Food + Beverage

From Grandma’s Kitchen to Kingwood’s Waterfront

The story behind Raffa’s Waterfront Grill Article by Tiffany Harston | Photography by Houston Studio - Christa McCourt Tony Raffa’s love of food and hospitality is rooted in his grandmother’s Massachusetts kitchen. As an Italian immigrant raising 11 children, she prepared hearty meals every night for her large family. When her children’s co-workers from the local factory began stopping by for dinner, she charged a nickel a plate. Those humble home-cooked meals laid the foundation for opening a...

Food + Beverage

Brewing Connection

How veteran’s brew is bringing coffee, community and hope to veterans Article by Tiffany Harston | Photography by Juan Marin Vivas For Cesar Gill, a cup of coffee isn’t just a morning ritual—it’s a bridge between people, a reminder of shared moments and, most importantly, a way to heal. As the owner of Veteran’s Brew in the Houston area, Gill has built more than a coffee business; he’s created a mission-driven hub where veterans and civilians alike can connect, share stories and strengthen...

Arts + Culture

Texas Renaissance Festival's Bold Return

A Conroe fall favorite escape: fine artisans, themed adventures, and elegant experiences at the nation’s largest Renaissance festival. Article by Chris Staples | Photography by Photo Provided Huzzah!  Each fall, a vibrant 16th-century village rises from the piney woods near Conroe. The air fills with merriment and music as the gates open on October 11, 2025, for the Texas Renaissance Festival's (TRF) 51st season of epic jousts, jesters, delectable feasts, and family tradition. Just an hour...

Arts + Culture

Meet Nathan Warner

How Nathan turned a lifelong love of art into a full-time career Article by Tiffany Harston | Photography by Provided by Nathan Warner What first inspired you to start painting and how did it evolve into a full-time business? When you are a little kid everyone always asks you, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” My answer was always the same: “I want to be an artist." I’m proud to call myself a creative, an artist, a maker, a husband and a father.  I painted my first murals at my...

Education

Atascocita to Astros

Brice Matthews blasts into MLB with two-home-run breakout Article by Tiffany Harston | Photography by Joshua Koch - Humble ISD Brice Matthews, a proud product of Atascocita High School, made headlines in July with a performance that turned heads across Major League Baseball. On Monday, July 21, the 23-year-old second baseman hit his first and second big league home runs and drove in five runs in a breakout game for the Houston Astros. With the team fighting to stay in the playoff hunt...

Shopping

Thrift With Intention

Thrifty tips to curate your wardrobe and define your personal style in confidence! Article by Colleen Chilcoat | Photography by Tresa Photography As seasons change and trends shift, it can be challenging to stay stylish. Janel of My Mayne Wardrobe is a personal stylist and resident thrifting connoisseur, so we asked her for tips on thrifty styling. She said a curated closet takes time and planning, but she promises it's worth it, and you can build it on a budget. Thrift Local First.  Shop...

Home + Design

Floors, family and 4-wheelers

Huffman family business started with helping neighbors Article and Photography by Tiffany Harston It all started with a few neighbors in need. Back in 1997, while building their home in Huffman, Kenny and Colleen Hoyt noticed their builder was struggling and eventually went out of business, leaving other neighboring homeowners high and dry. Kenny, who worked for a flooring manufacturer at the time, was able to help neighbors source carpet, tile and other finishes. Before long, word spread. ...

Education

New Playgrounds Around Town

Bringing Big Smiles to Little Faces Article by Tiffany Harston | Photography by Humble ISD and Laura Denny The chatter started quietly—just a handful of excited posts in local mom groups—but soon every playground-loving parent in Humble was swapping tips, posting photos and asking, “Have you been to the new playground yet?” Moms in the area are always on the lookout for the best places to let their kids run, climb and explore. These days, Humble ISD’s new themed playgrounds are topping the...

Home + Design

Built to Last

Crafting custom homes with Aggie pride, expert skill and unwavering integrity Article by Tiffany Harston | Photography by Emma Wilson In the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s devastation in 2017, Michael Wimberly didn’t hesitate. Armed with a background in construction science and a deep-rooted desire to serve, he launched Framestead to help families rebuild what the storm took away. Just a year later, he founded TruWin to specialize in exterior renovations—doors, windows, siding and roofing. What...

Local Services

Comfort dogs are changing lives in local schools

Article by Tiffany Harston | Photography by Tiffany Harston Photography In classrooms and hallways across the Humble Independent School District, furry four-legged companions are helping students feel safe, seen and supported. These Comfort Dogs—therapy dogs who accompany counselors, teachers, reading coaches and special education staff to work—are doing more than just wagging their tails. They’re helping kids regulate emotions, build connections and find calm in the chaos of the school day. ...