SAN ANTONIO WOMAN MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

DEBUTING FALL 2023

It’s only human to want the best seat. It’s only Lexus to make every seat feel like it’s the best. With a vehicle designed to put everyone’s needs first. No matter where you sit. Get ready for a new era of three-row luxury. The first-ever Lexus TX.

www.northparklexusatdominion.com

This magnificent bedroom is 100% made in Italy and is a perfect blend of elegant finishes and contemporary design. The combination of natural walnut and high gloss panels comes together to offer a unique blend of warmth and sophistication. By employing the latest in modern manufacturing while remaining conscious of our environment, our Italian bedroom offers exceptional quality and a truly distinctive look and feel. These items are available from stock for quick delivery.

King bed $2498

Dresser $1788

Queen bed $2298

(mattress and bedding not included) Nightstand $755 each

Desk $1595 Chair $398 Mirror $598 Dining collection also available.

ww w.copenhagenliving.com

14 Cover Story

From banking and marketing to counseling and entrepreneurship, Kelley Frost uses creativity and goal setting to steer her career while giving back to others.

19 Feature

Three culinary artisans remind us of the magic of celebrations and the stories behind every dish.

24 Role Model

Learn from role model and entrepreneur Emily Carpenter “Em” what makes her happy and successful in business and in life.

32 What’s in Your Bag

Peek inside shopping bags that hold lifelong treasured memories, recipes, traditions and rituals that will fill your holidays with joy.

is now open in San Antonio!

Since 1975, Tenenbaum has curated an ever-growing collection of new and vintage jewelry and watches. We bring numerous exclusive world-famous brands that are not currently available in San Antonio, along with our legendary Vintage Collection.

VISIT the STORE

Suzanne Pack Photographer

David Teran Photographer

Bill Murphy, MD Writer

Dawn Robinette Writer

Meredith Kay Writer

Janis Turk Writer

Michelle Vasquez Writer

Blithe Wiley Writer

Paul J. Watkins Writer

Al Rendon Photographer

Lainey Berkus Writer

EDITOR’S

Welcome Friends!

Our fabulous Cover Woman, Kelley Frost, radiates joy, and her zest for life touches everything around her. The owner of Frosted Home on Broadway and a Ph.D., MA, MBA, and LPC-S, Kelley has mastered “reinvention” and shares how creativity, goal-setting, and giving back have helped her in life as she has made career transitions and managed her own mental health.

Our feature story will inspire you to take your entertaining game to a new level as we share how three women have turned their passion for food into a living. Our Role Model, Emily Carpenter, is impacting the San Antonio restaurant scene with five restaurants, all while embracing the joys of raising two young children. And in our “To Your Health” section, local healthcare providers share the latest updates on managing and preventing diabetes.

We’re so happy to welcome Edie O’Brien to the San Antonio Woman team as our new Fashion Editor! Check out Edie’s outfit inspirations to guide you through all of this season’s events.

As we come to the end of 2023, we want to express our gratitude to you, our readers, and to all of you who have supported us through the yearour advertisers, writers, photographers, designers, printers, distributors, and so many more. We are abundantly thankful for all of you who have helped make San Antonio Woman the premiere platform for celebrating the women of our city.

We can’t wait to see all that 2024 has in store! Stay tuned for exciting news about the launch of San Antonio Woman’s exclusive networking events and educational panel discussions. It’s going to be a great year! Sign up for our newsletter at sawoman.com or follow us on social media (@sanantoniowoman) to stay up-to-date on everything new at San Antonio Woman!

Wishing you a joyful holiday,

Cathleen

Cathleen Lane Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Cathleen Lane cathleen@sawoman.com

DIRECTOR OF SALES & PARTNERSHIPS

Dale Lane dale@sawoman.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Cindy Jennings cindy@sawoman.com

FASHION EDITOR

Edie O’Brien

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kimberly Pipes

WRITERS

Cover: Dawn Robinette

Lainey Berkus, Meredith Kay, Bill Murphy MD, Janis Turk, Michelle Vasquez, Paul Watkins, Blithe Wiley

PHOTOGRAPHY

Cover: Suzanne Pack

Al Rendon, David Teran

PRINTING

Shweiki Media

PUBLISHED BY

Las Tres Muchachas, LLC.

NOMINATIONS & ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Email: info@sawoman.com

A Las Tres Muchachas Production

Cathleen & Dale Lane

300 E Ramsey, Suite 2 San Antonio, Texas 78216 (210) 236-5834

sawoman.com

@sanantoniowoman

On the cover:

Photography by Suzanne Pack with Celebrated Reflections

Makeup by The Look Beauty Studio @thelook.beautystudio

Introducing CHRISTUS Children’s.

The best place for new beginnings.

For years, The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio has been the trusted family choice for hope, healing and very special deliveries. And now, the hospital you count on for new beginnings has a new name that better represents who we are and the purpose we pursue every day. Welcome to CHRISTUS Children’s.

CHRISTUSchildrens.org

Your children. Your family. Our purpose.

Daizy, new mom and Delilah, 8 hours old

Kelley Frost

Setting Her Designs on Creative Reinvention

By Dawn Robinette | Photography by Suzanne Pack

Shaking things up now and then is good for the soul. Kelley Frost, owner of the fantastic home and décor store Frosted Home in Alamo Heights, calls it “Snow Globe Day.” “When I change up the store, it’s like turning the snow globe over, so it’s snow globe day. I come in, and I like to change things up.”

The same could be said for her career path. With PhD, MA, MBA, and LPC-S designations behind her name, she’s been a marketer, an educator, a licensed counselor, and now an entrepreneur and business owner. Frost, who holds a master’s from UTSA and a doctorate from St. Mary’s University, notes, “My career path has been circuitous, not a straight line. I have a process of reinvention. I don’t know that it was a completely strategic process, but it evolved that way.

“The common thread, I think, is creativity. The ‘San Antonio Business Journal’ did a story on how unique my approach was to bank marketing because I did some unusual things. Like at a grand opening, I had one of those machines where you grab money. It wasn’t typical, but it made sense to me. Then, in the classroom, I always tried to make learning fun and creative. And my counseling work? It’s really creative problem-solving.”

That creativity flourishes at Frosted Home, where you’re greeted by a mélange of color, inspiration, style, and positivity. It mirrors Frost’s own warm personality, bright eyes, and authentic style, immediately making you feel at ease. And it’s how she approaches her own home.

“Our homes are so important. Home is our respite, our refuge, our place of me. It’s also the place where we entertain and have friends and family

together,” Frost explains. “I always look for how I make it more inviting, not just for others, but for me when I come home.”

Creating a place of comfort includes her commitment to counseling – and positive mental health. “I think many people think of counseling as being something that people do because they’re not well. And I think that the people who are the healthiest go out and seek counseling. I always tell my clients, ‘Don’t worry about yourself. Worry about the people out there that aren’t getting help’.”

A tireless volunteer – “It’s in my DNA to give back,” she explains – she is investing time to advocate about the importance of mental health. “I had my own experience with depression. It was a very serious, severe depression that I wouldn’t have ever expected as a person who generally leans more toward glass half-full. It crept up on me, and I didn’t even know what it was.”

Long before she became a counselor herself, she sought counseling. “Getting help, reaching out and recognizing what was going on. It’s so important to destigmatize it and for us to be able to tell people it’s positive, it’s good, it’s taking care of yourself. It’s self-care. We’ve got to be kinder to ourselves. One in four adults are going to be diagnosed with some sort of mental health issue. And anxiety and depression went rampant during COVID,” she explains.

“Nationally, Texas ranks dead last in accessibility to mental health care. And we also have the misguided idea as Texans that we can do it –‘Well, pull yourself up by your bootstraps.’ That’s counterproductive. It truly takes a village. One

of the things about mental health is connecting with another person to work through what you’re dealing with.

“People used to always ask me about my counseling practice, ‘You must just see some of the craziest things.’ No. I see what you’re going through – and what we’re all going through. We’re all one common human experience.”

She used her PhD dissertation to delve into another common experience: how midlife women manage career transitions. “My research showed that the biggest barrier holding women back from making changes – significant changes in their career – is fear. Number one, hands down, fear of failure, fear of being able to do something new. Fear is the big brick wall that we have to scale.

“For me, it’s embrace the fear. Stare it down. Say, ‘You know what? I got it.’ To be honest, if there wasn’t any element of fear – if we were fearless – we might all be jumping off buildings. So fear is there as a protector, right? But if we embrace it

and say, ‘I know I have this fear, I know this is a bit scary’ – then follow that up with what it looks like to embrace that fear and go, I can overcome this.

“The fear is not the thing that has to stop me from this. The fear is the questions that you ought to be asking yourself anyway. Am I equipped or could I learn these things? Or is this a viable business proposition? You’ve got to have a dose of reality and then a little bit of just pure guts, too. There is always a little unknown. Just face it down.”

She credits goal-setting for helping her succeed. “It’s not necessarily numeric goals. When I taught marketing, we used to talk about SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) goals. Are they measurable? What’s the time frame? All that stuff. But I do like to set goals and accomplish them. I usually always have something that I’ve put in front of me to give me encouragement and move forward.

“What are the next steps? What are the things that I can move into and make an impact? What

are the ways that I can do things maybe a little bit differently? But I think it’s goal setting. I think in what I’m doing now, we are always sort of changing up what we do.”

She also motivates herself by giving back. The list of San Antonio organizations she’s supported is long and distinguished. “My mother-in-law used to say, if you’re having a bad day, do something for someone else. And that resonates. Research bears this out: volunteering extends your life.

“It is trite to say you receive more than you give.

“What’s your inner voice saying to you? Your kind inner voice, not the critical one that wants to beat you up, but the one that says you’re good. Listen to that.”

But for me, it’s been an honor to be able to do things for organizations. The cool part about it is getting to be with people who want to give back. It’s a form of teamwork that surpasses anything. I think that you reap the rewards of giving back. What you see as the result when you can make a difference is remarkable.”

One of the ways she’s giving back now is by talking. Through ENGin, a nonprofit dedicated to helping every young Ukrainian confidently speak

English, she’s helping a young Ukrainian woman improve her English skills. She read about the program in “USA Today” and decided to sign up. “Ukraine has the lowest English proficiency of the European countries, and ENGin is working to change that. I did the survey and was paired with Yarina, who is the most fabulous young woman. We meet by Zoom, and my hour with her weekly is one of my favorite hours. It inspires me. I look for opportunities like that to connect with people who are inspiring.”

She tackles challenges through two Ps: prayer and her husband, Pat. “I have a very solid, strong prayer life, and anyone who knows me knows that I’m constantly bringing things forth in prayer or stopping to pray with people. And it’s just one of my kind of things. But Pat? He’s my secret weapon. Having a partner, a husband who has my back and is just so positive. He always says his glass is 98% full, but I’m not sure it’s not 100. So when I’m having a particularly bad day, I go to him. He comes through. Whatever it is, he’s my cure for a bad day.”

She also stresses self-reflection. “When I can see that I am starting to feel like days are rolling into each other, and they’re not feeling as motivated, and I don’t feel excited about what I’m doing, that is a signal to listen to myself.”

It’s what she suggests to others. “What’s your inner voice saying to you? Your kind inner voice, not the critical one that wants to beat you up, but the one that says you’re good. Listen to that.”

Food, Memories and Merrymaking

‘Tis the season for merrymaking and turning celebrations into fond memories. If you’re planning a special occasion, Monica Nino, Tim McDiarmid, and Adesuwa Elaiho are at the forefront of creating memories with charcuterie boards, catered meals, and pastries to bring out the best in your celebration. Each of their journeys into hospitality resonates with caring about creating moments in people’s lives.

By Michelle Vasquez

Photography by David Teran

Monica considers herself a hometown girl. Though her journalism background took her to many places, she returned to San Antonio and is pursuing her passion project. What started as a fun date night became a hobby, and now it is a full-time business. She and her husband run The Board Couple, specializing in wine and charcuterie pairings.

When they started posting their date night creations online, people began commenting on how beautiful the boards looked and wanted to know if they were for sale. Although she laughed it off, she couldn’t help but wonder,” What if they were?”

Between the love of food, wine, and entertaining, Monica mentions, “Most people can relate to wanting a cozy Saturday night in, enjoying something delicious and having a great experience with family and friends at home; I feel that’s what it’s all about.”

Monica Nino Crafting Charcuterie Experiences

Great experiences warrant great ingredients. Monica’s favorite board items are dark chocolate walnuts, sourced from a chocolatier in Chicago, and pepperoni from Buffalo, New York, which features pieces of fennel. Even the six-nut mix and raisins are made in-house. “You can taste the love and passion in our food. To me, a perfect bite is a triple crème brie on a crostini with some balsamic figs and a drizzle of honey. It’s chef’s kiss delicious.”

Knowing the client’s goals and watching them come to life is Monica’s favorite activity. “I love hearing ‘oohs and aahs’ when people walk into the room and see what you’ve put together. That’s the payoff. You get to be a little sparkle in their event, and that’s what’s meaningful to me.”

There’s no wrong time for charcuterie. Monica has delivered boards for men getting fitted for boots locally to brides and their attendants getting makeup and hair done. Clients keep the boards made by a local carpenter.

Tim McDiarmid owns Tim the Girl Catering, The Good Kind Restaurant, and Ivy Hall, an events venue. As a working mother, she valued the flexibility of hospitality. Raised with the original concepts of farm-to-table, Tim grew up in a family that grew and prepared its own food and entertained others. Hospitality has always been a part of her soul.

Regarding special occasions, Tim said, “Our house was the fun gathering spot. I grew up in the remote wilderness of British Columbia, and our home was always filled with dinner parties, celebrations, and a strong sense of community.” After moving to San Antonio, she began offering private shopping and hosting pop-up dinners. The fusion of celebrations with food, art, and fun gradually evolved into a business.

“As for Tim the Girl Catering, it’s about helping clients find their vision,” Tim explains. “My role is to bring that vision to life.” Reflecting on how these visions come to

Tim Mcdiarmid

Bringing Culinary Visions to Life

be, Tim emphasizes the significance of food. “Food is the cornerstone of any celebration. It’s what brings people together.”

Planning an event engages all the senses. Not one to skimp on details, Tim emphasizes the visual appeal of dishes, noting, “You first eat with your eyes.” While an event encompasses the location and the culinary experience, color is key to ambiance.

When asked about how to add color to an at-home dining experience, Tim promptly mentions vegetables. She notes their occasional absence. “I’ve attended celebrations where there were no vegetables on the table. Color is often missing. There are countless possibilities with preparing vegetables that are often overlooked.” This close affinity for a colorful table setting evokes nostalgic memories of her past with family and friends.

Tim believes that vegetables have the power to enhance any meal. One of her favorite dishes features Brussels sprouts. They are thinly shaved and quickly sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and lemon zest. The result is a burst of brilliant green color and flavors. Other options for holiday celebrations could include a vibrant green salad, perhaps with roasted pears, candied walnuts, and beets. The potential for creating beautiful salads is unlimited.

Regardless of the budget or menu, Tim’s commitment is to deliver quality. Everything is made from scratch, using the finest ingredients. Clients come to her for her delicious food, presentation, and dedication to bringing their vision to life.

Photography by David Teran

Adesuwa Elaiho traveled the world with her military family and landed back in San Antonio after training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. With four certifications, she now focuses on pastries at her pastry shop, Asukar. Here, she infuses creativity into her craft of creating delicious works of edible art. She remembers a time when she considered pastries as not creative and too rigid. “One minor mistake, like using salt instead of baking powder, can ruin everything.”

Soon, her perspective changed. “When I thought about what I wanted to do,” she explains, “it was to tell people’s stories through food. I aim to be that resource in the community where you can come to me and say, ‘I have this occasion, and this is our story. Can you please communicate that to our guests?’”

Adesuwa’s creative innovations often push boundaries. In strategizing over an upcoming animal-themed event, she said, “We will research animals’ diets and will incorporate some of those elements into unique and beautiful pastries with fillings, frostings, and color.” Such initiatives will not

Adesuwa Elaiho

The Pastry Poet

only provide an educational angle about animal diets but also ensure a delightful sensory experience.

Many of her patrons return for her tasty creations annually. Adesuwa shares a story about a breast cancer survivor who celebrates her milestones with a cake each year. “It’s more than just an edible treat; it’s becoming a part of people’s memorable experiences. I take this responsibility seriously.”

Another way Asukar engages guests for a memorable experience is the creation of interactive pastry bars, which include unique serving features like mini blow-torching and spritzes of alcohol. “We aim for that ‘WOW’ factor every time. “To add to that, maintaining relationships is crucial in the business of celebrating special occasions. Adesuwa also ensures that her wedding cake clients receive a complimentary first-anniversary cake, so they don’t have to settle for a year-old frozen cake.

Just in time for the holidays, Asukar offers small format cakes that add a personal touch to gift giving. In addition, Adesuwa invites customers to bring their visions to life with a semi-customizable cake made possible through imported Italian equipment. “You can come in and say, ‘I want this cake and this flavor, but can it be pink, with these sprinkles, a cake topper, and even a printed picture?’ All of that is possible and ready for the holiday season.” Asukar will also have a holiday pie sale soon and offer Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner options.

In a world filled with culinary treats, these artisans remind us of the magic of celebrations and the stories behind every dish. If you want to create your own special memory, explore the culinary artistry of Monica, Tim, and Adesuwa by visiting their websites at www.theboardcouple.com, www.timthegirl.com, or www.asukar.com.

Photo courtesy of Food Network

empower. connect. transform. empower. connect. transform.

empower. connect. transform.

empower. connect. transform. empower. connect. transform.

Impact San Antonio members have selected six nonprofits to receive this year’s $100,000 High Impact Grants. Four will receive $10,000 Support Grants.

Wonder Theatre

Experience Wonder Arts & Culture

Restore Education East Side Community

Learning Lab Education

HIGH IMPACT GRANTS ($100,000)

Great Springs Project Landowner Engagement Initiative

Environment, Recreation & Preservation

Roy Maas Youth Alternatives

Technology Upgrades for Client Records Family

SUPPORT GRANTS ($10,000):

Kinetic Kids

No Limits for Adapted Sports & Fine Arts Health & Wellness

Respite Care of San Antonio Oasis in San Antonio’s Childcare Desert Education

Agarita, Headwaters at the Comal, Latched Support, YMCA of Greater San Antonio

We thank them for their work to transform lives in our community

Emily Carpenter

Tenets to Being Happy and Successful

By Michelle Vasquez | Photography by May Carlson

Emily Carpenter, aka Em, a San Antonio native, wears many hats: a mother of two, daughter, wife, and entrepreneur, with five thriving restaurants as part of the Carpenter Carpenter hospitality group. Despite always going at full speed, Em’s presence is characterized by a quiet demeanor, always accompanied by a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. It’s no surprise that she and her husband, Houston Carpenter, have left a mark on the local food scene, offering a range of seafood-based concepts at their establishments, including Little Em’s Oyster Bar, Up Scale Southtown, Restaurant Claudine, Go Fish Wine Bar and Nineteen Hyaku.

The genesis of their culinary journey began with Little Em’s, inspired by a memorable evening in a Parisian oyster bar. Emily and Houston envisioned transplanting that charming Parisian essence to their Southtown neighborhood but with a unique touch. “We saw a gap in fine dining hospitality that we believed seafood could fill,” Emily shared. “The experience was so fantastic that we decided to expand, and now, here we are with five restaurants!”

Their secret sauce for success extends beyond just wonderful food; their properties also have a distinct ambiance. Little Em’s evokes the spirit of an East Coast oyster bar adorned in pastel pinks and bright whites. Emily vividly describes the experience: “You can sit down, be warmly greeted by our staff, offered some bubbles, and indulge in crisp East Coast oysters on the half shell, and that’s just the beginning.”

The warmth and hospitality of Em and her family resonate in every detail, from the signature Little Em’s martini at Up Scale to Restaurant Claudine, named in honor of Houston’s grandmother. Their commitment to creating a familyowned atmosphere is palpable, especially when you spot Em strolling down the street with her daughter Rosie on one hip and Birdie on the other. Their unwavering dedication mirrors the excellence they bring to their businesses.

When asked about the unique aesthetic of her restaurants, particularly the use of pink at Little Em’s, Em sums it up in one word: happiness. “Our places should be happy and should also bring joy to others. In my line of work, it’s more than just taking orders; it’s about crafting an experience. When you radiate kindness, everyone can feel it.”

Balancing her roles as a wife, mother, and business owner may seem like a Herculean task, but for Em, it’s a labor of love. When questioned about her role as a role model, she humbly responds that everyone harbors a role model deep within. “My most cherished role is that of a mother. Expressing my love for my girls is beyond words; it’s simply indescribable.”

As a mother and role model to her daughters, Em imparts invaluable life lessons—five tenets for a meaningful, happy, and successful life and business:

1. “Be your best self.”

2. “Strive to improve today over yesterday.”

3. “Embrace adaptability in the face of change.”

4. “Choose your partners wisely.”

5. “Live with intention.”

Em’s guiding principles emphasize intentionality, highlighting the importance of purposeful actions in personal and professional realms. “In the world of hospitality, our mission is to bring happiness. We prioritize the well-being of our staff, knowing that they, in turn, will ensure the happiness of our guests and, ultimately, the community we serve.”

Her establishments are not merely restaurants; they are integral parts of the vibrant Southtown and Pearl communities. Her passion is evident in everything she does, from setting unwavering standards for herself and her family to her relentless commitment to the hospitality industry. She engages with people daily, provides employment opportunities, and extends her generosity to friends and strangers alike, all in pursuit of simplicity and happiness.

Em sets a high bar in every facet of her life, personally and professionally. Her legacy is one of exceptional standards, boundless hospitality, and the power of spreading joy in every interaction.

Al Rendon

By Meredith Kay | Photography by Al Rendon

There is no greater honor for an artist than to have his life’s work featured in a prestigious gallery or museum as a stand-alone exhibition. For San Antonio native Al Rendón, it is the culmination of a career spanning 50 years of seeing San Antonio through his artistic, discerning lens.

Al credits his love of photography to his mother, Maria de Jesus Rendón, who was very diligent about taking pictures of her family to document their lives. Al is the youngest of five children. He has two older brothers and two older sisters and says, “My mom took pictures at all of our family gatherings. She always wanted to capture the moments that we all spent together.”

The first significant photo that he remembers taking was when he was 12 years old. He was in sixth grade at St. Mary’s Parochial School downtown, serving as an altar boy at Saturday mass. When the mass ended, he hurried over to the Alamo to watch the filming of “Viva Max” with his plastic Kodak Diana camera in tow. Trying to be inconspicuous among the media, Al was able to get an impressive shot of Jonathan Winters and Peter Ustinov rehearsing a tense scene from the movie. He recalls taking a few pictures before he was removed from the set by security, but he got the shot that began his illustrious photography career.

When Al began high school at Central Catholic, he joined the Photography Club and learned his way around the darkroom, eagerly taking assignments around campus and throughout San Antonio for the yearbook. One of his most memorable assignments was to photograph George McGovern speaking at the Alamo in 1972 during a presidential campaign tour. Al climbed up on a waste bin amid the crowd to get some shots, and when he went to develop the pictures, there was only one usable shot due to a bright spotlight in the frame from his angle. It was the very last shot on the roll. That shot, however, became his first published photo, and it became the cover photo for the Central Catholic yearbook that year.

Throughout his career, Rendón has had the opportunity to photograph celebrities, rock stars, and many influential San Antonio leaders, but it is his work capturing the Mexican, Latin, and Tejano culture that makes San Antonio unique that he is most proud

of. He says, “I have always tried to capture the real essence of my Hispanic culture and the culture that has shaped our city.” His photos depict the beauty, the character, and the raw emotion of the Tejano culture and community. The images are moving and profoundly intimate.

Al became well known in the Tejano and conjunto music scene early in his career, photographing popular musicians for concert shoots, album covers, and publicity images. This led to being hired to reshoot the cover photo for Selena’s album “Entre a Mi Mundo.” Selena and her producers weren’t happy with the photos from her first photo shoot, so they reached out to Rendón, who had made a name for himself among musicians in the industry. This led to an incredibly special relationship with Selena, her family, and her band. One of Al’s most iconic portraits of Selena even hangs in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Al has called San Antonio home his entire life. He met his beautiful wife, Liz Shelton, in 2002. They were married in 2005, and Liz, with her flowing golden hair, even modeled for Al’s “Angels” series in 2004 for the photo entitled “Angel of Serenity”.

Rendón has been a commercial photographer for 40 years now, and he has also been the official Fiesta photographer for the San Antonio Fiesta Commission for many years. He fell in love with the pageantry and horsemanship of the Charreada event when he received his first commission in 1981. He speaks with respect and reverence when he says, “I love the beauty of the women riders and the gallantry of the caballeros.” His portraits of the competitors show the majesty of the sport, and it continues to be one of his favorite subjects to photograph.

Rendón’s work is currently on display at the Witte Museum through early January. It features over 60 carefully curated images spanning his career and even houses a recreated dark room representing his studio and workspace. His retrospective art book, “Mi Cultura: ~ Bringing Shadows Into the Light: The Photography of Al Rendón” is available now at the Witte Museum and online.

Holiday Fashion!

By Edie O’Brien, ediestyles.com

From Thanksgiving with family, the work party or a New Years Eve night on the town, the holidays offer a GREAT opportunity to embrace some of the seasons trends!

1 2

1. Veronica Beard Clary Alpaca Sweater - $595 VeronicaBeard.com

2. Mignonne Gavigan Velma Lux Earrings - $295 Neiman Marcus

3. Kurt Geiger London Leather Kensington - $285 - kurtgeiger.us

4. Agolde Leif Skirt - $238 Julian Gold

5. Docevita Blanch Boot - $295 Julian Gold

2

1

3

5

4

5

TREND: Denim Skirt and Western Boots

3

4

TREND: Denim Boots

6

1. Veronica Beard Ciarlo Top - $298 Julian Gold

2. John Hardy Love Knot Drop Earring, Sterling $595 John Hardy.com

3. Halogen Faux leather Blazer - $69.50 Nordstrom

4. Rebecca Minkoff Edie Xbody - $248 Julian Gold

5. Olivia Jean Alice and Olivia - $330 Julian Gold

6. Rouxa Denim Boot - $990 Meadow Boutique

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Work Party

1 2

3

For day and night

1. Alice and Olivia LaToya Sleeveless Blazer Mini Dress - $465 Julian Gold

2. Colorful Cutie Earrings - $23 Voge Boutique

3. Betsey Johnson Holiday Cluster Bracelet $128 Betseyjohnson.com

4. Rebecca Minkoff Ruched Clutch $128 Julian Gold

5. Sam Edelman Jildie Mary Jane $140 Julian Gold

4 5

TREND: Mary Janes

1 2

1 2 3 4 5

3

TREND: Platforms

4 5

1. Simkhai Kehlani Top - $425 Julian Gold

2. Sterling King Titania Pearl Crystal Fringe Earrings - $375 Sterlingking.com

3. Cult Gaia The Caldera Clutch $598 - Julian Gold

4. Vilagallo Molly Velvet Pant - $192 Julian Gold

5. Kurt Geiger London Laney Bow Sneaker $165 KurtGeiger.us OR

TRENDS: Wide leg pants & Sneakers (with anything)

1. Betsey Johnson Betseys Bows Crystal Drop Earrings - $68 Betseyjohnson.com

2. Kitri Nola Red Printed Rose Dress $235 Julian Gold

3. Sparkle&Shine Handbag $148 Voge Boutique

4. Zigi Nicole Ankle Strap Platform Pump - $79 Nordstrom

5. Christian Louboutin Cassandribooty Alta - $2095 Christian Louboutin.com

2

3

1

New Year’s Eve

1. Staud Mini-Ilana Dress - $395 Julian Gold

2. Sterling King Isabella Bow Earrings - $370 Sterlingking.com

3. Alexis Bittar Crystal Bracelet, Black - $495 Alexisbittar.com

4. Kurt Geiger London Small Shoreditch Bow - $285 KurtGeiger.us

5. Sophia Webster Xena Ankle Boot - $1600 Julian Gold

TREND: Sparkles

5

4

TREND: Fringe 1 2 3 4

1. Simkhai Carlee Fringe Midi Dress - $745 Julian Gold

2. Lizzie Fortunato Torre Earring - $345 Julian Gold

3. Cult Gaia Banu Mini Rhinestone Clutch - $528 Julian Gold

4. Azalea Wang Discoball Black - $119 Nordstrom.com

Bag?

What’s in your

Karen Haram

By Lainey Berkus | Photography by David Teran

The IT bag this holiday season does not come from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Bottega or Prada. The most sought-after and important bag this festive time of the year is….drum roll please — the GROCERY BAG! This iconic universal bag, usually paper, plastic or recycled, often with handles, comes in all shapes and sizes to carry groceries and sundries. High-quality reusable, eco-friendly, and insulated bags (in a variety of colors and fashions) are in the mix, too.

I usually peek into bags that hold wallets, gum, books, notebooks, pens, pencils, iPhones, tissues, baby wipes, keys, chargers and ear buds. The bags I am dipping into today have none of these essentials. These bags hold tantalizing ingredients that turn into sweet and savory meals for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, and a variety of other special celebrations during this jolly time of the year.

Simply put, these bags hold lifelong treasured memories, recipes, traditions and rituals that fill your holidays with joy.

Don’t we all enjoy holiday foods that have been passed down for generations?

That is certainly true for our bag lady today. Meet Karen Haram, a master in the kitchen. Readers may remember her as the Food/Taste/Dining Editor of the San Antonio Express News for 34 years. She has won national and regional recognition for her food writing and editing, including the Association of Food Journalists’ Award for best feature story and the National Federation of Press Women Award for best food section. Her Taste section was named best in the country five times in the Association of Food Journalists’ competition.

Karen was awarded the prestigious Hearst Eagle Award, the company’s highest honor, for her excellence in journalism. She was named to the People’s History in Texas Gallery of Stars, which features individuals who made invaluable contributions to Texas history. She was regional editor for Cook’s Illustrated, a restaurant reviewer for San Antonio Monthly magazine, and the author of “San Antonio Cuisine.”

Karen has judged hundreds of culinary competitions, including the first million-dollar Pillsbury Bake-Off, the National Beef Cook-Off, the National Chicken Cooking Contest, the World’s Championship Chili Cook-Off, the Kraft National Outrageous Sandwich Contest, and the Bay’s English Muffin Recipe Contest. She has also taken cooking classes throughout the United States, Asia and Europe. Needless to say, this lady can cook and knows her way around a kitchen. Did I mention she cooks nearly everything from scratch on the day of the holiday?

Let’s peek into Karen’s holiday grocery bags!

How do you prepare for holiday shopping?

“I shop at H-E-B Lincoln Heights, Central Market, Costco, Trader Joe’s and the Commissary at Ft. Sam Houston. My lists are categorized according to store layout and can be as long as several pages. Items are listed in columns titled produce, meat, dry goods, paper, dairy and frozen foods.” She gives herself two days to shop for everything she needs to prepare her traditional holiday feasts. Once everything is marked off her lists, she heads home to unpack her seven or so brown grocery bags, a red insulated H-E-B bag and her reusable eco-friendly bag designed for H-E-B by local artist Clif Tinker.

What goes into your holiday bags for Thanksgiving?

“A 16-pound kosher turkey, bread cubes, sage, parsley, rosemary and thyme, cornmeal for the cornbread, milk, pecans, tart cherries and canned pumpkin for three pies plus flour, butter, corn syrup and sugar, potatoes, sweet potatoes, heavy cream to make whipped cream, cabbage, petite peas, onions, celery, carrots, cranberries, chicken to make broth or prepared broth, salted and unsalted butter, yeast rolls and spices.

“Many of the Thanksgiving foods I prepare come from cherished family recipes and traditions from my late mother. My menu never varies because my family likes this exact combination of flavors and textures. One unusual twist to the menu is the addition of coleslaw.” Karen says the contrast in flavor and texture of an oniony, mayonnaisey coleslaw with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy is amazingly delicious. Her mother served coleslaw with her holiday dinners, and it is a tradition that her family will never give up.

What’s one of your family recipes served during Thanksgiving?

“My mom was a wonderful cook, especially her cherry cobbler. And I loved watching her make Pumpkin Chiffon Pie every Thanksgiving. I have been enjoying making and eating this pie since age 8. Now, many years later, my husband, two daughters, their spouses, and my four granddaughters are enjoying my childhood dessert, too. It’s a more complicated recipe than most pumpkin pies, but I get such joy in making it for my family.”

Karen makes her stuffing just as her mother made it without a recipe, sautéing celery and onion in lots of butter with a combination of bread cubes and cornbread and generous amounts of chicken broth, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper. Her recipe for

scalloped eggplant came from her work at the ExpressNews. In the late ‘80s, Karen wrote a Best Cook on the Block article about a retired Air Force colonel who told her about a favorite recipe for scalloped eggplant packed with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, butter, onions, and cracker crumbs. At 35 years old, it’s the “new” family favorite.

Why are food traditions so important to you?

“Food is associated with memories of childhood, simpler times, growing-up years, time spent with loved ones, and remembering those who have passed. Gathering around a table is also magical. I love seeing my family having a good time together and enjoying each other’s company.”

What is on your Christmas grocery list?

Ground chuck, spinach, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, onions, garlic, heavy cream, beef broth, Romaine lettuce, asparagus, olive oil, Italian plum tomatoes, tomato paste, butter, two loaves of hearty sourdough bread, apple cider, grains of paradise, cinnamon chips, flour, sugar, powdered sugar, eggs, butter, pecans, tart cherries, lemons, vanilla, spices, and red and green food coloring.

What is your Christmas menu?

“Our Christmas menu this year features an authentic Italian cannelloni made with homemade pasta stuffed with a seasoned spinach and ground chuck mixture topped with béchamel and marinara sauces, served with asparagus or broccoli, classic Caesar salad and garlic bread.”

The Haram family gathers together the night before Santa arrives to open stocking stuffers. For the past 20 years, the evening begins with Karen’s homemade spiced apple cider served in ceramic demitasse cups by Italian artist Giovanni De Simone, purchased at Plate and Platter during the ‘80s and now at estate sales and antique stores. “I started collecting De Simone before I became Food Editor because I love the bright colors and whimsical designs. It’s beautiful with an Italian table or, with different placemats and centerpieces, a Mexican menu.”

After cider, the family enjoys a buffet of Mexican appetizers. The menu includes tamales, seven-layer dip, hatch green chile and artichoke dip, chile con queso, cilantro dip, guacamole, salsa and tortilla chips. Desserts, made with family help, include frosted and decorated sugar cookies and thumbprint cookies filled with red and green buttercream frosting, and triple-chocolate brownies for the chocolate lovers. The thumbprint cookies come from a cherished memory, too. Karen and her late sister made 1,000+ thumbprint cookies as holiday gifts when they were young brides, had no children, and a small budget.

Karen’s tips:

1. No appetizers served before holiday meals so everyone comes to the table hungry.

2. Some foods like pie crust, cornbread for dressing, eggplant casserole, sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time. But turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, salads and pies taste best made the day of serving. Karen wakes up at 7 a.m. to start her holiday meals, and her husband of 50+ years is always at her side washing dishes as she cooks. It’s always good to have a cleanup team.

3. Don’t try new dishes; go for traditional foods that are family favorites during the holidays. Save new dishes for another time.

4. Consider buying a kosher turkey. Salting during the koshering process results in a turkey that tastes like it’s brined, but with no effort on your part.

5. Buy quality ingredients; what goes into your food is essential.

6. Season as you go. Taste as you go, too, and use a clean spoon with each taste.

7. Buy more than you think you need. How many of us run out of something we need more of — like ice, butter or whipped cream?

Gertrude Wolfe’s Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Karen recommends using Trader Joe’s graham crackers for the crust, and grinding them to make crumbs.

1 cup canned pumpkin

3 eggs, separated

1 cup sugar, divided use

1 cup whole milk

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon plain unflavored gelatin

¼ cup cold water

1 9-inch Graham Cracker Pie Crust (recipe follows)

Sweetened whipped cream

Graham Cracker Pie Crust:

1 ⅔ cups (5⅓ ounces) ground graham crackers

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Cook pumpkin in top of double boiler 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix egg yolks (reserving whites), ½ cup sugar and milk. Add to cooked pumpkin with salt, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Stir and cook until mixture is of custard consistency. Remove from heat and add gelatin, which has been softened in the ¼ cup cold water.

Stir until dissolved. Chill. When mixture begins to stiffen, fold in stiffly beaten egg whites, to which has been added 1/2 cup sugar. Pour into graham cracker crust. Chill 3 hours. Top with sweetened whipped cream.

For Crust: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Firmly press mixture evenly over bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate. Bake 7-9 minutes.

Serves 6-8

Mulled Apple Cider

Karen got this recipe from Central Market and says to get the best apple cider you can; the less refined the cider, the better. Grains of paradise are available at Central Market.

1 (64-ounce) bottle apple cider

2 teaspoons coriander seeds

1 teaspoon grains of paradise

1 (4- to 5-inch) cinnamon stick (1-2 tablespoons Vietnamese cinnamon chips or ground Vietnamese cinnamon to taste can be substituted)

Peel of 1 clementine

Combine cider with coriander seeds, grains of paradise, cinnamon sticks and Clementine peel in pan. Bring just to a simmer, and simmer about 30 minutes. Strain. Serve hot.

Karen’s Thumbprint Cookies

The thumbprint cookies make a perfect treat for Santa when he visits your home on Christmas Eve. Karen says it’s important to use both butter and shortening because butter adds flavor and shortening helps the cookies hold the proper shape as it has a higher melting point than butter.

COOKIES:

½ cup butter, at room temperature

½ cup shortening

½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar

2 eggs, separated

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

1 ¾-2 cups finely minced pecans

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:

4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

2 cups powdered sugar

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

About 1/2-1 tablespoon cream or milk, as needed

Red and green food coloring

FOR COOKIES: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixer bowl, combine butter, shortening, brown sugar, egg yolks and vanilla well. Add flour and salt and mix until dough holds together.

Beat egg whites slightly in a shallow bowl. Place nuts in a separate bowl. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Dip each ball into egg whites, then roll in nuts. Place on parchmentor Silat-lined cookie sheets 1 inch apart. Press thumb deeply in center of each cookie.

Bake cookies 10-12 minutes or until light brown. Immediately remove cookies to cooling racks and cool completely. When cool, fill centers with Buttercream Frosting.

FOR BUTTERCREAM FROSTING: Combine butter, powdered sugar, salt and vanilla in mixer bowl. Beat well, adding a bit of cream or milk to get to spreading consistency. Divide into two bowls and tint one bowl with red food coloring and the other with green food coloring. Pipe in the frosting or spoon in the frosting to fill the center of each cooled cookie.

Makes 6 dozen cookies.

Makes 10 (6-ounce) servings

Our Body: A Self-Healing Machine

By Bill Murphy, MD, Medical Director, Turquoise Springs Medical Spa

Constantly, our body restores, heals, rebuilds, and replaces itself at the cellular and metabolic level. Once, sleep was thought to be only a state of unconsciousness, but now we know 7-8 hours of sleep is necessary to move short-term learned events to long-term storage and restore neuronal chemicals necessary for proper function. Recent studies also show in the last third of the night, the brain cells separate a bit, and the spinal fluid flushes out waste debris thought to have a role in dementia. So your Mom was right, you need more than 5-6 hours of sleep to be healthy.

Inflammation has a bad name as it is associated with joint pain, Advil commercials, arthritis, and disability. However, chronic inflammation is the bad actor and the result of excessive reactions by our bodies. Police officers, Firefighters, and EMS are the first responders in our community. The first responders in our body are Platelets. They are the sticky, little discs filled with signaling inflammatory chemicals in our bloodstream, circulating 24 hours a day, ready to be released the moment an outside threat appears. Rescue cells in the form of MSC’s (adult stem cells) rest in small blood vessels poised to be released. Ready to follow are 40 or 50 different cytokines, growth factors, and tissuestimulating factors (rescue squads with fire fighting foam), which are circulating and waiting to be directed to the target. When there is an injury, the platelets attach to the damaged site and release their load of signaling chemicals, and all resources

rush to the spot. A study with mice showed how radio-isotope labeled stem cells rushed to a mildly injured hind foot immediately after intravenous infusion into the mouse.

We use this inflammatory response in Aesthetics when we mildly injure the tissue (Micro-needling, threads, bio-stimulators, heat, and laser therapies) to induce the production of new collagen and help restore aging skin to look refreshed and restored.

For my pain patients and for my aesthetic clients, I have been harnessing the power of this natural healing cascade for several years with several different natural products. I have used PRP (platelet-rich plasma), Amnion serum harvested from amnion fluid from a healthy mother at delivery of her baby and processed by an FDA-approved

lab, and most recently, PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) has emerged on the scene. PRF is a new way to produce PRP with fibrin, so it stays on the “target” longer for better healing and growth results. Last month, I introduced a new and better way to use PRF for my Aesthetic and Pain patients. It has truly been an innovative game changer for my patient’s clinical needs, it is all-natural, and it is a less expensive choice than some of the other options. This new choice is called EZ-Gel or PRF-Gel.

PRF-Gel can be used as filler for under the eyes, in the face and lips, around the mouth, and for lip lines. Injected into the skin anywhere on the body, it will stimulate collagen to improve skin quality and elasticity. I find it useful for painful joints due to degenerative arthritis, for bursitis, and for tendinitis as well.

What is PRF-Gel? I draw two small tubes of your blood. I spin one tube at one speed and the other tube at a faster speed in a centrifuge. The red blood cells are discarded, and the remaining yellow serum is the PRF. One tube forms a gel and is then mixed with the serum from the other tube to create PRF-Gel. This process concentrates the 40-50 tissue healing substances which are natural in our bodies, suspends them in a natural gel made from protein in our blood, and makes it possible to inject where we need it.

PRF-Gel is used to replace volume, decrease wrinkles, decrease pain in degenerative joints and injured muscles and tendons, stimulate collagen and elastin, and help us look younger and more vibrant. It is all from your body with no added chemicals and no manipulation of the material. It is the equivalent of 5 syringes of filler to be used and placed where you need it to heal, refresh, restore, and rebuild. It is excellent as a natural replacement for fillers like Juvederm or Restylane or for joint or tissue injections instead of steroid shots or surgery. For a consultation to discuss how it might help you, call 210-253-3313.

Texas Family Lawyer

TEXAS SUPER LAWYERS

TOP 10 ATTORNEYS STATEWIDE

2014,2013, 2012, 2010, & 2009

BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA

1987 – 2023

DAN RUGELEY PRICE MEMORIAL AWARD

TEXAS BAR FOUNDATION

BEST NON JUDGE SPEAKER AWARD

TEXAS CENTER FOR JUDICIARY

FRANKLIN JONES AWARD

FOR AUTHORING THE BEST CLE ARTICLE – TWICE

2009 – 2013

FAMILY LAW HALL OF LEGENDS

STATE BAR OF TEXAS FAMILY LAW SECTION 2021

Room Redux

Susie VybiralFounder/CEO

Why did you decide to start Room Redux?

I have always had a heart for children and have believed they should have the best childhood experience possible. While I was a family advocate at a children’s advocacy center, I learned that although children who have faced sexual and physical abuse often receive therapy, they continue to be afraid or feel unsafe in their bedrooms. I started Room Redux in order to remove triggers in children’s rooms and completely transform their environment. By painting the room, providing new furniture, decor, and lighting, and even changing the positioning of the bed, children feel safe and cared about in their new sanctuary.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love everything that Room Redux does. Room Transformation day is the best because we’re able to give children who have faced abuse a fresh start. Although we never have contact with the children, we receive amazing feedback from caregivers, and it confirms that what we’re doing is beneficial, healing, and life-changing for these children.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

I have two best pieces of advice. The first was given to me by my Daddy when I was 16. He told me to surround myself with positive people because negativity brings you down and gets you nowhere. The second is from a wall hanging in my office, which reads, “Create the thing you wish existed.” I’ve done both!

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I love to do all the things. I was Susie Homemaker for my son’s entire childhood. I have an Honorary Doctorate and am now a PsyD Doctoral Candidate and will be Dr. Suz by 2024. I sing and play tambourine in my band, Salubrious Fox, I’m an officiant, and I’m a nature-loving plant-based hippie at heart. I’m a graduate of the San Antonio FBI Citizens Academy, an ambassador for the Wave Trust 70/30 Initiative, an Advisory Council Member for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Texas, and a member of the MVP Taskforce. I was named the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth 2022 National Honoree, which has been an amazing experience.

What’s your favorite thing to do for fun in San Antonio?

I grew up in Houston, and every summer, we came to San Antonio! We’ve lived in this area for 22 years, and I love to act like a tourist, finding new restaurants and boutiques or hopping on a Rio Cruise. My son played violin for YOSA for several years, so we love attending concerts. The Witte and the McNay are two of my choice museums, and I also love meandering through La Villita.

Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for L’Oréal Paris

Designer’s Notes

by Sherrie Sanderson, Rooms & Gardens

When we look at the homes our friends have lovingly woven over time, we realize that we are experiencing a reflection of their most intimate life history and spirit; their inner sanctum.

The warmth in this home comes from the textures, layers, antiques, and art carefully curated over time.

The sophisticated and warm lifestyle of this home creates an elegant yet lived-in space that is punctuated with heartfelt and strong pieces. Throughout this bohemian haven, your emotional and intellectual senses will feast on the influence of Italian, French, and Asian cultures.

Above:

Pillows in raspberry and citrine yellow add pops of color for fun! A variety of hand-woven rugs in wool and silk gives the area a feeling of warmth and comfort.

A graceful pair of ivory velvet sofas sit beside an Italian-inspired custom cocktail table. The table reflects hints of gilt amidst the washed, chalky seafoam background.

The bedroom is serene. Deep lavender Murano lamps reflect light upon the washed silver chests. The occasional chair was found at The Thrift House and is comfortably dressed in royal purple and silvery-gold Fortuny. The little footstool is covered in a remnant from a 19th-century vestment. The large lavender silk and Aubusson pillow centers your eye upon the bed. As you look up, you see the most perfect little French 18th-century gilt mirror.

The smooth, polished Calcutta, gold marble, and the openness of this kitchen make you feel as if you can finally exhale into the abundance of French simplicity and airiness. The large, colorful Bettie Ward oil painting is whimsically reminiscent of life and abundance.

The long entry welcomes you with a playful Khotan rug beneath your feet.

As you glance to the side, an 18thcentury Italian mirror floats over the console table.

Grand 18th-century architectural elements as lamps flank each side of the console, with a large urn spilling over with roses in peach and salmon. Pumpkins add a festive spirit at the base to welcome the fall season. The arrangement was created by Elizabeth Gonzalez of Southern Blooms.

MULTIMEDIA

SPONSORS

Planning for 2024? Learn about our dynamic sponsorship opportunities that tap into the diverse San Antonio Woman market.

Align your brand with our network of trusted partners, and get in front of decision-making women at events, online, through social media, and in print.

Dental Professionals Dossier

When did you last go in to have your teeth cleaned and examined at the dentist?

If it has been over a year, you are due for a visit! For many, it is easy to let those appointment scheduling reminders for your pearly whites go unanswered. Although it’s easy to skip a visit (or two) knowing you have an excellent brush-and-floss routine, some things may go unnoticed. Studies have shown that oral health significantly affects one’s overall health. A problem of infection in the gums may be cause for concern elsewhere. Whether you are due for a cleaning, have a toothache, or are interested in cosmetic enhancements, a dental professional can help! Read on to find our latest Dossier focused on the area’s top dental and Orthodontic professionals.

Mission Orthodontics

What sets your practice apart from other dental practices?

• Technologically Advanced: At Mission Orthodontics, we harness the power of technology and innovative treatment techniques. Our state-of-the-art equipment enables us to provide more accurate diagnoses, quicker treatments, and better overall patient experiences.

• Highly Specialized Staff and Team: Our Mission Orthodontics team of highly specialized and experienced professionals is dedicated to their craft of making your orthodontic care seamless, from the initial consultation to the final result.

• Inviting Environment: My wife Nicole and I designed our practice to be warm, welcoming, and familyfriendly. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff, who are committed to making each visit a positive experience. Our inviting environment helps ease any anxieties and ensures a positive experience for every patient.

• Great Value for a Smile of a Lifetime: We offer competitive pricing and flexible payment options to ensure our orthodontic specialty services are affordable. Our treatment plans are geared towards ensuring the longevity and confidence of your smile!

Our services include:

• Speed™ Braces: These cutting-edge braces are designed to straighten teeth more comfortably and efficiently than traditional braces.

• Invisalign®: Seeking a discreet and convenient option for teeth straightening? We provide Invisalign treatment to both teens and adults. Eat what you want and clean how you like - just don’t forget to put the aligners back in!

• Confident Teen Smiles: Adolescence is a crucial time for orthodontic treatment, and we are dedicated to addressing the unique needs of teens. A confident smile goes a long way in their formative year.

• Youthful Restoration: We love restoring the beautiful smiles of individuals who have orthodontic issues that developed over time. Whether it’s crowding, spacing, or other issues, we have the expertise to bring back the smile of yesteryear, enhancing both aesthetics and your oral health.

VK and VV Orthodontics

What sets your practice apart from other Orthodontic practices?

We specialize in offering a wide variety of customized treatment options to patients of all ages, a service that’s unique to our practice. Our youngest patient is 5.5 years old, and we have treated patients in every decade up to 85 years old. We have treated many complex adult surgery cases to align crooked jaws, including sleep apnea cases. In growing children, we offer preventive orthodontic procedures and focus on dentofacial orthopedic correction, which prevents them from having unnecessary extractions and surgical procedures. We are one of the very few Orthodontists in the state of Texas to utilize AI technology in our own branded clear aligners: VK aligners and VV aligners.

What services does your practice offer?

We provide orthodontic treatment for all ages to correct crowding, deep bite, crossbite, complex cases with protruding jaws and retruded jaws, surgery cases, sleep apnea, and trauma cases. At the VV Orthodontics location, we offer Saturday morning appointments to make it convenient for parents and kids to come for the appointments and not miss school/work.

What warning signs should people be aware of that require a visit to the Orthodontist?

When a child has buck teeth, crowding, deep bite, crossbite, or misaligned jaws, it is important to get early orthodontic intervention. When kids or adults have mouth breathing or snoring and sleep with mouths open, they should seek our services. We work closely with dentists, oral surgeons, and ENT doctors in helping patients with sleep apnea.

What new treatment options are you excited about?

We are constantly keeping up with the latest innovations. We offer state-of-the-art cutting-edge technologies that make orthodontic treatment more cost-effective and efficient. We have recently added our own digital lab, which fabricates aligners and other appliances. Our unique and branded VK aligners and VV aligners utilize AI technology and are superior to many other brands since the doctor herself is very closely involved from start to finish with the case management. This kind of technology is offered in very few clinics in Texas.

5 Star Dental Group

What services does your practice offer?

We specialize in Prosthodontics, which includes specialized training in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Our goal is to do conservative dental treatments to save and prolong the life of your teeth.

We focus on smile makeovers, which can include veneers, crowns, and clear aligners to straighten teeth. We also take care of patients who may need dental implants to replace one or all missing teeth.

How often should patients visit their dentist?

We do recommend visiting your dentist at least twice a year to have your hygiene visits and periodic oral examination, x-rays, and oral cancer screening. But, it may vary depending on the patient’s oral habits, dental hygiene, and medical conditions. The purpose of regular visits is to prevent and to detect early stages of cavities and other oral diseases to maintain a healthy smile.

What new treatment options are you excited about?

Having the ability to design and create same-day ceramic crowns, veneers, and porcelain fillings with digital dental scanners has changed the way dentistry is being done. This new technology can save more tooth structure, which prolongs the life of your teeth and helps our aging population maintain their teeth for longer periods. Although there is more stress in our lives, we have seen an increase in dental wear due to several factors, including more clenching and grinding of our teeth due to stress-triggered factors. With new scanner technology, we can add the tooth structure that has been lost in a very conservative way by creating a “bite lift” that helps our patients regain their function and dental appearance.

5 Star Dental Group

Gilberto Tostado and Karina Acuna Malo 400 N Loop 1604 E, Ste. 315, San Antonio, TX 78232 | (210) 494-3511

5stardentalgroup.com

Alamo Heights Pediatric Dentistry

What types of dental care do you offer?

Our pediatric dental practice offers care starting as soon as the first tooth comes. We focus on prevention, but when treatment is needed for our young friends, we offer a variety of options such as silver diamine fluoride (SDF), zirconia and stainless steel crowns, tooth-colored resins, and more. We offer dental treatment appointments with laughing gas, oral sedation, or in-office IV sedation based on the child’s appropriate needs. For our patients with special needs, we strive to meet them on their level with compassion. Finally, we also offer frenectomy treatment when appropriate to infants who are having challenges with nursing or bottle feeding.

How do you approach preventative dentistry?

Education is at the core of how we approach preventative dentistry. It all starts with the first dental visit, which is recommended as soon as the first baby tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday. We review brushing techniques, snacking habits, after-hours emergencies, and appropriate use of dental products. Our goal for our young patients is to educate their parents so that they can reinforce healthy habits at home and set them up for success with healthy habits. We encourage our families to keep up with their dental exams and cleanings every six months for prevention purposes.

How do you handle after-hours emergencies?

Dental trauma can be a scary thing for our patients and their parents, especially when it involves a permanent tooth in our older patients. For patients of our practice, we can be reached after hours and walk the parent on how to handle the emergency from home or meet the patient at the office for after-hour care.

What professional degrees do you hold, and from what schools?

Dr. Sage received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA; her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. She completed her pediatric dentistry residency at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio.

Dr. Kati Walker received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas Tech and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado. Dr. Walker is a general dentist limited to pediatrics.

Alamo Heights Pediatric Dentistry

999 E. Basse Rd., Ste. 116, San Antonio, TX 78209 | (210) 822-8381

alamoheightspediatricdentistry.com

Leon Springs Dental Center

What sets your practice apart from other dental practices?

Our practice stands out through our unwavering commitment to patient comfort and satisfaction. We prioritize a personalized approach to dental care, tailoring treatments to each individual’s unique needs. Our team’s extensive experience and continuous education ensure that we offer the latest in dental technology and techniques. We strive to create a warm and welcoming environment, making every visit a positive experience for our patients while dealing with not only their dental needs but their physical health as a whole.

Have you seen an increase in any oral health issues recently?

Over the past year, I have seen a significant increase in Thyroid cancers, issues relating to sleep apnea as well as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). The stresses we deal with today are so much more than they were 10 years ago.

What warning signs should people be aware of that require a visit to the dentist or orthodontist?

Some common warning signs include persistent toothaches, bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and changes in bite alignment. Additionally, any discomfort or pain in the jaw joint should prompt a visit to an orthodontist. Regular check-ups are crucial for catching potential issues early.

What services does your practice offer?

Our practice provides a comprehensive range of services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery. We are equipped to handle routine cleanings and exams, teeth whitening, braces, dental implants, and more, all under one roof for the convenience of our patients.

What new treatment options are you excited about?

We are particularly excited about advancements in laser dentistry, which enable more precise and less invasive procedures. Also, digital impressions have improved patient comfort and accuracy in treatment planning. These innovations enhance the overall patient experience.

Leon Springs Dental Center

25235 Interstate 10 West, Suite 201 | (210) 698-1010

leonspringsdental.com | scheduling@leonspringsdental.com

WOMEN in BUSINESS

Leaders and Entrepreneurs

The Women Leading ChRISTUS Health

By Blithe Wiley | Photo

Today, CHRISTUS Health is known in the healthcare industry for its strong presence of women leaders. In fact, all of the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa hospitals (Westover Hills, Alamo Heights, Medical Center, San Marcos, New Braunfels) and CHRISTUS Children’s currently have female executive leaders.

CHRISTUS Health’s roots trace back to 1869 when three young Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word were asked to travel to San Antonio at the request of the mayor to help open an infirmary to provide care for the residents during the cholera and yellow fever epidemics. In December of that year, San Antonio’s first private hospital, the Santa Rosa Infirmary, opened its doors with the mission to be “open to all persons without distinction of nationality or creed.” Later renamed Santa Rosa Hospital, this facility in the heart of downtown San Antonio would open the first dedicated unit to care for children and expand to provide care for the body, mind, and spirit of the people of South Texas.

courtesy of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa

Photo Left to Right: Genifer Rucker, president of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital - New Braunfels; Cris Daskevich, CEO of CHRISTUS Children’s; Luanne Ansaldo, president of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital - Medical Center; Sister Yolanda Tarango, congregational leader of the Sisters of Charity of the In-carnate Word; Sherry Fraser, president of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital - Alamo Heights; Patricia Burns, president of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital- Westover Hills

Cris Daskevich, CEO of CHRISTUS Children’s and Senior Vice President of Maternal Services for CHRISTUS Health

Cris Daskevich joined CHRISTUS Health as CEO of CHRISTUS Children’s (formerly The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio) nearly six years ago after serving in a variety of executive leadership roles at Texas Children’s Hospital for more than two decades.

Daskevich knew from an early age that she wanted to work in pediatric health care. She studied at Texas Christian University and then earned dual master’s degrees in healthcare administration and business administration at the University of Houston—Clear Lake. While in her final year of graduate school, she was awarded a fellowship at Texas Children’s Hospital, which led to her career there.

“For me, it is an honor to serve in a faith-based organization where the culture and the mission are palpable,” Daskevich said. “At CHRISTUS Children’s, we care for some of the most vulnerable women, children, and families in the state and the country.”

Daskevich shared that, at CHRISTUS Children’s, 82% of managers and above are women. “We have many female leaders across our maternal and pediatric specialty areas, and this representation has been both organic and intentional,” she said. “As moms, wives, and daughters, we are the decision-makers in our families’ health care,” she said. “I think a lot of women are drawn to health care as a career because of their involvement in their own families’ health care. As healthcare executives, nursing and physician leaders, women apply their business acumen coupled with their inherent skills in compassion and connecting well with others.

She noted that everyone who works in CHRISTUS is inspired by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word: “These brave women went through great adversity in the wilds of the San Antonio frontier. They faced both cholera and yellow fever epidemics, fires, the Great Depression, and much uncertainty, yet their courage, vision, and tenacity were unwavering.”

“As a Latina leader, I am deeply honored to serve as President of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Westover Hills Hospital. Each day presents an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our dedicated associates and our valued patients. In my role, I take great pride in serving as a role model and mentor, especially as a woman in a leadership position. I understand that this journey can be challenging for our families, but it is incredibly fulfilling because it allows me to empower and mentor others, helping them reach their career aspirations. My commitment to making a difference daily is unwavering, and I am dedicated to fostering an environment of growth and success for all.”

Genifer Rucker, President, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital –New Braunfels

Genifer Rucker’s healthcare career spans 35 years. Her journey in the healthcare industry began when she was working as a patient transporter in the radiology department of the very hospital she leads today as its president -- CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels (then McKenna Memorial Hospital). She returned to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa as a regional director of business development in 2015. She was then named president of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital in Beeville in 2017. She was named president of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels in 2022.

“At CHRISTUS, our core values of dignity, integrity, excellence, compassion, and stewardship play such an integral role throughout our system,” Rucker said. ‘Our leaders are measured, not only by their talents but also by their commitment to these core values.’

“I have been a nurse for over 45 years and believe that my role has evolved from bedside nursing to administration for a reason. That reason is to positively affect patient’s lives by providing compassionate quality care and demonstrating servant leadership. As a woman, I am honored to serve alongside other women who share my passion and purpose. “

Rucker notes that CHRISTUS Health is known for empowering women to develop into leadership roles. “In a traditionally male-dominated industry such as health care, when a woman leader looks to her right and looks to her left and sees another woman on one side, you see an environment that is very balanced,” Rucker said. “I also think this strong female leadership presence impacts the company’s culture in a positive way.”

“Being able to serve CHRISTUS ministry has been my greatest joy in my career,” Rucker said. “I’m proud to play a role in this organization that is so committed to improving patient access to quality health care and navigating solutions to the varied challenges we face in our industry. It also gives me great satisfaction to work for an organization that was founded by women and celebrates women leaders today.”

Sherry Fraser - president of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital - Alamo Heights

Patricia Burns, president of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital - Westover Hills

On October 4th, JPMorgan Chase hosted PowerHER San Antonio where over 150 women gathered to be inspired, connect and learn from each other. The event focused on creating an ecosystem for professional women across San Antonio’s disparate sectors to authentically connect.

Entrepreneurs, business owners and C-suite executives focused on the power of being genuine in both personal and professional capacities through a day filled with panels and workshops. Hosted at the historic Hotel Emma, the event fostered an open space where vulnerability was described as a superpower.

“PowerHER is a personal passion for many of us involved because we’re here to inspire and support other women,” said Monique McGillen, executive director and area manager for Chase Business Banking. “I was once a young single mom putting myself through school while building a career, and it’s not an easy life to multitask.”

The tug of war between personal and professional ventures was highlighted by Brooke Warren, vice president and banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank and co-chair of the event, in a panel discussion about finding sustainability and resilience.

“Unpleasant times are pivotal in changing our path,” Warren said. “As I navigated the last years, I kept thinking of the bear hunt song from our childhoods: ‘We’re going on a bear hunt, can’t go under it and can’t go around it, gotta go through it,’” Warren said. “It became my defining mantra; however, I found that the struggle wasn’t just being resilient, but how we do it without losing parts of ourselves along the way.”

Panels addressed:

• The entrepreneurial journey and its pitfalls, including strategies to make resilience sustainable for women.

• Intentionally curating a personal board of directors with perspective to rely on for guidance.

• Finding authenticity in both your personal and professional life, and building communication skills that lead to more meaningful conversations with families, coworkers, clients and investors.

“The aspect of self-awareness, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and knowing what you need can add clarity - not just for your vision, but for your business,” said panel moderator Preston James, founder and Chief Executive Officer of DivInc. He encouraged women to engage in these conversations intentionally.

Stacey Embrey Rubin, Ph.D., Chief Behavioral Health Officer at RiteSite Health, echoed the sentiment saying positive changes in entrepreneurial women creates beneficial ripple effects with those around her.

“When women are in power, there’s a more maternal and compassionate attitude towards sharing of success and collaboration,” she said. “Women heal themselves and look for ways to heal the world.”

Ashley Brueckner, managing director and banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, noted PowerHER was launched in March 2020, shortly before the pandemic. After its wild success in Austin, PowerHER became a national movement in 2023 hosted in Seattle, San Antonio and Denver.

“We work with female-powered businesses, from startups to publiclytraded companies, because we want to see women take leadership roles and succeed,” she said. “We want them to have a deeper network, more meaningful conversations and actual takeaways to help them tackle obstacles that get in their way. Our firm is committed to supporting women because they will look for ways to build a better community for everyone – that’s what women do.”

As women continue scaling the professional ladder, it can cause them to feel lonely at the top, a sentiment shared by both panel speakers Peggy Rubenzer, Whataburger’s Chief People Officer, and Rosa Santana, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Santana Group.

To prevent that, participants were encouraged to create a support system of leaders, which was underscored by Michelle Yeh, managing director and market executive for Technology and Disruptive Commerce at J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking.

“Who do you surround yourself with when you need to make the toughest decision in the room? Who can you rely on?” she asked. “You have to be focused on navigating adversity in a sustainable way but you need to be laserfocused on curating a personal board of advisors who during critical times will offer you support.”

To close the day, JPMorgan Chase’s Meredith Hopson Beaupre, managing director and region manager for Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries, joined keynote speaker Ash Beckham and Andy Brock, managing director and head of J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Central Texas, on stage for a thought-provoking authenticity exercise.

“Showing up as our most authentic selves within our personal and professional lives can sometimes be difficult, and is often uncomfortable,” Beaupre said. “The willingness to open up and be vulnerable is a big step towards forming honest and real human connections.”

Other panelists who participated in San Antonio’s event included Mandy Barton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Barton Logistics; Elizabeth Johnson, owner and chef of Pharm Table; and Somer Baburek, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hera Biotech.

As part of its commitment to support women entrepreneurs, JPMorgan Chase made a $500,000 investment to three San Antonio nonprofits to expand opportunities for underserved businesses and create jobs in the market: greater:SATX Regional Economic Partnership, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and MassChallenge; all three organizations have placed an emphasis on assisting local women in business.

JPMorgan Chase will continue hosting PowerHER conferences across the nation in 2023 and beyond in an effort to support and further women in the business ecosystem.

To learn more about J.P.Morgan Private Bank in San Antonio, visit in-person at 200 E Basse Road, 1st Floore, Suite 102 or call 210-841-7074.

Managing Director, Banker with J.P. Morgan Private Bank

16 years at the firm; based in Austin

Orlando

Commercial Bank Market

Executive with J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking

16 years at the firm;

in San Antonio

10 years at the firm; based in San Antonio

Ashley Brueckner

Brooke Warren Vice President, Banker with J.P. Morgan Private Bank 9 years at the firm; based in San Antonio

Jeff Bailey Executive Director, San Antonio Market Lead with J.P. Morgan Private Bank; 15 years at the firm; based in San Antonio

Meredith Beaupre Managing Director, Region Manager for Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries with JPMorgan Chase; 21 years at the firm; based in Houston

Michelle Yeh Managing Director, Market Executive for Technology & Disruptive Commerce with J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking

18 years at the firm; based in Austin

Monique McGillen

Executive Director, Business Banking Area Manager with Chase Business Banking

based

Castaneda

(Left to right) Jeff Bailey, Meredith Beaupre, Monique McGillen, Brooke Warren, Michelle Yeh, Ashley Brueckner, Orlando Castaneda

Tiffany

Executive Director

(210) 829-5955

www.franklinpark.org

ALAMO HEIGHTS

“From years of teaching in a rural migrant town, I understand the importance of providing opportunities for growth and advancement to individuals who may face barriers. I take pride in providing an inclusive work environment that fosters learning and career growth. I collaborate with local community organizations, job training programs, & government initiatives to identify and recruit individuals who have a heart for serving seniors. I don’t simply provide employment; I invest time, resources, and expertise to ensure that the employees have the necessary skills & compassion to succeed in their vital roles. By fostering a strong mentorship culture, I work hard to create a supportive environment where our team can thrive & tailor themselves to their specific needs & aspirations. I focus on employees acquiring relevant skills that can lead to career advancement & maximum earning potential. I make it a priority to provide adequate moral & scheduling support to nurture their pursuits, acknowledging that education plays a crucial role in success. Seeking resources to help low-income workers access higher education or vocational training is key to successfully providing the quality of service in senior living.”

Tiffany was eagerly anticipating a return to the deeprooted culture & history of Alamo Heights when she was offered the position of Executive Director of Franklin Park Alamo Heights in February 2023. “I knew that I was the right fit & could offer my experience & genuine appreciation of this unique & tightly bonded community to this population of seniors. I personally cherish & try to incorporate into my own life the very same luxuries our residents find interest in…music, fine dining, dancing, theatre, fine art, fellowship & stewardship. I covet the timeless experiences I see them enjoying & memories they’re making during their retirement years, yet I appreciate that these things are even more rewarding after investing years of hard work earning them. I’m just honored to use my time & resources to offer them the personcentered service each resident expects & deserves.”

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS

18756 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 102

San Antonio, TX 78258

(210) 483-7004

www.cbharper.com

In the fast-paced world of real estate, Leesa HarperRispoli, the President, Broker and CEO of Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS® (CBDHR), stands out as an exemplary leader. Her journey is marked by continuous growth, strategic expansion, and an unwavering commitment to effective leadership.

What makes Leesa truly remarkable is her leadership style. She is known for her focus on individual growth and development within her team. Leesa ensures that each member of her organization feels heard, valued, and understood. Her approach is not merely about managing employees; it is about nurturing and empowering team members. One noteworthy fact about her leadership is that 93% of her team members are women. Leesa’s dedication to empowering women in leadership roles is not just a statistic but a reflection of her commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the industry.

Since taking the helm as CEO in 2016, Leesa has continuously steered CBDHR towards remarkable growth. Under her visionary leadership, the company has expanded its reach, spreading its influence across Central and South Texas. A testament to her leadership is the recent addition of a brand-new office in Victoria, Texas. Her strategic insights and unwavering dedication to the real estate industry have made her a trailblazer in her own right. CBDHR has flourished under her guidance, and it continues to set industry standards. Recognized nationally and locally, Leesa has helped CBDHR garner many awards and accolades for the company, teammates, and agents.

Leesa Harper-Rispoli is not just a leader; she is a visionary shaping the landscape of real estate. Her impact extends beyond her company, as she actively advocates for women in leadership roles and contributes to a culture of collaboration and empowerment. Her story is a source of inspiration for the real estate industry and beyond.

Leesa Harper Rispoli President Broker Owner

Alyssa Hartlage

SENIOR

VICE PRESIDENT, COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LENDER

Broadway Bank

1177 NE Loop 410

San Antonio, Texas 78209

210-283-5392

www.broadway.bank

Alyssa Hartlage is a Senior Vice President, Commercial Real Estate Lender, bringing close to 20 years of banking experience with expertise in the commercial real estate industry. Hartlage has served on boards and committees of CREW San Antonio, Real Estate Council of San Antonio and currently participates in Broadway Bank’s mentorship program as a mentor.

Alyssa primarily works with commercial real estate developers and investors based in San Antonio and surrounding areas. Her commercial banking team works with a variety of businesses, ranging from family offices to large, fully integrated commercial real estate firms. She advises her customers on Broadway Bank’s product offerings for land acquisition, residential and commercial lot development, new construction for all asset types, and acquisition financing.

All loans subject to credit approval, verification and collateral evaluation. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Lending area and other restrictions apply. Member FDIC.

Mary Bailey

SENIOR VP OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

SAWS

2800 US Hwy 281

San Antonio, Texas 78212

210-233-7297

www.saws.org

Mary Bailey joined SAWS in 2006. During her tenure, her responsibilities have included overseeing Customer Experience, communicating the utility’s case for multi-year rate adjustments, and leading recent rate studies.

Since 2019, Bailey has headed SAWS’ ConnectH2O Program, an advanced meter replacement program aimed at providing timely, critical water use information to customers.

Bailey is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 35 years of accounting and finance experience. She has served as president of the local chapter of Financial Executives International and board treasurer of AVANCE San Antonio.

After 17 years, Bailey is retiring from SAWS at the end of 2023. SAWS is grateful for her countless contributions in making our organization a Leading Utility of the World!

Kathy Ripps REALTOR®

Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty

4 Dominion Drive, Building 2

San Antonio, Texas 78257

C (210) 240 -4464

kathy.ripps@kupersir.com

kathysa.com

San Antonio Realtor Kathy Ripps has dedicated much of her life to giving compassionate care to her clients. With a background as a professional counselor and years of experience in real estate investing, Kathy made a natural transition to a real estate agent and luxury home specialist. She is recognized as a PT50 Centurion winner not only for her professional accomplishments, but for her dedication to the enrichment of her community and her ongoing leadership in the real estate industry.

Kathy spent 31 years in the education system first as a special education teacher and then as a counselor. This extensive background has given her a strong ability to understand and relate to the needs of others, allowing her to truly recognize the significant impact buying or selling a home has on a person’s life. Kathy looks forward to serving you with integrity, honesty, and transparency!

Aladdin Cleaning & Restoration

San Antonio, TX 78212

O (210) 736-1821

Multiple locations

www.aladdincleans.com

Meg Walker is Vice President of Aladdin Cleaning & Restoration in San Antonio, TX. Aladdin has been in business since 1956, with 3 locations and over 30 employees. Aladdin specializes in the cleaning of Oriental Rugs, carpets, Upholstery, Air Ducts, and more. After graduating from Texas Christian University in 2004, Meg began her career at Aladdin in accounting, marketing, and HR. She completed the UTSA Building Business Excellence Program in 2009. In 2016 Meg graduated from the Master Rug Cleaner Program. Meg has served on the Board of the Association of Rug Care Specialists since 2016 and is the current Past-President.

Cynthia Orr MANAGING PARTNER

Goldstein & Orr

310 S. St. Mary’s St., Floor 29 San Antonio, Texas 78205

210-226-1463

whitecollarlaw@gmail.com goldsteinhilley.com

Cynthia Eva Hujar Orr is the past Chair of the ABA Criminal Justice Section and in its House of Delegates, on the Texas Board of Law Examiners, and is the past President of the NACDL and TCDLA. She founded the San Antonio Lawyers Association and the Texas Innocence Network. She is listed in the Best Lawyers in America, is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, and is a Texas Top 100 Trial Lawyer. She is in the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame, and she was TCDLA 2015 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year, clerked for federal Judge Emilio Garza, and is Board Certified in Criminal Law and Appeals. She is listed in the Best Lawyers in America and is AV Rated by Martindale Hubble.

Meg Walker Vice President – Master Rug Cleaner (MRC)

To Your Health connects you with experts and resources in medical care, mental health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness, providing insight into all aspects of a woman’s health.

Empowering you to advocate for yourself - mind, body and soul.

Salud!

Women and Diabetes: Learn the Risk Factors and How to Reduce Them

By Paul J. Watkins

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can have serious, long-term effects on a person’s health. It is a contributing or exacerbating factor in a wide range of other health problems.

Aaron King, MD, is a family medicine/primary care physician who practices at MedFirst Primary Care in San Antonio and is Associate Clinical Preceptor at the University of the Incarnate Word Medical School. “The national average for prevalence of diabetes is about eleven to twelve percent, depending on the source,” he explains. “In San Antonio, it’s about fifteen to sixteen percent. I attribute this high rate to multiple factors.

“One is weight. The San Antonio population is more obese than the average population. Another significant factor is that we have a large number of Hispanic citizens in San Antonio and that population is at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Food choices are an additional factor. There are a lot of carb-heavy foods in the South. Finally, San Antonians are less active than most people. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to a high rate of diabetes.”

Dr. King says a person can have a genetic predisposition to developing diabetes due to the number of genes that could influence its development. Type 2 diabetes is not directly heritable, he notes, so just because a parent had it does not mean the child will have it. What it does mean is that the child has a higher chance of developing the disease.

The family medicine physician stresses that it is very common for a person with an abnormally high glucose level not to feel any symptoms at all. Feeling fine, he cautions, does not guarantee the absence of a glucose problem.

“People are often diagnosed with diabetes by the three classic signs of uncontrolled disease,” informs Dr. King. “These are polyphagia, or excessive hunger; polydipsia, or excessive thirst; and polyuria, or excessive urination. Other signs of diabetes are unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

“There are two major types of disease we identify as resulting from diabetes. The first is macrovascular disease, which is heart attacks, strokes, and clogging of the arteries. The second is disease of the small vessels in organs, namely the nerves, the kidneys, and the eyes. Those complications are equivalent in men and women.

“There are no symptoms or complications that are specific to women or more common in women. However, women are prone to genital mycotic infections, or yeast infections, much more than men. There’s a higher risk of developing those infections if you have diabetes.”

There are effective steps women can take to significantly lower the risk of developing diabetes. Dr. King says this is particularly true regarding an associated condition called “polycystic ovarian syndrome” (PCOS). Women with PCOS have about a 50% greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes in their lifetimes. If a woman is diagnosed with PCOS early in her life, she is at an increased risk for developing both type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes in her lifetime. Reducing this risk means adopting healthy habits and addressing modifiable risk factors, such as poor diet and sedentary lifestyle.

“It’s important to know that body fat percentage correlates with the likelihood of developing diabetes,” says Dr. King. “The heavier we are, the more likely we are to have diabetes. Women, in general, tend to have a higher body fat percentage than men, probably due to normal hormonal differences. Women don’t necessarily need to be held to the same body fat standards as men to prevent diabetes. The best step women can take to reduce their diabetes risk is living a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Today, there are many medication options for treating diabetes beyond just insulin. Dr. King says women who are diagnosed with diabetes should ask their physician about those medications and which ones might be beneficial to them.

“There are two important families of drugs that we use that control diabetes and cause weight loss. The first is the GLP-1 family, or GLP-1 receptor agonists. When we give these at higher levels, we get a much better natural insulin production from the body. We lower glucose that way, and we also regulate appetite better, which results in weight loss. The two most common medications in these families cause fairly significant weight loss, between ten and thirty pounds on average.

“The second family is the SGLT-2 inhibitors. These have become our preferred agents to use with metformin, which is a classic diabetes drug that does not cause weight gain or weight loss – it is weight neutral.”

Dr. King concludes by saying that some families of diabetes drugs have data showing essentially lower rates of heart attack and stroke and emerging data on kidney protection, so diabetes treatment can also provide women with these extra benefits, especially if they are at risk for one of those serious conditions.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call (210) 892-3589 or visit www.MedFirstPrimaryCare.com/FindADoc.

Better Together.

It’s time to prioritize prevention, LET US HELP YOU

� ASSESS YOUR HEART HEALTH

� MONITOR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

� EVALUATE BLOOD PRESSURE

� SCREEN FOR COMMON CANCERS

� MANAGE DIABETES RISK WALKING UNDERSTAND YOUR METABOLISM

� CUSTOMIZE YOUR HEALTH PLAN MedFirst

Medicare Advantage coverage & more.

Wellcare is excited to partner with VIPcare. This partnership makes it possible for us to deliver quality, convenient care to our members & build a strong network & improve the health & happiness of our community.

Learn more and enroll today.

844-546-9508 (TTY: 711)

8 a.m.-8 p.m., 7 days a week

wellcareseminar.com

Micheal Moisant, DO

3602 Matlock Rd Ste 206 Arlington, TX 76015

Jose Quiles-Diaz, MD

9355 Culebra Rd, Ste 101 San Antonio, TX 78251

The coverage you need & more

‘Ohana Health Plan, a plan offered by WellCare Health Insurance of Arizona, Inc. Washington residents: Health Net Life Insurance Company is contracted with Medicare for PPO plans. “Wellcare by Health Net” is issued by Health Net Life Insurance Company. Washington residents: “Wellcare”is issued by Wellcare of Washington, Inc. Washington residents: “Wellcare” is issued by Wellcare Health Insurance Company of Washington, Inc. Arizona D-SNP plans: Contract services are funded in part under contract with the State of Arizona. New Mexico (NM) Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (DSNP) Members: As a Wellcare by Allwell D-SNP member, you have coverage from both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid services are funded in part by the state of New Mexico. NM Medicaid benefits may be limited to payment of Medicare premiums for some members. Louisiana D-SNP prospective enrollees: For detailed information about Louisiana Medicaid benefits, please visit the Medicaid website athttps:// ldh.la.gov/medicaid or https://www.louisianahealthconnect.com. To request a written copy of our Medicaid Provider Directory, please contact us. Notice: TennCare is not responsible for payment for these benefits, except for appropriate cost sharing amounts. TennCare is not responsible for guaranteeing the availability or quality of these benefits. Any benefits above and beyond traditional Medicare benefits are applicable to Wellcare Medicare Advantage only and do not indicate increased Medicaid benefits. For Indiana D-SNP prospective enrollees: For detailed information about Indiana Medicaid benefits, please visit the Medicaid website at https://www.in.gov/ medicaid Wellcare by Allwell (HMO and HMO SNP) includes products that are underwritten by Superior HealthPlan, Inc. and Superior HealthPlanCommunitySolutions, Inc. Wellcare (HMO and HMO SNP) includes products that are underwritten by WellCare of Texas, Inc., WellCare NationalHealth Insurance Company, and SelectCare of Texas, Inc. *Other pharmacies/physicians/providers are available in our network.

NA4WCMADF33104E_ADNE

©Wellcare 2023 Y0020_WCM_133102E_C Final4 CMS Accepted 09122023

“But I’m too young for hearing aids!”

As an audiologist, I hear this statement every day, and my simple response is, “No, you’re not.”

Due to years of inaccurate and poorly executed marketing campaigns, there is a longstanding belief that hearing aids are meant exclusively for “old people.” However, the truth is that people of all ages can and do experience hearing loss and could benefit tremendously from the use of hearing aids.

The average American waits seven years to pursue hearing loss treatment. Unfortunately, some people wait until it’s too late to enjoy the full benefit and ease of early adaptation to hearing aids. “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” This is true for many things, including our brain’s ability to process speech and manage background noise. Waiting until you’re “old enough” can be a detrimental decision for you and your loved ones.

Hearing is arguably our most vital sense. Consider this: you can shut your eyes, but you can’t close your ears. Extensive research has proven that treating hearing loss is the most effective way to preserve brain health, mitigate cognitive decline, and deter early-onset dementia.

Asking people to repeat themselves, listening to the TV at an uncomfortable level, and accusing people around you of mumbling are habits that make you look old. Hearing aids, on the other hand, are smaller and more discreet than ever before. They utilize artificial intelligence and Bluetooth technology to help you hear better and make your life easier.

If you often ask people to repeat themselves, I strongly recommend having your hearing tested by an audiologist you trust. If they recommend hearing aids, remember that you are not too young.

Discussions with Dr. Ferguson, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Owner of Earl E. Ferguson MD Plastic Surgery - ‘The Guy to Know in Alamo Heights’

By Lori L. Ferguson

Questions were solicited from twenty-five different women of varying generations and backgrounds.

What is a “Mommy Makeover,” and does it merit the hype? When is a good time to have this procedure done?

In spite of the name, mommy makeovers are not just for mommies. Mommy makeovers typically consist of a tummy tuck combined with a breast procedure to correct the effects of pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural laxity that occurs with age. The abdominal portion may also involve liposuction or other skin tightening procedures, whereas the breast portion is usually a lift, an augmentation, or both.

Timing of the procedure varies from person to person, but in general, we recommend waiting until you are done having children and are at least six months out from your most recent pregnancy or if, after weight loss, your weight has been stable for three to six months.

How should someone decide whether to see a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist for injectables? Are there advantages to seeing a plastic surgeon?

Seeing a plastic surgeon for procedures like these does offer certain advantages. Plastic surgeons know the underlying anatomy well as we see it both during and after surgery. As a result, we understand the subtle art of facial sculpting to a greater degree than dermatologists.

Are there specific things that one should look for when choosing a plastic surgeon?

Absolutely! Any plastic surgeon you consider should be board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). This licensure ensures that the individual is a general surgeon who has done a full plastic surgery fellowship with the accompanying necessary training. They are qualified to do all procedures on the face and body. Such qualifications set plastic surgeons apart from dermatologists and otolaryngologists (ear/nose/throat physicians).

Plastic surgeons receive many queries about breast implants; for example, what are the different types of implants? Will they ever sag? Can you offer some guidance?

Breast augmentation is among the most common types of plastic surgery performed today. There are two basic types of implants: saline and silicon. Most implants placed in the U.S. are silicon, but I work with the individual patient to determine what best suits them. With respect to sagging, any implant will

sag over time, just like normal breast tissue, but most individuals will have their implants for 10 to 15 years before having any such issues.

Will liposuction improve flabby areas on my body, like my chin, thighs, and belly? Will it last?

Liposuction is a terrific tool in a plastic surgeon’s toolbox and is popular for several reasons. It’s an outpatient procedure, meaning it can be done in the office, and it consistently yields positive results--patients are generally extremely happy with their outcomes. With respect to improving flabby areas, liposuction can help with minor skin laxity, but it is best used for body contouring and elimination of focal areas of fat. If the patient experiences no subsequent weight gain, the changes should be permanent.

What can be done about droopy eyelids and bags below the eyes?

Happily, addressing these issues no longer requires a trip to the operating room. Isolated upper eyelid treatment can be done in the office under local anesthesia. Undereye bags are more complicated. Treatment can be something as simple as fillers or more complex like a surgical treatment in the OR.

I am afraid to be placed under anesthesia and don’t want the expense of going to the hospital. What procedures can I get that don’t require general anesthesia, and are they safe?

Happily, a good deal has changed in the world of plastic surgery over the years. Thanks to modern techniques and local anesthetics, we can now do far more in the office than we could in the past. Procedures that can be done outside the OR can range from liposuction and sculpting to earlobe repairs, scar revisions, and upper eyelid lifts.

I’m interested in having work done, but I’m worried it’s more than I can afford. How can I pay for procedures?

Medical credit can be obtained through companies such as CareCredit and Alphaeon. These companies offer plans that allow patients to pay for procedures over varying periods of time at interest-free rates.

Earl E. Ferguson MD Plastic Surgery

207 W Sunset Rd San Antonio, TX 78209

Reversing Diabetes/Pre-DiabetesFact or Fairytale?

By Dr. Jenny Seger

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or with pre-diabetes? According to the CDC, 38% of adults ages 18-64 have pre-diabetes, and as many as 70% of these adults will progress on to develop diabetes in their lifetimes (based on data from the American Diabetes Association). Being overweight or having obesity greatly increases your risk of developing insulin resistance, which is the underlying cause of pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

The CDC suggests that less than half of patients with pre-diabetes are aware of their diagnosis. I believe these numbers are far higher than what has been reported, as 3 out of 4 of the new patients I evaluate for weight loss have pre-diabetes, and many of them have no idea about this diagnosis nor the significance of their condition.

Many healthcare providers are under-screening and underdiagnosing this completely reversible disease. Simply checking a fasting blood sugar is not enough, and many providers stop there, inadvertently overlooking pre-diabetes in their patients.

Checking a patient’s Hemoglobin A1C through a simple, non-fasting blood test that measures an average blood sugar over a 90-day period of time is recommended to screen for pre-diabetes/diabetes. Listed below are some other common signs and symptoms that indicate a patient may have pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes:

• Elevated triglyceride level

• Low HDL cholesterol

• Elevated fasting insulin

• Darkening of skin folds

• Skin tags

• Frequent infections, especially skin and bladder

In my practice, we utilize a comprehensive approach to treat weight gain and obesity. I often see patients with a completely normal hemoglobin A1C, but with fasting insulin levels that are 2-4 times (or more) higher than normal.

In order for the human body to function optimally, blood sugar levels need to stay within a pretty tight range: between 70-100 mg/dL. Our bodies can tolerate temporary elevations in blood sugar based on what we are eating or drinking, but left unchecked, this leads to the release of higher and higher insulin levels, which can drive weight gain. Insulin is essential to life, but when in excess, it can wreak havoc on the body.

Which foods cause our blood sugar (and hence, insulin) to go up the most? Sugar is an obvious culprit, but that’s not all. Overconsumption of foods that are highly refined, processed, grain-based carbohydrates and starchier foods such as potatoes, corn, bread, rice, crackers, chips, baked goods, pasta, in-

stant oatmeal, and some cereals can also contribute to insulin resistance.

There is good news, though! Pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes can often be reversed (or at least dramatically improved) with adequate weight loss (sometimes as little as 5-10%). Here are some steps you can take starting today to improve your health and stop the damage caused to the body by elevated blood sugars and insulin resistance:

• Decrease the obvious sugar in your diet: sweets, sweetened beverages (soda, sports drinks, juices).

• Decrease highly refined-processed, starchier carbohydrates.

• Increase your intake of whole grain, complex carbs when you do reach for grain-based carbs.

• Increase your protein at mealtimes – most people are under-consuming this vital macronutrient, made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of life.

• Embrace sources of healthy, essential fats and fatty acids: fish, olives and olive oil, nuts and nut butters, and avocados.

• Consider checking your blood sugar (including using a continuous glucose monitor).

• Increase your movement – muscle tissue is what utilizes the most glucose (sugar), so moving more and using our muscles WILL decrease blood sugar.

• Get a good night’s sleep! There is a strong correlation between poor sleep (hours AND/OR quality) and insulin resistance.

• Address your stress: High stress levels can also raise blood sugars.

• Consider medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about medications, which can be a very effective addition to your overall treatment plan.

• Consider consulting with a dietitian, obesity medicine specialist or endocrinologist with expertise in overweight/obesity, pre-diabetes, and diabetes.

By partnering with an experienced provider who can oversee your care, in conjunction with small changes in your daily routine regarding nutrition, physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle modifications, with or without the use of FDA-approved medications, it IS POSSIBLE to reverse both diabetes and pre-diabetes.

About the author:

Board-certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine, Dr. Jenny Seger focuses on utilizing prescribed nutrition and lifestyle plans in addition to pharmacotherapy and/or surgical interventions to improve the health and wellness of her patients. Visit DrJennySeger.com for more information.

HILL COUNTRY CURATED

Boerne

Check out Boerne this holiday season, where you’ll find themed holiday weekends and plenty of spectacular dining, shopping, music, and lights to celebrate all month long! Here are a few of our favorite things:

Peggy’s on the Green

Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch.

Located in the charming, historic Kendall Inn, Peggy’s on the Green is the perfect spot to celebrate the season. Start with a craft cocktail in the lively bar, then enjoy the elevated Southern cuisine in the lovingly restored 19th-century dining room. peggysonthegreen.com

Boerne on Ice: Outdoor ice-skating rink

November 23 - December 31 3:00 p.m. – 10 p.m daily

The rink is located at Waterworks Terrace (210 W. Blanco Road), just across from Main Plaza. It is highly recommended that you reserve your skating time online, as walk-up skating will be very limited. Prices vary from $15-$22 based on the day of the week and the time you’d like to skate. Tickets include skate rental and one hour on the ice. ci.boerne.tx.us

Dickens on Main

Friday and Saturday, November 24-25 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Downtown Boerne transforms into a vintage holiday wonderland, complete with live music and performers, lights, food, kids activities, and SNOW along Main Street! holidaysinboerne.com/dickens-on-main

Old West Christmas Light Fest

Weekends through December 10 and December 15-23; 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Old West Christmas Light Fest dazzles and delights with holiday flavors, favorites, and fun! Your favorite holiday event brings the Christmas season to life with dazzling lights paired with food and family activities under the beautiful star-filled sky at Enchanted Springs Ranch. christmaslightfest.com

The Elf Louise Christmas Project

The Elf Louise Christmas Project is dedicated to bringing the joy of Christmas to the children of our community who otherwise would be at risk of not having a celebration of the Christmas season. Their theme is “Every child deserves a Christmas,” and their goal is to provide Santa delivery of wrapped gifts to children in our community.

Lucy Peveto

Dancing Ladies

Acrylic, gold leaf, butterfly wings, and resin on wood panel

30 x 60 in. 2023

Elf Louise serves approximately 18,000 children in Bexar County, from birth through 17, who otherwise would be at risk for not having a celebration of the Christmas season. Each child receives wrapped gifts, delivered to their homes by a Santa and a team of helper elves the week before Christmas. Parents/caregivers are notified in advance of the date and time so that the children will be home when Santa visits. For many of these children, these are the only gifts they receive. They react with joy and awe when Santa arrives in a red suit with a bag of wrapped gifts marked with their names.

INSIDE OUT, BUDDING BLOOMS

“My current body of work materialized during my sabbatical where I worked in a dimly lit mountain studio I was drawn to texture and a mix of finishes, whereas on sunnier days, I could see how the movement of shadow and light, with texture, created a new dimension that was both a joyful and vulnerable expression of nature and myself.” Lucy

Peveto

INSIDE OUT, BUDDING BLOOMS on view July 6th - August 7th

Avoid a sewer nightmare by disposing of leftovers, cooking grease and baking batter in the trash – NEVER your drains or garbage disposal.

AnArte Gallery | 7959 Broadway, Suite #202 | San Antonio, TX 78209 | anartegallery09.com

The Project collaborates with more than 200 local social-service agencies to sign up families who are selected solely on the basis of need and without regard for race, gender, color, religion, national origin, or disability. To ensure there is no duplication of services, they work with the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots to crosscheck lists of recipients.

Elf Louise is an all-volunteer organization. Thousands of community volunteers turn out to sort, wrap, and deliver the toys between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Toys are individually selected and wrapped for each child, and more than 400 Santas, aided by their teams of helper Elves, deliver the wrapped toys to the children in their homes. Many volunteers return year after year, and some who received toys through the Project as children turn out to help spread the joy they experienced. Go to www.elflouise.org to donate or to volunteer.

A CUT ABOVE

Bohanan’s Restaurant & Bar offers the quintessential San Antonio fine-dining steakhouse experience and is a date-night delight

By Janis Turk | Photos courtesy of Bohanan’s Restaurant & Bar

At a table upstairs overlooking San Antonio’s illustrious Majestic Theatre, with its neon marquee giving a woozy, warm glow to a cold, clear night, my husband and I sat holding hands at Bohanan’s.

Dining at the city’s most swank and storied steakhouse, we weren’t celebrating a birthday or anniversary — just a sweet Wednesday date night.

Rarely have we enjoyed such a magical meal in Texas. Recently returning from a week in New York, we’d already begun missing the bright lights big city ambiance of Manhattan’s best bars, private clubs and fine-dining establishments. We longed for white-table-cloth dinners by candlelight and the romantic afterglow of a night on the town.

At Bohanan’s, we were thrilled to find all this and more in our own backyard.

Offering the quintessential San Antonio steakhouse experience just two blocks from the Alamo, Bohanan’s is a cut above the rest. A classic, Manhattan-style, fine-dining chop house, it’s sublimely old-school with a modern flair: the kind of place your parents would love that’s also primed to delight younger patrons.

Opening in 2002 as an intimate second-floor dining experience with owner/executive chef Mark Bohanan at the helm, Bohanan’s, like its steaks, has aged well.

In fact, Bohanan’s just unveiled its 2023 half-milliondollar modern renovation of the now multi-level, 18,500 square-feet restaurant, which employs 150 staff, serving as many as 300 guests.

Bohanan’s also offers a lively street-level bar, a sweet little Library Bar with leather banquettes in the corner, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and 10,000 square feet of first-floor dining. The kitchen, service and reception areas have also been meticulously renovated. The showstopper? The Houston Court patio, a newly designed 2,500 square-foot courtyard with its purposefully restored, original, Parisian-style metal grillwork, tile and lighting features, and a fountain created by local artists.

We began with an aperitif in the first-floor dining room overlooking the courtyard. The décor’s luxe ambiance features tony touches, like velvet chairs in jewel-tone colors, brass pineapple-shaped table lamps, original oak floors, shaded sconces, candelabra on a black baby grand and a long gleaming bar. The downstairs draws a casually

well-dressed, upwardly-mobile, classy business crowd. Low lighting and soft music hit all the right notes, lending the large sparkling space a smooth, intimate vibe.

There, we perused the well-curated cocktail and wine menu and enjoyed appetizers from head chef Heather Nanez, who quietly emerged from the kitchen to greet guests. We enjoyed bacon-wrapped quail, duck confit eggrolls and bites of savory smoked Akaushi beef and pork sausage. A waiter passed with a huge hamburger on a shiny brioche bun and a cone of slender fries.

“If the bar food is this fabulous,” we thought, “Imagine what awaits upstairs?” We took the elevator to the second floor to find out.

There stands a sparkling kitchen and four private rooms for special events, including the smaller Wheeler Room and the Bar Room for formal dinners or business meetings. Our favorite dining area, though, is the 40-seat Houston Street Room, with a wall of windows offering spectacular views of the eponymous street. Sometimes partitioned for smaller private parties, it feels romantic— less about business deals than leisurely dinner dates. There is something so special about a winter weeknight downtown overlooking The Majestic.

Our bespoke Bohanan’s culinary journey began with delicately seared Togarashi scallops served with julienned vegetables in a lemon beurre blanc sauce, followed by a “colossal” crabmeat cocktail and a side of thick-sliced sweet and spicy Kurobuta bacon in a maple and pepper glaze. We’d heard Bohanan’s serves a fab French onion soup made with rich, slow-simmered veal stock, three aged cheeses, and house croutons. However, we’d already ordered filling entrees, including a 7-ounce filet of Bohanan’s signature premium Japanese A5 Wagyu beef prepared on a mesquite grill. This beef is so tender we cut it with the edge of a spoon and bathed it in béarnaise sauce.

A delightful young man named James was our attentive and well-trained server. He suggested the mesquite-grilled Gulf red snapper royale, topped with crabmeat, scallops and chanterelle mushrooms in a rich cream reduction. He also recommended sides of lobster creamed corn, au gratin

potatoes and sautéed Portabello mushrooms in wine-rich demi-glace.

A choice of roasted garlic, goat cheese or roasted herb mashed potatoes, white truffle oil steak fries, baked potatoes, and macaroni and cheese were possibilities. For greens, try plump jumbo asparagus spears with sauce Hollandaise, broccoli crowns sautéed in garlic olive oil, and sautéed spinach. Between courses, we enjoyed a palate cleanser of frosty lemon sorbet.

James suggested we try his signature spin on the classic Mexican Carajillo coffee cocktail so we could “drink our dessert.” However, the pièce de résistance was when James surprised us by also making tableside, flaming bananas foster. Lavish dining experiences like this require a big splurge, no doubt, but the equally enticing and perhaps more affordable bar menu is also a treat.

Offering an excellent, high-end dining experience, under chef Mark Bohanan’s visionary leadership, Bohanan’s renovation and expansion are decidedly part of today’s dynamic downtown renaissance. In partnerships with key cultural institutions, such as The Majestic and Empire Theatres, the Las Casas Foundation, and The Alamo Museum, Bohanan’s is committed to fostering community connection and actively supporting local non-profits through innovative culinary initiatives.

As for my husband and me, we’ll always have Bohanan’s, where we enjoyed a romantic date-night dinner like no other. A night to remember, indeed.

Bohanan’s Restaurant & Steakhouse

Bohanans.com | 219 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205 | (210) 472-2600

Janis Turk is an award-winning travel writer, food writer, and guidebook author with nearly 20 years of experience working with San Antonio Woman magazine.

Turn Over a New Old Leaf: Therapy in a Cup

By Leah Flores, Owner, NobiliTea San Antonio

Do you ever feel like you’re just barely keeping your head above water? Work deadlines, family needs, health issuesthe nonstop demands of modern life can overwhelm even the most capable.

The resulting stress threatens not only our happiness but also our very well-being. Of course, we try self-care rituals like therapy, massage, and meditation for relief. But adding just one more hectic appointment brings you right back to square one - exhausted and jittery from racing the clock.

What if there was a haven to restore calm and vitality in your daily routine? A space for relaxation, reflection, and renewal you could access instantly? This sanctuary has existed for centuries, crafted by ancient healers. Now, science confirms its astonishing therapeutic powers.

We’re talking about the art of preparing looseleaf tea.

Looseleaf tea is the newest, oldest form of therapy that most Americans have very little experience with, and compared to most therapies, it is extremely easy, convenient, and affordable. The world of looseleaf tea is just as vast and complicated as the world of wines and spirits and has the same myriad of histories, processes, and special gifts.

Explore the varieties and benefits of looseleaf teas at NobiliTea located at 434 N Loop 1604 W, Ste. 1101 in Ventura Plaza, or visit on Instagram: nobilitea.sanantonio.

Bohanan’s Broadway

Cocktail Series Unveils Theatre-Inspired Libations

The Broadway Cocktail Series is a testament to the power of mixology as a form of artistic expression. This delightful collaboration between Bohanan’s and Las Casas Foundation crafts unique cocktails inspired, in large part by the 20232024 Broadway Series at the Majestic Theatre. In addition, Bohanan’s has crafted a Holiday Cocktail to coincide with Centro’s “Holidays On Houston.”

Patrons are invited to savor these expertly concocted libations before or after enjoying a show in the newly renovated courtyard and bar or upstairs fine dining. A portion of the proceeds from each Broadway-inspired cocktail directly contributes to Las Casas Foundation’s scholarship program, providing aspiring high school artists with the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

Available November 24 thru January 2

Holidays On Houston: Espresso Peppermintini

1oz Peppermint-Infused Vodka

.75oz Kahlua Coffee Liqueur

.75oz Cream 1.5oz Fresh Espresso

Combine ingredients in a shaker tin and shake/ strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed peppermint

HOW LONG FRIENDSHIPS LAST

SAVE LIVES. BE A LIVING DONOR.

As a living organ donor, you change more than a single life. You change the lives of parents, friends, children and, sometimes, entire communities. When you think about it that way, how could it not change yours?

UniversityHealth.com/LivingDonation

Experience premium, modern banking customized for you.

Broadway’s Private Banking team provides premium modern banking and financial services curated specifically for your personal and business needs.1 Our Private Bankers get to know you personally and professionally to tailor precise financial strategies.

For more than 82 years, Broadway Bank has been an integral part of Texas, evolving into one of the largest independently owned banks in the state with more than $5 billion in assets and $3 billion in Wealth Management assets.

Speak with a Private Banker today about our exceptional CD and Money Market rates.

broadway.bank/private