rossi says that this vineyard and others he works with are in California’s coolest Pinot Noir regions, but are somewhat warmer sites than their neighbors, so that they get the flavors they want, balanced by poise and restraint. This is a well-balanced wine of earth, bramble berry and spice. $59
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ç By Denman Moody
author, The Advanced Oenophile
HOUSTON’S ONLY CERTIFIED MASTER CHEF
Fritz Gitschner
Fritz Gitschner, former Executive Chef at the Houston Country Club, has created something very special at 60 Degrees Mastercrafted, located at 2300 Westheimer. There are many Master Chefs, but a Certified Master Chef is an other-worldly figure similar in rarity to a Master of Wine or a Master Sommelier, usually only one or so in each major city, and sometimes only one in a state! Using rare Kobe-like Akaushi beef, the steaks are to die for, and the other menu items are simply luscious. A recently consumed schnitzel rivaled anything I have tasted in Austria — Fritz’s original home. The wine list is relatively small, but excellent. The bistro-like restaurant is unique. Open for dinner except for Mondays. Also a fabulous Sunday brunch! Inquire about specials Sunday and Tuesday evenings. The interior of 60 Degrees Mastercrafted.
Certified Master Chef Fritz Gitschner.
wonder, as this earthy, chocolate-covered plum offering shows exceptional balance. Certainly one of the best Merlots produced in the Napa Valley. Only 200 cases. I’d go for roasted duck in cherry sauce, but if no duck around, roasted chicken would work. $64
Nickel & Nickel winemaker, Darice Spinelli.
Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullinger Vineyard Napa Valley 2012 — Perhaps it’s the amazing 2012 vintage. This is the best Sullinger ever. Although it should age well, it’s just about perfect now! Elegant and beguiling with deep cherry fruit, silky tannins and a hint of toasty oak. I’d go with a beef tender! $100 Robert Keenan Merlot Reserve Mailbox Vineyard Napa Valley 2011 — This is the 11th year that the Mailbox Vineyard has been selected for Keenan’s Reserve Merlot. No
Aron Weinkauf, Spottswoode winemaker.
Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Family Estate Grown Napa Valley 2011 — The renowned Robert Parker calls this beautiful wine from the less-than-great 2011 vintage a “tour de force.” It exhibits an intriguing aroma, excellent fruit, balance, suppleness and soft tannins. Possibly one of the best
three Napa Cabs from this vintage produced. Perfect with your favorite steak. $150 Luce 2011 — Similar to Opus 1, but instead of Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe at Mouton in Napa, this started out as a joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Vittorio Frescobaldi (1995) in one of the premier growing areas in the world, Montalcino. Sons Tim Mondavi and Lamberto Frescobaldi worked together until the joint venture was dissolved in 2005. Lamberto has since taken the reins. Deeply concentrated with aromas of blackberry and raspberry, the taste is complex with ripe fruit and spice followed by a long finish. $95 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, N.Y. TheAdvancedOenophile.com. Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 |
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Jenni
&
Troy
Text by Melanie Saxton Photos by Candace Byers Photography
N
ot many junior high crushes lead to the altar, but Jennifer Ruth Benefield and Troy Anthony Kisner can claim this unique distinction! Their road to forever began with a crush that blossomed during seventh and eighth grade Spanish classes and continued at Clements High School and The University of Texas in Austin. Ultimately, the couple tied the knot in a spectacular wedding at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Galveston, followed by a festive reception at Garten Verein on October 18, 2014. Jenni comes from a family of educators and coaches. Her mother, Mindy Benefield (now retired), was the women’s athletic coordinator and department head for 38 years at Dulles High School, also coaching volleyball and gymnastics. Her father, Sonny Benefield, is in the A&M Hall of Fame and the Texas High School Coaches Hall of Fame. For 42 years he has coached and been an administrator for many school districts, and was an assistant coach for Rice University 1985-1988. He coached basketball and was an assistant principal at Lamar Consolidated High School from 1994-2005. He currently coaches girls basketball at Galveston Ball High School. Jenni attended her mother’s alma mater and was the Zeta Tau Alpha president in 2007, majoring in elementary
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(Left page) The beautiful bride on the happy day. • The couple share a kiss in a formal engagement photo.• The ceremony was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Galveston. • (This page) In this engagement photo, the couple pose against a rustic backdrop.• The couple’s rings. • Troy and Jenni became engaged on a Galveston beach. • Pretty maids and the bride-to-be in their colorful robes on the morning of the wedding.
education. After graduating with highest honors she taught at Creech Elementary for five years in Katy. During summers she worked for Sugar Land Realtor Terri Kurkjian, and in 2013 became Kurkjian’s full-time assistant. She also volunteers at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Troy’s family has lived in Sugar Land since the early 1980s. His parents, Mark and Judy Kisner, recently celebrated a 37th wedding anniversary. They grew up in Hays, Kansas and are both alumni of Kansas State University. His mother is a hair stylist who owned her own studio before retiring in 2008. His father is an engineer who has run a variety of businesses over the past 35 years. Troy followed a similar career path by majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in business, and was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He graduated with high honors and has worked in oil and gas for the past eight years as an engineer in multiple basins in the U.S. and West Africa. He currently works at Hess in Houston overseeing wells in North Dakota.
First Date Troy caught Jenni's eye because he was tall. She told a mutual friend in Troy’s junior high Spanish class that she thought Troy was cute, and the friend told him. The next day by the school lockers, Troy asked Jenni to be his girlfriend. They broke up two days later and were forced to stand by each other outside during a Popsicle fire drill. Then Troy accidentally called Jennie on her mom's phone line, which doubled as an
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Internet dial-up. This disconnected Jenni from AOL instant messenger (very annoying) and she answered, "Who is this?" Troy answered, "This is Troy." Jenni replied, "No it's not!" assuming she was being pranked by the mutual friend who introduced them. Troy hung up and was scared to ever call back! Jenni logged back on AOL to scold their mutual friend, then realized it might have actually been Troy who called. She logged off the Internet and pressed *67 to dial the number back. The family’s Spanishspeaking housekeeper answered and told Jenni that he had just left for the country club. Jenni thought she was Troy's mom! After that confusion, they started hanging out with friends in the neighborhood and at the country club that summer. They officially became boyfriend and girlfriend again and have been in each other's lives ever since.
Courtship Jenni and Troy are blessed to have two sets of loving and supportive families. The couple especially cherished time spent with Jenni’s older sister, Melinda Finch Rao, who is married to Jonathan Rao. Jenni also has a precious niece, Alicia Rao. Troy has an older brother, Travis Kisner, and two younger sisters, Heather Kisner Hayes and Summer Kisner. The couple attended countless UT football games and tailgating events. A mutual love of the outdoors had them frequenting the beach and Troy’s parent’s lake house in Conroe. The couple also loved traveling on numerous skiing escapades to Colorado and visiting many states in the U.S. with several trips abroad.
The Proposal Jenni is nearly impossible to surprise, but was caught off guard by Troy’s unique proposal. Both sides of the family were in on the scheme. It helped that she and Troy had begun preparing for their wedding before officially becoming engaged.
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(Left page) A glimpse inside the glorious church. • Jenni’s father walks his “baby girl” to the altar. • The mesmerized groom only has eyes for his about-to-be wife. • (This page) More than 600 roses were part of the couple’s decor. • Guests received the couple’s personalized water bottles and koozies.
They were “supposed” to meet with a caterer in Galveston, and took separate vehicles because Troy was driving from downtown Houston after work. Jenni drove from Sugar Land with her mom, sister, brother-in-law, and niece. Everyone arrived several hours early so they could look at some beach houses as potential places to stage wedding photography. Of course, that was part of the ruse. Troy called Jenni and told her to come look at a specific beach house. As they pulled up, Jenni wondered why he was in beach clothes. Then she saw the Tiki torches with rose petals. She had gotten her hair done previously that day and was still in the big white college t-shirt she wore to her hair appointment. She began walking towards him, but quickly turned around to go change her shirt. Her family wouldn’t let her though, so she kept walking. After he proposed, Jenni saw his family running towards them, jumping and screaming. Jenni's dad had also arrived, and Troy’s sister Summer joined them on Facetime. They celebrated with champagne, took pictures and headed towards Benno’s for dinner. The newly engaged couple loved sharing this special afternoon.
Engagement Troy and his brother bought a townhouse in Midtown in 2007. This would eventually become his and Jenni’s home after their wedding, but it needed to be transformed from bachelor pad to a home for newlyweds. Much of their engagement was spent painting and adding wood floors and iron railings.
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The bride and her adorable flower girls. • A joyful moment shared by father and daughter. • The couple’s first dance kicked off the reception.
On the Thursday before the wedding they enjoyed a hog roast on the beach. Their rehearsal dinner was held at Olympia Grill.
The Wedding The bride planned a classic wedding themed in simple, neutral elegance. Both her choice of church and reception venues have historic significance in Galveston. The city also has personal meaning to the bride and her family. The bride’s grandparents,
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the late Andy and Alicia Stirton, had renewed their vows at Sacred Heart. In fact, her grandparents were active in the community and helped bring the Flight Museum to Galveston. Her grandfather was the first non-BOI (Born on Island) King Frivolous of Mardi Gras, and he and her grandmother were both members of the Krewe of Momus. Her grandmother served as Mistress of the Robes and was in charge of the ball gowns for the Duchesses. The bride and her sister were both Duchesses (at the age of 21) for Mardi Gras. Jenni’s grandmother was also good friends with George Mitchell, and the bride stayed in his old apartment suite at the Tremont Hotel before the wedding. Attire: The Mikaella by Paloma Blanca gown was a tulle fit and flare with a crossover ruched, tunic bodice and a small sweeping train. Her lace-edged fingertip veil by Erica Koefler doubled as her “something borrowed,” courtesy of her sister. She wore Ralph Lauren silver strappy sandals with embellished crystals. One blue crystal symbolized her “something blue” and a bridesmaid loaned her a “something borrowed” sixpence that was taped to her shoe.
Troy gave her a handkerchief with a special message, as well as David Yurman pearl and diamond earrings (her “something new”) and second wedding band to wear during the ceremony. Bridesmaids wore full-length dresses from Bill Levkoff in Petal Pink. The groom looked handsome in a black formal tuxedo with white vest, white shirt, and white bow tie. He also wore David Yurman black jewelry (previously purchased by the bride as a birthday gift), a handkerchief with a special message, and Submariner watch as a wedding gift. A few of his groomsmen also attended UT and were in each other’s weddings. They decided to buy tuxedos back in 2011, and this was the fourth wedding where they have collectively worn them. The rest of the group rented a similar black tuxedo with black vests and bow ties. Bridal Party: Father Michael Grey, a family friend of the bride’s great-aunt, officiated. Melinda Rao served as matron of honor. Heather Hayes, Summer Kisner, Lauren Burgess, Kelly Bronson, Barrie Kay Lee, Whitney Loxterkamp, Taylor Terrell, Nicole Jabsen, Alicia Reis, Jennifer Tully, Shelly Watson, Kelli Strickland, and Janie Richards served as bridesmaids. Niece Alicia Rao served as flower girl along with daughters of bridesmaids Ellie Watson, Kinley Watson and Riley Terrell. Travis Kisner served as best man. Ross Hayes, Jonathan Rao, Matt Cohen, Roddy Castells, Wes Zurovec, Jesse Chando, and James Pocza served as groomsmen. Décor: The bride’s bouquet included over 30 white “David Austin” garden roses, porcelino roses, Sahara roses and champagne roses. Bridesmaids carried nosegays with white hydrangeas, porcelino roses and champagne stock, and cream mojolika roses. Clusters of white and champagnepeach stock gathered with champagne rib-
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Dozens of roses cascaded down four tiers of the wedding cake. • The bridal couple’s chairs had beautiful rose wreaths. • Guests received "Love is Sweet" cake pops favors.
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Planning a Wedding?
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A shower of rose petals greet the newlyweds as they exit.
bon were suspended in the church with cream satin wide sashes. Top Wedding Moments: The bride remembers feeling both anxious and excited during her walk down the aisle, which was full of smiles. Family members carried single stem roses during the procession to honor the memory of grandparents who had passed away.
The Reception LBL EVENT RENTALS LBL Event Rentals (formerly Linens by Lisa) has the most up-to-date, in style selection of linens in the Greater Houston area. Their service is tailored to fit your special needs. Let your style come through with the colors and textures you choose for your custom linens, chair covers, overlays and accessories. From breathtaking weddings to extravagant galas, let them help you build the atmosphere your guests will remember for years to come. 281-498-0021 lbleventrentals.com 12999 Murphy Road, Suite B7, Stafford
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The Garten Verein, a German establishment and part of Galveston’s Historical Foundation, was meaningful to the groom’s family and their heritage. Floral and Décor: A light nod to “the beach” was evident in the seashell place holders. Champagne Capri Dupioni linens covered tabletops. In total, the couple utilized over 600 roses. Arrangements included white hydrangeas, Sahara roses, vendela roses, peach stock, and touches of branching. Bubble bowls were stuffed with white hydrangeas, champagne stock and vendela roses. Bride and groom bridal wreaths were comprised of cream vendela roses, white stock, peach stock with touches of white wax and spray porcelina roses. Wedding Cake: Four round tiers of white ivory cake included white almond with raspberry filling and Italian cream with Bavarian cream filling. More than 35 clusters of porcelino roses, cream stock,
champagne stock cascaded down the topper and sides. Instead of a traditional groom’s cake, the couple served Benno’s bread pudding. In fact, the owner of Benno's was also a good friend of Jenni’s grandmother and catered the reception. Top Reception Moments: The band, Commercial Art, played as the bride and groom danced to “My Best Friend” by Tim McGraw. It became “their song” when they first started dating. They took two dance classes but realized the wedding dress would prevent dance moves, and instead opted to dance very slowly. The bride’s father had always called her his “baby girl,” and they danced to “I’ll Always Be Your Baby” by Natalie Grant. The groom and his mother danced to “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins. Everyone enjoyed the German Wedding March and favors which included cake balls at each table, personalized koozies, and water bottles. Party buses took everyone to and from hotels, beach houses, church, and the reception.
The Honeymoon During a wonderful 21-day trip to Europe, the couple went on sightseeing excursions in London, Paris, Venice, Positano, Rome, Murren, Interlaken, and Frankfurt. l
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Much Ado About Margaritas! Houston couple create the highest-rated mix for the drink By Rebecca Maitland mericans love margaritas, the most popular ordered drink in America. Moreover, on average, Americans consume 185,000 margaritas per hour, per Brown-Forman Corporation, one of the largest American-owned companies in the wine and spirits business. There is also a National Margarita Day, held every Feb. 22. There are margarita clubs throughout Houston, and margarita festivals and competitions around the Lone Start State. One Houston couple, Brent Paugh, 35, and his wife Marie, 35, not only host margarita festivals, they are also taking the art of making and enjoying margaritas to the next level with their own base mix, Margarita Texas. “When my wife and I were dating, we would go to different Mexican restaurants to try their margaritas and rate them. This was just something we had in common and enjoyed. Then we began posting our reviews on-line. Soon, we began to grow a following,” said Brent. With margaritas being the number one searched cocktail on Google, the Paughs began posting their different recipes on their website, MargaritaTexas.com. The Paughs have a lot of fun making different recipes for margaritas, which they hope others will too. “We have friends over on the weekends and try different recipes, to see which ones everyone liked. Sometimes, we would take published recipes and modify them to our taste,” Brent said. It was not long before they began creating Margarita Texas. “Our base margarita mix took about two years before we found the right taste, the perfect taste to our taste. Then we worked with a company in San Antonio to bottle it,” Paugh said.
Houstonians Brent and Maria Paugh, creators of Margarita Texas.
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Their base mix, Margarita Texas.
Today, the Paughs’ Margarita Texas mix is the highest-rated margarita mix in the world. It received 91/100, making it the highest scored in its category, at the Beverage Tasting Institute in Chicago. With their mix now readily available, the Paughs took their recipes, entered competitions at margarita festivals, and won a few. These festivals held all over the state draw between 2,500 and 8,000 folks. The Paughs hand out samples of different mar-
garita recipes to help spread the word about their margarita mix. “We have a partnership with Mandy Parker and Mike Cortez, in hosting The Texas Tequila and Margarita Festival, where 25 restaurants compete for the best margarita. There are also bands, margarita tastings, and more. This year’s event will be hosted in Galveston on June 19-20 at Moody Gardens, with all of the information on our website,” Brent said. People who want to make great margaritas at home do not have to use inexpensive mixes. “With our bottled liquid mix, people can add their own liquor, ice and different fruits. Our mix is easy to use and we use only top ingredients. We also have many recipes on our website for people to try,” he said. Some of those margarita recipes include Blueberry, Cantaloupe, Cup Cake, Mango Habanero, Watermelon, Ginger Peach, Sangria, and others. “Some of the recipes may sound strange, but they are pretty good, and create an environment of fun in trying different ones. Some people have margarita parties, and put out different ingredients for different types of margaritas for their guests to try. Do not be afraid to try new things, like tossing in some cucumbers — have fun with it. This makes a great party, a fun evening and is a great icebreaker. It gets people talking,” he said. Even though Paugh does not give away the secret recipe for their Margarita Texas mix, he does share that they only use Blue Agava Blanco Tequila in their margaritas. “There are many different brands for
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Professional Resources: Real Estate, Insurance, Finance & Law
THE WOODLANDS Over 105 new homes, built by acclaimed builders, are available throughout The Woodlands including new single-family homes, townhomes and patio homes along with attached patio residences, priced from the $300s to more than $4 million. Pictured is The Hartford by J. Patrick Homes, located in the neighborhood of Garret Ridge in The Woodlands’ Village of Creekside Park. For more information, visit The Woodlands Information Center at the address below and log on to the website. Thewoodlands.com 2000 Woodlands Parkway
GRACEPOINT Gracepoint Homes has brought New Orleans ambiance to the Greater Houston Heights with its Madeline neighborhood. Three homes are available in the gated enclave, which offers townhomes priced from the $440,000s. The homes feature 10- and 11-foot ceilings, two-car garages, island kitchens and en suite baths in all bedrooms. Two designs also have a fourth-floor game room that opens to a rooftop terrace offering views of downtown Houston. Landscaping and exterior maintenance are included in homeowners association dues. For details, visit the website.gracepointhomes.com
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Spring Home & Garden Tour in Houston Heights, April 11-12 “Embracing Change” theme showcases six houses
One stop on the Home & Garden Tour is this Queen Anne Victorian-style home at 1011 Heights Blvd. Widely known as The Webber House, this house is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
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icking off with its Candlelight Dinner & Auction on April 10, the annual weekend-long Houston Heights Association Spring Home & Garden Tour scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12, will showcase six Houston Heights-area renovated historic and recently constructed homes. Guests will take part in an exclusive tour of the homes from 5 to 7 p.m. before they are opened to the public, followed by the Can dlelight Dinner and Silent Auction from 7 to 11 p.m. at Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards St. in the Houston Arts District. Before dinner enjoy strolling through the silent auction and placing your bids on featured donations of contemporary artwork, as well as items for families and pets, food, entertainment, getaways, health, beauty, home, garden and more. In addition, local artist Taft McWhorter has created “All Things Heights,” an original art piece in his Double Entendre series. The piece will be sold at the live auction during the candlelight dinner. Tickets to the Candlelight Dinner and Silent Auction are limited, and will be available on a firstcome first-served basis. Individual tickets for the Candlelight Dinner and Silent Auction are $150. Reserved tables for 10 are available for $1,500 and reserved tables of 12 are available for $1,800. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning March 3. Visit
houstonheights.org to purchase tickets or e-mail candlelightdinner@houstonheights.org for more information. Scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12, the tour will include homes displaying a diverse mix of architectural styles and inviting gardens. The theme of this year’s tour is Embracing Change and the homes selected for the tour emphasize the positive changes to the Houston Heights neighborhood. The Homes are located at 2023 Arlington, 1638 Harvard, 713 E. 13th St., 1414 Ashland, 1011 Heights Blvd. and 1615 Columbia. Advance tickets are $20 and will be available online at houstonheights.org and beginning March 3 at various Houston Heights locations including: Buchanan’s Native Plants, 611 E. 11th St.; Jubilee, 325 W. 19th St.; and Another Place in Time, 421 W. 11th St. Tickets purchased on the days of the tours are $25 and will be available at the Houston Heights Fire Station at 12th and Yale and all the pre-sale ticket locations. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the individual homes. Luxury shuttle buses will be available at the Fire Station to take you to the homes. For more event information, e-mail springhometour@houstonheights.org. To volunteer during the tour, e-mail volunteer@houstonheights.org.l Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 |
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San Jacinto Day Festival, April 18 Battle reenactment highlights the entertainment San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment On Saturday, visitors can wander freely among the Mexican and Texian camps of the reenactors to learn what the soldiers and their families were doing prior to the battle in 1836 as the reenactors become figures in history for the weekend. At 3 p.m., the official (and historically accurate) reenactment of the Battle of San Jacinto begins. With hundreds of history reenactors — complete with cannons, horses, women, children and pyrotechnics — it is the largest in southwest United States. All festival activities are updated continually on the San Jacinto Museum of History website at sanjacinto-museum.org. Entertaining and educational activities scheduled include:
A portion of the Texas army providing cover for Texan Calvary at the annual Battle of San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment in La Porte.
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he largest battle reenactment in the state will be the centerpiece of the admission-free San Jacinto Day Festival on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the grounds surrounding the San Jacinto Monument. The reenactment recreates the events leading up to Texas winning its independence from Mexico 179 years ago at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. The festival is a full day of entertainment, vendors, food, family activities, cultural exhibitors, games and fun set amidst living history: music and dancing on two stages featuring country-western bands, flamenco dancers, Native American presentations, square dancers and much more; 15+ food vendors; make-and-take activities and crafts for children; children’s train; petting zoo; medicine wagon show; birds of prey; weavers, spinners, blacksmiths and other demonstrators; and dozens of unique handcrafted items for sale. The celebration caps the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the San Jacinto Monument and Museum. “We are so proud to continue to present this festival with free admission, free shut-
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Young children entertaining themselves during the run away scrape on toys indicative of that time at the annual Battle of San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment.
tles and free parking to the public, and it would not be possible without our presenting sponsor H-E-B, as well as The Dow Chemical Company, Vopak, Pasadena Strawberry Festival, CenterPoint Energy and LyondellBasell,” says Larry Spasic, San Jacinto Museum of History President. The event is coordinated by the San Jacinto Museum of History Association with the assistance of Texas Parks & Wildlife and the San Jacinto Volunteers reenactors.
• Dan Barth will use his Medicine Show Wagon to tell the tales of special 19th century cure-all elixirs, and entertain with a little magic. • Last Chance Forever, The Birds of Prey Conservancy and its magnificent birds including hawks, owls, eagles, falcons and vultures. • K.R. Wood (Camp Cookie) will bring history to life through songs and tales with Chuck Wagon of Texas History, complete with Dutch oven demonstrations, samples, roping steer head demonstrations, stick horse relay races, and historical stories about the Texas Revolutions and the cattle drives. • Texas Snakes – a fun and hands-on educational show for all ages features many different species of non-venomous indigenous snakes of Texas for the children to view and touch. Emphasis is teaching about the environment and how snakes/reptiles provide their part for the balance of nature. • Blacksmiths, weavers, spinners and other demonstrators will give visitors a full sense of life in the early 1800s. Sutlers (civilians who sold provisions to military posts)
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The San Jacinto Monument, the country’s tallest war memorial.
will be on hand to sell or show their wares. • Texas Parks & Wildlife Department will offer archery classes for young people. • Visitors can also see the restored marshlands and look for otters, great blue herons, osprey, mottled ducks and American avocets. The marsh is historically important because it barred the escape of many of General Santa Anna’s troops during the 1836 battle. • Members of the San Jacinto Descendants, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Sons of the Republic of Texas, as well as representatives from the Texas General Land Office and the Texas Independence Trail Region, will be on hand to share their history. • Texas Independence Square Dancers — square dancers from various groups throughout Texas — will demonstrate square dancing and give lessons. The Children’s Area includes: • A 55-foot train complete with train whistle and Texan and American flags. • Make-and-take history activities and crafts created by Gifted/Talented specialists from Deer Park ISD; overseen by volunteer DPISD teachers and student volunteers from San Jacinto College. • Marsha's Petting Zoo with sheep, goats and other friendly small animals. • Sandbox Dig created by the San Jacinto College. The San Jacinto Monument is open all day. Visitors can ride the elevator to the top for a panoramic view of the festivities, explore the special exhibit, watch a Texas history movie and tour the hundreds of museum pieces on display. There are modest admission fees for the elevator ride, digital presentation and special exhibit inside the Monument. For more information, visit the website and Facebook or call 281-479-2421.l
The Mexican artillery goes into action at the annual Battle of San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment, a living-history retelling and demonstration of the historic Battle of San Jacinto.
Members from the Mexican Calvary, portrayed by reenactors with the San Jacinto Volunteers ( l-r, Kelly Thompson, Sarah Henry and Ron Strybos) ride out from their camp to meet with the Texan Calvary while guarding the retreat of Santa Anna's only artillery piece — a 12-pounder called “The Golden Standard” — from the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.
Calvary skirmish between Texan and Mexican armies at the annual Battle of San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment in La Porte. Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 |
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Carverdale BBQ Spot Lives On Through Namesake Despite changes, an eatery serves the community for nearly 50 years
By Joel Weckerly he small eatery that sits on the 5500 block of N. Gessner Drive was built nearly 50 years ago with students in the Fairbanks community as its cornerstone. When Virgie Handsborough and her late husband, Jessie, first opened Virgie’s Place in 1965, she referred to it as the “teenage center” for its appeal to the students at nearby Carverdale High School. Today the business lives on as the revered Virgie’s Bar-BQue (virgiesbbq.com), operated by Virgie’s son, former CFISD student Adrian Handsborough, in the same Fairbanks community where Virgie’s daughter, Pam Handsborough, teaches at Holbrook Elementary School.
Virgie Handsborough stands in front of the counter at Virgie’s BBQ, one of Texas Monthly’s “Top 50 BBQ Joints.”
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Roots in Carverdale Carverdale School opened in 1951 for African-American students, initially serving grades 1-7 and then expanding to middle and high school through the 1950s. Shortly after that time, Virgie’s name would become synonymous with the Carverdale community. She and Jessie relocated there from Leon County in 1962, and three years later opened Virgie’s Place, a hamburger joint that served as the unofficial gathering place for Carverdale High School students. The students would meet after school at the North Gessner location to fellowship, play the jukebox and pinball machines and, of course, enjoy the delicious 60-cent hamburgers and 40-cent hot dogs. “It was a big gathering spot for the teenagers. We’d have 40-50 at a time, just in and out,” Virgie recalls. “I would make the hamburgers so fast and there would be so many, that I remember one young man saying, ‘Ma’am, you didn’t put any meat in it.’ It was very busy, but I really liked it.”
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community, you’re really taking a part of the community away,” she said. “A church and a school are the center of a community. That’s the way I feel.” Education continued to be important for the family as Adrian and Pam went through Bane Elementary School, Dean Middle School and Jersey Village High School. “I remember my senior English teacher, Mr. Hostetler, telling me I would grow up to be an English teacher,” Pam recalled. “I had another sophomore English teacher, Ms. Parham, who said, ‘She can be anything she wants to be.’ I still remember that to this day.” Transitions Virgie’s Place operated until 1975, after the demand of the restaurant led Jessie and Virgie to phase out food and convert the business to Handsborough Grocery, which served the Carverdale community from 1975-1998.
Virgie’s name would become synonymous with the Carverdale community.
A recipe for the Virgie’s Place hamburger can be found in the 75th Anniversary Commemorative Historical Cookbook, on sale now in the CFISD 75th Anniversary E-Store.
Always a firm believer in public education, Virgie was disappointed when Carverdale was forced to close on Aug. 12, 1971 by desegregation order of the U.S. Department of Education and Supreme Court. “When you take the school out of a
Adrian and Pam, who serves Holbrook as a behavioral interventionist, would visit the grocery after they got out of school. “I remember getting off the bus, crossing the street and coming in here,” Adrian said. “We would do homework first and then go to work. We were happy.” Whether it was a restaurant or a grocery, customers knew they could count on Virgie greeting them with a smiling face. After high school, Adrian worked for a time as a truck driver and returned briefly in the late ‘90s to help out with the grocery when Jessie fell ill. Shifting economics
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Virgie’s BBQ owner Adrian Handsborough and his mother, restaurant namesake Virgie Handsborough, display the permits of Virgie’s BBQ and Virgie’s Place, which occupied the same building in the 1960s and 1970s.
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forced the grocery to close in 1998, and Adrian continued to rent the property to other businesses while returning to the road. Raised around food and possessing a gift to create delicious smoked meats, Adrian followed a calling to return to the family business. A Good Name When Adrian decided to re-open the restaurant as a barbecue place in 2005, there was only one choice for the name. He took it as a sign when his wife was going through old paperwork from the family business and found an old tax permit with “Virgie’s Place” on it. “My wife said, ‘That would be a good name for a barbecue place,’ and there it was,” he said. Virgie, who had taught him how to cook brisket, sausage and pork ribs “just right,” would have her name on the building once again. “There’s a proverb that says ‘A good name is more desirable than great riches,’ and that is a fundamental principle of this business,” he said. “It couldn’t be anything else but Virgie’s. If we changed the name, the food would change.” The name soon took off within Houston and beyond. Popular Houston Chronicle food critic Alison Cook wrote an initial blog post in 2007, followed by a review that boosted business and soon led to a spot on Texas Monthly’s coveted “Top 50 BBQ Joints” list in 2008.
Virgie’s retained this distinction in Texas Monthly’s 2013 list. “That was really special to be recognized by them,” he said. “I always point back to my mother and father for any successes that happen here. They instilled so many principles in me at a young age that I still practice as a business owner today.” Customers are Family Customers who visit Virgie’s on a Thursday may likely find the same smiling face greeting them. “She’s a celebrity here,” Adrian said. “I introduce her to customers and they love her.” She frequently orders the sausage and potato salad (“I like it spicy,” she says), and it’s not uncommon to see her chatting or giving out hugs. “She’ll give people hugs and act like they’ve known each other forever,” Adrian said. “That’s a great thing. That’s one of the better parts about this place. It’s a family business, and not just blood family.” The Virgie’s Place hamburger is one of the many recipes submitted by local businesses and district facilities for the CFISD 75th Anniversary Commemorative Histor ical Cookbook, on sale now in the CFISD 75th Anniversary E-Store. To order the cookbook, the 75th Anniversary Art & Literary Book, the CYFAIROPOLY game or other anniversary items, visit the 75th Anniversary E-Store online: promoplace.com/109793/showroom/28609. l
Linda@lifestyles-magazines.com
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Top 5 Home Design Trends 2015 Though Paugh does not give away the secret recipe for their Margarita Texas mix, he does share that they only use Blue Agava Blanco Tequila in their margaritas.
Much Ado About Margaritas! Blue Agava, and you cannot go wrong with these,” Paugh said. When the Paughs are not cooking up new flavors for margaritas or attending festivals, Brent works as a network engineer, and Maria is a photographer and works with a homebuilder.
However, if everything works out, in the future the Paughs hope to be able to focus on their margarita business full time. The base mix, Margarita Texas, is on their website and shelved in more than 150 H-E-B stores. Most people buy a case or so at a time. Margarita Texas retails for $5.99 and a case for $65. Visit MargaritaTexas.com for more information. l
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| Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015
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Geometrics continue to grow in popularity.
in all kinds of new design applications. One use that we are already seeing in stores is petrified rock table tops anchored on polished chrome legs. This table is exemplary of the balancing act between primitive vs luxury that is happening in design, and these primitive elements offer us incredible visual contrast and comfort to our inevitable modern movement. •Color Envy: The color story for 2015 continues to perpetuate white and grey neutrals while embracing pops of saturated color. The Pantone color of the year is Marsala. Leatrice Eisman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute says, “The rich and full-bodied red-brown Marsala brings color warmth into home interiors. It’s an earthy shade with a bit of sophistication. A matte finish highlights Marsala’s organic nature while adding sheen conveys a completely different message of glamour and luxury.” Imagine this kissable wine color on a tufted velvet chair with contemporary rose gold framework sitting atop a geometric hide rug and you can imagine this year’s style trend forecast...it’s going to be a modern, textured and luxurious 2015. l
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HSMT students perform at the Junior Theater Festival.
Houston Musical Theatre Students Perform at National Festival in Atlanta Students from Theatre Under The Stars’ (TUTS) Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT) showcased their outstanding musical theatre abilities at the 10th nationwide Junior Theater Festival, Jan. 16–18 in Atlanta, Ga. A total of 4,800 students from 26 states, the District of Columbia and two countries participated in the celebration of musical theatre presented by iTheatrics at the Cobb Galleria. “I had the great pleasure of witnessing the HSMT students’ superb artistic talent and an incredible standing ovation of 4,800 of their peers when their performance in the New Works Showcase was complete. I am proud that TUTS has the Humphreys School and am in awe of its accomplishments,” said Bob Lawson, TUTS’ Director of Education. The students from HSMT were one of four educational musical theatre groups chosen by iTheatrics to perform selections from a soon-to-be-released musical for attendees in the festival’s New Works Showcase. They were specially selected by Disney to present The Lion King JR. and The Lion King KIDS at this event. With creative choreography recreating iconic numbers like the “Circle of Life” and “I Just Can’t Wait to be King”, the students took the audience on a memorable journey through the Pride Lands of Africa during their performance. Appearing as young lion cub Simba was Scott Fonseka with Fernell Hogan taking on the role of Simba in his older years. Matthew Smith provided the voice of Simba’s father, Mufasa, while Chase Callahan acted as the wise lion. Rafiki - the one and only baboon, was played by Joi Pierre. The musical number also included Sarah Klein as young Nala, Gerra Gistand as Simba’s mother and Mufasa’s wife, Sarabi, and Sam Linda as the noble hornbill, Zazu. “The students from Theatre Under The Stars in Houston were the perfect group to launch The Lion King Experience with their performance at the Junior Theater Festival,” said Lauren Chapman, Disney Theatrical Group’s Resident Teaching Artist. “Their performance was filled with infectious joy and energy, as well as incredible dance technique and show-stopping solos. These young professionals captivated the audience and proved what young artists are capable of when given the opportunity.” In addition to the New Works Showcase, the HSMT students also participated in the festival’s Adjudication where they performed a 15-minute piece from Disney’s High School Musical 2 JR. for a panel of distinguished theater professionals. They received rave reviews, along with awards for Outstanding Student Direction (Dylan Lambert) and Outstanding Student Choreography (Matthew Smith).
Houston Grand Opera’s Historic Fundraising Campaign Raises $172.9M Houston Grand Opera (HGO) has completed its fundraising campaign by raising an unprecedented $172.9 million, topping its goal of $165 million by December 31, 2014. Inspiring PerformanceThe Campaign for Houston Grand Opera was the company’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, and the most successful campaign in the history of Houston’s performing arts community. Inspiring Performance was cochaired by Houston businessmen and HGO board members J. Scott Arnoldy, Chairman, President, and CEO of Triten Corporation and Albert Chao, President and CEO of Westlake Chemical Corporation. “Thanks to the tremendous generosity of donors from across Houston, the great state of Texas, and beyond,” said Arnold, “Houston will have great opera for years to come, and a stronger future as a great American city.” HGO Managing Director Perryn Leech added, “We are humbled by the outpouring of support for HGO’s mission and vision: to create the blueprint for a 21st century opera company, one that is world-class, affordable, and deeply connected to its community. We have already taken some thrilling steps to meet these goals and are extremely proud to be serving Houston at this new level.” The total amount raised for operational activity was $124.2 million. Inspiring Performance also raised $17.1 million for HGO’s endowment, and $31.6 million in legacy funding. Of the 6,648 donors who contributed to the campaign, 4,558 were new donors.
Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 |
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MFAH Unveils Designs for Campus Redevelopment
Flewellen Creek at Cross Creek Ranch.
Three Houston-Area Communities on List of Nation’s Top Sellers Three Houston-area communities by The Johnson Development Corp. rank among the nation’s top-20 best-sellers for 2014, according to a report by John Burns Real Estate Consulting, an independent research provider and consulting firm. This marks the second consecutive year the Houston-based developer has landed more communities on the list than any other developer in the nation. Riverstone (#4), the top seller among Houston-area communities with 719 new home sales in 2014, joins the Montgomery County master-planned community of Woodforest (#19 with 417 new home sales) and the Fort Bend masterplanned community of Cross Creek Ranch (#20 with 411 new home sales) on the top-selling list. “We have been blessed to be in a great real estate market and it was another strong year for our communities both in terms of relocations from across the country and local buyer interest,” notes Doug Goff, COO of The Johnson Development Corp. 2015 will present a number of new challenges and opportunities as the company embarks on the development of the newly named Grand Central Park in Montgomery County, Harvest Green on the Grand Parkway in Fort Bend County and The Village of Sawmill Lake in Sienna Plantation. Goff expects sales momentum to continue in Johnson Development’s other Houstonarea master-planned communities of Imperial, Harmony, Fall Creek, Tuscan Lakes, Willow Creek Farms and Edgewater. The west Houston masterplanned community of Cross Creek Ranch is one of two communities to rank among the nation's 2014 top-20.
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The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, has revealed designs for a dramatic redevelopment of its 14-acre campus, including a unifying master plan; a 64,000-square-foot-building for 20thand 21st-century art; and a new, 80,000square-foot home for the Glassell School of Art, all by Steven Holl Architects, as well as the preliminary concepts for a state-of-the-art conservation center by Lake|Flato Architects. The project, beginning later this year and slated for completion in 2019, will transform not only the MFAH but also its surrounding neighborhood, by making a major contribution to Houston’s overall efforts to improve the pedestrian experience of the city.
View of the campus from the rooftop of the Glassell School of Art, designed by Steven Holl Architects.
The Museum also has announced that $330 million – more than 73 percent of its $450 million capital and endowment campaign goal – has been raised to date. The principal gifts have been provided by Fayez S. Sarofim ($70 million) and the Kinder Foundation ($50 million). Additional lead gifts of $10 million or more have been provided by the Glassell Family; Cornelia and Meredith Long; The Brown Foundation, Inc.; the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation; the Duncan Fund; The Cullen Foundation; The Wortham Foundation, Inc.; and Lynn and Oscar Wyatt. Leading corporate support has been provided by BBVA Compass in the amount of $5 million. The sponsorship is part of the bank’s longstanding commitment to the arts and its partnership with the MFAH. For more information, visit mfah.org.
Rebeca Salas (right) will attend Bryn Mawr College.
Cristo Rey Jesuit Student Earns 4-year Scholarship Cristo Rey Jesuit student Rebeca Salas has been awarded one of the highest honors a high school student can achieve. She has been named one of 61 national student scholars of the prestigious Posse Foundation. Rebeca and the 60 scholars from across the country were selected from an enormous pool of 1,200 nominees. The honor comes with a four-year, fully paid scholarship to prestigious Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. It is a highly regarded women’s liberal arts college known for its excellence and successful graduates. Rebeca said she was absolutely blown away when she got the late night call that she had won the scholarship. “I was so excited. And scared. And overwhelmed. I feel so lucky to have been blessed with this honor. I know what a big deal it is to have (the financial) details for my college taken care of.”
Blankets Give Comfort to Kids in Crisis Linda Henshaw, with the Houston Chapter of Project Linus, dropped off more than 150 blankets to Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital on Jan. 6. Project Linus is a nonprofit organization that makes and delivers handmade blankets to children facing crises. This can be anything from hospital stays to critical illnesses, situations of abuse or neglect, natural disasters affecting their families, or the death of loved ones. “We hope to provide a bit of love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need,” said Hensaw. “Each of these new, handmade blankets and afghans is lovingly created by our volunteer ‘blanketeers.’”
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the agency’s Temporary Art Program. “Sara’s extensive credentials include a deep understanding of public art. She has proven through her career a great sensitivity to the work of artists and the impact of art in community as well as in public space. Through her work in past commissions, Sara has demonstrated both a keen ability to manage complex projects as well as a great commitment to the integrity of an artwork,” commented Jonathon Glus, President + CEO of HAA. For more information, visit houstonartsalliance.com.
Staff at the corporate headquarters of McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc., (MHI) swapped heels and ties for hard hats recently during its Habitat for Humanity “build day.”
Build Begins on Habitat for Humanity Home Twenty staffers from Coventry Homes’ corporate headquarters joined crews from KPRC Channel 2 and Houston Habitat for Humanity to work on a Habitat home that recently started construction. It is the builder’s second consecutive year to sponsor a Habitat for Humanity home. “We’ve built more than 50,000 homes for Texans — building homes is what we do,” said Gary Tesch, president of McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc., (MHI), parent company of Coventry Homes. The four-bedroom house will be home to Sandra Barrera, a single mother who now lives with her two young children and grandmother in a small trailer. She said she has dreamed of living in a safer place to raise her children. “I want to give them a bigger space to grow, play around and have their own space,” she said. On Jan. 15, the Coventry Homes crew labored on site in Harrel Park 2, a neighborhood being developed by Habitat for Humanity. The team worked on decking, joints, weather stripping, installing weather-proof insulation and more. “What we did will make the home very energy efficient, which is right in line with how we build our homes,” Tesch said. Coventry Homes, Star Furniture, Noble Energy, Pappas and Shipley Donuts united to sponsor the home. Other sponsor teams will join Habitat personnel and
Barrera, who is required to contribute 300 hours of sweat equity into the building of her home. Habitat benefactors also must complete training on home ownership and purchase their home through no-interest loans. Barrera’s home should be complete this spring. Sara Kellner Hotel celebrates 19th recognition in “UltraLuxury” category.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston: Texas’ Only 2015 AAA Five-Diamond Hotel
Sara Kellner at Helm of Houston Arts Alliance’s Civic Art + Design Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) announced that Sara Kellner will serve as the agency’s Director of Civic Art + Design. For the past 15 years, Ms. Kellner has worked to advance the visual arts in Houston – from managing the arts in transit for METRO’s Houston Light Rail Expansion to serving as Executive Director of DiverseWorks Artspace. Now she steps into the important role of managing the commission and acquisition of artworks for the City of Houston’s collection, as well as directing
Four Seasons Hotel Houston has once again been awarded the Five Diamond Award, the American Automobile Association’s most prestigious hospitality rating. In 2015, Four Seasons Hotel Houston celebrates another unique accolade, as the sole hotel representing Texas on the ultra-competitive list. General Manager Guilherme Costa remarks: “Being recognized as the only Five Diamond hotel in a state as vast as Texas is an incredible honor. It truly speaks to a level of service that requires an unrelenting focus on excellence and heartfelt personal attention to each guest. We are proud to represent both Four Seasons and the warm, personal hospitality of Texas on the Five Diamond list in 2015.” Houston Lifestyles & Homes | March 2015 |
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oustonians who grew up in the 1950s and ’60s loved the Rodeo, the Fat Stock Show, and especially Go Texan Day. Wearing cowboy hats, Western shirts, and Have Gun - Will Travel boots to school was an exciting time for mid-century Texans. “It was a big deal!” recalls Dawn Demeris. “Everyone dressed up. The more stuff you had, the better. I wore a hat, skirt, vest, snap blouse, red bandana, boots and a holster with fake guns.” Lucky cowboys and cowgirls even got to ride horses. Mary Finger remembers, “I rode in the Salt Grass Trail for four years. Through rain and cold, with my dad meeting me at the end of each day in our station wagon — where I slept all four nights, every year!” Horses, bolo ties, hats, blue jeans, Dale Evans’ skirts and Roy Rogers’ vests made this time of the year almost as fun as Halloween. And, for one day of the year, we looked like the entire world’s idea of a REAL Texan.l
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Young Texan Don Weidner saw Jimmy Dean at the Sam Houston Coliseum in 1964. • Ted Wenglinski waves his cowboy hat atop a Shetland pony in 1965. • Chris Alexander wearing his Davy Crockett shirt to kindergarten at Garden Villas Elementary in 1955. • Amy Hollingsworth Birney and her brothers, Mike and Matt, dressed as cowpokes in 1966.
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These Lifestyles and Homes Magazine readers wanted to look and feel their best, and they did their homework. They chose Dr. Basu because he performs several hundred cosmetic breast and body contouring procedures each year. Dr. Basu is an elite Allergan Black Diamond provider, placing his practice in the top 1% of breast implant practices in the nation. They knew that Dr. Basu is also the top ranked plastic surgeon in Houston by Realself.com. More importantly, they reviewed hundreds of his before & after photos on his website a testament to his work. These Houstonians chose Basu Plastic Surgery. After all, it’s all about your results make your confidence shine!
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