October-November-2012 - Focus on Women Magazine-Fort Bend County-Inspire, Educate, and Empower!

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INSPIRE

E D U C AT E

E M P O W E R

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2012

Tackling Kilimanjaro

Adventure of a Lifetime

J Loggins Jewelers

A Gem in the Heart of Fort Bend LIKE US ON FACEBOOK $3.95

Tips to Personalize Your Holidays www.FOWmag.com

AMONG THE

NATION’S BEST IN MATERNITY CARE

We’ve been recognized by HealthGrades® for delivering some of the nation’s top maternity care.

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital has received the HealthGrades 5-Star rating for maternity care.

That means we’re delivering care resulting in more healthy and happy families.

WEEKDAYS 3 PM

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My Message to Other Women

DON'T PUT IT OFF!

Dr. Clive Shkedy Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Pierre Chevray Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Deanna McDonald OB/GYN

Joan Yanker Breast Cancer Survivor

Dr. Sandra Templeton Breast Surgeon

Dr. Jorge Darcourt Oncologist

Dr. Stephen Phillips Breast Radiologist

I am so thankful that somethIng kept tellIng me to schedule my well-woman exam ImmedIately. On a busy summer day while out running errands, I found myself near

my OB/GYN's office. A little voice in my head told me to go in and make an appointment now, and I am so glad I did.

During my annual well-woman exam, my physician found a lump in my breast and scheduled my mammogram immediately. I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. Within days, I had an entire team of specialists working together to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic services, surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy—all close to home. Thanks to my breast cancer care team, and the compassionate care I received at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, today I am cancer-free!

Don’t put it off…call today and schedule your annual exam and mammogram.

— Joan Yanker, Breast Cancer Survivor This is the Methodist level of cancer care—from diagnosis to survival, where leading technology and compassion—are leading to a cure.

To speak with Joan Yanker about her experiences—or for more information about the comprehensive breast cancer services offered only at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital—call 281-242-CURE (2873). To schedule your mammogram, please call 281-242-PINK (7465).

Breast Center

Schedule your mammogram at the Sugar Plum Market November 1, 2 & 3

16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-242-PINK (7465) MethodistSugarLand.com

Contents October / November 2012 Volume 4 l Number 4

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J Loggins Jewelers: A True Gem in the Heart of Fort Bend For over thirty years, the J in J Loggins Jewelers, or Jan Loggins Hinson, has been a mainstay in Fort Bend. So, how did the petite, single woman create a fine jewelry store with a stellar reputation in a traditionally male industry? Through hard work, a passion for the store – her store – and excellent customer service.

Features 20 Defying the Odds: Living with Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Since being diagnosed in 1994 with stage one breast cancer, Allyson Stephens attributes her strong faith in God and excellent medical care to her survival. Today, Allyson shares with the world the hope that lies in the battle against breast cancer.

24 Baseball Is in Our Blood

Clint Eastwood’s new film focuses on fatherdaughter relationships, aging and baseball. At the center of the story are a father and daughter whose lives have taken them in opposite directions.

With a winning cast that includes Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake, Trouble with the Curve delves into more than just America’s favorite game.

36 Adventure of a Lifetime:

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

The lure of the tallest, free-standing mountain in the world has attracted adventure seekers from around the world for decades. Each year, 15,000 adventurers begin the journey to the summit referred to as the House of God, but not all complete the trek. Read about Kimberly Cress’ personal journey to the top of the world as she shares the triumph and tribulations of her adventure of a lifetime.

Jan Loggins

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The entire staff of

The Design Source cordially invite you to their

17th Annual HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, November 6, 2012 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Come enjoy a leisurely day of shopping.

As a gift, you will receive a 10% discount on all furniture and accessories and a 20% discount on all ready-made Christmas decorations.

DECORATING DEMO RETURNING THIS YEAR! 1:00 - 2:00 pm 4:00 - 6:00 pm Happy Hour

3644 Highway 6 Sugar Land Texas 77478

MARK ROBERTS FAIRIES & OTHER HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS! Refreshments served from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

281.242.3336 www.dessource.com

Let us show you how to put the sparkle into your holiday décor!

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Contents home

26 Unlocking the Mystery of Art Rely on your instincts to help you choose – and hang – what you love.

34 Personalize Your Holidays with Christmas decorations that tell a story…yours!

financial savvy

22 In the Client’s Best Interest Do you feel at peace with your finances?

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well woman

40 Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Breast Center

29 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Bringing advanced technology to the Fort Bend Community.

Relive the timeless story of a lost alien and the boy he befriends.

32 Trouble with the Curve

chick flicks

See why this film is sure to hit a home run across the board.

23 The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp An angel sent to earth finds she must pawn her harp to accomplish her mission.

33 Magic Mike Meet Mike, an entrepreneur with many talents and loads of charm.

health and wellness

39 Take This Waltz When Margot meets Daniel, she questions whether the grass might be greener on the other side.

43 Your Dream of Building a Family Will Come True Cooper Institute for Advanced Reproductive Medicine offers cutting edge infertility treatment.

45 Is it Easier to be Fat? The effects of extra weight are not a matter of aesthetics—they are a matter of life.

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Join us for

Pretty in Pink Town Square Presented by

Kelly Dempsey, M.D. and Sandra Templeton, M.D. in partnership with Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and the Fort Bend Junior Service League

Friday

October 19, 2012 6-9 p.m.

Sugar Land Town Square

Light up Town Square Pink at sundown to honor all cancer survivors.

Pretty in Pink – Town Square is a charity event for the entire family.

100% of the proceeds from Pretty in Pink will stay within our community to assist patients with the personal costs associated with fighting cancer.

Keynote Speaker: Gail Parker, Breast Cancer Survivor Live Music by Radio London Band Pink Fire Truck Magician Moonwalk Face Painting Balloon Artist

To Donate

Go to MethodistSugarLand.com and click “Pretty in Pink _Town Square” Ad generously donated by Fort Bend Focus Magazine.

Thank You to Our Sponsors Kelly Dempsey, M.D. & Sandra Templeton, M.D. Texas Spine and Neurosurgery TNT Dynamite Sugar Land Vein Specialists Pierre Chevray, M.D., Ph.D. Consolidated Home Health Houston Radiology Associated Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas Renew Laser and Skin EmergiGroup GHA Jorge Darcourt, M.D. Brain and Spine Clinic, PA Colorectal Surgical Associates Richmond Gastroenterology Associates Sugar Land Colon and Rectal Clinic Houston Heart Associates Sweetwater Angiography Center Telfair by Newland Communities Stephen Phillips, M.D. Advance Oncology Charles Conlon, M.D. Clive Shkedy, M.D. Randy & Gail Parker Sugar Land OB/GYN Sugar Land Oncology Sugar Land Pulmonary Associates Uttam Tripathy, M.D. & Imran Mohiuddin, M.D. Turner Construction Company

Photo by Deen van Meer.

Contents

entertaining

28 FaBOOlicious Halloween Treats Make parties go off with a scream with some of these horror-themed ideas.

41 VineSleuth Celebrate World Champagne Day this month – cheers!

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30 The List: Things We Love We think these fabulous finds are worth sharing!

stepping out with focus on women 44 Shades of Grey Adult Girls’ Night Out at Southern Sister Designs.

fine arts

46 October 2012 • Blues and Burgers: Duke Peacock Revue • Lang Lang Plays Beethoven • Whitney Bank Presents This Is the 60s • Gems of the Medici

columns

42 Woman 2 Woman Failing Big for Big Success.

48 The Last Word Have You Ever Broken Up with a BFF?

47 October 2012 • Les Miserables • Roger Bean’s Winter Wonderettes • ComedySportz 22nd Anniversary Show and Silent Auction • The Houston Metropolitan Chamber Art Festival

pearls of wisdom

18 Invest in Your Well-Being with Breast Cancer Awareness Lauren Phillips, MD

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2012

Peace, Love, Sugar Plum Benefiting Fort Bend County Charities Presented by

Preview Night $ 60 Thursday, November 1st

General Admission $ 10 Friday, November 2nd

6 pm to 10 pm

Thursday evening advance shopping, two drink tickets, light hors d’oeuvres and Market entry Friday and Saturday.

10 am to 9 pm

Saturday, November 3rd 10 am to 5 pm

Stafford Centre 10505 Cash Road Stafford, Texas

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ndo e v w

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Schedule your mammogram at the Sugar Plum Market!

Stop by Booth 300 to sign up and receive your free gift.

For more information please visit www.sugarplummarket.com.

This advertisement generously underwritten by Focus on Women Magazine October / November 2012 l

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editor’s point of view I

Patti Parish-Kaminski, Editor-in-Chief

Moving Forward

I Patti Parish-Kaminski

always enjoy finishing a good book. There’s something about the finality of wrapping up all of the loose ends and having closure – living happily ever after if you will. But, there’s the other side of the coin as well. I also dread finishing a good book because there’s no next chapter. There’s no intrigue or intimacy or interaction to look forward to with the characters you’ve grown to love … or love to hate!

That is much how I feel about Focus on Women. It’s been a good book, and now, it’s time to finish the novel and move on to the next one. Fortunately for our community and our readers, the next installment in the absolutely! focus media family is a best-seller.

Now publishers of four community magazines, absolutely! focus media is celebrating a milestone with their first magazine: Fort Bend Focus. In February of 2013, Fort Bend Focus will celebrate its 100th issue of bringing people, places and happenings to Fort Bend. The new year will bring a year-long celebration for Fort Bend Focus featuring the “100 Most Fascinating Things About Fort Bend.” And, in December of this year, absolutely! focus media is launching another new community magazine. absolutely! Brazos will serve the west Fort Bend community covering people, places and happenings, and I am proud to say, will be the beginning of a new book as I serve as the Editor-in-Chief for our new endeavor.

A new book, the beginning of a new chapter and a celebration of success will define absolutely! focus media in 2013. I look forward to this new challenge and want to express my sincere thanks to all of our contributors, advertisers and readers for a helping make this book a tool to educate, empower and inspire women. That has been our mission with Focus on Women, and in this issue, as always, that is what you will get.

Educating Women: You’ll discover how a young, female entrepreneur in a maledriven and corporate-ruled industry has created a successful thirty-year career at her flagship store, J Loggins Jewelers, by adapting to industry trends.

Empowering Women: Alisa Murray will share with you how failing big helps you to succeed even bigger. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Inspiring Women: You’ll read a personal journal by a woman who tackled a monumental feat by climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Kimberly Cress shares lessons learned and memories she will never forget in her adventure of a lifetime.

These women all strive to educate, empower and inspire, and they all succeed – by always moving forward. Walt Disney said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” I am excited about the new path we are taking at absolutely! focus media, and I hope you will be excited with us. We look forward to seeing you all as we grow and venture down new paths.

Stay focused on the future!

Patti Parish-Kaminski editor@FOWmag.com facebook.com/FocusOnWomen

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Look and Feel Fabulous This Fall!

• • • •

An

Concept Salon & Day Spa Since 1989

Hair Nails Skin Care Massage

• Full Body Hair Removal • Body Treatments • Specializing in Color Correction

Buy Pink Ribbon Hand Relief and $4 of the purchase price will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

281.980.5160 15510 Lexington Blvd., Ste. G • Sugar Land, TX 77478 (Between Williams Trace & Hwy 6)

www.Salonebendayspa.com

Celebrating 23 Years in Sugar Land

October / November 2012 l

Give Gift Certificates

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contributors

A Louisiana native who 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 “Defying the Odds: Living with Stage Four Breast Cancer” on page 20, Linda meets Allyson Stephens - an inspirational mother and survivor who has faced multiple battles with breast cancer since 1984 and has raised a family and enjoyed life winning the battle.

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 “Baseball is in Our Blood” on page 24, Nick explores the film’s central themes of father-daughter relationships, aging and baseball. Nick and his wife, Mikki, reside in Sugar Land, Texas.

Houston-area psychiatrist, wife, mother and triathlete Kimberly Cress shares the ultimate challenge in “Adventure of a Lifetime: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro” on page 36. Kim’s journal documenting her four-day journey to the top of the world is an inspiring story of tackling challenges - one step at a time. Kim resides with her husband and son in Richmond, Texas.

Tanya Sterling, wife and mother of three, is the founder and director of the JOY Ministry, a special needs ministry at First Methodist Houston, and a freelance writer. On page 48 in “Have You Ever Broken Up with a BFF?” Tanya discusses the importance of maintaining dignity and honoring the dignity of others when ending a close friendship. Tanya and her family reside in Sugar Land, Texas.

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Women’s Apparel, Jewelry & Accessories

Shop with us at the FBJSL Sugar Plum Market Nov. 1 – 3.

Miss Me Jeans • Old Gringo Boots Johnny Was • Free People • Consuela Krista Lee • Big Star Jeans Big Buddha • Corral Boots Yellow Box Shoes Infant & Children’s Apparel Home Décor & Gifts Monogramming Available

281.232.7737

www.southernsisterdesigns.com

817 Third Street • Historic Downtown Rosenberg Open Tues - Sat 10:00am - 5:00pm & Sun 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Sienna Plantation

“My hope for you and yours is that LOVE, JOY, PEACE AND GOOD HEALTH will be in your hearts and homes through the holidays and 2013.

May we continue to pray for Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all!

Fabulous Fedrick Harris Custom Designed Two-Story Home Situated on Quiet Cul-de-sac Lot that Backs to Beautiful Wooded Reserve. Home Features Slate and Wood Flrs; Private Study; 1st Flr Game Rm; 1st Flr Master + 2nd Bedrm down w/Full Bath; Island Kitchen w/Granite Counters; 2nd Flr offers 3 Bedrms, Wood Flrs in 3rd Bedrm – Could be 2nd Game Rm, and 2 Full Baths. Backyard offers Sparkling Pool, Extended Partially Covered Patio, and Wrought Iron Fence. $349,900.

God Bless the USA!”

Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS “Selling Fort Bend’s Finest Homes Since 1985”

281.414.8400 | arolsen@cbunited.com | www.ArleneRolsen.com October / November 2012 l

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guest columnists H. H. Will Hardee

Hardee Investment Group Page 22

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26

Keron Weathered Out of the Box Design Page 26

Stephenie Cox

absolutely! Memorial Page 28

Birdie Blackburn 28

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Design Source Page 34

Amy Gross

Vinesleuth.com/uncorked Page 41

Alisa Murray 42

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Alisa Murray Photography Page 42

C. James Chuong, M.D.

Cooper Institute for Advanced Reproductive Medicine Page 43

Heather Reichert, RD, CDE 43

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Team Beachbody Page 45

October/November 2012 Vol. 4 l No. 4 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 on Women subscribers, and available at demand distribution locations.

Michael & Lisa Fredrickson Patti Parish-Kaminski Nick Nicholson Jessica Kij Melissa Huckabee Michelle Moore Henry Pineda, Jr. ART DIRECTOR Grace Belleza ART & PRODUCTION CONSULTANT Joey Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jesse McPeek COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Sarah Greeson ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR Erin Sanders WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza / JOBpageGraphics.com INTERN Camille Hay The views and opinions expressed by our advertisers and columnists do not necessarily reflect those of the Publishers and their staff. 2012 Focus on Women Magazine. No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publishers.

Published by absolutely! focus media PUBLISHERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

ON THE COVER Jan Loggins

Photo by Nesossi Studios

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Photos by Nesossi Studios.

The J Loggins Jewelers’ team: Andrea Sobran, Britt Caffarena, Dottie Childs and Jan Loggins.

cover story

B

eing an independent jeweler was a rarity when Jan Loggins Hinson started J Loggins Jewelers, and the designation is still rare today.

Being an independent jeweler is as unique as the beautiful designs J Loggins Jewelers creates for their customers because independent jewelers hold only 30 percent of today’s jewelry industry.

A True Gem in the Heart of Fort Bend15 October / November 2012 l

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“We treat everyone equally as valued customers and will always give the best service we can in whatever we do from creating a memorable keepsake to wrapping it up beautifully.” ~ Jan Loggins

T

he majority of the industry is corporate owned by larger retail chains. “Being an independent jeweler is extremely important to us,” said Jan. “It means we must respond to our customers’ needs, and as the years have gone by, we have made an effort to stay in touch not only what is going on the world of jewelry, but what is going on in our client’s world. We have responded to our clients by carrying items with lower price points and keeping our services as reasonable as possible while still providing exemplary customer service. Our clients appreciate that, and they show their appreciation by continuing to support us.”

Jan’s hard work and vision by responding to the market and to her clients’ needs has paid off. She has continued to grow her business with her philosophy of providing beautiful, popular and timeless designs, and something she is well-known for: excellent, personalized customer service. “We strive to succeed in giving our clients what they want from $50 gifts to $50,000 one-of-a-kind pieces,” said Jan. “We treat everyone equally as valued customers and will always give the best service we can in whatever we do from creating a memorable keepsake to wrapping it up beautifully.”

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J Loggins continues to grow each year, and this past year, the store added new, high tech equipment to maintain the highest and newest in industry standards, which can be helpful in providing important peace of mind to clients. “When clients leave their precious items with us, we are very protective,” explained Jan. “We photograph every piece to make clients, especially new clients, feel comfortable that they are leaving their valuables in excellent hands.”

J Loggins Jewelers has an established reputation as an exemplary custom design store known in the market as Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler. Loggins’ experienced designers focus on clients’ needs and desires so that the end results are unsurpassed in beauty, design and quality. “There’s nothing like helping a client realize their dream by creating a unique, custom piece that expresses their exact wishes and desires,” said Jan. Jan describes J Loggins as a “full service jewelry store.” Much of her success, particularly in the custom design area, is attributed to the store’s master jeweler, Omar Quinonez, who has been with Jan for over twenty years.

Described as a warm and great friend with a calm and patient attitude, Omar is a master craftsman who is the best at what he does. And, what he does is a lot – from the most basic sterling silver charm solder to an intricate and delicate restoration of someone’s precious family heirloom piece.

J Loggins’ design staff can sketch and create a jewelry masterpiece specifically to the client’s specifications. Jan and her team treasure the long relationships they, along with their cli-

ents, have enjoyed with their master jeweler. In fact, Jan’s famous quote, “If we can’t do it, it can’t be done!” can easily be attributed to the talents Omar Quinonez of Omar and her entire team.

“At J Loggins, we feel a connection to the people we work with and to the people we serve,” said Jan. “It is my number one priority to assure our clients of our honesty and integrity and to always present ourselves professionally.”

Jan takes professionalism and education seriously when it comes to serving her clients. The role of a qualified graduate gemologist has taken the jewelry profession to new heights and having one on staff at J Loggins is another way of setting them apart from the rest of the fine jewelry industry.

Jan is a certified diamond expert with the Gemological Institute of America, and team member Britt Caffarena is a graduate gemologist with the GIA. Adding to the expertise at J Loggins are Andrea Sobran and Dottie Childs. “Having experienced professionals whose only priority is providing clients with the best service is what makes this business such a success.”

Many Fort Bend area jewelers refer clients to J Loggins due to their education, professionalism and stellar reputation. “To me, it is such a compliment when quality jewelry stores tell their clients that we are the only ones who can tackle certain repairs or designs. We acquire new clients on a weekly basis based on the referrals of our competitors. That is a true testament to our reputation,” said Jan. Referral clients from the area don’t have far to go when visiting J Loggins Jewelers; they have been conveniently located on 59 South at Sugar Creek for the past twelve years. “We have serviced clients for four generations in Fort Bend,” said Jan. “Our commitment to this community is strong.

We are here to stay.”

The look and feel of J Loggins Jewelers, designed personally by Jan, is that of a gallery. It’s both elegant and contemporary and very welcoming. “My goal in the design of the store was to create an elegant feel without even a hint of stuffiness,” said Jan. “The feel is relaxed and comfortable with the look of a modern art gallery.”

Just as a modern art gallery features things of beauty, so does J Loggins.

Featuring exclusive, well-known designer lines such as John Hardy, Charles Krypell, Lagos and Vahan, Jan is also known for featuring the rising stars in the fine jewelry industry. “Designer jewelry has beautiful dimensions of form and function, and it is always evolving with something new.”

Offering the latest in designer jewelry and custom design, J Loggins offers an expansive repair service. They repair any type of jewelry including restringing, engraving and stone replacement and are able to work with any metal – silver, gold and platinum. The store also services and repairs all higher end watches including Rolex, and offers consignment services to their clients. “Our consignment services are very popular,” said Jan. “Many clients have something they no longer wear or inherited something that’s simply not their style. We can take those unwanted valuables and turn them into cash for our clients.”

Jan prides herself on the fact that J Loggins Jewelers has grown into such a success by not only diversifying their services but based on the professional, thorough and personalized customer service that they provide. The store maintains a computerized “wish list” on each of their clients to assist with those special occasions. And, all clients receive a 10 percent discount if they are purchasing for a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.

“This is such a wonderful business to be in because we get to do happy things with our clients every day,” said Jan. Jan admits that owning J Loggins has been the greatest accomplishment of her professional life, but the greatest accomplishment of her personal life is her marriage to the “love of her life,” Paul Hinson.

The secret to Jan’s and J Loggins Jewelers’ success is perhaps best summed up in what Jan calls her golden rule: “We are in business because clients continue to need us and believe in us.” For five generations, clients have believed in the petite blonde who created a successful business in a traditional man’s industry. And, if you know Jan, you know that the best is yet to come.

Trunk Shows at

Join Jan and her team for two special holiday events featuring the hottest designers in fine jewelry: Vahan and Lagos Enjoy complimentary appetizers and cocktails.

Trunk Show Wednesday, December 19th 1 to 7 pm

Trunk Show Thursday, December 20th 3 to 7 pm

J Loggins Jewelers 14015 Southwest Freeway at Sugar Creek RSVP: 281.242.2900 For a complete listing of upcoming events at J Loggins Jewelers, visit www.jloggins.com.

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Pearls of Wisdom

By Lauren Phillips, MD

Invest in Your Well-Being with Breast Cancer Awareness

G

et ready to look pretty in pink!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us have purchased everything from pink lipstick to pink potholders. Some of us have even participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Breast cancer awareness has come a long way, but the facts are still sobering: One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in our lifetime. Virtually all of us will have a close friend or family member battle breast cancer.

We are “aware,” but what does that really mean? Have you spoken with your doctor about your family history and personal risk?

Do you know about the different types of screening tools? Did you receive the recommended imaging for your age group? If so, congratulations for taking charge of your health. If not, there is still time to act. The survival rate for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer is close to 90 percent.

Screening for breast cancer is vital, and the simplest way to begin is the breast self-exam.

This is a test that can easily be done at home each month, preferably the week after your menstrual cycle. Your doctor can teach you how to perform the breast self-exam and discuss steps to take if you find an abnormality.

Contact your physician if there is a change in breast tissue. But don’t panic, the vast majority of lumps are benign (non-cancerous).

Yearly well woman exams are crucial to breast health. In addition to breast exams, your doctor will offer screening tests including mammogram, ultrasound and MRI based on family history, age group and lifestyle. 3D and Thermo-imaging utilizes technology that has a high sensitivity for detecting breast cancers.

It is important to develop a relationship with your physician and talk about ways you can reduce your risk of breast cancer. In addition to testing, healthy diets and exercise are significant starting points!

Family history is another factor to be considered when talking with your doctor.

Ten percent of breast cancers are caused by

the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome. Patients with a high risk family history should talk with their physicians about a test available to detect genetic mutations. Patients with this mutation are at a significantly higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer by age 50. Sugar Land Women’s Health offers the Breast Cancer (BRCA) Gene Test and counseling for high risk patients.

With breast cancer awareness and education comes power. By taking an active role in your health care, you can learn how to minimize your risk for breast cancer. Sugar Land Women’s Health is here to help you invest in your well-being.

Lauren M. Phillips, MD is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist at Sugar Land Women’s Health.

She is a member of ACOG, Texas Medical Society, and the American Medical Association.

For more information, visit www.laurenphillipsmd.com.

Sugar Land Women’s Health Personalized Compassionate Care for Women • Obstetrics/Gynecology Lauren Phillips, MD

Obstetrician/Gynecologist Medical Plaza at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land 17510 W. Grand Parkway South, Suite 430 Sugar Land, TX 77479

713.578.3823 (office) www.laurenphillipsmd.com Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 am to 5 pm & Friday 8:30 am to 12 pm

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• Comprehensive Well Woman Care • Minimally Invasive Surgery

Accepting New Patients

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PETER CHANG M.D.

281-242-TIME (8463) • www.TimelessPlasticSurgery.com

October / November 2012 l

Concierge Care Team

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feature

By Linda K. Eaves

Defying The Odds

Living With Stage 4 Breast C ncer

Photography by Nesossi Studios

Prayer, Acceptance and Peace

Allyson and John Stephens at the Breast Cancer walk at Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear.

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llyson Stephens doesn’t fit the statistics – her doctors and the medical staff are surprised she’s still here. She attributes her strong faith in God and excellent medical care to her survival.

Allyson was first diagnosed in 1994 with stage one breast cancer at age 28. It was an aggressive type but was caught early. She had a lumpectomy and seven weeks of radiation. Her mom, 54, had also been diagnosed a few months earlier and was undergoing chemo. At that time, Allyson had a baby and a three-year-old and was working as an oncology nurse.

Her second diagnosis came in 1996 followed by a double mastectomy with reconstruction.

In 1997, Allyson Stephens was diagnosed for the third time with stage four breast cancer. The cancer had spread. She received six months of chemotherapy and was told she had a 25 percent chance of surviving two years if the chemo worked.

She was advised to stop working and stay home with her boys. “That was a blow as well because I loved working with cancer patients, and I still miss that,” said Allyson.

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“One time in the middle of the night, my husband prayed over me, and my tumors were gone within hours,” shared Allyson. “I know now it was not about the healing in that moment but rather God desiring to encourage me for the long journey ahead. I am cautious in the message being misunderstood that if someone prays the right prayer or has enough faith that God will heal them. I don’t believe that. Obviously God has been at work in my life and that was just one of many miracles and answered prayers we’ve witnessed.

“However, I am very sensitive to someone thinking: ‘why hasn’t God answered my prayers?’ I’ve been on that side, too, and I would rather stay focused on the

Hope

Allyson and John Stephens on a recent trip to California.

point that I believe God hears our prayers and sees our pain, and our prayers are not always answered the way we would like, but that isn’t reason to lose hope. I believe that faith is not the belief that God will do what I want, but rather believing and trusting that God will do what is best.”

Cancer Returns The cancer returned five more times since 2000. Since chemotherapy, Allyson has been on multiple treatments related to decreasing the amount of estrogen in her body. “Basically, they are called antihormone-based therapy,” stated Allyson.

“These types of medications have side effects but nothing like what you think of when you think of routine chemotherapy.

They have given me great quality of life, and it is amazing the new medications that have only been available in the past decade.”

Her most recent reoccurrence was this past January. Allyson started a new type of experimental treatment involving a chemo pill that has since been approved for some late-stage breast cancer patients.

“My cancer has not gone away, but it has not grown since beginning the treatment, and I’ve been able to help my son finish his senior year, enjoy the summer and get him moved into college. What a blessing considering I never thought I would see both sons into their high school years!”

Does Allyson have side effects from all these years of treatment? “Absolutely,” she said. “But I am still here and have been able to be a wife and a mom.”

“I say all this to give women hope.

There are many newer and better treatment options today and more to come.

The key to prevention is knowing your own body and doing self-breast exams.

I caught mine first at home nearly every time. When in doubt, insist on a biopsy.

They are not painful procedures.”

For a long time, Allyson did not like being introduced as a cancer survivor because she knew she had not beaten it. “I’ve come to have a different understanding of what that actually means for me. I am proud now to say I am a cancer survivor because I’ve learned to live with it and not allow it to be the focus of every minute of every day. Most people have something unpleasant that they live with on a daily basis. I have my moments, but I really try to live one day at a time because that is all we are given.”

“The past is gone, and the future is not a reality yet. I just want to live in the present. I surround myself with friends who remind me of that. I have always been a member of a Bible-believing church that prays for me and supports me on the journey. I read my Bible every day to encourage me of that, and I strive to look for the blessings in the midst of especially bad days and be thankful for those.”

Allyson strongly encourages women to get second opinions. “Yes, it is one more

Allyson with oldest son Tyler.

“... I am proud now to say I am a cancer survivor because I’ve learned to live with it and not allow it to be the focus of every minute of every day...” ~ Allyson Stephens

appointment, but it is worth it! That is how I found the doctor I use now, Dr. Frankie Holmes. If facing breast cancer, try to get treatment through a breast cancer specialist. They are the ones most involved in educating themselves in the most up-to-date treatments. If your insurance won’t allow it, then see one for your second opinion.”

Now that her boys are away at college, she has revisited some of her old journals and has gained insights from her experience such as: “Visit the past and think of the future, but if you linger there too long, you lose the present. I’ve always wanted to write and always used the excuse that I can’t because I had too many distractions of having kids.”

“Even though there is not a cure, there is much hope for women today with new medications being discovered that offer periods of remission or slow the growth of tumors,” Allyson said. With early detection and new treatments available, as Allyson has shared, there is hope in the battle against breast cancer.

Allyson with youngest son Ben.

October / November 2012 l

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21

financial savvy I

Presented by the Hardee Investment Group and RBC Wealth Management

Girls just want to have fund$

In the Client’s Best Interest

T

ime can either be your ally or your enemy. The more time you have, the easier it is to plan and implement that plan. The less time, the more you rush. This is true with term papers, getting the children ready and driving them to school in the mornings and even planning for retirement. “A” students don’t cram the night before a test and successful investors certainly don’t cram for retirement the year they choose to retire.

Peace of mind and security are “priceless.”

Over the last several decades, we’ve been blessed to advise and counsel many women about investing. Whether they are widows, single moms, business women or matriarchs, we’ve been able to help bring security and peace of mind with thoughtful advice to attend to their particular needs.

Every situation is unique. The desired results are usually the same: “Help me understand and navigate these choppy waters.” or “Give me a recipe that meets my needs.” Whether it be planning for retirement, planning for higher education, long-term health care, or a sudden death in the family, we’ve helped guide our clients through life changes, both planned and unexpected.

We take the responsibility of caring for our clients seriously, and we cannot thank you enough for your continued trust and

confidence in the Hardee Investment Group.

Even though we will no longer be writing the Girls Just Want to Have Fund$ column for Focus on Women, we hope you’ll continue to look for our column Financial Savvy in the Fort Bend Focus magazine.

Do you feel confident in your current advisory team? How about secure or at peace with your current portfolio? Want to know how it feels to use words like trust, confidence, security and peace of mind when you talk about your portfolio or advisory team? We strive to earn your trust and confidence daily and help you feel secure with your investments. Come see us. We’re waiting to help you to feel at peace with your finances.

This article is provided by H. H. Will Hardee, AWM, a Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth Management’s Houston Center office, 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.

Peace of Mind

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feature

By Nick Nicholson

Is In Our Blood Clint Eastwood’s new film focuses on father–daughter relationships, aging and of course, America’s game: baseball Amy Adams as Mickey and Clint Eastwood as Gus.

Scott Eastwood as Billy Clark In Warner Bros.

Pictures’ drama Trouble With The Curve.

“T

rouble with the Curve is a story about how we deal with what life

throws at us,” describes director/producer Robert Lorenz. “It has characters in whom we can all see a bit of ourselves, reaching those moments in life when we are faced with re-evaluating priorities: the importance we put on our careers, our friendships and our family.”

At the center of the story are a father and daughter whose lives have taken them in opposite directions. Even when they are together, they are worlds apart.

But now, circumstances are forcing them to face their differences on common ground. “In any family, even when things get tough, there are always ties that connect you,” says the film’s star and produc-

24

focus on women

er Clint Eastwood. “You just have to find a starting point to begin to close the gap.”

While Lorenz is an award-winning producer, the film marks his directorial debut.

The former assistant director, who segued into producing Eastwood’s movies, says he always intended to direct. “It was just a matter of finding the right project at the right time,” Lorenz states. “I felt the story had broad appeal, a lot of humor, with really great characters and interesting relationships, and I could easily visualize what I would do with it as I read it. The fact that it had a great role for Clint, and he was interested in playing it was way more than I could have hoped for.”

“Rob and I have worked together for almost 20 years now,” Eastwood says. “We’ve talked about him directing over the years, so when he showed me this script, I thought it was a perfect opportunity. I had no doubt he’d do a terrific job, and he absolutely did.”

l October / November 2012

Eastwood plays Gus Lobel, a man nearing the end of a long career who is too proud, or too stubborn, to reveal the secret that his eyes are no longer as sharp as his instincts. And while those closest to him aren’t exactly sure what’s wrong, they know that something is something that, for his daughter, Mickey, is worth dropping everything for - even if she’s going to have to fight him every step of the way. Lorenz adds, “In any other relationship, Mickey showing up to help, even if it’s unexpected, would be a good thing. But Gus just can’t see it that way.”

Amy Adams, who plays the role of Mickey, says that there’s universality to Mickey’s feelings about her dad. “Daughters always want the approval of their fathers. So naturally, Mickey wants Gus’ attention; she wants him to be proud of her, but he, like many dads, has a hard time conveying that. Over time, she’s built up a wall and things between them have become contentious, to say the least.”

That wall has extended to Mickey’s love life as well. Mickey’s initial disinterest doesn’t discourage Johnny Flanagan, who finds him-

self immediately attracted to her. Like both Gus and Mickey, the former baseball player is in a transitional phase of life. Justin Timberlake portrays the ex-pitcher and loved how interwoven the relationships were. “In a twist of fate, Gus had scouted Johnny when he was a high school phenom. Now, having blown out his arm pretty early in his career, he’s trying his hand at scouting, which is how he comes in contact with Gus again and where he meets Mickey.”

Up until now, Gus Lobel has been able to hide the fact that his eyes are failing him, but there’s too much riding on this latest scouting trip. The Atlanta Braves are not the only team with their sights set on the hottest bat in high school, Bo Gentry, who is all but guaranteed to go first in the upcoming draft. Gus is old school: watch the games, get to know a player’s personality on and off the field, and make that crucial decision as to whether or not this is somebody who can carry that raw talent through to a career in baseball. The modern method, however, relies heavily on the numbers - run them through a computer that will spit out predictions of who is most likely to succeed. Gus Lobel is definitely not a modern man. “Gus is an old guy who believes in the tried-and-true way of doing things,” Lorenz says. “He works from his gut, trusts his instincts, and doesn’t see any point in changing.” But change is definitely on the horizon, like it or not. “Vision is essential for somebody who’s going around to various farm clubs and high schools, or scouring the papers, trying to find the next big star,” Eastwood notes.

“Without admitting it to anyone, Gus is having to rely more on his hearing the crack of the bat and the ball hitting the glove in order to do his job.”

For Lorenz, no one could do the job of playing Gus but Eastwood. “From the moment I read the script, Clint was Gus. Despite how long I’ve known him, he disappeared into this role, as he always does.” In prepping for the role, Eastwood met with real-life scouts to get a handle on the ins and outs of the job, including the New York Mets’ Jim Bryant, Jim Rough of the Detroit Tigers, Jack Powell from the Minnesota Twins, and the Braves’ own Brian Bridges and Eric Ruben.

Unfortunately, Gus seems to have a better talent for reading players than understanding the needs of his own daughter, whose mother, Gus’s wife, died when Mickey was just six. “Gus has had a very long, successful career by doing what works for him and shutting out the rest, so that’s what he sticks

to,” Lorenz conveys. “But in terms of dealTwo Urban Licks and The Globe in Athens ing with Mickey, he hasn’t been so successful. doubled as the various eateries in the film; MaHe just might have to learn to change if he con’s Cheers Bar, Atlanta’s George’s Restaurant doesn’t want to lose her.” and Bar, and Conyers’ Hank & Jerry’s Tavern Unlike Gus, Mickey’s career is on the rise: became the local watering holes; and the Amishe’s an associate competing for a coveted slot calola Lodge Motel in Dawsonville served as as a partner at her law firm. “Mickey and the inn. Private residences in Decatur and AtGus have a lot in common,” Adams states. lanta and a skyscraper on Peachtree were used “They’re two people who focus on their work for Gus and Mickey’s homes and her law ofto keep from having to focus on anything fice. And the lake at Camp Dixie in Clayton else. She learned from the best; she keeps reprovided a cool place for Mickey and Johnny ally busy so that she doesn’t have to explore to take a dip. “These guys are constantly on the the deeper, emotional side of herself.” Deroad, traveling, going to stadiums and small spite her reluctance, Mickey takes it upon farm clubs, high school games, college games,” herself to look out for Gus, joining him on Eastwood comments. “They spend hundreds his latest scouting trip, hoping to be his eyes of days a year in hotels, looking for that one in on the field. However, Eastwood notes, “He a million.” doesn’t want anybody to help him, because he Sports fans know that baseball, like life, is equates that with them feeling sorry for him, a game filled with opportunities that can be which he can’t stand. He especially doesn’t hit or missed in the blink of an eye. In Trouble want Mickey there because he doesn’t think with the Curve, Gus Lobel is faced with the it’s a healthy atmosphere for a young woman, toughest test of his career. Problem is, he’ll even though she was around it a lot when she have to let his daughter Mickey lend a hand or was growing up and knows the game very he could be out of the game for good. “Havwell. He’s also afraid she’ll catch on to what’s ing to ask for help is something we all have to really wrong with him.” learn to do, no matter how reluctant we might Trouble with the Curve takes place in Atbe. That’s just reality. When you let your guard lanta, home of the Braves, and in and around down, and let someone in, it actually makes North Carolina. Principal photography, howyou stronger,” Eastwood states. “I think Rob ever, was accomplished entirely in Georgia. really wanted to make a movie that struck a Throughout it all, Lorenz received support chord emotionally, that would tell a story that’s behind the scenes from frequent Malpaso colpassionate and funny and that inspires people laborators, including director of photography to do things differently in their own lives, deTom Stern, production designer James J. Muspite how scary change can be.” Lorenz conrakami, costume designer Deborah Hopper, cludes, “To me, an important theme of the and location manager Patrick O. Mignano, story is that of persistence. All of the characwho was instrumental in securing one of the ters are facing challenges that bring them to a production’s greatest coups: shooting at Atbreaking point, and they must push beyond if lanta’s Turner Field. “In the script, Gus is a they’re going to succeed.” scout for the Braves, so the idea was presented to team President John Schuerholz.” notes Mignano. “He read the script, and saw that it was a love letter to baseball, and that helped pave the way.”

Baseball scouts aren’t always at the field, of course, and a lot of the film’s action takes place in their other homes-awayfrom-home: motels, diners and bars. AtClint Eastwood as Gus and Justin Timberlake lanta’s Silver Skillet, as Johnny in Trouble With The Curve.

Homegrown Café, October / November 2012 l

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home I

By Keron Weathered

Photography by Miro Dvorscak

Unlocking the

Mystery of Art

In Dr. Richey’s waiting area, four modern framed prints were installed on the long wall above the seating. A more modern feel with blue, yellow and greens were installed to work with the other prints showing modern landscaping colors.

L

et’s face it, art says a lot about you.

Perhaps that’s why choosing pieces is so excruciating or takes forever to “find” the art that “speaks” to you. Your choice, the placement and the amount hanging on your walls is all very personal. And once on display, it reveals your interests and passion to others.

Art Defined Think beyond a painted canvas. Don’t hold back searching for that special piece.

Almost anything constitutes art these days: historic, carved-wood, sculptured, threedimensional resin, glass plates in varied sizes, an eclectic mix of container lids hung above kitchen cabinets. Perhaps art is a glass-andframed shadowbox displaying cultural ceremonial clothing, a hand-painted fan, an exquisite piece of jewelry, baseball cards, art brushes, gems, stamps, maps or a puzzle… the list is endless. The choice is a statement about you.

One area to showcase art is behind a bed.

Try decorative mirrors or a unique headboard made from a rustic wooden door featuring artistically carved moldings.

Art need not be expensive. One new technique is pressing a print onto canvas. The texture of the canvas gives the illusion of a painting, yet the cost is generally less expensive than purchasing an original canvas painting.

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focus on women

Outside the patient’s eye-testing room, four square floral art pieces were installed on a narrow wall. Similar green tones were used in the two pairs of framed art pieces on the wall in the testing room.

Photographs: A Modern Day Ancestral Gallery Do you ever notice how guests linger over a hallway filled with family photographs?

The span of generations and choice of events tells a story. The longer the hallway, the more fascinating it is to capture generations through time.

l October / November 2012

Use this tip for the family gallery: place your framed photos on the floor first to get a glimpse of the general layout and spacing.

Avoid hanging larger frames above smaller ones; too often the result looks “top heavy.”

Office Space: The Sterile Look is Out As companies vie for customers and better service, one trend is providing a more comfortable, homey feel in their offices. Naturally adding interesting art to all those blank walls is key. One ObGyn in Sugar Land chose professional photographs of pregnant women or new moms cradling their infants. These large photographs hang throughout the entry, waiting room, hallways and offices. The beautiful compositions and unique frames create a serene, nurturing ambiance, and the overall result is breathtakingly lovely.

An optometrist in Missouri City, William G. Richey, O.D., requested landscape art when his designer redecorated his office space. Choosing traditional and contemporary pieces and then mixing in shiny, metallic, three-dimensional modern art achieved a unique but cozy atmosphere for his patients, many of whom complimented the staff on the new look. Coordinating the colors in the art with the furniture, walls and carpet adds that subtle, professional touch. For example, in the office restroom, two brightly-colored landscapes blend nicely with the glass mosaics on the lower wall and the painted wall above. As a final, eclectic flair the designer installed an enormous pair of artistically carved, wooden eyeglasses above the magazine chest.

Final Tips for Placement and Hanging Generally speaking, a framed piece should hang slightly above eye level at the height of an average human being. This mimics spaciousness; you are highlighting the height of your ceilings. If art is intended to hang near a door, cabinet or window, don’t hang at that same level: above or below is fine because it adds dimension.

In the age of high-tech gadgets, many designers revert to old-fashioned methods of choosing what hangs where. Cut the dimensions out on paper and tape them along the wall before you begin hammering nails. Or, have a helper hold the art up as you stand back and assess the end result.

Because art is so subjective, your instincts will tell you what looks right so choose – and hang – what you love.

October / November 2012 l

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entertaining I

By Stephenie Cox

FaBOOlicious Halloween Treats

T

ake a bite of the spooky season with fiendish foods, horrorthemed Halloween snacks, treats and drinks. Make parties go off with a scream with some of these ideas.

Creepy Crawly Cup Cakes

Make your favorite homemade cup cake recipe or opt for the ready to make box variety. Red velvet is a great base for a Halloween cake. Make a butter cream frosting from powdered sugar, butter, vanilla and add a little decorator color. Decorate with skeletons, spiders, gumball eyes or make squiggles to look like brains, and you have an instant hit for Halloween.

Edible Eyeballs

Proudly stake your eyes on forks for a ghoulish delight. Begin with a doughnut hole, and dunk it in melted white chocolate. Add a chocolate chip to make the pupil. After cooled, use a decorator’s tube of red gel to make squiggly veins in the eye.

Goblin Grins

A great way to sneak in a healthy treat on a sugar-filled holiday. Take a pea pod and cut a slit centered on one side.

Cut a tongue shape out of a red bell pepper, and insert in the opening of the pea pod. Finish it off with almond slivers to make teeth.

Images courtesy of www.spoonful.com.

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l October / November 2012

Monster Toes

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut a wedge into the end of cocktail weiners to make toenails. Cut softened tortillas into strips about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. Roll each cocktail weiner in a tortilla strip and secure with a toothpick. Bake for about eight minutes. Fill the toenail with ketchup. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Mocktail or Cocktail, A Witch’s Brew for All

This gory drink is sure to delight all the goblins of the night. To make “blood,” mix 1 cup simple syrup, ten drops of red food coloring and vanilla extract.

Set aside. For “eyeballs,” use canned lychee nuts. Insert a maraschino into the hole of each lychee nut, and drizzle with extra “blood” syrup. Insert a skewer or toothpick into each “eyeball” to secure the cherry.

For a mocktail: To serve the mocktail, drizzle the blood syrup around the rim of each glass and let it drip down. Pour iced cold seltzer into the glass and garnish with an eyeball.

For a cocktail: Simply add your favorite vodka.

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Hydration plays an elemental role in staying healthy, energized and focused. With zero sugar, under eight calories and a blend of vitamins, these Nuun tabs are a perfect way to stay hydrated throughout the day.

We love the refreshing flavor blends like Blueberry Pomegranate and Grapefruit Orange. Pop one into a 16-ounce glass of water after a workout or at your desk, and make your water count! www.nuun.com

Smith’s Rosebud Salve

This multi-purpose lip balm soothes dry lips, calms and heals irritation, and soothes the sting of minor burns. Try dabbing on dry elbows or knees to condition and relieve dryness. It’s even an excellent remedy for diaper rash. www.sephora.com

Texas Ghost Tours

Take a ghost tour this Halloween! A professional paranormal investigator will use eyewitness accounts and provide a tour that is supernaturally scary but still appropriate and fun for all ages. Discover who still lingers in the famous Ashton Villa, attempt to catch a glimpse of the Sealys dancing in their beautiful mansion or keep en eye out for the vindictive spirit of Thomas Sweeny. This tour brings Texas state history to afterlife. www.texas-ghost-tours.com

PB2

Do you love peanut butter but wish there was a lowcalorie version? Try PB2, an all natural, preservative free form with three simple ingredients: roasted peanuts, sugar and salt. Simply mix PB2 with a little water or other liquid of choice or use as a powder to add in smoothies or baking. Best of all, PB2 contains 85 percent less fat calories than regular peanut butter. Available in most grocery stores, PB2 is a sweet alternative for active lifestyles, dieters and moms who want to give their kids healthy snacks. It’s also available in Chocolate. Yum! www.bellplantation.com

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l October / November 2012

Hue Cord Leggings

Corduroy got a makeover! Available in a variety of fun colors such as Glacier and Olive Gold, HUE Corduroy leggings are a great way to switch up your look for fall.

Wear them tucked with a cute pair of ankle booties and a chunky knit sweater for a relaxed look, or dress them up with sequined separates or cashmere. www.Hue.com

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chick flicks I

By Nick Nicholson

Ed Lauter as Max, Chelcie Ross as Smitty and Ray Anthony Thomas as Lucious in Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama Trouble With The Curve.

Clint Eastwood as Gus in the drama Trouble With The Curve, a Warner Bros. Pictures’ release.

G

us Lobel (Clint Eastwood) lives for baseball. It’s all he knows and seemingly, all he cares about. He has been one of the best scouts in baseball for decades, but despite his efforts to hide it, age is starting to catch up with him. As his eyesight begins failing him, there are many in the Braves’ home office that simply want to dismiss him as a relic who is past his prime.

However, Gus can tell a pitch just by the crack of the bat. He emphatically denounces that he is past his prime, and he refuses to be benched for what could be the final innings of his career.

He may not have a choice. The front office of the Atlanta Braves is starting to question his judgment, especially with the country’s hottest batting phenom on deck for the draft. The one person who might be able to help is also the one person Gus would never ask: his daughter, Mickey (Amy Adams), an associate at a high-powered Atlanta law firm whose drive and ambition has put her on the fast track to becoming a partner. Mickey has never been close to her father, who was ill-equipped to be a single parent after the death of his wife. She is a strong-willed woman who saw her father’s inability to deal with their combined loss. Mickey simply had

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to turn a cold shoulder to her father in the same way her father treated her. Even now, in the rare moments they share, Gus is too easily distracted by what Mickey assumes is his first love: the game.

Against her better judgment and over Gus’ objections, Mickey joins him on his latest scouting trip to North Carolina, jeopardizing her own career to save his. Forced to spend time together for the first time in years, each makes new discoveries. As their journey progresses, they not only come together for baseball but also finally develop the fatherdaughter bond that has eluded them for so many years. This film represents a true coming of age and togetherness that is sure to bring a tear to even the coldest of hearts.

Justin Timberlake plays Johnny Flanagan, a rival scout who has his sights on a career in the announcer’s booth and who also is scouting out Gus’ daughter, Mickey. The main cast also includes John Goodman as Gus’ old friend and boss, Pete Klein, and Matthew Lillard as Phillip Sanderson, the Braves’ associate director of scouting.

The casting is spot on, and one could make a rather strong argument that Eastwood and Adams could garner some nominations for their performances. The two stars are truly strong enough that, together, they clearly elevate the performance of Timberlake throughout the film. Timberlake isn’t a thespian who has had much, if any, acting lessons throughout his life, and his earlier film performances have highlighted that fact. In this film, however, he finally seems to click and shines while doing it. The baseball sequences are well done and are not overpowering, as other sports films have been over the years.

Baseball fans and softies alike will all enjoy Trouble with the Curve: it has something for everyone and is sure to hit a home run across the board.

Trouble with the Curve Starring: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams and John Goodman Director: Robert Lorenz Company: Warner Bros.

Now Showing: In Local Area Theatres MPAA Rating: PG-13 Grade: A-

Amy Adams as Mickey, Justin Timberlake as Johnny and Clint Eastwood as Gus in Trouble With The Curve.

l October / November 2012

Photos are courtesy of Universal Pictures.

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A

cademy Awardwinning director Steven Soderbergh unveils the story of Mike (Channing Tatum), an entrepreneur with many talents and loads of charm.

Mike spends his days pursuing the American Dream, from roofing houses and detailing cars to designing furniture at his Tampa beach condo. But at night, he’s just magic. The hot headliner in an all-male revue, Magic Mike has been rocking the stage at Club Xquisite for years with his original style and over-the-top dance moves. This film is not for everyone, but it is fun and creative entertainment! Magic Mike features the hottest cast of the year and includes Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Cody Horn and Olivia Munn.

By Nick Nicholson

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home

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By Birdie Blackburn

Personallze Holidays your

CHRISTMAS TREES THAT TELL A STORY...YOURS!

T

he holidays are just around the corner, and it’s not too soon to start thinking about decking those halls for a festive,

fun and yes, personal look this season. One way

to personalize your Christmas is to be creative by decorating your tree with a favorite theme that suites your decorating style or your family’s personality.

And, if you need some inspiration on defining your personal holiday style, here are some tips for putting your personal touch on Christmas.

Go Bold With Color Choose colors that reflect the décor of your home instead of choosing the traditional holiday red and green. This look is perfect for formal living areas.

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Coordinate With Accents Continue the holiday spirit by adding garland to your fireplace, chandelier or dining room table to coordinate with both your tree and home décor.

Go Traditional Don’t forget your family treasures and traditions. Decorate a tree that is filled with mementos and personal items that celebrate your family’s heritage and history.

Think Outside the Box Choose a hobby or occupation to display your favorite activity on your tree such as race cars or show your flare for movies in your theatre room with an entertaining theme. Decorate with themed props for a festive and personal touch.

October / November 2012 l

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feature

By Kimberly Cress, M.D.

Adventure of a Lifetime:

ach year, over 35,000 people travel to Tanzania, Africa with one goal in mind: to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.

Only 15,000 attempt to climb the mountain once they arrive.

While many adventurers attempt to climb the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, not all of them make it to the summit. But the lure of the mystical mountain located just 200 miles from the equator whose conditions defy logic, calls to them to try, despite the harsh conditions.

In August of this year, Richmond, Texas resident Kimberly Cress, M.D. was called to tackle the ultimate adventure of climbing Kilimanjaro. After training for six months, this Houston area psychiatrist, wife, mother and triathlete boarded a plane with her gear in tow and embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. Kim kept a journal of her adventure as she completed what she refers to “the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life” to share with our readers.

We drive for two hours through villages where the nicest buildings are the churches to get to our starting point: Rongai Route. The streets are filled with markets

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selling produce and people carrying items on their heads. The dirt roads are filled with potholes, and in one village, all of the women wear red skirts and white tops.

Our party consists of 13 climbers with 51 porters, guides and cooks as we head out to our starting point: Rongai Route. After we arrive, we climb two hours and eat lunch. We walk through three zones: cultivate, rainforest and moorland. Cultivate zone is where corn and potatoes are grown; rainforest is filled with pine trees and other tall trees. Unfortunately, we don’t spot any monkeys. Moorland has high brush. We eat butter sandwiches, before we hike for another two hours.

Our hike is a gradual incline; not difficult.

Much of the day is shaded by a canopy of trees.

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We still can’t see Mount Kilimanjaro due to cloud cover. After a dinner of vegetables, tilapia and canned fruit, we watch a movie on the wall of our tent. Even in Tanzania we can’t get rid of our electronics! We head to bed at 8 pm to prepare for our eight hour hike tomorrow.

The most difficult thing about sleeping in the tent? Finding a port-a-potty in the middle of the night! Have to keep my headlamp close.

We wake at 6:30 am with the sunrise. It’s clear, and we can see for the first time Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Mawenzi! As the day progresses, clouds drift in, and it gets windy.

We add layers of clothes. We pass two other groups of hikers; one from India and in another group, we meet a couple from Houston.

We hike for four hours and stop for lunch.

We have to wait for the porters to bring our

lunch up from the mountain: carrot soup, bread, watermelon, noodles with chicken and vegetables. We hike up and down the hills in rough, rocky terrain in high brush. During the afternoon, we hike for another four hours and add more layers of clothes as it gets colder and windier. At dinner, we put on thermals as the temperature drops. I wake in the middle of the night – cold – and put on my down jacket to stay warm.

After a breakfast of porridge and eggs, we set out for a four hour hike with the idea of acclimating us to a higher altitude.

We travel from 11,500 to 13,550 feet. Today’s hike is not a challenge but ironic as we walk further away from Mount Kilimanjaro through alpine desert and pass several other groups along the way.

After lunch, we take out our oxygen and embark on an acclimating hike for nearly two hours. The guides want us to get used to using the oxygen so there are no surprises once we are on the mountain. Some in the group find that the oxygen helps alleviate altitude sickness; others find it gives them more energy to hike.

The mood is quiet along this part of the hike. It’s almost as if we are in a meditation or trance, fixated on not missing the next step so we don’t get hurt. Often, I feel as if I don’t see everything around me as I am concentrating on where to climb.

At the end of the day, I called my husband, Sam, and let him know I was okay. I called while he was in Sunday school just as the class was ending with a prayer. The phone is passed to Aaron Weast where he prays for our safe journey. Little did I know that my call worried Sam, as I sounded short of breath. It continues to be very cold at night, especially this night as we are sleeping next to a pond!

I wake at 5:30 am. The day is portrayed to us as an easy walk through the desert with a gradual change in altitude, but we all find the walk difficult. I’m unclear if we are all just tired after three days of hiking or if walking through the desert, we don’t have to pay as close attention as the day before so we are getting bored with a less challenging hike.

One of our group, Patrick, struggles with altitude sickness. He vomits five times along the walk so I give him my canned oxygen. It provides no relief.

We get to camp for a quick lunch then off to bed after getting our clothes ready for the summit hike. I am restless; I sleep on and off from 2 to 10:30 pm, anxious.

I dress in multiple layers in fear of getting cold: two layers of thermal bottoms and ski pants. On the top, two fleece tops and a down jacket. I also put warmers around my camel back hose so it won’t freeze as hydration is important. With our oxygen system in our backpacks, we begin our ascent.

I decide not to use my oxygen initially for fear of running out later in the climb. The darkness helps keep the intensity of the ominous mountain out of our eyes or I fear many of us would not have tried to climb. There are no real pathways up the mountain so the guides create a trail as we wind our way up.

The guides break us into two groups based on our climbing pace; I am placed in the faster group. I realize the importance of creating a cadence in my walking and breathing. Half way up the mountain, I decide to start using oxygen as the climb becomes very steep.

My oxygen isn’t working so a guide, AnaEli, stays with me to help while the others go on.

Otherwise they would get too cold waiting and not moving. My oxygen doesn’t work

Kilimanjaro is widely known as the House of God.

properly. I get one breath of oxygen for every three of my breaths, or I have to physically hit the black box to get my oxygen to come out.

I begin to wonder if I am going to make it.

AnaEli, keeps encouraging me, but it’s getting harder. I see the sunrise about 45 minutes before I get to the summit. When I get to the top, Gilman’s Point, I am close, and I am proud of myself – maybe even a bit boastful. I made it to the top without oxygen!

As I arrive at the summit, I had to move on – only 15 minutes at each point. Larry graciously gives me his black box, and I now have oxygen consistently. I don’t realize it, but there are two other points to go to get around the rim of the crater: Stella Point and Uhuru Point. I start this trek, but I am tired so less in awe of the beauty around me. Uhuru Point is at 19,500 feet; I can’t believe I am this high up!

Of the approximately 15,000 who attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro each year, only 65% make it. Two of the climbers in our party of 13 do not make it due to altitude sickness, but here I am, at the top of the world!

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“Kilimanjaro is as wide as all the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

Guide AnaEli and Kimberly Cress reach Africa’s highest point: Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro.

I am tired and hungry. My knees are swollen; it is hard to bend them. Lynne and RJ keep encouraging me. I try to ski down the mountain – which is challenging because of the rocks – but I can’t ski for long because of my knees.

I am the last to arrive at camp about 3:30 pm. It’s a humbling experience. I believe God gave me the strength to get up the mountain, but He also made the point that I don’t have to be the first one down, and I can ask for help. Last is okay too, as long as I work hard and place my faith in Him. My lesson learned is humility.

The adventurous group: Wayne Crossley, Larry Oglesby, Patrick Ng, Bob Gundel, Kelly Yang, Lynn Clark, Steve Bezner, Soh Har Pang, Mark Kingston, Michelle Tessaro, RJ Colosimo, Paul Broadley and Kimberly Cress.

We have to leave camp quickly and get to the next camp site because of the high altitude. If we do not get to a lower altitude, we could get sick, and it’s getting dark. The guides offer to let me nap for 1 hour but I decide to eat and get ready for our next leg of our hike. I’m exhausted, and my knees are in bad shape. A guide, Wilford carries my day pack, and Wayne stays behind to walk with me. I slowly make the trek.

The walk is difficult; dark and rocky from old river beds. I was glad to learn there were no night predators in the desert.

It takes us five hours to get to the next camp at 9 pm. I have now been walking for 21 hours. I eat quickly and fall into bed.

Guide AnaEli and Kimberly Cress.

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Our wake-up call is at 6:30 am. We have the tipping ceremony to thank the staff for taking such good care of us. We would have never made it without them!

We start our last hike for seven hours through moorland and rainforest. The rainforest is beautiful! We are tired, dirty and in need of a shower.

As we reach the end of our journey, I find myself alone – the faster people ahead, the slower ones behind. I see barbed wire but I pass it thinking it’s not a place to trespass and head down another path.

Some young boys come after me and tell me I missed the exits. They show me the way out of my adventure to Kilimanjaro.

This will be a journey that I will never forget for I know that if I can climb Mount Kilimanjaro, I can do anything.

s

ick fl k

c

chi

DVD

ase

e Rel

TAKE THIS WALTZ Magnolia

M

argot (Michelle Williams) is happily married to Lou (Seth Rogan), a good-natured cookbook author. But when Margot meets Daniel (Luke Kirby), a handsome artist who lives across the street, their mutual attraction is undeniable, setting up an unusually true and unsentimental portrait of adult relationships. At first, Margot denies the attraction but, after letting her fears get the best of her, she focuses on things outside her realm. A true character study on relationships and desires, it becomes quite clear that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

By Nick Nicholson

Event Planning & Coordination Weddings • Parties • Festivals International Events • Corporate Events Flowers • Balloons

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I strongly support continued research for finding a cure for breast cancer. When elected as State Representative of HD 26, I want to fight for women’s healthcare for everyday women in my community.

Vy Nguyen

Candidate for State Representative House District 26

October / November 2012 l

www.VyForTexas.com Pol Ad paid for by the Vy Nguyen Campaign, Treasurer Gordon Quan

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well woman

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Breast Center Brings Advanced Technology to the Fort Bend Community

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ogy that can identify tumors often not even visible with digital mammography.

“We are excited to offer this new technology and to be the first in the area to do so,” said Dr. Stephen Phillips, Medical Director of the Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Having played a key role in the clinical research of MBI, I am confident it will contribute to the general health and well-being of women.”

According to Phillips, mammography will continue to be the gold standard, but MBI gives this patient population an even stronger diagnostic tool.

Since opening in 2009, the Breast Center at MSLH has continued to expand, linking women to the best care in the region. As the first full-service center of its kind in Fort Bend County, patients benefit from the full continuum of care.

For patients diagnosed with breast cancer, the Breast Care Navigator can help coordinate all necessary care with oncologists, breast surgeons, radiation oncologists and reconstructive surgeons who are on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Case reviews are held with the multidisciplinary team, where the breast care specialists discuss and evaluate

l October / November 2012

Courtesy of Dr. Michael O’Connor, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN.

D

igital mammography revolutionized breast cancer screening with the ability to detect even the smallest tumors. Now, women with dense breast tissue have access to technology that can identify tumors often not visible with digital mammography.

The Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital (MSLH) is the first in the greater Houston area to offer low-dose molecular breast imaging (MBI) as a secondary diagnostic tool for women with suspicious findings and difficult to interpret mammograms. The LumaGEM™ Low Dose MBI is the first FDA-approved digital imaging system that uses proprietary breast imaging technology.

Forty percent of women who receive mammograms have dense tissue, and these women are five times more likely to develop breast cancer. However, mammograms are not as effective at detecting cancer in dense breasts.

Mammography uses X-ray technology, so the images of both tumors and dense breast tissue often appear white on the image. Clinical studies show that MBI gives a clearer image of the lesions and is able to detect three times as many cancers in women with dense breast tissue, and the amount of radiation is equivalent to digital screening mammography.

The Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is proud to offer its patients the latest in breast imaging technology. Now, women with dense breast tissue have access to technol-

Photo comparison of mammography versus molecular breast imaging of a lesion in a patient with dense breast tissue.

newly diagnosed patients and create personalized treatment plans.

The Breast Center provides a full array of diagnostic services, including breast MRI, diagnostic ultrasound, digital mammography, ductograms, fine needle aspirations, molecular breast imaging (MBI), MRI-guided biopsy, stereotactic biopsy and ultrasound biopsy.

If you think you would benefit from this technology, please talk to your doctor. To schedule an appointment at the Breast Center, please call 281-242-PINK (7465).

By Amy Gross

D

I entertaining

id you know that October 26th is World Champagne Day? Yes,

that’s the day people all over the world will be filling champagne flutes, toasting, tweeting all about the experience using the hashtag #ChampagneDay on Twitter and posting pics on Facebook, Instagram or whatever their social media channel of choice.

Whether you are into social media or not, you cannot let an official excuse to drink and celebrate champagne like that pass you by. I’m here to help.

First, a few fun facts:

beauty value

.

l The only sparkling wines that can be officially called champagne are those that are grown and created within the Champagne region of Northeast France and produced by using a method of secondary fermentation in the bottles, which causes those lovely bubbles. l Grapes that are typically used to make champagne include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, but many more grapes varieties can also be used. These types of grapes often go into making other sparkling wines, too. These are called sparkling wines, sparklers, bubbles and all sorts of other titles, but not champagne. Remember, Champagne only comes from Champagne. l Other sparkling wines that are made the same way as champagne are labeled method champénoise. You can find a variety of delicious sparkling wines made in that method right here in the USA. l Prosecco, a popular sparkler from Italy, is often made using the Charmat process, which is a much less expensive process where the second fermentation takes place in steel tanks, rather than in the individual bottles. l A third, even less expensive way bubbles can be ance the h n E made is by injecting carbon dioxide into the wine. and Champagne and sparkling wines can be made in any of .. o e f y o u m r o h the following styles: Blanc de Blancs: Wine made entirely of white grapes.

Blanc de Noir: Light wine made from the juice of dark grapes.

Rosé: Wine made by blending in red wine or allowing the wine to stay in contact with red grape skins.

Carpet Sparkling wines are often labeled by their sweetness level.

Tile These terms describe the wine from the driest to the sweetWood est: Brut or Sauvage, Extra Dry, Demi-Sec and Doux.

I particularly enjoy Brut bubbles. Here are three of my Laminate other favorites, each costing approximately $40 retail: Granite Cordon Rouge, from G.H. Mumm and Piper-Heidsieck, both Complete Home Remodeling from Champagne. Stateside, I enjoy Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs from Napa.

Just because I like these bubbles, you might like others, so don’t just take my word for it. Gather a few bottles to taste and see what you like. Once you have your bubbles & Tile CUSTOM CARPET WOOD Laminate picked out for the celebration, what will you eat? One of $ WOOD $ sq. ft.

2.99 sq. ft. $ 1.39 $ sq. ft.

SHUTTERS 5.49 my favorite nibbles to pair with Champagne is toasted Purchase of FREE Pad & Labor FREE Pad & Labor Includes trims. with Installation $ with Installation $1,500 or More Minimum required. baguette, brie, prosciutto and fig jam. Slice the baguette 20 sq. ft.

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Minimum required. and toast the individual pieces, then serve them in a basket 832.875.8371 alongside the other ingredients, allowing everyone to build www.samsflooringgallery.com their own bites.

Financing 4327 Hwy. 6 South, Sugar Land 24 Months Will you celebrate #ChampagneDay with me this OctoW.A.C. Hwy 6 South Hours: 10 am – 7 pm • Mon – Sat ber 26th? Tweet @VineSleuth and let me know! Cheers!

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W2W

I

By Alisa Murray

Woman Woman

Failing Big for Big Success A

“You have to keep throwing things at the wall.” ~ Rena Tarbut

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few years ago, well, actually back in 1994, I sold Mary Kay. I learned many things from my experience with that company. I learned how to apply makeup correctly and take care of my skin of course. I also learned how to walk up to a stranger and bravely give them my business card. In Dallas while at convention, I found my signature wig that has become my look and style ever since. Most of all, though, I learned how to fail. The founder of Spanx, Sara Blakely, speaks about that life lesson as being one of the most important lessons to have the opportunity to experience.

Sara Blakely tells of her childhood when her father would ask each of his children, “What did you fail at today?” Focusing on failing big allowed Sara to understand that failure is not an outcome, but it involves a lack of trying, not stretching yourself far enough out of your comfort zone, and attempting to be more than you were the day before. Failing big was a good thing!

In the Mary Kay line up of superstars at that time, there was a lady named Rena Tarbut who was always on stage and leading “Mascara Troops.” She had sold a lot of makeup, and yes, she was driving that well-known, and at the time quite coveted, pink Cadillac. She was a complete package of inspiration. She had been to the top in business, and she had a story to tell of where she had, yes, you guessed it, failed! I bought all of her tapes and listened to her day and night in my best efforts to become

l October / November 2012

as successful as she had become with that company. One of the things after all these years that has stayed with me is her saying, “You have to keep throwing things at the wall.” What she meant by this was to say each of us has several gifts that we have been given. Not all of them are going to be a great success, but in order to find out what will be requires the brave ability to start trying. Some will have a small sizzle while others will be just the perfect fit and create a success!

I have been many things before becoming “Alisa” Murray. There was Century 21, Busy Brides of Houston, two terms as the Texas State Coordinator for event and wedding planning, a landlord and the fleeting thoughts and sparks of becoming an art therapist, an interior designer, a lawyer and one that I never have been able to shake of being famous! LOL !

Each of us has to start before we can fail, and failing is the process by which success is born! What have you ever failed big at? How can you learn from that and make it into a success story? I am always evolving, and I know you are, too.

Take care of you!

By C. James Chuong, M.D.

I health & wellness

Your Dream of Building a

Family

Will Come True

H

aving a child is the natural desire of almost all couples. If a man and a woman cannot conceive, it can change their outlook completely. As many as 15 percent of all married couples in the United States are infertile. Sixty-five percent of the problems could be attributed to females, 25 percent to males, while 10 percent to both partners. Common reasons for female infertility are ovulation problems, tubal blockage and endometriosis. For male infertility, common reasons are low sperm count and motility, decreased ability of sperms to penetrate the eggs and sperm antibodies.

Professor Robert Edwards, English biologist, was awarded the Nobel prize in physiology for medicine in 2010. Professor Edwards and colleague Dr. Patrick Steptoe developed the in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure for treating human infertility in the 1970s. After years of hard work, the first test tube baby, Louise Brown, was born on July 25, 1978. Despite facing significant social opposition of both ethical and religious varieties, IVF has given life to over four million babies worldwide, making many couples’ dream of building a family come true.

Due to recent advances in new reproductive technologies, many couples are turning to fertility clinics. Cooper Institute for Advanced Reproductive Medicine offers cutting edge of infertility treatment, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic injection of sperm (ICSI) and testicular aspiration of sperms (TESE) and has achieved among the highest pregnancy rates. C. James Chuong, M.D., a Board Certified

Reproductive Endocrinologist, is the such cycle are the only eggs that are caMedical Director of the institute, and Anpable of producing a healthy baby, even if toinette Khoury, MT, ASCP is the IVF more were to be produced through more Coordinator. At its sister facility in New drugs in a Regular IVF. Those beyond Jersey (www.ccivf.com) led by Dr. Jerome 3-5 are typically not viable and are either H. Check, a world renowned infertility spediscarded prior to embryo transfer or will cialist, Cooper specializes in patients with be prone to miscarriage. This approach is advanced age and high FSH. The embryless stressful and avoids the side effects and ology laboratory with the highest level of high cost of drugs. The pregnancy rate is quality control is supervised by Dr. Li-Wen competitive with regular IVF while risk of Yang. Recent addition of preimplantation multiple births is lower. genetics diagnosis (PGD) service allows the Joining the world in celebrating the recembryos to be tested for specific chromoognition of IVF in treating human infertilsomal or genetic problems before the pregity by the Nobel Prize Committee, Cooper nancy begins. As a collateral result of PGD, offers complimentary brochures and eprospective parents may find out the gender newsletters to those who are interested in of the embryos before they are transferred. finding out how to increase their chance of Unfortunately, infertility and IVF are getting pregnant. not a standard benefit in many health To discover how Dr. Chuong and his plans. Cooper has developed an extremely highly experienced team can make your efficient and reasonable cost approach for dream of building families come true, its IVF services. In addition, if the patient is visit www.cooperinstitutearm.com or call willing to donate one-half of the eggs from (713)-771-9771. retrieval procedures, a low cost IVF program can be arranged as most charges will be paid by those who receive the eggs.

Mini-IVF is a holistic approach offering a gentle alternative to conventional IVF. It uses minimal dosage of fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries so that they can produce the maximum number (usually 3-5) of quality eggs possible in a single cycle. Research has shown that Dr. James Chuong with Karina, Nancy, the quality eggs harvested in Antoinette, Joy, Dr. Li-Wen Yang, Jessica and Silvia.

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with

on

Fifty Shades of Grey Adult Girls’ Night Out August 2, 2012 Southern Sister Designs Historic Downtown Rosenberg Focus on Women and Southern Sister Designs partnered to present a fabulous adult girls’ night out at Southern Sister Designs, an eclectic boutique filled with small town charm.

Donning grey attire, guests enjoyed grey goose martinis and a lingerie fashion show.

May Tape & Lisa Arnold

Gena Horak, Patti Parish-Kaminski & Angie Pfeiffer

Carol Adams & Ann Villaronga-Roman

Jill Richardson & Roz Barber

Rosemary Hernandez & Elizabeth Flores

Lysa Huerta & Tammie Lambert

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Joi Lindsay & Christy Amendez

Liz Moreno & Tracey Shaw

Jennifer Chang & Amy Mitchell

Marcie McCutchen

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Jenifer Diangelo & Karen Ottea

Erin Rapacki

I health & wellness

By Heather Reichert, RD, CDE

Is it Easier to be

T

Fat?

here, I said it. I said that horrible, socially unacceptable word: fat.

Well, is it easier to be fat? It’s an interesting question when you think about it. Let’s explore it a bit.

Is it easier to make unhealthy food choices? Is it easier to go through a drivethru than to bring your lunch? Is it easier to eat the doughnuts in the break room instead of a healthy breakfast at home, or even to skip breakfast altogether instead of waking up fifteen minutes earlier to prepare something? Is it easier to watch television for an hour instead of go to the gym or on a walk with your family? Is it easier to say “tomorrow” instead of buckling down and doing it today? I think the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Of course it is easier to go through life without challenging ourselves with self-control and discipline, right? Hmm, I’m not so sure about that. Is it easier to breathe when you are carrying an extra 50 or 100 pounds? Or walk? Or tie your shoes? Or kneel down on the floor to play with your kids or grandkids? Is it easier to enjoy life? These are questions for you to answer.

It’s interesting how so many people stress about saving for their retirement and “the future,” all the while excessively eat-

ing, drinking, smoking and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Instead of that retirement being used on vacations and comfort, that money gets used all too soon for medications, hospital bills or, worse, funeral expenses. Sad to think of it that way, but it’s true!

Did you know that every excess pound of body weight puts an additional three to four pounds of pressure on your joints? That means that a weight gain of 50 pounds puts an additional 150 pounds of pressure on your knees. It stands to reason why most individuals report decreased knee pain after a weight loss of even five pounds. What a difference a few pounds makes!

And how about those organs that are hidden behind that belly fat? Not only are they hidden behind it, they are surrounded by it. And that fat does not act as a nice, fluffy, soft cushion for those organs. Instead, it slowly and painstakingly impairs the function of organs such as the liver and pancreas. This particular fat, known as visceral fat, is responsible for what is termed “lipotoxicity.” It doesn’t sound very pretty, does it? That visceral fat releases products directly into the blood flow leading to the liver. But, it does not only affect the liver; it affects other organs like the pancreas as well. The cells in those organs are not equipped to “store” these particular fat products, and the resulting stress causes the cells to become damaged and for the organ to improperly function.

This is how insulin resistance, Type 2 Diabetes and “fatty” liver, to name a few, get their start.

So, maybe this is you. Maybe you are thinking, “Seriously? Is that what’s going on in there?” Yes! That is what’s going on in there! It is not simply the hassle of an expanding waistline or the expense of having to literally “expand” your wardrobe. It is not a matter of aesthetics. It is a matter of life. You get to decide what the quality of that life is! Fitness expert Fred Devito says, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” I could not agree more. Getting healthy isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. It’s time to take the first step!

Heather Reichert, RD, CDE Nutrition & Fitness Coach

www.heatherreichert.com 832.971.6278 Join one of my NUTRITION & FITNESS CHALLENGE GROUPS today and get results for a lifetime!

I specialize in healthy lifestyles NOT "quick-fixes".

So, are YOU ready?!?

October / November 2012 l

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fine arts

october 2012 CONCERT

October 17, 24 and 31: Blues and Burgers: Duke Peacock Revue Enjoy Houston’s best in blues music with a lunchtime concert. Admission is free.

11:30 am – 1 pm Anheuser-Busch Stage www.discoverygreen.com

SYMPHONY

October 20: Lang Lang Plays Beethoven The New York Times’ “hottest artist on the classical music planet” is coming to Houston. Hear Lang Lang perform three of the most beloved Beethoven piano concertos in one weekend as he plays a different concerto each performance.

Experience Beethoven’s joyful 2nd, the dramatic 3rd and the epic Emperor.

8 pm Jones Hall www.houstonsymphony.org www.langlang.com

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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 31

CONCERT

October 26: Whitney Bank Presents This Is the 60s This Is The 60s is a multimedia stage production celebrating the music that helped shape the events of one of the world’s most turbulent periods. The show combines a live concert with film, dance, lighting, computergenerated imagery and high-concept stage design. This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. As always, guests may enjoy open seating on the hill.

7:30 pm Miller Outdoor Theatre www.milleroutdoortheater.com

EXHIBIT

Begins October 26: Gems Of The Medici In the mid-1400s, many celebrated artists, goldsmiths, silversmiths and engravers were attracted by the abundance of wealth in the city of Florence, but the most important factor in this gathering of talent was the presence of the Medici family. Gems of the Medici, a world-premiere exhibition, highlights some of the oldest and most unique pieces of the Medici collections including antiquities dating from the 1st Century BCE. Houston Museum of Natural Science www.hmns.org

fine arts

november 2012 THEATER

November 6 – 11: Les Miserables. Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Les Miserables, with glorious staging and dazzling scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo.

This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes.

Tuesday – Thursday, 7:30 pm Friday, 8 pm Saturday, 2 pm and 8 pm Sunday, 2 pm and 7:30 pm Gexa Energy Broadway / Sarofim Hall www.thehobbycenter.org www.lesmis.com

COMEDY

November 10: 22nd Anniversary Show and Silent Auction. ComedySportz will celebrate its twenty-second anniversary with a performance that will showcase all members of the current ComedySportz troupe as well as former ComedySportz players from all over the country. Tickets for the show and silent auction include champagne and dessert. Net proceeds from the Silent Auction will benefit The Rose, the Houston area’s leading non-profit breast cancer organization.

8 pm Comedy Sportz Houston www.Comedysportzhouston.com

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MUSICAL

November 7 - December 30: Roger Bean’s Winter Wonderettes The Wonderettes are back again for the holidays! It’s 1968 and Betty Jean has organized the holiday party at Harper’s Hardware. She’s hired the hottest group in town to entertain—the Marvelous Wonderettes! All the seasonal classics are here with that girl-group spin—a great way to celebrate the season with Stages’ beloved singing sweethearts!

Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm Sundays, 3 pm Stages Repertory Theatre www.stagestheatre.com

FESTIVAL

November 10: The Houston Metropolitan Chamber Art Festival.

This festival features artists from all over Houston. It is the perfect place to find arts, crafts, food and fun for the whole family.

9 am – 5 pm Bellaire Town Square www.hmcartfestival.com

October / November 2012 l

www.FOWmag.com

47

the last word I

By Tanya Sterling

Have You Ever Broken Up With a BFF?

H

ave you ever broken up with a friend? If so, how did you handle the situation?

These days, there seems to be little to no time for substantive friendships.

Despite the current barrage of tweets, friend requests and invitations to link in, the nature of true friendship remains remarkably unchanged, so argues Robin Dunbar, professor of evolutionary anthropology at Oxford University and author of How Many Friends Does One Person Need?

According to his research, the endless opportunities of cyberspace have not affected the human reality that we are capable of juggling only 150 friends.

Why not more? We just don’t have time.

“There is also an emotional constraint,” Dunbar says. “We have limited emotional capital, and that can only be subdivided so many times.” Facebook friendships, he adds, often start out superficial and need to be developed. “It’s possible to do that on the Net,” he says, “but compared with doing it in the real world, it is (a) harder work and (b) riskier.”

All that said, it appears that as women, we can only give so much of our precious time to very special friends who we welcome into our personal space, our inner circle. These are the friends in whom we confide, relate, laugh with and, heck, split a bottle of wine with! What happens, though, is that we sometimes feel the need to end a particular friendship.

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focus on women

However you choose to end a close friendship, keep your dignity, and honor the dignity of your soon-to-be ex-friend as well.

We end our friendly relationships for many reasons.

1

We have outgrown that individual. It could be a high school or college friend, it may be a friend who was around for a time and a season, it may have been a girlfriend with whom you shared an interest or who helped you through a complicated/sad time in her life or vice-versa.

You have a conflict. We occasionally have disagreements with friends.

Sometimes it’s over a trivial topic or it could be over politics, gossip or misconceptions.

Either way, it’s simply time for the friendship to end. The toxicity levels are high, and the value derived from the friendship is too low.

The friendship has simply run its course. There are times when we simply have little to nothing in common anymore. Marriage, kids, divorce, religions, geography and lifestyle choices have simply overwhelmed the relationship, and there is not much to talk or laugh about anymore.

The end.

2 3

l October / November 2012

So now that we know why friendships may end, the question is how does one end this relationship? We can simply not return phone calls and text messages, ignore the person out in public, “unfriend” the individual via social media, keep subsequent conversations superficial or have a conversation where you “close out” the friendship and break up, like Jerry Seinfeld tried to do in one of his infamous Seinfeld episodes where he is no longer interested in pursuing a friendship with his long-time friend, Joel: JERRY: Joel. I don’t think we should see each other anymore.

JOEL: What?

JERRY: This friendship; it’s not working.

JOEL: Not working? What are you talking about?

JERRY: We’re just not suited to be friends.

JOEL: How can you say that?

JERRY: Look, you’re a nice guy, it’s just that we don’t have anything in common.

JOEL: (starting to cry) Wait. What did I do? Tell me. I want to know.

JERRY: You didn’t do anything. It’s not you, it’s me. It’s … this is very difficult.

JOEL: Look, I know I call you too much, right? I mean, I know you’re a very busy guy.

JERRY: No, it’s not that.

JOEL: (crying) You’re one of the few people I can talk to.

JERRY: Oh, come on. That’s not true.

JOEL: I always tell everybody about you; tell everybody to go see your show.

I mean, I’m your biggest fan!

JERRY: I know, I know.

JOEL: I mean, you’re my best friend.

JERRY: Best friend? I’ve never been to your apartment.

JOEL: I cannot believe that this is happening. I can’t believe it.

Experts actually suggest that Jerry’s strategy of trying to formally end the friendship with Joel is the best and most mature method if you are serious about severing those ties. Otherwise, we can simply “downgrade” the friendship from BFF’s to great acquaintances.

However you choose to end a close friendship, keep your dignity, and honor the dignity of your soon-to-be ex-friend as well. You were a significant part of each other’s lives at one point, after all. Cheers to “real” friendships!

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