Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Ron Powers gave an emotional speech about his family’s struggles with mental illness at the Hope and Healing Center & Institute’s Chrysalis Award luncheon. … Career and Recovery Resources’ Barrier Breaker Award lunch, honoring Ed and Gwen Emmett and Philamena and Arthur Baird, raised more than $250K. … A lively Sunday brunch at the Four Seasons doubled as a fundraiser for the Great Age Movement, which promotes learning and socialization among seniors. Jazz performances and ballroom dancing dazzled the crowd of 200. … Designer David Peck and his wife chaired the Judy’s Mission Possible lunch at the Houstonian, raising funds for early-detection and ovarian cancer research at MD Anderson. … The Latin Women’s Initiative’s annual fashion show lunch was as festive as ever, featuring designs by Andrés Otálora — and tequila shots. … At River Oaks Country Club, the Mayor’s Literacy Breakfast honored the Houston Dynamo and Dash teams.
Spring Branch Sweets Shop Is Actually Swanky Speakeasy-Style Bar and Lounge
OVER THE PAST five years or so, Spring Branch, which was founded in the late 1800s, has established itself as one of Houston’s most diverse and foodie-friendly neighborhoods. Newcomers like Blind Goat, Wild Oats and La Cruderia have denizens heading out to dinner more often.
New bars have joined the ’hood, too. The Decoy lures sports enthusiasts, Loose Cannon offers cocktails in a nautical setting, and The Library draws wine imbibers with its fairly priced menu. And as of this week, Aye Candy is the new kid on the block, located at 1849 Bingle Rd.
Taking inspiration from speakeasies in Mexico City, guests enter the bar through a small candy storefront glittering with sugary delights. Aye, meaning “wow” in Spanish, is the first word that comes to mind when stepping through. The new concept aims to provide the rapidly growing area with a sophisticated cocktail lounge featuring craft libations. “We wanted to bring an adult escape to the neighborhood,” owner Cristy Velasco said in a statement.
A moody interior awaits with dark lighting, velvet seating, upscale finishes and upbeat music. Find banquette seating across the back wall with various tables for two, while couches and lounge seating is offered for larger groups. Velasco conceptualized the program with motivation from her husband, who has food and beverage establishments in Monterrey, Mexico. She wanted to create a space that their friends and family could enjoy where they can dress up and unwind without venturing far from home.
Getting thirsty? Expect various signature drinks adorned with candy, naturally, plus classic cocktails with a twist like an Espresso Flor Martini and Vanilla Old Fashioned. Perfect for summer, the Watermelon High is made with Aguasol Tequila reposado, fresh watermelon and lime juice with a dash of fire bitters. Its Royale flaunts Haku vodka, strawberry, and is topped with Champagne. Wines by the glass and bottle and charcuterie boards are on offer as well. For those with a sweet tooth, candy can be purchased from the hosts!
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Alira Med Spa's Escarle Silva Travels World ‘Searching for the Best Tricks to Help Others’
Med Spa Owner
As a small business owner, I get to wear many hats. I became an Aesthetician to gain more knowledge about the services my business was going to provide, thinking that I will only focus on the administrative side of the business. Soon I became the business administrator and the lead Aesthetician. Currently, I am hands-on with our social media and marketing promotions, in addition to my regular facial clients. As time has passed, I realized I needed it to ramp up my services and technology to keep up with our competitors and now we offer a wide variety of Medical Spa services such as injectables and laser treatments. Visit aliramedspa.com to book an appointment today!
Travel Blogger & Influencer
I love traveling and learning from different cultures and people around the world. Through travel, I find myself constantly searching for my purpose. Experiencing spas around the world is very important to learn from others and be informed of the latest trends in the beauty industry. As a medical aesthetician, I care for people and I want to keep searching for the best tricks to help others. Follow me on my adventures at livespalife.com and on instagram @livespalife.
Philanthropist
In 2012, I founded the Alira Foundation and our Make-over Day Event. Alira Foundation provides a complimentary make-over day for those who have been touched by cancer. I felt the need to provide support to those people who are suffering from this disease. There are so many people who don’t get beat by cancer and teach us every day how to fight one smile at a time. For that reason at Alira Foundation, we want to share that smile with the world and help these warriors against cancer.