Life + Culture

Beyond the Tasting Room

Exploring a different side of Fredericksburg through wildlife, wine, design and local makers. Article by Caroline Heiberg It’s easy to think a Fredericksburg weekend follows a familiar pattern with wine tastings, shopping and a walk down Main Street. Over the course of a few days, exploring reveals something less predictable. The weekend begins in a house, a cozy space with wine and chocolate passed between guests. By the next morning, it shifts to a warehouse filled with antiques and...

Home + Design

Colors of the Caribbean

bringing the hospitality, craftsmanship and flare of island life to Katy Article by Lauren Piland When one hears the word Caribbean we probably all have similar visions in mind.  Vibrant colors.  Sandy beaches.  Bold flavors.  Smiling faces.  A distinct way of life that has not been lost on Trinidad native, Coleen Gokool.  There’s a teary glance and a cracking smile that takes over her demeanor when mentioning her hometown.  A place she thinks of fondly, and visits often, a world she...

Travel

The Multifaceted Splendor of Spain & Portugal

A Luxury European Escape Curated by My Mountain Travel Planning Co. Article by My Mountain Travel Planning Co. There’s a certain kind of European journey travelers dream about — one where the hotels are as memorable as the destinations, every dinner feels like an event, and each day unfolds effortlessly from one unforgettable moment to the next. That’s exactly the kind of experience My Mountain Travel Planning Co. specializes in creating. The adventure begins in Barcelona at the iconic W...

Travel

The Art of Packing

Effortless strategies for a smoother, more refined travel experience Article by Shawna Hinman Travel is an invitation to slow down and explore the world. But, too often, the stress of packing, forgetting essentials, and disorganized luggage can distract from the journey itself. The art of packing well isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating ease, and making room for the moments that matter most once you arrive. Before becoming the publisher of Katy City Lifestyle, I spent more than 15...

Arts + Culture

Worldly Beauty in Bloom

floral traditions from a world away Article by Lauren Piland | Photography by Gillian Nichols Flowers have long-standing been a sign of nature’s beauty, peace and awe.  Delicate petals engulfing enticing centers. Colors of the rainbow bathing each ornate bloom. Delicate scents that hint at past experiences, feelings and loves.   A universal symbol of appreciation for the world around us, and its people.  No one understands that connection more than Yuliya Dar, a Ukrainian-born artist who...

Life + Culture

The Heartbeat of Community

one veteran redefining what it means to serve Article by Lauren Piland At the heart of every community is its people. People who share stories. People who share passions. People who share support. And some of the special ones, are people who share their service.  Juan Reyes is one of those people. One might even call him a community hero, although I’m sure he'd shrug off the notion.  Meeting with Juan, he’s humble, he’s reserved, and he’s just here to help.  As an Army veteran with 22 years...

Entertainment

Homegrown Country Takes Center Stage

The Will Carter Band puts Texas country on the map Article by Lauren Piland From his family farm upbringing on the outskirts of Katy, to seeing his name in lights on venues across the nation, Will Carter’s path to success has sprouted from many seeds rooted here in southeast Texas.  “We’d milk goats, tend to cows and sheep, and farm chores in the morning, followed by homeschooling in the afternoon, then back on horseback by the evening. I didn’t fully understand what we had until college...

Home Services

Reverse Engineering

how leadership - and a strong roof - both start at the top Article by Shawna Hinman & Lauren Piland | Photography by Gillian Nichols If you want to understand what makes something last, you reverse engineer it. Start with the end result—strength, trust, longevity—and work your way back to the source. For Lucid Services, that source isn’t just found in materials or methods.  It starts with friendship. Owners Christian Pendley and Mark Arnim didn’t just build a company—they built a bond. The...

Life + Culture

Out of the Valley

one local dad’s path out of the shadows Article by Lauren Piland Out of the Valley  one local dad’s path out of the shadows   “The Kevin of today may impress you, but Kevin 3-4 years ago made really small decisions, and small steps to get to the dad he is today,” explains Kevin Goodnight.    Now an inspirational father, author, speaker, leader and mentor, Kevin’s life might seem like the “picture perfect” existence from the outside looking in.    One would call him a devoted Dad who...

Life + Culture

Digging Deeper

the transformative simplicity of playing in dirt Article by Lauren Piland Going back to your roots has had a powerful and quite literal meaning for Jacob Robinson. Born of the generation that played outside until the street lights came on, rode bikes down dirt roads, and didn’t flinch getting their hands dirty. A more simplistic way of life that we often see vanishing in the rearview of our fast-paced future.  But, like most modern, young families, the hustle and bustle of everyday life can...