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INSPIRE
APRIL / MAY 2011
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A LEGENDARY PAST:
An Imperial Future $3.95
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Tips to Make Your Home a Masterpiece www.FOWmag.com
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281-494-7777 • 1730 Williams Trace, Ste. K, Sugar Land April / May 2011 l
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Four Great OB/GYNS Who Can Help You
A Timely Reminder to Take Good Care of Yourself
Yetunde Adigun, M.D.
So many women stay busy taking care of others in their family that they put off taking care of themselves. But if you don’t have a regular OB/GYN or if it’s been a while since you’ve had a well-woman exam, now is the perfect time to catch up. At Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center, you’ll find four great specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) who can help you stay healthy in all stages of your life. We offer: • Well-woman exams, vaccinations and screenings, including routine PAP smears and mammography. • Treatment of menstrual disorders and gynecological problems. • Complete obstetrical care – from prenatal care and guidance in family planning, to delivery. • Onsite diagnostics, onsite pharmacy and specialists in more than 24 medical fields. For appointments, call our 24-hour Contact Center at 713-442-0000, or visit us online at kelsey-seybold.com. Because every woman deserves a Doctor for Life.
Yasmin Engineer, M.D.
Jagjit Khairah, D.O.
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center 11555 University Boulevard Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Eric Peterson, M.D.
kelsey-seybold.com
Contents
April / May 2011 l Vol. 3 l Number 1
A Legendary Past An Imperial Future In an effort to preserve the rich history of Imperial Sugar, the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation has enlisted the help of Johnson Development Corporation to bring life back to the old refinery site with a mix of retail, commercial, hospitality, office and urban residential land structures with a keen focus on preserving – and celebrating – the site’s rich heritage.
Features 20 Soul Survivor: The Story of Bethany Hamilton Courage, determination and a deepened faith led Hamilton, a Hawaiian teen and rising surf star, to overcome quite possibly the biggest challenge of her life - learning to live and surf again after a vicious shark attack took her arm. Film critic Nick Nicholson sits down with Hamilton, the actors and film maker who have brought her story to the silver screen.
28 It’s Good Chili, Y’all!
A special thank you to Sugar Land Heritage Foundation Board Members Bridget Yeung and Sharon Ehrenkranz.
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Bayou City Chili takes over the Big Apple – and wins big! Rhonda Morrison’s added twist to a traditional Texas recipe blew judges away from the Today show’s Homemade Chili Cook-Off. Linda Eaves talks with the cook-off queen about visiting NYC and the special ingredient that made her chili number one!
Is staying healthy on your mind?
Taking care of your family’s health is what we do best. We want you to know, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital is a full-service acute care facility bringing the latest medical technology and expertise to our local community, and to you. From birthing services and emergency pediatrics, to heart, vascular and back pain care – we offer our patients a direct connection to the region’s top specialists and comprehensive services, including: • Level II Children’s Emergency Center • Comprehensive Back Pain Program • Fort Bend County’s only accredited Chest Pain Center • Birthing Center and Outpatient Lactation Center • Life Flight® air ambulance to our Level I pediatric trauma center in the Texas Medical Center And when seconds count, the skilled team of affiliated physicians and nurses at our state-of-the-art Emergency Center stands ready to handle everything from minor injuries to major trauma. We’re here when you need us. Visit memorialhermann.org or call 713.222.CARE.
17500 West Grand Parkway South Sugar Land, TX 77479
April / May 2011 l
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Contents pg
44
fow feedback
25 & 54 Heard Through the Grapevine Who’s saying what about Focus on Women.
industry insights 30 What is a Geriatrician?
How old is old? For patients 65 and older - a continually growing demographic - consulting with these specialty physicians can make managing their lifestyle easier.
38 RBC Wealth Management’s Will Hardee Among Barron’s “Top 1000 Financial Advisers” In 2011 For Second Consecutive Year The Hardee Investment Group makes the grade!
style
chick flicks
A few fabulous finds that we think are worth sharing.
An inspiring, true story that documents the courage and strength of a teen who faces adversity after falling victim to a shark attack.
13 The List: Things We Love
44 C is for Classic: A Primer on Style That Never Goes Out of Style Tips on how to incorporate classic style into your life that will transcend time.
beauty
18 New Look, New You
A Focus on Women reader wins the Ultimate Makeover.
50 A Lift for Spring
Get a timeless look for Spring that’s healthy and youthful.
58 Beauty Basics or Killing it Softly… with Lasers
Learn the ins and outs of FDA-approved laser hair removal from a firsthand patient experience.
22 Soul Surfer
27 Your Love Never Fails
Follow the tale of a mother and her child as they return to their Texas hometown and rebuild the family they left behind.
focus on women
l April / May 2011
Can you really make spider veins disappear? Yes, you can! A look at the advancements in treatment for varicose and spider veins.
55 It’s Time to Treat Your Body Right!
Eat healthy and reach your weight loss goals without sacrificing convenience.
31 The Mikado
This comic opera, by Gilbert and Sullivan, is brought to life by Jonathan Miller in his well-known production of the stage classic.
pg
39 I Love You Phillip Morris
An unexpected romantic comedy based on a true story - is one of Jim Carrey’s most surprising roles yet.
56 The Messenger: 360 Days of Bolivar
Three characters are chronicled in their personal struggles in this docudrama set in the Bolivar Peninsula post Hurricane Ike.
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53 Varicose and Spider Veins: Don’t Let Misconceptions Stand in Your Way of Healthier Legs.
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Contents financial savvy
33 Girls Just Want to Have Funds
Are you a high roller or a safety player? Don’t know? Then let this guide to determining your money personality help define your money matters.
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pg
columns
48 Woman to Woman
By Alisa Murray They say that the customer is always right - and in this tough economy customer service is king.
well woman
34 Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Breast Center Expands with Open House Scheduled for May
64 The Last Word
By Tanya Sterling Get a fresh perspective and learn how to revive your kaleidoscope of life.
Attend the new Breast Center’s Open House and familiarize yourself with all that this state-of-the-art center has to offer.
inspiring women
home
36 The Psychology of Interior Design
42 Every Little Thing is Gonna Be Alright
Get the tips and tricks to making your home a true masterpiece!
Be a better you! Face your personal obstacles - whatever they may be and smash them!
career
entertaining
Need to know how to tweet? Tips on utilizing Social Media in building your brand and achieving ROI.
How to turn an everyday get-together into a memorable meeting for friends and family.
40 Beyond The Hype: The 3 C’s of Social Media Marketing
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46 Turn the Everyday into a Special Occasion
fine arts
60 The Glory of Gershwin David Sedaris Texas! The Exhibition Mamma Mia! Rock of Ages
Theater, music and more - these are must-see cultural events in and around Houston.
stepping out with focus on women
62 Champagne & Cupcakes Southern Sister Designs
Revive Yourself!
Salon Eben & Day Spa
pearls of wisdom
23 Don’t Get Lost at Sea: Navigating the Texas Court System By Amy Mitchell and Carla Freeman
24 What is Mental Health? By Laura Richard
26 What’s the Matter with Gluten? By Afreen Pappa, MD
32 Tips on Water Wise Landscaping By Todd Farber
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47 What Does An Empty Nester Do To Keep Busy? By Lynne Averette
You discovered her favorite restaurant. She introduced you to your husband. Now, you could save her life. STATE-OF-THE-ART BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSTICS: Digital Mammography Breast Ultrasound Breast MRI MRI Guided Biopsy Ultrasound Biopsy Stereotactic Biopsy A special thank you to the Fort Bend Junior Service League members who are the faces of our Women’s Health Campaign.
Reminding a friend to schedule a mammogram could save her life. According to The National Cancer Institute, the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early are getting a high-quality screening mammogram and having a clinical breast exam on a regular basis. You can rest assured that at the Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital you and your friend will receive the high-quality mammogram you need. It is the only full-service center of its kind in Fort Bend County that women can rely on for dedicated breast radiology expertise, state-of-the-art technology and compassionate care.
Call 281-242-PINK (7465) to schedule a mammogram with Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.
LEADING MEDICINEÂŽ Spine BreastCenter Center
16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-242-PINK (7465)
editor’s point of view I
Patti Parish-Kaminski, Editor in Chief
The Bucket List
I
Patti and Lisa horsin’ around at Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City.
can now cross visiting Atlantic City off of my bucket list. No, it wasn’t on my list to begin with but I somehow had to make myself feel better about the – let’s just say, interesting – excursion, and the only way I could do that was to put it on my bucket list. So, one down! I feel much more accomplished. Also cross off skipping down the Board Walk, riding public transportation daily and conversing with a Jersey girl. No, there was no hair-pulling, and Snookie was not there, but it certainly was an – as I said – interesting experience. Celebrating the second year of Focus on Women is yet another milestone I’m crossing off my list. It’s hard to believe, but with this issue, we are celebrating our second year! Two years of bringing you empowering, educational and inspiring stories all for women. It’s been an incredible journey, and one that we are truly grateful for. Our readers, our advertisers and our Facebook family have been instrumental in our success, and we thank you all for joining us on this special journey. In this issue celebrating “two,” we are bringing you stories about other journeys, other milestones that are being achieved and celebrated. And yes, perhaps accomplishments that have been crossed off of someone’s bucket list. An extraordinary young woman who now has a feature film about her life – and she’s only in her Happy Birthday twenties – Bethany Hamilton’s story is a story worth sharing. Nick Nicholson visited with the Hawaiian teen who overcame the biggest challenge of her young life: continuing her surfing career after a brutal shark attack took her arm. Full of hope, courage and determination, Bethany’s story is definitely an accomplishment worthy of admiration. So if learning to surf is on your bucket list and you’re not sure you can do it, just read about Bethany. She will inspire you to grab a board and jump right in! The visionary people involved in Imperial – Johnson Development Corporation’s newest Master-Planned community – is another story about a 168year journey of a company and a town – a journey that is still moving forward. The company? Imperial Sugar. The town? Sugar Land, Texas. The future? An amazing, 700-acre community filled with shops, restaurants, homes, offices, and of course, a ball park with a conscious effort to preserve the legacy of the historical site for future generations. Rhonda Morrison can cross winning first place in a national chili competition – on television – off of her bucket list. Rhonda’s recipe beat out over one thousand entries nationwide on the Today show’s Homemade Chili Cook-Off. And best of all, we have the recipe so you can try your hand at making the best chili in America – Bayou City Chili. Author Robert H. Schuller said, “Today’s accomplishments were yesterday’s impossibilities.” As we celebrate our achievements – the milestones that make up our lives – we all should keep crossing things off of our bucket list. And, just maybe we should keep adding a few along the way. After all, you’re never too young or too old to have a new experience. And, you just might learn something along the way. on
on
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Now issues a year 10
focus on women
Stay focused!
Patti Parish-Kaminski editor@FOWmag.com l April / May 2011
facebook.com/FocusOnWomen
Southern Sister Designs
817 Third Street 281.232.7737
Historic Downtown Rosenberg
www.southernsisterdesigns.com
Miss Me Jeans
Old Gringo Boots
Yellow Box Shoes
Women’s Apparel & Accessories
Infant & Children’s Apparel & Accessories
Join Stepping Out with Focus On Women &
Home Décor & Gifts
for Southern Sister Designs
Champagne & Cupcakes April 21st • 5:30 - 7 pm See page 62 for details.
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Monogramming Available
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ocated in Historic Downtown Rosenberg, Southern Sister Designs is an eclectic boutique committed to providing our customers with merchandise that is decidedly unique in both quality and design. We carry a wide variety of jewelry, apparel, home décor and gifts that appeal to those with a flair for style ranging from cowgirl chic to trendy mom and everyone in between. Let us help you create a unique and timeless style for you and your home! Open Wed-Sat 10:00-5:00 & Sun 12:00-5:00
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Leaky Bladder? Good News...
Treatment in the doctor’s office in about an hour. Back to normal daily activities the same day or next day. Covered by Medicare and certain other healthcare insurance.
Call Today
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Dr. Carlos R. Hamilton III 1415 Hwy 6, Suite A200 Sugar Land, TX 77478
281-565-0033
Risks: Adverse events (complications) are typically mild and temporary and most resolve shortly after treatment. Reported complications include dysuria (discomfort during urination), hematuria (blood-tinged urine), urinary tract infection, and urine retention (inability to empty the bladder). Infrequently, worsening incontinence symptoms have been reported.
April / May 2011 l
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contributors
Nick Nicholson is the Entertainment Editor for Focus on Women and the Film and, Entertainment Critic for CNN Radio, the Fort Bend Star newspaper, Fort Bend Focus and Pearland Focus magazines. He is the co-founder of the Houston Film Critics Society and is currently the President of the organization. In “Soul Survivor: The Story of Bethany Hamilton” on page 20, Nick interviews Dennis Quaid, AnnaSophia Robb and director Sean McNamara from the feature film Soul Surfer. Plus, he visits with real-life heroine Bethany Hamilton about faith, overcoming obstacles and being a champion. Nick and his wife, Mikki, reside in Sugar Land, Texas.
A Louisiana native who has relocated to Richmond, Texas with her husband and two daughters, Linda Kliebert Eaves is a freelance writer with a love for children’s literature. In “It’s Good Chili, Ya’ll!” on page 28, Linda talks with the Texas woman who traveled to the Big Apple and took the prize for the best chili in the country. Rhonda Morrison’s Bayou City Chili set tongues wagging when she won the Today show’s Homemade Chili Cook-Off. Her secret ingredient? You’ll never believe it!
Erica O’Grady is the founder of Peanut Butter Media, a Social Media Consulting Firm based in Houston, Texas and the Art of Workshops - Workshops for Women. In November of 2009, Erica gave away all of her belongings to a family who lost everything in a fire - and took to the road. On page 40 in “Beyond the Hype: The 3 C’s of Social Media Marketing,” Erica defines the social media experience and shares the secrets to success in the world of community-based marketing. Erica has been home-free for over a year, traveling around the world exploring topics like fearlessness, truth, simplicity, mindfulness, community and happiness.
Wife and mother of three, Tanya Sterling is the founder and director of the JOY Ministry, a special needs ministry at First Methodist Houston, and a freelance writer. On page 42 in “Every Little Thing is Gonna Be Alright,” Tanya shares an insightful story about facing your fears and overcoming the obstacles in your life – one issue at a time. Tanya and her family reside in Sugar Land, Texas.
Award-winning Interior Designer Sherry Renfrow Moore shares her forty years of design experience in “The Psychology of Interior Design: Tips on Making Your Home a Masterpiece” on page 36. A licensed Interior Designer who has designed homes around the world from a 2,000 sq ft ranch house in Texas to a 30,000 sq ft mansion in Moscow, Russia, Sherry recently joined The Design Source as a Senior Designer. She and her husband, Paul, primarily reside in Missouri City, Texas, but they also have homes in Kennebunkport, Maine and Steamboat Springs, Colorado where Sherry designs magnificent homes for clients.
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style
The List: Things We Love Here are a few fabulous finds that we think are worth sharing.
Stackable Expressions
Express your true feelings for that special someone with Stackable Expressions – sterling silver rings featuring natural gems – diamonds, topaz and tourmaline. These sterling silver tokens of love feature hearts, flowers and even love notes. Stack them up in sizes ranging from 5 to 9, the perfect expression of love for mom or your favorite graduate. www.jloggins.com
Bite Beauty
Finally, a lipstick that looks great and is good for you! The lipstick delivers the super antioxidant resveratrol – which provides anti-aging benefits – and is available in superior colors ranging from nude to plum. Made from all-natural ingredients including organic shea butter, super foods and food-grade colors, each lipstick contains the amount of resveratrol found in five glasses of red wine. Now that’s beauty that’s better for you. www.sephora.com
Decadent and Delicious
For a cheese cake that is simply to die for, go to Chef Rey’s! Available in a variety of flavors including chocolate, strawberry swirl and cookies ‘n cream, this is one cake that is worth the calories! Order for your next special occasion or stop by to sample the goods. You’ll be glad you did. www.chefreynold.com
Spring Into Spring…. With Stylish Sandals
Step Into style this Spring with sandals. Whether you’re going casual or dressy this season, sandals are the way to stay in step. Try these gorgeous gladiator-style sandals by Autumn Run embellished with a bit of bling. The comfortable, flexible material feels like you’re walking on air and with three colors to choose from – black, bronze or white – you’ll have no reason not to buy all three. The price – only $9.99 each! www.academy.com Every which wedge is in this Spring – especially nude colored wedges. The neutral tone compliments any outfit, and the wedges – made from cork, wood or fabric – make them fabulous and comfortable. Finally, a shoe that goes with everything! www.dsw.com April / May 2011 l
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guest columnists
Faith Atai, MD 30
UT Physicians at Sienna Page 30
Alisa Murray
Alisa Murray Photography Page 48
48
Carlos R. Hamilton III, MD Hamilton Vein Center Page 53
53
Tanya Sterling Freelance Writer Page 64
64
April / May 2011 Vol. 3 l No. 1 4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 400 • Stafford, TX 77477 www.FOWmag.com To advertise call 281-690-4242 • TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7469 Direct mailed to physicians in the area and to Focus Magazine subscribers, and available at demand distribution locations. PUBLISHERS EDITOR IN CHIEF ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
ON THE COVER
The cover girls of Imperial: Sugar Land Heritage Foundation Board Members Bridget Yeung, Sharon Ehrenkranz and Bettye Anheiser with Executice Director/Curator Eleanor Barton. Photo by Nesossi Studios
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OFFICE MANAGER ART DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER WEB DESIGNER EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Michael & Lisa Fredrickson Patti Parish-Kaminski Nick Nicholson Jessica Kij Dena Perry April Lambert Norma Loredo Grace Belleza Joey Belleza Elizabeth Pace JOBpageGraphics.com - Joey Belleza Lauren Dante
The views and opinions expressed by our advertisers and columnists do not necessarily reflect those of the Publishers and their staff. 2011 Focus on Women Magazine. No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publishers.
cover story
By Patti Parish-Kaminski
R
esearching, collecting, preserving and communicating the history of Sugar Land to help guide the community into the future is the mission of an organization officially formed in 2008 to help preserve the rich heritage of not only Sugar Land, but also one company who has made an indelible mark on the city for the past 168 years. The company? Imperial Sugar. The organization? The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation.
Honoring the Past Sugar has been an integral part of Sugar Land since 1843 when the Williams’ brothers operated Oakland Plantation which grew cotton, corn and of course, sugarcane. By 1843, the Williams’ brothers built a raw sugar mill establishing the site of the future Imperial Sugar Company in Sugar Land. By 1883, a 600-ton raw sugar mill was completed and named Imperial Mill. Near the turn of the century, Isaac H. Kempner purchased the primary plantations in Sugar Land. He modernized the existing facilities and built a company town for his new ventures: Sugar Land Railroad, Sugar Land Industries and Imperial Sugar Company. Sugar Land – and Imperial Sugar – thrived in the 1900’s. By the end of World War II, the plant underwent a $4 million renovation and produced nearly 2,500,000 pounds of sugar each day. The legacy of Imperial Sugar spread throughout Sugar Land, across the Southeastern United States and continues to this day. While the refinery in Sugar Land is no longer in operation, Imperial Sugar’s headquarters remain right where they started – in Sugar Land, Texas.
A Legendary Past
An Imperial Future
The future Imperial.
Imperial will be an integrated development with superior aesthetic and architectural quality. It will be a pedestrian friendly, walkable community filled with places of interest from restaurants to retail to historical points of interest.” ~ Shay Shafie April / May 2011 l
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Imperial will feature dining, shopping and entertainment venues in a pedestrian friendly, walkable community.
Defining the Future In 2003, the Imperial Sugar refinery which had been in continual operation since the mid 1800’s, closed. What was left behind was a historical treasure trove of artifacts, documents, and photographs that traced the evolution of the site from its early days as a working plantation into its more modern era as a company town. In addition to the artifacts, a vital piece of Imperial Sugar was left behind: the structure and site of the Imperial Sugar refinery. Determining the best use of this historical site would take vision, passion and a proven track record of success. Not just any corporation would have the ability and desire to work hand in hand with the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation (SLHF) as a partner to preserve the Imperial legacy. Fortunately, one such company was ready – and willing – to serve as a partner in preservation while redeveloping for the future: The Johnson Development Corporation. In 2009, the Johnson Development Corporation was selected as Imperial’s development manager by Cherokee Sugar Land LP and the State of Texas General Land Office. Johnson’s charge: to bring life back to the old Imperial Sugar refinery site with a mix of retail, commercial, hospitality, office and urban residential land structures with a keen focus on preserving – and celebrating – the site’s rich heritage.
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Sugar Land Heritage Foundation’s Eleanor Barton and Bridget Yeung with Nicholas Barton.
“Johnson Development has been a great asset to the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation,” said Bridget Yeung, SLHF board member. “They have worked with us in every way possible to help meet our goals and vision. They have been very sensitive to this overall historic site trying to save buildings that are rooted in the history of our town.” Meticulous care has been taken by Johnson Development to preserve the historical significance of the entire Imperial site. They have worked directly with the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation to insure that the rich history of Imperial has been preserved while bringing the structures to a safe and habitable condition. Several artifacts have been tagged by the SLHF to be preserved and incorporated into the development. “Johnson Development has committed to saving our iconic water tower, and I believe they are exploring the idea of a ‘memory wall’ where community members will be able to share their family history in relation to the factory,” said Yeung. “Some families in our area have worked at Imperial for generations.” Bettye Anhaiser, a forty-eight-year resident of Sugar Land and a SLHF board member, is a self-proclaimed history buff and has been involved in historical endeavors in Fort Bend since moving to Sugar Land. Her husband, Leon, worked for thirty-three years at Imperial Sugar. “History is never finished,” said Bettye. “We can always discover new
things about the past and learn from them.” Anhaiser, an author of several articles on Sugar Land history and organizer of numerous historical events, is excited to have Johnson Development as a partner in the Imperial project. “Johnson Development has been so supportive of the SLHF. They have provided the foundation with a temporary location that we are very grateful to have as we start the process of archiving the Imperial collection. Being in the Imperial development site is a shared benefit as we feel a future museum presence provides yet another attraction for visitors and locals as well as showcases SLHF – and Imperial - to visitors.”
An Imperial Future Just what does the future hold for Imperial? An amazing, 700 acre MasterPlanned Community that includes the redevelopment of the historic Imperial Sugar Company refinery site along Highway 90A, the preservation of several of the iconic structures dating back to the early 1900’s, plus much, much more. The master plan for Imperial will bring back to life the Imperial site with a mix of retail, commercial, hospitality, restaurants, office and urban residential land structures. Located along Highway 90A and Highway 6, the plan also includes a significant amount of land across from the Sugar Land Regional Airport being dedicated for the City’s next
professional business and technology park. “We are excited to see the retired sugar refinery site coming back to life,” said John Sheptor, Imperial Sugar Company President and CEO. “We sold this property in 2007 with this dream in mind. Our company began on this property in 1843 and to now see how it will continue to be part of the heart of the city brings a great sense of satisfaction and pride to all of our employees.” “The concept of Imperial is similar to Market Street in The Woodlands,” explained Shay Shafie, General Manager of Imperial. “Imperial will be an integrated development with superior aesthetic and architectural quality. It will be a pedestrian friendly, walkable community filled with places of interest from restaurants to retail to historical points of interest.” A major attraction to the development, Imperial was recently selected as the site for the City of Sugar Land’s new minor league baseball stadium. The Sugar Land Skeeters will play in the StarTex Power Stadium located in Imperial’s Ball Park District. Divided into six separate districts, construction on Imperial is slated to begin in 2012. The six districts include: the Historic Mixed-Use District, the Ball Park District, two Business Park Districts, the Highway 6 District and the Open Space/Utility Uses. The Imperial refinery site falls in the Historic Mixed-Use District which will feature retail, office, restaurant, hospitality, entertainment and residential uses. Work has already begun to prepare this site with the remediation of the historic Char House.
Over the next four months, a majority of tanks, pipes, smoke stacks and other process equipment will be removed from the original Char House to make way for the build-out of its final intended use. In addition to the StarTex Power Field, Johnson Development has begun securing partners for Imperial. With a reputation for building quality, luxury mid-rise multifamily homes, Imperial has selected Sueba USA as their multi-family builder partner. With a host of luxury mid-rise properties in the Houston and Phoenix areas, Sueba was the builder of the 167-unit City Plaza at Town Square in Sugar Land. The majority of the multi-family housing will be located adjacent to and near the new StarTex Power Stadium. “Sueba is extremely excited to have the opportunity to partner with Johnson Development and the residents of Sugar Land in creating a high quality, long lasting and desirable mid-rise development within the Ball Park District,” said Douglas Bergen, Vice President, Sueba USA. The multi-family homes are a small yet vital part of the overall plan for Imperial. “With a continual need for more housing in Sugar Land due to the forecasted growth rates, Imperial is dedicated to meeting that need with upscale, luxury multi-family homes perfect for individuals in transition, whether they are moving to the area and looking for a home in a neighborhood that fits their needs or when having a home built to their specifications,” said Shafie. “Additionally, these condominium style homes will also
meet the needs of young professionals and couples starting out in their careers who want to live near their place of employment or they choose to rent because of its more convenient lifestyle and are saving to purchase a home in the future. Other groups who will be very interested in multi-family housing at Imperial include empty nesters that are moving down to a more relaxed lifestyle near their children and grandchildren and our ever-increasing work force.” Johnson Development’s goal with Imperial is to create a community that is both a regional destination and a desirable place to live, work and play with ample open spaces, trails and pedestrian connections that are easily accessible – all with an historic sense of place. “The Imperial Redevelopment will combine new construction with adaptive re-use of historic buildings that will bring one of Texas’ most unique landmarks back to life,” said Eleanor Barton, Curator of the SLHF. “My personal hope for the redevelopment of Imperial is that the multi-use of the area attracts both local patrons and out-of-town visitors who will enjoy the diverse shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues as well as visit our SLHF museum to become cognizant of Sugar Land’s heritage,” said Anhaiser. The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and Imperial - utilizing the new to showcase the old. That sounds likes a perfect partnership to create the perfect community – the community with the 168 year-old name: Imperial.
The Imperial Redevelopment will combine new construction with adaptive re-use of historic buildings that will bring one of Texas’ most unique landmarks back to life. ~ Eleanor Barton, Curator of the SLHF
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beauty
New Look, New You Focus on Women reader wins the Ultimate Makeover
O
n February 22nd, Focus on Women hosted a Stepping Out event at Salon Eben & Day Spa. While where there were many winners of fabulous prizes that night, one reader won a very special gift: a makeover by the team at Salon Eben. Just how did the winner go from fine to fabulous? Take a look at the transformation . . . The Challenge: When Focus on Women reader and makeover winner Lisa Giesler arrived at Salon Eben & Day Spa, she told the team that she had been coloring her hair herself, which accounted for a small amount of chemical damage and contrast between the color on her roots and the color on the ends of her hair. The first step of her transformation: stripping the self-applied color in order to bring her hair to a uniform tone. The Solution: Although submitting chemically damaged hair to long color processes is usually frowned upon, the team at Salon Eben were confident that, through the use of AVEDA’s uniquely gentle color line, no further damage
would be done. In addition to using AVEDA color, they After applied AVEDA’s Damage Remedy treatment, and were able to restore Lisa’s hair to a healthy condition. The Next Steps: Lisa’s previous color had been too dark for her skin tone, so the team selected a new color to compliment her complexion, as well as the season. The choice: a bright copper blonde that brought out the rosy undertones of her cheeks. In order to add dimension to Lisa’s new look, they applied a full highlight to her hair using golden blonde to brighten the copper base. With her highlights in place, the color was complete. The color done, it was time to select a cut that would suit Lisa’s facial structure and lifestyle. Her work as a professional organizer is very demanding and does not leave her much time to style her naturally wavy hair. The team chose a cut that was both stylish and easy to maintain, allowing her the option of either a “wash and go” style or blow drying it straight.
Lisa Giesler (center) with the Salon Eben team, Krystal Andrele, Courtney Blackmon, Candy Escobar-Beistegui, Juanita Sanchez and Anita Khoja.
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Before
Adding the Glamour: For the finishing touch, the Salon Eben team applied evening makeup, careful to choose colors that would compliment Lisa’s outfit as well as her face. They smoothed and accentuated her complexion with foundation and blush, then brought out her eyes with a combination of eye shadow, liner, and mascara. Finally, the team applied lip liner, stick, and glaze to bring out the shape of her mouth and the colors in her face. Within four hours, the Salon Eben team of accomplished stylists made Lisa look – and feel – like a princess. But what did Lisa think? “After I left Salon Eben, I went to the Chamber for Network Nites. Some people didn’t recognize me! The comments: ‘Wow, you look great’ and ‘Love the look’! The team at Salon Eben was great. They truly pampered me! What a great experience! Thank you Focus on Women and Salon Eben!” Thank you, Lisa, for being a reader and participating in our New Look, New You makeover. And special thanks to the team at Salon Eben & Day Spa: Anita Khoja, Krystal Andrele, Juanita Sanchez, Lizeth Nativi, Courtney Blackmon, and Candie Escobar-Beistegui.
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19
feature
By Nick Nicholson I Photos by Mario Perez and Courtesy of FilmDistrict
Soul Survivor:
Bethany Hamilton and AnnaSophia Robb.
The Story of Bethany Hamilton
O
n October 31st, 2003, spirited Hawaiian teenager and rising young surfer Bethany Hamilton went into the ocean and emerged forever changed – her life upended by an unimaginable event, yet her determination strengthened, her faith deepened and her compassion for others solidified as the driving force of an inspirational new life. Dennis Quaid, AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton and Helen Hunt in Soul Surfer.
Carrie Underwoood, AnnaSophia Robb and director Sean McNamara on the set of Soul Surfer.
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On that terrifying day, Bethany lost her left arm in a sudden, nearfatal shark attack that made headlines and broke hearts around the world. But just weeks later, Bethany would be back up on her board. In mere months, she was crossing the globe to lend a hand to tsunami victims in Thailand, and in just over a year, she would win the National Scholastic Surfing Championships in Hawaii surfing with only one arm. How did she do it? What fueled her rapid transformation from a devastated young girl to a courageous champion and heroine to many? Sean McNamara’s moving screen adaptation of Bethany’s best-selling book, Soul Surfer, reveals the grit, grace, and unsinkable belief in life that led Bethany and her family on a quest to transform what seemed like an overwhelming personal loss into an astonishing opportunity to make a difference for others.
“Bethany’s story is so powerful,” commented McNamara. “Most people would have given up after what happened to her, but not only did she make an amazing return to surfing, she excelled at it and has turned her life into an inspiration for people all around the world. She is someone you look at and think, ‘If she can do all of the incredible things she’s done, I can set the world on fire, too.’” After the shark attack, Bethany could easily have succumbed to fear and anger, but her reaction was the polar opposite. She came to believe that the loss of her arm would, she said, lead her “to something really beautiful.” Nothing would stand in the way of her belief that she could contribute to the world as much as ever, even more so now that she truly understood what it takes – emotionally, spiritually and physically – to move through loss and into the hopefulness of big dreams. Bethany is portrayed by the incredibly talented actress, AnnaSophia Robb, who was very excited about the opportunity to get to know Bethany in person to help prepare for the role. “I spent a week with Bethany and her surfing coach, which was an incredible experience,” Robb commented. “I was very excited about the opportunity to play this part and to help tell this incredible story.” Her biggest goal regarding the film was for Bethany and her family to be happy with the finished product. At first, Bethany wasn’t too keen on having a movie tell her story. After some soul searching, she saw the movie as a means to reach more people with a story she felt was important: the story of how the strength of her relationships – with family, with the friends who stood by her side and with God -- gave her the optimism and resolve to turn what could have been an abrupt ending into a exhilarating, new beginning. In the film Soul Searcher, Bethany’s father and inspiration is portrayed by the awardwinning Dennis Quaid who recalled the circumstances of his first learning of the attack and this story. “The week before Christmas, I was watching the Today show, and Bethany happened to be on about her story. I’d never really heard it before, and I got very emotional while watching it,” he said. “It really got to me, how she overcame adversity and how positive she was about it. Tears were streaming down my face, it was just so beautiful. Then, four days later, out of the blue, I get a call offering me the role of her father, Tom. I’m so glad
“It really got to me, how she overcame adversity and how positive she was about it. Tears were streaming down my face, it was just so beautiful...” Dennis Quaid
Dennis Quaid and AnnaSophia Robb.
I said yes. This is a terrific story and one that everyone can relate to and take something from. I loved that Sean McNamara was so committed to capturing the spirit of Bethany, of this family and of Hawaii.” “It has been an incredible journey for me, and now, I’m just so excited to share it,” Bethany said. “Having a movie made about me is something I would never have picked for myself, but I think the film makers and actors have made an amazing film that I hope will encourage people to make the most of their own lives, no matter their circumstances.” When Sean McNamara flew to Hawaii to meet Bethany and the close-knit Hamilton family, the heart of the story revealed itself to him. “I first met the Hamiltons in a tent
church outside near the ocean, just like you see in the film,” he recalled. “They were amazing people. We talked a lot, and they told me about the inner struggles they experienced as a family. Then, they brought out the actual surfboard with the shark bite in it. You could still feel the sand and the moistness on it, and I had the feeling right then that the full story of what they went through had to be told. It would become a family film about courage.” Though the story is shot through with Bethany’s personal faith, which has always been a part of who she is, McNamara believes Soul Surfer speaks to anyone who has ever faced tough odds while reaching for a dream. “It’s all about the perseverance of the human spirit,” Robb said. “No matter the obstacle, you could feel sorry for yourself or even get mad about your circumstances but that wouldn’t be productive. Turn a negative into a positive, and use the obstacles you face as a stepping stone to next blessed phase of your life.” As the film making process progressed, everyone involved watched with increasing awe as Bethany continued to develop into a young woman whose main mission in life is to bring a positive message to anyone who is struggling. Now 20 years-old and ranked among the top pro female surfers in the world, Bethany has gained her own rich perspective on how to handle the unexpected turns of a life that is still very much unfolding. “I’m so excited to greet every single new day, to be out there in the ocean enjoying God’s creation,” she summarized. “I just hope when people see this movie, they’ll feel that same way – that there’s more to happiness than ourselves and that the real joy of life is learning to love others more.”
April / May 2011 l
www.FOWmag.com
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chick flicks I
By Nick Nicholson
AnnaSophia Robb, Carrie Underwoood and director Sean McNamara in Soul Surfer.
Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and AnnaSophia Robb in Soul Surfer.
Photos by Mario Perez and Courtesy of FilmDistrict.
Soul Surfer Starring: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt Director: Sean McNamara Company: TriStar/FilmDistrict Now Showing: Local Theaters MPAA Rating: PG Grade: A
S
oul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany’s feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others. Bethany (Robb) was born to surf. A natural talent who took to the waves at a young age, she was leading an idyllic, sundrenched, surfer girl’s life on the Kauai Coast, competing in national competitions with her best friend, Alana (Lorraine Nicholson), when everything changed in a heartbeat. On Halloween morning, Bethany was on a typical ocean outing when a 14-foot tiger shark came out of nowhere and seemed to shatter all of her dreams. Soul Surfer reveals the moving aftermath of this headline-making story as
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Carrie Underwood stars as Sarah Hill in Soul Surfer.
Bethany fights to recover and grapples with the future. Strengthened by the love of her parents, Tom (Quaid) and Cheri (Hunt), she refuses to give in or give up, and begins a bold return to the water. Still, the questions keep hammering her: Why did this happen? Why did she have to lose everything? Will she ever feel the joy and power of riding the waves again? And, if she can’t be a surfer, then who is she? The first noticeable aspect of this picture is the chemistry between AnnaSophia Robb and her father, portrayed by Dennis Quaid. The connection they have both before and after the
accident are palpable on all levels. The director of the film, Sean McNamara, works his magic and tugs at the heart strings of all the viewers with his adaptation of this true story. Robb brings a believable innocence that allows her to question her faith, yet get herself back on track after visiting tsunami damage in a third world country. Of particular importance is her faith in God, which is not overplayed and forcefed to the audience. The performances are all wonderful from the entire cast from top to bottom. The emotion shown by Helen Hunt as she comes to terms with her daughter’s handicap is brilliant. Not many actors could have brought home such a powerful performance as Quaid, particularly when he first learns of the shark attack. However, Robb steals the show with the first Oscarworthy performance of the year. Not to be missed, Soul Surfer is for the entire family and is simply a must-see film.
Pearls of Wisdom
By Amy Mitchell and Carla Freeman
Don’t Get Lost at Sea: Navigating the Texas Court System
T
exas courts sometimes seem confusing, even to lawyers. This article is designed to help you navigate the Texas courts, starting from the lowest court and working up to the Texas Supreme Court. Municipal Courts There are eleven municipal courts throughout Fort Bend which oversee city ordinance and traffic violations and Class C misdemeanor criminal cases where the punishment is a fine with no jail time. Judges may issue search or arrest warrants. City ordinance violations may not exceed a fine of $2,000. All other cases may not exceed a fine of $500. Justice of the Peace Courts Fort Bend has five Justice of the Peace Courts which handle Class C misdemeanor criminal cases, minor civil matters ($10,000 or less), and may function as small claims’ courts. In Fort Bend, a Justice of the Peace can issue search or arrest warrants and may serve as coroner. Appeals are heard by the
County Court at Law as an entirely new trial. County Courts at Law The County Judge, Bob Hebert, presides over Commissioner’s Court and does not sit as a County Court at Law Judge. The four Fort Bend County Courts handle civil lawsuits for $200 to $100,000, all juvenile cases, Fort Bend probate and guardianship cases, and Class A and Class B misdemeanors with fines greater than $500 or a jail sentence. District Court Two of the six Fort Bend District courts are exclusively family law courts. The remaining district courts handle cases involving felonies, divorces, titles to land, election contests, all civil lawsuits for $200 or more, and cases not placed in another trial court. Courts of Appeals Fort Bend civil and criminal cases are appealed to the Houston Courts of Appeals which consist of a Chief Justice and eight judges. Appeals are usually heard by a panel of three justices, unless there is an order which
requires that all nine justices rule on the case. Supreme Court Final appeals of civil and juvenile cases are made to the Texas Supreme Court in Austin. It has a Chief Justice and eight justices. Court of Criminal Appeals Final appeals of criminal appeals are made to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin; however, sometimes it may hear appeals in other cities. It has a Presiding Judge and eight judges. Amy Mitchell is a partner of Mitchell & Duff, LLC. She is a 25 year attorney who specializes in civil litigation. She is very active in the community and serves on numerous boards. She is currently running for Sugar Land City Council. Carla Freeman, the newest attorney to join Mitchell and Duff, LLC, was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2010. She practices in all areas of general civil law and civil litigation. She has been a qualified mediator since the spring of 2009.
Mitchell & Duff, LLC
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www.mitchellandduff.com April / May 2011 l
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23
Pearls of Wisdom
By Laura Richard
What is Mental Health?
M
ost people believe that mental disorders are rare and “happen to someone else.” In fact, mental disorders are common and widespread. An estimated 54 million American suffer from some form of mental disorder in a given year. Most families are not prepared to cope with learning their loved one has a mental illness. It can be physically and emotionally trying, and can make us feel vulnerable to the opinions and judgments of others. If you think you or someone you know may have a mental or emotional problem, it is important to remember there is hope and help.
What is mental illness?
A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines. There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. Some of the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, and schizophrenia and anxiety disorder. Symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, personal habits and/or social withdrawal. Additive disorders are believed to be biologically based disorders as well. Mental health problems may be related to excessive stress due to a particular situation or series of events. As with cancer, diabetes and heart disease, mental illnesses are often physical as well
as emotional and psychological. Mental illnesses may be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, or a combination of these. With proper care and treatment many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental illness, addiction or emotional disorder.
Mental Health Facts
One in five children has a diagnosable emotional disorder and one in ten has a serious disorder. Less than one-third get appropriate care. (Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health) • 4.3 million Texans (3.1 million adults and 1.2 million children) had some form of diagnosable mental health disorder in 2002. (20%) (Mental Health Association in Texas, 2003). • 1.5 million Texans suffered serious mental illness, which impaired their ability to function at work, school, and in the community in 2002. (7%) (President’s Freedom Commission on Health, 2002). • In 2001, 49, 073 of the 249,868 (20%) estimated adult population in Fort Bend County battled with a mental illness. (Mental Health America of Texas). • Lack of adequate mental health care contributes to an overrepresentation of people with mental illness in our prison system. An estimated 16% of prisoners have mental illness and 50% of youth in the Texas Youth
William H. Reading, MD BEACON OF HOPE SPONSOR
Commission have a mental disorder. (Criminal Justice Policy Council, 2002). • In the course of one year, a person who has been repeatedly jailed, hospitalized, or admitted to detoxification centers can cost the State an estimated $55,000 each. (Criminal Justice Policy Council, 2002). • In FY99, the State of Texas spent more than $51 million on mental health in our justice system alone. (Health and Human Services Commission, 2000). • 90% of suicides are related to untreated or under-treated mental illness with the most common factor associated with suicide being depression. (Mental Health America in Texas, 2003). Mental health disorders are not character flaws. Treatment success for serious mental illnesses ranges from 60-80 percent, whereas the treatment success rate for heart disease ranges from only 41-52 percent. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1995). Laura Richard has been named the Executive Director for the Mental Health America of Fort Bend County (MHAFBC) Laura has 20 years of experience in management, marketing and development both in for profit and non-profit organizations. She currently resides in Sugar Land with her husband, Judge Jim Richard and their 3 children.
READING RECOVERY, PSYCHIATRIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES Improving the quality of life for families • ADD • Mood Problems • ADHD • Emotional Instability • Adult ADD • Bipolar Variants • Depression • Addictive Diseases • Anxiety Disorders • Impaired School/Work • OCD Performances • Eating Disorders • Temper/Anger Problems • Behavioral Problems
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Mental Health America of Fort Bend County Presents
6th Annual Beacon of Hope Banquet
MASQUERADE MADNESS
Unmasking the Promise of Mental Health Wellness
Friday, May 20, 2011 • 6:30 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. Sugar Creek Country Club
Co-Chairs: Teresa Reading and Deanna Clapsaddle Email: Laura Richard at lrichard@mhafbc.org
Heard Through the Grapevine
Dear Patti, Thank you so much for your support. Not only for the article about Dress A Girl, but also for offering to collect supplies for us. It was so nice meeting Tanya. We had a very pleasant morning together talking about Dress A Girl. I look forward to reading the article and sharing it with so many wonderful people that are so dedicated to our cause. It’s because of organization like yours that we can continue to make a difference. Thanks, Gina Abdulla Dressing one girl at a time!
From $20 - $200 for any occasion
Hi Tanya, Gina sent me the link to the article you wrote about her involvement in Dress a Girl Around the World. As founder of the campaign I just want to say -- “Well done! I loved the article!” Thank you! Rachel Eggum Cinader Hope 4 Women International Hi Lisa, Just wanted to let you know what a wonderful evening we had at the Amore! presented at the Imperial Performing Arts. The performers were excellent and the evening was magical. Thanks again. Carrie Claffey Hello Tanya, Gina shared the Focus on Women article on Dress A Girl. What a beautiful article. I took the liberty of forwarding it to my associates at work and some friends of ours. Regards...and Thanks! Amin Abdulla For questions and comments, please email: editor@FOWmag.com
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April / May 2011 l
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25
Pearls of Wisdom
By Afreen Pappa, MD
What’s the Matter with Gluten?
F
or individuals suffering from a gluten allergy, Celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity, exposure to even small quantities of gluten can cause significant health problems and rarely, even death. Recently, you may have seen television ads for Randall’s supermarkets explaining how they are now labeling shelves to make identifying items such as Gluten Free products more visible. If you shop at Whole Foods or HEB, you may already be familiar with their Gluten Free sections. If you are not following a gluten free diet, you may be wondering “What’s the Matter with Gluten?” For starters, let’s define what gluten is. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, and oats. It’s a staple of the SAD – Standard American Diet – and can be found in everything from pizza to pasta, bread, wraps, tortillas, cookies and many processed foods. Most of us would be unable to imagine a meal without it. Less than 1% of children have a true gluten allergy manifested by hives, congestion and
potentially fatal anaphylaxis. Many afflicted children outgrow this allergy by the age of 5 although some adults may manifest symptoms if they exercise shortly after eating wheat products. Estimates show that as many as 1 in 133 Americans may have Celiac disease. Manifested mainly with gastrointestinal complaints due to gut inflammation, Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition whereby the body attacks itself and is diagnosed with blood tests to detect specific antibodies and confirmed with an intestinal biopsy. Gluten sensitivity, also an autoimmune disease, creates inflammation all over the body and can be very difficult to recognize. It is estimated that 1 in 20 Americans may have some form of gluten sensitivity. A paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine identified 55 “diseases” that can be caused by gluten. These include autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis as well as acne, canker sores, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, anemia, migraine headaches,
depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, autism and more. This does not mean that all individuals suffering with these symptoms and diseases have a gluten sensitivity, but it is worthwhile to find out before succumbing to years of prescription medications and other treatments. Undiagnosed gluten problems can cost the healthcare system millions of dollars, as well as unnecessary pain and suffering to those who are afflicted. If you suspect that you may have gluten sensitivity, there are simple blood tests that your doctor can order to confirm a diagnosis. Health problems due to gluten sensitivity can be treated very simply by what you put in your mouth. “Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine and Thy Medicine Be Thy Food” -- Hippocrates
Dr. Afreen Pappa is a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. She was named one of Houston’s Top Docs 2009 by H Texas Magazine.
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chick flicks DVD Release
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YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS Anchor Bay
Y
our Love Never Fails is the story of Laura (Elisa Donovan), a working mother who just wants to spend more time with her daughter Kelsey, age 9. Unfortunately, her demanding boss Paul (Fred Willard) has other ideas. When Kelsey’s father, Dylan (Brad Rowe) files for joint custody, Laura is forced to take Kelsey to Texas, where she confronts the lifestyle, church and father (Tom Skerritt) that she left behind. With the help of the local church Pastor, Frank (John Schneider), Laura and Dylan will find their way back to the commitment they made to each other and to Kelsey. By Nick Nicholson
Ulises Baltazar is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Registered Vascular Technologist, Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation.
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27
feature
By Linda Eaves
Rhonda with her winning trophy.
Cooking for the Diamond L Roping and Riding Club of the Southwest Trail Riders Association.
It’s Good Chili, Y’all! O
Rhonda Morrison finishing off Bayou City Chili for 100 people with the oar her grandfather gave her in the Goody Girls tent.
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n February 4th, while most Fort Benders were hunkered down in their homes when a rare ice storm occurred, Richmond’s Rhonda Morrison was in New York on the Today show competing in their first Homemade Chili Cook-Off. Her Bayou City Chili recipe won out over a thousand entries nationwide. “I’m completely flattered!” she said. Food Network’s Sunny Anderson and Travel Channel’s Man v. Food Adam Richman judged the recipes. They chose Rhonda’s tasty concoction over two finalists – a hog caller from Iowa who uses Granny Smith apples and Vermont maple syrup in his recipe and a contestant from Pennsylvania who uses oyster sauce, chicken and turkey in his heart-healthy recipe. In her blog, Sunny Anderson said, “. . . I think Rhonda’s won because it was so unexpectedly powerful with flavor. Both Adam and I were blown away by it instantly. There were big chunks of tender beef, and the spice level was so that it was just hot enough to make you want more.” Rhonda created the Bayou City Chili recipe in November when she wanted to win free tickets to the Texans’ game. She entered their chili cook-off and won. A girlfriend convinced her to enter the Today show’s Homemade Chili Cook-Off.
BAYOU CITY CHILI By Rhonda Morrison
“My dream is to have my own TV cooking show to empower people to get in the kitchen and make it a fun, festive place!” -- Rhonda Morrison Her recipe is a traditional Texas recipe but with her added twist. She uses Bud Light Golden Wheat which has a citrusy sweet taste and coriander that balances the heat from the jalapeño and poblano peppers. “It gives a savory flavor to the chili and complements the chili powder, oregano and cumin.” She also uses a Texas Angus boneless rib roast because “it has a great marble of fat which absorbs the fabulous spices.” Ironically, the Today show aired nationwide except for the Houston area due to the ice storm. “My flight home got cancelled, so I stayed a couple of days. My best friend flew to New York; Saturday was our Girls’ Day. We had a great time.” While in New York, Rhonda toured Rockefeller Center, went shopping at the Juicy Couture store and saw Billy Elliot. Since her return, she has cooked for the Diamond L Roping and Riding Club
and has been a celebrity judge for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off and the Fort Bend Toyota Chili Championship Cook-Off. She’s presently organizing her cookoff team, The Bayou Babes. They will appear on April 16th when they compete against 200 cooks in the Texas Ladies Chili Championship in Seguin. She also has a speaking engagement with the Fort Bend Exchange Club. In the future, Rhonda would like to write a cookbook using recipes she’s created using a blend of Texas and Cajun Louisiana flavors. “My dream is to have my own TV cooking show to empower people to get in the kitchen and make it a fun, festive place!” For more information, about Rhonda or The Bayou Babes, visit www. rhondamorrison.tv.
Ingredients 3 – 4 lb. Texas Angus boneless rib roast trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes 2 tbsp. vegetable shortening 1/3 c. chili powder 2 medium yellow onions diced 1 tsp. cumin 5 medium jalapenos seeded and diced 1-1/2 tsp. cayenne 1/3 cup corn starch, separated 1/2 tbsp. dried oregano 2 tbsp. kosher salt 2 beef bouillon cubes 1 tbsp. black pepper 2 c. Bud Light Golden Wheat, separated 1/2 tbsp. garlic powder 3 – 4 c. hot water 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes 2 large poblano peppers, seeded and coarsely diced
Coat your Texas beef in 2 tbsp. corn starch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder and toss well. Brown your seasoned Texas beef in the shortening on high heat in a big ol’ pot. Lower the heat to medium high and add onions and jalapeños stirring until onions are clear. Add 1 ½ cups beer, bouillon cubes, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and oregano. Stir all that up and add water until your meat is covered. Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer, and put a lid on it for 1 ½ hours. Stir occasionally, y’all. Add poblanos, stir, and put the lid back on and simmer for 15 minutes more to get that chunky, smoky, south-of-theborder goodness!
Rhonda with The Cajun Cowboys who came in 4th at the Fort Bend Toyota Chili Championship Cook-Off and received the Best Booth award.
Rhonda with her neighbor, Delon Bilodeau, in front of the Brush Country Cookers tent at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Cook-Off. This photo was taken right after judging the best tasting chili at the event.
Make a slurry by whisking together the remaining ½ cup beer and 4 tbsp. corn starch. Add crushed tomatoes and slurry. Stir again, and simmer for the last 30 minutes. Serve with sweet cornbread or over rice, the Cajun way. Top with fresh shredded sharp cheddar cheese, fresh sliced jalapenos, thinly sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and/or salsa. Or, you can eat this Bayou City Chili bare!
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industry insights I
By Faith Atai, M.D.
What is a Geriatrician?
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he number of people aged 65 years and older in the United States is larger than ever. It is projected that by 2030, one in five Americans will be in this age group. Currently, those who are 85 years and older constitute the fasted growing segment of the population. In our society, aging is often viewed with apprehension and associated with loss of independence, worsening health and functional decline. No doubt, it can be challenging time in life with changes in employment, living situations and social structure, and sometimes an unwelcome medical diagnosis. However, getting older does not have to mean getting sicker. Getting older can actually be a very healthy time in life given the right medical care and perspective. Geriatricians are physicians who specialize in the care of adults who are 65 years and older. They are usually board certified in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine, have completed a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine, and are sub-specialty board certified in Geriatric Medicine. They are specially trained to prevent and manage the unique and sometimes multiple health needs of older adults. These include but are not limited to arthritis, osteoporosis, memory loss and mobility problems. As we grow older, our bodies may react to diseases and utilize medications differently.
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This means that certain medications that were once appropriate may cease to be so. Others may need to be given in dosages that take into consideration the physiological changes that occur with aging. Diseases may also manifest differently in an older person. For instance, a urinary tract infection in an older individual may manifest as confusion or drowsiness, and depression may manifest as memory loss. Since those who are aged 65 years and older are a very diverse group, geriatricians offer very individualized care. Rather than the “one-size-fits-all” approach, they work with the patient and their family to take preferences, social situations, and overall wellbeing into consideration when formulating a plan of care for prevention and treatment of current medical conditions. Geriatricians usually have offices designed to accommodate seniors in terms of location, lighting and additional seating and space for caregivers, as well as other easily accessible conveniences. Since effective communication is a vital part of geriatric medical practice, schedules are planned in order to give twice the time allotted compared to a regular primary care visit. This is usually appreciated by patients and their families, as well as the physician. Because older people are more likely to have multiple medical diagnoses, geriatricians are also trained to manage multiple chronic diseases in the same patient. They act as a spokesperson, counselor and mediator to help their patients navigate through an often complicated maze of specialists and subspecialists. Since patients are often on multiple medications, they monitor patients’ medications for potential interactions, contraindications and adverse effects. Geriatricians treat more than physical illness. They recognize and analyze how health conditions affect seniors socially and emotionally. Family and caregiver input is regularly sought and taken into consideration, and their wellbeing is an extension of the treatment plan. Geriatricians practice medicine with a holistic approach, incorporating the physical, social and emotional needs of their patients into
the care plan, focusing on the ultimate goal of maximizing the patient’s independence. Since caring for older adults is best done using a team approach, geriatricians usually work closely with gerontological nurse practitioners, social workers, dieticians, nurses and other specialists with experience in geriatrics. UT Physicians at Sienna Village, in conjunction with the UT Health Center for Healthy Aging, offers primary and specialty medical care for seniors including routine comprehensive checkups and the management of chronic and acute health problems. These include but are not limited to preventive care and immunizations, assistance with linking seniors to local services, advanced care planning, functional assessments, memory and depression screening, medication reviews, family mediation sessions, and social work consultation. Geriatricians are often consulted for the frailer of older individuals. Regardless of age, a geriatrician should be consulted when: • An older person’s condition causes significant impairment, such as issues with memory and thinking, trouble providing self care or dealing with multiple chronic medical conditions. • The family or caregivers or feel considerable stress or strain. • Longer clinic visits are needed. Faith Atai, M.D. is an assistant professor in the Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. As a board certified geriatrician, she provides medical Faith Atai, M.D. care to older individuals at UT Physicians at Sienna Village in Missouri City and the UT Center for Healthy Aging in Bellaire. To see Dr. Atai at the Missouri City location, call 713-486-1200. For appointments at Dr. Atai’s Bellaire location, call 713-486-5150.
chick flicks DVD Release
THE MIKADO Criterion
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onathan Miller set his well-known production of The Mikado, staged for the English National Opera, in a British seaside resort of the 1920s. The result, complete with a chorus of gentlemen of Japan as cartoon-like British peers, emphatically underscores the Englishness of the satire. The occasional non sequiturs, like a bunch of gentry dressed for Ascot and singing in Japanese, are loonily fun, and no more absurd than the fantasyland Japan that Gilbert and Sullivan invented. The comedic approach of the production fits in nicely with the stoic characters in the second act.
Primary and Specialty Care for Adults Ashish Asawa, MD - Providing Primary Care in General Medicine • preventive care • immunizations • annual physical exams • chronic and acute illness
8810 Highway 6 Missouri City, Texas 77459
Faith Atai, MD - Providing Primary Care in Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine • chronic and acute health problems • cognitive evaluation • functional assessments • medication reviews • symptom control Simbo Chiadika, MD - Providing Specialty Care in Cardiology Including Onsite Non-invasive Cardiovascular Imaging • nuclear cardiology • stress testing • echocardiograms • vascular studies • Holter monitoring
www.UTPhysicians/SiennaVillage
713-486-1200
By Nick Nicholson
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Pearls of Wisdom
By Todd Farber
Tips on Water Wise Landscaping
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pring is here, but you know the scorching summer is coming. When it comes to your landscaping, you want vibrant flowers and lush plantings that last through the heat, right? Sound impossible? It is possible to have amazing color and lushness in Fort Bend and the surrounding areas if you follow this one rule: make water wise plant choices.
roses whenever we can. We believe if chosen correctly, they can bring you years of beautiful, low-maintenance color in your garden. Hire a horticulturist Looking to landscape your yard for the last time? Stop messing around with the local yard guy, and hire someone who really knows his plants. A great initial design with droughttolerant plants from the get-go will assure you and your yard are blooming happily for years to come. This guy knows his plants: Todd Farber, B.S. Horticulture from Texas A & M and President of Garden Guy, Inc. Painlessly book online at garden-guy.com today.
Drought tolerant perennials and plantings The plants that are placed in your front and backyard landscape need to be drought-tolerant and heat-resistant. Just because you like the way a plant looks in a Southern Living magazine does not mean it will thrive in your yard. Leave behind the magazine dream and choose what really grows here. Make water wise plant choices like: yarrow, butterfly weed, purple coneflower and daylilies.
Todd Farber, B.S. Horticulture from Texas A & M, 1991 and President of Garden Guy, Inc. has owned and operated his company for 20 years. Todd and his wife, Sabrina, have been married for 15 years and have 5 children. Todd volunteers with the Texas Wildlife Association and is also Huntmaster with the Texas Youth Hunting program. He loves hunting and the outdoors in his spare time.
A love for antique roses and perennials At Garden Guy, we love to plant hardy perennials and antique
• Creative Design
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Stone Work
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Waterscapes
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Illumination
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Arbors & Gazebos
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Pavers
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Your home in a completely new light with new gardens from Garden Guy, Inc.
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TAT
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Sabrina & Todd Farber
“People are more important than plants—relationships and family are far more important to me than weeding, trimming, coddling finicky plants...” Twenty-years of successful plant selection and installation and a Texas A & M Horticulture degree equal MORE TIME for what’s most important—people!
“And just when you thought customer service has long disappeared, Todd and Sabrina Farber, Garden Guy, Inc., restore your faith in customer service. Every detail fine-tuned and every question answered”— L. Royer, Client, Sugar Land Garden Guy knows what’s important... 20 years in the same business, 15 years of marriage to one woman, 5 children.
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“I love colorful flowers & lush landscaping, but I don’t have a lot of time...” Garden Guy installs lowmaintenance, drought-tolerant plants that GROW more beautiful with time.
My Life
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t... M y h o m e i n a c o mp l e t el y n ew l i g h My Garden Guy IG N & I M P L
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281• 208 • 4400 www.garden-guy.com
Provided by H. H. “Will” Hardee, AWM of the Hardee Investment Group
I financial savvy
Girls just want to have fund$
Dr.
What’s Your Money Per$onality?? High Rollers • Enjoy the thrill associated with taking risks with their money. • Get greater enjoyment in spending rather than saving their money. • Often experience anxiety in dealing with their money management. Safety Players • Are skeptical of whether financial success can be attributed to hard work. • Don’t often feel in control of their financial security but don’t particularly worry about it. • Have a tendency to be more passive with their money than to actively take charge of their money management. Achievers • Want and need to be integrally involved in their money management and investing. • Prefer conservative, low-risk investments. • Are highly reflective and analytical in their financial decision-making. Perfectionists • Often become too critical in the way they make financial decisions and manage their money. • Unwillingly allow their skeptical nature to impede their financial progress. • Are frustrated and discontented with their financial status in life. Money Masters • Are successful in accumulating assets. • Are confident of their future financial security. • Life to be highly involved in managing their money.
Kathleen Gurney founded Financial Psychology Consulting as a result of her inability to make a financial commitment to a new investment strategy without having more of a personal understanding of her unique beliefs and needs” (FinancialPsychology. com, 2010). Dr. Gurney researched tens-ofthousands of individuals with a 28-question survey, which she developed over a six-year period. This research led to the creation of nine unique money personalities: Entrepreneurs, Hunters, High Rollers, Safety Players, Achievers, Perfectionists, Money Masters, Producers, and Optimists. Below are some of the top characteristics of each personality. No one personality is better than the other - that’s what makes them unique! Remember, these characteristics are generalities; they have been assembled by Dr. Gurney through her research and may vary from person to person. Entrepreneurs • Consider career achievements a top priority, even over their financial matters. • Will take risks in order to achieve a business and financial goal. • Like to be involved in financial decisions but will delegate money management to someone they trust. Hunters • Find it easier to make financial decisions if they can rely on someone else’s advice. • Spend their money impulsively, according to how they are feeling at the time. • Find they spend as much as they make, and save very little.
Producers • Have high degree of trust in the integrity of others when handling money. • Are frustrated that hard work has not brought them greater financial rewards. • Are not particularly proud of their current financial condition - their earning power or assets. Optimists • Feel quite content with their current financial situation. • Are not very analytical or thorough in the way they approach making financial decisions. • Experience little stress and worry when making decisions with their money. So what’s your money personality? Call or e-mail us today for your questionnaire to reveal your money personality. For additional information about the Hardee Investment Group and the services we offer, call us at 713-853-0879, visit us as www. HardeeInvestmentGroup.com or listen to our weekly segment on “The Price of Business” radio show airing on Talk 650 AM every Thursday from 11 until noon! This article provided by H. H. “Will” Hardee, AWM of the Hardee Investment Group and a Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President at RBC Wealth Management in Houston, and was prepared by or in cooperation with RBC Wealth Management. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security. RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organization or publication. Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance. RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.*
What Every Woman Needs To Know About Her Financial Future 9 out of 10 women will be solely responsible for managing their finances at some point in their lives1. Yet lack of knowledge and experience continue to be obstacles for many women investors. Don’t leave your financial future to chance – take control and call me for a free consultation.
Hardee Investment Group
Hardee Investment Group (713) 853-0869 • (800) 838-0757 www.hardeeinvestmentgroup.com 2006, Allianz Women, Money and Power study.
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© 2011 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. 11-HC-365_7.25x3.125 Create ad1.indd 1
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well woman
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Breast Center Expands with Open House Scheduled for May
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ethodist Sugar Land Hospital’s new Breast Center has just completed a significant expansion to provide even more services to Fort Bend and surrounding counties. To commemorate the expansion, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is inviting the community to attend the Breast Center Open House on May 17th at 5:30 p.m. Since opening its doors on August 1, 2009, the Breast Center rapidly outgrew its original facility. “We are meeting a very real need in the community,” said Stephen Phillips, M.D., board-certified breast radiologist. “The center is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of breast care specialists, working together to provide the most comprehensive care possible in one convenient location. That is a combination that is difficult to beat and one our community is taking advantage of and using.” In response to the increasing demand for services, the Breast Center recently moved to its new location off of Town Center Blvd., still on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Campus. The larger space features a warm, comforting ambiance and more comfortable, spa-like furnishings to put patients at ease. Available at the relocated Breast Center is a full range of diagnostic services, including: • Digital mammography • Breast MRI • Diagnostic ultrasound • MRI-guided biopsy • Ultrasound biopsy • Stereotactic biopsy • Fine needle aspiration • Ductogram The Brest Center’s full-time breast radiologists are exclusively dedicated to breast care. They read every image taken in the Breast Center and perform procedures with the use of state-of-the-art technology. Having this fullservice expertise available to patients every day
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is unique to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. When choosing a Breast Center to meet your needs, it does make a difference where you go. Patients who choose the Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital can undergo a mammogram and, if necessary, an ultrasound or MRI often on the same day, pending insurance approval. In addition, all biopsies are sent to the on-site pathology department. “We are providing the full continuum of care – from screening all the way through surgery or radiation – all in one place. Having a dedicated center enables our physicians to communicate with one another more effectively and coordinate care more efficiently, which means the women are able to begin treatment immediately,” Phillips said. In addition to providing the only fullservice breast cancer screening and care in Fort Bend County, the Methodist Sugar Land Breast Center’s technology is second to none. The powerful whole body 3 Tesla MRI machine – typically found only in the nation’s top academic medical centers – provides state-of-the-art image resolution and features bilateral breast imaging and computer assisted detection. “No other Fort Bend County hospital has a 3T MRI,” Phillips said. In the event of a cancer diagnosis, the Breast Center can coordinate all additional care with the hospital’s Cancer Center on campus and with the skilled breast surgeons, oncologists and reconstructive surgeons on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “As a breast surgeon at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, I work closely with the breast care team to ensure continuity of care for each patient,” said Sandra Templeton, M.D., board-certified surgeon specializing in breast surgeries and on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Since treatment should be as individual as patients, we are dedicated to providing a wide variety of cancer treatments from leading-edge radiation and oncology methodologies to surgical options.” To schedule a mammogram at the Breast Center, please call 281-242-PINK (7465).
Stephen Phillips, M.D. and Sandra Templeton, M.D.
Open House Invitation The community is invited to attend the Methodist Breast Center Open House on Tuesday, May 17th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Please RSVP by calling 281-276-8468.
SPECIAL EVENT May 6-7
buy three beads and get the 4th bead FREE!
Interiors Market
Receive a FREE bracelet with the purchase of a decorative clasp
Home Ambiance and Gifts 2625 Town Center Blvd. | Suger Land, TX 77479 | 281.980.2070 | www.interiorsmarkettx.com
www.trollbeadsuniverse.com
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home I
By Sherry Renfrow Moore
Design by The Design Source.
The Psychology of Interior Design Tips on making your home a masterpiece
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our home is your own personal “art canvas!” You have the power to create anything you want to make your home your masterpiece. With interior design, you can feed your desire to create something wonderful to share with your family and friends. How? Let the child within you play. Let the playfulness move you to be your creative self. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you. Most importantly, remember that creative passion is a gift you give yourself. You need this gift to have a successful career, maintain your home, give to your husband, raise your children, grocery shop, cook and plant your gardens. Like all of us, you are busy and your time is limited. It is difficult to find time to dream and create your own personal masterpiece. Here are a few tips that will help get you started:
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1.
Take inventory. Walk through your home, room by room, with a pad and pencil. Let your eyes see each room. Make two lists, one for everything you do not like – the things you would like to update, recover, repaint, and fix. On the second list, write down everything you would like to get rid of. Taking inventory of your surroundings should take some time, and you might need to walk through each room more than once. Then, stop for a few days and think about what you have listed. During these 3 to 5 days, you might cross off, add, or change items from one list to another. Out with the old. Determine what items you can get rid of now and what you can get rid of later. Find a place in your home attic, garage, large storage closet, or rent a storage unit. Start moving items out. If you have rented a storage unit, you might want to hire a moving and storage company to assist you.
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Sell or donate. Take the items that you do not meet your needs or that you simply do not like it anymore to a consignment shop, Goodwill or have a garage sale. Any of these items that you are still too emotionally attached to get rid of immediately, take to the storage unit so you can gradually detach and sell or give away after 6 to 12 months. Get rid of the green. Removing the artificial greenery in your home is the quickest way to unclutter. Remove at least 90% of all of the artificial plants. The rule is to use artificial greenery very sparingly and only if you can’t find or afford any other accessory. Start spring cleaning. Now that your house is uncluttered, do your spring cleaning room by room. You can do it yourself, make it a family project, ask your house keeper for a couple of extra days, or hire a cleaning crew. Clean everything including chandeliers, base boards, drawers, etc. As you clean, you might find other items to sell, store, or give away.
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Shop ‘til you drop. It is time to make a list, room by room, of the items you would like to purchase now and a wish list for the future. Set a budget and start shopping. Go big. Start with the large pieces. If you need to recover furniture, an option might be to use a slip cover. They are very popular and you can buy them ready-made or have them custom made. Dramatic draperies. Draperies are a very important design component. You might need help for determining the correct scale, balance and color. Draperies can make or break a room. Set a budget and call an Interior Designer for guidance. Accessorize. Now you are ready for accessories such as art, lamps and throw pillows. Buy beautiful, large accessories that really make a statement. One nice accessory can take the place of 5 to 6 small, less expensive items that tend to clutter the room. Lamps are art pieces. They make a big statement in the room, and they are functional and beautiful. When selecting lamps, consider the scale and balance of the room as well as the furniture piece that it will sit on. Always select large throw pillows with beautiful fabrics. I advise purchasing two sets of pillows – a set for the spring/summer and one for the fall/winter season. If you have the storage for the sets, this is a great way to transform your room from a light airy space to a cozy, warm, dramatic, holiday feeling for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some clients simply have different fabrics on each side of the pillow; however, the fabrics must blend and be compatible. One side is your spring/summer and the other is your fall/winter season. This is another way to create a sensational seasonal change. Selecting two fabrics with different textures, colors and pattern that blend well together might require a designer’s help. Ask a professional. Some people enjoy creating their own masterpiece, and jump right in. At some point, if the process of creating your dream becomes overwhelming, you can always seek professional help by hiring an Interior
7. 8.
Design by The Design Source.
9.
10.
Design by The Design Source.
Designer. They are very affordable, and you can get their help for a few or as many hours as you need. An Interior Designer can walk your home with you to help you make your list, she can help rent a storage unit for the furniture and accessories that you are attached to and can’t get rid of yet, she can suggest a mover or she can simply brain storm with you about making a priority list to get started. When you hire an Interior Designer, always ask for referrals.
To assist with using your money wisely, prioritize and set phases for your project. Cut each phase down to a size you can emotionally and financially afford. You may determine that your project needs 5 or 6 phases over 2 to 4 years. An Interior Designer can easily help you plan your project and make it fun. The main objective is to love your home and make sure each room meets your family’s needs. So, get started today creating your personal masterpiece!
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industry insights
RBC Wealth Management’s Will Hardee Among Barron’s “Top 1000 Financial Advisers” In 2011 For Second Consecutive Year
The Hardee Investment Group Photo by Larry Pullen
H.H.
“Will” Hardee, Accredited Wealth Manager, Senior Vice President - Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth Management, has been named as one of America’s Best Financial Advisors (FA) in the February 21 issue of Barron’s, featuring the “Top 1000 Financial Advisors” in the United States, for the second consecutive year. Hardee was one of thirteen RBC Wealth Management FAs to make the Barron’s list, and only one of two RBC Wealth Management FAs in Texas to be ranked. Barron’s is a national financial newspaper published by Dow Jones & Company, which also publishes the Wall Street Journal. The nominees for the list are ranked based on several factors, including quality of service, assets under management, and regulatory records. During his tenure at RBC Wealth Management, Hardee has been in the top 1% of his peer group and named a member of the Chairman’s Council, RBC Wealth Management’s most esteemed recognition program, since joining the firm in 1994. He was awarded designation as a Top Advisor in 2008 for both Reuter’s AdvicePoint as well as The Houston Business Journal; Hardee was also named to RBC Wealth Management’s Senior Portfolio Manager Group. Additionally, he was profiled in the prestigious Research Magazine. The Hardee Investment group currently advises/manages over $400 million in assets. Hardee’s expertise is offering advice on advanced investment strategies, retirement planning, and estate and trust planning strategies to high net worth
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individuals, small to mid sized corporations and foundations. Hardee currently serves on the Board of Directors of Harvest Natural Resources, a NYSE listed company. He holds an Accredited Wealth Management designation, as well as a certification of Director Education from the NACD Corporate Directors Institute. Furthermore, Hardee is an active member of his community and is also involved with a number of national and local charitable organizations. For additional information about The Hardee Investment Group, please visit their website at www.HardeeInvestmentGroup. com. Trust services are provided by third parties. Neither RBC Wealth Management nor its financial consultants are able to serve as trustee. RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice. All decisions regarding the tax or legal implications of your investments should be made in connection with your independent tax or legal advisor. About RBC Wealth Management In the United States, RBC Wealth Management operates as a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC. Founded in 1909, RBC Capital Markets, LLC is a member of the New York Stock Exchange, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and other major securities exchanges, as well as the Securities Investor Protection Corp. RBC Wealth Management has over $220 billion of assets under administration and nearly 2,100 financial consultants operating in 199 locations in 42 states.
chick flicks DVD Release
I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS Lionsgate
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im Carrey likes to keep his career surprising - and few choices could be more unexpected than this unrepentantly hilarious romantic comedy. Based on a true story, I Love You, Phillip Morris follows Steven Russell (Carrey) from his beginnings as a cop who abuses his position to learn his birth mother’s identity to a spectacular con man who embezzles enormous sums of money from a food-service corporation. During one of his bouts of prison, Russell meets Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor), a soft-spoken fellow prisoner who becomes the love of Russell’s life - but who can’t take Russell’s free-wheeling, anything to break free and live life to the criminal fullest - approach.
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THE DESIGN SOURCE 3644 Highway 6 South | Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281.242.3336
By Nick Nicholson
Visit us at www.dessource.com or on Facebook
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career I
By Erica O’Grady
Beyond The Hype: The 3 C’s of Social Media Marketing
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hen I first started in Social Media Marketing (SMM), Facebook was barely a year old, and no one had even heard of Twitter, which turned out to be both good and bad for my budding business. On the one hand, I cultivated a reputation as the go-to girl for all things Social Media in the city of Houston...on the other hand, no one knew what Social Media Marketing was or why they needed it. The year was 2006. Just two years later, I would wake up to a Social Media explosion. Overnight, Social Media “experts” and “gurus” popped up out of no where – each claiming to have the secret to how you could use SMM to find more customers, make more sales, and get rich quick. All you had to do was buy their product, attend their seminar, or purchase their latest e-
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book. The problem was none of these “so-called experts” knew the first thing about how to get concrete ROI for your brand. Most of them were throwing darts in the dark hoping to get lucky. What these self-titled experts were great at was Personal Branding (themselves anyway). So, chances are, you might have bought into their hype. I don’t blame you. But now, you’re looking for something more than just hype. You know that Social Media isn’t going away. Even your grandmother’s on Twitter, and that boy you had a crush on in middle school just sent you a Facebook friend request. Other companies are using Social Media successfully, so why can’t you?
What Social Media IS and What It’s NOT Social Media is word-of-mouth or community based marketing that leverages technology as a platform for conversations. Notice that it’s NOT about the technology. The technology is just a platform, and it’s always changing. New sites will come and go, some will remain popular for years, others will be popular for 15 minutes. So, if you’re overwhelmed be-
cause you don’t know the difference between a tweet or a digg, and you’re still trying to figure out how to use Foursquare - that’s okay. Take a deep breathe and keep reading - the real value of Social Media CAN’T be found in the latest, most buzzed about technologies. The real value of Social Media is found in the relationships you create along the way. But in order to begin building these relationships, you need to remember the 3 C’s: Content, Consistency and Community.
Content Content is and always will be KING. You’ve created a great product or service that delights your users, and now you want to tell people about it. Or, maybe you’re looking to start a new business, promote a book, blog or video podcast, get donations for your nonprofit, or even start a movement. Social Media is the perfect medium. And, a blog is the perfect place to start. I like to tell my clients that BLOG stands for Better Listings on Google. Your blog also serves as the home base for all your Social Media efforts. Setting up a blog is free and easy. Head over to http://wordpress.com/ and you’ll be blogging in five minutes or less. Remember that people respond to passion, courage and vulnerability online. So, write posts that resonate. Step outside of your comfort zone.
Consistency
little, you will start to build a following. If you are really daring, start a Video Podcast using YouTube or Vimeo. In 2007, Gary Vaynerchuck, founder of Wine Library TV, started posting his popular daily video podcast, The Thunder Show, to his blog. One thousand episodes later, he is now a bestselling author, sought after speaker, and he has taken his wine distribution company from 5 million dollars a year in revenue to over 60 million dollars a year. Gary attributes his success to consistently engaging with his fans online and posting unique and captivating content every day.
Sweet – and maybe even remarkable. But it’s what they did next that earned FreshBooks the love of users everywhere. Since @chelpixie was a client, Freshbooks looked up her address, and the next day, they sent her flowers. Now, when was the last time you received flowers from a service provider after being stood up?
Community Great brands have passionate users. Think Apple and their army of fan boys or The Grateful Dead “dead heads.” It’s not enough to create a successful product or service; you’ve also got to create a brand story that resonates with clients and customers on an emotional level. If you do this, you will create your own army of brand evangelists who will happily share your story with their friends. My favorite example of creating community is FreshBooks.com. FreshBooks is an online invoicing service based out of Toronto. They were also one of the first companies to really test the limits of Social Media Marketing. For FreshBooks, it was a simple, 140-character message on Twitter that solidified their reputation as a company that truly cares about their customers, and helped them launch a community that now includes monthly supper clubs and thousands of loyal fans. On May 29th, 2008, FreshBooks saw a message from one of their users – @chelpixie – on Twitter. Michelle Wolverton (@ chelpixie) is a Boston-based Virtual Assistant who had been using the FreshBooks online invoicing service for just a few months. That night, Michelle had been stood up by her date. FreshBooks was following her stream of tweets and responded with the following: we would never stand you up.
According to CNET, there is a new blog born every half second, 700K people join Facebook, and there are over 50 million tweets sent out every day. There’s so much content and noise coming at people that it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. One way you can stand out from the crowd is to consistently post on a weekly, or if you can find the time, daily basis. Consistency builds an audience. For example, if you are an aspiring food critic, you could post daily tweets with photos of each of your meals posted to Flickr followed by a weekly wrap up of your favorite meals on your blog. Or, you could post restaurant reviews to Yelp and write longer reviews on your personal blog. Develop a posting schedule, and stick to it. Building an audience takes time, so just keep FreshBooks responding to Chelpixie’s Tweet that to your schedule and little by she had been stood up by a date.
When was the last time your web app sent you flowers after you got stood up?
Besides this one special incident, it’s also clear that FreshBooks lives up to these values every single day on Twitter, listening closely, and grabbing every chance to build a relationship with their customers.
Next Steps By now, you probably realize that Social Media is just another communication medium. Now it’s time to join the conversation. I always recommend that my clients start small, focusing on just one or two social media services. Some services to start with include: WordPress - http://wordpress.com/ Twitter - http://twitter.com/ Flickr - http://flickr.com/ YouTube - http://youtube.com/ Foursquare - http://foursquare.com/ LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/ If you would like more in-depth training on any of the technologies above, visit http:// Lynda.com/ and sign up for one of their memberships. Lynda.com is the go-to resource for do-it-yourself technology training.
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By Tanya Sterling
Every Little Thing is Gonna Be Alright 3) I needed to once again prove (to no one but myself) that I could drive around an unfamiliar city and successfully reach my destination.
Eric standing beside a sculpture eating his favorite snack, popcorn. Yes, that’s one way I kept the peace - gave each child their favorite food!
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e must face our weaknesses. It’s never easy, but you sure feel fortified, verified and glorified (even if you are the only one glorifying yourself and patting yourself on the back). This past Spring Break, my husband, Jevaughn, and I took our three kids to San Antonio. The caveat was that my husband had two days worth of business meetings and so, I had to occupy and engage three kids by myself. Typically, it’s not that easy to keep three kids (ages 14, 7 and 3) all occupied and amused. It’s a tad harder when the 14 yearold is autistic as is my Eric. I was nervous as to how I could entertain the kids, by myself, in an unfamiliar city, as well as ensure that Eric would not get overwhelmed, over-stimulated or wander off. So, there I am, in San Antonio, with a working husband and three kids energized and raring to go. Day one was great! I utilized my trusty GPS and navigated to the Wildlife African Safari Ranch where you drive through 200 acres, view and feed exotic animals. The main reason for choosing this day-long activity was that I could DRIVE-
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THROUGH the ranch – no worrying about Eric (especially), Leah and Ryan wandering off. We all had a grand time! Day two was going to be a bit trickier. We wanted to visit Morgan’s Wonderland – an ultra accessible family fun park designed specifically for children and adults with special needs along with their siblings and friends. Eric had been getting a bit agitated as Spring Break was not a part of his daily routine, and he was already yearning for his teachers, lunch time and his school bus. Both Jevaughn and my mom, Monica, questioned me taking three kids to an amusement park alone. I rationalized this outing in a number of ways. 1) I needed to face my biggest weakness – taking Eric out in public without Dad around. 2) I needed to be able to show Leah and Ryan that Eric also enjoys going to an amusement park, and sometimes Daddy has to work and so Momma takes over the reins.
I had made my decision. The kids and I were hitting Morgan’s Wonderland. I was going to overcome a few of my weaknesses. (Plus, I also realized that a special needs amusement park would be THE best place to let Eric be Eric!) Have you ever felt like you need to overcome a few personal obstacles? Not for your husband, boyfriend, BFF, employer or colleague – just for you? Sometimes, these nagging weaknesses can get in the way of your day-to-day life and can even hold you back from stepping outside of your box and into an enhanced you. What is it that you need to do to face your weak spots? How do you plan on overcoming some of your personal deficits? Well, I packed up the kids, once again, enabled my trusty GPS and headed 30 minutes outside of San Antonio. My stomach was churning. I was constantly and nervously checking the GPS and tried my best to keep Eric, Leah and Ryan laughing and happy as we drove across the Alamo City. The day turned out okay. The staff and fellow guests at Morgan’s Wonderland were amazingly kind and understanding. I especially appreciated that understanding as Eric did get over-stimulated a couple of times and so I greatly appreciated all the “I know” smiles. A couple of times throughout the day, I thought, “Wow T., I am actually doing this. All three kids are having fun and I am smiling. We are good.” These moments were precious for me as I had faced my weakness. I could efficiently navigate San Antonio and single-handedly keep my kids engaged at an amusement park. All was right with my world for a moment in
I challenge you to face your weaknesses. I challenge you to finally face that obstacle that is always in your way and smash it. It could be a personality weakness, self-esteem issues, work issues – but face it. Don’t do it for anyone to give you praise and accolades, do it to improve you.
time. As Bob Marley sings in his reggae hit, Three Little Birds, “Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing, is gonna be alright.” I challenge you to face your weaknesses. I challenge you to finally face that obstacle that is always in your way and smash it. It could be a personality weakness, self-esteem issues, work issues – but face it. Don’t do it for anyone to give you praise and accolades, do it to improve you. That’s why. An improved you who has overcome a shortcoming will be an enhanced you that your family, friends and coworkers will love and appreciate. You may even inspire them to look at their personal shortcomings. You get tired of stepping over or sweeping aside those issues and obstacles. Sometimes, you just need to eliminate them so you can move on with your life and continue improving yourself – your now bolder self. My little San Antonio personal adventure does not make me say, “Okay, Jevaughn, I am every woman, and I can do life without you. Of course NOT!” What it does say is, “Okay, J., I understand that sometimes you are busy and are not always available, and whenever that occurs, I got this. I can do this.” Now, if we go on another (working) vacation, my husband and
Eric, Leah and Ryan enjoying the train ride around the amusement park.
I plus the kids are confident that a good time will be had by all. (By the way, a lil’ icing on the cake is that I gained a smile and even more of J’s respect – if that’s possible! – when he observed how I overcame my insecurities and weakness while he took care of business on this small trip!)
for a
proudly supports
Cause
Of course, I could not marinate in my personal euphoria at that amusement park for too long. After all, one kid was running off to the right and another kid was skipping off to the left …but “Every little thing is gonna be alright.”
Dress A Girl Around the World
We Need Your Help! We need donations to help, literally, dress little girls (and boys) around the world. Both new and gently used materials needed include: • • • • •
Pillowcases (all sizes) Flat Sheets (all sizes) Straps Bias tape T-shirts
Donate Here! Drop off your donations to the Focus on Women office, located at: 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste 400, Stafford, TX 77477 FOWmag.com • dressagirlaroundtheworld.com April / May 2011 l
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By Family Features
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
style
“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” — Coco Chanel
Y A cheery scarf tied to a purse adds a touch of whimsy — and keeps this practical accessory close at hand.
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ou may have heard the saying that everything old is new again, but there are some things that just never go out of style. But what is “classic style” — and how can you incorporate those special touches into your every day? Jane Lilly Warren, Katie Armour and Fallon Hogerty are the creative forces behind www.MatchbookMag.com, an online magazine that serves as a “guide to a charmed life.” The women of Matchbook delight in a variety of classic styles and icons — from Chanel and Jackie O — to contemporary style-makers such as John
Derian and Jemma Kidd. Here, they share the basics about classic style for home décor as well as for the wardrobe.
What defines classic style? “A classic is something that has stood the test of time and proven to be the best in its class,” said Warren. “It’s of high quality and is meant to last to be passed on through the generations.” Warren says that while you might invest in an H & M shirt that will last a couple of seasons, a Lacoste polo will be around — and in style — long enough to hand down to your kids.
To get some classic style on a budget
Pretty gold charms not only look stylish, they make great conversation pieces.
“There’s definitely a timelessness to these things,” said Hogerty. “They have an ability to transcend eras.” Modern takes on vintage designs are cropping up all over the place. From the clothes modeled on fashion runways to the paint colors in your local hardware store, there seems to be a bit of a retro revival going on. Armour isn’t surprised. “The world is changing faster than ever,” she said, “and we have seen such instability over the past few years in a vast array of sectors, that I think people are embracing the classics, in part, out of the stability and comfort that they provide.” The women also noted that as budgets have tightened, people want to shop smarter. This means investing in items that won’t go out of style and won’t break the bank.
How to incorporate classic style into your life If you’d like to bring some freshly vintage style to your home or wardrobe, the Matchbook mavens have these tips: n Study the classic tastemakers, such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis. By studying, one can get an idea of what classic pieces will stand the test of time. n When buying that new coat or pair of shoes, think about what is well made and will last through the years — those will invariably be the classics in your wardrobe. n When it comes to color, black is always in style and can complement any outfit. Black slacks, ballet flats, cardigan or coat — you can’t go wrong. n Short red nails, black mascara — sometimes it’s the simple things that add a classic pep to your step.
Living a Stylish Life
n Rummage through flea markets for under-appreciated, timeless gems at a steal. n Visit consignment shops for wardrobe bargains. n Spruce up what you have — a coat of paint on a piece of furniture can do wonders. n A little pizzazz goes a long way. Maybe you can’t afford the yards of lavish fabric you want for curtains or a sofa — but try using some for a throw pillow.
Classic jewelry and accessories 1. Pearl studs (high quality replicas are just as good as the real thing) 2. A pearl necklace 3. Yellow-gold charm bracelet 4. Dark sunglasses 5. A silk square scarf (to tie around your hair or your handbag)
Top 5 classic pieces for your home 1. Monogrammed towels 2. Good china (Finish your set with pieces from www.replacements.com or www.chinaandcrystal.com.) 3. Fine art that speaks to you (Some resources for inexpensive art: www.art.com, www.20x200.com, www.ugallery.com.) 4. Fresh blooms — they’ll brighten up any room 5. Unique, over-sized coffee table books (about your favorite artists, vacation destinations, fashion designers, etc.) can take a coffee table from boring to spectacular
Embracing the spirit of classic style is about more than what you wear or how you decorate your home. The creators of www.MatchbookMag.com say it’s about approaching life with certain joie de vivre that celebrates even the little things that make life a bit more stylish. In their eyes, that Matchbook-type girl: n Views the world through rose-colored glasses. n Loves to throw dinner parties, but has been known to burn the roast. n Is the first to laugh at her own bad jokes. n Paints her nails bright coral when she’s feeling blue. n Is infinitely curious and always up for a grand adventure. n Could happily live off of red velvet cake. n Has a signature shade of lipstick. n Pens hand-written notes to her grandmother. n Has a skip in her step and a twinkle in her eye. Visit www.MatchbookMag.com for fashion and décor inspiration, interviews with the hottest style makers, as well as glimpses behind the scenes of some of your favorite style icons.
Top 10 classic musts for every wardrobe 1. A crisp, well-fitted white oxford 2. Black cigarette pants 3. A trench coat 4. A cashmere sweater 5. Black ballet flats 6. Little black dress 7. Flattering pair of dark wash denim jeans 8. A black pencil skirt 9. A wrap dress 10. Invest in one trendy piece per season which you can add to your classic wardrobe. April / May 2011 l
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By Family Features
Turn the Everyday into a Special Occasion
Make it Festive. Creating an atmosphere that’s a little different from the norm is one of the easiest ways to transform any gathering into a special occasion. There’s no need to spend a lot of time or money – simple efforts like hanging colorful paper lanterns or creating DIY napkin rings and place cards from stylish papers will go a long way. Use your theme as the inspiration for your party décor, and have fun with it. Let There Be (Mood) Light. When you’re short on time or money for party decorations, white string lights and tea lights will always save the day (and night). Hang the lights around stair banisters, doorways, signature drink displays and anywhere else you can make them work, and use tea lights to dress up table and counter surfaces. Trust me, it will feel like a party.
ith the hustle and bustle of everyday, you shouldn’t have to wait for a special occasion to have a party – try turning the everyday into its own celebration and adopting an up-for-anything attitude. Planning a festive fête need not be a daunting task. Jennifer Sbranti, otherwise known as Hostess with the Mostess, is the queen of bringing creative party planning ideas to light. Sbranti shares some tips to make any day an occasion for entertaining without a lot of fuss. Her expert advice will help take your celebration to the next level.
Serve a Signature Drink. There’s something about the combination of good friends and wine that just instantly feels like a party. Serve up a signature drink that is both creative and delicious for guests, such as Arbor Mist’s unique blend of great tasting wine with a splash of fruit. For a festive presentation, add a simple fresh fruit garnish to the glass that complements each flavor of wine, such as colorful skewers of blackberries and kiwi for the Blackberry Merlot or playful fruit stars cut from pear slices for glasses of White Pear Pinot Grigio. See the additional flavors at www.ArborMist.com, and engage in fun conversation at www. Facebook.com/ArborMist.
Pick a Theme. No matter how fancy or casual your occasion may be, choosing a theme will make the get-together more memorable and the planning process much easier. Themes can be as specific as you like – perhaps inspired by a movie your group will be watching or a book you’ve just read – or as simple as a favorite color palette, pattern or type of cuisine.
Meet. Socialize. Repeat. Whether it’s a brunch the first Monday of every month or dinner and a chick flick the third Tuesday, try to develop a regular habit of getting together with friends. Having a standing monthly date to keep in mind makes it easier for everyone to coordinate their schedules around – and it also gives everyone in the group an excuse to take turns playing hostess of the month.
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Pearls of Wisdom
By Lynne Averett
What Does An Empty Nester Do To Keep Busy?
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ears ago, I taught high school in San Francisco, raised a family and followed my husband to Texas when his business changed. He and I had met in school and married young. I raised our daughter, attending every school event and being a carpool mom. We saw her through college and grad school and always were there for her. Then, she became engaged. I wanted a nice looking home for wedding events so I refreshed our house and became interested in design. After the wedding, I opened a furniture store on Galveston Island which was growing by leaps and bounds. Then, Hurricane Ike hit, and our store suffered a total loss. However, we re-built and even added an outdoor furniture pavilion! About that time, I saw the perfect place for a Houston store – on Westheimer –
next to a great coffee shop and Chinese restaurant. So, with hurricane re-building progressing, we opened the Houston store. Today, the stores continue to grow. We have a web site, and are on Facebook and Twitter. In Houston, we are a Hunter Douglas Gallery. We have wonderful employees who are knowledgeable and supportive. They have many years of experience in window coverings, furniture and design. We work with you to help you decorate your home in YOUR style. We have a blonde, blue-eyed seventeen month old grandson who joins me for “Baby Music” class and babysitting every week. He also shares my passion for learning and baseball! I sit on boards for The Women’s Home, the UT School of Nursing, Baylor College of Medicine Partners, and the Galveston Humane
Society – all worthy groups. As a Senior Docent at The Museum of Fine Arts, I give tours every Thursday. Travel is our other passion. My husband and I have traveled to Egypt, Turkey, India, Europe, Israel and have circled the world. We gather ideas for our stores from every country and bring them back for you. I believe in wearing out – not rusting out. Please come to our stores and visit, and tell me about yourself! Your story is interesting and unique. We are women! We are strong! Lynne Averett Frog At Home Owner & President
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By Alisa Murray
Woman Woman A Funny Thing Happened at the Spa: Business lessons learned from experience in the spa lane!
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funny thing happened on my day at the spa. The spa was in San Antonio, and the weekend was just the two of us to celebrate my birthday. We finished shooting on Friday, picked up kids from school and after getting all settled here, took off toward San Antonio. In the car, I decided it would be best to call the spa to secure the proper treatments for Saturday and Sunday. It was approximately 6 pm and while driving down the road, I was told that the spa was fully booked for Saturday, and the only thing left was for Sunday morning at 8 am. Sunday, alas, was my birthday. I sighed and agreed to that time slot, securing the chosen massage for Brian,
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and what was supposed to be a scrub and a massage for myself. Saturday was a rainy day, and we spent it walking around the river, occasionally discussing the business. Customer service was at the forefront of our minds because we were getting ready to launch all of our new spring products and making sure all of our clients received special attention had been our focus for the past few months. Perhaps that was why I was so attuned to the restaurant, the hotel and the spa. We are a high end, boutique studio. Focusing on attention to details, consistency in service and quality is what we do. Doing this better than everyone else is our goal, and client satisfaction is key
to the success of any company. So, you can see where my head space was prior to Sunday morning, and how as things unfolded and fell apart, I watched customer service at it’s best and at it’s worst! Sunday morning: I got up and literally went to the spa (crack of dawn... remember, my birthday too!) When we arrived, I was told there were no massages to accompany my scrub, and I asked if I could then just change it to a facial. The lady at the front desk stated that the women who performed facials was different from those that did massages and then, scurried both of us upstairs. I remember thinking, “I don’t want a scrub only.” This was supposed to be my birthday spa weekend. Brian went his direction, and I went mine. The girl came to escort me to the scrub/massage area. As she was applying the scrub, I mentioned that I had been told that there were no massages available nor facials, and the only thing they had was this scrub. Remember, I called Friday. She said that was not true, all the ladies could and did perform all of the services. STRIKE ONE! As she started on my thigh, the water began to get cold, and by the time she got to my foot, she actually realized it was no longer a comfortable temperature. She said I needed to get off the table and rinse myself with the hose on the wall, and she left. I got up, thinking, “Oh, boy! Some spa experience this is! Who knew you had to rinse your own self off and everything!” The water was ice cold there, too and because I was covered in a greasy salt mixture, I could not turn the faucet to make it any warmer! I gently opened the door and tried to quietly ask for help. She came right away and moved me literally walking down the hall dripping wet, covered with greasy salt mixture to another scrub room. Then, she told me to rinse myself and meet her in a different room. I thought, “Wow wee! I am really expected to rinse this off myself!” I did so and went to the other room. The lady very quickly applied lotion to me without any effort to massage it at all and then, actually stated you will find on the table more lotion that I did not use so you can apply it yourself wherever you like! I quickly got off her table and back into my robe. As I opened the door,
she met me in the hall and handed me a cup of hot tea. She said she knew the experience had not been what I had expected and she had “informed them downstairs.” As I sat in the relaxation room, I watched as other ladies were accompanied by other service providers and many plates full of grapes were being offered to each one of those ladies... everyone, quite frankly, except for me. Finally, I decided Brian surely must have finished his massage so I went to the showers and after sitting in the steam room, I took a hot shower and got dressed. When I exited the women’s spa, I asked the service provider if he had seen my husband, and he said he was still in the spa/men’s showers but I could go downstairs and wait for him there. As I walked down the stairs, I spotted Brian waiting for me in the downstairs lounge. I walked over to him and he asked, “How was your scrub?” I said, “I’ll tell you all about that over breakfast.” As we went to check out, the lady at the desk stated she knew there had been a problem with my service and that they were charging me only half and wanted me to return at noon for a facial. This infuriated me because I already asked for a facial. In fact, I had discovered that she had lied to me and that I could have had one instead of the ridiculous scrub! Charging me half for a screwed up experience further incensed me, and I simply told her I would need to think about that. I had not planned to spend my entire birthday at the spa. We walked down to the restaurant to get breakfast and before I had a chance to explain to Brian what had happened, he said, “Those grapes sure were good! I really enjoyed my massage, and I even ate my grapes while getting a shower!” STRIKE TWO I don’t know if it was building up but that hit a nerve. I said through gritted teeth, “I did not get any grapes!” He thought this was funny. We walked over to the man making omelets. Brian ordered his and started walking back to our table. I asked the man to put bacon, mushrooms, spinach, pica and all three cheeses in mine. He grabbed a handful of sausage and began to make an omelet. I said “I hope that is not mine.” He looked at me kind of weird and I said, “I asked you for
With the economy being what it is and people having choices as to how they spend their money, now it is more important than ever to be consistent, know who you are catering to and deliver the best you can every time you see them.
bacon, not sausage, and there is not enough mushrooms or spinach to make it properly so I’d like you to go back to the kitchen and get exactly what I asked for.” He said, “Of course.” When he returned, he had the correct ingredients in the pan but when he tried to turn on the burner, it wouldn’t light. STRIKE THREE! By now, there was a line around me at the omelet man, and I told him I was just going back to bed. It wasn’t even 10 am yet, and I had already had the worst day ever – and it was my birthday! I told him about the spa, and while he made the omelet, his faced changed. Before he plated mine, he had a chef run to get a manager. I walked back to my table and began to eat. My iphone buzzed. It was my Aunt Carolyn writing on my wall about how excited my Granny and Mother were the day I was born. She meant well, but with my day starting out like it had, and the fact that both my Granny – whose birthday is the day before mine, and I was teased my whole life for being 1 1/2 hours late from being born on the same day – and Mother were both deceased and particularly missed more on these days, especially as I get older, I took it to heart and without warning, burst into tears. Brian, of course thought OMG my wife is going crazy! So, there I was sitting in the middle of a fancy restaurant eating an omelet after having the spa experience from you know where.... when here came the manager asking all kinds of questions about my day and trying to figure out a way to make it right. She got all of the details down and spoke well of the omelet man who apparently had stepped in when these sorts of things happened to make sure guests were treated with extra care and made to feel special when things went wrong. She sent over the head manager who asked
me to please go to the spa and get that facial. I did go, and when I arrived, I was met with a $150.00 spa store credit and a gift certificate for me and someone else for complimentary facials before the end of May. The facialist escorted me into her room, and after the door was shut she said, “Girl, you gotta tell me what they did this morning! The head manager said for me to take my time with you and do a wonderful facial. Something must have happened!” I smiled and said, “Let’s just say the experience was not anything like what this five star spa is known for. They have done everything they can to make sure the reputation stays impeccable.” As I laid there, I thought about how easy it would have been to have just done a great facial that morning at 8 am. All of this could have been avoided if they had just done it right the first time. When I got into my robe and opened the door, my service provider met me and in her hand was a large plate of you guessed it - ripe juicy grapes! The moment that she gave me those grapes, all was forgiven. I knew they had screwed up, they acknowledged they had screwed up and then, they had made it right. I had high expectations for what I was doing that day with them. On the drive home, the spa experience and lessons for what can be learned in business was much of the discussion between Brian and I. We were once again reminded that our clients expect great things from us and our reputation is on the line to deliver honest, wonderful service to each client every time they visit us. With the economy being what it is and people having choices as to how they spend their money, now it is more important than ever to be consistent, know who you are catering to and deliver the best you can every time you see them. More importantly, if you screw up – and let’s face it, every business is going to have something happen from time to time – it is imperative to acknowledge it, and make it right! A little customer service goes a long way, and who knew it would be grapes? Take Care of You!
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By Lisa Chang
Lift for Spring Dr. Peter Chang performing a breast lift with implants consult.
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pring has sprung in Houston! The weather is warming up. The sun is shining. Flowers and plants are blooming everywhere! It is time to rise out of your winter doldrums, enliven your spirit, and embrace the change in seasons. In nature, Spring is the time for rebirth and rejuvenation. So too, for you, Spring can be the perfect time for a little “lift” in your body and mind. If you have been wanting to make a change in your appearance, now is the best time to explore your options. Cosmetic plastic surgery offers a vast array of options that can help transform the way you look and feel about yourself. “Lifts” are procedures that remove excess skin and fat and tighten muscles. They are recommended when a person has achieved her dieting and exercise goals and is ready to get rid of the excess skin weight loss has left behind. “Lifts” can also undo the effects of gravity and aging. Body contouring and facial rejuvenation procedures are effective ways to help you look refreshed and more youthful. At Timeless Plastic Surgery, Dr. Peter
Chang and his staff offer a full-complement of cosmetic “lift” surgeries. They take pride in delivering personalized “Concierge” care to their patients. Dr. Chang will take the time to listen to your concerns and carefully consider the best and safest surgical approach to achieve the look that you desire and deserve. With the most up-to-date plastic surgical techniques and equipment, you will receive beautiful, natural-looking results. The following “lift” procedures are just a few that you might consider. Tummy Lift (“Timeless” Tummy Tuck) is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen that may develop after extreme weight loss or multiple pregnancies. Dr. Chang has developed his exclusive one-stage “Timeless” Tuck technique that not only tightens the abdomen but also addresses other problem areas that a traditional tummy tuck does not. Breast Lift (with or without breast implants) can raise breasts higher giving you a more pleasing breast contour that appears fuller and more supported.
The “Concierge Care” Team at Timeless Plastic Surgery: Vickie, Pearl, Dr. Peter Chang, Jessica, Joanna and Sarah.
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Arm Lift (brachioplasty) is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms and eliminates the sagging appearance. Arms will be nicely shaped and firmer. Face Lift/Neck Lift provides a more youthful appearance by trimming excess skin and tightening muscles around the face and neck. Unwanted lines and wrinkles are removed and the effects of aging are dramatically reduced. Brow/Forehead Lift tightens the skin of the forehead to lift drooping brows and minimize “frown” lines between the eyes and furrows across the forehead giving you a smoother, younger-looking expression. Eyelid Lift is a procedure that corrects droopy upper eyelids that can make you look older and impair vision. This procedure can also remove bags under the eyes. The result is more open and brighter-looking eyes. Labia Lift is becoming more requested as more women learn about it. Labiaplasty gently trims unwanted excess tissue of the labia. Even in the most discrete places, comfort and appearance are important. These surgeries will give you a more healthy and youthful appearance. Your confidence and self-esteem will be boosted. Your spirits will be lifted. Call Timeless Plastic Surgery at 281-242-TIME(8463) for more information about these or any other cosmetic surgery procedure you are considering. Call today and be in time to show off a new lifted and happier YOU this Spring!
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Timeless Plastic Surgery
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People seeking cosmetic or reconstructive dental work should do research before making a decision in order to ensure proper care. As ADA recognized specialists, Prosthodontists are qualified to offer service in stateof-the-art procedures and techniques, such as: after cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, complete and before removable partial dentures, replacing lost or loose Actual Patients teeth, jaw joint problems (TMD), traumatic injuries, snoring and sleep Crowns, Implants, Cosmetic, Reconstructive Dentistry disorders, oral cancer Board Certified Prosthodontist reconstruction and 15958 City Walk, Suite 230 • Sugar Land, TX 77479 continuing care.
Stuart Rimes, DDS, MS E-mail: srimes@comcast.net
281-313-1565
April / May 2011 l
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Reach Your Target Market with Our strong online presence reaches affluent, educated female consumers on a daily basis. Insights from Facebook.com/FocusOnWomen Female Fans by Age
Cities of Residence 41.6% Houston 10.6% Sugar Land 8.9% Dallas 5.2% Rosenberg 3.1% Austin 2.0% Missouri City
2.8%
14%
29%
27%
13%
18 - 24
25 - 34
35 - 44
45 - 54
55 +
Source: Facebook.com Insights
Our interactive Facebook posts engage consumers and drives business straight to you. Visit our state-of-the-art website, FOWmag.com, where you can directly access our social media pages and subscribe online. Scan this code with your smartphone to launch website.
Contact us today and start reaching your target market. Call 281-690-4242 or visit www.FOWmag.com.
By Carlos R. Hamilton III, M.D.
I industry insights
Varicose and Spider Veins:
Don’t let misconceptions stand in your way of healthier legs.
M
ore than half of women and men will develop varicose and spider veins in their lifetime -- those unsightly veins that can bulge, swell and make legs look like a road map of Texas and cause them to feel tired, heavy, achy, even itch. Most sufferers don’t knowingly understand that varicose and spider veins are a sign of an often overlooked, completely treatable medical condition called vein disease and forgo treatment for a variety of reasons -- the most common are addressed here. It’s time to dispel these misconceptions and let the healing begin. Misconception: No sharp pain, so no need to treat. Varicose veins are caused by abnormal blood flow. In the earlier stages, most discomfort is felt as a heavy, tired, aching feeling as opposed to noticeable pain. This feeling progresses throughout the day and is often relieved by rest, leg elevation or the wearing of compression socks. However, by treating the source of the problem, these symptoms can be alleviated all together. Misconception: Treatment is expensive and not covered by insurance because it’s “cosmetic.” Remember, spider and varicose veins are an indication of vein disease. The associated problems of pain, darkening of the skin, and ulceration are medical problems. Therefore, most health insurance policies and Medicare cover treatment.
Misconception: Vein treatment is painful. Today’s treatments are not your mother’s vein treatment. People hear “vein treatment” and think “stripping.” Today, high-tech, minimally invasive procedures such as VNUS Closure™, ambulatory phlebectomy, and schlerotherapy are virtually painless, performed in an outpatient setting, and have a quick recovery period. Most patients return to work the next day. Misconception: Varicose veins come back. Once treated, the vein is closed and gone forever. However, it’s important to understand that vein disease is a progressive condition, so new varicose veins can develop elsewhere in the future. Herbal and vitamin supplements that promote vein health and circulation are one proactive way to keep veins healthy. Misconception: My legs are too far gone. It’s too late. Not true! It is never too late to treat vein disease. Even if the skin around the ankles and feet has darkened and ulcers and sores have formed, minimally invasive vein procedures stop the progression of the disease by redirecting the flow of blood through healthier veins. In fact, those with legs in the worst shape will benefit the most from treatment. Misconception: I’ll just hide my legs by wearing pants or long skirts. Frequently people underestimate the impact of the appearance of their legs on their life. Healthy legs are seen as a sign of youth
and vitality. Being self-conscious about bumps, bulges, and purple lines tends to limit activities where your legs are exposed, like at the beach. Unintentionally this mentality ends up restricting your fun and enjoyment. Minimally invasive vein treatments can make legs “short-friendly” again. Misconception: Varicose veins are just part of aging. This is partially true if “bad veins” run in your family. Many of us are genetically predisposed to developing some form of vein disease, usually between the ages of 30-70. Other factors include pregnancy, trauma, hormone fluctuations and replacement therapies, excess weight, or an occupation that requires standing/sitting for long periods of time. Whatever the cause, there is a fix. So don’t let misconceptions stand in your way of healthier, more attractive legs. Vein disease is a progressive, medical issue that needs to be addressed by a vascular or interventional radiologist. So get your legs back. Minimally invasive procedures make it possible! Dr. Carlos Hamilton is a board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders, including varicose and spider veins. He is the Medical Director of Hamilton Vein Center in Sugar Land, Texas. To find out more about vein disease and treatments available, please visit www.hamiltonvein.com.
Carlos R. Hamilton III, M.D.
Varicose And Spider Veins Solved! - A new breakthrough approach -
The Hamilton Vein Center offers the revolutionary VNUS Closure™ procedure. Finally, a fast and virtually pain free in-office solution that requires no
downtime and delivers instant relief from the symptoms caused by damaged veins. • • • • • • • •
Leg Pain And Heaviness Gone Immediately. Walk-In, Walk-out. No Downtime. Gentle Procedure, Virtually Pain Free. Actual Procedure Takes Only 15 Minutes. Appropriate For All Vein Sizes. Hard to Heal Surface Ulcers Resolved. Convenient Sugar Land Location. Covered By Medicare And Private Insurance.
Complimentary Consultation! 281.565.0033
H a m i l t o n Ve i n . c o m
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Heard Through the Grapevine
Hi Tanya, Thank you so much for writing such a great article. I truly appreciate what a great job you did mentioning all those wonderful organizations and people that have contributed so much to making this all possible. You truly expressed in your writing my passion for this charity and clearly wrote about how our organization works. Stay in touch! Gina Dressing one girl at a time! Pamela wrote on our Facebook “Thank you so much Focus!!! My husband and I had a wonderful time at Amore. The Imperial Performing Arts have truly talented people. I’m so glad I was able to experience that. I’m so lucky to have won a Focus on Women contest :) Thx again” Kari Anderson (From Facebook - Review) “I LOVE Focus on Women. Their magazine is awesome with really informative and interesting articles. Their facebook page is always having contests to win really cool things. They have a lot of fun events to go attend. And last, their staff is really sweet and friendly. It’s so great to have a magazine and opportunities like this coming out of Fort Bend!” For questions and comments, please email: editor@FOWmag.com
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industry insights
It’s Time to Treat Your Body Right! Health and wellness are often a major concern for busy women. It’s easy for a fitness plan to get off track if it is not specific and convenient. My Fit Foods if your solution to fresh, healthy meals to go. Options range from a quick stop to pick up a prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack to a full service meal planning program designed to build healthy habits and achieve your weight loss goal.
T
he average person eats 30 times a week and exercises 3 time a week - it’s no wonder that the calories and nutrients that you are putting into your body largely determine your fitness success. My Fit Foods provides tasty food using the highest quality, freshest ingredients that are high in antioxidants with no added preservatives. Our Nutritional Consultants can customize a meal plan with great tasting, portioncontrolled meals that include lean proteins, heart healthy fats and low glycemic carbohydrates. My Fit Foods has options for any
lifestyle with wheat, dairy, soy and gluten free options. Healthy has never tasted so good! Call or stop by any of our 18 Houston store locations and speak with a Nutritional Consultant about the My Fit Foods 21 Day Challenge. Our 21 Day Challenge clients who started in 2011 have already reported incredible improvements in health and fitness levels including an average weight loss of 8 to 15 pounds. With summer around the corner, what are you waiting for? My Fit Foods has started a movement in Houston - one that allows
the members of our community to say, “I am in control of how I look and feel.” Even if you lead a hectic, busy lifestyle, there are ways to support your quest for a healthy life with food that fuels your body. Take steps now with My Fit Foods and start on your journey towards long lasting health. To find your closest store or to order online, visit us at www.MyFitFoods.com. Now a proud part of the Sugar Land community, My Fit Foods is located at 59 and Highway 6 - stop by and visit today.
April / May 2011 l
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chick flicks I
By Nick Nicholson
DIrector Shawn Welling, Field Journalist Jenna Willard and Producer John Sotolongo review their day in Bolivar, Texas.
Producer and Crane Operator John Sotolongo basks in the sunset as Director Shawn Welling and Bolivar Denizen Michael Pickering discuss solving some of the most significant mysteries of life.
Cinematographer Roger Scott Budge, Associate Producer Jenna Willard and Director Shawn Welling share the Boomtown Film Festival honor for Best Documentary.
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Y
ou know the old saying that even with your eyes open, you can still easily miss what is right in front of your face? There are many folks in Houston who love movies and seem to feel that any film, made outside of the Hollywood system, isn’t worth their time. Shawn Welling, a local film maker, dispels the rumor...no...he simply destroys it with his docudrama titled, The Messenger. Don’t believe me? You want proof, you say? Welling has the credentials to back up his film making ability as a three time winner of the Remi Award, which is the select award for the WorldFest International Film Festival - the oldest and largest of it’s kind in the United States. WorldFest provided the first film awards to the likes of Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee and George Lucas. What started as a film focusing on the beauty of the natural habitat and ecosystem we so often overlook, quickly evolved into a human interest story on the locals and their interactions with one another. The emotions of their stories quickly take root with the viewers as you hear from Michael, Tommy, Eugene and Back Up Birt. As the conversations began, Shawn Welling commented, “When we first met these individuals who inhabited Bolivar - in their humble surroundings - we weren’t sure who to feel sorry for, them or for ourselves.” Michael Pickering is a jovial, carefree agnostic that spent years of fishing in Alaska
to find himself on Bolivar Peninsula cutting grass and keeping a vigil on a used car lot from his mobile home not 300 yards from Norbert’s Bait Camp and Icehouse. Michael loves the sea, the wind and his dogs. As a self-admitted son of outlaws - thieves and killers - his upbringing as a boy was difficult as he found himself in prison. Tommy Etzel was a very successful engineer making a six figure salary when he went off the deep end to one day find himself in Washington D.C. at 2:00 a.m. looking for crack cocaine and hookers in one of the deadliest cities in the nation. After conning his friends, family and new acquaintances on a routine basis, he finally hit rock bottom where the only peace he could find was on the Bolivar Peninsula. Tommy wandered like a nomad at “The End of The Road” on Bolivar Peninsula searching to shed his skin to somehow become “clean” and “right” with God. Tommy loves to fish off the pier at the “End of The Road” and finds great satisfaction just waking up to see the sun rise and the sun set as he appreciates God’s creation all around him. His wife, Sheryl, makes a miraculous return back into his life. He bares testimony that he is astounded at the love God has shown him despite his past manipulations of his fellow man. After many years, he has finally been able to forgive himself which he proclaims to be the most difficult task of all.
Tommy loves to fish off the pier at the “End of The Road” and finds great satisfaction just waking up to see the sun rise and the sun set as he appreciates God’s creation all around him. Eugene Miller has suffered physical and emotional anguish throughout his life while confessing that his survival has been because of his faith. He was run over by a lawn mower at the age of nine and ridiculed by his peers at an early age because of the deformities in his hands and feet. He was thrown in a garbage can by a bunch of rebel rousers when he was 10 years-old and claims the Lord came to him and told him he would have a special mission in life and not to be discouraged. Eugene has Multiple Sclerosis and gets around with the use of a wheel chair. He loves NASCAR auto racing and performs lawn mower along with other small engine repairs to make a meager living. He lives in a small, portable trailer that lacks a woman’s touch with his beloved dog named Sugar. His loneliness carries him down to the depths of humility, but not despair as he is a believer in miracles. Back Up Birt scrambles around Bolivar Peninsula in a most unusual fashion. He picks up odd jobs and is often taken advantage of for his kind nature. He is best known for an old pick up his grandfather gifted him. His grandfather taught him not to “lean on anyone else for favors, but just make do yourself.” After the forward gears in his transmission went out, he made his way between his local friends house and Norbert’s Bait Camp and Bar by driving backwards all over the Peninsula. Birt declares that no one is a stranger but only somebody who you’ve not yet met. After a period of time, Hurricane Ike arrived and the Peninsula disappeared. There really is nothing that can describe the total devastation experienced on that piece of land. No matter what, if you look long and hard enough, you can find a message in anything that can touch your soul. Looking at this land both before and after the storm will no doubt have a profound effect on how you see and think. Michael Pickering, the enigmatic star of the film, said it best on his outgoing cell phone message after the destruction of everything he owned. “Sorry I missed your call. I am going through some changes in my life. If you don’t hear back from me, you’re one of them.” Everything about this film is beautiful.
Under Welling’s direction, the film takes on a character of it’s own. The pacing of the pictures keeps its momentum moving forward through the use of progressive edits and the story being told. You can’t help but root for these guys, which takes the project and the viewer to the next level. The emotion of this film is so real you can touch it. The characters and land expose their souls to the camera through the expert cinematography of Roger Scott Budge. What Budge accomplishes through his expert eye truly shows the spirituality of the entire film. The film covers the personal lives of these curmudgeons leading up to and after Hurricane Ike at the setting of Norbert’s Bar & Bait Camp in Port Bolivar just after you cross the ferry in from Galveston Island. The astronomical number of lives lost coupled with the emotion of the storm is simply overwhelming and too much to bare. There are a number
of things the audience can take away from this film. The characters on Bolivar take nothing for granted. An excellent sunset is better than anything money can buy, and all that matters is being good to and loving each other - something all of us could learn a little something about. A jovial Bolivar resident Michael Pickering sheds light on what love is: “You’re either laughing or you’re crying, and I’ve shed enough tears.” The Messenger Starring: Michael Pickering, Tommy Etzel and Eugene Miller Director: Shawn Welling Company: Welling Films Now Showing: Local Theaters MPAA Rating: NR Grade: A
A woman needs a doctor who listens and is responsive to her needs.
Jeffery Gubbels, M.D. • Karyn Cumberbatch, M.D. • Greg Keffer, M.D. • Marc Sangalli, M.D.
STMC’s Women’s Health Care Team offers comprehensive care for women of all ages. Well Woman Visits Pregnancy & Birth PMS Birth Control
Women’s Health Issues Menstrual Issues Incontinence Osteoperosis 2520 B.F. Terry Blvd. (FM 2218) Rosenberg 77471
281-342-6006 April / May 2011 l
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beauty I
By Patti Parish-Kaminski
Beauty Basics or Killing it Softly…. with
Lasers
W
ith summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your self summer ready. For me, that meant I started a new diet – again – and I decided to try something that I’ve never done before that would really help some of the “high maintenance” associated with summer dissipate. I decided on laser hair removal. Now shaving is not a task I enjoy, and frankly, it can really irritate your skin. And let’s face it – I nick myself – a lot! Now, it could have something to do with the fact that while I’m in the shower at least one of my kids needs me immediately, the phone rings or one of the dogs has decided to see if my eyeliner tastes as good as it looks. Yes, we editors lead truly glamorous lives. In an effort to “test the waters” and get ready for those bare-armed days of summer, I dove right in. I knew if I cut down on shaving, my band-aid budget would drop drastically, so I decided to try laser hair removal on my under arm. After all, Selena at Amerejuve MEDSPA assured me, “It won’t hurt a bit, and you’ll love the results!” I must admit after hearing those words, I was skeptical – and a little scared. I have girlfriends. I’ve heard the horror stories of women shrieking and jumping off of the treatment table in a state of agony during various beauty procedures. But, I was somewhat confident. I had two babies and have been married for 17 plus years. I knew I had a high tolerance for discomfort. The day of my appointment finally arrived, and no one from the office would go with me. Really. I strutted out the door ready to face my fears solo. When I arrived at Amerejuve MEDSPA in Sugar Land, Christina was there in the lobby to greet me. I thought she was being friendly, which she certainly was, but in hindsight, she was probably there to make certain I didn’t run. After completing some paperwork, Christina took me to a treatment room and the questions started – by me, of course. After all, I’m a jour-
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ing to high heaven. It was a hot blast – similar to a hair dryer on high – localized in one spot for maybe 2 seconds. It was quick and really only stung a bit during the application. Once the laser stopped, there was no lasting burning sensation, just a bit of discomfort that immediately dissipated when Christina gave me ice packs to put under my arms. Christina finished the treatment on both arms with seven to eight short blasts. It took less than five minutes. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I really couldn’t believe it. Of all of the horror stories I had heard, I was actually a bit disappointed. I would have Amerejuve no hair-raising tale of torture and mayhem to MEDSPA’s come back and tell my girlfriends. I couldn’t Mahtad Tehrani and write the saga for my readers and tell them Christina Weigle how I “took one for the team” so they would at their Sugar Land never have to experience the pain of beauty. location. It was quick, relatively painless and the staff at Amerejuve MEDSPA were incredible. nalist and naturally curious albeit terrified about Seriously, I’ve had drive-thru experiences at fast a procedure designed to burn something permafood restaurants that were more painful. nently off of my body! Christina was very enI bid farewell to my new friends, Christina gaging and answered my questions thoroughly and Mahtad, the office manager, and headed and professionally. In fact, I started to feel a little home. As soon as I walked in the door, I imsorry for her for having to deal with me! mediately disrobed and checked – what I knew Christina explained that there would be a would be – the disaster zone. I got out the magminimal level of pain and that the under arms nifying mirror – y’all know I can’t see anything were the absolute best place to start hair removal. – and examined my under arms certain that alThe skin might show a minimal irritation where though I was not in pain, I wound find redness, the treatment was performed for a short period welts and overall carnage. There was nothing. after, but in the first two to four weeks, 30 to No trace whatsoever of the procedure. 50% of the hair would be removed. The treatToday, I find myself summer ready – at least ment was designed to slow down, and ultimately my under arms are – and proud of myself for exeliminate, hair growth in the treated area. She periencing something new. Maybe next I’ll try explained that many women received laser hair sky diving. On second thought, I’ll just go to see removal on their faces with no damaging side Christina again and stick to beauty basics. Turns effects. Yes, I immediately looked around horout, they’re not nearly as scary. rified for a mirror to see if I needed laser hair About Amerejuve MEDSPA removal on my face. And, no, there was not a Amerejuve offers Houston and the surroundmirror to be found in the room. ing communities a vast array of esthetic services Christina explained that most patients exranging from cosmetic facial rejuvenation to perience permanent hair removal after six treatFDA-approved laser hair removal. The comments. Now, this information is imparted to pany was founded in 2008 as the precursor of American Rejuvenation Centers. Amerejuve is me PRIOR to my treatment so I am sincerely dedicated to bringing the kind of cosmetic sershocked that anyone could possibly go through vices that were only available to “Hollywood this anxiety-ridden experience five more times! Stars” to the mainstream. The focus of AmereI compose myself and get ready. There’s no juve is non-surgical treatments for cosmetic and anesthesia, no bullet to bite, no nothing. Essenskin rejuvenation. Exciting new services are contially, you lie down on a table with your hands stantly being added. In 2010, Amerejuve will be above or under your head to expose your under introducing RED CIRCLE™, our exclusive, arms. After removing any deodorant and placmetabolism-based, personalized weight maning safety glasses on your face – after all, it is a agement program. For more information on laser – the technician tests a spot to see how you Amerejuve, please visit www.amerejuve.com react. No, I did not jump off of the table screamor call 713-960-6262.
Imperial Performing Arts presents
The Glory of
WORLDWORLD-FAMOUS ACCORDIONIST
GRAMMY AWARD WINNER
GERSHWIN
MARIO PEDONE
Cynthia Clawson
SATURDAY, APRIL 16—7:30 PM SUNDAY, APRIL 17—2:00 PM
FRIDAY, MAY 13—7:00 PM SUNDAY, MAY 15—3:00 PM
$20/adults $10/students, seniors (55+), and military
$20/adults $10/students, seniors (55+), and military
EVERY WEDNESDAY JUNE 1 THROUGH AUGUST 3 8:00 PM $15/General Admission
THE IMPERIAL THEATRE SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE
TICKETS — theimperial.org / 281.277.7444 Connect
I N S P I R E
E D U C AT E
E M P O W E R
BUY 1 YEAR, GET 1 YEAR FREE Don’t miss out on this fabulous subscription offer! For a limited time, you can subscribe to 1 year of Focus on Women and get the second year FREE! That’s only $9.95 for 2 years – $0.83 per issue! Name:____________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________ City:______________________________________________________________________ State:____________________________________________Zip:_____________________ Tel. No:____________________________________________________________________ 1 Year (6 Issues), Get 2nd Year Free. $15.00 Only $9.95 Payment Enclosed (Please do not send cash) Or Call With Credit Card Information: 281-690-4242 Bill Me Mail to: 4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 400, Stafford, TX 77477
Offer available for a limited time only!
OR SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT www.FOWmag.com April / May 2011 l
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59
fine arts
april 2011 CONCERT
April 16 and 17: The Glory of Gershwin. The performing duo of Timothy Boaz, piano, and Ashlie Driver, soprano, will present a variety of pieces by America’s famous composer, George Gershwin, in a concert entitled, “The Glory of Gershwin.” Saturday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. The Imperial Concert Series The Imperial Theatre www.imperialperformingarts.org
George Gershwin was an iconic composer and pianist. His most memorable tunes will be highlighted in “The Glory of Gershwin.”
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
MONOLOGUE
David Sedaris will be returning to Houston for a performance at Jones Hall.
Tuesday, April 19: David Sedaris. David Sedaris, an SPA favorite, returns to Houston to dish out his trademark satire in hilarious doses. Reading from new and unpublished works, Sedaris slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness with social critiques that have made him one of America’s preeminent humor writers. Best-selling author and playwright, and often heard on This American Life on Public Radio International, “David Sedaris just may be the funniest man alive,” says Time Out New York. 8:00 p.m. Society For The Performing Arts Jones Hall www.spahouston.org
EXHIBIT
PresentSeptember 5: Texas! The Exhibition. Find out why Texans are so dang proud! Cowboys, immigrants, farmers and roughnecks: Texas has a history as large as the state itself! Explore the unique roles that Texas has played as a Spanish colony, as part of the Mexican Frontera, as an independent Republic and as the 28th state to join the Union. Discover legendary Texas icons, fascinating Texas artifacts and the historic events that made Texas, our Texas. Monday, Wednesday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. The Houston Museum of Natural Science www.hmns.org
fine arts
may 2011
THEATRE
May 10-15: Mamma Mia! A mother, a daughter, 3 possible dads and a trip down the aisle that you’ll never forget! Over 45 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show! Writer Catherine Johnson’s funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. Every night, everyone’s having the time of their life! With more productions playing internationally than any other musical, Mamma Mia! is the World’s No. 1 Show! This play is appropriate for ages 10 and up. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday Evenings: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday Evenings: 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Matinee: 2:00 p.m. Broadway Across America The Hobby Center www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/houston/
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
MUSICAL
May 31-June 12: Rock of Ages. In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker in LA’s most famous rock club, and they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80s. Rock Of Ages is an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and more. Tony Award Nominee and American Idol finalist, Constantine Maroulis, will reprise his acclaimed performance as Drew in Rock of Ages! An original Broadway and off Broadway cast member, Maroulis has played Drew in Rock of Ages since 2008. Dream big, play loud and party on with this toe-tapping hit of a musical! This play is appropriate for ages 13 and up. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday Evenings: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday Evenings: 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Matinee: 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 12th Evening: 7:00 p.m. Theatre Under The Stars The Hobby Center www.tuts.com
April / May 2011 l
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Southern Sister Designs
and
with
on
present
with
on
Salon Eben & Day Spa • Revive Yourself! February 22nd
Southern Sister Designs’ One Year Birthday Bash Tonya Shields & Julie Grenier.
Thursday, April 21 5:30 - 7 pm
Jade Taylor & Karen Burgan.
817 Third Street, Rosenberg , TX 77471 Come and enjoy VIP shopping, great giveaways, champagne and of course, cupcakes by The Sweet Tooth Bakery! Attendees will also enjoy onsite spray tanning by A Tropical Haven and complimentary hair & make-up consultations by Nuance Salon. RSVP to events@fowmag.com or 281-690-4242.
For updates, visit www.facebook.com/FocusOnWomen
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Pamela Pinillos & Carrie Claffey.
Aveda® gift set winner Amanda Crocker.
Alex Mendoza, Nikki Agnar & Chantal Muntan.
Ariel Graves & Anisha Henson.
Dario Beistegui, Spa Day Makeover winner Lisa Geisler, Lisa Fredrickson & Candie Beistegui.
April / May 2011 l
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63
the last word I
By Tanya Sterling
What Are the Colors of Your Hope?
H
ope is defined as ”a wish or desire accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfillment; To look forward to with confidence or expectation.” This word “hope” has to be one of the most over-used yet under-utilized words in the dictionary. A lot of us don’t hope anymore, we simply settle. That’s not always good there is so much to do in each of our lives and somehow, after a while, we stop hoping and planning and executing and just.... stop. I want you to start hoping again. I submit that you should reopen that “bucket list” filled with all of your hopes and your dreams and creatively find ways to navigate back to some of the things that used to be, and maybe, still are the very essence of you. I know, “life” happened – marriage, kids, divorces, boyfriends, finances, family issues, job and health issues have all come up – but these big events are more the reason to get back to what was you before “life” happened. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll be able to manage some of life’s challenges better because you are now more self-confident, happier and a better version of your old you. To me, hope is like a type of kaleidoscope. You remember a kaleidoscope, don’t you? A kaleidoscope is a circle of mirrors containing loose, colored objects such as beads or pebbles and bits of glass. As you look into one end, light enters the other end creating a colorful pattern, due to the reflection off of the mirrors. Through the lens of a kaleidoscope, we can believe the impossible and see what might be. Through the lens of a kaleidoscope, hope’s colors are a rainbow in promise, bringing rays of light into what were once dark corners. What are the colors of your hope? Are they dark and hard to see or rainbow bright? What are you hoping for? I am out and about quite a bit in our community, and upon meeting someone and getting to know them, I can somewhat discern how they have managed their life and thus, determine the colors of their hope.
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focus on women
l April / May 2011
I have seen the dark clouds of gray and black hanging over some of the women I have encountered and after chatting with them for a while, I eventually hear their stories. Some of these ladies have had heartache, drama and tragedy in their lives (who hasn’t?) but they have allowed these sad circumstances to darken their once radiant colors of hope. I have heard women begin conversations with, “I used to be....,” “I remember when...,” and “Back in the day...” Inevitably, the conversation meanders to “I wish....,” “Maybe one day...,” and “We’ll see....” My heart reaches out for these women who have so much potential and so much life to live but still hold on to those dark colors of hope in their kaleidoscope of life. They just need to shake that kaleidoscope and let the perpetual rays of sunshine shine on their lens. Then, I meet those vivacious women who are always that burst of color when they enter a room. They are smiling, engaged and ready for action! And yes, they too have had their share of crying, divorces, loneliness and fear. However, they choose the bright colors of the rainbow as the colors by which they live. They will not let their particular circumstances define their color of hope and thus, the color of their lives. These women positively define their life and therefore live out their hopes and their dreams. Hope is what makes us cling to our day-to-day routines. Why? Because we are hopeful that, with hard work, prayers and planning, these sometimes mundane activities will lead us to our personal big picture, our personal best. There have been times in my life where I thought the colors of my hope were dark and dreary – grays, dark blues, black. But it didn’t last long. As soon as I started seeing these bleak colors, I shook my kaleidoscope, looked through its lens, once again, and saw bright colors – purples, yellows, white. I have always chosen to go with those bright colors of hope. I have always chosen joy. I hope that for you as well. Cheers!