Entertainment

Magical Houston Holidays

Check out this roundup of top spots to relax and celebrate the season. Article by Memorial Lifestyle Staff Houston Zoo Lights 'Tis the season for one of Houston's most beloved holiday traditions; TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo is back! Tickets are available online now. Through January 5, guests can take in the sights and sounds of the season as they stroll through the transformed winter wonderland. They will enjoy the beautiful Zoo grounds illuminated with earth-friendly LED...

Food + Beverage

Warm & Cozy

Cozy up with recipes from top Houston chefs. Article by Memorial Lifestyle Staff We love cooking all year, but there’s just something special about whipping up meals in the winter. The oven heats up the kitchen, and the dishes that come out are all about comfort. Thick creamy soups, easy casseroles, and hearty baked pasta—exactly what you need when it’s chilly outside. To help you stay cozy, we’ve rounded up our favorite recipes from some of Houston’s best chefs, so you’ve got plenty of dinner...

Event Planning + Services

Life of the Party

Little Coterie offers five tips on how to throw a memorable holiday party. Article by Memorial Lifestyle Staff Trees, tinsel, menorahs, mistletoe—whatever brings the season's spirit to life, this time of year offers many ways to celebrate. For those who live for winter festivities, planning a holiday gathering that's as memorable as it is meaningful is a top priority. According to Little Coterie, one of Houston's premiere party-planners, this season's holiday trends lean toward a well-planned...

Real Estate

The Power of Staging

The real estate market has shifted. Homes are no longer flying off the market the first weekendwith multiple offers. As a result, Realtors are stepping up their marketing game and putting inmore effort to sell homes—exactly how real estate should work. However, the post-COVID realestate frenzy left many agents spoiled by quick sales with minimal effort.At Energy Realty, we’ve always maintained a high standard of professional marketing, includingstaging and professional photography, even during...

Travel

Celebrating a century of memories: Memorial Park

With gratitude for bringing Houstonians a century of outdoor experiences, we look back at what Memorial Park has meant to the city. Article by Memorial Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Photography courtesy of Memorial Park Conservancy Since 1924, Memorial Park has been a sought-after destination for Houstonians wanting to get outdoors. Spanning 1,500 acres—twice the size of New York's Central Park—the park offers hiking, biking, running, tennis, golf, and relaxation opportunities. Located in...

Home + Design

Sensory Experiences

Designer Gail McCleese makes her mark on the hospitality industry in Houston. Article by Diane Cowen Gail McCleese sits in a curvy booth at Annabelle Brasserie, watching other diners experience the setting she helped create: a ceiling dripping with colorful faux florals and French country style using materials so plush you want to reach out and stroke them. “Biophilia is important to me. I like to bring in nature or the sense of a garden since we’re stuck inside so much,” she said. “I’m...

Food + Beverage

Flavor Hunter

Get ready to ignite your next meal at these six Houston restaurants. Article by Memorial Lifestyle Staff When it comes to food, it’s more than just flavor on the line. Ambiance, presentation, and of course, taste all play a part. But for those who crave a bit of drama with their meal, nothing brings more excitement than setting it ablaze. If you're looking to heat up your dining experience, check out these six Houston restaurants where the dishes come with a side of fire.   (Facing page)...

Arts + Culture

Roots of Goodness

We are shining a spotlight on local nonprofits making a significant difference in our community. Article by Memorial Lifestyle Staff Astrodome Conservancy  Established in June of 2016, the Astrodome Conservancy is a private non-profit championing the future of the Houston Astrodome – the globe’s first indoor, air-conditioned domed stadium. As the leading advocate for the Astrodome, the Conservancy’s mission is to promote the building’s legacy through preservation and development in...

Travel

Island Oddessy

Grace Bay Resorts in Turks and Caicos makes it easy to experience a fantastic winter getaway. Article by Gabi De la Rosa | Photography by Photos courtesy of Grace Bay Resorts   With over 7,000 islands in the Caribbean, picking the ideal winter escape can be challenging. But Turks and Caicos, with its pristine white beaches and clear blue waters, is a perfect option for those looking to swap chilly weather for a sunny retreat.    This archipelago, 575 miles southeast of Florida, consists of...

Food + Beverage

If you eat one thing

The crab cakes from Balboa Surf Club are everything diners could want in this seafood classic. Article by Gabi De la Rosa Balboa Surf Club is known for its delicious, fresh seafood, which makes it hard to pick a favorite dish. If pressed, however, their best-selling crab cakes might be it. This quintessential crab cake is made with no filler ingredients to let the dish shine with pure flavor. Large enough for an entree, each dish includes two jumbo lumps – the equivalent of two dozen crabs...