The Rios family has been offering fine dining experiences since 2005, and their latest Veritas (meaning "truth") is no exception. Kevin Rios, Proprietor of Veritas, says, “We’re delighted to open a completely original location that really expresses our vision for fine dining in Fort Bend. We want you to be comfortable while enjoying the best prime beef, seafood, and innovative appetizers and pasta...because dining should always be a special occasion!”

Dazzling fashions, a signature cocktail, delectable dishes, an exclusive swag bag, good music, good friends, and good times...all for a good cause. What could be better? The Fourth Annual American Cancer Society “Couture for the Cause” will be held on October 12th at a Tuscan-inspired private home in Sugar Land. Cari Middaugh, the 2013 Event Chair says, “Our theme is ‘La Dolce Vita’, the ‘Sweet Life.’ We hope to raise awareness and resources so that together we can create a world with more birthdays, one sweet life at a time.”

Letting your true beauty show in your skin is more than a profession...it’s an art. Taylor Campbell, an aesthetician at the Art of Skin, says, “I grew up watching my mother LaDonna Marie working as an aesthetician...and she built an extended family for us from the strong friendships she formed with her clients. You could say I was born into this profession and over the years I fell in love with that dream as well. It’s my passion and I truly put my heart and soul into every aspect of it, from continually furthering my education and keeping up with new developments to getting to know each and every client. We’re privileged to see such amazing transformations!”

You’re less than half an hour from traveling back in time over 150 years…no time machine required! At the 480-acre George Historical Ranch, you’ll discover Texas traditions brought to life. The George Ranch Historical Park is centered around the story of the Jones family’s lineage, as passed down through the daughters.

Ready for an office visit that feels like a visit to a friend? One group of local doctors listened to their patients and built a medical group designed specifically to meet their needs at Sweetwater Medical Associates. Internal Medicine physician Jon Shaffer MD says, “We’re pleased to announce two new additions to our office...Nurse Practitioner Joy Ju and Physician’s Assistant Adriana Polacek. They, Dr. Dina White, Dr. Jeffery Alford and I all believe in treating (both medically and personally) your family the way we would our own!”

Over the last seventeen years, Dr. Anh Doan has seen patients preparing for their first day of school, leaving for college, trying contact lenses before their wedding day, selecting the perfect frames for a new job, and even bringing their own children in for a first eye exam. She says, “I love practicing optometry, getting to know my patients and caring for their sight!”

We’ve all seen them...the veins that seem a little too big, a little too dark. We’ve all had them...legs that are tired and achy. But are they a fact of life, a cosmetic issue, or something worse? Dr. Ulises Baltazar says, “Varicose veins look like bulging, bluish cords beneath the surface of your skin. If left untreated, varicose veins can progress to chronic venous insufficiency, a more serious venous disease. Be aware of the warning signs of varicose veins...and come see me for a range of treatment options.”

You don’t have to renew your passport or pack your bags to experience the healing magic of Thai Massage. Leave your shoes by the door, inhale the scent of jasmine and lemongrass, listen to the soothing fountain, slip into a pair of slippers, and let all your stress go...right here in Fort Bend. At Therapeutic Thai Massage Theo and Mona have created a personal oasis that improves your health and rejuvenates your spirit.

Does your bathroom need a re-do or your outdoor kitchen need a do-over? You don’t have to start the process of calling friends, asking for recommendations, getting in different contractors for quotes...only to feel stuck with the first one you pick. Call the Re-Modelista, Teri Gilberg, the “Get-it-done Diva.” She’ll meet you, talk about your contracting needs, and match you with the right team for the job. All you’ll need to do is watch the magic happen!

Not only does Jan-Michael Jenkins make his living in the world of fitness, he’s always active in his free time, too. He says, “Through Legacy Fitness I offer corporate and individual fitness in both group and personal training settings. You can see everything we offer on our website at www.LegacyFitnessOne.com. After work I like to push myself hard, so I hurt myself from time to time...and that brings me to St. Michael’s Emergency Rooms.”