Cowboy Calling

In 2016, Neil Holmes was bucked off a bull named Rodeo Time, landing lifelessly in the dirt. Some thought he might actually be dead. No stranger to concussions or broken bones, the 32-year-old professional rider — a two-time Professional Bull Riders World Finals qualifier — has spent the months since cultivating physical and mental toughness, and looks forward to proving his strength at this year’s Rodeo Houston. But in addition to healing and training hard, this dad of four has prioritized time to give back: He teamed up with fellow cowboys during Harvey, traveling by boat through North Houston to rescue stranded folks, and is helming a PBR effort to teach inner-city children about rodeo sports and Western culture. Holmes, who stands at just five-foot-six, hopes to show kiddos — including his own — that with faith and confidence, anything is possible. Even bucking death.

Phoebe Rourke
IMG_4984-Edit-Edit
IMG_4984-Edit-Edit
Art+Culture
Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Fall with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS FALL, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Heather Almond and Zinat Ahmed

NEARLY 1,700 GUESTS headed to Cotton Ranch in Katy for Cotton Holdings’ 13th annual CrawFest — a Texas-sized evening of food and music. The event raised a record-breaking $768,000 for the Cotton Foundation, which supports families facing disaster, illness and hardship.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Maddy and Patrick Moffitt and Christina and David McAllen

A DERBY WATCH party was so much more than the fastest two minutes in sports! The Post Oak Hotel hosted the Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes event benefiting Bo's Place, and the most fashionable and philanthropic Houstonians turned out.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties