Javana Vela

Getting the kids ready to head back to school? 📚🎒 Experts from Kroger shares why back-to-school preparation is about much more than buying supplies.

It's National Lipstick Day, and we're breaking down everything you need to know for your best lips yet! 💄 From choosing between matte, satin, and gloss to learning the lip liner tricks that makeup artists swear by, we're sharing simple tips that can completely transform your makeup routine. Plus, find out why prepping your lips is just as important as the lipstick itself, and which products can help keep lips soft, smooth, and ready for color.

What started as a simple idea to reduce plastic waste has grown into an award-winning student business. Meet the founders of Next Use, four incoming seniors from The Village School in Houston who are giving thousands of used plastic bags a second life by transforming them into handcrafted tote bags and pouches. The teens share how they collected more than 3,500 plastic bags and representing Houston at Junior Achievement's Future Bound National Competition at Boston University, where they earned the Johnson & Johnson STEM Innovation Award. They also discuss their mission to expand plastic bag collection efforts and inspire others to make small changes that can have a lasting impact.

Voice actor Vic Mignogna joins Houston Life to discuss his legendary career behind some of anime's most iconic characters, including Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist, Broly from Dragon Ball, and Tamaki Suoh from Ouran High School Host Club. Vic also shared the story behind creating and starring as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek Continues, previews his appearance at Anime Matsuri in Houston, and opens up about married life with former KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes stories from the recording booth, learn what it takes to become a successful voice actor, and discover why fans continue to connect with his work decades later.

Houston is hosting the inaugural FRAGCON, bringing together fragrance houses, independent brands, content creators, perfumers, and scent enthusiasts from around the world. Founder and Executive Producer Clara Igwala-Anumege joined Houston Life to share how FRAGCON was inspired by the growing online fragrance community and why this first-of-its-kind event is creating a space for people to connect over a shared passion.

Hurricane season is underway, and while Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to have little impact on the Houston area, now is the time to prepare. CenterPoint Energy representatives Caroline Geiger and Roderick Batteaux joined Houston Life to discuss the progress made through the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative, the ongoing work to strengthen the electric grid, and the customer tools available before, during, and after severe weather.

Think grilling is only for burgers and steaks? Think again! Katherine Salom, better known as Girl Gone Grilling, joined Houston Life to share her journey from self-taught griller to one of TikTok's most-followed grilling creators. She also fired up the grill to make her Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Bread, made with Texas Pete Buffalo Sauce and perfect for summer cookouts, game days and easy entertaining.

Looking for easy, beach-ready reads? Valerie and Cathy from Blue Willow Bookshop brought four stand-out summer picks perfect for days on the sand or by the pool and four Texas-based books and authors that capture the spirit of the state.

UniverSoul Circus is back in Houston, and the excitement rolls into the Houston Life studio! World-class roller skaters Rocio Merchan and Michele Torres of the Elite Soul Skaters gives us a live preview of the incredible talent audiences can expect under the big top. The all-new "We All Belong" production features breathtaking acrobatics, aerial performances, fire breathers, high-flying motorcycle stunts, and interactive entertainment celebrating cultures from around the world. UniverSoul Circus runs July 17 through Aug. 2 at Sam Houston Race Park.

What do you do when a buyer wants land for dozens of llamas… or a home that might be haunted? Houston real estate agent Noel Collier is the go-to for the most wildly unique requests and she’s bringing those extreme house hunts to HGTV in the new series Extreme Buyers Club. The show premieres Tuesday, July 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and follows Noel as she steps into each buyer’s surprising (and sometimes shocking) world, then searches for out-of-the-box listings that match their one-of-a-kind wish list.

Houston photographer Violeta Álvarez joined Houston Life to share “Casa de Cultura,” a free Fresh Arts Gallery exhibition at Sawyer Yards running July 9–August 22. The show begins with “Luz y Sombra", her iconic music photography then becomes “Con Sangre y Corazón,” a live, interactive archive where visitors can contribute portraits, Polaroids, and handwrite family stories on the gallery walls.

Then, the music, the movement, and the traditions behind Disney's Moana are coming to life in Studio B. Members of the Houston Hula Academy performed a special Tahitian dance in celebration of the film's live-action release.