The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes May 2014 by Lifestyles & Homes Magazines/Fort Bend Publishing

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MAY 2014

A LUXURIOUS LAKESIDE VILLA

Meet DAR’s President General

Home Improvements Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day!

JULIE SOEFER PHOTOGRAPHY

Real People, Real Homes, Real Style…Real Woodlands Living www.woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com

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“YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR ” ®

“At the Re/Max International Convention, I was awarded the #1 Re/Max Agent in the World out of 90,000 Agents. Thank you for making this award happen!” - Mike Seder

23 Crystal Canyon $525,000

22 Rafters Row $698,500

3 Steepbank Drive $610,000

27 South Whistling Swan $309,000

Mike Seder Cell: 713.806.6796 Direct: 281.602.8820 Seder@MikeSeder.com Fax: 281.362.9496

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THE WOODLANDS & SPRING 26113 Oakridge Drive, Suite D The Woodlands, Texas 77380 Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated

Hablamos Español • www.MikeSeder.com

“I work with buyers and sellers in every price range, as well as a number of relocation companies. I also handle leases, so please call me to handle all of your Real Estate needs.” – Mike Seder

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luxury living offered by the kink team

8503 HAVEN WAY Sitting on 1+ acres, this Haven in the city boasts convenient access to Woodlands, Tomball & Spring. Sophisticated colors & wood floors create a timeless, inviting atmosphere. Updated island kitchen w/top of the line appliances & breakfast bar. Both formals, lg upstairs gameroom & built-in desk area. Lg Texas basement can be future built-out. Paradise sits right outside: covered loggia, infinity edge pool, hot tub, putting green & outdoor kitchen. $20K Whole home. $900,000

38 JOHNATHAN LANDING Pristine 2 bedroom/2 bath home w/option to modify to 3 bedroom in the sought after, gated community of Carlton Woods Creekside! Sitting on a greenbelt-adjacent lot, this home radiates privacy! Charming garden patio, formal dining, wine storage & study. Kitchen boasts lava granite counters w/tumbled tile backsplash, Thermadore & Kitchenaid stainless steel appliances & Groehe fixtures. Living w/gas fireplace & expansive windows. Master bath w/shower for 2 & jetted tub. Lrg gameroom up w/balcony! $980,000

103 WINDFAIR LOOP French mansion inspired home located in the gated community of Eagle Pointe in Woodforest. Hardwood flooring, high ceilings, 3-car tandem garage & 5 bedrooms (2 down) w/en-suite baths. New Orleans style balconies, brick walls & open flowing floorplan includes formal dining, wine grotto, study & planning area. Awe inspiring island kitchen w/high end appliances & adjoined catering kitchen. Master suite w/sunroom, walk-in closet & master bath w/soaking tub & separate shower. Lake & fountain views! $994,990

8610 HAVEN WAY A gem in the gated community of Haven Lakes Estates! Rich wood flooring, expansive picture windows, moulding & arched ceilings. Top of the line appliances include GE Monogram & Thermador. Tumbled-tile backsplash, bar seating & wood-topped island are other notable kitchen features. Upstairs media room w/ built-in speakers, projector & screen. Garage converted into entertaining kitchen w/granite countertops & built-in gas grill. Large backyard w/pool, covered patio & in-ground trampoline! $875,000

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MARKETING BETTER. NEGOTIATING SMARTER. CLOSING FASTER.

Vernon Hayes 281-703-5371 vernon@zarcoproperties.com

PENDING 34 Grey Finch Court, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Cindy Zarco Owner 832-922-2230 cindy@zarcoproperties.com

Laura Garcia-Isunza Se Habla Español 281-736-8146 laura@zarcoproperties.com

PENDING 24902 Corbin Gate Drive, Spring, Texas 77389

Jay Schulz Owner 936-662-2460 jay@zarcoproperties.com

Caryn Fetterly 713-628-4221 caryn@zarcoproperties.com

Please Call For A Free Complimentary Market Analysis Of Your Home

1095 Evergreen Circle • Suite 200 The Woodlands, TX 77380

COMING SOON 3 Frasier Fir Place, The Woodlands, Texas 77389-Contact Laura

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– Zarco Properties, LLC –

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LADIES NIGHT OUT I S A B E AU T I F U L T H I N G Calling All Women Superheroes. Join Rivela Plastic Surgery in supporting Ladies Night Out, May 8 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, for Montgomery County Youth Services. To attend or donate visit youthmc.org or call 281.292.6471 Each month, Rivela Plastic Surgery donates 10% of skincare profits to local charities such as this. Allow us to do something beautiful for you.

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Christine Hale & Associates 281-772-6337

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ATERFRONT HOME

Vacation at home in this beautiful 1-story waterfront beauty that offers a swimming pool & spa in the backyard oasis. This lightly lived in home features huge island kitchen w/designer granite, SS appliances, white glazed cabinets and hand-scraped hardwood floors throughout main living areas. Lovely master suite boasts large walk-in closet, oversized shower and whirlpool tub. Relax under the pergola and enjoy beautiful views of the wrap-around pond and swimming pool.

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Established 2005 NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER

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DIRECT-MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 39,000 PREMIER HOMES AND BUSINESSES IN THE WOODLANDS Reaches trade professionals (ASID and GHBA members), area realtors, business, doctors, trade events (home-related trade shows and community events) and The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce facebook.com/WoodlandsLifestylesandHomesMagazine woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com founder and publisher Bill and Linda Anderson

Editor Linda Vaughan Anderson editor@lifestyles-magazines.com

Office Manager Linda Peterson

Editorial Assistant Angela Crissman

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

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Graphic Designers Todd Anderson • Lettie Rudel

Account Executives

MEET MEREDITH OLSEN, OUR NEW INTERIOR ARCHITECT AT OUR WEBSITE ALONG WITH OUR NEW OFFERINGS

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ADVERTISING INFORMATION woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com 281.240.2445 Ext. 128 REACH OUR FULL CIRCULATION: Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes Houston Lifestyles & Homes Katy/Fulshear Lifestyles & Homes The Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes SUBSCRIPTIONS: $18 per year woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com FORT BEND PUBLISHING GROUP 10707 Corporate Drive, Suite 170 • Stafford, TX 77477 Tel: 281.240.2445 ext. 128 E: editor@lifestyles-magazines.com

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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Contents THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES May 2014

Home & Lifestyle 44

MARK A. WALLACE, CEO TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

His vision changed children’s healthcare

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

WOODLANDS VOLUNTEERS SHOW APPRECIATION “Cypress Cares” supports our troops with care packages

Houstonian Lynn Forney Young leads this historic national organization

Create an instant oasis

102

108

Cover photo by

HERITAGE TRAIL DAR MEMBERS ATTEND STATE CONFERENCE

SHOWER IN YOUR FORECAST? Bathroom update keeps your home on trend

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TREE FOR THE RIGHT SPOT Easy tips for tree planting success

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT COOKING WITH OLIVE OIL Book offers cookng techniques and recipes

Julie Soefer Photography

Local chapter receives several special awards

FAMILY FUN AND A FAMILIAR BRAND The Billiard Factory creates memories

A LUXURIOUS LAKESIDE VILLA Settling in and spreading out at Cross Creek

TRANSFORM GARDEN SPACES INTO TROPICAL SPLENDOR

125

CONROE ISD ARTISTS WIN AT HLSR Students exhibited artwork during rodeo

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Contents THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES May 2014

Departments 30

HAPPENINGS Mark your calendar for upcoming activities and charitable events

SCENE IN THE WOODLANDS Parties, galas and social occasions with Missy Herndon

FASHION Season Marvels

NEW AUTOS See the new Audi A6 TDI and Range Rover Evoque

THE EDITOR’S PICKS Fun suggestions from Linda Anderson

BOOKS New releases with something for everyone

DISCOVERIES Unique finds for your home and lifestyle

ARTS & ANTIQUES BY DR. LORI Those”Tests” to Identify Valuable Antiques

HEALTH & WELL-BEING Dealing with Infertility and The Hallmarks of Arthritis

104

WINE Premiere Napa Valley 2014

106

THE WOODLANDS DINING GUIDE Eat out somewhere special tonight!

78 110

MEMORABLE WEDDINGS Ashley & Clay

116

TRAVEL The Woodlands Resort

Special Promotions 67 82 90 98

Mother’s Day Gifts Interior Detail Resources Home Improvement Resources Family Health

120

BUSINESS BRIEFS Keep up with the local business climate and its leaders

123

AROUND TOWN Activities and news around The Woodlands

126

CAMPUS Read about the achievements of area schools and students

128

BACK WHEN... Birthplace of the Texas Flag

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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Baker EJ Victor Hickory Chair Ralph Lauren Stickley TROSBY

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ONLY

WILD WEST WINE FEST

Make plans now to up and say saddle MAY “howdy” at the Wild West WineFest on Thursday, May 1, from 6-9 p.m. at Macy’s Furniture Gallery at The Woodlands Mall. For the second consecutive year, Ally Seder is chairing the event. This popular casual after-hours event, which ropes in funds as the major fundraiser benefiting the Montgomery County Women’s Center, will round up samples of signature dishes from local restaurants along with fine wine tastings. Guests will be encouraged to shop at the event’s “Market Place of Dreams” for goods and services needed by the Women’s Center’s clients and shelter. WineFest will also include a silent auction and raffle. Montgomery County Women’s Center provides safe shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, legal and support services to victims/survivors of family violence, sexual assault, stalking and abuse in Montgomery County and surrounding counties, and provides education to the community about such issues — at no cost to the clients and their children. Tickets are $100. Sponsorships range from $500 to $15,000 and include various ranges of admission and recognition. Macy’s Furniture Gallery is the title sponsor. To purchase tickets or to inquire about a sponsorship, visit WineFestTX.org or call 936-441-4044, ext. 32.

Aerial view of the Live at Night Concert Series. THROUGH

“LIVE AT NIGHT” CONCERT SERIES

The “Live at Night” Concert Series continues through May 3 at Waterway Square in The Woodlands. Families can gather for live outdoor music every Saturday from 6-8 p.m. All ages are welcome at this free, MAY family-friendly event which showcases the talents of local artists. The lineup includes the classic rock sounds of The Guppies Band on April 26 and the Platinum Players Zydeco Band on May 3. For more information, go to visitthewoodlands.com.

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

COURTESY OF THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM.

H A P P E N I N G S

The Woodlands Children’s Museum is an official registration site for Lemonade Day.

THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM EVENTS, BEGINNING APRIL 29 The Woodlands Children’s Museum is joining with TOMS to help make the world a better place. On “TOMS One Day Without Shoes,” scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, museum guests are encouraged to break the rules — and take off their shoes and socks. By going barefoot, the museum and TOMS hope to increase global awareness of how difficult life without shoes can be. The museum will have several activities for young visitors on this day including a collaborative footprint painting project that will be sent to TOMS upon completion. Angela Colton, executive director of The Woodlands Children’s Museum, says, “Providing children with shoes can help meet school uniform requirements and enable children to attend school regularly.” Colton also explained that wearing shoes and practicing good foot hygiene can prevent the debilitating disease podoconiosis, which is caused by going barefoot in certain soils. The Woodlands Children’s Museum has also joined in the community-wide educational program started by Houston-based nonprofit, Prepared 4 Life. “Lemonade Day,” held across the greater Houston area on Sunday, May 4, is designed to give children a taste of owning and operating their own business. In this case, a lemonade stand. The museum is an official registration site for Lemonade Day. Through May 4, children can stop by the museum, sign up and pick up free workbooks that will help prepare them for a day as an entrepreneur. Families can also make plans to stop by the museum for a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29. The museum is located at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280. For information, visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955.

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The Ladies Night Out Committee dons superhero ensembles in preparation for this year’s event.

COURTESY OF PREMIER SPEAKERS BUREAU

H A P P E N I N G S

WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN LUNCHEON, MAY 2

ONLY

MONTGOMERY COUNTY YOUTH SERVICES LADIES NIGHT OUT

Montgomery County Youth Services announced that the 16th Annual Ladies Night Out is calling ladies to transform into their superhero perMAY sonas for 2014’s event, which is set for Thursday, May 8, from 6:30-11 p.m. at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The committee is planning a fast-paced, ladies-only evening, complete with live music from the Spazmatics and an auction. The evening will also include a dinner buffet and cash bar, shopping and pampering stations, luxury jewelry raffle and giveaways, plus some super extras. Individual tickets are $150 and tables of 10 range from $750-$5,000. Proceeds will benefit MCYS. For information, contact Kelly Reffett at 936-522-8839 or kelly.reffett@youthmc.org.

Co-chairs and heads of committees for Montgomery County Habitat’s 25th Anniversary Gala include (l-r) Shelly Sauer, Lynda Gustafson, Brenda Mizell, Suzanne Pagel, Mary Hazlett, Linda Reichardt, Cindy Hageman and Ellen Turner. ONLY

MONTGOMERY COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Thirteen local artists have joined together to raise awareness and funds for Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity’s 25th Anniversary MAY Gala, set for Saturday, May 10, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. In keeping with the theme of the gala, “There’s No Place Like Home,” the artists are creating works that visually portray their idea of “What does HOME mean to you?” The pieces will be auctioned at the upcoming gala. Along with the Art Project Auction, the gala will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, and silent, bid board and live auctions. In addition, special presentations will be made for the Gala honorees — Woodforest Charitable Foundation/Woodforest National Bank; Bill and Judy Schilling; The Woodlands United Methodist Church; and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. The mistress of ceremonies will be Lisa Malosky, sports producer and former sports broadcaster for NBC and Fox Sports. For more information, contact Brenda Mizell at bhmizell@sbcglobal.net.

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

Elizabeth Smart will be the guest speaker at the first annual “Women Empowering Women” luncheon May 2, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Woodlands Country Club – Palmer Course. Proceeds from the event will benefit Interfaith Community Clinic. Smart will share her incredible story of perseverance after being abducted at age 14. Her speech not only shares her personal story, but also discusses topics such as overcoming adversity, the importance and process of recovery, and not allowing your past to dictate your future.

EVENTS AT MITCHELL LIBRARY Events for all ages are offered at the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library in The Woodlands. Family Storytime is held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. This story program is for children of all ages (birth-4 years) and a caregiver with an emphasis on stories and activities for toddlers. This program emphasizes early literacy skills and is a great way to meet other families with young children. Designed for children ages 3 and up, Story Club is held Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. Children are introduced to new authors and illustrators and develop literacy skills, listening, thinking, participation and social skills. For more information about The Fiction Book Club for Adults, contact Emily Osburn at Emily.Osburn@countylibrary.org. Participants in the Teen Anime Club view a current anime production, talk about their favorite anime/manga series, and feast on snacks. The club is for ages 13 and up only. For more information, contact Tabatha Perry at 936-442-7728, ext. 310.

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Hearn Team

The

RE/MAX THE WOODLANDS & SPRING

18 CANDLE PINE PL. • THE WOODLANDS COCHRANS • THE WOODLANDS, TX 77381 Fantastic family home in Cochrans Crossing “Wyndspire South” neighborhood on quiet culdesac street with pool and spa! Tons of updates including: hardwood flooring, wrought iron staircase, professional landscaping, designer paint, granite countertops, custom built-ins, and much more! Backyard privacy with pool, spa and terrific summer kitchen! Located in the heart of The Woodlands with close access to Galatas Elementary (Exemplary Rated) and parks and shopping, don't miss this one!

Bringing Families Home RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring 6620 Woodlands Pkwy • The Woodlands, TX 77382 Office: 281-363-5869 • Fax: 281-362-2525 Tory Cell: 832-978-8629 • Jenny Cell 832-978-8688 www.TheHearnTeam.com • Email: info@TheHearnTeam.com

Tory & Jenny

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H A P P E N I N G S celebrating Our 10 Year anniversarY!

Wellness Works

IMPACT A HERO 5K WALK, RUN AND WHEEL, MAY 17

Headaches? Stress? Low Sex Drive? Tired? Weight Gain? Insomnia? IBS?

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The 10th Annual Impact A Hero 5K Walk, Run and Wheel will be held May 17 at 7:30 a.m. at Reliant Park. This year, Impact A Hero anticipates more than 3,000 runners, including 50 wounded heroes and their families. KPRC Local 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy will host the event. Special guests include Houston Texans Coach Bill O’Brien and some players will participate with the wounded heroes. The Kids’ 1K Race will take place during the 5K Walk Run and Wheel. Children will have fun running with the Texans Toro. Live concert entertainment will follow the race. Sports Radio 610 AM, Sports Radio 650 AM, The Bull100.3 FM, HOT 95.7 FM and MIX 96.5 FM will be onsite to show support and visit with attendees. Impact A Hero Weekend gives Houstonians an opportunity to join national celebrities in thanking severely wounded servicemen and women for sacrificing their minds, bodies and sometimes their lives. Donations for the 2013 Impact A Hero Weekend exceeded $1.1 million. Visit active.com/donate/impactahero5k for more information. (L-R) Lauren Trice, The Woodlands CVB business development specialist; Shelley Hancock, Wells Fargo district manager for The Woodlands; and Nick Wolda, The Woodlands CVB president.

Call Today for a Free Consultation HCG Protocol Bio-Identical Hormones No Shot Allergy Treatment Nutritional Services Specialty Diagnostics

Mila McManus MD, Founder

281-298-6742 www.TWIHW.com 26110 Oak Ridge Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380 34

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY WITH “PICNIC ON THE GREEN,” MAY 24-25 Enjoy a two-day “Picnic on the Green” with free concerts, fireworks, strolling entertainers, activities and more at the annual “Memorial Day Weekend” produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, May 24-25, 2014 from 6-9 p.m. at Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive. The rolling green space of Town Green Park will serve as the home of “Memorial Day Weekend” for 2014 due to construction in Waterway Square. Families are encouraged to bring picnics and coolers. On Saturday, bring a blanket or lawn chair to Town Green Park and enjoy the alternative rock and blues sounds of The Knowhow from 6-7:20 p.m. followed by the pop sounds of Will Makar & The Redline from 7:40-9 p.m. Immediately following the concert, enjoy a fireworks display presented by Wells Fargo, weather permitting. The celebration continues at Town Green Park on Sunday with The Buck Yeager Band from 6-7:20 p.m., followed by the popular Leannasaurus Rex from 7-9 p.m. The night sky once again will light up with a fireworks display, weather permitting, after the concert. In addition to the music, families will enjoy activities, a face painter, balloon artist and strolling entertainers on both nights. The two-day celebration at Town Green Park in The Woodlands is free and open to the public. For information, call 281-363-2447 or go to VisitTheWoodlands.com.

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H A P P E N I N G S

CORKS & CANVAS ON THE STROLL, MAY 2 Corks & Canvas on the Stroll will take place Friday, May 2, from 5-9 p.m. at The Stroll in the city of Magnolia. The event will include bottles, brew, boutiques, Bernhardt Winery, and music from Willy Wall and Shay Domann. Admission is free. The Magnolia Stroll is a charming treeshaded half-mile pedestrian walkway connecting Magnolia Sixth Grade Campus at the south end to Sullivan Park, a newly refurbished park, and Farmers’ Market to the north. For information, visit cityofmagnolia.com.

JAZZY JUNQUE STORE After four successful annual sales, Montgomery County’s popular Jazzy Junque sale is now a permanent storefront at The Outlets at Conroe. Featuring donated items that are new or in good and working condition, savvy shoppers can find exciting steals on sofas, decorator comforters, boutique handbags, stylish furniture and more at a fraction of what it would cost to buy new. Jazzy Junque is seeking donations of unwanted furniture, home accessories, housewares, infant/children’s items, art, garden/patio items, jewelry, boutique clothing, collectibles and antiques. The store is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Customers can also enjoy coffee drinks from the coffee bar, which will be manned by residents of New Danville. Proceeds benefit New Danville, a masterplanned community for adults with mild intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Donations can be dropped off at Outlets of Conroe by appointment, or arranged to be picked up by calling 936-441-4500 or emailing linda.hein@jazzyjunque.org.

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www.DecoratingDen.com THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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H A P P E N I N G S MARKET STREET’S SPRING FINE ARTS SHOW, MAY 3 Amateur and professional artists will gather to showcase their paintings, photography, metal works, sculptures, digital art, mixed media and other works of art at Market Street’s 2014 Spring Fine Arts Show on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The show is one of the most popular art gatherings in The Woodlands where families can browse for great buys, enjoy live music, and participate in artist demonstrations. Fun art activities for aspiring artists of all ages also are scheduled. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on this and other Market Street events, visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION, FIRST SUNDAYS

Outstanding Markets

Montgomery County Animal Shelter holds new volunteer orientations each Sunday of every month at noon. The shelter is located on 8535 State Highway 242 in Conroe. The shelter houses anywhere from 700-800 dogs and cats at a time and is always in need of volunteers. Volunteer duties covered during the orientation include, but are not limited, to dog walking, cat socializing, adoption coordinating, dog bathing, fostering and administrative duties. Special interest volunteer opportunities such as fundraising, event planning, and photography are covered as needed. Volunteers must be 18 years old or 16 with a signed parental waiver. Anyone under the age of 16 who is interested in volunteering should contact the MCAS PET PALS youth/parent volunteer group coordinator at felechaf@gmail.com. For more information, visit mcaspets.org.

NORDSTROM AND FASHION PROJECT TEAM UP FOR CHARITY

FOR ADVERTISING CALL FORT BEND PUBLISHING 281.240.2445, ext. 128

MONTHLY CIRCULATION: Over 200,000 Homes CMN AUDIT VERIFIED CIRCULATION (COMMUNITY MAGAZINE NETWORK)

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

Thanks to a partnership between Nordstrom and Fashion Project, participants who donate five qualifying items ($50 in original retail price; in nearly new condition; and a particular brand) to Fashion Project will receive a $40 Nordstrom gift card. Fashion Project will send the shipping materials, so it’s about as hassle-free as it gets. Proceeds from the re-sale of the items benefit a registered charity of the participant’s choice. For information on how to participate and a list of qualifying brands, visit fashionproject.com/nordstrom.

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H A P P E N I N G S

Bring this ad in for 20% OFF an in-stock purchase* of $100 of more! * Expires 7/31/14 - restrictions apply

FREE MONTHLY LAW LINE, MAY 5 The Woodlands Bar Association volunteer attorneys are available on the first Monday of every month from 5-8 p.m. to provide general legal information and information on legal resources to Montgomery County residents. This a free community service project of the local Woodlands Bar Association in conjunction with the Montgomery County United Way. Upcoming dates are May 5 and June 2. The Woodlands Bar Association is comprised of private practice attorneys from both large and small law firms, judges and corporate attorneys and seeks to promote high legal standards, education and community service in the area. The Law Line number is 281-645-6344. For more information, visit woodlandsbarassociation.com.

MCABW BUSINESS BUILDER BREAKFAST, MAY 6 The monthly breakfast meeting of the Montgomery County Association of Business Women (MCABW) is scheduled for 8-9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at Eye Health Consultants, 1111 Medical Plaza Dr., Ste. 110 in The Woodlands. Elly Hard, professional speaker, coach and consultant, will serve as guest speaker. Her presentation “Shopping and Working in a Commission Environment” will serve as a unique guide on how to “lighten up” the process of sales — and make it easier on the customer and the salesperson. Hard will give insight into her exceptional selling abilities, strong organizational and planning skills and special talent for analyzing situations and resolving problems to the members of the MCABW. For more information, call Carol Gooch at 713-256-8002, or go to mcabw.org.

The Accessory Place offers a combination of unique home furnishings & accessories, spectacular seasonal decorations, distinctive gift items, custom floral designs, and individualized attention with our interior design services.

The Accessory Place 12850 Memorial Drive, #1500 - Houston, Texas 77024 • 713-467-2106

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WOAMTEC MEETING, FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAYS Women on a Mission to Earn Commission (WOAMTEC), a networking organization geared towards businesswomen, meet at Amerigo’s Grille in The Woodlands from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. every first and third Wednesday. The cost for lunch is $20, all inclusive. All local business professionals are invited to attend. WOAMTEC was created in 2007 to provide a supportive environment for women who are committed to faith, family and career. Visit woamtec.com or call 866-757-2611 for information. THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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H A P P E N I N G S

Jo Anne Johnson

Courtney Buie, MBA

Cathy Cole

Realtor

Realtor Broker Associate

Realtor Buyer Specialist

713-703-3316

713-240-7942

281-814-1105

(L-R) Beth Miller, volunteer store manager, and Anne Swetich, director of Outreach at Lord of Life Lutheran Church.

FAIR TRADE STORE OPEN

7 Heritage Hill Circle Village of Indian Springs Sprawling French Country estate home 5-6/6+2/4 6,535 sq ft $2,350,000 MLS# 77171538

The Hands of Faith Fair Trade Store at Lord of Life Lutheran Church is now open. Shoppers will find coffee, chocolate, jewelry, paper items, home décor, purses, greeting cards and clothing items for sale. Often the artist’s name and country of origin appear on a tag, making it possible to envision the purchase strengthening individuals and families in impoverished areas. Regular store hours are Sunday, 9 a.m.11:30 a.m. The church is located at 3801 S. Panther Creek Drive in The Woodlands. For information, email Beth Miller at handsoffaith.fairtrade@yahoo.com.

ALL SIRE HORSE SHOW, MAY 10

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THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

SIRE will host its Annual All SIRE Horse Show on May 10 from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 4610 Sloangate in Sping. Last year, 53 riders from all three sites participated in an exciting and fun day of competition. SIRE puts on the show to give riders experience in competition, provide fun for riders, volunteers and families, and to raise awareness about therapeutic riding. A few select sponsorship opportunities also are available for the gala on May 3. For information, visit sire-htec.org.

FREE SUPPORT GROUPS AchieveBalance.org is a group of mental health professionals providing excellent, affordable counseling services for couples, individuals and groups. Two ongoing free support groups currently being offered are: “Help Me Help My Teen,” first Monday of each month at 11:30 a.m., and “Life After an Affair,” first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. The office is located at Regus Office Suites at Market Street, Ste. 8210. For more information, call 936-697-2822 or go to achievebalance.org.

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H A P P E N I N G S THE WOODLANDS HIGH SCHOOL THEATER PRESENTS TWILIGHT ZONE, MAY 10

Difference!

On May 10 at 7 p.m., The Woodlands High School Theater will be transformed into a world between science and superstition as episodes of The Twilight Zone are performed. This will be a competition between different grade levels. Five episodes, each produced by a different grade and directed by a senior, will stupefy the audience by transporting them to the fifth dimension. The casts and crews are entirely composed of students who have never had a major speaking role or tech position, making the TWHS Twilight Zone an experience that truly thrusts them into a different world. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults. All proceeds go directly towards the TWHS Theater Booster Club for scholarships and supplies.

AGGIE MOM’S CLUB MEETING, MAY 13 The Northwest Harris County Aggie Mom’s Club will meet Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m. at the Houston Distributing Company, 7100 High Life Drive. For information, go to nwhcaggiemoms.org.

ANGELMAN SYNDROME FOUNDATION WALK, MAY 18 The Angelman Syndrome Foundation Walk will take place Sunday, May 18, at Rob Fleming Park in The Village of Creekside Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; followed by the 5K walk at 9 a.m. The event will support medical research, education, advocacy and support for families affected by Angelman Syndrome (AS), a neurological disorder that is largely misdiagnosed as either autism or cerebral palsy. Individuals with AS are developmentally delayed, have difficulty with balance and walking, sometimes laugh inappropriately and experience seizures. Most individuals cannot speak, and they will require care for the rest of their lives. Participants are encouraged to register in advance at angelman.org by clicking on the “Walk” tab, calling 1-800-432-6435, or registering on the day of the event.

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H A P P E N I N G S unique experiences throughout Houston. To purchase tickets or for information and a complete schedule, visit wineandfoodweek.com or call 713-557-5732.

MCYS INVITES COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT CHARITY CHALLENGE MARATHON RUNNERS HOUSTON’S WINE & FOOD WEEK, JUNE 2-8 Houston’s Wine & Food Week celebrates 10 years in 2014, drawing culinary masters and wine experts from around the world. Held June 2-8, this gastronomic experience features scores of events with more than 500 wines, 50 restaurants, legendary wine producers and culinary personalities, and a vast collection of craft beers and gourmet food purveyors. Wine education classes, chef demonstrations, cookbook author events, silent auctions, and casual to fine wine-and-dine experiences round out the week’s festivities. The region’s largest, most comprehensive epicurean extravaganza with more than 10,000 participants each year, Wine & Food Week features exceptional wine experiences for the novice to the enthusiast paired with delicacies created by some of America’s top chefs. The big three not-to-be-missed events include Thursday, June 5, H-E-B Wine Walk @Market Street, a taste-and-stroll experience in a European-style center featuring wine and light bites at more than 30 tasting stations; Sips, Suds & Sliders, presented by The Woodlands Mall, a Texas-size celebration featuring live music, specialty beers, value wines and a gourmet slider competition on Friday, June 6; and Saturday, June 7, the ultimate adult evening: The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase, presented by Capital One Bank, where guests sample delectable cuisine and hundreds of wines as chefs representing more than 50 restaurants compete for Wine & Food Week’s Waterford Crystal Chef of Chefs Award and a $5,000 cash prize. The evening culminates with the “Just Desserts” contest, a confectionary competition to crown the night’s dessert extraordinaire. Wine & Food Week events and auctions benefit several benefactors including the Signature Series Literacy Education efforts of the John Cooper School. Most of the events are held at venues in The Woodlands, with

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

Montgomery County Youth Services (MCYS) announced that they will be participating in the Charity Challenge for The Woodlands Marathon and Half Marathon and would like to invite community to participate in supporting the agency. Conducted through Reason2Race, the fundraising competition allows charities in the area to win additional funding to support their services throughout the year by having supporters volunteer to run a race in their honor. Currently, MCYS has the following runners to raise money for MCYS by running in an event: Jared Bleiler, running a half marathon; Rachel Gentry, running a half marathon; Scott Gentry, running a half marathon; Michelle O’Rourke, running a half marathon; Dan Altom, running a 5K; and Kathy Schilling, running a 5K. “We invite any runners or community members with a heart for mending the relationships of children and families to participate in helping us reach our goal,” said Kelly Reffett, MCYS Director of Development. “Additionally, we are thankful that Jared, Rachel, Scott, Michelle, Dan and Kathy have all chosen to donate their time into helping us achieve our goals. Their passion for this agency is a wonderful reminder that using your strengths and gifts can make an impact on those in need.” Those interested in supporting MCYS can visit reason2race.com/join/r2r/mcys for general information. They also may contact Rachel Gentry at 281-292-6471 or rachel.gentry@youthmc.org for more specific information. Montgomery County Youth Services is a private, not-for-profit counseling agency committed to providing quality social service programs to children and families in crisis throughout Montgomery County.The mission of MCYS is to provide crisis counseling, shelter programs and prevention services to strengthen families, keep youth in school and prepare them to be productive citizens.A United Way Agency, MCYS is also a beneficiary of the Community Development Block Grant.

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• Sport Court Game Courts • Backyard Basketball Courts • Tennis Courts • Putting Greens • Gymnasiums and Sports Flooring • Dance and Aerobic Flooring

Financing Available

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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H A P P E N I N G S

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Concert Series at Market Street returns with pop, jazz and R&B music.

CONCERT SERIES AT MARKET STREET, THROUGH JUNE 5

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Market Street’s spring concert series returns with live music sounds every Thursday through June 5, from 6-8:30 p.m. Market Street’s spring concert series, sponsored by Sewell Automotive, includes the following line-up: May 1, Russian folk music of the The Flying Balalaika Brothers; May 8, classic rock and Top 40 hits from Danny Ray; May 15, Latin jazz guitarist Mark Towns and his newest project, Tribology; May 22, contemporary, folk-rock sounds from the Lost & Nameless Orchestra; and May 29, smooth jazz sounds of Maydwell. Each Market Street spring concert is open free to the public. The music group for Market Street’s June 5 finale will be announced. Families also can bring blankets and lawn chair to enjoy the concert from Market Street’s Central Park. For information on other Market Street events, visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com.

FEAST OF ARTISANS FARMERS’ MARKET, WEDNESDAYS The Feast of Artisans Farmers’ Market has reopened at The Woodlands Mall on Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m. The market features area farmers and artisans selling seasonal local fruits and vegetables (conventional and sustainably grown), local honey, free-range chicken eggs, meats, artisan baked goods, award-winning Texas wines, bath sundries, leather goods, filigree sterling silver jewelry, hot sauces and more. For more information or to apply to become a vendor, visit thewoodlandsmall.com.

BOOK CLUBS AT BARBARA BUSH LIBRARY, DURING MAY HOUSTON OFFICE

4949 Bissonnet • Bellaire, Texas 77401 Phone 713-660-9595 Principal Office

FAYETTE COUNTY OFFICE

THE WOODLANDS OFFICE

1055 Deer Haven Rd. Carmine, Texas 78932 Phone 979-278-4095

3705 College Park Dr. The Woodlands, Texas 77384 Phone 936-273-2773

By Appointment Only – Saturday Appointments Available

Wesley E. Wright and Molly Dear Abshire are Certified as Elder Law Attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation and Accredited Attorneys by the Veterans Administration. They are both Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

The Evening Book Club will meet May 13 at 7 p.m. to discuss Lady Cyclist’s Guide to Kashgar by Susanne Joinson. The book club meets the second Tuesday of each month. The June selection is The Dinner by Herman Koch. The Great Books Discussion Group will meet May 19, 7 p.m. in the WCR Conference Room. The title this month is Faust, Part One by Goethe. The new study involves a different reading each month. The group meets on the third Monday of each month. For information, contact Ed Boran at 281-353-1450. The Afternoon Book Club will meet May 22 at 1:30 p.m. or May 23 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. The June selection is Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. The club meets the fourth Thursday of each month.

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THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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Mark A. Wallace, CEO, Texas Children's Hospital His vision has changed children's healthcare CEO Mark A. Wallace, hard at work in his office at Texas Children’s Hospital.

By Rebecca Maitland hen Mark Wallace took the helm of Texas Children’s Hospital as president and chief executive officer, he had a big and bold vision: To make Texas Children’s Hospital the preeminent pediatric hospital in the world. In reviewing the list of national and local awards, honors, community impact, continued expansions of facilities, and global and local services now offered by the hospital, it looks like he might just be getting close to that goal. In 1940, the Texas Medical Center was chartered and shortly thereafter, Texas Children’s Foundation formed to secure support to build a children’s hospital. Approximately 14 years later, on Feb. 1, 1954, the first patient was admitted to Texas Children’s Hospital. In 1989, Wallace walked down the street from The Methodist Hospital (now known as Houston Methodist) where he had served as senior vice president, to set his vision into motion and take Texas Children’s to a nationally recognized level. “I arrived at Texas Children’s Hospital

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

square feet of space including a $500 million capital campaign — for the new Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, opened 2010; the new Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, opened 2011; the expansion of the Feigin Center for pediatric research; and the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women dedicated to providing women, mothers and babies with a full continuum of high-quality, expert health care, opened in 2012.

at the age of 36, when I was appointed president and chief executive officer. I remember pulling up the very first day to a seven-story building. I knew I wanted to do big things here but I don’t think I could have predicted where we would be today. I celebrate my 25th anniversary this year and have been blessed to lead Texas Children’s to the successful completion of numerous capital and expansion projects,” Wallace said. During Wallace’s tenure, these projects have included a $149 million facilities modernization and development program to add over one million square feet of space to the hospital’s campus, including a capital campaign that raised $69.2 million; a $345 million major building expansion program to add an additional 1.2 million square feet and increase the hospital’s licensed bed capacity from 456 to 639 beds, including another capital campaign raising $80 million; and most recently a $1.5 billion investment in the future of pediatric healthcare, four ambitious strategic initiatives that added another two million

Leadership by Example “In addition to my passion for Texas Children’s, I am passionate about leadership and have made this a priority in what I do at the hospital,” said Wallace. “I created a set of leadership maxims by which I live and eagerly share with staff and employees of Texas Children’s. Most notably, leadership determines outcomes not some of the time, but all of the time. I also created my personal definition of leadership: leadership is the sum of vision + structure + people, with people by far being the most important element or ingredient in the leadership definition. “In the past 25 years, Texas Chil dren's Hospital has grown to more than 9,000 employees, has more than three million patient encounters annually, and is internationally recognized and ranked among the best pediatric hospitals in the nation. Additionally, Texas Children’s Hospital was named the number one best place to work in Houston, among companies with more than 500 employees, in 2009,” Wallace said. Texas Children’s Footprint Over the last 60 years, Texas Children’s has built recognized Centers of Excellence in pediatric subspecialties and women’s services.

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“We created the nation’s first HMO for children. We formed the largest pediatric primary care network in the country and we developed a global health program that’s channeling care to children and women all over the world,” Wallace said. Texas Children’s physical footprint includes three hospitals, three research facilities, more than 50 local primary care and subspecialty care practices. As an example, Texas Children’s arms now reach from The Woodlands to Sugar Land, from Cy-Fair to Clear Lake and many areas in between, and they are still growing to meet the needs of Houston, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The hospital announced in January that it has broken ground on a fourth hospital in The Woodlands that will give more than 400,000 children access to high-quality, specialized pediatric healthcare in their own community. However, Wallace is first to note, it takes the community, foundations, and area supporters for his visions to become realty. One of the hospital’s many supporters are Matt and Laurie Schaub. “We are very fortunate to have families in Houston that want to help us meet the mission of making children better and the Schaubs are a great example of that,” Wallace said. “Through their GR8 Hope Foundation, we are so appreciative of everything they have done for us so far, especially at our Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, including funding our playroom and recently helping us expand our emergency center. We see nearly 40,000 children a year in our emergency center, so it will not take long for hundreds of thousands of kids to benefit from this new facility.” Matt and Laurie Schaub When Matt Schaub arrived in Houston in 2007 to join the Houston Texans, he knew he wanted to do something, to make a difference, but was not sure where

Laurie and Matt Schaub have been generous hospital supporters through their GR8 HOPE Foundation.

or how. Then four years ago when the Schaubs had their first child, they knew where they wanted to be involved, hence the couple formed their foundation, GR8 Hope, pronounced Great Hope. Both Laurie and Matt began visiting the young patients at Texas Children’s, met many of the doctors and nurses, and fell in love with the sincere and genuine care the staff have for their patients. The first year the Schaubs were involved with Texas Children’s Hospital,

“We formed the largest pediatric primary care network in the country and we developed a global health program that’s channeling care to children and women all over the world.” — Mark A. Wallace they created a playroom where the kids could just be kids away from everything medical and any type of white coats. “Like most parents, we had been to the emergency room. In talking to the staff, and seeing firsthand that the emergency room was seeing twice the number of patients it was designed for, we

signed a pledge to add 12 additional rooms,” Matt said. Those additional 12 rooms have been added and opened. In continuing to support Texas Children’s, the Schaubs hosted their Fourth Annual Hope Can Heal Gala on Friday, April 4, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel-Houston. The event featured national recording artist Clay Walker. Then on the following Monday, April 7, the couple also hosted a Celebrity Golf Classic at the Houstonian Golf and Country Club. The community was invited to the event, which supported Texas Children’s Hospital. “The golf tournament is a way for everyone to be outside, have fun,” Laurie said. “As human beings, we have a responsibility to help each other, to help our children, the children in our communities. When you support GR8 Hope Foundation, you can see the results — just stop by Texas Children’s Hospital and you can see the difference you are making, it is visible,” Matt said. According to Wallace, Texas Children’s is committed to medical excellence and quality outcomes with a single purpose — to ensure the health of the youngest and most vulnerable members of the community, whether they reside in nearby neighborhoods or on the other side of the world, all of which his vision has made and continues to make possible.l THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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Scene in TheWoodlands with Missy Herndon

Email: missyherndon@yahoo.com

May rounds out the Social Scene for the Spring! Whew! It has been busy, busy with some truly fabulous events. I was commenting recently what an incredible blessing it is to live in a community that is so philanthropic. I have the pleasure to see the amazing “good” that happens every single day. Personally and professionally, through events, races, lunches and galas, it happens in the ballrooms, ball parks, schools and in our neighborhoods. The Woodlands has an amazing spirit of giving that makes this community as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Enjoy the last few weeks of the Social season, and I hope you will join me at one of the following community events: May 1: Montgomery County Women’s Center Wild West Winefest at Macy’s

Furniture Gallery; mcwcthewoodlands.org May 5: 5th Annual Hope On The Green Golf Tournament benefiting The Will Herndon Fund for Juvenile Batten Disease Research of Beyond Batten Disease

Texas Children’s Hospital Forum Luncheon

Foundation at The Woodlands Country Club- Palmer Course; willherndon.org May 8: Montgomery County Youth Services Annual Ladies Night Out “Be A Superhero;” The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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and Convention Center; youthmc.org May 9: Go Red for Women Luncheon benefiting Montgomery County American Heart Association; The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center; mont-

Happy Mother’s Day

gomerycountygored.ahaevents.org May 10: Habitat for Humanity’s Building Hope Gala celebrating 25th Anniversary: “There’s No Place Like Home,” The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center; hfhmctx.org

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May 17: Angelman Syndrome Foundation Walk at Rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creekside Park; angelman.org May 18: Montgomery County Food Bank’s “Dancing in The Woods” at Dosey Doe; mcfoodbank.org Have an upcoming event? Drop me a line

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TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FORUM LUNCHEON Local community and hospital leaders

CREATING BEAUT IFUL S PACES

joined Texas Children’s Hospital at its Forum Luncheon providing an exclusive opportunity to learn about the latest in pediatric health. Supporters packed The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Convention Center to enjoy the guest speakers — Dr. Paul E. Sirbaugh, division chief of emergency medicine and Dr. Joan E. Shook, chief safety officer. The event also provided a great opportunity to learn more about the Texas Children’s pediatric hospital that is slated to open in 2017, here in The Woodlands.

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Giving Goes Glam Fashion Show

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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GIVING GOES GLAM FASHION SHOW Glam was definitely the theme of the most fashionable event of the year, as Interfaith of The Woodlands and Junior League of North Harris and South Montgomery Counties, Inc. partner to host the third annual Giving Goes Glam Fashion Show and Luncheon, “A Gorgeous Excuse to do Something Good.” Market Street The Woodlands and The Woodlands Mall were presenting sponsors of this dynamic event that featured Spring trends by Tootsies in a New Yorkstyle fashion show. The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Convention Center glowed in hues of hot pink and lavender, as professional and community models strutted gorgeous floral

Mother’s Day Sale

dresses, styles in black and white and signature color gowns for the grand finale march catwalk. More than 550 guests arrived to a “Living Purple” carpet dress custom designed by Misty Clow of Couture House Rentals. The event was co-chaired by MaryKathryn D’Agostino and Jena McCrann. 1) (L-R) Jennifer Bulovas, President of Junior League of North Harris and South

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Montgomery Counties, Inc. with event CoChairs, Mary-Kathryn D’Agostino and Jena McCrann, and Dr. Ann Snyder, President and CEO, Interfaith of The Woodlands 2) 2014 Glam Community Models, (l-r) Sarah Coll, Tracey O’Neal, Vicki Norrell, George Lindahl, Kathy Croom, Missy Herndon, Julia Dell, Courtney West and Audra Hoegemeyer. 3) (l-r) Alison Henderson, Marxli Mettauer (modeling in The Living Purple Dress) and dress designer, Misty Clow of Couture House Rentals 4) (l-r) Christy Miller, Robin Gilberts, Tiffany Hayes and Nicole Miller 5) (l-r) Jenny Coyle, Sandra McGrew, Shannon Wise and Denise Coyle 6) (l-r) Melzer, Amy Young and Amy Torres 7) Amy Scarborough and Tracy Halverson

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9) (l-r) Elizabeth Merrill, Kristin Cantu and Inger Berger 10) Troye Skipworth and Ally Seder

FIVE WHO SHARE LUNCHEON Each year Interfaith of the Woodlands salutes outstanding individuals in the areas of Education, Health, Fine Arts, Youth and Senior Citizens. These hon-

orees are celebrated at an annual lunch at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Convention Center. 1) Community Leaders and Five Who Share Honorees (back row, l-r) Steve Cribari (Honoree for Education), Chris Grice (Honoree for Health), Dr. Ann Snyder, Congressman Kevin Brady and 2

Jeff Shipley with (front row, l-r) Bonnie

Schuetz (Honoree for Fine Arts), Rita Wiltz (Honoree for Youth) and P.K. Smith (Honoree for Seniors) 2) Event Honorary Chairs, Debbie Sukin and Steve Sanders 3) Gordy Bunch and Don Norrell 4) Kim Remy, Kirsten Arendes and Andy Remy 4

5) George and Dianne Lindahl 6) Janine Jones, Susie Shipley and Mary

Five Who Share Luncheon

Parrish 7) Morgan and Casey Cole 8) Don Stockton and Nelda Blair 9) Justin Scharnhorst and Commissioner James Noack 10) Angela and Bret Strong.l

9 THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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THEIA From the Theia 2014 Spring Collection. Available at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and online. theia.com

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Fly to a Tropical Paradise ESCADA BORN IN PARADISE Born in Paradise is the captivating new 22nd limited edition fragrance from ESCADA–an intoxicating cocktail of exotic scents. The fragrance arrives just in time for hot summer days and long balmy evenings. Creating feelings of delight, warmth and frivolity–Born in Paradise transports you to the tropical haven of French Polynesia, evoking visions of bright and beautiful flowers, glistening beaches clear turquoise waters and delectably-delicious tropical fruits. Inspired by the famous Pina Colada cocktail, the Escada Born in Paradise perfume delivers an enchanting blend of pineapple and coconut milk, shaken with the aqueous and acidulous notes of watermelon, green apple and guava and enhanced with woody, musky and creamlike undertones. Exuberant in character, the fragrance instantly releases tantalizingly mouthwatering fruity scents and an infectious carefree feeling often inspired by tropical escapes–making it the perfect summer fragrance to transport you to paradise. Available at Sephora or online. escada.com

Chic and Sleek Accessories HELMER The HELMER brand pulls inspiration from various cultures and destinations making it the ultimate handbag and accessory collection that embraces craftsmanship, style, functionality, and practicality. Helmer’s chic and sleek accessories can accompany you on your own travels, whether it is across mountains and oceans, or simply around the corner. Helmer has been spotted on Brandy at the 7th Annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood event, Adelaide Kane at the People’s Choice Awards, Jessica Lowndes and Claudia Lee at the Young Hollywood Party, and more! hel-mer.com THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Diane von Furstenberg Fit and Flare Dress, $498, available at Nordstrom stores and online. nordstrom.com

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N E W

AU T O S

By Kelly Foss, MyCarData.com

AUDI A6 TDI | Starting price: $43,000 udi, one of the traditional German luxury brands, is known for its styling, technology and inviting interiors. The midsize A6 luxury sedan possess all those attributes and competes with vehicles like the Mercedes E Class and the BMW 5 Series. The TDI model adds the intrigue of class-leading clean diesel technology and elevates the vehicle to a new level. Comparatively speaking, the A6 is a great car. It possesses that illusive blend of styling, comfort and performance. The shape of the current model gives the car presence and a high level of richness and refinement. The brands DNA shows through and similarities between it and the top-of-the -line A8 are obvious.

My turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 diesel engine powered A6 was an extremely rewarding vehicle to drive. Current diesel technology provides engines that are quiet, clean and smokeless. They are inherently more efficient than gas engines therefore get about 30% better fuel economy and have tremendous pulling power. The engine’s efficiency mated with an 8 speed automatic transmission yields a car that is very quick and pleasing to drive plus gets outstanding fuel economy. A light touch on the accelerator pedal delivers immediate and sustained acceleration thanks to the diesel’s 428 foot pounds of torque developed at very low RPMs. I found the EPA rating of 24 mpg city and 38 highway to be very conservative. At

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE Starting price: $42,000 ince its introduction in 2010, the Evoque has actually worked out quite well considering how different it is from the rest of the Land Rover family. For review, the Evoque is the stylish “show pony” in the Land Rover stable that also just happens to deliver the off-road goods that you’d expect from the brand. The vehicle is a unibody constructed compact SUV that has Land Rover credentials. It’s so unique that the vehicle looks like it’s been adopted into the LR family as opposed to be having been born into it.

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

steady freeway cruising I could routinely get 45+ mpg and city/highway combined trips posted 35 mpg. My test car priced at $66,000 also had the sport package which added multiple suspension settings and grippy performance tires. The result was a car with excellent power, great handling and outstanding fuel economy. The diesel option adds about $2,400 to the vehicle cost —and currently diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline — but those costs are offset by the amazingly high fuel economy numbers plus the exhilaration of driving this diesel powered car. Audi produces possibly the best interiors in the world. The styling is very tasteful and the materials are of the highest quality. My test A6 had the Nougat Brown heated and cooled leather seating package. Dark brown walnut wood inlay was a very distinctive feature. Side and rear window shades enhance the comfort of rear seat passengers. In all, the interior was a delight to spend time in. Modern technology can also enhance the driving experience. An excellent navigation package plus a fine Bose audio system add to the joy of the journey. Drivers can get assistance from adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision alert system, lane assist and lots of cameras on the car. In addition to a rear view backup camera, the driver also gets a 360 degree top-down view of the car so you can see objects around you. The A6 TDI is a complete package. It’s elegant, capable, fun and efficient.

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The styling is an optical illusion and the vehicle offers more room than it might appear from the outside. The proportions make it look small yet the dimensions provide ample interior room for a vehicle in this class. The cabin is tastefully crafted and passengers get a commanding view of the road. The Evoque is offered in two body styles, the Evoque which is a 5-door hatchback and the Evoque Coupe which is a 3-door hatchback model. Prices range from about $42,000 to over $60,000 which is a healthy sum for a compact SUV, even an elegant one. Coupe buyers are basically writing off carrying people in the second row because access requires a high level of commitment and athleticism. Additionally, the Coupe eliminates side access to the front part of the cargo area. Other than a sleeker looking body, it’s hard to justify it especially considering that it also is priced higher than the 5-door. The Evoque is lightweight, relatively speaking, at about 4,000 pounds. It is powered by a Ford sourced turbocharged 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine that produces a very respectable 240 horsepower and an impressive 250 foot pounds of torque. All that engine power is channeled through a 9 speed automatic transmission which is a lot of gears for a vehicle of this size. The gears allow the vehicle to operate placidly under most conditions but when robust acceleration is needed instantly it can take a moment for the car to get the turbocharger spooled up and the proper gear selected. The official fuel economy rating is 21 city and 30 highway and my week of driving produced an average of about 23 mpg which is in the expected range. Being a Range Rover, off-road capabilities are expected. I did manage to get the test vehicle muddy yet I didn’t test it anywhere near its advertised limits. The Evoque has a 19.7 inch wading capability but I didn’t try fording any streams either. The thought of taking a rich-looking premium vehicle out in the weeds always creates some inner conflict. I believe that it’s capable of exploring but I’m not sure how many owners would be actually to take their pricey SUV out in the rough. The Range Rover Evoque is a very lovely vehicle and just knowing that you could go off-road if needed is enough for most people. Visit MyCarData.com for more information on these models.l

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the Editor’s

Picks

Books

Linda Anderson

Dog Moves Chair to Kitchen Counter

ategiThis clever Beagle str bs on cally moves chair, clim self. ps him countertop and hel M#aid=P-SQAi-Eiqk /watch?v=Thum9-GU74 http://www.youtube.com & Homes!

th Lifestyles Share your video wi styles-magazines.com email to: Linda@life

pinterest.com/LifestyleMags

On Try these recipes on our Pinterest

Banana Sushi This delicious treat is made with peanut butter and Rice Krispies.

Herb Pots An attractive and orderly way to display your favorite herbs.

DAUGHTER OF THE WHITE RIVER Lifestyles & Homes guest writer and author Denise Parkinson takes an intimate look at a Depression-era tragedy in the book Daughter of the White River.The once-thriving houseboat communities along Arkansas’ White River are long gone, and few remember the sensational murder story that set local darling Helen Spence on a tragic path. In 1931, Spence shocked the people in Arkansas when she avenged her father’s murder in a DeWitt courtroom. For the first time prison records are unveiled to provide a sensational portrait.

THE MOM INVENTORS HANDBOOK Written for people seeking to turn their ideas into

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

marketable products, the new edition of The Mom Inventors Handbook Expanded 2nd Edition by Tamara Monosoff takes the reader step-by-step through the process, covering the latest, most innovative ways to create, fund, manufacture, and successfully sell products on a wide scale. The new edition covers prototyping, manufacturing, and safety; updated information on patents and trademarks; and alternative sales channels.

FIVE-PLANT GARDENS Award-winning garden writer Nancy Ondra’s new book Five-Plant Gardens is for people who have little to no gardening experience as those who have already tried a few flowers but lack the confidence or

money to attempt a big bed. Plants have been carefully selected to complement one another and grow well together. Each plan includes plant photos, an illustrated planting map, shopping list and plant descriptions.

RICHMOND Richmond, from local authors Clinton Drake and Theresa Jach, chronicles the history of Richmond, Texas, from its incorporation in 1837. Images throughout the book depict the well-known stories of the area and shed light on forgotten tales.

BUFFI’S DRESS DESIGN Project Runway contestant Buffi Jashanmal shows fashion design fans how to design and sew their own custom-fitted dresses

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from start to finish. In Buffi’s Dress Design: Sew 30 Fun Styles, beginning sewists will learn secrets to basic patternmaking and sewing. With 27 dress design options in all, plus three ways to revamp vintage dresses, this book is a minicourse on dress design.

MIX & MATCH GUIDE TO COMPANION PLANTING Josie Jeffery’s The Mix & Match Guide to Companion Planting offers an incredibly useful tool to help gardeners put this time-honored technique into practice. Discover which vegetables, fruits and herbs grow best together (and which do not) with this colorful, visual gardening guide.

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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Discoveries

GE BEND VINTAGE ADJUSTABLE-ARM The double-jointed Bend is modeled on a vintage adjustable-arm fixture sold from the early 1900s through 1925. With two joints, the Bend is capable of projecting farther out than any of their other wall brackets, making it ideal for bedroom reading and illuminating wide kitchen and bathroom counters. Adjustable wall sconces live at the intersection of utility and style. rejuvenationhardware.com

AGRA BLUE RUG Opulent inlaid marble and detailed tile work found in ancient Indian palaces inspired designer Suki Cheema to create this bold update on traditional ornamental motifs. Recycled cotton is handwoven in a flatweave that showcases a surprising range of rich, tonal colors. crateandbarrel.com

BRUSH CASES Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that consumers are attracted to personalizing their gadgets. Digitized skins were in; however, Brush Cases, a collection of hand-painted iPhone cases mirroring the expressive aesthetic of celebrated artists Van Gogh and Jackson Pollock, is todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most-admired form of personalization and an appreciation for the arts. Customizing your iPhone has now become the hottest new way to express yourself. Each case is painted in layers to ensure long-lasting quality. The cases are both waterproof and weatherproof. brushcases.com

LILY JULIET OVERSIZED SERVERS Made from resin and reclaimed water buffalo horn these Grand Slam Servers make a bold statement for fabulous entertaining. If it is a glamorous dinner party, summer buffets in the Hamptons or poolside in Palm Beach, the oversized servers make their presence known. Each set of servers is handmade by artisans in Vietnam and must be treated with appropriate care. jonathanadler.com

MASSOUD BENNINGTON CHAIR Neiman Marcus exclusive. Add hunting lodge ambiance to seating with this intriguing armchair. It brings a distinctively masculine feel to the room. Carved European beechwood frame. Leather and polyester upholstery. Handcrafted in the USA of imported materials. neimanmarcus.com

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DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Houstonian Lynn Forney Young leads this historic national organization

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LEFT: During the Installation Service, the outgoing President General placed the sash ribbon on Lynn Forney Young, symbolizing continuity of office. The emblem of her administration is the majestic eagle, which represents “the strength of our commitment to guard that which is committed to our trust and to keep us ever mindful of the freedom we cherish as Americans.”

ABOVE: Sworn in at the NSDAR's Continental Congress in Washington, D.C., Young became the 43rd President General and stated, "May we serve together to strengthen our society for tomorrow’s DAR."

By Melanie Saxton ur nation sprang from the American Revolutionary War, which took place from 1775–1783. But for some, this battle for independence is more than a slice of history. It’s a window into our lineage, made personal by the service and sacrifice of our ancestors.

ABOUT THE DAR PATRIOTIC SOCIETY The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution patriotic society was organized in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. These timeless, overarching principles keep the DAR strong and vitally relevant, while the society continues to evolve to best fulfill its objectives and attract new members in an everchanging world. The common bond between members is that they descend from Patriots of the American Revolution and want to honor their memory. The DAR events on the local and state levels – and even online and through social media – help connect members from all across the world. Today, 3,000 chapters and 177,000 members share the NSDAR motto of “God, Home and Country,” which is also the personal motto of Lynn Forney Young. In 2013 she

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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became the first Texan to be elected as President General and was installed at the NSDAR's Continental Congress as the 43rd to hold that prestigious position. She will serve until 2016. “Although we come from different backgrounds, many different stages of life and certainly different regional accents, we all share our common love for our country and our determination to make it even better for future generations,” notes Young, who adds that she’s met some of her best friends through her involvement in the DAR.

“Although we come from different backgrounds, many different stages of life and certainly different regional accents, we all share our common love for our country and our determination to make it even better for future generations.”

DAR GENEALOGY 101 Are you a daughter of the American Revolution? To become a member you must prove that your ancestor contributed to the cause of Independence – which is actually a much larger pool of people than just soldiers of the American Revolution. Ancestors could be someone, for example, who provided supplies to the soldiers, signed an oath of loyalty, served on a jury or provided military service. First and foremost, the most important step of discovering American Revolutionary ties is asking those closest to us what they know of the their own history. “It’s always best to start with your family – you will be amazed at the stories you learn!” says Young. Curious hopefuls can access the DAR Genealogical Research System, which is an unrivaled resource for tracking down information. It allows database searches for Revolutionary War ancestors or for past DAR members, or names of descendants of Revolutionary War patriots. This genealogical information has been collected from more than 930,000 women who have joined the DAR since its founding over a span of 123+ years, and can’t be accessed anywhere else. Best of all, it’s free and easy to search at dar.org/grs. Additionally, there are many outstanding onsite genealogy resources such as

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

Lynn Young and her family pose for a portrait during Thanksgiving 2012 (taken prior to the arrival of her granddaughter.)

the DAR Library in Washington, D.C., the Family History Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research in Houston.

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? The DAR Library and the GRS website were featured on an episode of TLC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?” Rob Lowe was the subject of the episode, causing such a huge amount of online traffic that the site crashed three different times. “It was a great problem to have!” says Young. “I think the popularity of these types of shows stems from helping to better explain what genealogy really is – that it’s about learning more about who you are from the lives of your ancestors.” Discovering family history is much easier now thanks to the greater avail-

ability of many online research options, including Ancestry.com and other genealogy websites. This provides a great service to experienced genealogists and everyday people who are curious about their roots and need a place to start. According to Young, it is important for all of us to know of our heritage. For her personally, history became so much more interesting when she was able to view the experiences through the eyes of her own ancestors. “Through research, I learned that my great-great-grandfather was the coroner for the city of Vicksburg during the siege,” she says. Although it only takes one Revolutionary patriot to join the DAR, many members eagerly expand their research and identify other patriots who are ancestors. “I was fortunate that my greataunt had identified five patriots for our family, but it has been a thrill to prove nine more patriots,” says Young. The society has several members with more than 40 patriots and the current record holder is a member in Texas, Lee Covely Lloyd, who has 52.

EXCEEDING GOALS As one of the central goals of her Administration, Young has challenged members to track their hours of service annually in promoting the objectives of the DAR. The initial goal of 1 million volunteer hours was met and exceeded as an astounding 3,400,000 hours were recorded the first year. The society anticipates the final number to be even higher. “Therefore, we have set a new goal of 10 million hours of community service for the three years of our administration,” says Young. In another “first,” the DAR began accepting Y-DNA 37 Marker test results as supporting evidence of lineage along with more traditional genealogical sources during the verification of member-related applications. In 2013 the society exceeded the all-

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time record since its founding in 1890 for most new members approved — a total of 13,906 new members in 2013. They will be celebrating a 125th anniversary in 2015, and preparations are under way for efforts to reflect on the strong heritage of DAR while also focusing on its future.

LYNN FORNEY YOUNG’S SERVICE LEGACY Young first learned about philanthropy as a member of Zeta Psi Chapter of Delta Zeta while attending Stephen F. Austin State University. She was admitted in 1977 as a Junior member of the Tejas Chapter of the DAR in Houston, and after 36 years of distinguished service became President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. As Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit organization, she leads 140 professional staff members at the National Headquarters in the heart of Wash ington, D.C. who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization. They also maintain and promote the Society’s National Historic Landmark buildings, which are open to the public. Since becoming President General in June 2013, Young has had the opportunity to meet DAR members in more than a dozen states. Recently, she was welcomed at the 116th Georgia State Conference in Stone Mountain, Georgia. During her three-year term she looks forward to traveling to all DAR State Societies as well as DAR chapters in 14 foreign countries. “It’s amazing to see how different all of these women are, but also how we all share a passion for historic preservation, education and patriotism and for honoring our family heritage,” she notes. Young and her family have lived in Houston going back five generations. She is the fourth of six generations of DAR/SAR/C.A.R members. She and her

Surrounded by her children, Walker and Lindsey, and husband Steve, President General Lynn Young celebrates her induction into office. Her term of service is from 2013-2016.

husband Steve own a family cattle ranch outside of Austin where they were recently recognized for the restoration and preservation of a historic cemetery located on the property. She is the mother of two, Lindsey Witte and Walker Young, and has two grandsons and one granddaughter. “Being an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution is meaningful to me, not only because of my pride in being an American, but also

because of the blessings for which I am grateful, such as freedom and liberty,” says Young. “Although I did not serve in a military uniform, I feel as if I am giving back to my country to make it even stronger for my grandchildren and the generations which follow.” Stay connected with Lynn Forney Young at blog.dar.org. Learn more about (DAR) the Daughters of the American Revolution (and their powerful research tools) at dar.org. l

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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Heritage Trail DAR Members Attend State Conference Local chapter receives several special awards (L-R, front row) Melida Arredondo, Carlos “Alexander” Arredondo, Pamela Rouse Wright, Beverly Pritchard, Dottie Wainwright, Barbara Petrov; (back row) Cherry Calender, Onita Williams, Kandy Davis, Pat Spackey and Ann Jones.

uring the recent TXDAR state conference held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas Hotel, Carlos “Alexander” Arredondo was the recipient of the DAR Americanism medal during the Conference Awards Evening held on Friday night. Arredondo and his wife, Melida, were sponsored by the local Heritage Trails DAR chapter, Beverly Pritchard, regent and the Austin Colony chapter in Austin, Jamie Burchfield, regent. In April 2013, Arredondo was present during the Boston Marathon bombing. Instead of trying to flee the danger, he stayed to aid those who were injured. Serving as a Red Cross First Responder, he focused on people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Pamela Rouse Wright, state regent of Texas, presented the award to Arredondo and introduced him as an “ordinary” citizen who became a hero doing “extraordinary” things, when the man in a cowboy hat helped push a severely wounded spectator to safety. Jeff Bauman was cheering for his girlfriend in the race when the first of the two bombs exploded. Arrendondo lifted Bauman quickly into a wheelchair and ran alongside him getting him to safety. The Heritage Trails DAR members, who have been actively involved with the Helping a Hero organization which builds homes for

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

soldiers wounded in Afghanistan, attended Saturday evening’s National Defense night when soldiers were honored, including SPC Justin Lane from Helping a Hero. Lane, sponsored by the Texas State DAR Society, gave a musical performance, and a slide presentation about HelpingaHero.org also was presented. DAR member Meredith Maxwell Ihler of the Tejas DAR chapter is the founder of Helping a Hero. Members of the Heritage Trails chapter, encouraged by Dottie Wainwright, national Vice Chair, Project Patriot committee, are serving as hostesses and greeters, and at groundbreaking events, fundraisers and Home Dedication ceremonies for the organization. The Heritage Trails chapter was honored with several special awards at the state conference. NSDAR President General Lynn Forney Young, who is from Houston, was presented with the Women in American History Award. Young is the first woman from Texas to serve as President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. (See article on page 62.) Pat Spackey, state chair of the Texas Flag committee and State Vice-chair for the State Regent’s scrapbook, was presented with a special award by Pamela Wright for “her love and loyalty in creating a legacy through photography for all Texas Daughters.”

During the conference, each State Committee Chair presented awards to outstanding DAR members. Heritage Trails member Pat Williams serves as state chair for the Chapter Achievement Committee and presented two awards to the Captain Gilbreth Falls-Absolom Hooper chapter for the “Largest membership Increase” and to the Andrew Caruthers chapter for the “Highest Junior Membership increase.” Jill Brooks, state chair of the Public Relations and Media committee presented an award to Pat Spackey for “Excellence in Public Relations, Media, and Photography.” The conference concluded Sunday with a Patriotic Prayer Breakfast and Memorial service honoring deceased DAR members. The Breakfast honored veterans invited and sponsored by DAR members. A special Vietnam Veteran Remembrance was presented by Pamela Wright to more than 50 Vietnam veterans from every branch of the military service. Following the awards ceremony, hundreds of DAR members formed a wall of honor thanking the veterans and shaking their hands as each veteran walked through, followed by the flag of their branch of the service carried by DAR pages. Said Wright, “This is the Welcome Home that you richly deserved and never received and we are proud to honor you today.”l

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To the greatest A D V E R T I S I N G

PLANET LINCOLN

THE WOODLANDS COUNTRY CLUB

MILSTEAD GLASS & HOME DECOR

At The Woodlands Country Club, tradition and innovation blend perfectly to create a lifestyle uniquely tailored to meet the needs and expectations of every member. Why not share the gift of membership with someone special for 2014? Impeccable playing conditions, first class amenities and attentive personalized service only begin to describe the advantages of belonging to one of Texas’ finest country clubs. For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit the website. thewoodlandscc.com

Mother’s Day is May 11. Tell your Mother how special she is with a gift or gift certificate from “It’s a Different Niche”. The store is bursting with possibilities, beautiful lamps, linens, quilts, home accessories, charms or a nice bottle of local wine. There is something sure to delight everyone. No matter what you need, you will want to make time to shop, Milstead Glass & Home Décor, “A Different Niche”. 936.321.3300 milsteadglass.com

Surprise your mother with a New Lincoln from Planet Lincoln this Mother’s Day. A very special Lincoln program is currently being offered at Planet Lincoln. This special offer is for a weekend in a brand new MKZ and a gift card for fine dining. There is no obligation whatsoever. Just call Connie, your personal Lincoln Concierge and she can set up Mom’s test drive. 281-539-4900 planetlincoln.com 20440 I-45 North, Spring

COFFEEICON WOODY’S FURS Woody’s Furs offers a large variety in fur, leather, cashmeres, shearling, vests, hats and accessories. Woody’s takes pride in searching all over the world for industry trends so they can offer customers the cutting edge of fashion and style. A warm and friendly atmosphere and pampering customers are their trademarks. Their intention is to make their furs as affordable as possible while maintaining the high level of quality and selection that Woody’s Furs has come to be known for. Fur storage and coat repair also available. 713-212-0300 woodysfurs.com 2050 Post Oak Blvd in Houston

CoffeeIcon.com is the largest Portion Pack dealer in the U.S. for single cup brewers. They stock all of the best-selling Portion Packs such as Martinson’s, Marley’s Coffee, Brown Gold, Higgins & Burke, Second Cup, San Francisco Bay, Cameron’s Coffee, Red Rose, Maxwell House Coffee, Gevalia Coffee, Brooklyn Beans Roastery,, Twining’s Teas, Bigelow Tea, Folgers K-Cups®, Millstone K-Cups®, Celestial Seasonings K-Cups®, Starbucks and many more. coffeeicon.com Magnolia/Woodlands: 6606 FM Rd. 1488, #100 281-378-4678 Tomball: 18029 Hufsmith Kohrville Rd. 281-378-4674 Cypress: 26084 Northwest Fwy., #140 281-378-5480

ART OUTLET Give your Mom a gift that lasts longer than chocolates and flowers — give the gift of art this Mother's Day. The Art Outlet is known for “Creating Beautiful Spaces”, whether it's for a home, office or weekend retreat. They offer over 3,300 original oil paintings ranging from traditional to contemporary and abstract. They also have beautiful frames which are solid wood, hand painted and stained. Beveled mirrors are also available. Customers may take home framed oil paintings at no charge for a 2-day trial period. Art Outlet offers a lease program for commercial accounts and a special account for decorators/designers. Let them help you find the perfect piece of art. 281-292-0498 27510 1-45 North THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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Woodlands Volunteers Show Appreciation “Cypress Cares” supports our troops with care packages

Dennis Bernhart with volunteers from the Woodlands Chapter of Cypress Cares.

By Kitara R. Wilson n any given morning, you won’t find retired The Woodlands resident Dennis Bernhart out on the golf course or swapping stories at a local coffee shop with some of his other retired buddies. Instead, you’ll find Bernhart unloading dozens, sometimes hundreds of boxes at the post office located inside one of the two local Ace Hardware Stores he frequents for his regular drop-offs. What’s he unloading, you ask? Care packages to the brave men and women around the world who serve our country in active duty. Bernhart is the president of The Woodlands chapter of a local nonprofit organization called Cypress Cares. Founded in 2008, Cypress Cares, a nonpolitical, non-religious entity, specializes in collecting, sorting and shipping packaged goods and letters of thanks and encouragement to a list of selected deployed troops who put their lives at risk to protect America’s freedom. The selection process for someone to receive a box filled with goodies from “home” is simple: by referral only. Family members and friends provide the name and address of a soldier whom they’d like to add to the Cypress Cares recipient list. Names are then entered

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

into a database with as much vital information as possible, such as redeployment date (the date they are expected to return to their original station prior to deployment); their current circumstances; wants; don’t wants; needs; and how many people are in their platoon or troop. This information lets Bernhart and other volunteers know exactly what type of items to place in care packages and how quickly they need to send them if someone is facing an upcoming redeployment. Even without detailed information, boxes are still filled with general goods that are sure to be appreciated. “Nothing goes wasted,” Bernhart confirms. “Recipients may take a few items for themselves and then share the rest of the contents of the box with their buddies.” Bigger Than a Box of Goodies For many of the soldiers Cypress Cares supports — all of whom are either deployed in situations where the local climate is volatile such as Afghan -

istan, Iraq or Qatar, or in areas where it is difficult to obtain basic comforts and necessities (both Cypress Cares requirements) — receiving a stateside package from a group of appreciative strangers can help lift the cloud of depression that may be looming for many men and women who are missing home. According to the Center for De ployment Psychology located in Bethesda, Md., statistics show that three to four months after deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq, between 14 percent to 15 percent of Marines and soldiers experience depression. The most obvious form of depression usually manifests as a depressed mood or state of mind day in and day out. But for many, depression can show up in other ways such as lack of interest in social activities, irritability, interrupted sleep patterns, guilt, loss of concentration, decreased or increased appetite, or low energy. A goodie box from a group of appreciative civilians and veterans such as Bernhart, filled with Girl Scout cookies, stuffed animals, books, magazines, thank-you cards or peanut butter, along with a flyer of photos of smiling volunteers, is sometimes just the thing soldiers need to remind them that what they are doing matters not only to them, but to so

Lone Star ACE Hardware and Alspaughs ACE Hardware stores have supported the Adopt-A-Box mission for the past 5-6 years. Customers are given the opportunity to pay the postage on one or more boxes to send them on their way.

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many others they’ve never even met. “For all that they do, these men and women deserve to have a little taste of home,” Bernhart states. A Team Effort To show their immense appreciation, volunteers from all over the area work together to host collection drives where they depend on local businesses and members of the community to provide

Soldiers delivering care boxes to troops.

(above) When boxes arrive, it is like Christmas for the troops receiving mail from a group of strangers in Texas. Each box contains a flyer showing smiling faces of people from the community that participated and has a few email addresses to which the troops send thank you notes. v (left) Volunteers fill boxes with snacks and many other surprises.

8 Ma rch 2 014

CYP ANDRESS CA TICK RES A TOC KER ND NCL S..... PATR ONE SSES ,

postage costs, currently $14.95 for a large flat rate box, and donated goods. As items are collected, they are stored in Bernhart ’s home and a local retirement community until volunteers gather once again to sort, stuff and seal boxes. It isn’t at all uncommon that the outpouring of donations is so abundant that in any given week Bernhart makes three or more trips to the post office to drop off packages. Since January, Bernhart has been making more than the usual weekly trips to ship boxes thanks to the generous talent and contribution of 17 local chapters of National Charity League. Comprised of mothers and daughters, National Charity League members around the Greater Houston area make foot soaks for soldiers and deliver them to Bernhart’s home. “Just as fast as I get those I finish packing them and my trips to Ace Hardware and the post office have been almost daily,” he laughs. In fact, it was at the post office where this writer met Bernhart as Continued on page 93 THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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A Luxurious Lakeside Villa Settling in and spreading out at Cross Creek

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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Story by CHERYL ALEXANDER Photography by JULIE SOEFER PHOTOGRAPHY Construction by KICKARILLO COMPANIES Design by DODSON INTERIORS

arried 24 years, the owners of

this luxurious lakeside villa have shared a lot of memories and a

few of them include some homes they’ve lived in over those years. “People tease us,” the wife smiles, ‘Are y’all moving again?’ they ask us.” This couple met when both worked at Spring Branch Hospital where he was a doctor and she was an RN in the ICU. When they met, they both had homes (she in Briar Forest; he in Broad Oaks) and children (she, a son; he, three daughters and one son). Once married, they moved into his home, remodeled it, sold it a year later and moved to Piney Point. The couple made several moves over the years, and once the doctor opened his own practice, now located in Katy, they settled in Royal Oaks Country Club. They started in a smaller home on the golf course, and ended up in a larger former model home which they had originally fallen in love with. “We really thought this was our final destination, but not long after we moved in we were approached by a realtor who had a buyer for our home,” they explained. “We doubled our money on that home in one year.” They moved into a rental property, found The off white color palette in this space is soothing and simple. Custom furniture upholstered in white linen. Custom drapery in S Harris Fabricut fabric, Topaz. Soft blushy pink and grey blue pillows add soft color. Mirror above fireplace is a Round Top find. Built-in cabinets provide storage and add to the clean aesthetic.

the perfect location for their new digs in Cross Creek, and began to work on new house plans. They visited home showcases and Pink Ribbon homes; looked at HAR floor plans and magazines; and the wife cut and pasted rooms and ideas into their floor plans and list of “must haves.” “Kickarillo

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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was our builder, but we totally designed our home,” they said. They knew they wanted large, open spaces, but fewer rooms. “We have five kids, nine grandkids and lots of in-laws.” Their kitchen area can easily fit 20, same for the game room; and their back patio/pool deck spans 73 feet. “Our parents can be watching golf while the grandkids are in the pool and we are grilling in the outdoor kitchen… and all of this activity can also be enjoyed from indoors.” When it came to bedrooms, however, the couple opted for only three bedrooms. “Everybody lives close by, so it’s only the grandkids that spend the night.” They knew they didn’t want anyone in their backyard. “After living on a golf course, we sort of wanted something interesting in our backyard.” Beyond their pool/patio is a lake where they can fish and on the opposite shore a hillside where community events take place. “On any given evening we may see a wedding, an outdoor movie or fireworks on the hillside. The birds are a real treat, too,” says the wife. They knew they preferred a certain exterior design. “We wanted a sort of Floridainfluenced architecture to take advantage of the amazing views, and for those rooms without a lake view we wanted to include little courtyards, so no matter which room you are in you have a lovely outdoor scene to enjoy.” And they knew they wanted a certain interior design. “Julie Dodson really heard us,” said the lady of the house. “I told her I wanted a creamy palette, a sort of shabby-chic, contemporary meets distressed. I told her I like furniture with skirts. Since our home is lightfilled with lots of windows, I told her I wanted lots of live plants.” Dodson defines the décor as French Transitional and discloses that she and the homeowners started decorating before the home was finished. “Their initial choices were so attractive and because they chose a neutral palette, accessorizing was easy,” said Dodson. “The

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

THEY KNEW THEY WANTED LARGE, OPEN SPACES, BUT FEWER ROOMS. “WE HAVE FIVE KIDS, NINE GRANDKIDS AND LOTS OF IN-LAWS.”

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The all-white kitchen exudes a fresh, clean aesthetic. The homeowners selected honed Calacatta Marble; backsplash from Walker Zanger; island lighting from Tara Shaw.

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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creamy off-white allows any color to really pop, so while your

to the other, roomy and well-defined, as well as completely

main pieces remain consistent, switching out the accessories

open to the outside living and pool area. The kitchen is the

to keep things fresh is a simple transition.” She and the wife

wife’s favorite room in the house because she associates it with

visited Round Top and found many of the home’s distinctive

fun family times. Though they do cook together — his specialty

pieces which serve as the backdrop of the interior design, allow-

is ceviche and hers is trying new recipes — she cooks for the

ing them to change their décor as easily as switching the pil-

family get-togethers. “I start meal preparation days ahead. Our

lows, rotating the lampshades or moving the plants around a bit. “Our biggest design influences were from some of the show-

kitchen is really my place in the house where I show my love for my family.”

case homes we visited in Austin,” the owners said. “That is

This kitchen includes two dishwashers to accommodate those

where we first saw these gigantic common rooms, and a light

family times when they have lots of guests, a deep veggie sink

bulb just went off. Since we have some sort of family get together

and a kitchen sink, a Wolf stove and a full-size Sub-Zero refrig-

once a month where everybody comes over, the idea of com-

erator and matching freezer. The countertops, here and through-

fortably having everyone in the same room together — whether

out the home, are honed Italian Carrara Marble. “We have a

we are cooking, eating or playing games — just really appealed

granite-free house,” explains the wife, who wanted a change of

to our design instinct.”

pace from all the granite in her other homes.

The main living area includes an expanse of open space that

The game room is another of the large open spaces which

encompasses the kitchen, living and dining rooms each adjacent

provides room for a variety of activities. There is a pool table, a

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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THESE PAGES: The dining and living rooms flow seamlessly together in this open floor plan, allowing diners to enjoy the fireplace during mealtimes. Dining chairs came from the homeowners’ previous home and were refinished and reupholstered in a Brentano Vinyl. The mirror over the fireplace was a Round Top find. | In the open living room, a wall of windows spans the space allowing filtered light as well as a great view of the outdoors. Custom furniture upholstered in white linen; sofa table from Neirmann Weeks; custom drapery in S Harris Fabricut fabric, Topaz. Soft blushy pink and grey blue pillows add soft color. | Powder bath has honed Calacatta Marble, mirror from Round Top, wallpaper from Donghia (Decorative Center Houston). | A settee from Round Top is beautifully framed by the window. Tile floor from Walker Zanger. | In the doctor’s study, the piano takes center stage. Custom draperies are a Zimmer Rhode fabric, with linen Roman shades. Lighting from Circa.

game table, a foosball game, a big screen television, a bar and a game cabinet, with lots of comfy furniture throughout the room. The game room, like the other living areas, is open to the outdoor living space in the back. “This set-up allows everybody to either be playing or watching whatever they want to, while also allowing ease of access to the pool area outside,” the couple explains. Backyard living is also spacious and provides for as many options as the large indoor spaces. Every square foot is utilized for family fun, from the outdoor kitchen/grill/bar to the dining spot to the pool and beyond to the lake. “The back patio is most reflective of my love of getting my hands in the dirt,” shared the wife. She tends to all the plants, both inside and out, and gardening for her is a form of therapy. The doctor’s favorite room — and the one most reflective of his design influence and interest — is his study. His grand piano takes center stage and allows for easy transition between work and relaxation. “I move between research and work at my desk, to sitting down to the piano when I want to take a break,” he said. The room’s walls are lined with built-in bookcases for his book collections. “I hope he’s done collecting,” his wife smiles, “because we have no more shelf space.” She goes on to tease her husband, “I actually think the control room is his

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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The master bedroom offers the homeowners a serene getaway. Custom chairs custom by the Joseph Company; custom bed Peck and Company; custom bedding by Julie Dodson; pillows from Plush Home and Vieux. | The master bath follows the neutral color palette and extends the use of Calacatta Marble to the countertops. Travertine tile floors and tub backsplash from Walker Zanger finishes the look. A chaise lounge provides just the right touch of leisure glam. | This guest room is outfitted for the grandchildren. Custom twin beds and slip covers by the Joseph Company; nightstand and mirror from Joyce Horn Antiques; bedding from Plush Home.

favorite room.” This fully automated house allows the doctor (and his wife) access to their home and its elements, from lighting to sound to temperature and more, from anywhere in the world via their mobile devices “or our bed,” he added. The couple’s experience of residing in many different homes provided them first-hand perspective of a variety of living styles. In turn, they’ve been able to uniquely design their home for exactly the way their family lives. “We honestly can’t imagine moving again; we’re settled in and spread out comfortably,” the couple confesses. “We know you’ve heard that before, though, so you’ll just have to stay tuned. If we move again, we’ll let you know.” l

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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I N T E R I O R

D E TA I L S

Shower in Your Forecast? Bathroom update keeps your home on trend By Elizabeth Anthony he shower often is the focal point of the bathroom. Most of us look forward to washing the cares of the day away in a long, hot shower; however, if a small, fiberglass shower is hindering your zen, it’s probably time for some updating. One of the big bathroom remodeling trends of 2014 is creating a custom shower. According to the experts at HGTV.com, “Homeowners are opting for bigger and better showers which include elements designed to reflect their personal taste, whether that be showerheads, pebble flooring, niches, benches, body sprays — you name it. It’s about transforming the bathroom into a home spa.”

SHOWER TRENDS

Eric Cohler's designer bathroom positions the shower as an entryway, encouraging the feeling – if not the act of – cleansing oneself prior to entering the bathroom. Spa Tower draws on Renaissance architecture to create a feeling of elegance while accentuating the soaring tower design of the shower.

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

Trends are showing that in 2014, many homeowners are turning their attention to luxury showers rather than bathtubs or whirlpools, focusing on big, bold, spalike designs to create elegant, sun-soaked spaces. Some of the ideas to consider include: Frameless Shower Doors Shower trends place big emphasis on bright, barrier-free floor plans, and open, airy spaces that make use of natural light. The popularity of frameless, glass showers is a perfect example. Though this trend is not new, it has increasingly become a standard upgrade. Frameless shower doors make the bathroom look larger, giving an uninterrupted view of the space, and have a clean, seamless appearance. Curbless Showers For a truly barrier-free look, many homeowners are going even a step farther creating what is called a curbless shower. This features flooring that runs right into the shower, rather than stopping at the shower curb. This design offers a clean, beautiful approach — especially when featured in a smaller space.

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THE SKYLIGHT EXPERTS Replace This Instead of just eliminating the metal hinges and rails that hold together the walls of a shower enclosure, the curb at the foot of the shower is eliminated as well. Then, often the entire bathroom floor — shower and all — will be finished in the same tile, facilitating a simple change which is both more elegant and more accessible than a conventional design. Barrier-Free Showers Many homeowners are doing away with shower doors and shower enclosures entirely, opting instead for totally barrier-free showers that are open to the rest of the bathroom. Without any glass or tile walls to separate it out, these open showers have no limit on elbow room and can make a bathroom feel wide and open. With this layout, it’s important to be aware of water splashing and ensure everything in range of the shower head is waterproofed and that the tile floor is slightly graded to prevent water from pooling. Wet Bathrooms The wet shower is a natural extension of the barrier-free shower. Wet showers incorporate other waterproofed bathroom fixtures, like a bathtub, toilet, or sink, and usually come in one of two modes. In a smaller bathroom, the entire bathroom can be waterproofed from top to bottom, allowing for a roomy, full-sized, accessible shower in the space of a very small bathroom. In a larger bathroom, oftentimes it means putting a luxury soaking bathtub and occasionally a sink and toilet inside a glass enclosure separate from the

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Delta In2ition showers feature a showerhead and handheld shower in one to combine the soothing comfort of a showerhead with the convenience of a handheld shower, bringing ultimate flexibility to the bath.

main dressing area of the bathroom. Steam Showers One significant exception to this trend of open showers is the growing popularity of steam showers. Steam showers are designed to fill with silky, relaxing steam. However, managing the steam in order to prevent water damage means built-in steam showers must be completely enclosed on all sides, and typically require slightly lower ceilings to trap the steam as much as possible. The sides of a steam shower can be made of glass or tile, but must be completely waterproofed to keep the steam from spilling out. Walk-in Showers Finally, and most contrary to the open bathroom trend, is the rising popularity of walk-in showers. These designs make use of tile walls, often curved ones, to separate a small nook for the shower. This creates more of a barrier than the other kinds of showers, but offers a slightly more open feeling shower that’s perhaps less exposed, as well as a beautiful, shapely tile accent wall.

SHOWERHEADS A simple showerhead update can dramatically improve your showering experience. With several styles available, the only difficult part is figuring out which one will suit your needs the best. ➝

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THE WOODLANDS AND FULSHEAR ADVERTISING

THE DUMP

HOMESTEAD HOUSE

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 30-75% 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

Located just 15 minutes North in Downtown Conroe, Homestead House is The Woodlands’ major resource for Brand Name furniture collections such as Henredon, Hancock & Moore, Taylor King, Tommy Bahama, and many more. Their In Home Design Service complements the large display of quality home furnishings. Beautiful accessories, rugs, and a large mattress selection provide a one-stop shopping experience. Visit their website for additional resources and map to the store. 936-756-3360 homesteadhousetx.com 201 N. Pacific St., Conroe

thedump.com 10251 North Frwy, Houston

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

This étagère can be for display, used as a library, or set up to hold a large flat screen TV. Wonderful flexible multi-use and easy to move. Come see it at Meredith O’Donnell Fine Furniture, Accessories & Rugs. 713-526-7332 meredithodonnell.com 1751 Post Oak Boulevard

TEXAS TUSCAN FURNITURE DESIGNS

DECORATING DEN Let Decorating Den Interiors design your dream room in the comfort of your own home! From design to product selection through installation, they’re with you every step of the way. Jennifer Jones – Serving The Woodlands (Sterling Ridge, Carlton Woods, Alden Bridge, College Park, Indian Springs), Jacob's Reserve, Conroe. Cathy Salyers – Serving Spring and The Woodlands (Glennloch Farms, Windrose, Woodforest, Creekside Park, Panther Creek). 281-353-0133 Cathy Salyers 281-357-0511 Jennifer Jones decoratingden.com

MEREDITH O’DONNELL FINE FURNITURE

THE BILLIARD FACTORY The Billiard Factory is a family owned company that remains committed to offering customers a large, diverse product line from the top manufacturers in the home game room industry. They continually search for ways to best serve the needs of their customers through diversity and quality products, as well as superior service. Save 20% on service. 281-444-5740 billiardfactory.com

Texas Tuscan Furniture Designs offers furniture collections made exclusively with exotic, recycled and repurposed hardwoods to create beautiful conversation pieces for your home, office or commercial project. The furniture is inspired by nature, the grandness of Texas and the charm of Tuscany, all rolled into one unique look. If you are looking for furniture and home accessories that tell a story, that fills your room with comfort, then you will love the warm collections of Texas Tuscan Furniture Designs, where living authentically begins. 713-426-5556 281-292-5536 texastuscanfurniture.com 26207 Oak Ridge Dr. Suite A, The Woodlands

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SHRINK THE SHOWROOM SaLE Last FeW Weeks oF terriFiC bargains

The Moen rainshower experience that you can control is available in the Velocity™ showerhead with Immersion technology. A flip of a lever allows either a calming rain rinse function or a self-pressurized spray.

Rainshowers If you’re looking for relaxing, full-body coverage, a rainshower is the right choice for you. These showerheads are often larger than their standard counterparts, allowing the user to receive all-over coverage rather than a concentrated spray. The Waterhill by Moen is a fantastic choice for a rainshower. It’s a generously sized 10” diameter rainshower for exceptional water coverage, with advanced, self–pressurizing Moen Immersion rainshower technology. This means it channels water through the showerhead with three times more spray power than most rainshowers for a more thorough rinse. For a more contemporary look with a more features, consider the WaterTile by Kohler. With four 22-nozzle sprayheads, WaterTile Square Rain overhead showering panels provide luxurious water delivery that even Mother Nature would envy. Four fully adjustable and pivoting square spray heads distribute a relaxing shower of water that simulates a gentle summer rain. Handheld Showers With a handheld shower you’re able to bring the water flow directly to you. This type of shower allows any family member — no matter the size or age — to safely and easily shower. Delta offers some options with pretty cool technology. Delta’s In2ition showers with H2Okinetic technology feature a detachable handshower, which can run separately or

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THE WOODLANDS AND FULSHEAR ADVERTISING

CASTLE FURNITURE DONNA’S HOME FURNISHINGS More than just a furniture store, Donna’s Home Furnishings is a celebration of creativity. Traditional, yet always fresh, always on trend. It is a place to find, not just heirloom quality furniture, but one of a kind artisan pieces as well. They closely watch market trends and take pleasure in bringing the best of the world back home to you. Making a special place for family is their mission. Come in, explore, and be inspired. Experience the best in home and garden furniture, lighting, decor, and original art. 936-828-3788 dhfonline.com 5629 West Davis Street, Conroe

Family-owned and operated since 1989, Castle Furniture is north Houston’s largest fine furniture showroom. They have unique furniture and accessories for every taste: traditional, contemporary and transitional furniture, accessories, rugs and lighting, in-stock and ready for delivery. They carry quality brands from around the world such as Taylor King, Theodore Alexander, H-Studio, Nicoline, Christopher Guy, Bernhardt, Drexel Heritage and much more. Let their design team help turn any room into an extraordinary retreat! Visit Castle Furniture today! 281-405-0900 castlefurniture.com 11210 North Freeway, Houston

CHENE INTERIORS Chene Interiors would be honored to create a space you would be proud to call home, whether it’s a remodel or full replacement. With their 30 years of design expertise coupled with extraordinary contractors, your project will be completed in a timely, professional and cost-efficient manner. From redesigning a new kitchen or bath to something as simple as new blinds or window treatments they have the experts to do it. They offer a large design studio for home furnishings and accessories as well as a custom fabric library. Open Tues–Friday 10-5 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment. Call for a free quote! 281-364-1744 cheneinteriors.com 313 Sawdust Rd., Spring

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

SOUTHERN HOME FURNISHINGS Southern Home Furnishings is a one-of-akind, family-owned furniture store specializing in quality furniture and unique home accessories since 2004. Their friendly and talented staff can help you create rooms to satisfy varied tastes and budgets. They also provide affordable, professional in-home decorating services. Stop by and see the fabulous selections available such as Bernhardt, Flexsteel, Hekman, Howard Miller and Rowe. Great deals can be found on discontinued items and patterns in their clearance outlet. 281-419-8688 shfurnishings.com 25403 I-45 North, The Woodlands

THE ACCESSORY PLACE

KWC DESIGNS Are your kitchen or bath cabinets showing signs of wear? Are they out of style? Instead of replacing them why not update them with one of KWC’s beautiful faux finishes? Call for a free estimate. 281-788-5925

The Accessory Place is a local, privately owned business and they are proud to have beautifully furnished Houston area homes for more than 30 years. They are a must see for unique home furnishings and décor, gift items, and interior design services. Located near I-10W and Beltway 8 adjacent to CityCentre Houston. 713-467-2106 theaccessoryplace.com 12850 Memorial Dr. #1500, Houston

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MELANIE KING DESIGNS Spring is quickly approaching. As you look around your home, what would you like to see unfold? Melanie King Designs is a full-service, interior design firm specializing in residential and small commercial interiors. They go beyond simply planning your space and curate a style that infuses emotion into their designs. Every project begins with one goal: to become your interior design specialist. They will curate a style that fits you, from concept to development to implementation. Their creativity, experience, and project management skills help clients achieve their project goals through a thoughtful and proven design process. 832-647-9203 melaniekingdesigns.com

ECLECTIC HOME Now in its 12th year, Eclectic Home has become one of Houston’s destinations for affordable home furnishing, accessories and great gift ideas. Eclectic Home carries an assortment of lamps, wall décor, accent furniture and decorative accessories, all from traditional to contemporary styles. Open every day. 713-869-1414 eclectichome.ws 345 W. 19th Street, Houston

simultaneously with the showerhead base, giving you the comfort of water streaming from the showerhead position and the flexibility to accomplish other tasks, such as bathing children, washing pets and cleaning the shower. When not in use, a powerful magnet locks the handshower back into place. Standard Showerheads Traditional shower heads unite the latest technology with a softer aesthetic. Designed to enhance classic or country style bathrooms, they bring up-to-theminute features and finishes to traditional spaces while maintaining the authentic feel of your interior. A superb choice for this style is the Top 4 Relaxa by Grohe, which features four distinct, tightly controlled spray patterns for truly satisfying showering: an all-embracing wide spray; invigorating needle jets; a vigorous pulsating massage spray; and the effervescent, soothing champagne spray.

OTHER SHOWER ELEMENTS Many homeowners prefer river rock on the floor of the shower to create a tactile experience. The artful mixing of a variety of materials is often more desirable than tiling the whole bathroom in one material. Skylights or solar tubes in the shower itself are another way of creating a unique light experience in the shower. Women also enjoy seats in showers that provide a natural place to perch a leg in order to more easily and safely shave. Older family members, too, find shower seating an additional security. There are shower environments with music and colored lights that offer a completely unique experience. Check out the Kohler Moxie Showerhead that streams music via a wireless speaker right in the shower. And music isn’t the only impressive feature this showerhead offers. Not to be upstaged in the performance department, the sprayface features 60 angled nozzles that deliver a full, enveloping spray. For a more spa-like shower experience, try updating your bathroom with one of these ideas. Allow your bathroom style and your budget to guide your selections. l

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281.788.5925 WWW.KWCDESIGNS.COM THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014 85

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Arts & Antiques by Dr. Lori Those “Tests” to Identify Valuable Antiques A candid appraisal: They’re nonsense

Bakelite was commonly used for costume jewelry, radio control knobs, and door handles in the early 20th century.

By Lori Verderame id you ever buy an antique and the seller left the identification up to you? Oh, the excitement of paying a lot of money for something that is unknown! When put in those terms, it sounds kind of foolish, doesn’t it? When you go to Wal-Mart to buy something, you know exactly what you are buying. There is no guessing game. The Wal-Mart cashier doesn’t give you tips on how to research that item that you just bought. You know what it is; she knows what it is; everybody knows what it is. That’s the end of it. It should be that way in the antiques world, too. You should know what you are buying.

Many of these proposed tips and testing methods may damage your antiques and could even cause you bodily harm. My favorite antiques testing methods are those that so-called experts suggest, like “Take a match to it” or “Pour acid on it” or “Smell it.” So tell me, what is supposed to happen once you put a match to that piece of Bakelite jewelry or carved ivory statue? Once you pour acid on a coffee grinder, then what? And that collectible Star Wars figurine of Luke Skywalker — what is he supposed to smell like to be valuable? If it doesn’t burn, is that good? Does it mean you have a piece of ivory or bone? What happens if it does burn?

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

How do you stop the fire from destroying your object? Did that wise person suggesting fire as a testing method reveal that bit of pertinent information when he advised you to “take a match” to your antique? Come on. I am not the only one who knows this is ridiculous. Here is what I do know… I can tell you with confidence that if your antique burns, then you have a damaged antique! And that damage will decrease its value. Also, by placing a match to a material like a hand mirror made of French ivory could set a fire that will not only burn the hand mirror but all of the bedrooms on the second floor of your house, too. Of course, after the fire department shows up at your house, then you’ll know for certain that your charred hand mirror was in fact a piece of highly flammable French ivory! And some people hold up these folks who told you how to test your antiques as “experts.” Give me a break. With more than a few books on sculpture under my belt, it is the scratch test that has to be my favorite silly test. People are told to scratch off the patina of a cast metal sculpture as a test

of value. Once you scratch the sculpture, you have devalued it significantly. And, if you have a solid piece of bronze, gold or other metal, guess what? You have just scratched at the surface or dug a hole into your valuable sculpture. Now that antique cast sculpture looks like the door panel of your car after some smartaleck kid keyed it in a parking lot, or like the table leg after your new kitten was left alone in the dining room. Don’t scratch sculpture. The one test that never fails is taking your questionable antique to me for an honest evaluation — no fire, no damage, no nonsense. 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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H O M E

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This Summer, Choose the Right Tree for the Right Spot Easy tips for tree planting success xtreme temperature fluctuations can take a toll on the landscape. Many of our beloved trees need to be removed and/or replaced. This summer do something for your family, your home and your community â&#x20AC;&#x201D; plant a tree. However, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not as easy as picking out a tree and just plopping it in your yard. Identifying the right tree for the right location is key to the success of the tree and preventing future damage. A certified arborist can offer tips on where, when and what to plant for your area and location. The Davey Tree Expert Company has developed a checklist to

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help you select the right tree for your yard and plant it correctly. Check their website for more details on planting specific trees and tree planting videos. Here are a few quick tips to get you started: 1. Identify the right tree: •Figure out what you are looking for in a tree. For example, is it for shade, quick growth, color, screening, fragrance? •Determine what type of soil you have. Wet or dry areas are better for different species. •Talk to a certified arborist about the best species for your area. Make sure to discuss the benefits of native trees. •Be sure the tree is compatible with your USDA cold-hardiness zone. •Diversity is important if you’re planting more than one kind of tree. A good rule of thumb is no more than 15 percent of a single genus, no more than 5 percent of a single species. 2. Identify the right place for the tree: •Look at how much sunlight the site receives. Most trees like full sunlight, but many need shade. •Make sure the tree is away from above ground hazards like wires, underground hazards like pipes and far enough away from the permanent structures. •Control competing vegetation. Make sure the site is free of weeds and other plants that may prevent your tree from growing straight and tall. •Finally, check to make sure you have adequate spacing. Plan for 1020-30 years of growth of the tree. 3. Identify proper planting methods: •You only get one chance to plant a tree — do it right! •Select the right time of year. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago;

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

MIRROR LAKE “Architects of the Garden Lifestyle.” With over 30 years of experience in landscape architecture and design, Mirror Lake has been creating outdoor garden spaces that become extensions of your home. Whether for entertaining or relaxing, grilling or swimming, Mirror Lake continually achieves and surpasses clients’ expectations for garden living. Reclaim your outdoor spaces through Mirror Lake’s award-winning designs and installations. 281-350-0515 MirrorLakeDesigns.com

AQUA BLUE CUSTOM POOLS Specializing in creating pools shaped around their customers’ lifestyles, Aqua Blue Custom Pools builds pools with many options, including rockscapes, outdoor firepits and fireplaces, custom water features and grottos, landscaping, covered patios and pergolas. They know builidng a pool is a major decision and they make sure customers are wellinformed about all available options. They take pride in building pools and relationships that last. All new construction is overseen by owner Ricky Sherry. 832-912-POOL (7665) Aquabluecustompools.com

DESIGNER KITCHENS

WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY

With the latest ideas and expertise in innovative kitchen design and fine cabinetry, their experienced kitchen designers will work with you to achieve both beauty and function in the kitchen of your dreams. Designer Kitchens uses state-of-the-art kitchen design software that enhances the step-by-step design process in a collaborative effort to produce a thoughtful and beautiful kitchen design in 3-D photo-realistic color images. Visit their showroom to see "The Difference." 936-441-2221 ourdesignerkitchens.com River Bend Station I – 45 & Crighton Rd., Conroe (Exit #83)

Windows of Opportunity specializes in custom-made drapery, upholstery, and bedding. They have numerous distinctive styles and a large array of fabrics and trims, so you can find the best fit for your home or office. Their professional designers will help guide you through the decision-making process from the first thought to the finished touches. They also specialize in window tinting — protect the inside of your home without obstructing your outside view. Check out their website for more information and design ideas. 936-321-5454 windowsofopp.com

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

STEWART LAND DESIGNS A full-service company with a staff of degreed landscape designers and horticulturists, Stewart Land Designs has built a reputation based on impeccable client service. They are a complete Design/Build company offering a turn-key operation. From design consult to construction commence they work with clients to create an outdoor living environment which meets the clients’ needs and desires. The Stewart Team has years of combined experience in creating distinctive environments that unite practical function with aesthetic appeal. 281-251-1725 stewartlanddesigns.com

SYNERGY DESIGN AND BUILD Enjoy your backyard to the fullest! Have Synergy Design and Build bring YOUR backyard dream to life. They guarantee to be in budget and on time. The goal of Synergy Design and Build is to make the entire process as enjoyable as possible. Through each phase of the design consultation, permitting process, material selection and construction, their team of specialists will serve you in every capacity. Schedule your in-home design consultation today. 281-363-1222 synergydesignandbuild.com

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the second best time is right now. Summer is a good time to start preparing your summer tree planting plans. •Prepare the hole: it should be 4-5 times the width of the root ball. The point where the tree comes out of the ground should be1/2 inch higher than the ground around it. This prevents water from collecting next to the base of the trunk, which causes the tree to rot. •Water! One inch of rainfall equates to 625 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet! •Mulch, mulch, mulch! Cover the planting hole with 1-3 inches of shredded hardwood or leaf mulch. But don’t over-mulch the tree or “volcano” mulch. Keep the mulch 2-3 inches away from the trunk or the trunk will rot. •Keep watering your tree for the first few years as it gets established. This summer we need to give Mother Nature a hand and plant a tree. If you have any questions, talk to a certified arborist at Davey Tree. You can trust a tree care specialist at davey.com. l

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Visit our website at www.281classic.com for more details. THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

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

ANTHONY & SYLVAN® POOLS “For nearly 70 years, Anthony & Sylvan has designed and built quality swimming pools for 370,000 families across the nation. What sets our company apart is an unwavering commitment to you. Our promise is simple: We will build the pool of your dreams with the highest level of professionalism, service and workmanship and back it up with a lifetime structural warranty. Let’s get started. Anthony & Sylvan Pools. Built for life.” Visit the website for more information. AnthonySylvanWoodlands.com

CLASSIC SIDING & WINDOWS Quick FACTS about Classic Siding: * Family Owned & Operated * 25 Years' Experience * Factory Trained, In-House Personnel Quick FACTS about their Services: * The Only "NO PAINT" Hardie Available! * The Only TRUE Fiberglass R-5 Window * Custom Designed Patios & Pergolas For more information and special offers, please call or visit the website. 281-CLASSIC 281classic.com

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SPORT COURT You and your family will love the versatility of your new backyard court. All components are designed to integrate together. There are literally dozens of fun activities the whole family can play on your multi-use court which is customizable for your backyard and your budget! Family fun and fitness is only a few steps away. With thousands of installations since 1974, Sport Court has the largest and most experienced game court building network in the world. 832-244-0963 sportcourt-houston.com

INNOVATIVE SKYLIGHTS & ATTICS Skylights & Sun Tunnels, SunRise Solar Attic Fans/Roof Vents and Attic Tents. Add enjoyment and lasting value to your home with natural, efficient sunlight. Let Innovative Skylights & Attics give you the home of your dreams with over-the-counter sales or skylight installations. They service, repair and install skylights for homeowners and contractors alike. Call today for an in-home consultation,. 713-466-1551

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THE WOODLANDS ADVERTISING

ATTIC INNOVATIONS Reduce your energy bills with Attic Innovations! Their services will improve the comfort of your home, lower your attic temps, reduce attic moisture and make your home

DWR CONSTRUCTION DWR Construction provides a wide range of services for your new construction, home improvement and remodeling projects. Mike Arnett, owner of DWR Construction, has been in business since 2001.They have the experience that puts them in a unique position to interpret your home's style, architecture, and age. They also understand market value, design trends, resale and neighborhood concerns. They treat your home with as much care and respect as if it were their own home. Every job is guaranteed. 281-419-4144

more energy efficient. They will give you a FREE energy consultation. They specialize in home insulation, Radiant Barrier (which can lower your attic temp by 30 degrees), Solar Attic Fans and Vinyl Windows. For a limited time they are offering 50% off Insulation and Radiant Barrier, and $50.00 off Attic Fans. 936-442-8926 AtticInnovations.com

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ABA POOL SERVICE AND REPAIR For over 15 years, ABA Pool Service and Repair has provided the highest quality service and repairs to The Woodlands and Cy-Fair areas.They specialize in Tile Cleaning, Plaster, Heaters, Pumps, Filters, Lights, Salt Systems and Weekly Maintenance. ABA Pool Service and Repair always provides professional, prompt and affordable services. Call today to schedule an appointment for all of your pool needs. 281-924-7724 abapools.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 Design & Construction 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

he shipped boxes of foot soaks and Girl Scout cookies. As packages are received by troops, it’s as if Christmas came early. They excitedly share items with others and many have sent in photos of themselves along with their friends joyously posing with their new goodies. Several troops send in cards and letters of gratitude. Many of those can be read on designated bulletin boards at either of the post office stations located inside of Ace Hardware on Rayford Road in Spring, or the Kuykendahl/The Woodlands Parkway location in The Woodlands.

Receiving a stateside package from a group of appreciative strangers can help lift the cloud of depression that may be looming for many men and women who are missing home. When it comes to volunteers, Bernhart and The Woodlands chapter of Cypress Cares welcome help in all forms, be it from individuals, groups, businesses or youth organizations. “It’s a hidden agenda I have,” Bernhart shares excitedly. “Part of my mission is exposing young people to what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. They need to know what it means to honor and appreciate our military.” Sending care packages to troops is a year-round endeavor and just a very small way to show appreciation for the many sacrifices the men and women of our armed services provide to protect our rights and freedom. If you would like to add a recipient to the Cypress Cares list, or learn more about how to volunteer and support Cypress Cares, Bernhart happily shares his contact information for those interested: Dennis Bernhart 59 Watertree Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380 (cell) 832-515-0333 (email) bernhartd@comcast.netl

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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Transform Garden Spaces into Tropical Splendor Create an instant oasis with hibiscus and mandevilla ith winter and its monochromatic landscape in the rearview mirror, it’s time to think spring bling with colorful plants for patios, porches and garden beds. A vibrant outdoor experience doesn’t require endless hours of bending and digging. It’s as easy as pairing and potting the big, bright blooms of hibiscus and mandevilla found in the new Tropic Escape Patio Collection from Costa Farms, a family-owned plant grower in southern Florida. “From the busy homeowner to the small-space apartment dweller, the Tropic Escape Patio Collection offers brilliant, full-color outdoor interest from spring through fall,” says Karen Weir-Jimerson, garden editor and expert for Costa Farms. “Best yet, these plants bloom non-stop and are easy to care for.” Whether in the far reaches of Maine or the sun of the South, Tropic Escape will turn any patio or deck into an outdoor oasis.

Tropic Escape Hibiscus No plant offers a touch of the tropics quite like Tropic Escape hibiscus. This brightly colored flowering shrub bursts with some of the biggest, most flamboyant blooms around — up to seven inches across! And the color range and mixes are enough to make even a rainbow jealous. Sold in their own citrus-hued deco pot, adding color to your patio or porch is as easy as placing the plants and enjoying the instant view. Or, simply pot them up in existing containers, alone or in groupings with other plants. “The deep-green, shiny leaves of the Tropic Escape hibiscus provide

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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UPCOMING PREVIEWS JUNE 2014 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

fence, trail from containers and window boxes, or crawl along and over a garden bed—wherever they land, these mandevillas sparkle,” adds Weir-Jimerson. For an even more lush affair, pair Tropic Escape hibiscus and mandevilla together in the same combo pot or inground planting. A humdrum porch becomes a tropical paradise instantly — and with very little fuss. With just the right placement and routine care, the Tropic Escape hibiscus and mandevilla will grow and bloom gloriously from spring to fall. A few easy-care tips include: Tropic Escape Hibiscus: Light: High Temperature: Above 35F Water: Keep moist but not wet or in standing water Fertilizer: Apply a bloompromoting fertilizer during the flowering season Repotting: Replant hibiscus in a larger sized pot with fresh soil in spring a perfect backdrop for its own showy blossoms and other colorful plants,” according to Weir-Jimerson. Tropic Escape Mandevilla With a trumpet-shaped flower that heralds the glory of summer sunshine, the Tropic Escape mandevilla brightens outdoor spaces all season long. Thriving in hot summer weather, it pumps out flowers in pink, red, fuchsia and white. “The beauty of the Tropic Escape mandevilla is not just in its blossoms—it’s in the plant’s ability to make a home just about anywhere,” notes Weir-Jimerson. Whether in fantastic pottery, lush window boxes or in a garden bed, this twining and climbing plant splashes its tropical splendor wherever it goes. “Have them climb along a trellis or

Tropic Escape Mandevilla Light: High Temperature: Above 50F Water: Once weekly; do not let soil dry out Fertilizer: Apply a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks Repotting: Transplant into a larger pot right after purchase A backyard getaway is just moments away, thanks to the Tropic Escape Patio Collection. Find these hibiscus and mandevilla under the bright-red Tropic Escape umbrella at your local home improvement store or mass merchandiser. For more care information, visit costafarms.com and check out the video tips there. l

‰ Home Improvement ‰ Great Outdoors ‰ Furniture, Rugs & Accessories Ask about FREE ADVERTORIAL OFFER with Ad Purchase For Advertising Information, contact your sales representative or call 281.240.2445 ext. 128 www.woodlandslifestylesandhomes.com

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

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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H E A LT H

W E L L - B E I N G

Dealing With Infertility Options offer hope to couples who long for children of their own

By Florene King s much as we love to hear stories about baby bumps, the joys of giving birth and exotic baby names; as much as stories about teen pregnancies, infant couture and celebrity nurseries abound on reality television, we ironically DON’T talk about infertility, and surprisingly many Americans are affected. Close to one in six U.S. couples don’t get pregnant despite a year of trying.

Infertility: Introduction and Causes Infertility is defined as a couple’s failure to conceive a child after one year of regular sexual intercourse without using birth control. In about 40 percent of all cases of infertility, the problem lies with the man; in 60 percent, it lies with the woman or with both partners.

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

Recent research has shown that a woman’s fertility drops off significantly between the ages of 31 and 35 and continues to decline thereafter until menopause, when it ceases altogether. A man’s fertility also declines after the age of 40, although men can remain fertile until old age. Causes of Male Infertility The Mayo Clinic identifies low sperm count as one major cause of male infertility. A count of at least 40 to 60 million is thought to be necessary for fertilization; when the count is less than 20 million, it is unlikely that a man can father a child (although, since only one sperm is needed to fertilize an egg, it is still possible). A low sperm count can be caused by low testosterone; exposure to chemicals, pesticides or radiation; by having sex too fre-

quently, which depletes the sperm supply too quickly; and by heat (which slows sperm production) generated by wearing tight underwear or pants, sitting for long periods in hot cars or trucks, or working near ovens and kilns. Infertility can also result if sperm cannot move through the female reproductive tract to reach the egg, or if sperm are irregularly shaped (only sperm with ovalshaped heads can fertilize an egg). Male infertility also can be caused by any obstruction in the tubes that convey the sperm from the testes to the penis, by varicose veins in the scrotum, or by a local infection or injury. The infertility problem will likely reverse itself when the condition is corrected. Also, retrograde ejaculation (a disorder where semen is passed backward into

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the bladder to exit with the urine, rather than through the penis) can be the culprit. This condition is caused by surgical removal of part of the prostate gland, as well as the use of certain drugs for high blood pressure. Causes of Female Infertility Many conditions may cause a woman to be infertile. E-Medicine Health reports that in about 25 percent of all cases of female infertility, the woman is not ovulating. The fallopian tubes may be obstructed, often as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which irritates the tubes and causes scar tissue to form. PID can develop as a reaction to an STD or an infection of the lower reproductive tract. Endometriosis (the displacement of tissue from the uterine lining to elsewhere in the body) is another problem where formation of scar tissue blocks the fallopian tubes. An imbalance of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone or of other hormones secreted from the pituitary or thyroid glands can affect the reproductive cycle. An unfriendly cervical environment can also prevent sperm from surviving. Diagnosing the Problem Diagnosis of infertility begins with physical examinations and complete medical and sexual histories of both partners. A fresh semen sample from the man will be microscopically examined to determine sperm quantity and quality. The results will provide a sperm count, indicate whether the sperm are adequately mobile and whether the heads of the sperm are oval, both characteristics integral to conception. To determine whether ovulation is occurring, the basal body temperature (temperature on awakening, before eating or drinking) will be taken every morning for several months. If the temperature rises by 0.6 degrees Fahrenheit to 1.0 degrees Fahrenheit for a few days in the middle of the menstrual cycle, ovulation is likely. An endometrial biopsy, where a sample of the uterus lining is obtained for examination, can indicate whether ovulation is occurring and whether hormonal secretion is normal.

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FAMILY

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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.

Any fallopian tubes obstruction is diagnosed by injecting a dye into the reproductive tract and then taking an X-ray. Also, carbon dioxide gas may be injected into the fallopian tubes; if the patient feels pain, indicating that the gas is passing through the fallopian tubes, no obstructions exist. An unreceptive cervix can be identified by a microscopic examination of cervical mucus. Endometriosis is diagnosed by inserting a laparoscope into the abdomen, through which the doctor views the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and any displaced endometrial tissue that may be the cause. Blood tests are used to diagnose hormonal imbalances in both men and women.

Texas Children's has completed a $1.5 billion expansion, which includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; and Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston. 832-824-1000 texaschildrensorg

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 River Oaks 713-999-5182 Memorial 281-724-5147 The Woodlands 281-245-0478 ThePerfectWorkout.com

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

Treatment for Him or Her Treatment for a low sperm count caused by a testosterone deficiency is typically hormone therapy to increase testosterone levels. If the low sperm count is due to chemicals, radiation or excess heat, exposure to these factors must be avoided. If no reason can be identified for the low sperm count, likely little more can be done to increase it. Pregnancy is still possible, however. The techniques used involve artificially fertilizing an egg from the woman with sperm from the partner or from another man. The fertilization can take place inside the woman’s body or outside the body, in which case the fertilized egg is then transferred into the woman’s uterus. If male infertility is caused by varicose veins, surgery may be required. If an obstruction exists somewhere in the tubes leading to and through the man’s penis, microsurgery to open the blockage is used to correct the problem. Failure to ovulate is often treated with the drug clomiphene, which stimulates production of the hormone that regulates ovulation. About 60 percent of the patients who receive clomiphene become pregnant, and the chances of multiple births are very low. A stronger drug is available (a combination of certain pituitary gland hormones), but there is a greater likelihood of multiple births. Obstructed fallopian tubes may require microsurgery to unblock them or a procedure in which an egg is removed and replaced beyond the point of the obstruc-

tion, where it may be fertilized normally. A cervix that prevents the survival of sperm can be treated with the female hormone estrogen. Sometimes sperm can be placed directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervix completely. Endometriosis is treated by surgically removing displaced tissue and the scar tissue that has formed around it. Hormonal imbalances are corrected with hormone therapy. Test-tube, or in vitro, fertilization (IVF) is a well-known technique in which egg and sperm meet in a petri dish, then embryos are placed in the uterus, helping the process along. While the procedure improves on the 20 percent chance of pregnancy women have when their fertility is at its peak, the success rates drop steeply with age and IVF isn’t cheap, given that most couples pay for treatment out of pocket.

In about 40 percent of all cases of infertility, the problem lies with the man; in 60 percent, it lies with the woman or with both partners. Another technique used to treat infertility is called gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT). With this procedure, clomiphene or another fertility drug is given to the woman to stimulate ovulation. When an egg is produced by the ovary, it is removed via laparoscopy and immediately mixed with sperm from the man. This sperm-egg mixture is then transferred by laparoscopy into a fallopian tube, where fertilization may then take place normally. Fertilization occurs in the woman’s body and not in a test tube. GIFT is complicated and expensive and should be used only by couples who have not been able to conceive using standard treatments. Another very common treatment for infertility is artificial insemination (AI). AI is the introduction of semen (from the woman’s partner or from a donor) into a woman’s vagina or uterus by means other than sexual intercourse at or before the time of ovulation. AI using semen from the partner is sometimes done when he has a low sperm count. To obtain enough sperm, several

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collections may be required; the sperm obtained is frozen, pooled and used in one insertion. AI may also be used when one or the other partner cannot perform sexual intercourse or when the man carries a genetic defect that he does not want to transmit to the child. Other Methods of Assisted Reproductive Technology When AI doesn’t work, ICSI (“ICK-see”) may be recommended. Sperm is injected into an egg. If fertilization occurs, the embryo is inserted into the woman’s uterus, just as in IVF. ICSI may also be recommended when the man has had a vasectomy or has retrograde ejaculation. Another less common treatment is gamete or zygote intrafallopian transfer (GIFT or ZIFT). GIFT is the transfer of eggs and sperm into a fallopian tube through a small incision in the belly. ZIFT is the in vitro fertilization of an egg. The egg is then transferred to a fallopian tube through a small incision in the belly. Success rates with IVF are as good as with GIFT and ZIFT or better. And IVF is

less expensive. It is also less risky, because it doesn’t require a surgical procedure. Complementary and Alternative Treatments These treatments include: • Acupuncture • Dietary changes • Relaxation techniques • Mind-body medicine Discuss any complementary or alternative treatments with your doctor. The Latest Fertility Breakthrough A new technology, vitrification, could soon become standard medical procedure, allowing women to flash-freeze their eggs for implant in their wombs years or even decades later. Unlike conventional slowfreezing, which often led to the formation of ice crystals in the eggs, this high-speed method greatly improves success rates. But it is expensive ($10,000 to $15,000); it requires daily hormone shots for two weeks to stimulate egg production, followed by egg-retrieval surgery; and it isn’t fail-safe: “Freezing a batch of eggs when you’re 30 gives you a 60 percent chance of a

baby,” says Jamie Grifo, M.D., Ph.D., director of NYU Fertility Center’s division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. “That means there’s a 40 percent chance you don't get pregnant.” Costs should come down over time, and the odds should improve. Take Time to Plan Before any treatment, discuss how far you want to go with your partner. For example, you may want to try medicine but don’t want to have surgery. While you may change your mind during treatment, have an idea where you want to draw the line. Treatment for fertility can be expensive and out of pocket. If cost is a concern, ask lots of questions, then determine if your insurance covers any costs. Agree with your partner about what you can afford. Planning your strategy ahead of time will help keep you from becoming emotionally and financially drained as you embark down a path that has inherent risks along with — hopefully — the reward of pregnancy and childbirth at its end. l

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H E A LT H

W E L L - B E I N G

Inflammation and Stiffness: The Hallmarks of Arthritis Learning about these symptoms can help you get the right diagnosis By Greg Freeman s a disease, arthritis is more complicated and varied than most people imagine. It can come in different forms and affect people in different ways. But the common thread through most forms of arthritis? Inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Swelling may occur for two key reasons. Either the lining of the joint, known as the synovium, swells (synovitis) or the synovial fluid increases in volume (an effusion). It is an active process: inflammatory cells (mainly white cells) and more blood enter the joint, while many inflammatory molecules, such as small proteins (peptides) are released into the soft tissues around the joint. The increased blood flow makes the joint swell and feel warm. The inflammatory materials cause joint fluid to collect in and around the joint, which adds to the swelling. The type of joint swelling can vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Inflamed joints can feel especially stiff first thing in the morning. How long it lasts is important: an hour or more is suggestive of inflammatory arthritis. Defining morn-

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ing stiffness is hard, although people with arthritis describe it as an ache combined with difficulty moving. Stiffness following exercise is usually a feature of osteoarthritis; it is a sign that the joints are starting to fail. People also feel stiff when they rest, such as sitting down after a walk or relaxing in the evening. The joints are sometimes said to “gel,” a term reminiscent of how gelatin sets — a gradual process of firming up. Joint stiffness may occur with or without joint pain. Stiffness can affect any joint– the fingers and hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, hips, and even the jaw. KNOW YOUR SYMPTOMS Other signs and symptoms in addition to the inflammation and stiffness will help your doctor figure out what kind of arthritis you have. In RA, the immune system attacks the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, leading to the stiffness, pain, warmth, redness, and swelling around the joint. Then the disease leads to rapid division and growth of cells, which causes the synovium to thicken. Later the inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage, causing joint erosion. The swelling, warmth

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Before visiting the doctor, keep track of your symptoms for a few weeks, noting what is swollen and stiff, when, for how long, and what helps ease the symptoms. and stiffness that accompany RA can last for hours. It can affect any joint, but usually starts in small joints (like those in the hands or feet) and occurs on both sides of the body. Joint stiffness is usually worst in the morning. Other symptoms such as pain or fatigue tend to develop and worsen over several weeks or months. OA usually occurs due to wear and tear, injury or both. The most commonly affected joints are the lower back, hips, knees and feet. Although inflammation is not a main symptom of osteoarthritis, it can occur in the joint lining in response to the cartilage breakdown. Morning stiffness may be severe but is usually brief – less than 30 minutes, that occurs after waking up in the morning or a period of rest. Joint redness, warmth and swelling are usually minimal. In psoriatic arthritis, joint pain is usually associated with swelling and redness in the knees, ankles, fingers, and toes. Some people with psoriatic arthritis also have neck and/or back pain, along with stiffness that can limit movement. The disease can also include swelling of fingers and/or toes that gives them a “sausage-like” appearance. Silver or gray dry, scaly spots on the scalp, elbows, knees and/or the lower end of the backbone with flaking skin can be associated with PA, as can small depressions in the fingernails and/or toenails, and/or detachment of nails. In an arthritis-related disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or commonly called lupus), the immune system attacks itself causing swelling and pain. Most individuals with lupus have rashes, swollen joints, fever and feel fatigued. Sometimes weight loss and hair loss in spots or around the hairline occurs. © 2014 Arthritis Foundation. All Rights Reserved. l

THE PLACE TO HEAL 832-660-4838 25222 Grogan’s Mill Rd. The Woodlands, TX 77380 www.REDACU.com

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Family Fun and a Familiar Brand The Billiard Factory creates memories for Father’s Day and more

By Florene King he Billiard Factory was founded in 1975 by Larry Stick as a single store on Telephone Road in Houston. Over three dec ades, it has grown from that single store with four employees into one of the largest billiard and game room furniture retailers in the U.S. Today, the company consists of 15 retail stores, multiple distribution centers and more than 100 dedicated employees. Joe Elwood, general manager of the Stone Bridge Shopping Center store at FM 1960 and Cutten Road says The Billiard Factory’s phenomenal success can be summed up in their purpose, “Enabling all families and friends to share priceless time together one game room at a time.” Elwood goes on to explain, “Many people think that because of our name, we only sell pool tables, but we are so much more than that. We have anything and

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everything you would ever need to design, furnish and maintain a family game room, a home theatre or a combination of the two.” It’s true. Beyond billiards and all the equipment needed for playing pool, the store offers a one-stop shop for anything

oriented toward at-home family fun. In fact, the atmosphere in each store is geared toward focusing the entire family on what it means to be entertained at home. “In our showrooms we have created atmospheres that are completely family-friendly and de signed to give our customers ideas about what we can do in their space,” Elwood says. “We are sitting at a game table designing with the grown-ups and the kids are watching movies or playing on games.” They offer pool tables, home theatre systems, home theatre seating, barstools, air hockey, foosball, pin ball, arcade games, darts, ping pong, shuffle board, along with accessories and unique art work oriented to game rooms and home theatres. Elwood says, “One of the biggest game room categories in the past few years is shuffle board. It’s a game everyone can

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enjoy because it’s a different skill set than, say, pool. Plus, it can fit any space; length is usually irrelevant because the level of difficulty of this game is determined by the wax you put on the board. You can make the game more or less difficult using wax, no matter how long or short the board.” He continues, “We also offer full service home theatre systems. People go as simple as hanging a flat screen on their wall to as complex as installing a 150” projection system. And our home theatre seating is really beautiful, comfortable and modular, so it will fit any shape room in any configuration.”

Add “entertainment” to your summer fun What if you know what you want, but you don’t know how to make it work? Elwood reassures, “We offer design service. Most people come in and have a space they want to fill, so we help them identify who they will be entertaining in the space. Then we define their style and tastes, we fit out the room with the games they want and then focus on seating and accessories.” In fact, after the professional design staff at The Billiard Factory helps you determine which style and finish are right for your home, they will even put together a

custom package for your family. And right now, in honor of Father’s Day, they can help you surprise Dad with his very own “Man-cave.” Complete game room packages start at $1,995 and include a pool table, two spectator chairs, a matching cue rack and an accessory package. Through the years and despite the competition, The Billiard Factory

remains a family run company committed to offering customers a large product line from the top manufacturers in the home game room furnishing industry. The Billiard Factory continually searches for ways to best serve the needs of its customers through diversity and quality products, as well as superior service. www.billiardfactory.com l

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W I N E

Premiere Napa Valley 2014 Possibly the best week of the year

The luxurious velvet-ensconced Red Room at the Raymond Winery. ❖ The barrel room at the Culinary Institute of America was packed with trade sampling the lots for the auction.

By Denman Moody Author, The Advanced Oenophile or many in the wine trade, Premiere Napa Valley is considered the best week of each year. The wines served are among the rarest and best in the world. Generally, five cases or less are made by either one winery or a collection of wineries (for example, CONSTANT, David Arthur Vineyards and Reynolds Family Winery crafted a Cabernet Sauvignon from the very best grapes from Stags Leap District, Diamond Mountain and Pritchard Hill). One huge attraction was the vintage presented in almost all the offerings — 2012 — which has been universally held by Napa winemakers as one of the best ever. After tasting close to a hundred of these fabulous offerings, I agree. Prior to the morning tasting on February 22, when I tasted more great wines in three hours than a human should be allowed to do, I visited eight wineries a day — Feb. 20 and 21 — and many of these wineries were hosting another five or more wineries besides their own. By far the largest selection I encountered was at the Far Niente caves, where more than 20 Oakville Wine growers were strutting their stuff includ-

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ing such icons as Harlan Estate, Bond, Opus One, Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel and others. It was during these two days that I concentrated on the wineries that showed their current releases — items available for purchase by my readers now. Here is a list of the best of the best. If I loved a wine, but thought it was overpriced, I did not include it, as is always my practice. The first five wines come from a “Breakfast and Petite Sirah” tasting:

2012 — Best new white blend (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muscat) I’ve had in years. So good, I’m still trying to figure out how to describe it and do it justice! $25 And here are the rest—all reds:

Tres Sobres Petite Sirah 2010 -- $45 Chase Cellars Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard 2010 -- $50 Turnbull Petite Sirah 2010 -- $40 Jacob Franklin Petite Sirah ChavezLeads Vineyard 2010 -- $45 Jacob Franklin Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard 2010 -- $65 Frank Family Petite Sirah Reserve 2010 -- $65

Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2010 -- $85 (no increase in price for at least five years) Swanson Merlot Oakville 2010 -- $38 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon Sullinger Vineyard 2010 -- $100 Larkmeade Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 --$70 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2011 -- $50 Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2010 -- $75 Rocca Cabernet Sauvignon Collinetta Vineyard 2009 -- $85 Tournisol Proprietor’s Blend 2009 - $75

I didn’t encounter too many whites, but two blew me away: Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc 2012— Year in and year out, along with Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc, pretty much unrivalled -- $36 Franciscan Equilibrium White Wine

My most startling discovery on this trip was seeing the dramatic change at Raymond Winery since it was purchased by the James Bond-type, vibrant, possibly best dressed man in the world — JeanCharles Boisset. The Red Room Lounge, pictured here, is the location of just

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one of about five choices a visitor has to engage in tastings, blendings, sniffings (no kidding), and various other variablypriced wine related activities. This is now unquestionably one of the premier locations for visitors in the Napa Valley. Although all the whites and reds were very good, the two wines I most enjoyed were: Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena 2009 -- $85, and Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2010 -- $85 Because of the mass of people attending this weekend of events, rooms were hard to come by. The ever-dependable El Bonito Motel was ever-dependable, comfortable, rather centrally located south of St. Helena, and one of the few places available for around $150. Short on amenities, but they do have a complimentary continental breakfast in the lobby. One night, because of a cancellation, we were able to secure a room at the Auberge du Soliel. We were once again

completely spoiled (third stay there over the years) with the room, amenities, restaurant, room service, grand view of the Napa Valley from the room, and a perfect location near Rutherford on the Silverado Trail. Extremely pricey, but

One huge attraction was the vintage presented in almost all the offerings — 2012 — which has been universally held by Napa winemakers as one of the best ever. worth it. Be sure and dine there during daylight hours if possible for the view — indoors or outdoors — your choice. WINE & FOOD WEEK, JUNE 2-8 Wine & Food Week celebrates “10 Years of Magic” June 2-8 with gastronomic grandeur featuring scores of events with

more than 500 wines, 50 restaurants, legendary wine producers and culinary personalities. Most events are held at venues in The Woodlands, with unique experiences throughout Houston. Wine education classes, chef demonstrations, and casual to fine wine-anddine experiences lead up to Saturday’s Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase where chefs compete for Wine & Food Week’s Waterford Crystal Chef of Chefs Award and a $5,000 cash prize. For more information or tickets visit WineandFoodWeek.com. 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 19841990. 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.

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DINING GUIDE UNI Sushi 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands 281-298-7177

AmericAn 19th Hole Grill & Bar 202 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-363-2574

BArBecue

3B's Restaurant 466 Rayford Rd. #107 Spring • 281-419-3553

Corkscrew BBQ 24930 Budde Rd. The Woodlands 281-298-8422

Baker Street Pub & Grill 25 Waterway Ave. #100 The Woodlands 281-362-7431

Country Time BBQ & Fixins 25330 Richards Rd. Spring • 281-298-7455

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse 19075 I-45 #600 Shenandoah • 936-273-7100

Dickey's Barbecue Pit 10700 Kuykendahl Rd. The Woodlands 281-592-1184

Black Walnut Cafe 2520 Research Forest Dr. #150 The Woodlands 281-362-1678 BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse 19075 I-45 #600 Shenandoah • 936-273-7100 Black-Eyed Pea 1330 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands 281-367-7143 Buffalo Wild Wings 19075 I-45 #100 Shenandoah • 936-273-7777 Cafe Express 9595 Six Pines Dr. #150 The Woodlands 281.298.2556 Fox and Hound Pub & Grille 19189 I-45 Shenandoah • 832-813-0102 Fuddruckers 2290 Buckthorne Place The Woodlands 281-367-1343 Hubbell & Hudson Market & Bistro 24 Waterway Ave. #125 The Woodlands 281-203-5600 IHOP 25619 I-45 Spring • 281-367-6626 Jasper's 9595 Six Pines Dr. #900 The Woodlands 281-298-6600

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Mama J's Grill 3091 College Park Dr. The Woodlands 281-273-9444 Jerry Built Burgers 1335 Lake Woodlands Dr. #B The Woodlands 281-367-2874

The Woodlands Dining Room 2301 North Millbend Dr. The Woodlands 281-364-6323

Genghis Grill 9300 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands 281-363-4745

Panera Bread 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands 281-363-1056

Tommy Bahama 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands 281-292-8669

Kim Son Cafe 1701 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands 281-419-9444

Rookies Sports Bar & Grill 305 Sawdust Rd. #B Spring • 281-362-9610

Zunum 1620 Research Forest Dr. #100 The Woodlands 281-419-5400

KITA Japanese Cuisine 24 Water Way Ave. #100 The Woodlands 281-298-1888

Salata 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands 281-465-0775 Skeeter's Mesquite Grill 4747 Research Forest Dr. #420 The Woodlands 281-364-1094 Stadia Sports Grill 9595 Six Pines Dr. # 1110 The Woodlands 281-298-1818 TGI Friday's 1105 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands 281-296-8252 The Counter 9595 Six Pines Dr. # 1000 The Woodlands 281 231 2147 The Egg & I 1644 Research Forest Dr. #100 The Woodlands 281-419-8333

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

AsiAn/cHinese/ susHi Ace Chinese Restaurant 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. The Woodlands 281-363-3993 Bei Jing Chinese Restaurant 409 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands 281-363-2308 Benihana 1720 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands 281-292-0061 Chi Japanese 25701 I-45 N. #3 Spring • 281-419-8980 Fukuda Sushi 25701 I-45 N. #3 Spring • 281-419-8980

Masa's Sushi & Robata Bar 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. The Woodlands 281-298-5688 Pei Wei Asian Diner 19075 I-45 S. The Woodlands 936-271-9217 Pho Be 314 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands 281-465-9598 Shogun Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar 9420 College Park Dr. The Woodlands 936-273-0023 Thai Cottage 3105 College Park Dr. The Woodlands 936-271-0771

Pappas Barbecue 27752 Interstate 45 N. Conroe • 281-363- 2647 Pit Master BBQ Cafe 343 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-419-3644 Spring Creek BBQ 19099 I-45 The Woodlands 936-271-0251 Thomas Barbecue 25312 I-45 Spring • 281-364-1177

FrencH/cAJun La Madeleine 1400 Research Forest Dr. The Woodlands 281-419-5826 Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 18165 Interstate 45 S. Conroe • 936-321-4200 Schilleci's New Orleans Kitchen 9595 Six Pines Dr. #1120 The Woodlands 281-419-4242 Tewbeleaux's Sports Bar & Grill 2907 Rayford Rd. #101 Spring • 281-292-3600

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Grotto 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands 281-419-4252

Chuy's Restaurant 18035 I-45 Shenandoah 936-321-4440

Américas 21 Waterway Ave. The Woodlands 281-367-1492

La Trattoria Tuscana 4223 Research Forest Dr. Spring • 281-419-2252

El Bosque 112 Shenandoah Dr. The Woodlands 936-321-9860

Bombay Sizzler 202 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands 281-465-8383

Luca & Leonardo 20 Waterway Ave. The Woodlands 832-510-2110

Euro Bakery & Cafe 5010 Louetta Rd. Spring • 281-257-3023

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 3041 I-45 N. Conroe • 936-539-5200

mediterrAneAn/ europeAn/ lAtin AmericAn

Guri do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse 1400 Research Forest Dr. The Woodlands 281-907-4146 Sitar Cuisine Of India 25701 I-45 N. The Woodlands 281-364-0200 The Goose's Acre Bistro & Irish Pub 21 Waterway Ave. #140 The Woodlands 281-466-1502 Yucatan Taco Stand 24 Waterway Ave. #160 The Woodlands 281-419-6300

itAliAn/greek Amerigo's Grille 25250 Grogans Park Dr. The Woodlands 281-362-0808 Brio Tuscan Grill 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands 281-465-8993

Pallotta's Italian Grill 27606 I-45 N. Conroe • 281-364-9555 Pizza by Marco 9595 Six Pines Dr., #1230 The Woodlands 281-298-8794 Ristorante Tuscany 1601 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands 281-367-9797 Russo's New York Pizzeria 3335 College Park Dr. The Woodlands 281-273-6060 The Olive Oil Greek Restaurant 373 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands 281-367-0114 Via Emilia 10700 Kuykendahl The Woodlands 281-465-9555

mexicAn/tex mex

Buca di Beppo 19075 I-45 S. Conroe • 936-321-6262

1252 Tapas Bar 9595 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands 281-419-1260

Carrabba’s Italian Grill 25665 I-45 N. The Woodlands 281-367-9423

Alfonso Mexican Restaurant 3126 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands 281-298-8032

Greek Tony's Pizza & Sub Shop 432 Sawdust Rd. Spring • 281-292-4313

Cantina de Tejas 28777 I-45 N. Shenandoah • 281-465-8528 Chipotle 9595 Six Pines Dr., #1080 Shenandoah • 281-465-8528

Freebirds World Burritos 1640 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands 281-419-8011 Juanita Mexican Restaurant 8000 Hwy. 242 The Woodlands 936-273-3220

Rao's Bakery & Coffee Cafe 6915 Cypresswood Dr. Spring • 281-251-7267 Teavana 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands 281-298-1127 The Woodlands Gourmet Bakery 9950 Woodlands Pkwy. The Woodlands 281-298-9684

seAFood Babin's Seafood House 19529 I-45 Shenandoah • 281 296-0841

La Lupita 20 Waterway Ave. The Woodlands 832-510-2111

Crabbydaddy's 25186 I-45 Spring • 281-296-2722

Los Cucos Mexican Cafe 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. The Woodlands 281-296-2303

Landry's 1212 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands 281-362-9696

Lupe Tortilla 19437 I-45 S. The Woodlands 281-298-5274

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 18165 I-45 S. Conroe • 936-321-4200

Pallotta's Mexican Grill 2211 Rayford Rd. The Woodlands 281-362-1114 Taqueria Arandas 25598 A I-45 N. The Woodlands 281-419-3582

dessert/teA/ coFFee

sAndwicHes/ deli/wings Black Walnut Cafe 2520 Research Forest Dr. #150 The Woodlands 281-362-1678 Charlie's Grilled Subs 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. #2162 The Woodlands 281-465-4333

Chocolate Passion 1520 N. Frazier St. Conroe • 936-539-6585

Honey Bee Ham & Deli Research Forest Dr. #495 The Woodlands • 281-364-9200

Cheesecake Factory 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. #302 The Woodlands 281-419-3400

Jason's Deli 1340 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands 281-419-0100

Gigi's Cupcakes 4747 Research Forest Dr. #150 The Woodlands 281-651-5637 Pie Town Dessert Shop & Cafe 19075 I-45 Frontage Rd. Shenandoah • 936-321-3336

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches 1508 Research Forest Dr. #300 The Woodlands 832-585-0610

McAlister's Deli 3335 College Park Dr. The Woodlands 936-271-1888 Philly Cheesesteaks 19153 I-45 #A Shenandoah • 281-465-0311 Potbelly Sandwich Works 9595 Six Pines Dr. #930 The Woodlands 281-292-6652 WingStop 1510 Sawdust Rd. The Woodlands 281-363-9464

steAkHouses Fleming's Prime Steakhouse 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. #305 The Woodlands 281-362-0103 A Kirby's Steakhouse 1111 Timberloch Place The Woodlands 281-362-1121 Perry's Steakhouse 6700 Woodlands Pkwy. The Woodlands 281-362-0569

Beer / wine Acqua Lounge Waterway Marriott 1601 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands 281-367-9797 Crescent Moon Wine Bar 440 Rayford Rd. #115 Spring • 281-364-9463 Cru Wine Bar 9595 Six Pines Dr. #650 The Woodlands 281-465-9463 Crush Wine Lounge 20 Waterway Ave. #200 The Woodlands 281-362-7874 Wolfies 25550 I-45 Spring • 281-298-9653

Katz's Express 19075 I-45 #116A Shenandoah • 936-321-1880

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Everything to Know About Cooking With Olive Oil

ow often have you been at the store looking at bottles of olive oil and not known which one to buy? How many times have you wished you had more uses for that expensive extra virgin oil you purchased other than a salad dressing or sautéing up a quick dish? A new book has come out that provides all the answers. Cooking Techniques And Recipes With Olive Oil (Two Extra Virgins/April 2014; hardcover/$26.95) by Mary Platis and Laura Bashar, provides easy yet detailed techniques for poaching, braising, marinating, infusing, and baking with olive oil -- everything home cooks need to know about olive oil: from purchasing to storage to delicious recipes. Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and largely responsible for making it one of the healthiest and delectable diets in the world. And, like a fine wine or exquisite cut of meat, olive oil is known for its dynamic and diverse flavor characteristics. But surpris-

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ingly, most people don’t really know how to cook with olive oil and have no idea what to look for when buying it. “Our goal in writing this book is to teach people new ways to cook with olive oil and master fundamental skills,” the authors state. “The techniques in our book will sharpen skills in the kitchen and acquaint cooks at all levels with basic methods of cooking with olive oil.” Beautifully photographed, the authors go into great detail explaining the various characteristics of olive oil and their flavors so home cooks know what to buy and how to use it. “It is our hope that by understanding basic olive oil profiles home cooks will feel inspired to experiment with new flavor combinations in dishes and try different ethnic foods and oils.” The authors also provide conversion charts and references and encourage home cooks to buy

locally produced oil from farmers markets in their area if available.

RECIPES IN THE BOOK INCLUDE: • Rosemary-Garlic Lamb Chops with Mashed Potatoes and Artichokes • Tuna with Citrus and Avocado Salad • Figs with Muscato Grapes • Greek Style Vegetables with Tomatoes • Beef Stew with Root Vegetables • Chicken Kabobs with CucumberMint Barley • Sockeye Salmon with Spinach and Beet Greens (see right page) • Stuffed Grape Leaves with Brown Rice, Kale and Fresh Herbs • Whole Wheat Scones with Blueberries and Lavender • Olive Oil Almond Cookies with Rosewater and Cardamom • Kalamata Olive Bread with Rosemary • Olive Oil and Vanilla Ice Cream • Watermelon Shooters with Persia Mint Syrup and Olive Oil

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Sockeye Salmon with Spinach and Beet Greens

For an elegant yet simple dinner, marinate salmon in wine and lemon and serve with a healthful serving of greens. Do not marinate the salmon for more than 60 minutes or the marinade will begin to “cook” the fish. Ingredients: Makes:4 servings • One 3-pound sockeye salmon fillet • 3 thin lemon slices MARINADE • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup white wine • 1 teaspoon lemon juice • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper GREENS • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 1 bunch beet greens, washed and coarsely chopped • 1 bunch spinach, washed and coarsely chopped

DRESSING • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil • juice from 2 lemons • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Instructions: 1.Place salmon in an oiled baking dish. 2.Mix marinade ingredients together and pour marinade on the fish. Let fish marinate for 30 minutes. 3.Preheat oven to 400ºF. 4.Place lemon slices on top of salmon. 5.Bake in oven for 15 to 20 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork or has an internal temperature of 140ºF. 6.To prepare greens, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to a large sauté pan and heat to medium. Add garlic and stir. 7.Add greens and sauté until wilted, about 5 minutes. 8.To make dressing, place lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk together. Slowly whisk in 2 teaspoons olive oil until emulsified. 9.Mix dressing with greens. 10.Place greens and salmon on a large platter and serve.

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Memorable Weddings

Ashley

Clay

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIDI ANN

shley Townsend had always joked about marrying an Aggie. Perhaps it was God answering prayers (as her mother reminded her), but she did just that! She and Clay Cole tied the knot in a beautiful destination wedding in Utah filled with adventures (both planned and unplanned), then returned to the Lone Star State to pursue their careers. Ashley, a 2004 graduate of Cy-Fair High School, majored in communications with a double minor in psychology and business at Texas Christian University. She is employed as a special events coordinator at Texas Health Resources Foundation. Clay is a 2002 graduate of Aledo High School and received a political science degree from Texas A&M. He works as a supply chain analyst at Trinity Industries.

First Date A splendid locale, a perfect venue... and wedded bliss. • Cuteness personified! Clay’s proposal at the Chandler Gardens in Weatherford earned him a big smooch.

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The couple met during a Friday night out at The Usual, a bar in Fort Worth, where they socialized amid mutual friends. “I immediately noticed Ashley and was bold enough to engage in small talk,” says Cole, who was wondering, “How could this girl be single?” She gave him a business card and he eagerly awaited the minimum two days before

emailing her at work, hoping her employer wouldn’t block the transmittal. Ashley replied with her personal contact information so he could ask her out properly. They arranged a first date at Lucile’s, an upscale Italian restaurant in Fort Worth. At first Cole thought he had been stood up after waiting 30 minutes. Ashley called to explain the delay, saying that she had a busy day at work. Still, she managed to arrive, and they talked about anything and everything. About six months later she confessed to oversleeping, and had intended to catch a 15-minute cat nap after an exhausting day… and then had no time to change clothes and spruce up! Cole was nervous trying decide whether to kiss her at the end of the evening. By this time he was wondering if she could be “the one.” By the way, it wasn’t until their second date that he got that kiss. “Our recollections of that date are so different,” notes Ashley. She got the feeling that Clay wanted a girlfriend, but didn’t necessarily want to hang out or have her meet his parents. She was totally the opposite and loved spending quality “together” time. He surprised her with an invitation to hang out with his friends the following weekend, and he wanted to be together every single day afterwards.

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Memorable Weddings

Courtship Ashley had always heard that Aggie Corps grads were high caliber men. In fact, she joked with her parents about finding an Aggie with a boat, since she had recently learned to wakeboard. As it turned out, Clay owned a boat and was ready for the first time in his life to date exclusively. It seemed perfect, especially in her mother’s opinion, but Ashley wasn’t yet struck by Cupid’s arrow. Plus, she wasn’t sure about Clay’s beard. “Okay, you want to date other people? Go for it,” Clay told her. “I will wait right here, because I know that I’m the best guy out there for you. Not the best guy in the world. But the best guy for you. So bring it on.” And that was it! Ashley fell in love with his confidence and discovered that dating Clay was a lot of fun — boating, pool parties, football games, new restaurants and cooking together. They talked about becoming engaged, but Clay insisted they wait at least a year. One day while he and his prospective mother-in-law watched Ashley finish a horseback riding lesson, he confided that after seven months of dating he was sure Ashley was meant for him. “Why wait, just for the sake of waiting a year?” he commented, and began to plan a surprise proposal. Of course, he scored big points with his future mother-in-law for including her in on the secret.

The Proposal It turned out to be the best proposal ever, despite the fact that it was only 30 degrees outside! Clay lured Ashley to a Cole family photo shoot at Chander Gardens in Weatherford. They waited for his family members who were running late. “I kept telling Clay I wanted to go back to the car and turn on the heater!” says Ashley. Little did she know that Clay had custom designed an engagement ring made with his grandmother’s heirloom diamond. It sat at the base of a fountain on a black stone while Clay’s sister, Kelly, guarded it from behind the bushes. Clay insisted that they walk around the gardens, and Ashley commented that it might someday be the perfect place for a proposal. Clay reminded her that they had to wait a year. At the fountain area Ashley spotted the ring (and a basket of champagne and glasses) and panicked, assuming they had interrupted someone else’s proposal. Clay started laughing, took her hand and dropped to one knee… and Ashley began shaking, crying and laughing when she realized the elaborate “family photo session” was a ruse. The occasion was even more special because Clay invited Ashley’s family to drive up from Houston and share in the moment.

A quick snuggle for this outdoorsy couple on the night of the rehearsal. • Winter wedding and a red cape... a fairy tale wedding indeed! The bride poses on horseback in the freshly fallen snow. • The bride and groom with their attendants.

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Memorable Weddings

Bride and groom share a tender moment in their winter wonderland. • Something blue! The bride wore peep toe wedding shoes with ornate details. • Ashley and her mother Annye share a cozy embrace. • Ashley prepares for her big moment with the help of her mother and maid of honor. • Handmade touches! Ashley commissioned her mom to paint the sign for fireside s’mores. • Clay designed Ashley’s ring around his grandmother’s beautiful diamond. • Guests were treated to cozy blankets on the patio.

The Wedding The bride envisioned a whimsical, woodsy, romantic winter wedding with hues of purples and berry. She and her groom, both “outdoorsy” types, chose the Grand Pavilion at La Caille in Sandy, Utah as their beautiful, snowy venue. She incorporated an elegant wintery theme with a modern twist. Instead of traditional silver, overwhelming reds, and evergreens, the bride selected warm plums and champagne colors with hints of dark pink for a fun and festive celebration. Attire: The bride wore a diamond white satin sweetheart drop waist A-line gown from Allure Bridal. Intricate crystal and pearl beading on a ruched bodice cascaded to the hips; the flowing skirt was accented with pick-ups. Her wedding shoes served as the “something blue” — cobalt blue peep toe platforms with pearl and rhinestone adornment and pearl and rhinestone heels. The ensemble was complemented by a simple and elegant veil with rhinestone beading outlining the edges, a genuine pearl and rhinestone necklace, three pearl and rhinestone bracelets and pearl and rhinestone earrings. As her “something old,” the bride wore her grandmother’s rhinestone snowflake brooch, and for her “something new” wore a faux fur lined reversible cape of claret satin and ivory fleece. Her “something borrowed” was her mother’s sable stole, worn during the photo shoot. Bridesmaids wore Xscape aubergine gowns with braided embellishment. Their necklaces, earrings and white fur wraps were gifts from the bride.

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Memorable Weddings

The groom wore a black tuxedo by Wilke Rodriguez with a Tuscany white vest and a white Euro tie. Groomsmen wore black Wilke Rodriguez tuxes with Venice amethyst vests and amethyst Euro ties. Floral: The bride’s bouquet was a combination of roses, calla lilies, orchids, and hypericum with rhinestone floral picks, all tied with an aubergine satin ribbon. Flower girls carried fairy wands with red spray roses and jingle bells. The groom’s boutonnière consisted of the center pod of the safari sunset foliage, true red hypericum, a black magic calla lily encaged in curly willow with stems uniquely wrapped in grasses. The Bridal Party: Pastor Patrick Lewis officiated as the bride’s parents, Craig and Annye Townsend, joined the groom’s parents, Danny and Kay Cole, for an utterly breathtaking exchange of vows set off by a landscape of snow-kissed woods. Maid of honor Stacy Hasse served with bridesmaids Catie Schultz and Megan Gorham Pittman, as well as flower girls Olivia Pittman and Emma Darley. Best man Joey Rider stood with groomsmen Spencer Curry, Scott Cropper and Adam Rogers. Top Wedding Moments: Several people had GPS malfunctions causing them to be late for the rehearsal, including one of the bridesmaids (who was also the mother of the nearly 2-year-old flower girl, Olivia). Olivia

The bride gazes out on a majestic snow-filled landscape. • Succulent bacon wrapped shrimp – how delicious! • The groom’s cake celebrated great Aggie spririt – “Gig’ em!” • One Sweet Slice bakery, 2012 Winner of The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, provided a delicious wedding cake in ombre’d hues. • Warming things up with tomato basil soup shooters and mini grilled cheese wedges.

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Memorable Weddings

UPCOMING PREVIEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

JUNE 2014

‰ Progress

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

Send US yoUr pet photoS PHOTOS TO BE PUBLISHED IN OUR JUNE ISSUE! SEND BY EMAIL... editor@lifestyles-magazines.com Important: When emailing photos send them full size only. Do not reduce picture for uploading purposes as this severely reduces quality and cannot be used. OR SEND BY MAIL TO... Lifestyles & Home Magazines 10707 Corporate Dr., Ste. 170 Stafford, TX 77477

Include your name, the pet’s name, (and other names of people in the picture if you wish), a brief description on why your pet is unique or special, and phone number.

Deadline: MAY 3, 2014 114

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

didn’t want to wake from her nap and repeatedly announced “I want to go home.” At that point, the bride recruited a second flower girl, 5-year-old Emma Darley, whose favorite pastime was “playing bride.” On the day of the wedding, all guests were chauffeured to the venue in large buses — which turned out to be too wide to fit through the elaborate iron entrance gates! Approximately 30 minutes before the wedding, a parade of staff members driving their personal cars made their way down the hill to shuttle the guests back up to the venue. In a Titanic-esque manner, all women and children were taken first! The Wastach Chamber Players entertained the guests before the ceremony. The bride cried as she approached the aisle, dried her eyes, and then (like her mother had done as a bride) once again burst into happy tears while walking toward the altar. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri was played during the processional. Longtime family friend, Kent Williams, sang “Songbird.” The brother of the bride, Grant Townsend, read the scripture Ecclesiastes 4:912. The bride’s aunt, Katherine Gardner, read the poem “Blessing of the Hands.” The recessional was “I’ve Got a Feeling” by The Black-eyed Peas. The pastor used the bus incident as a marriage analogy, pointing out, “Sometimes the bus is going to get stuck at the bottom of the hill and

your guests will have to walk.” Since the bride, an event coordinator, had planned the entire wedding, the only surprise was the sound of jingle bells as she and her groom kissed at the altar — friends of the bride’s family had secretly made jingle bell poseys and passed them out to the guests on the buses.

The Reception Table linens of crushed shimmer champagne set off bistro tables draped in eggplant. The table chargers were plum, and mahogany Chivari chairs were tied with champagne sashes. The bride’s table was covered in plum, sparkly sequined fabric. Decor: The table floral arrangements consisted of an interesting arrangement in square glass vases lined with tea leaves, including sexy red roses, high and magic roses, black magic roses, black magic calla lilies, mango posey calla lilies, true red hypericum, James Story orchids, safari sunset foliage, magnolia foliage, and curly willow. The Cakes: Both the wedding and groom’s cakes were made by One Sweet Slice, which won the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” in 2012. The wedding cake had three layers including chocolate mint, pumpkin chocolate chip and red velvet. The top tier was decorated to resemble snow, the middle layer was quilted, and the bottom layer was ombre’d in pink. Glitzy snowflakes, initials,

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Memorable Weddings

The couple exchanged vows in a space that brought the outdoors inside. • Ashley and her father began the father-daughter dance, and then shared the spotlight with all fathers and daughters in attendance. • The bride is radiant on the arm of her groom. • Clay danced with his mother, Kay, while sharing the dance floor with other mothers and sons. • The highlight of the honeymoon was a dog sledding trip!

and red roses added flair. The groom’s cake, flavored in coconut key lime, was a recreation of an Aggie Barn located north of College Station. Dining and Treats: In keeping with the snowy theme, guests enjoyed a s’mores & hot cocoa bar, including a wide variety of candies and marshmallows. Guests were encouraged to grab a blanket and head out to the fire pits to cook their s’mores and enjoy the snowy view. A lounge area awaited with sofas, chairs and more blankets. All women received plum or pink pashminas and all men received sweet and spicy mixed nuts. Music and More: Music for the reception was provided by DJ Eli Filmore with Allurish Audio. Everyone was on the dance floor for hours. The couple performed choreographed dances which they had rehearsed at Arthur Murray Dance studio,

to Clare Bowen’s “When The Right One Comes Along” and George Strait’s “The Big One” sung by Edwin McCain. The bride and her father danced to “Walk With You” sung by Edwin McCain, and invited all the other fathers and daughters to join them for the remainder of the song. The groom and his mother danced to “Nobody in His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her” sung by George Strait, and also invited all of the other mothers and sons to join them. The bouquet toss took place to the tune, “All the Single Ladies,” and all females were encouraged to participate. The bride’s cousin did a Michael Jordan-style jump and pushed the maid of honor aside to snatch the flowers in mid-air! Behind the Scenes: The bride had originally chosen different champagne linens, but a few

weeks before the wedding they burned up in a warehouse fire! Also, in order not to overshadow the brother of the bride’s birthday, a special OSU cake was prepared for him. And since the flower girl would turn 2 years old the day after the wedding, she was presented with a special birthday cupcake as the crowd sang “Happy Birthday.” Departure: The bride and groom exited the venue via the rear steps, after running through a “blizzard” of synthetic snow thrown by all the remaining guests. The newlyweds left via private auto. Incidentally, the buses were able to make it to the venue via the service entrance and all the guests safely arrived back at their hotels.

The Honeymoon The couple honeymooned in Utah and enjoyed dog sledding, a spa day, their cabin, walking around main street, amazing food and tons of snow! l

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T R AV E L

Elevate Family Fun! The Woodlands Resort is the fabulous getaway that’s not far away

ummer vacation is about more than the break we all take from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s about the memories made together as a family. It’s about the fun times in the sun, the funny moments we recall, and the place where those memories are made. Located just 30 minutes north of downtown Houston and resting among 350 wooded acres, The Woodlands Resort is the resort of choice for families throughout Texas looking for a nearby respite from the traditional urban experience. Guestrooms feature all the comforts of home with views of the property’s lakes, dazzling pools and treelined fairways. Guests this summer will begin to notice a further elevation in the luxury experience and fun families have come to expect, thanks to a $60 million investment in property enhancements. Families can bask in the volume of kidcentric activities and amenities, including the resort’s signature Forest Oasis

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Waterscape™ boasting a lagoon-style pool, two-story waterslide tower, flowing waterfalls, pop fountains and underwater music and murals. Ranked as one of the best pools in the nation, the resort is taking the fun up another notch with the introduction of a lazy river this summer. And whether dining poolside at Cool Water Cafe or in The Woodlands Dining Room, the resort’s flagship dining locale, leisure guests will find themselves blissfully entertained exclusively within the resort. Golf and Tennis Galore For the golf enthusiasts, the resort features two on-property championship golf courses, Panther Trail™ and The Oaks. Both incorporate all the ingredients for exceptional golf — deep woods, glistening waters, exceptional fairways and pristine greens. With treelined fairways and challenging elevations, the courses allow golfers of all

skill levels to test their talent and grow their game. For tennis lovers, the resort features a world-class tennis center with 21 first-rate clay and hard court playing surfaces. When it’s time to relax, The Spa at The Woodlands Resort provides Mom and Dad with a deserving array of specialty treatment options ranging from relaxing to results-oriented experiences. From body treatments and facials to pampering of the hands and feet, The Spa staff is highly trained at the art of delivering a restorative experience within a serene and peaceful environment. Rediscovering an appreciation for nature and its beauty is not hard to do at the resort and throughout The Woodlands community. With nearly 200 miles of hike and bike trails through the southern reaches of the East Texas Piney Woods, families can marvel at the unending canopy of trees and the vary-

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ing species of birds. With more than 100 Texas parks and several lakes, guests can take time to enjoy nature in its purest form on foot or on a rented bicycle from the resort with a guided map to find your way. Endless Family Activities The Woodlands has many amenities to entertain and delight staycationers. With more than 400 upscale retailers, dining destinations and galleries, The Woodlands Town Center offers an endless array of kid-friendly sights and eats. Market Street and The Woodlands Mall are just a short complimentary ride from The Woodlands Resort and offer some of the finest restaurants and shopping in the area. Diners can overlook The Woodlands

Waterway where you can enjoy kayaking or a Waterway cruise. If you time your visit appropriately, you can be a superstar in your teen's eyes by surprising them with tickets to see any number of popular musical talents this summer at the nearby Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; everyone from Fall Out Boy and Paramore, to Linkin Park and Thirty Seconds to Mars, One Republic, Chicago, KISS and Panic at the Disco will be performing live. With room packages to suit any occasion, The Woodlands Resort makes vacationing this summer easy, affordable and most of all, fun. Summer vacation is closer than you think. To plan your getaway today, visit woodlandsresort.com or call 866-882-9996. l

The Woodlands Resort is the resort of choice for families throughout Texas looking for a nearby respite from the traditional urban experience.

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T R AV E L

MOODY GARDENS GOLF COURSE RANKED AMONG TOP IN STATE

DESIGN HOTELS™ With its stunning views, green fairways and gulf breeze, Moody Gardens Golf Course has become one of the most popular municipal golf courses in Texas. Since undergoing a $16 million renovation in 2008, the island course has earned numerous honors, including “Recommended by TripAdvisor” status. Since 2011, Moody Gardens Golf Course has an average rating of 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor. Among the reviews, Moody Gardens Golf Course was called, “Beautiful,” “Top Notch,” and “The Best Muni in Texas.” The course is a Jacobsen Hardy design and is one of the largest municipal courses in the state. The par-72 course measures 6,816 from the back tees. There are five tee boxes for players of all levels.

GREEN FEES Monday Thursday

Friday – Sunday & Holidays

Afternoon Twilight*

Non-Residents / Visitors

$44

$64

$30

(65 & Older)

Seniors

$35

Not Available

$30

Juniors

$10

Not Available

$10

(18 & Under)

* Twilight begins at 1 p.m. (Days and Times Adjusted Seasonally).

CART FEES18-Hole Cart Fee (Per Person) — $13 + tax

• ALL-INCLUSIVE GOLF PACKAGE • $100 Per Person Monday – Thursday $125 Per Person Friday – Sunday and Holidays 1-DAY ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES • 18-Hole Green Fee and Shared Cart Rental • 1 Dozen Golf Balls • Large Bucket of Range Balls • Unlimited Food and Drinks (Alcohol Excluded)

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – MUST CALL

409-683-4653

BOOK UP TO TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE

WWW.MOODYGARDENSGOLF.COM 118

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

PROJECT RIO POPPING UP WITH PANACHE With a vision to create a global community for design, architecture and culture, Design Hotels™ is creating spaces, both on and offline, to bring together like-minded globetrotters. What began three years ago as an experiment in pop-up hospitality, has taken us from Tulum to Mykonos, and now onwards to Rio de Janeiro. First on the temporal scene in January 2014 was The Guest House Maria Santa Teresa, and next is the larger, expanded cultural event: Design Hotels™ Project Rio. As the world’s gaze shifts to Rio for the impending football frenzy, Design Hotels™ is throwing a five week long party from June 9 to July 15. Three locales make up the Project: The Club House and its guest house and beach house satellites. Located in Rio’s bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, The Club House is the pop-up heart and soul. With a series of events, parties and curated happenings, Design Hotels™’ soulful hub will be connecting the creative class – be it online, in spirit, or in Rio! RIO IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDS Design Hotels™ Project Rio will be the all-access portal into the city. The Club House will be the official Design Hotels™ headquarters, providing the Community with a touch down spot in Rio. Bossa nova greats will mash-up with international DJ’s, while the likes of artists, architects and designers mingle and swap ideas. The temporal dining experience concept, Pret A Diner (www.pretadiner.com), founded by KP Kofler (the main catering partner during the tournament for the Brazilian soccer stadiums in Rio, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Brasilia), will be on site, bringing their own unique brand of savoir-faire and gastronomical expertise to The Club House BBQ's and dinner series. Keeping partygoers satiated, the on-site bar will be mixing traditional cocktails, regional rums and casual small plates. As well as championing the best in music, food and the arts, The Club House will also be home to a pop-up boutique.

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T R AV E L Shop Latitude – an online marketplace for unique travel finds – will be launching their Brazilian curation on site and online (www.shoplatitude.com). The collection will feature handpicked accessories, clothing and jewelry, showcasing the best of Brazilian luxury brands through to artisanal and handmade goods.

Wouldn't you rather be in Steamboat this Summer?

THE GUEST HOUSE MARIA SANTA TERESA Located a short stroll from The Club House, The Guest House Maria Santa Teresa invites guests to stay as the cariocas – or locals – do. The mid-century property – hosting until December 2014 – is made up of six uniquely decorated rooms, mixing Scandinavian design with regional curio. A speakeasy cigar lounge on the lowest floor invites homey habits with fine cigars and rums, or conversely an upper level pool and terrace invite open-air occasions and panoramic viewings. Accommodation & Rates: Six private guestrooms: starting at USD 280/night (outside of match dates). Rates for June 9- July 15 available upon request.

4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath Luxury Townhome Sold Fully Furnished, Granite Countertops , 2 Living Areas, High Quality Construction, Well-Appointed Open Floor Plan, 2641 sq. ft. 1519 FLATTOP CIRCLE, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO. THE CLUB HOUSE The neighborhood hub will be home to exclusive partnerships, and host to a series of events, from intimate dinners, BBQ’s, art exhibitions and cultural gatherings. Tucked into a lush hillside plot, The Club House, swimming pool and surrounding gardens, boast expansive views across the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay and city below. The sprawling grounds link The Club House and its five rooms to the main pool, a smaller plunge pool and a private studio bungalow. A set of steps cut into the hillside connects the property with the center of Santa Teresa, a hotspot with art studios, galleries, restaurants and bars. The Club House locale, bursting with bona fide Brazilian vitality, is set to become a neighborhood fixture during the soccer season, drawing-in both the homegrown and visiting. Accommodation & Rates: The Club House rooms: USD 500/night Private bungalow: USD 1,000/night Minimum stay: 1 week between June 9 - July 15, 2014 For more information, visit designhotels.com. l

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TheSteamboatGroup.com 970-879-0879 MLS# 137355 THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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B U S I N E S S

B R I E F S

Gracepoint Homes has opened Wright’s Landing, an 85-acre community two miles east of Interstate 45 near the future Grand Parkway. Andrew Kramer

Jacque Everson

‹Andrew Kramer The boutique Hyatt Market Street named Andrew Kramer as its new executive chef. He will be responsible for culinary presentations in the hotel’s Market Street Kitchen serving breakfast and dinner, its second-floor lounge presenting sharable small plates, in-room dining and banquets. Kramer previously served as sous chef at Hyatt Market Street where he assisted in the organization of the property’s culinary operations including menu development and event planning. Prior to joining Hyatt Market Street, he served in various food and beverage positions at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa and Hyatt Regency Austin. Kramer graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Applied Science in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts from the Texas Culinary Academy.

‹Jacque Everson Jacque Everson has been named to Montgomery County Youth Services Board of Directors. Everson has volunteered on the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Board for seven years, where she chaired the Program Committee. She volunteered 12 years for the Montgomery County Women’s Center, holding several chairperson positions for events and earning the Woman of Distinction award in 2005. Everson was also named a Hometown Hero in recognition of her service to The Woodlands area. In addition, she has been active in area Delta Gamma organizations, serving on the Board of Trustees for the Delta Gamma Foundation as the International Chairman of the Foundation while speaking around the country on behalf of the fraternity. Professionally, Everson spent many years teaching in both private and public schools. She also has management experience, acting as a bridal salon manager and co-owner of a retail store. Everson is a graduate of the University of North Dakota, where she held several offices through Delta Gamma and other organizations.

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‹Gracepoint Homes Gracepoint Homes has opened Wright’s Landing, an 85-acre development near the future Grand Parkway and the new Exxon Mobil headquarters in far north Houston. The builder has released 106 50- and 60-foot homesites in the first section of Wright’s Landing, with homes priced from the $230,000s. Gracepoint Homes will be the exclusive builder in the community. Named after architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Wright’s Landing will feature architecturally detailed home designs, with Craftsman, bungalow and prairie-style elevations that will create a diverse, yet still cohesive, streetscape. Thirteen designs are available in Wright’s Landing, each with three different elevations. Window styles vary by elevation, as do rooflines, gables, front porches and other architectural elements. Hallmarks of the bungalow series are tapered columns, gabled fronts and roof brackets. Shaker shingles are prominently used, as well. The use of brick and lap siding give the prairiestyle exteriors a more traditional look, as does the roofline. Interiors will be just as diverse, with each floor plan offering five to eight structural options. All of the homes will have 10-foot ceilings on the first floor, as well as multiple outdoor living spaces. Model homes will open in May. Residents of Wright’s Landing will enjoy a pavilion overlooking a community lake and playground. Other amenities include a splash pad, open play area, fenced dog park and trails. Amenities will open this summer. Artistic rendering of Two Hughes Landing.

‹BusinessSuites BusinesSuites has signed a 16,249-square-foot lease on the fourth floor of Two Hughes Landing, the second Class A Office Building in the 66-acre mixed-use development of Hughes Landing on Lake Woodlands. Two Hughes Landing is a 197,719-square-foot, eight-story building, designed to be LEED Silver Certified and is the second of up to 11 office buildings planned for Hughes Landing. Completion of Two Hughes Landing is slated for spring of 2014. BusinesSuites serves as a hub of business activity and economic growth, offering full-service offices and virtual office services with flexible terms as short as one month to entrepreneurs, professionals and employees of large companies. The center in Hughes Landing will include more than 60 offices and three meeting rooms. BusinesSuites is slated to open in the summer 2014. This will be the second location for the company in The Woodlands; seventh in the Greater Houston area, and 26th in the United States.

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high performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Each school has an economically disadvantaged population of 40 percent or greater. Giesinger, along with the other 24 nominated schools, must now complete a rigorous application process through the U.S. Department of Education. Announcements of the national award winners will be made in September 2014. Schools that receive the award are recognized at the Blue Ribbon School conference in Washington, D.C.

‹Costco (L-R) Colleen Clooney, manager of Cos Bar at Market Street - The Woodlands, presents a donation to Dr. Pamela Schlembach.

‹MD Anderson Care Center The Woodlands MD Anderson Regional Care Center in The Woodlands received a $5,000 donation from Cos Bar at Market Street from store sales during the months of January and February. “This contribution from Cos Bar will go toward offsetting the expenses of patients at MD Anderson The Woodlands facility who are undergoing cancer treatment for expenses such as gas, hotel costs, caregiver and childcare services, and prescriptions,” said Dr. Pamela Schlembach, associate professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson and member of the department of Radiation Oncologist with MD Anderson Care Center The Woodlands. “We truly appreciate their generous support.” Cos Bar’s founder, Lily Garfield, who serves on the Board of Visitors for MD Anderson Cancer Center, said, “I am so grateful to MD Anderson for helping me get through a very emotional time in my life during my cancer treatment. The staff is amazing.”

‹Conroe ISD Giesinger Elementary has been nominated for national 2014 Blue Ribbon Schools recognition. Becky Page is principal at the school. Founded in 1982, Blue Ribbon Schools is a U.S. Department of Education program that recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools were students perform at very high levels. All schools that have been nominated for the 2014 honor were selected as exemplary

Costco has purchased a 17.5-acre site on the east side of Interstate 45 and State Highway 242 for the construction of a 153,000-square-foot store. Costco is a membership warehouse club that provides a wide selection of quality-brand merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services. “Our residents have eagerly anticipated the opening of a Costco store in The Woodlands,” said Alex Sutton, co-president of The Woodlands Development Company. “We are pleased to announce that the new store, which is the first Costco in Montgomery County, is expected to open in November.”

During the ribbon cutting ceremony on March 3, the proceeds were presented via oversized check to Junior League members Jennifer Bulovas, president, and Karen Falterman, director of Fund Development. The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the restaurant’s official opening for dinner to the public. Attending the ceremony were members of the Chamber of Commerce including, Sheila Zea, vice president of sales, and nearly a dozen Chamber of Commerce diplomats, Convention and Visitors Bureau representatives and other local civic leaders. “The Woodlands is the perfect location for our 200th restaurant opening,” said Erica Gibson, managing partner, Bonefish Grill The Woodlands. “The Woodlands community is exceptional and we are excited to bring the Bonefish Grill experience of fresh fish and innovative dishes to the area, while welcoming guests with warm hospitality to an inviting atmosphere.”

(L-R) Danielle Scheiner ,EWA member;, Teresa DeFord , EWA Secretary; City of Conroe Mayor Webb M. Melder; and Melanie Bush, EWA President at the Proclamation presentation.

‹ Executive Women’s Alliance (L-R) Karen Falterman, Jennifer Bulovas, Erica Gibson and Ben Miller, joint venture partner for Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, Bonefish Grill.

‹Bonefish Grill Bonefish Grill family has officially opened its 200th restaurant, with a pre-opening charity event saluting the Junior League. As part of this evening, Bonefish Grill pledged a $5,000 donation to the organization in honor of the hard-working women of The Woodlands community. In addition, the event raised $570 in silent auction items, for a total of $5,570 donated to the Junior League.

Representatives of the Executive Women's Alliance were honored to receive a Proclamation from the City of Conroe for EWA’s Women of Vision program.The Executive Women's Alliance implemented the Women of Vision (WOV) Mentoring Program at Conroe High School in 2007. The emphasis of Women of Vision is to improve the selfesteem and self image of female high-school students through presentations, discussions and etiquette classes. Students gain exposure to a variety of educational and career opportunities, and learn to take responsibility for their own successes. For more information visit executivewomensalliance.org. THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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Houston Texans running back Arian Foster with local KHOU meteorologist Chita Johnson.

‹Topgolf Golf entertainment leader Topgolf opened its second Houston area location in Spring on April 8, following its VIP grand opening party on April 7. The new 65,000-square-foot facility, located at 560 Spring Park Center Blvd., is modeled after the existing Houston location in the Energy Corridor near Katy. The private VIP grand opening party showcased Topgolf’s premium food and drinks and entertainment from DJ Don Vaughn, Cosmopolitan’s “Bachelor of the Year” in Texas. Special appearances were also made by Houston Texans running back Arian Foster; Olympic athlete and world champion in ice speed skating Chad Hedwick; and pro golfer Shannon Fish from the TV show The Big Break. The first 230 Houston residents to sign up for a Platinum or Gold membership at the new location received invitations to the party.

View of the Topgolf Houston North tee line.

Constructed by ARCO/Murray, the threelevel Topgolf Houston North facility includes 102 climate-controlled hitting bays; a full-service restaurant and three bars; more than 230 high-definition flat-screen TVs; a rooftop terrace with fire pits; and 3,000 square feet of private event space.

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“The city of Houston has been a gamechanger for Topgolf,” said Topgolf CEO Tom Leverton. “It was the first city where we introduced the new model for our future Topgolf locations, and we are overcome with gratitude to the residents who have supported our success here.” Topgolf Houston North is the company’s 11th location worldwide and sixth in the state of Texas. Topgolf opened its first facility in Houston in December 2012 and served a half million guests in the location’s first year of operation. Today, the concept is ranked in the top 40 list of Houston tourist attractions on popular travel website TripAdvisor. In addition, Topgolf now employs approximately 900 Houston residents at its two facilities.

(L-R) Eduardo Cosentino, president and CEO of North America; Chris Brown; Alex Rioja, general manager for the Houston Cosentino Center; and Brandon Calvo, chief operating officer of Distribution.

‹Cosentino Cosentino, the global leader in natural stone, quartz and recycled surfacing, opened its 25th North American Cosentino Center in Houston. More than 230 building and design industry leaders and top Cosentino executives attended the grand opening reception. The new Houston center, designed by Isabel Martinez-Cosentino, aims to enhance both the trade and consumer experience and continues Cosentino’s mission to expand its presence in the U.S. market. With Cosentino’s North American headquarters based in Houston, this opening marks a special milestone in the company’s expansion. The program included remarks from Eduardo Cosentino, president and CEO of Cosentino North America; Alex Rioja, general manager for the Houston Cosentino Center; and Brandon Calvo, chief operating officer of Distribution. Cosentino was awarded

More than 230 individuals were in attendance at the Cosentino Center Grand Opening event.

a Proclamation from the city of Houston, Mayor Annise Parker’s office, designating March 6 as Cosentino Group Center Day. The Grand Opening party celebrated the company’s Spanish roots with tapas, Spanish wine, and flamenco dancers. Visitors to the Houston Center will be able to explore and engage in the kitchen and bath experience — from material and color selection to specification and fabrication. With more than 27,000 square feet, the Cosentino Center showcases the full portfolio of Cosentino brands including Silestone Natural Quartz; ECO by Cosentino recycled surfaces; SenSa® Granite; Scalea Natural Stone; Marlique™ Marble; MURO™ Mosaics; and the Prexury™ Collection, a semi-precious stone line handmade by expert craftsmen, and Dekton, an innovative and ultra-compact surface with interior and exterior architectural applications. The Cosentino Center is more than a showroom and distribution center. It’s designed to support, promote and educate trade professionals by integrating distribution facilities, exhibition areas, and workspaces for designers to bring clients, classrooms for continuing education and fully functioning kitchens and event space for demonstrations. The centers create a unique interactive environment for architects, designers, distributors and fabricators to view the latest products and design trends, attend educational workshops, hear from visiting expert speakers and receive training on new product innovations and installation techniques.

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Students who participated in the McCullough Charity League’s Change Drive.

MCCULLOUGH CHARITY LEAGUE’S CHANGE DRIVE BENEFITS MAKE A WISH. The McCullough Charity League’s Annual Change Drive was a success. All money raised was donated to the Make A Wish Foundation in honor of McCullough student Anna King. Charity League students collected change from the student body during Advisory class for two weeks. During the drive, King stopped by the school to tell the students how much it means to the children receiving a wish to take a break from the doctors and hospitals. “When you are facing something tough, like an illness, it is so important to have something to look forward to, and to make great memories,” said King. The students went above and beyond, donating $668 and 28 pounds of change towards making a child’s wish come true. All donations were given to Chrissy Mafridge, board member of the Make A Wish Foundation. She echoed King’s comments about how much the children look forward to their wish. “It is a day without machines and plugs, a day without nurses,” said Mafridge. “This is the time that these children get to be kids and act like a normal child for awhile.”

(L-R) Gilda Steward, Child Protective Services case supervisor; Tyrone Obaseki, Angel Reach Youth counselor; Sandra Carpenter, Angel Reach president and program director; Dan Vertrees, CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County Board member; and Shane Bayless, CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County Board chair.

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CONROE MAYOR ISSUES PROCLAMATION FOR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS MONTH. During a City Council meeting on March 27, City of Conroe

To find a Houston Remodeling Guide, please visit these locations:

Mayor Webb K. Melder issued a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. The mayor further commended local organizations, including CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County, for its commitment and dedication to preventing abuse and mitigating the effects of abuse and neglect by serving children who have been victimized. Mayor Melder also called upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, schools, government agencies and businesses to increase their participation in efforts to support families and prevent child abuse.

BMC • BISON • Ferguson • Pella • Daltile Cabinets & Designs • Detering Co. Sliding Door Co. • M&M Lighting • Gulf & Basco Morrison Supply • Sherwin-Williams Natural Stone Gallery • Factory Builder Stores By Design Interiors • MS International Venetian Blind/Carpet One • Ark Concrete

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Jay Sekulow sways the crowd at the Pregnancy Assistance Center North’s fundraiser.

Aaron joins the Strykers this summer from San Jacinto Junior College. Originally a University of Houston commitment, Aaron brings a live arm to the Strykers rotation and is sure to make an immediate impact. A graduate of Klein High School, Aaron won numerous awards including being named as an honorable mention selection to the Texas Allregional team as well receiving honorable mention status for underclass All-American in 2012. So far this season, Aaron has put up good numbers for San Jacinto posting a 3.47 ERA with one save and 47 strikeouts.

PACN FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS. More

Jerry Ford

JEFF MAGGERT WINS IN CHAMPIONS TOUR DEBUT. The Woodlands resident Jeff Maggert became the 17th player in Champions Tour history to win in his debut, shooting a 4-under 68 in the final round to win the Mississippi Gulf Coast Resort Classic in Saucier, Miss. This was his first victory since the 2006 St. Jude’s Classic on the PGA Tour. The 50-year-old fell into a tie for the lead with

Billy Andrade after making bogey on No. 16, but responded with a putt that pushed him back ahead. Maggert is a three-time PGA Tour winner. His consistent weekend at the tournament included a 68 on Friday, a 69 on Saturday and he capped his debut performance at Fallen Oak with four birdies on the back nine on Sunday to earn the $240,000 paycheck.

Aaron Ford

FORD BROTHERS SIGN WITH STRYKERS. The Woodlands Strykers announced the signing of brothers Jerry and Aaron Ford. Jerry, a sophomore at Texas Southern University, was recently named South Western Athletic Conference player of the week after he went 5-13 .385, recorded two RBI’s along with one stolen base to help Texas Southern win the three game set against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Prior to season beginning, Jerry was named an All SWAC player selection after posting a .298 average, 34 RBI’s and 10 stolen bases his freshman year.

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than 700 attendees turned out in support of Pregnancy Assistance Center North’s fundraising banquet. Supreme Court regular Jay Sekulow spoke at the event, which included a speech, Q&A session with the speaker for VIPs, jazz entertainment and a silent auction that garnered approximately $15,000 for PACN. The Conroe Knights of Columbus donated $44,712 for a mobile ultrasound machine to help PACN achieve its vision for a mobile clinic that can serve the community. PACN often highlights a client story during the evening to show the impact the organization has on community members. This year, former PACN consultant Josh Agnew spoke about his own experience with abortion and the twists and turns that choice made in his life. Now a pastor, Agnew’s story gave a voice to the fathers-to-be also served by PACN.

THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

Whitney Clark, fitness enthusiast and physician assistant at MD Anderson in Katy and The Woodlands, pumped up the cyclists during the MD Anderson Regional Care Centers Ride of a Lifetime event.

MD ANDERSON HOSTS RIDE OF A LIFETIME EVENT. MD Anderson presented the MD Anderson Regional Care Centers Ride of a Lifetime event in the CITYCENTRE plaza. This event was unique in that it was the first time a cancer institution has partnered with a fitness center to actively encourage Houston and surrounding communities — Woodlands, Bay Area, Katy, Sugar Land and Memorial City — to get into fitness. In partnership with the Lifetime event, MD Anderson created a high-energy fitness event that included a two-hour, 300-person cycling class, followed by a one-hour Zumba celebration. Woodlands physician assistant Whitney Clark spoke at the event. In addition, participants also enjoyed a laser light show, motivational words from cancer survivors and the interactive Strikeout Cancer Wall. Gabe Canales, a prostate cancer survivor and founder of the Blue Cure Foundation, was the emcee for the evening. Information about how a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of cancer was shared with 800 participants and 2,000 spectators.

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Conroe ISD Artists Win at HLSR Twelve students had artwork exhibited during rodeo

he Conroe Independent Western Art Show sponsored by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Association featured approximately 650 student art pieces. Each work of art portrayed a western theme. Conroe ISD students in grades K-12 from all 58 campuses were showcased. Conroe ISD art teachers prepared the display of work that was judged by a team of from the HLSR Association. Twelve students had their artwork selected for exhibition in the Hayloft Gallery at Reliant Center for the duration of the rodeo. The chosen artwork was also eligible for auction, which funds student scholarships.

Best of Show winner Ignacio Garcia from The Woodlands High School.

Best of Show High School winner Ignacio Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artwork was auctioned for $25,000.

Dorothy Nie from McCullough Junior High won Best of Show.

Gold Medal Award winner Brice Cooper from Oak Ridge High School.

Student winners: Martha Ortiz, Payton Kahn, Brice Cooper, Kelly Shen, Dorothy Nie, Jeannie McClelland, and Ignacio Garcia.

Winners in each category, along with their grade level and art teacher, include: Best of Show: Ignacio Garcia (11), The Woodlands High School, James Kitchen, teacher; Dorothy Nie (7), McCullough Junior High School, Laurie Adams, teacher; Payton Kahn (4), Giesinger Elementary School, Tricia Matthews, teacher; Gold Medal Award: Brice Cooper (11), Oak Ridge High School, Summer French, teacher; Martha Ortiz (11), The Woodland High School, James Kitchen, teacher; Kelly Shen (7), York Junior High School, Kristi Foldetta, teacher; Jeannie McClelland (4), Reaves Elementary School, Kathy Moore, teacher. In addition, Best of Show High School winner Ignacio Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s piece was Lot No. 18 in the HLSR Auction on March 16 at Reliant Center. His work of art auctioned for $25,000. He will receive a $2,000 scholarship when he graduates.l THE WOODLANDS LIFESTYLES & HOMES / MAY 2014

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Nicola Newton

Rebecka Winton

The 2014 Cooper Cum Laude Society members.

COOPER CHAPTER OF CUM LAUDE SOCIETY INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS - The John Cooper School Chapter of The Cum Laude Society inducted

Rachel Bates

Jacob Weingrad

STATE CHAMPS RECOGNIZED AT BOARD MEETING - Conroe ISD Board of Trustees gave special recognition to four students named UIL Wrestling State Champions at the March Board meeting. Out of 24 State wrestling titles, four are from Conroe ISD. Conroe High female wrestlers Nicola Newton and Rebecka Winton, Oak Ridge High female wrestler Rachel Bates, and The Woodlands High School male wrestler Jacob Weingrad were named UIL Wrestling State Champions in Garland. Nicola, a senior, not only won the 185- pound division state title, but she also finished her season with a flawless 40-0 record. Her teammate, Rebecka, completed her senior year with an impressive overall record of 37-1 and the 215-pound title. Rachel, a senior, finished her perfect season (39-0) by taking home the 148-pound state title. In the boys’ division, Jacob (37-4) came from behind and won the 195-pound State title. Dr. Curtis Null, secondary assistant superintendent, introduced the coaches to the Board. Scott Kidd, board second vice president, presented each student with a plaque.

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the following seniors at an assembly for students, parents and faculty: Jeh Bains, Jenny Bates, Emily Carmichael, Taryn Cheng, Sarah Darwin, Luciana Diz, Molly Garrison, Scott Glencross, Lindsay Hale, Vivek Johnson, Karen Maldonado, Jeremy Mani, Eric Nguyen, Elyse Norman, Carly Pratt, Caroline Sands, Jacob Seefeldt, Derek Tam, Andrew Wade and Margaret Whitney. Director of College Counseling Laura Schroeder, who serves as secretary of The John Cooper Chapter of the Cum Laude Society, gave an introductory welcome, saying, “Today we take time to recognize those seniors who have achieved extraordinary academic success during their years here at Cooper.” Dr. Erin Winston, a physician with Houston Breast Imaging, and a member of Cooper’s Class of 1995, gave the Cum Laude address. Winston emphasized the importance of achieving academic excellence and maintaining a passion and perseverance to pursue long-term goals. Cooper Cum Laude Chapter members also include Head of Upper School Joe Broccoli (secretary), Head of School Mike Maher and faculty members Dr. Tina Davies, Lilia Gallivan, Kim Larance, Peter Perretti, Anita Pilling and Shannon Wiley. The mission of The Cum Laude Society is to recognize academic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence, justice and honor.

CONROE ISD JUNIOR HIGH CHOIRS RECEIVE SWEEPSTAKES AWARDS - Conroe ISD junior high schools took home 13 sweepstakes awards from the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest March 4-6. A choir must receive all superior ratings from each judge to receive sweepstakes. Sweepstakes earned were as follows: Knox Junior High earned 3, Peet Junior High earned 2, Washington Junior High and York Junior High earned 1, and McCullough Junior High earned 6. All of these choirs have been preparing for this competition since the beginning of the school year. “This accomplishment was achieved through daily sight reading practice, attention to tone production and musicality, as well as dedication to team work,” said Kelly Dunn, McCullough Junior High choir teacher. According to Dunn, each choir prepared three pieces of literature to perform for three concert judges and then each choir sight read, a process used to show music reading ability, a piece of music for another panel of judges. To sight read, the students are given approximately six minutes to study a score they have never seen before. They have one first read through and a two-minute instruction period to fix mistakes without any singing before they perform a final sing through.

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Conroe ISD students who won at the ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair.

CONROE ISD STATE FAIR WINNERS Conroe ISD students were recognized for their innovation and scientific prowess at the ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair (EMTSEF) in San Antonio. More than 1,000 students competed at the 28th annual statewide science fair. The event was hosted by The University of Texas at San Antonio College of Sciences at the Henry B. Gonzalez

Convention Center. The fair offered students the opportunity to compete, earn college scholarships, and secure a spot at the world’s largest international fair. Students competed in two divisions, junior (grades 6-8) and senior (grades 9-12) in numerous categories. Awards were presented to first- through fifth-place honorees in each category.

The following Conroe ISD students placed at the fair: Junior Division – first place in Chemistry, Maya Krishnan and Varsha Iyer, McCullough Junior High; second place in Microbiology, Cole Gaskill, McCullough Junior High; fourth place in Plant Sciences, Isabella Rossi, McCullough Junior High; fifth place in Behavior and Social Sciences, Amrutha Murthy, McCullough Junior High; fifth place in Environmental Sciences, Mallory Jordan, McCullough Junior High; Senior Division Grand Award and first place, “Riding the Wave: Energy in Motion,” Matthew Caffet, The Academy of Science and Technology; fourth place, “Optical Frequency Monitor,” Nicholas Esposito, The Academy of Science and Technology; fifth place, “Soil Pollution,” Hina Akbar, The Academy of Science and Technology; fifth place, “Trainable Chickens III,” Megan Van de Walle, The Academy for Science and Health Professions; fifth place, “Targeting the Cell,” Maya Patel and Reagan Spexarth, The Academy of Science and Technology. Michael Bohnet received a Special Award from Earth Day Texas and Matthew Caffet received a Special Award from the Office of Naval Research. In addition, Caffet will represent Texas at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in May in Los Angeles.

JOHN COOPER STUDENTS VOLUNTEER - The seventhgrade student body, consisting of 84 students from The John Cooper School, volunteered at Montgomery County Emergency Assistance in Conroe. Students had an opportunity to tour the organization and learn about the challenges that low-income families in Montgomery County are faced with on a day-to-day basis. After the short lesson, they completed projects such as general cleaning, sorting donated books, boxing up clothing for the resale store, helping with yard work, organizing the food pantry and even made Easter baskets for MCEA clients.

Students from The John Cooper School visit Montgomery County Emergency Assistance.

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