Houston’s real estate landscape is continually changing and growing. One of the newest prestigious properties is The River Oaks, elegantly designed, with a nod to the mid-century-mod roots of the building, by Lauren Rottet. New residents and design aficionados gathered to toast the grand opening of the high-rise, and buzzed about amenities like the pet spa. Nearby, Nan and Company Properties and MC2 Architects hosted an open house at a new-construction property, filling the mod home with luxury handbags, courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate. Proceeds from the art-like accessories went to local nonprofit Sunshine Kids.
Chlorophyll Water, Special Spa Treatments, More: Tips for Mom Bods Emerging from Long Winter’s Nap
Apr. 4, 2024
AS WE SWAP out our warm comfy PJs for swimsuits, the thought of showing off our bodies can stir up all kinds of emotions, especially for us moms. Here are a few strategic steps to stride into the spring and summer months with confidence and feeling your best.
First, renewing your skin is a must, to wash away the winter blues. Dry winter weather — both in indoor heating and the cold outdoor air, dries out our skin and actually clogs the pores. Not to mention giving us ashy legs and arms. Escape Spa has two treatments that are ideal for making the body and face bright again.
The "Nourishing Glow Wrap" is a vichy shower treatment that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and radiant, perfect for showing off your summer glow. And your therapist is using a trifecta of some of our best products in this service. The LaTika Vitamin C scrub, Skin Authority’s Vitamin D serum and an aloe avocado oil. We use at least three of our product lines in this treatment for ultimate results.
The “Complete Fix Facial” — for a facial from which you can see the effects. Your skin will immediately appear more youthful, fuller, even toned and radiant. Powered by our best-selling, patented SGF-4 Technology this professional treatment elevates topical treatments to produce a new level of immediately visible cosmetic wrinkle and texture improvement without the need for injections of chemical hyaluronic acid formulations.
Implementing chlorophyll water as a part of your daily routine can do wonders for both hydration and overall skin health. You can buy drops online and create a refreshing morning beverage, like I do every day. This simple addition will enhance your wellbeing and glow from the inside out!
My year-round go-to for fitness is pilates, which is what helps me with the sluggish feeling of working out in the winter months. First created for ballet dancers who are rated some of the strongest athletes on the planet, this low-impact workout that focuses on core strength, toning and flexibility is an ideal way for busy moms to get toned and be able to come out of their cold weather cocoon firm and fit. High-impact workouts are great, but there's no need for intense high-impact with Reformer Pilates.
By following my few tips, and taking care of yourself both inside and out, you will be ready to step into summer with confidence and feeling your best! With the support of our trusted wellness partners that we carry at Escape, like Skin Authority, Zents, Dr. Dennis Gross, and LaTika you can enhance your self-care routine even further. Embrace the season ahead with self-compassion, determination,and a sprinkle of indulgence — you've got this, ladies!
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THERE'S A REASON that many Houstonians glorify a quaintly picturesque life on Nantucket. Actually, there are several: a storied history, charming shops, cobblestone streets, impossibly fresh oysters (and need we even mention the weather?).
For those wanting to be close to all the action, the harbor is where to stay. The Cottages at the Boat Basin are a row of Quaker-style houses on the slip that juts into the harbor — the closest thing to staying on the water without being on a boat. Renovated this year by Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk, each little house is inspired by a whaling ship from a time, 300 years ago, when the island was the busiest whaling port in the world. With a color palette of — what else — deep ocean blue and misty gray, the historic accommodations have been revamped without altering the architecture. Original details, including the vaulted ceiling beams, remain.
Surrounding the Cottages are art galleries and eateries; the adjacent Cru oyster bar has day parties with East Coast prepsters galore.
From here, it’s a picturesque walk along cobblestone streets to Nantucket’s small downtown. Nestled in the maze of shingle-style architecture and Greek revival buildings — take the walking tour from the Whaling Museum for the full story on the marriage of these two styles — are charming shops and ultra-hip restaurants. Located in a former sea captain’s house, stylish Via Mare offers mostly small plates and cool cocktails in environs akin to Houston’s La Colombe d’Or.
Meanwhile, on the northeast end of Nantucket, find The Cottages’ sister property, The Wauwinet. It’s a quieter, but equally scenic, hotel overrun with lush hydrangeas bathed in fresh sea air. The hotel’s restaurant, Topper’s, is overseen by its namesake — an Airedale Terrier — in the form of a large oil painting hung prominently in the dining room. The oysters here are harvested a literal stone’s throw from the restaurant, and the wine program has been annually awarded the Wine Spectator Grand since 1996. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a nice pour overlooking the water, while daydreaming about staying on island forever.
Oysters at Cru
Sankaty Head Lighthouse
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Leadership in Action: Entrepreneur Saba Syed of Moroccan Bath Determined to Build ‘Lasting Legacy’
Oct. 8, 2024
How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.
The road has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’ve always believed that success comes from dedication and staying true to your values, and that has been my guiding principle. I focused on creating a serene, authentic atmosphere where every guest feels truly cared for. From hand-picking the best products to carefully curating our services, I wanted every detail to reflect the quality and soul of the OMB Hammam rituals.
I also knew that building relationships would be key. Word-of-mouth, strong community connections, and media support have been instrumental in my growth. I was fortunate to be featured on TV and in several magazines, which brought more visibility to the spa. But at the heart of it, the success comes firstly from God, and then from the positive feedback and loyalty of our clients, who have embraced this experience and helped spread the word.
Today, I’m proud to see how far we’ve come, but I know this is just the beginning.
Who do you credit? First and foremost, I credit God for my success and for giving me the strength and ability to start this business. Without His constant help and mercy, none of this would have been possible.
Next, I credit myself for the determination and perseverance it took to bring this vision to life. I’ve always been someone who, once committed to a goal, pursues every possible avenue to achieve it. Building this business required dedication, resilience, and an unwavering belief in myself.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? Trust your instincts, stay focused, and remain positive. Positive energy is magnetic—you’ll attract people with the same outlook. Don’t let difficulties or obstacles slow you down; they are a part of the journey. And no matter how busy or demanding life gets, always make time for yourself and your family. Balance is essential for both personal well-being and long-term success.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? I had initially planned for this to be a surprise, but I think now is the perfect time to share some exciting news: God-willing, we’re expanding! It’s something I had envisioned, but I honestly didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Thank God, we’ve had investors reaching out from many different areas, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow the business and bring the Hammam experience to more people. This new venture is a thrilling next step, and I’m eager to see where it takes us.
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