Photography by Daniel Ortiz
Styling by Todd Ramos
Models Brock Knighten and Samara Zuckerbod for Page Parkes Agency
Hair and makeup by Edward Sanchez for Arched Beauty
Special thanks to Chapman & Kirby
The author suggests Pilates as part of her plan for ‘mom bods’ to renew for spring.
AS WE SWAP out our warm comfy PJs for swimsuits, the thought of showing off our bodies can stir up all kinds of emotions, especially for us moms. Here are a few strategic steps to stride into the spring and summer months with confidence and feeling your best.
First, renewing your skin is a must, to wash away the winter blues. Dry winter weather — both in indoor heating and the cold outdoor air, dries out our skin and actually clogs the pores. Not to mention giving us ashy legs and arms. Escape Spa has two treatments that are ideal for making the body and face bright again.
The "Nourishing Glow Wrap" is a vichy shower treatment that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and radiant, perfect for showing off your summer glow. And your therapist is using a trifecta of some of our best products in this service. The LaTika Vitamin C scrub, Skin Authority’s Vitamin D serum and an aloe avocado oil. We use at least three of our product lines in this treatment for ultimate results.
The “Complete Fix Facial” — for a facial from which you can see the effects. Your skin will immediately appear more youthful, fuller, even toned and radiant. Powered by our best-selling, patented SGF-4 Technology this professional treatment elevates topical treatments to produce a new level of immediately visible cosmetic wrinkle and texture improvement without the need for injections of chemical hyaluronic acid formulations.
Implementing chlorophyll water as a part of your daily routine can do wonders for both hydration and overall skin health. You can buy drops online and create a refreshing morning beverage, like I do every day. This simple addition will enhance your wellbeing and glow from the inside out!
My year-round go-to for fitness is pilates, which is what helps me with the sluggish feeling of working out in the winter months. First created for ballet dancers who are rated some of the strongest athletes on the planet, this low-impact workout that focuses on core strength, toning and flexibility is an ideal way for busy moms to get toned and be able to come out of their cold weather cocoon firm and fit. High-impact workouts are great, but there's no need for intense high-impact with Reformer Pilates.
By following my few tips, and taking care of yourself both inside and out, you will be ready to step into summer with confidence and feeling your best! With the support of our trusted wellness partners that we carry at Escape, like Skin Authority, Zents, Dr. Dennis Gross, and LaTika you can enhance your self-care routine even further. Embrace the season ahead with self-compassion, determination,and a sprinkle of indulgence — you've got this, ladies!
Gulf Red Snapper at The Annie
These CityBook partners are among the best eateries in the most deliciously diverse city.
Infused with the charm of a bustling Parisian café, Berg Hospitality’s newest concept is in Autry Park on Buffalo Bayou. Anticipate modern French cuisine — brunch, lunch and dinner — served in a very pretty space with picturesque views of the park. 811 Buffalo Park Dr.
Venture in for the deep-fried A5 Wagyu katsu sando, or similarly stacked deli sandwich in the adjoining butcher shop, at this boutique steakhouse. A rooftop terrace makes B&B a premiere Sunday brunch destination. 1814 Washington Ave.
Find classic Italian-American food with modern twists in a lively setting, in the heart of Sugar Land’s Town Square. 16250 City Walk
The old-fashioned-yet-upscale bar setting, complete with green-checkered tablecloths and tufted leather banquettes, serves starters like blue-crab beignets, chili and New England clam chowder. 1809 Washington Ave.
Bringing to mind Chinese restaurants in Ben Berg’s native New York, from the menu to the decor, Benny Chows is a delight. With Chinese-born exec chef Shirong Mei at the helm, it serves dishes both familiar — dim sum, Peking Duck — and uniquely Texan, a la the Smoked Brisket Egg Roll starring Truth BBQ. 1818 Washington Ave.
Wine with lunch and bubbles with brunch is the norm at this sceney River Oaks spot. Situated in the center of a busy shopping strip, it’s reminiscent of a Parisian sidewalk café. 1962 W. Gray St.
At this speakeasy lounge reminiscent of a 1950s Cuban club, guests can enjoy cocktails designed by Alba Huerta, chef-driven small plates, as well as nightly live “bossa nova style” music and tunes by local DJs on weekend nights. 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
Jonathan’s the Rub has two locations in the Memorial area and is open for brunch, lunch, dinner and special occasions, touting steaks, meatballs, gumbo and hearty American cuisine. The eatery is also known for its catering services, private events and putting on amazing wine dinners at the Memorial Green location. Multiple locations
An all-day café from Ben Berg, NoPo offers a menu of classics like a piled-high club sandwich, pizzas and more. In the front, find unique local provisions, premade meals and freshly baked pastries to-go. New happy-hour specials and cocktail list! 1244 N. Post Oak Rd.
Chef Danny Trace’s handmade pastas come with the option of tableside truffle service, and baguettes and pastries are made in house by pastry chef David Berg. A supremely sexy cocktail lounge serves as a festive gathering area with a happy hour to boot. 1515 Texas Ave.
Under new ownership, the upscale spot on the Westheimer Curve is an elegant space touting a richly classic menu — lobster tortellini, stuffed lambchops — that now includes killer pizzas and dessert staples like cannoli. One of the best bread baskets in town. Brunch is lovely. 415 Westheimer Rd.
A steakhouse standout delivers in its rich side dishes — the Hasselback potatoes are excellent — and desserts. Crowds of pretty people pour in early and stay late, so reservations are recommended. In River Oaks District
Polished and glamorous, Tavola on Post Oak aims to be the next see-and-be scene in a neighborhood known for them. Chef Luca Di Benedetto’s wild-boar ragu is a must-try. 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
A fine-dining stalwart for decades, The Annie Café & Bar has ample private-event spaces and impeccably executed white-tablecloth service. 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
The restaurant inside storied Montrose hotel La Colombe d’Or boasts eclectic but sophisticated European dishes with Southern touches. Be sure to check out the cocktail lounge, Bar No. 3. 3410 Montrose Blvd.
An Italian-American spot from Berg Hospitality looks like a trattoria you might stumble upon in rural Italy, with enchanting and spacious indoor and garden seating. 911 W. 11th St.
At hidden-gem Turner’s, the food is as decadent as the environment (which is kicked up a notch further with live vocalists accompanying the pianist on weekends). 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
VACATION DREAMING? COME for the fashion and stay for the cocktails on the pool deck May 23 as Hotel ZaZa Memorial City toasts the summer travel season. Local travel brand Foreign Fare will showcase its newest colorways with must-have looks for summer to get you jet set ready.
Still-new apparel line Foreign Fare is the brainchild of Thy and Matt Mitchell who own globally inspired restaurant Traveler’s Table. Avid travelers themselves, they aspire to create a travel wardrobe that is stylish, functional and versatile. Hotel ZaZa’s Sip and See fashion show will feature the latest styles while guests enjoy light bites and specialty cocktails provided by Traveler’s Table restaurant and Hotel ZaZa’s Tipping Point Restaurant & Terrace.
The hotel event will take place from 6-8pm at The Beach Club. Ticket sales ($45) will benefit Dress for Success Houston, a nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.
Seeking dinner after the soiree? Stay for ZaZa’s Tipping Point burger month specials including vegan and gluten-free options. Top your ground brisket cheeseburger served on buttery brioche with crispy bacon, avocado or a fried egg – or all three!
There’s more summer fun on tap at the hotel. Thursdays are for the cocktail connoisseurs with Flight Night – curated flights of classics like old fashioneds, margaritas, or martinis. Friday night brings Sips at Sundown: unwind at the Beach Club poolside with a refreshing cocktail accompanied by the beats of a live DJ. Each week brings a new theme such as its first Summer Saturday, May 18, when the hotel celebrates all things Patron tequila.
What's Sunday Funday without a little sparkle? Snag 25 percent off Champagne bottles from 11am to 7pm on your day of rest. Yes, please!
