Lucky Charms

Elaine Turner creates Southern Charm Bar with build-your-own necklaces that inspire and empower

For a lot of people, charms have always felt lucky. Elaine Turner believes a charm necklace can allow a woman to showcase her roots, be empowered, and inspire others.

So the Houston-based accessory designer has introduced the Southern Charm Bar in her nine retail stores. Customers can choose from a wide array of jewels, ranging from smoky topaz to amethyst; traditional and funky charms, including an outline of the state of Texas, a Swarovski crystal Evil Eye or angel wing; and gold-plated mantra bars offering affirmations like "Believe," "Empower," "Inspire," and "Let Go."

Each bracelet or necklace can be as individual as the wearer and Turner donates 15 percent of all Southern Charm Bar proceeds to two charitable foundations each year. The first beneficiary is Houston-based Autism Rescue Angels, a charity Turner helped found with inspiration from her special needs daughter.

“There is a harsh financial reality of raising a special needs child. My goal is to provide assistance and relief for families who need it most,” Turner says. “Not only will proceeds from Southern Charm Bar benefit autism awareness and other worthy causes but each time a customer wears her necklace, she will be reminded of these extraordinary foundations.”

Customers can choose from two dainty gold chains — 18 inch or 22 inch at $24-$28 each — and mix in briolette stones ($28 each), charms ($28 - $42) and mantra bars ($32) to customize their own necklace.

Turner will launch the Southern Charm Bar at all four of her Houston stores on Wednesday, May 18, from 6-8 pm, with Southern-themed sips and light bites. Each store will have a fashion blogger who will style a bust with her favorite SCB pieces.

Lilly of Daily Craving will be at the flagship Rice Village store, Dede of Dress Up Buttercup will be at Market Street in The Woodlands, Elly of Uptown with Elly Brown will be at the BLVD Place store and Alice of The Lonestar Looking Glass will be at CityCentre.

Elaine Turner created the Southern Charm Bar to give her customers an opportunity to be creative and feel empowered.

Photo courtesy of Elaine Turner

Elaine Turner created the Southern Charm Bar to give her customers an opportunity to be creative and feel empowered.

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SERENE STAYCATION

Slow down and recharge with wellness specials at these 7 Houston hotels

Courtesy of Thompson Houston

Houston hotels are celebrating National Wellness Month with spa escapes, sleep-focused suites, rooftop wellness events, and relaxing staycations.

It is time to trade the packed weekend itinerary for a plush hotel robe and slippers during National Wellness Month. Houston hotels are putting a wellness spin on their offerings with sleep-focused suites, spa escapes, rooftop sound baths, and even astrology-inspired happy hours. These local getaways will make self-care feel like a mini vacation without ever leaving the city.

Hotel Granduca
Spa enthusiasts enjoying a staycation immersed in Hotel Granduca's Italian charm can add a touch of France to their stay with a treatment at Biologique Recherche, the hotel's preferred spa partner. Customers will receive complimentary transportation to the River Oaks District spa and a 30-minute extension on their services, which can be booked at the hotel's front desk.

Hotel Saint Augustine
Steps away from the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel, at Hotel Saint Augustine, Perseid is putting a cosmic spin on happy hour through August 24. During nightly Wishing Hours from 8-11:11 pm, the restaurant serves astrology-inspired cocktails inspired by the Perseids meteor shower, which peaks in mid-August and lights up the sky with 50 to 100 meteors an hour. Guests can also write down a hope, dream, or wish on a handmade card before calling it a night. It's equal parts cocktail hour and manifestation session.

InterContinental Houston
Need to hit the reset button? The newest Pure Wellness Rooms at this hotel near NRG Stadium and Texas Medical Center are a spa day disguised as a hotel stay. The rooms include medical-grade air purification that captures 99.9 percent of airborne particles, hypoallergenic luxury bedding, and a vitamin-infused shower. Hotel guests can also score extra perks, including late checkout, in-room yoga mats, sleep eye masks, and two freshly blended smoothies each day.

Marriott Marquis Houston
This downtown hotspot might be known for its Texas-shaped pool, but in August, it offers a host of mind-and-body experiences. Pure Spa, the hotel's onsite spa, is offering its newest treatment, red light therapy, designed to support relaxation, circulation, and skin vitality. Guests can also enjoy a one-hour guided sound bath, complete with an aroma journey and wellness tea at the hotel's rooftop infinity pool.

Omni Houston Hotel
Sometimes setting the phone to Do Not Disturb is the best self-care, and Mokara Spa at the Omni Houston Hotel makes it easy with the 100-minute Tech-Free Tranquility package. The experience includes the spa's signature massage and facial, along with time to unwind in the dry sauna or plunge jacuzzi. The package also includes valet parking plus access to the hotel's fitness center and pools.

Post Oak Hotel
The Post Oak Hotel is going all in on wellness this month with experiences designed to help guests recharge in a customized way. The hotel's Fitness Reset upgrade turns an overnight stay into a full-body reboot with in-room Technogym equipment, a 90-minute spa treatment, recovery therapies, and a $200 dining credit. For those who prefer to catch up on sleep, the Sleep Reset package includes a dedicated Sleep Concierge, calming spa treatments, personalized sleep amenities, and wellness takeaways to bring home.

If a staycation isn't in the cards, book a poolside cabana stocked with VOYA skincare products, wellness sprays, and champagne, or treat yourself to the spa's Body, Mind & Unwind massage, which starts with guided meditation. On August 20, wellness lovers can also check out the hotel's VOYA Skincare Wellness Event, featuring LED face mask sessions, a skincare masterclass, wellness mocktails, light bites, and a gift bag to take home.

Thompson Houston
At the Thompson Houston, guests can trade the usual Sunday Brunch for Sunday Social: Flow, Plunge & Chill, led by Jas of Vibes by Jas. The event starts with an all-levels yoga flow class, then eases into a guided sound bath, assisted stretching, and an optional cold plunge. The feel-good morning wraps up with a complimentary drink, wellness bites, a live DJ, a goodie bag, and rooftop pool access. It is an excellent way to keep the Sunday scaries at bay.

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