Home + Design

Family-focused business

Elise and Jonathan Williams learn from their own family as they help others craft new homes Article by Diane Cowen | Photography by Courtesy of Williams House LLC When homebuilders Elise and Jonathan Williams launch a construction project, they think about how their own family of six functions, both indoors and outdoors. The couple met as freshmen at Texas A&M University but didn’t start dating until they were nearly finished with their degrees. When they both ended up in Houston – Elise for...

Food + Beverage

If You Eat One Thing

North Italia’s fall menu highlights comforting classics and new seasonal favorites. Article by Gabi De la Rosa | Photography by Courtesy of North Italia North Italia has become a neighborhood staple where everyone at the table finds a favorite. From hand-tossed pizzas to seasonal dishes like Braised Short Rib and house-made pasta, the menu offers something for every craving. With three Houston-area locations, North Italia has recently rolled out its fall menu, where diners can settle in for a...

Life + Culture

Cheers to Five Years!

Celebrating five years of sharing the stories, businesses, and people who make our community special. Article by Memorial Lifestyle Staff This month marks a special milestone for Memorial Lifestyle as our team celebrates five years of sharing community stories, local businesses, and the people who make this beautiful part of Houston so special. Over the past five years, our small but mighty team has enjoyed being immersed in the community. What started as a neighborhood publication in 2020...

Shopping

Gifts of Joy

Celebrate the season with practical gifts for the whole family. Article by Allyson Straczek Magnolia Soap and Bath Laundry Wash   Small size is $20/Large size is $39 A practical, clean gift, Magnolia Soap and Bath Company's Laundry Wash is a custom-formulated detergent-free wash that cleans clothes without toxins that can remain in standard detergents. These toxins can penetrate fabrics and people's skin, causing allergic reactions. Handcrafted in-store while you wait, select from 50...

Life + Culture

Taking It Up A Notch

Truluck’s Houston returns with a refreshed coastal-inspired design, a renewed focus on sustainability, and a menu that blends classic seafood favorites with thoughtfully crafted offerings. Article by Memorial Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Courtesy of Truluck’s Truluck's is back and looking better than ever. After a major renovation, the Bayou City favorite has reopened its doors, revealing a completely refreshed space that still feels like the Truluck's Houstonians know and love. The new...

Arts + Culture

The Power of Play

Houston’s first Balloon Museum presents Pop Air – Art Is Inflatable, an exhibition celebrating creativity. Article by Memorial Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Courtesy of Balloon Museum Houston’s first-ever Balloon Museum is now open, bringing the internationally acclaimed Pop Air – Art Is Inflatable exhibition to the city through April 19, 2026. Created by Italy-based Lux Entertainment, the immersive showcase fills more than 65,000 square feet with luminous, large-scale inflatable...

Life + Culture

Very Merry Memorial: Where Holidays Come to Life

Visit a festive wonderland with more than four million holiday lights across 300 acres. Article by Memorial Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Courtesy of MetroNational There’s something magical about the holidays in Memorial City, where more than 4 million twinkling lights transform 300 acres into a winter wonderland that shines across Houston’s westside.  As dusk falls, the entire city comes alive in a dazzling display of color. Trees sparkle along Gessner, and the glow illuminates the night. ...

Food + Beverage

If You Eat One Thing

Known for its outstanding French cuisine, chef and owner Philippe Verpiand explains what makes Étoile’s Bouillabaisse a menu favorite. Article by Gabi De la Rosa | Photography by Paula Murphy   Étoile Cuisine et Bar opened in Houston’s Uptown Park in October 2012, bringing French cuisine to the city and earning recognition as one of Houston’s top French restaurants within months.   Owned by Master Chef of France Philippe Verpiand and Monica Bui, Étoile offers two menus featuring all food...

Home + Design

International lifestyle shapes Claudia Barreda’s vision

Architect leans to modern style for design aesthetic. Article by Diane Cowen | Photography by Courtesy of Claudia Barreda Claudia Barreda was born in Lima, Peru, educated in Australia and lived and worked in Mexico and a variety of cities in the U.S. before settling in Houston. All of those places helped shape the creative eye of the architect-designer who now works at the Laura U Design Collective. Claudia is the Houston Design District’s November Leaders In Design honoree. “I always wanted...

Life + Culture

What Matters Most

Advice, inspiration, and peace of mind from Houston's busiest people. Article by Gabi De la Rosa Gratitude may be one of the simplest ways to destress during uncertain times. Studies show that when people feel appreciated, they're more likely to stay engaged and feel connected to those around them. Showing gratitude can brighten someone's outlook, but it is often overlooked, even though it requires little time or effort. Even a small amount can go a long way toward boosting well-being. To see...