PRIME Living's 2014 Healthy Living Issue: Wellness for the Mind, Body & Spirit

The Luxury Lifestyle Magazine of Texas

wrapped

in

style A chicwinter accessory

JANUARY/FEBRUARY } $5.95 US

Your True Colors

Detox Trend

Resolution Bound

A strong indicator ofyour personality traits

Refreshyour skin regimenwith activated charcoal

20 resolutions that focus on mind, body and soul

New lifestyle.

You raised your family, coached youth sports, ran the carpool and hosted the sleepovers. Now it’s time for a new lifestyle. A life of luxury awaits YOU in a beautiful patio home in a Johnson community.

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—Perfect for YOU!

Because YOU deserve the very best!

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Today is your day, your time—live it. johnsondevelopment.com

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Darling Homes from the $340s and $450s Sitterle Homes from the $300s

Communities that celebrate life.

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Your True

features

Colors what your favorite color says about you

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32 Resolution Bound

62 The Call of Costa Rica

Jump start the new year with 20 resolutions that focus on mind, body and soul

eco friendly, relaxing and thrilling—this destination answers the call

january/february • 2014

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alsoinside 9 • cocktails & conversation • keeping you in the know Buzz • Style • Look Who’s Talking • Point of Interest My Life • Nostalgia • Bucket List • Design

12

Wrapped up in style

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Karyn Dean

kdean@prime-living.com

37 • connoisseur • Prime’s Guide to Discerning Taste Table Talk • Uncorked • Main Dish • Bragging Bites • Entertain 49 • the gentlemen’s room • For the man who commands the very best Man Cave • Driver’s Seat • Wealth • High Tech • Outdoors

Publisher Terry Dean

tdean@prime-living.com

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Winter comfort food to keep you warm

76 • prime list • Events, Galas and Fundraisers Elizabeth Anthony Esther Wolf Style Show Trees of Hope Winter White Gala 2014 Heart Ball Kickoff Celebration • Bone Bash Nutcracker Market

the

gmccord@srgserv.com

Art Direction & Design LuckyYou! Creative Erin Loukili Misty Voitovski

57 • escape • Greetings from destinations

near and far

Enlightened Explorer • Postcards 69 • live well • Feel Good, Look Good, be good Health Buzz • Feel Good • Beauty Buzz Look Good • Be Good • His & Hers

Editorial Assistant Ginny McCord

erin@luckyyoucreative.com

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2014 technology for your health

director of marketing Jennifer Dean

jend@prime-living.com

Circulation/ Distribution Brian Stavert

bstavert@prime-living.com

list

Contact 311 Julie Rivers Drive Sugar Land, Texas 77498 281.277.2333 Editorial Inquiries editor@prime-living.com

77 s azine of Texa

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The Luxu

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY

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} $5.95 US

Your True Colors

r A strong indicato lity ofyour persona traits

AccessoRy

Detox Trend

Refreshyour skin regimenwith al activated charco

Resolution Bound

20 resolutions mind, that focus on body and soul

prime-living.com

on the cover “Wrapped in Style” (Page 12) “Your True Colors” (Page 22) “Resolution Bound” (Page 32) Detox Trend – “Throw Some Charcoal on the Skin” (Page 73)

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Advertising Inquiries advertise@prime-living.com subscribe AT prime-living.com ©2014 Prime Living Magazine is a publication of SRG Services, Inc., published bi-monthly. Copies are mailed and handdelivered to households and businesses throughout Texas. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position of the publication.

Did you know?

Texas Children’s Hospital treats more children with cancer and blood disorders than any other organization in the United States.

Join Ambassadors today.

Become an Ambassador for Texas Children’s Hospital and be a voice for sick and injured children in our community and beyond.

Memberships begin at $250. To learn more call 832-824-6900 or visit ambassadors.texaschildrens.org.

publisher’s note

this year i’mtakinga different approach

tomy

newyear’s resolutions…

coming up Tips from top designers on freshening up your decor in the annual Home & Entertaining issue.

Like something you read? want more?

Check out our Bonus Content Online on prime-living.com

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karyn dean Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

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anuary usually means pulling out my beautiful scarves, but with the cold weather we experienced in December, I’ve already done that. Which is why I am thrilled we spotlighted scarves in “Style” (Page 12) because now I have a much better idea as to what my post-holiday purchase is going to be. I should have asked for one of these beautiful scarves for Christmas, but instead, I opted for one of the revolutionary gadgets that converts old media into new, see “Old Made New” (page 54) and I’m loving it. Don’t miss our app recommendations for “all in one converting” on that same page—you’ll be sure to start the new year in style by going all digital!

Along with the new year comes new trends. I realize barbecuing isn’t top of mind yet, but have you heard about the new skin care products that feature activated charcoal? We reviewed three products that contain charcoal as an active ingredient and were surprised to find this detoxifying ingredient has been around for ages—read about it in “Throw Some Charcoal on the Skin” (page 73). Charcoal might be one of the top new skin care trends, but did you know that hemp seeds are one of the top food trends for this year? In “Health Buzz” (page 70) we share a few more hot food trends. And if you’re a gadget-health-trend-type you’ll want to read up on the Tinké wellness monitor—think Star Trek’s Dr. McCoy. This year I’m taking a different approach to my New Year’s resolutions—I’m simply not going to have any. I’d prefer instead to add something to my bucket list. In “Bucket List” (Page 18) Sankey Rodeo school offers a school for bronco riding and rodeo clowning—guess which one I’m leaning toward? However, if you’re a die-hard resolution maker, before you create a list using that new app you just downloaded, consider checking out our suggestions in “Resolution Bound” (Page 32).

Don’t know about you, but my bucket list always includes at least one new wine tasting item which “Uncorked” (Page 41) addresses nicely for me. We loved working with Greek food and wine blogger, Markus Stolz who supplied us with some great insight into pairing food with Greek wine. I think it would be fun to have some company along on my wine-tasting trek to Greece so hoping you’ll add that to your bucket list as well.

Happy bucket list making!

kdean@prime-living.com

Houston Division 10060 Buffalo Speedway Houston, TeXas AMERICAN HEART77054 ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

2014 Heart Ball by

Saturday • February 8, 2014 7:00 p.m. • The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts HEART BALL CHAIRS

Frank & Carolyn Grese COMMUNITY HONOREES

CORPORATE HONOREE

Jan Carson and Tim Connolly

Marathon Oil Corporation

An elegant occasion that gathers business leaders, professionals, philanthropists, and other community members to raise funds, build passion and celebrate the commitment to fight heart disease and stroke together.

Cocktails, Dinner, Dancing and Auction

For more information please contact Kristin Rodriguez at 713-610-5031 or kristin.rodriguez@heart.org

THE FEEL GOOD SHOPPING EVENT OF THE SPRING. April 25th thru May 4th. Houston’s premier spring shopping event is almost here. Purchase your 2014 Shop With Heart Card for a minimum donation of $40. Then receive great discounts and complimentary eats at hundreds of retailers and restaurants in the Greater Houston area. During this 10-day fundraising event you will enjoy: • 20% OFF regularly priced merchandise at participating retailers.

• A complimentary appetizer or dessert with purchase of an entrée at participating restaurants.

All proceeds from card sales benefit the American Heart Association whose mission is to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Shop With Heart Card. It’s big savings, with a bigger benefit.

Get your card and more info at shopwithheart.org

cocktails & conversation

cocktails & conversation the prime living guide to what's happening now

Jerry Murray

inside:

10 12 13 14 15 16 18 20

• • • • • • • •

The Buzz New around Texas Style blown away Look Who’s Talking anna post Point of Interest Legendary Boots My Life Love Scribe Nostalgia We Love(d) You Bucket List At Home On The Range Design In Balance january/february • 2014

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cocktails & conversation

buzz

>> For the sugar lover

pucker up

T treats with a twist lementary-aged Daniel and Eli Russell, in an effort to raise

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money for a charity project, poured the contents of their pantry into a curbside bake sale. Out came crisped rice treats with unique flavor combinations. When customers came back for seconds, then thirds, Treat House was born. Treat your sweetheart to a gift box full of a childhood favorites this Valentine’s Day. treathouse.com

>> For the Grisham Fan

celebrate reading Celebration of Reading” hosted by Maria and Neil Bush, children of Barbara and

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“

President George H.W. Bush, will be held Thursday, April 24, 2014, at the Hobby Center.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of this annual event, the Bush family will bring back John Grisham, who participated as the first author for the inaugural. Other notable authors featured this year are Eric Blehm and Walter Isaacson. Proceeds from the Houston event make a significant impact on local literacy efforts led by The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. barbarabushfoundation.com

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Martini Olive Almonds

Sugarfina | Treat House | Doubleday/Random House

>> For the grown-up kid

rade in the Valentine’s candy hearts this year for Sugarfina’s PuckerUp gift set of artisan candies.

Sugarfina, a candy company dubbed as the “Tiffany & Co. of candy,” opened their first retail shop and custom gifting experience in Beverly Hills, Calif. complete with a candy tasting bar. Think candies such as Champagne Gummy Bears, Martini Olive Almonds and Matcha Green Tea Caramels. They even have gluten-free options. sugarfina.com

buzz

cocktails & conversation

>> For the social butterfly

social in the spa PASOCIAL has opened its doors in Round Rock

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offering clients a new luxury retreat with spa services in a fun social atmosphere. Three menus feature services by some of the area’s most talented massage therapists and estheticians. To add a day of relaxation to your regular beauty regimen, choose from monthly membership options on the “Social Society” menu—or for the ultimate social experience, plan your next get-together from the “Social Butterfly” selections. thespasocial.com

>> For the Fashionista

wear it right roubled by what to wear

Todd White Photography | Elaine Turner | What We Wear Where | Fifty Shade of Grey

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to an event, gathering or new restaurant? Thanks to Houstonian Kathy Harrison, there’s now an app for that.

What We Wear Where is an interactive wardrobe guide that enables users to view and share real outfits worn by real people.

The app allows you to see what people wear to different events and restaurants—and where they bought it. Key features include a virtual closet to log favorite looks and catalogue photos. whatwewearwhere.com

>> For the red-hot romantic

sipourthe experience a little “spice” into Valentine’s Day this

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year with a collection of wine from best-selling author E. L. James of the infamous Fifty Shades novels. Inspired by her personal wine tasting experiences, Fifty Shades of Grey Wines are the perfect combination of naughty and nice.

Available in Red Satin and White Silk, these wines allow fans to further explore the world of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey and personally experience James’ passion for wine, showcased throughout the novels. fiftyshadeswine.com

>> For the jewelry aficionado

texas glam esigner Elaine Turner launched a

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jewelry line to accompany her brand of luxury accessories—the first new category since her introduction of footwear in 2008. She introduced The Bamboo Collection which includes necklaces, bracelets, cuffs and earrings. The 12-piece collection features pieces named for and inspired by special people in Turner’s life.

“Bamboo is one of my favorite materials and is at the core of my jewelry collection. Bamboo is strong and resilient yet always adaptable,” says Turner. elaineturner.com

january/february • 2014

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cocktails & conversation

style

BLOWN AWAY

Survie Fox Fur Scarf, $607

by Gucci available at Neiman Marcus

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Lace Kimono Floral-Print Square Scarf, $620

by Erdem available at Neiman Marcus

Brueghel Floral & Tiger Silk Satin Stole, $465

by Roberto Cavalli available at Neiman Marcus

Striped-Print Scarf, Green/Purple, $495

by Burberry available at Neiman Marcus

courtesy neiman marcus

Disco Animal-Print Scarf, Orange/Black, $128 by kate spade new york available at Neiman Marcus

Look Who’s talking

cocktails & conversation

a conversation with

anna post

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hat would Emily Post do? Americans still cite the author of the perennial best-seller Etiquette as a touchstone for proper behavior. Anna Post is the great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post and a spokesperson for The Emily Post Institute (emilypost.com). An author in her right, including: Mr. Manners, Do I Have to Wear White? Emily Post Answers America’s Top Wedding Questions and Emily Post’s Wedding Parties.

Q

Why a 18th edition of Emily Post’s book, Etiquette?

Changes in the technology we use, largely, but also a new job search landscape and more generations—young and old— living together at home.

Q Q Q Q Q

What is something on your bucket list?

To see the Taj Mahal—especially during the golden hour.

What is one thing you always have on you?

Fresh lip balm in plum and, in winter, hand lotion.

What is your favorite “healthy aging” tip?

I should say sunscreen, but honestly, sleep.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life?

It’s a cliché, but true—my parents.

Where is your favorite place to grab a burger and why?

The Farmhouse in Burlington, Vermont—the local beef really does taste better, and the bacon and blue cheese on top aren’t bad either.

Q

Sabin Gratz, courtesy The Emily Post Institute

What was the last thing you Googled or looked up online?

“Sherlock premiere date.”

Q Q Q Q

What’s next for you personally?

Getting married!

What etiquette question do you get asked most often?

Wedding invitation-wording questions.

What is the biggest trend in home entertaining?

Wine or microbrew beer tastings with an accompanying menu.

What one piece of advice would you give someone who is a first-time mother-of-the-bride?

Have an open mind—delight often comes from the unexpected.

january/february • 2014

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cocktails & conversation

point of interest

legendary

boots

Story | Kathryn Hunter

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prime-living.com

into the boot tops is traceable back to the original owner.

M.L. Leddy’s only produces nine pairs of boots per day. Starting around $700, custom boots typically take a year or more to complete, depending on the complexity of the design. If you’re willing to wait, however, the sky’s the limit. “We had one great customer who is an art dealer by profession that wanted a famous Picasso painting replicated on his boot tops,” coowner Martha Franklin says. “We more commonly do brands, initials, logos and even a 200-year-old family crest.”

Also known for their custom saddles, belts, buckles and other Western wear, M.L. Leddy’s is a Texas trademark. Locations include one store in San Angelo and two in Fort Worth, and M.L. Leddy’s is one of the longest running vendors at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. leddys.com

You decide all of the details, from the toe shape and type of pull strap, to the shape and height of the heel. A wide variety of leathers and exotic skins are available, including alligator, calfskin, crocodile, kudu, ostrich and stingray. To aid in the decision making, hundreds of leather samples are at your fingertips.

Design If you can dream it, Leddy’s can make it. Some customers provide personal design ideas, and others choose from more traditional patterns, such as those created

by M.L. Leddy in the 1920s.

Jerry Murray

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Perfect Comfort Leddy’s boots are best known for their impeccable fit. Specifically tailored to your arch and calf, they don’t require any “breaking in.”

Options Galore

Worn by presidents, kings, ranchers and rock stars, M.L. Leddy’s boots have been renowned for their quality and expert workmanship since the company was founded in 1922. t M.L. Leddy’s location in the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District, thousands of handmade boots line the shelves in all colors, sizes and designs.

Here, surrounded by the timeless smell of leather and rough-hewn pine, one can appreciate the history behind the Leddy’s name. But it’s the ledgers of customer details dating back more than 90 years that truly capture the scope and distinction of the business, which has been in the same family for four generations.

The company’s boot-makers, some third-generation craftsmen themselves, still measure every custom boot by hand.

The ledgers chronicle the footprints and precise fit of customers from many walks of life—from celebrity clients and London businessmen ordering alligator top and bottom, to locals looking for a high-quality work boot. A handwritten code inked

ENDLESS CUSTOMIZATION

cocktails & conversation

MY LIFE

love scribe PARrIS AFTON BONDS Story | holly beretto

I

“

larry fleming

The [stories] we remember touch our emotions and make us not want to put them down.

recipes sure to inspire a romantic evening on prime-living.com

’ve been writing since I was 5,” says Parris Afton Bonds, in a breathy, laughing voice that puts you in mind of a sweet confection, maybe a lemon drop, sugar with just a hint of sass. “My mother still has my first story.” After reading Gone with the Wind in seventh grade, she knew the romance genre called her name.

Since then, Texas-raised Bonds has penned nearly 40 romance novels—including New York Times best-seller, Deep Purple—all noted for rich descriptions, sizzling romance and crackling chemistry. Crossing the lines from contemporary to Western to historical, her novels tell the stories of strong women and the men they love. Over the course of her 41-year career, she’s written books, articles and short stories. She also co-founded the Romance Writers of America, a group offering support, training and best practices for scribes all over the world—all while raising five boys.

A believer in spontaneity, Bonds only knows five things for sure when she sets out to write her next best-seller: the location, the hero, the villain, the goal and the climax.

Passion inspires the details and she lets her creativity roam as the story unfolds. “I have to be passionate about something in order to write about it. A photo, a lyric, an aroma can set my imagination off.”

When asked if she has to be “in the mood” to write, Bonds says “Writing is like any profession. You show up and do the job, whether in the mood or not.”

The romance genre has exploded and abides by a much broader definition than decades ago. Paranormal romance such as the Twilight series and erotica such as Fifty Shades of Grey have helped broaden the spectrum of what’s considered a romance novel.

Powerful characters and a strong story are necessities for a good romance, but Bonds notes, “The [stories] we remember touch our emotions and make us not want to put them down. After all, we read to release our emotions.”

january/february • 2014

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cocktails & conversation

nostalgia

we love(d) you... yeah! yeah! yeah!

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he night the Beatles first appeared live on U.S. TV, America went bonkers.

To understand the utter pandemonium surrounding the Beatles’ first live TV appearance in the U.S.—“The Ed Sullivan Show,” Sunday night, Feb. 9, 1964—it helps if you try to insert yourself into the context of those times. In our current world of instant communications— of having at our fingertips information about virtually anything we want at any given moment—it’s hard to imagine what it was like when there were just a handful of TV channels and the radio. No YouTube or Twitter.

No Facebook or Instagram. No email. Almost nothing.

But that was the state of affairs when John, Paul, George and Ringo hit New York for their appearance on Sullivan’s hourlong variety show, one of

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America’s most popular weekly broadcasts. Long before the Beatles took the stage that evening, Americans were crazy for them. The “Moptops,” as they were sometimes called because of their haircuts, had been creating sensational news for several weeks,

following the release of two albums, “Introducing The Beatles” and “Meet the Beatles!” Spreading like wildfire, a groundswell of hysteria seemed to explode as soon as the group’s plane touched down at New York’s Kennedy Airport Feb. 7.

Did you know?

“I Want to Hold Your Hand,” the Beatles’ first hit single in the U.S., was released weeks earlier than planned. Late in 1963, Carroll James Jr. of radio station WWDC in Washington, D.C., became the first disc jockey to play the Beatles on American radio. His girlfriend, a flight attendant, had purchased the single in the U.K., and the song proved so popular that the station played it once an hour, every day. Because the song had not yet been released in the United States, Capitol Records considered legal action against the station, but instead moved up the single’s release date.

The fever pitch of anticipation at Sullivan’s New York studio was described by many who were present as being palpable, like electricity crackling in the air.

In addition to about 700 lucky people in the studio audience that evening, an estimated 73 million Americans were crowded in front of their andTVs at home to watch the black and white telecast. When Sullivan lifted his arms and said, simply, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Beatles!” a breathless din filled the theater, a rapture that continued through the five songs the group performed that night.

To watch that seminal performance on YouTube or elsewhere is truly a few minutes well spent, a fascinating journey down a uniquely musical memory lane.

By United Press International, photographer unknown [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons | provided by Flickr Daniel Hartwig

Story | bruce farr

nostalgia

cocktails & conversation

beatles

trivia

Test your “fab four” lore by selecting the correct answers to the following questions.

1

A. George Martin B. Peter Smyth Davies C. Brian Epstein D. Neil Aspinall

4

Just before going onstage for their first Ed Sullivan Show appearance, the Beatles were handed a congratulatory telegram from what legendary entertainer?

A. Frank Sinatra B. Elvis Presley C. Judy Garland D. Lucille Ball E. Jerry Lee Lewis

2

The Beatles agreed to a deal for three appearances on the Sullivan show in 1964. Can you guess how much they were paid in total for the three events?

A. $35,000 B. $100,000 C. $10,000 D. $80,000

the fab four’s groovy gear!

During their heyday throughout the 1960s, the Beatles had a dramatic influence on pop fashion. Can you identify from the list below four of the leading fashions of the time that the Beatles helped make famous?

leather jackets

round wire-frame glasses

collarless “Nehru” jackets

leather wristbands

black “Cuban-heeled” boots

paisley scarves

bell–bottom jeans

aviator glasses

black turtleneck jerseys

Ed Sullivan

Trivia Answers: 1.) A, D, G, I, J 2.) C 3.) C 4.) B Groovy Gear Answers: collarless “Nehru” jackets, black Cuban-heeled boots, black turtleneck jerseys, round wiire-framed glasses

attribution By Maurice Carnes LaClaire [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

From the song choices below, can you pick the five songs the Beatles performed during their first Ed Sullivan TV appearance in February 1964?

A. “All My Loving’” B. “Baby’s in Black” C. “Yesterday” D. “Till There was You” E. “Please Please Me” F. “This Boy” G. “She Loves You” H. “She’s a Woman” I. “I Saw Her Standing There” J. “I Want to Hold Your Hand”

3

What was the name of the Beatles’ manager at the time of the Sullivan booking?

january/february • 2014

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cocktails & conversation

Bucket list

at home

on the range before you go

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hen you spend all week in front of the computer, it’s easy to let your thoughts drift to greener pastures. But don’t confine yourself to daydreaming—saddle up for these bucket list experiences for the cowboy/cowgirl at heart!

Riding into History

Dana Kerns’ family homesteaded in north-central Wyoming in 1887, and the following year started trailing cattle to the Bighorn Mountains for summer grass.

These days, Double Rafter Cattle Drives takes you in his ancestors’ hoofsteps, starting at an elevation of 4,500 feet and ending up at 9,000 feet during five weeklong trips, the first of which begins in late June, the last in late September.

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This is real cowboying, without the cozy comforts of a dude ranch. Days start early, meals are served out of cast-iron Dutch ovens, and hard-won sleep comes in a tent.

“This isn’t a nose-to-tail adventure,” Kerns says. “The herd travels about 50 miles, but you’re going to ride, rain or shine, three to five times that far on horseback.”

Kerns’ stable includes about 50 horses that are sure-footed in the rugged terrain, and riders are matched to a mount suitable

to their experience level, from beginner to expert. You’re welcome to bring your own tack, but they don’t encourage bringing your own horse because of the unique physical demands of the trip.

A cattle drive is the ultimate in being unplugged, with no electricity at any time during the week. “The bells and whistles that make you jump all week long, they’re gone,” Kerns says. “It’s a way of life our forefathers went through 100 years ago, and you’ll get a new appreciation for Mother Nature, not to mention a huge sense of self fulfillment.” doublerafter.com

Sean Halverson

Story | Jake Poinier

Since you’ll be spending at least six hours a day in the saddle, getting time on horseback before the trip is beneficial. If that’s not possible, Kerns says that bicycling can help you get ready. “The soreness will pass after the first two days,” he says. “But you’ll definitely know you’re alive.”

Bucket list

cocktails & conversation

before you go Rather than being at a single location, Sankey Rodeo Schools schedules its three-day sessions at a variety of facilities around the country. You also can book customdesigned group adventures for 12 or more participants.

Taking the Bull by the Horns

Ed Arnold, Capturing Life Photograpy | Sean Halverson

Does your bucket list include being on top of a bucking bull—or dodging in front of one? Sankey Rodeo Schools has you covered either way.

If your aspirations include the former, the Bull Riding Vision Quest Adventure is for you.

Before you ever step into the chute, manually operated training units teach the fundamentals of riding and dismount. “We go over safety considerations, how to select equipment, conditioning, and other elements of bull riding,” says owner Lyle Sankey, one of only four men ever to have qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding according to worldofrodeo.com. “If you want to get competitive, we even talk about the business aspects.” A complete set of professional rodeo equipment is supplied for each aspiring bull rider to use during the clinics, and you have the option of purchasing a video of your ride at the end of the day.

Sankey Rodeo Schools doesn’t have upper or lower age limits, focusing instead on matching the quality and caliber of livestock with the student’s age, experience, physical condition, athletic ability and ambition as closely as possible. “We had a guy give his 61-year-old wife a bull riding adventure experience as an anniversary present,” Sankey says. “She was a hoot and had a great time.” sankeyrodeo.com

Not Clowning Around

When it comes to being in front of bulls rather than on top of them, Sankey makes a distinction. The traditional “rodeo clown” is defined as someone doing comedy or specialty acts between rides and doesn’t have direct contact with the bulls.

A bullfighter is oriented toward protecting cowboys after they dismount. “They used to overlap, but now people tend to specialize,” he says. “We train both types, but most people want to do bullfighting, since it’s the big thing on TV, whereas being a traditional clown is more of an entertainment career ambition.”

In general, today’s bullfighter is dressed in protective athletic attire, although you’ll still see some in clown garb. “It’s very much like any other sports camp,” Sankey says of the sessions, which, like bull riding, are usually held for three days at a variety of locations around the country. “There are training aids, mechanical aids, videotaping and arena work with a live animal suitable for your age, athletic ability and goals. As a bucket list thing, we will plug you into your capabilities, we don’t want you in over your head—we want it to be a fun experience.” sankeyrodeo.com

before you go Although you’re welcome to bring your own gear, Sankey provides school participants with professional bullfighter protective shorts and vests. You need only to bring cleats (football and turf shoes are most commonly used) and loose-fitting clothes to fit over the protective gear.

january/february • 2014

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cocktails & conversation

design

inbalance I

f one of your resolutions is to bring a bit more peace and balance into your life, then consider feng shui.

Pronounced “fung shway,” this ancient Chinese system of balancing our physical environment is intended to promote harmony and a sense of well-being. Feng means “wind” and shui means “water.” In Chinese culture, wind and water are associated with good health. Thus, good feng

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shui came to mean good fortune, while bad feng shui means bad luck.

From a home’s exterior surroundings to its furnishings and decor, feng shui practitioners believe that everything has a certain “chi,” or energy, and how we arrange objects can

affect all aspects of our lives. Practitioners also believe that there’s an optimal place for every object, such as a bed, books, a laptop and even garbage bins. However, feng shui isn’t just about adding mirrors and plants; it’s about using our space as a way to be more conscious of creating balance in our lives.

Feng shui divides the world into five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

If you have a room that doesn’t feel quite right, try balancing the elements to make it more comfortable. Each element invokes a different mood, creating a customized space that’s beneficial for your personality and goals.

cocktails & conversation

design

purifying plants Plants improve feng shui because they bring vibrant energy into a space—as long as they are kept healthy, placed in a beneficial location and are in visually pleasing pots.

Let them do what they do best: clear the air and fill it with oxygen. Good chi!

Here are the top 10 airpurifying plants, as identified

by NASA research in the 1980s.

1. Areca palm 2. Lady palm 3. Bamboo palm 4. Rubber plant 5. “Janet Craig” dracaena 6. “English” ivy 7. Dwarf date palm 8. Ficus alii 9. “Boston” fern 10. Peace lily

WOOD Wood harnesses the power of creativity while representing traits such as growth, birth, strength, flexibility and intuition. fire Fire increases enthusiasm and leadership skills.

Water earth Earth affects physical strength and order while Water’s domain encompasses spirituality and emotions. generating an overall feeling of grounding, If you find yourself using a specific room balance and stability. less than others or avoiding it altogether, the elemental balance may need some adjusting. metal Be on the lookout for rooms consisting of Metal affects mental clarity and logic. only one or two elements. By adding objects that represent those missing elements, you’ll be well on your way to creating a balanced and inviting space.

More find suggestions recommendations on how to incorporate for holiday the five happenings elements into on your prime-living.com space on prime-living.com

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21

Your True

Colors

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Color is a powerful force in our world. It is so easily overlooked, yet it’s ever-present and habitually affects our moods and minds. Of course, feelings and emotions tied to color are often deeply personal and rooted in our experience and culture.

Although evidence is anecdotal at best, researchers have made a few important observations about the psychology of color and the effect it has on moods, feelings and behaviors. Selecting a favorite or “personality” color is instinctual and can teach us a lot about ourselves and how others see us. If we allow it, it can bring us understanding of our behavior, character traits and physical, mental or spiritual states.

For those who don’t think they have a personality color, take a look at the clothes you wear or the colors you use to decorate your home or office. Do you consistently choose a particular color without realizing it? This will often be the color that reflects your personality.

We’ve compiled a few personality color profiles based on Western culture. While you might not exhibit all the character traits of a specific color, don’t be surprised if you find yourself somewhere in the description.

If your color of choice is…

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black Favorite Color is Black

You are perceived as dignified and impressive without being showy.

You can often be dramatic—your feelings and emotions run deep.

Your color preference might also indicate a suppression of desires and worldly aims, suggesting hidden inner longings.

Black Car Color Powerful. Classic. Elegant.

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Wearing Black

Undoubtedly the most popular color in fashion, black attire suggests elegance, authority, seriousness and responsibility.

When worn properly, it also conveys neatness, simplicity and great versatility.

Black Room Decor

Black is considered a neutral in interior design and can go in and out of style; however its virtue lies in its flexibility. Black is best used in small doses as an accent. Some experts maintain that every room needs a touch of black to ground a color scheme and give it depth.

Interesting fact

The blackest material made by man was created in 2008 by a team from Rice University in Houston. Using a forest of vertically aligned carbon, their super-black sheet reflects only 0.045 percent of any light directed at it—ideal for solar panels and for harvesting tiny amounts of heat present in space.

You are conservative, compassionate, caring and trustworthy. Finding inner peace and truth is something you strive to achieve. You want to live your life according to your ideals and beliefs without having to change your perspective to satisfy others.

Blue Car Color Confident. Credible.

Authoritative.

Wearing Blue

Wear blue to convey trustworthiness, credibility and seriousness.

blue

Favorite Color is Blue

blue Room Decor

If you are feeling stressed, enveloping yourself in a blue room can relax you. Blue is known to have a calming effect when used as the primary color of a room. It is often recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms.

Consider softer shades of blue since dark blue has the opposite effect, evoking feelings of sadness.

Interesting fact

Blue is the most popular color in the world.

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Favorite Color is orange

Wearing orange

You command attention when you walk into a room and are confident that you deserve it.

Flamboyant and fun-loving, you are the consummate social butterfly. You might be inclined to dramatize a bit, but are generally good-natured and popular.

orange Car Color Artistic. Individual. Complex.

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If you have the coloring to wear it, orange will help put you in a positive mood. Because of the energy it evokes, it is a good color to get you motivated for a workout.

Interesting fact

Carrots were once purple, red, white or yellow. Orange carrots were bred by the Dutch in the 16th century to honor the royal House of Orange.

orange Room Decor

It stirs up excitement, enthusiasm and is an energetic color. While not a good idea for a living room or bedroom, orange is great for an exercise room. It brings out all the emotions that you need released during your fitness routine.

orange

white Favorite Color is white

You are likely to surround yourself with things that are simple and pure, clean and precise, and you desire perfection.

Some would characterize you as spiritually in tune and preferring peaceful surroundings. You might be perceived as uncaring because you are independent and selfreliant. You carry a passion for truth and innocence.

white Car Color

white Room Decor

A white room opens up the smallest space and brings cohesion to large spaces filled with furnishings. If you want to warm up a room consider using white since it reflects light.

Considered a neutral, white’s a great backdrop color when your accent colors are strong and vibrant.

Interesting fact

The ancient Greeks wore white to bed to ensure pleasant dreams.

Pure. Pristine. Direct.

wearing white

Wearing white says you are confident about your abilities.

Wear white when you want to bring out any other colors you’re wearing—it enlivens anything you pair with it.

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Favorite Color is yellow

Yellow is chosen by the mentally adventurous, who search for novelty and self-fulfillment. You are intelligent and charming with a sunny personality. You have a good business head, a strong sense of humor, and a deep need for logical order in your everyday life.

yellow Car Color Joyful. Humorous.

wearing yellow

Yellow clothing can convey ambition, alertness and optimism.

Wear a yellow tie or scarf on occasions when you want to appear confident and optimistic.

yellow Room Decor Yellow, a happy and uplifting color is perfect for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms. In halls, entries and small spaces, yellow feels expansive and welcoming. But beware—studies show that people are more likely to lose their temper in a yellow interior and babies seem to cry more in a yellow room.

Interesting fact

Yellow was considered a sacred color in Imperial China. Only the Emperor was allowed to wear it.

green Favorite Color is green

You are generally frank, community-minded and fairly sociable. Generous by nature, you enjoy listening to those around you. You tend to get exploited by others due to your humble, modest and patient nature.

green Car Color Balanced. Trustworthy.

Traditional.

wearing green

Wearing green can prove to be refreshing and reduce stress for those who gaze upon it. If you are feeling overwhelmed, consider adding green to your outfit and to help you feel more relaxed. Green attire portrays compassion.

green Room Decor

Green is suited for almost any room in a house. In the kitchen, green cools things down. In a family room or living room, it encourages unwinding but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness. Green also has a calming effect when used as a main color in interior design.

Interesting fact

In the 1950s, surgeons began abandoning white operating room apparel in favor of green to help reduce eye fatigue from looking at red blood and organs.

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purple Favorite Color is purple

purple Car Color

Tempermental. Creative.

You pride yourself in your creative Individualistic. ability, although you might not be good at artistic endeavors Wearing purple (such as drawing). Others often Purple is a very stimulating characterize you as sentimental color that can boost your energy and empathetic. Being level. Wearing darker shades of temperamental and expansive, purple demands respect from you might become aloof and even those around you. It is often sarcastic when misunderstood. associated with spirituality and You tend to be unconventional, intuition. If you are having tolerant, dignified and likely to trouble making a decision, achieve positions of authority. consider painting your nails lavender or wearing a purple tie.

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purple Room Decor

Ideal for people who battle sleep disorders, the color purple can actually encourage sleep and help you relax. As an accent or secondary color, purple adds depth to a room’s color scheme.

Lighter versions of purple, such as lavender and lilac, bring the same restful quality to bedrooms as blue does.

Interesting fact

The color purple originally came from a dye made from mucus glands of a tropical sea snail.

Favorite Color is red

You are considered to be outgoing, aggressive, vigorous and impulsive—or you would like to be. Monotony makes you restless and you’re rarely introspective.

You possess a deep need to experience life through all five senses. You are action oriented.

red Car Color

Sensual. Dynamic. Outgoing.

red Room Decor

In the living room or dining room, red draws people together and stimulates conversation. In an entryway, it creates a strong first impression. Paint the walls of your in-home gym a vibrant red to add an energy surge to your workouts.

Interesting fact

You are more likely to win a competition if you wear red.

wearing red

It evokes feelings of dominance, power and attention. Red clothing will make you stand out from the rest of the crowd and mark you as someone with high energy. Red is a commanding color that should be worn when you really want to make a statement.

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resolution

bound J

anuary is a time for reflecting and looking forward to what the new year will bring.

Along with reflecting comes the tradition of making resolutions. It’s well-known that New Year’s resolutions don’t have a high success rate. While many people opt to ditch the annual goal-setting event, 40 to 45 percent of American adults set at least one New Year’s resolution according to proactivechange.com.

Resolutions are easy to make, but not so easy to keep. Most of us have existing commitments (relationships, jobs, family) and a slew of bad habits (a Facebook-

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checking obsession, a weakness for the QVC shopping network, late-night snacking on Toll House cookie dough). Be sure to recognize your strengths and weaknesses before setting your resolutions.

Research confirms that the act of setting a resolution can at least help you get closer to your goal. This year, choose quality over quantity.

Focus on your mind, body and soul this year with these 20 resolutions.

mind

1

2 4

Optimize Your Personal Organization

Bring Feng Shui to your space Having trouble focusing when you’re in your office?

Maybe you need to rearrange the energy in your space—see “Design” on page 20 for tips on how to accomplish this with the ancient art and science of Feng Shui.

3

Plan a weekend get away at a spa

Get in a daily dose of neurobics Brain aerobics—called neurobics—can help you establish new, stronger neural pathways. Accomplish this by changing up a daily routine in a new, innovative way, such as: driving a different route to work, brushing your teeth with the opposite hand, shopping at a farmers market versus a grocery store or walking backward.

A puzzle a day keeps the cobwebs away

If you’re the type who pours heart and soul into your work and projects, it’s easy to lose track of time and forget to take a break. Plan an escape with no work allowed and reap both the mental and physical rewards.

5

Conquer a crossword or Sudoku a day to keep your mind alert and your memory sharp.

6

Are you right-brained or left-brained? Knowing your personality type can help you get and stay organized. Those who tend to be right-brain thinkers are more visually oriented and creative when it comes to their home and office. Those who lean toward leftbrain thinking are more logical and analytical and tend to do advanced planning and make lists.

Just dance!

Research shows that dancing improves brain function on a variety of levels.

Download your favorite music (let’s hear it for some ZZ Top or Justin Timberlake!), close the door (or not), crank up the volume and dance like no one’s watching.

Pick up a new hobby

7

Challenge your mind by learning a new hobby. Apps and online tutorials make it easy to learn just about anything from playing a new instrument to learning a new language. If you’re a “classroom” learner, check out a local college. Better yet—ask a friend or family member to teach you!

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body 9 8

Choose some toxins to eliminate

Jump-start your year by eliminating a toxin from your diet. You might consider decreasing or better yet, removing altogether, high-fructose corn syrup, MSG or partially hydrogenated oils.

Add something new to your diet

By adding something as simple as cinnamon, cayenne pepper or turmeric to your diet, you can reap tremendous health benefits.

Try taking probiotics or drinking electrolyte infused water as well.

10

Get tested for specific dietary needs

With all the advances in technology—there is an app for that—some of the best tools are right at your fingertips.

Download an app that counts your calories or tracks your sleep cycles. There are apps that help track your physical activity through a pedometer or heart rate monitor. Spend some time “tooling around” the app store.

12

Improve your posture

Try sitting on an exercise ball for 20-30 minutes, several times throughout the day.

13

14

Get in all your vitamins

Consider increasing your vitamin D intake. Did you know that your body cannot absorb calcium without the assistance of vitamin D? And the good news is that research has recently uncovered a link between vitamin D and heart health. By increasing your vitamin D intake, you’ll be getting a two-fer.

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Switch up Your beverage of choice

Science has long touted the health benefits of tea. Substitute one drink a day for a cup of tea.

More specifically, try nettle tea—known to reduce hypertension, curb menopausal symptoms and boost the immune system.

Gaiam

11

Amp up your toolbox

You hear all the buzz-phrases like gluten-free, vegan and Paleo, but are these the right changes for you? One common factor in populations with the greatest longevity (known as “blue zones”) is that they all lean towards a plant-based diet. Many dietitians offer testing to evaluate your body’s specific needs, enabling you to eliminate specific foods that might be keeping you from your full potential and quality of life.

soul 15

Laughter binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Find a daily dose of laughter by visiting YouTube—where there is never a shortage of funny videos. Find one that makes you laugh and share with friends and family.

18

Reach out to a different friend each month “Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” Old or new, sending a card to a friend you don’t speak with regularly— or haven’t seen in who knows how long—can bring a ray of sunshine to their day.

And yours.

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Laugh Daily

16

Broaden your Impact

Find a way to give back while accomplishing personal goals or while making every day purchases. Give well–live well.

Bee Well for Life is a program that allows you to set fitness goals and donates to health-related nonprofits for each goal you achieve. beewellforlife.com For each bottle of wine sold (and now a pound of coffee, too) One Hope Wine donates to a cause of your choice. onehopewine.com B4 Products, a Texas-based company that produces hand sanitizing products gives 50 percent of their profits to children in need. b4products.com

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Be always at war with your vices, and let each

Chakras are disks of energy that spin a few inches distance from your body. Environmental and emotional stressors can bring those energy levels down. It might sound hokey, but having your chakra cleansed is a way of renewing your energy.

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Free yourself from negative energy Begin your day with positive energy through affirmations, reminding yourself why you’re so awesome! And when you find yourself in a funk—change the direction of your thoughts—find two good thoughts for every negative one you catch yourself focusing on.

Have your chakra cleansed

Set aside 15 minutes a day of quiet time Take time each day to center yourself. Learn to meditate, write in a journal or get lost in a book. If you can learn to quiet your mind, it helps recharge your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

at peace with your neighbors,

newyear find you a better man. –Benjamin Franklin

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connoisseur

Debora Smail

the prime living guide to discerning taste

inside:

38 41 42 44 46

• • • • •

Table Talk Dining News Uncorked It’s All Oenos to Us Main Dish Made in the Shade Bragging Bites For the Love of Mac Entertain Fresh = Fabulous

january/february • 2014

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connoisseur table talk

>> For the savvy Southerner

Punks Simple Southern Food {HOUSTON}

B

Ripe Market Café {HOUSTON}

C

hef-nutrition expert Stephanie Hoban, 25, has been a vegetarian since high school and now crafts terrific healthful fare saturated with flavor.

She owns the new Ripe Market Café, a pop-up each Sunday and Wednesday at the Eastside Urban Harvest Farmers Market.

Her menu changes weekly so expect such delicacies as cornmeal crusted avocado tacos, a veggie burger, Mediterranean frittata or enchiladas with roasted red pepper sauce, to name a few. Culinary challenged? She also offers cooking classes and knows her way around a juicer. ripe-cuisine.com

>> For the epicurean

Con’ Olio Oils & Vinegars {AUSTIN}

M

ove over wine tasting, there’s a new olive oil in town. The purveyors of Con’ Olio—the first premium olive oil tasting bar in Austin—know the absolute importance of freshness in olive oil for flavor and health benefits. So they bring in only the freshest extra virgin olive oils from around the world, and print the harvest date on every bottle. Con’ Olio is highlighting 12 unique extra virgin olive oils from the Southern Hemisphere, all pressed within the past few months. The arrival of the new oils coincides with the opening of Con’ Olio’s third location at 12918 Shops Parkway in the Shops at the Galleria. When you stop by for a tasting, try the buttery mushroom-infused or the blood orange olive oil and the huge batch of tasty balsamic vinegars like the honey ginger or red apple. Also check out the Olive Oil 101 classes. Currently available in store and online are three extra virgin olive oils from Australia, and three from Peru, all of varying flavor and intensity from mild to robust. Liquid gold! Check out the locations, the complete inventory and olive oil recipes online. conolios.com >> For the ‘cue up

Killen’s BBQ {HOUSTON}

A

fter several run-ins with pit theft and a year of general construction headaches, Killen’s BBQ finally opened. As for the building, Pearland ISD’s first school cafeteria, Killen says it looks like it did in the ’50s, complete with a bell tower that rings at noon. Metal diner-style chairs are upholstered with red leather and the walls are lined with photographs of the school from years past. The chef has been perfecting his barbecue game with a series of weekend lunches that draw long lines of carnivores. Slow smoked in reverse flow brick pits (an old school method of cooking), the barbecue includes his famous heady smoked brisket with burnt ends, succulent chicken, house-made sausage and huge fall-off-the-bone beef ribs drenched in tart Texas barbecue sauce, served with sliced white bread and all the fixings. And if for some reason you still have room for more, there is bread pudding, pecan pie and banana pudding for dessert. facebook.com/killensbbq

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Kelli Elizabeth photography | debora smail | Kimberly park | lindsey cavanaugh

>> For the health nut

uttermilk fried chicken, Ma’s meatloaf with red-eyed gravy, fresh baked biscuits and whole fried catfish with okra will soon be dished up at Punk’s, coming to the Rice Village from Clark Cooper Concepts (Coppa, Brasserie 19, Ibiza). Chef Brandi Key takes her cues from childhood and reimagines southern dishes that burst with freshness. Watch for her to serve fried green tomatoes with a crab salad, pimento cheese with carrots, celery sticks and Ritz crackers, and deviled eggs made with smoked tomato, crispy bacon and scallions. The southern menu celebrates cuisines from Texas to Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, both Carolinas and the Gulf Coast. Shuckin’ Punk, a 50-foot oyster bar, will run the length of the dining room and feature ice cold oysters on the half shell, oyster shooters and woodroasted Gulf oysters served with house-made bread and jalapenos. We’re charmed! clarkcooperconcepts.com

connoisseur table talk

>> For the natural beauty

Round Rock Honey {ROUND ROCK}

Side Sips

S

weet gooey honey used for health and beauty routines dates back to Egyptian days. It’s been used from everything from staving off seasonal allergies to moisturizing skin and lips. Round Rock Honey recently debuted its amber nectar “straight from the rock” which has a deeper, richer flavor than sweet wildflower honey. Also in the lineup is a super lip balm that resuscitates dry lips immediately. SOS! Find the honey products at Texas HEB markets or order online. roundrockhoney.com

>> For the veggie lover

Green Vegetarian Cuisine {SAN ANTONIO}

round rock honey | kevin marple | zigi media | Billy Farrell Agency | Yao Family Wines

P

art of the restaurant explosion at the Pearl Brewery building, the relocated Green Vegetarian Cuisine has a wildly imaginative menu that opens up a whole new world of going meatless.

Breakfast on a savory omelet with mozzarella, spinach and mushrooms; avocado Benedict; or sweet potato pancakes with blueberries and pecans. House specialties for lunch or dinner include the Mediterranean bowl with quinoa tabouli, veggies and hummus; Cece’s stir-fry served with rice and kale; and a Deluxe Chalupa plate. Industrial style-casual and bustling, Green is already hugely popular with vegetarians and meat eaters alike. greensanantonio.com

>> For the trend seeker

Lark on the Park {DALLAS}

U

p-and-coming chefs Dennis Kelley and Melody Bishop come to this recently opened café from renowned Tavern in Brentwood, California. The beautiful contemporary Lark On The Park is located on the edge of Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas.

Menu favorites so far include a puff pastry art with fromage blanc, asparagus and a fried egg for brunch; avocado and beet salad, and the Colorado lamb burger with salsa verde and French feta. Expect a happening bar scene and a casual setting with chalkboard illustrations from local artists. larkonthepark.com

robin barr sussman Robin Barr Sussman is a Houston-based freelance writer who specializes in food, wine and travel. Her work has appeared in Texas Monthly, My Table, and Private Clubs magazine.

Wine events you won’t want to miss YAO MING SCORES AGAIN Yao Family Wines, the Napa Valley winery founded by humanitarian and former Houston NBA star Yao Ming, has announced the release of its inaugural vintage of Napa Crest 2010 Napa Valley Red. Sourced from a selection of premium vineyards throughout Napa Valley, the blend features the power of Cabernet Sauvignon, the softness of merlot and the tannins and deep color of Petit Verdot, combining the complexity of each varietal into one complete wine. “We make our Napa Valley wines for everyone to share with family and friends. With the addition of NAPA CREST to our portfolio, we have introduced a premium product at an affordable price, offering wine enthusiasts another opportunity to do just that,” says Yao Ming. The wines are aged exclusively in 100 percent French Oak barrels for at least 16 months and individual barrels from each lot are hand-selected by taste for the final blend. Napa Crest 2010 Napa Valley Red Wine ($48) is available online. yaofamilywines.com HOT HOT HOT It might be the cold and rainy season in Houston but Florida is heating up with the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Feb. 20-23.

The star-studded line up of culinary luminaries includes greats such as Giada De Laurentiis, Nigela Lawson, Tyler Florence and Anthony Bourdain.

The four-day festival will showcase the world’s most prominent wine and spirits producers and culinary personalities.

Rub shoulders with your favorite Food Network stars at walk around tastings, intimate dinners, after parties and seminars. sobefest.com.

january/february • 2014

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THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING The Luxury LifesTyLe Magazine of Texas

adventure

year of

This year, blaze new trails for health, wealth, travel and discovery

Speed Racer Check off your bucket list with a luxury race car experience

Climate Change Battle Chocolate Destinations perfect for the beach bum or snow bunny

Whose decadent Valentine’s dessert reigns supreme?

A year of PRIME Living Subscribe yourself or that special someone at www.prime-living.com/subscribe or 281.277.2333

connoisseur uncorked

oenos it’s all

to us

Story | John DeMers

Semeli

w

hen it comes to wine, Greece is indeed great again. Despite its much publicized financial woes, the country that might have invented wine and certainly bequeathed a culture of wine to the world has gotten its act together. It’s starting to turn out vintages as satisfying as they are—in terms of taste and grape varietal—unique.

A longtime lover of all things Hellenic, I recently put my money where my mouth was and drove a series of rental cars to several admired wineries on the islands of Santorini and Crete, as well as on the magical section of the mainland called the Peloponnese.

Having first tasted Greek wines, including the dreaded retsina, on location as a low-budget backpacker in the early 1970s, I’m here to tell you they’ve come a long way. And for a land that counts millennia the way Americans count centuries, they’ve done it quickly.

For a long time, Greece was considered the absolute birthplace of wine. After all, we know they called the liquid fermented from grapes oinos, the root word for what we call the beverage today and the foundation of “oenologist” and “oenophile.” The Greeks drank wine for pleasure and for sacrament.

In the past decade or so, archaeological finds have pinned the invention farther back on places such as Persia and China, but (1.) it’s

pairing tip unclear whether they were drinking wine or some primitive form of beer, and (2.) we have no evidence of a meaningful wine culture surrounding its consumption.

First off, there was the whole matter of Magna Graecia—Greater Greece—which carried Greek ideas and practices around the Mediterranean and into Asia Minor, probably as far east as India with Alexander. And then there was the matter of the Roman Empire, which centuries later set out to duplicate (and in their minds one-up) all that their neighbors had achieved. This took the Greek-born culture of wine back to most of the same places and across every square foot of Italy, into France (we know the Romans’ Terra Burdigala as Bordeaux) and as far west as Spain.

Thanks to such mainland wineries as Semeli in Nemea and both the sophisticated Boutari and the downhome Hatzidakis on Santorini, I suspect I’ll embrace those hardto-pronounce Greek varietals for the rest of my life. Why, after all, should I drink mere cabernet or merlot when there’s agiorgitiko (St. George) and xinomavro to be enjoyed?

And on those rare occasions when I want white wine, I hereby declare the assyrtico of Santorini my new best friend. I lift my glass to Greece, the oldest and newest wine country on the face of the earth.

Courtesy of Markus Stolz, Greek wine insider and blogger.

Greek wines are usually characterized by moderate alcohol levels, being high in acidity, mostly light to medium bodied and are never too heavy. Oenological practices highlight the fruit aromas, yielding wines that are refreshing. This makes Greek wines for enjoying with a meal.

Agiorgitiko (the grape variety Semeli wine consists of) is superb with steaks, roast beef or lamb, and also pairs well with slightly spicy Asian cuisine.

Read more about Greek wines on elloinos.com

John DeMers Covering food and wine for more than 25 years, John DeMers hosts “Delicious Mischief” on NewsRadio 740 KTRH. He recently released Follow the Smoke: 14,783 Miles of Great Texas Barbecue.

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connoisseur main dish

Chef Gregg Beebe

made in the

shade

Story | Robin Sussman Photography | Brenlee McKnight

t

ake a Sunday cruise (preferably in a vintage Chevy convertible) along the sunny main drag of the downtown Houston Heights and suddenly you’ve landed in a perfect small town. An old five and dime shares the strip with a tiny barbershop and an original drugstore with a soda fountain. And then an oasis of cool: Shade in the Heights, circa 2003, founded by chef Claire Smith. It’s where locals flock—not for “just good” eats, but for contemporary American greats.

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During weekend brunch, sunlight streams through the big windows facing bustling 19th Street and into an airy dining room that’s perfumed with fresh baked goods and buzzing with singles, families and large parties.

For something quieter, duck onto the charming shaded patio. Don’t expect a fancy wait staff, jazz bands, buffet lines or dress codes here—just a laid-back café with amazing comfort food and very fair prices.

Start with the signature sunburst martini, a potent eye-opener with OJ, Citadelle gin, orange bitters, St. Germain elderflower liqueur and Champagne. As for the menu, chef Gregg Beebe uses the freshest local produce, seafood and meats, so expect sharp, clean flavors.

Smith makes all the pastries and brioche from scratch daily at Canopy, her other restaurant. Do sample the spectacular cranberry orange muffin, chocolate pecan scone or monkey bread. Diets can wait until Monday.

Even the lighter, items vibrate with spicy, savory and sweet nuances and balanced textures.

Witness the Vietnamese shrimp salad with fresh shredded cabbage for crunch, bright cilantro and Asian spices, and plump, succulent shrimp, all lightly glazed. Good to share is the Mediterranean platter, starring addictive lemony hummus with and roasted peppers; marinated artichoke salad; roasted tomato farro salad; and grilled pita breads. Another smart choice: the lush omelet stuffed with fresh asparagus spears, sweet caramelized onions, earthy roasted mushrooms and a zip of fresh Parmesan.

For the sinful side, let’s start with the quiche. “It’s our most popular item—my guests won’t let me take it off the menu,” Smith says of this unlikely

favorite that was a ’70s standby.

Could it be the layers of decadent spinach, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes and cheddar? Or maybe it’s the gorgeous, homemade deep-dish crust that melts in your mouth like butter?

Also wildly popular at brunch is the homemade challah French toast or waffle, served with berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, applewood smoked bacon and two eggs over easy. Smith’s original French toast recipe, inspired by her Kentucky-raised grandfather, is prepared with buttery, house-made challah bread, which blows away slices of white. Pssst: The secret to her great French toast includes crème de cacao and a touch of orange.

You’ll notice nods to Creole and Southern cooking in robust dishes such as the decadent shrimp and grits, so rich you should split the huge portion.

Moist, dense cheddar jalapeño grits are lavished with Fresno peppers and bacon-studded Cajun sauce crowned with jumbo shrimp and two eggs that ooze with a prick of the fork.” The jumbo lump crab cakes over roasted corn maque choux, collard greens and jalapeño chimichurri is Big Easy deep.

For meat lovers, there’s an old-fashioned BLT served with cabbage slaw and a deviled egg; a Shade burger poised on a challah bun; or tongue-tingling pulled pork tostadas. Shades of Sunday supper such as buttermilk brined fried chicken with garlic-mashed potatoes and cream gravy beckon from the vast menu. Whatever you choose, it will be well made at Shade.

Shade 250 West 19th St. Houston, (713) 863-7500 shadeheights.com

Jumbo Crab Cakes

connoisseur main dish

Sunburst Cocktail

Challah French toast Ingredients 1 cup heavy cream or half-andhalf 3 large eggs 1 tablespoon crème de cacao 1 teaspoon maple syrup 1 teaspoon Kentucky bourbon pinch of salt 1/4 teaspoon orange zest 8 ¾-inch slices of challah bread cut on the bias 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Vietnamese Shrimp Salad

Garnishes whipped cream maple syrup powdered sugar fresh berries

Smoked Pork Tostadas

In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the half-andhalf, eggs, crème de cacao, salt and orange zest. Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish. Heat a nonstick sauté pan or griddle on medium heat. Dip the bread slices into the egg and cream mixture and soak on both sides. Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in the heated pan and immediately add a couple of egg/cream-dipped slices of bread. Cook until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from pan and place on a serving platter. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup, whipped cream and berries.

Mediterranean Plate

Bloody Mary Breakfast Breads and Pastries

Challah French Toast

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connoisseur Bragging Bites

for the love of

MAC

Story | Robin Barr Sussman

d

electable gooey, warm and cheesy macaroni ‘n’ cheese—a winter comfort food—is back on menus big time. You can find modern takes on the classic just about everywhere great food is served, from fancy steakhouses to craft beer joints. When your mac attack hits, head for these top Texas cheese havens.

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connoisseur Bragging Bites

OPULENT MAC

At The Capital Grille, the entire menu is luxe so it’s no small wonder Lobster Mac ‘N’ Cheese is part of the plan. “Guests come in the bar frequently to split an order for dinner,” says managing partner Steve Joest.

Baked in a small iron skillet and garnished with a tender whole crab claw, the presentation is all eye candy and seems to stay warm forever. The mac is comprised of elbow pasta, plentiful chopped lobster, plus three cheeses—nutty flavored gruyere, sharp cheddar and tangy parmigianoreggiano. It’s paved in crispy panko breadcrumbs for a delicate finish.

Expect fork fights! the CAPITAL GRILLE • HOUSTON 5365 WESTHEIMER RD. • THECAPITALGRILLE.COM

CRAFTY MAC

Bacon makes everything better including the Bacon Mac ‘n’ Three Cheese at Brewed. Small but mighty, it’s delivered in a colorful crock baked au gratin style and bubbling over with wonderful local cheese. Make that Texas aged cheddar, smoked gouda and parmesan melted into béchamel sauce and tossed with macaroni. Tangy-sweet roasted tomatoes, crispy bacon crumbles and fresh Italian parsley take it over the top in flavor and add great texture. If you’re going to be bad, be really bad and chase it down with a flight of Texas craft beer.

riley ralmuto photography | carrie ryan | The Capital Grille

BREWED • FORT WORTH 801 W. MAGNOLIA AVE. • BREWEDFW.COM

DESIGNER MAC

Chef-owner Shawn Cirkiel of Austin’s trendy Parkside creates an ultra thin crispy crust of parmesan and bread crumbs atop his made-to-order Macaroni, Gruyere, Cheddar side dish. “I love that it has a little bit of intensity from the fontina cheese and a touch of sharpness from the cheddar,” he says. This creamy mac, declared a top choice by Food & Wine magazine, is baked in a cocotte—a mini cast iron Dutch oven to keep it warm and beautiful. Careful, it’s hot!

PARKSIDE • AUSTIN 301 E. 6TH ST. • PARKSIDE-AUSTIN.COM

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connoisseur

entertain

fresh =

fabulous w

Styling | grit + gold Photography | teresa gardner

hat could be better than plenty of local seasonal foods, great wine, the simplicity of eating outdoors and the ambiance of an intimate table with friends and family? Here are a few farm-totable inspired pieces where fresh equals fabulous. nature inspired lighting

Add a “fresh� touch to candles by wrapping them in asparagus and twine.

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connoisseur

entertain

the goods Styling: Grit + Gold gritandgoldfw.com

carte du jour

Let your guests preview the evening’s menu by presenting it in a wood frame or on a simple chalkboard.

Lead Design/ Concept Creator: Jen Rios Design jenriosdesign.com Photography: Lightbox Photography lightboxtg.com Custom Paper: Rebekah Disch Design rebekahdisch. wordpress.com Floral Design: We Plus You Studios weplusyoustudios.com

edible arrangement

Fresh flowers mixed with seasonal fruit make a beautiful centerpiece.

multipurpose decor

Dual-purpose by design— decoration and party gift.

Vintage Furniture Rentals: Period Charm periodcharmrentals.com Vintage China: The Vintage Dish vintagedishrentals.com

table locator

Help your guests navigate their seating with place cards upon arrival.

vine to table

No need for bowls—use the container that the strawberries were sold in.

healthy centerpiece

Make fresh bread and homemade relish the focal point of your serving table.

fresh and eclectic

Set each place setting with mis-matched plates and use a fresh artichoke to set it off. january/february • 2014

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2014 International Wine Competition

AWARD-WINNING WINES

GRAND CHAmpIoN BEST oF SHoW

Celebrating our

10th Anniversary

Marchesi Antinori Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri DOC Superiore, 2009

2004 - 2014

RODEO UNCORKED!

ROUNDUP & BEST BITES COMPETITION

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CHAMPION WINE GARDEN

RESERvE GRAND CHAmpIoN

Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards Estate Bottled Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2010

March 4 -23

SELEcT FroM ThE

2014 Award-Winning Champion Wines

Monday – Friday, 4 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.

Top CoUNTRY WINE

CHILE

La Playa Vineyards Axel Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, 2011

Visit rodeohouston.com

for a complete list of our medal-winning wines.

gentlemen’s room

For the man who commands the very best

inside:

50 52 53 54 55

• • • • •

Man Cave Not-So-Basic Training Driver’s Seat Take It to the Limit Wealth Socially Responsible Investing High Tech Old Made New Great Outdoors Hooked on Baffin Bay january/february • 2014

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gentlemen’s room man cave

not-so-basic Story | Jake Poinier

oes your home gym provide a place for a general workout, specialized training and wind down? … Ideally, it should.

“We’re seeing a big change in the philosophy of high-end home gyms,” says Brian Biglin, the founder at Calabasas, Calif.-based Biglin Architectural Group (biglingroup.com). “It used to be that you’d get free weights, a multigym, a treadmill and you’d be done, but we’re seeing a shift to functional and specialized training.” Today, in addition to the usual cardio machines and dumbbells, there’s increasing demand for specialty areas such as Pilates, spinning, yoga, stretching, workout balls, kettlebells and kickboxing bags.

“The trend is toward having lots of specialized spaces,” Biglin says. “The key is to design it as a space where you want to spend time—natural light, mirrors and a great sound system are imperative.

With cardio equipment, since you’re spending a lot of time doing a repetitive motion, set yourself up with a view looking outside.”

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Beyond the Workout In addition to the design and equipment, the specialty add-ons are where you can truly create a unique environment. “Honestly, it’s really becoming a spa as much as a gym,” Biglin says. Dry saunas, steam showers and indoor whirlpool baths are popular options. One of Biglin’s clients created a Bikram yoga studio (humidified and heated to a steamy 105 degrees). Others request hyperbaric chambers, which pro athletes use to heal their bodies after they play.

A few of Biglin’s latest projects include halotherapy rooms, a concept popularized in Europe in which equipment blows in microparticles of salt to treat asthma and other internal problems.

But what really takes salt therapy to the next level is the design of the rooms themselves—possibly including comfortable chairs and backlit,

Erhard Pfeiffer | courtesy Finton Construction

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training

gentlemen’s room man cave

The Essentials Depending on your fitness goals, you may want to keep your fitness man cave simple—or stock it with all the bells and whistles.

The Life Fitness G7, inspired by that company’s popular health club model, is a dual adjustable pulley home gym with a wide variety of exercise and customization options. lifefitness.com The Landice L7 Treadmill ruggedly constructed and featuring a wide range of high-tech options, is ideal for serious runners, walkers and joggers. landice.com The Keiser M3+ Indoor Cycle is the money-is-no-object choice for spinning, featuring a computer display, exceptional adjustability, super-quiet performance and sleek good looks. keiser.com The Concept2 Model E is the luxury machine of the indoor rower world—and the standard training equipment used by Olympic, collegiate and high school rowers. Even if you never set foot in a boat, you’ll get a great full-body workout. concept2.com

Life fitness | concept 2

The Oakworks Celesta massage table, available in a variety of finishes and upholstery colors, sets you up for a 5-star cooldown worthy of a world-class spa—including cabinets that can be outfitted with a towelwarming drawer. oakworks.com

pink Himalayan salt blocks as decor on the walls.

On a more practical level, Biglin looks at home fitness centers as a way to reinvent the basement. The workout equipment needs to be on rubber padding, but there’s almost no limit to the surfaces under foot, from wood and stone floors to stained concrete. Whenever possible, he incorporates natural ventilation through doors and windows; ideally, the gym can open to a courtyard. “Even though you’ve got a nice gym, it’s great to do some of your strength training outside, whether it’s doing push-ups and kettlebells, or hitting a big tire with a sledgehammer.” jake poinier Phoenix-based contributing writer Jake Poinier keeps his rowing machine and heavy bag on his back porch. He’s plotting to convert his teenage son’s bedroom into a man cave once he leaves for college.

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gentlemen’s room driver's seat

take it to the

Limit

in just under seven seconds. This is the engine that was in our Technology-driven 2014 Range “Fuji White” test car. Combined Rover Sport—performance with the reduction in body mass index and the silky eight-speed designed to spoil. automatic transmission, the V6 accelerated with gusto.

Though Range Rover Sport wag, this Rover will greet you with he first time you check owners may not face terrain a reminder of how you’re about out the 2014 Range Rover more challenging than holiday to roll.

Sport, do yourself a favor: One of the most coveted SUVs traffic at or near The Galleria, go after sundown. Hang out by don’t be fooled. The Range in America, the Range Rover the driver’s door and press the unlock button on the remote. The Sport enters its second generation Rover Sport is a steel fist in a velvet glove, thanks to the outside rearview mirrors will pivot for the 2014 model year with an many dynamic systems that exhaustive list of improvements. outward, incorporating puddle control braking traction and lights to illuminate the curb, road The big news is its diet program. acclamation. Land Rover’s Thanks to the extensive use of or driveway. And, in perhaps the engineers also devoted attention aluminum for its chassis, front automotive equivalent of a tail to details such as optimal driving and rear suspension and body position, ranging from seat panels and doors, this Range Rover Sport is about 800 pounds location (higher) to steering wheel (smaller diameter and lighter than the 2013 model. thicker rim).

There’s a new base engine: a Its many creature comforts supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that make the Range Rover Sport makes 340 horsepower and stand out in the luxury SUV should enable the Range Rover market. The soft-touch Sport to do 0 to 60 mph dashes

T

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materials, super comfortable leather-trimmed heated and cooled seats, library-quiet cabin and pothole-taming suspension justify its $63,495 starting price. There are optional Meridian-branded audio systems, but we found the standard, eight-speaker, 380-watt unit transformed the Range Rover Sport into a sound studio on wheels. The sound is amazing whether it’s the rich vocals of a Michael Bublé ballad or a bow being drawn against a violin string in a piece by John Williams.

jeff yip Jeff Yip’s work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, San Jose Mercury News, Houston Chronicle and the New York Times, as well as consumer and trade magazines. He’s a second-generation car guy who still has the 1969 Chevy his dad loved.

Range Rover

Story | jeff yip

Makingan impact

gentlemen’s room wealth

through Socially Responsible Investing

Story | Samantha Kennedy, Managing Director & Private Client Advisor, Houston, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management

F

or many years, negative screening was the focus of socially responsible investing (SRI). Investors chose what not to invest in and the portfolio was adjusted to match. Personal, religious and environmental values always played a role in that process. Today, however, the popularity of a more positive approach to socially responsible investing is on the rise. According to the 2013 U.S. Trust Insights on Wealth and Worth® survey, 71 percent of investors feel it is more important to invest in companies that will have a positive social or environmental impact than to boycott companies that are harmful.

Values-based investing accounted for $3.74 trillion, or roughly one in every eight to nine dollars under professional management, according to a 2012 report from the Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF).1 This number is 22 percent higher than the $3.1 trillion noted in SIF’s 2010 report.

When assessing where to invest, there are three socially responsible categories that offer investors opportunities to combine their personal values with competitive investments.

SRI portfolio managers look for companies with strong fundamentals as well as those that manage human capital effectively, are good environmental stewards, and/or have effective corporate governance.2 One example of human capital management can be “gender lens” investing – investments focused on improving the lives of women and girls. In many cases, companies with progressive policies toward gender equality are well managed, and often help recruit and retain top talent.

Environmental stewardship examines the use of water, alternative energy, climate change and clean tech. Companies that are focused on sustainable efforts can be rewarded with cheaper operational costs in the future.

This can ultimately benefit the

investor if the company’s cost saving technology produces a higher profit.

Corporate governance focuses on transparency, disclosure, reporting, and incentives. For investors interested in corporate governance, it is important to understand the operations of a company and to find companies that communicate effectively with stakeholders. Often, investors can assess a company’s commitment to transparency by taking the time to review its website to determine how well the company communicates with its stakeholders.

The growing interest in socially responsible investing is increasing the demand for new products and services. To meet this demand, U.S. Trust developed Socially Innovative Investing (S2I), a proprietary strategy based on a growing awareness that strong corporate financial performance and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive; rather, they are mutually beneficial qualities.3

S2I takes traditional socially responsible investing a step further. The S2I process scores companies based on more than 400 distinct characteristics that we believe are a reflection of thoughtful management and potential sources of value.

Through a specially appointed “ESG Council” comprised of senior thought leaders and executives throughout the company, Bank of America continues to study issues related to socially responsible investments and investing behavior.

Ultimately, the demand for and evolution of socially responsible investing is changing the investment landscape today, creating a new, more dynamic approach to SRI through a wider range of investment options.

1. 2012 Report from the Forum of Sustainable and Responsible Investment 14 November 2012 2. Jason Baron “What is Socially Innovative Investing? “The Search for Companies that Do Good and Do Well”, May 2013 3. U.S. Trust, Understanding Socially Innovative Investing, May 2013

This article is designed to provide general information about ideas and strategies. It is for discussion purposes only since the availability and effectiveness of any strategy is dependent upon your individual facts and circumstances. Always consult with your independent attorney, tax <advisor>, investment manager, and insurance agent for final recommendations and before changing or implementing any financial, tax or estate planning strategy.

This content represents thoughts of the author and does not necessarily represent the position of Bank of America or U.S. Trust.

U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management operates through Bank of America, N.A. and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equity securities are subject to stock market fluctuations that occur in response to economic and business developments.

Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value © 2013 <Bank of America Corporation>. All rights reserved.

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gentlemen’s room high tech

old made new

Story | Michael Garfield

O

ne resolution that you might want to keep this year is that promise to transfer all those old photos, home videos and music albums into digitized files. Just as 8 mm film begot VHS tape, which begot 8 mm digital tape which begot putting things directly on a hard drive, technology keeps moving forward and requiring us to move our personal media to new formats. Here are some gadgets and services that will help you finally get into the 21st century:

HT’s App List

Canon CanoScan 8800F Take those dusty black and white photos and Polaroids out of your attic and put them in this easy-to-use, flatbed scanner. The CanoScan 8800F includes two photo editors—ArcSoft PhotoStudio 5.5 and Photoshop Elements—which have options for restoring color to faded photos and for removing dust and scratches. usa. canon.com

Tape 2 PC It’s not terribly difficult to load your favorite cassettes onto onto a computer and a portable MP3 player. Tape 2 PC simplifies the process even more. It plays and records tapes using a USB connection with your Mac or PC. Just plug the tabletop gadget into your computer, install the software and start converting your music. It also allows you to import your music directly into iTunes. ionaudio.com

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Android Media Converter

This app allows you to convert all kinds of media formats to popular formats. MP3, MP4, AVI and WAV are among your choices. You can also chop or clip a media file, or extract the audio to make a ring tone.

PicLab HD

There are hundreds of photo editing apps, but my current fave features full layer-based editing and has plenty of tools for making your original photo look its best. PicLab HD has loads of lighting and film effects to fine-tune the brightness, contrast, exposure and blur level of your photos.

Animoto Video Maker Turn your camera video into beautiful, pro-quality videos. Choose your favorite photos and video clips, mix them with a specific style and pick a soundtrack from the huge library of music.

Within moments, you’ll have an amazing video to share on social media sites or SMS.

Michael Garfield Known as “The High-Tech Texan®” to audiences nationwide, Michael hosts technology and issue-oriented talk radio shows six days a week on The 9-5-0. See what he’s up to at HighTechTexan.com.

canon | ion | Pinnacle

The Dazzle Video Creator Platinum HD If you’re like me, you have many videos in a number of various formats—HS, digital tape, and don’t forget your cellphone videos.

The Dazzle Video Creator Platinum HD is an all-inone unit that can convert your videos to a sharable highdefinition format. It is a high-quality video capture device that makes it easy to import standard-definition video from a variety of analog sources, such as VCRs, gaming consoles, video cameras and cell phones. After editing your videos, you can save them straight to DVD, upload directly to YouTube in high-definition, or output to Flash, DivX Plus HD, Nintendo Wii, Xbox and more. pinnaclesys.com

Check out these apps that edit your media and convert it to easy-toshare formats.

gentlemen’s room outdoors

hooked on

baffin bay

Story | doug pike

of the puzzle was formed by an unfortunate and persistent outbreak of brown tide, an algae bloom that turns water the color of spicy mustard. Brown tide can have a negative impact on juvenile trout, but typically doesn’t interfere with mature fish. astronomical. Until now. One by edfish, schmedfish.

The remainder of the spaces There’s something magical one recently, captains who know was filled, ironically, with missing Baffin Bay best say this winter about giant speckled fishermen. As word of brown could be “the one.” trout, and there may never in tide across Baffin Bay fell on When they married a couple our lifetimes be a better winter uninformed ears, it caused a of years ago, captains Sally and to catch one or a better place to significant and noticeable absence do so than Baffin Bay. Grab your Aubrey Black pooled two of the of recreational pressure on all those rod, knot up a big lure and grind. best lower-coast fishing minds big, fat, maturing speckled trout. on the water. This past summer, I had my turn in the spotted Fishermen who knew each hinted at but stopped short sea trout spotlight exactly two better took advantage of the of shouting about the potential decades ago, when then-guide opportunity this past October for this winter to produce some Cliff Webb and I had the state’s and November to catch (and monstrous speckled trout. And premier big-trout venue nearly mostly release) more big trout, then came autumn, when they to ourselves for part of a cold, according to the Blacks’ records, and several other professionals and than in any previous winter drizzly, foggy January afternoon. respected amateurs couldn’t help On topwaters, we caught and they recalled. talking about it. Sally spoke on my released more than two dozen So here we are. And there they radio show one Saturday morning are the kind of long, thick trout trout heavier than 8 pounds, about the chain of events that five of which stretched beyond that can fulfill dreams. My guess created this unique opportunity. the cooler’s 30-inch mark. My is that the seasons longest will The corners of the puzzle final fish, as a thickening fog stretch 34-plus inches. My hope were set five years ago with an threatened to strand us if we is that she’ll be in my hands long excellent hatch of speckled trout, enough for some good photos stayed, was 32¼. millions more than in a typical Since then, I figured the before I give her a gentle nudge class of recruits. The perimeter odds against a replay to be and watch her swim away.

Giant trout await coldweather anglers in this South Texas hot spot.

Diane Loyd Photography, courtesy of Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce

R

don’t shift gears The same tackle you use for everyday trout fishing is fine for Baffin Bay’s heavyweights, but there are some things you should do to make the most of the experience.

Respool your reels with fresh line. A bad connection under these circumstances is inexcusable.

Sharpen your hooks. Dull points say you can’t spare five minutes for the fish of a lifetime.

Do your homework. Before you go, check multiple sources and pack the hottest lures that week.

Tote a few favorites, but start with a plug that’s got a current track record.

Loosen your drag. Not much, but a little. Give that trophy fish all the time it needs to be tired, but not exhausted.

Stay calm … if you can.

doug pike Doug Pike has traveled the world to satisfy his passion for the outdoors.

During his career, he has won 100-plus state and national awards for writing, broadcast and photography.

january/february • 2014

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Winter Getaway The Icicle Village Resort is proud to offer Winter Getaways and Adventure Packages in Leavenworth Washington. Your loved ones will enjoy the charming Bavarian village of lights and the amazing array of activities awaiting your family.

Packages can take you anywhere from skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, snow tubing, romantic getaways, to dog sledding through majestic valleys near Leavenworth.

If you feel like staying in for the day, you will also find a resort day spa, J.J Hills Fresh Grill Restaurant, and an outdoor covered pool.

Make Leavenworth your winter destination, and come play with us!

Visit us online:

505 Highway 2 Leavenworth, WA 98826 800-961-0162 info@iciclevillage.com

escape

escape Fierro Hotel

Greetings from Destinations Near and Far

inside:

58 • enlightened explorer Travel Buzz 60 • postcards Marshall 62 • feature Call of Costa Rica

january/february • 2014

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escape enlightened explorer >> For the wayfaring retiree

Seaside Escape

T

ravel is one of the perks of retirement, and Cambria Inns is offering special Sunday to Thursday discounts for seniors through February at their collection of oceanfront boutique hotels. Cambria Inns’ distinctive properties, which include the Blue Dolphin Inn, Moonstone Cottages, Castle Inn and Sand Pebbles Inn, are located along Moonstone Beach in California’s scenic San Luis Obispo County.

With its pristine sands and temperate weather, the setting is ideal year-round for beachcombing, wildlife watching and other outdoor pursuits. Wineries of the renowned Paso Robles region are just a short drive away, and many guests also enjoy touring area attractions such as the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station and Hearst Castle, the famous estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. cambriainns.com

>> For the art lover

Urban Oasis

>> For the history buff

Mint Condition

E

arly this year, Denver’s beloved Colorado National Bank building, built in 1915 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will become the much-anticipated Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel.

The 230-room hotel will showcase many of the building’s historical details, including a three-story atrium with white marble colonnades and 16 meticulously restored murals by famous Western artist Alan Tupper True that were first installed in 1925. The bank’s vaults have been incorporated into the hotel’s 6,000 square feet of meeting space, redesigned as three boardrooms, with the original 33-inch steel doors intact.

Along with amenities including a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, and the hotel’s originalconcept restaurant and bar, Range, Renaissance Denver Downtown will provide guests with unique insights into the city’s best attractions. More than a concierge service, Renaissance Navigators will be on hand to make personal recommendations on everything from local breweries to fourteeners and farm-totable restaurants. marriott.com/dendt

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Sand Pebbles Inn | hotel arts barcelona | Victoria Tupper Kirby and Renaissance

B

arcelona, Spain’s second-largest city and a hub for cultural exploration, is a destination rich in architecture, art, history and fine cuisine. The iconic Hotel Arts Barcelona, 44 stories of blue glass and exposed steel soaring high above the Mediterranean on the Port Olímpic, will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.

The seafront hotel, whose 483 rooms overlook lively city vistas, the marina and the dazzling Barceloneta beach, boasts the same dynamic, fiercely original character as the city itself. Fresh flowers and contemporary artwork bring its interior to life, and shadows cast by Frank Gehry’s famous fish sculpture dapple the hotel’s terraced gardens and outdoor pool. Five restaurants offer a wide range of fine dining possibilities, including acclaimed chef Paco Pérez’s award-winning Enoteca. The Six Senses Spa and Gym located on the 42nd and 43rd floors, features unparalleled views of the sea and cityscape below. hotelartsbarcelona.com

enlightened explorer

escape

>> For the avid organizer

Space Saver taying organized while traveling isn’t easy—a careful packing job can become

S

wardrobe chaos after the first stop. With Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Specter folders, cubes and sacs, you can save space, keep clothing neatly folded and quickly find what you’re looking for in any suitcase, backpack or day bag. Eagle Creek’s durable compression packing tools are made from ultra lightweight, waterresistant material and they’re translucent, which means you won’t have to guess what’s inside. eaglecreek.com

>> For the sophisticated beach bum

Laid-Back Elegance isten to the sound of

L

>> For the globe-trotting gourmand

the waves. Feel the sea breeze and the warmth of the sun on your skin. Smell the fresh scent of the forest. At Ponta Dos Ganchos, an exclusive luxury resort nestled on a private peninsula on Brazil’s Emerald Coast, the hammock on your personal veranda is a relaxing way to take in the best of Santa Catarina’s glittering coastline.

A Relais & Châteaux resort, Ponta Dos Ganchos features 25 rustic-chic bungalows, all with sea views and a host of other amenities. Along with luxurious accommodations, you can expect the best in cuisine. Designed by chef Luis Salvajoli, the menu highlights the finest local and regional ingredients, including Santa Catarina’s famous oysters.

Known for its excellent diving and picturesque, sleepy towns, the area is also a prime spot to while away the hours playing golf, sampling locally brewed beer or cachaça, hiking, horseback riding, and even rafting or paragliding. pontadosganchos.com

Eagle Creek | ponta dos ganchos | fierro hotel

Broaden Your Palate

E

xperience the flair and flavor of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a city often referred to as “the Paris of South America.” A stay at the Fierro Hotel puts you at the heart of the action in the fashionable Palermo Hollywood barrio, a neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, stately residences and bustling restaurant and bar scene.

The hotel boasts 27 decadently comfortable suites, a rooftop pool and an extensive wine cellar curated by professional sommelier Andres Rosberg. For many guests, however, the Hernán Gipponi Restaurant is what takes the cake. Sample a new brand of Argentine cuisine that combines traditional tastes and textures with prestigious chef Hernán Gipponi’s creative expertise; some say the breakfast is the best in town.

If you prefer to dine alone, Fierro also offers a mouthwatering room service menu from the restaurant. fierrohotel.com

kathryn hunter Kathryn Hunter is an Austin-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine.

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escape postcards

marshall Starr Family Home

Story | Jessica Mebane

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Located in the heart of the Piney Woods, almost at the northeastern border of Texas between former oil boomtown Longview and the casinos of Shreveport, La., Marshall is a small town humming with arts, deep woods Boogie music and rich Texas history. Start out your visit at the newly reopened Harrison County Historical Museum, which shares space with the Harrison County Courthouse. This building, built in 1901, is a beautiful example of Beaux Arts Renaissance Revival architecture, and under its golden dome sits an exhibit that spans 500 years of Marshall area history. Uncover stories of Civil War history and the touching love story of Frank and Clara Starr, while admiring an array of period Under the Texas Sun Wine Tasting - New Year, furnishings at s the Lone Star population has grown over the decades, some formerly picturesque towns have morphed into homogenous bedroom communities that serve larger cities and have lost some of their small-town charms to big-box retailers and fastfood chains. This is all fine and dandy progress in the name of economic growth, but if you want to see a little bit of Texas that’s still proudly steeped in its multicultural and historical roots, you can’t do any better than a drive to Marshall in East Texas.

New You Health Fest

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the Starr Family Home State Historic Site.

In addition to displaying pride in their deep historical roots, Marshallites are making a serious investment in good health this year. A three-day event called “New Year, New You Health Fest 2014” will address topics such as veganism, exercise and heart health. Also scheduled are a vegan chili competition, a 5K run through the most picturesque parts of town, and a wine tasting hosted by Under the Texas Sun, a local wine and gift shop. Whether you prefer Zumba, yoga, Boot Camp or CrossFit, there will be an event designed to help you get a good start on a healthier new year.

Kickoff begins at the Marshall Civic Center on Jan. 17 and runs through Jan. 19.

So go east into the cool, dark evenings of Marshall for a sense of Texas’ rich and troubled history, stay for a jump start on a healthier lifestyle, and leave with a better sense of overall well-being.

STAY There are quite a few bed-and-breakfast options in Marshall, each more charming than the last.

Try Roseville B&B for its beautiful gardens and scrumptious, reservationsonly dinner seating or Three Oaks Bed & Breakfast for its Victorian furnishings and vegan breakfast options. rosevillebedandbreakfast.com threeoaks-marshall.com Eat If you favor healthier grub, try Sweet Sabine’s in the courthouse square, where vegan and vegetarian options are as plentiful as the cupcakes and specialty coffee drinks . And if you’re staying downtown, they’ll deliver, even a lowly cup of joe.

Listen Omar Shariff, father of the bouncy, Boogie-woogie music movement, died at his Marshall home in 2012, but his brief musical return to his hometown created a whole new generation of local fans who like to meet Wednesdays for Boogie Woogie Night downtown.

katy roberts | ron munden

motivated

see & do

No one does Valentine’s Day like Gigi’s Cupcakes! Order ahead online and in store for quick pick-up on your special day.

Gigi’s Cupcakes of Sugarland, TX 15850 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 Phone: (281) 565-6108 www.gigiscupcakesusa.com

Try the brand new Gigi’s Stuffed Valentine’s Day Cookie, baked fresh every day during Valentine’s Day season!

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escape

the call of

costa rica The Palms Costa Rica

Story | Haley Shapley

Hang 10, spot howler monkeys or lounge in thermal springs—this small country has big opportunities for a getaway you won’t soon forget. january/february • 2014

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onsistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world by the people who crunch the numbers at the Happy Planet Index, Costa Rica is the kind of place that visitors can’t help smiling about. But you don’t need to be a data analyst to see why this Central American nation is a pretty great place to experience—look no further than the sandy beaches, abundant wildlife and happy locals.

Though you will feel far from home, Costa Rica is a relatively short flight from Texas airports. Whether you are looking for adventure, eco-friendly activities or just some good, old-fashioned rest and relaxation, you’ll find it there.

For the adventurous traveler Known as the birthplace of modern zip-lining, Costa Rica is a top spot for flying through forested canopies, screaming in delight as you soar through the clouds.

There are zips all over the country, but the prettiest routes of all might be the ones near Arenal Volcano, where you can catch glimpses of the Arenal lake and volcano as you sail nearly a half mile on just one zip line.

Back down on the ground, the adventurous (and fit) will enjoy tackling Cerro Chato, a dormant volcano that takes hikers through a steep trail of

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White water rafting on the Pacuare River prime-living.com

hanging vines, twisted tree roots and moss-covered branches to a green lagoon inside the crater at the top. Good shoes and lots of drinking water are a must.

Speaking of water, Costa Rica provides plenty of opportunities to get wet and wild, as it borders both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The Pacuare River is where adrenaline junkies go to take white-water rafting trips on Class IV rapids that bear names such as “Double Drop” and “Pinball.” With 52 rapids in a half-day trip, you’ll be pretty busy paddling along what equates to

Tortuga Lodge | Sergio Pucci | Costa Rica Expeditions

thrill-seeking pursuits

escape

Arenal Costa Rica zip line

Monteverde reserve

an aquatic roller coaster, but be sure to take some time to look around—the rainforest you’re floating through is just as likely to take your breath away as the water comes rushing around you.

For surfing, the Pacific side has more consistent waves and offers something for everyone, novice to expert. Beginners can try one of the surf schools in Mal Pais (it’s a celebrity hangout, so keep your eyes peeled for someone famous), while the right-hand barrel waves at Playa Negra are a favorite of surfers with experience.

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Newly hatched sea turtle

For the eco-friendly traveler

the green life

tures. Avian-spotting opportunities are plenty—think herons at Sloth Sanctuary, scarlet macaws in Carara National Park and the brilliantly bright red-and-green quetzal around the Cerro de la Muerte, just to name a few.

To find animals that live in the sea, Caño Island off the southwest coast is a prime location for snorkeling and diving; you might encounter manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, whales and a whole host of fish.

If you’re there during the right season, one of the most memorable ecotourism experiences is watching a female sea turtle lay her eggs. From July to October, Tortuga Lodge & Gardens offers private expeditions to witness this moving nighttime event. Taking photos isn’t allowed, but you’re sure to have the images imprinted in your mind for years to come.

Tortuga Lodge

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Sloth Sanctuary in Carara National Park

Tortuga Lodge | Sergio Pucci | Costa Rica Expeditions

When it comes to a variety of flora and fauna, very few places in the world are quite like Costa Rica—even though the country only accounts for 0.03 percent of the Earth’s surface, it contains nearly 6 percent of the world’s biodiversity.

One of the best places to immerse yourself in nature is Corcovado National Park, the No. 1 “must visit” recommendation of GreenSpot.travel, a company that specializes in planning Central American vacations. Situated on the remote Osa Peninsula, the old-growth rain forest boasts abundant wildlife populations (including howler monkeys) and eco-luxe boutique lodges, so you can explore by day and rest in comfort by night.

Bird-watchers don’t have to resort to a wing and a prayer to see some fabulous flying crea-

escape

Thermal Springs

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort | Finca Rosa Blanca Hotel | Finca Rosa Coffee Plantation

Tabacon Grand Spal Thermal Resort

For the laid-back traveler

rest & relax

After hiking through the cloud forest of Monteverde or spotting coatimundis and squirrel monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park, you may be ready to kick back and just relax—this is a vacation, after all.

The beaches are a great place for that, and you can find quiet spots dotted along both coasts of the country.

Playa Potrero in the Guanacaste region is known for its tranquility—grab a good book, walk across the warm sands, and curl up under a shade-providing palm tree for a peaceful afternoon. Yoga retreats are popular, too, particularly in the coastal towns.

For an indulgent experience, try visiting the El Targuá Spa at the luxurious Finca Rosa Blanca Resort Hotel and Spa, where the

“Pura Vida Coffee Detox” starts with a massage and ends with a whole-body mask of organic coffee, oatmeal, almonds and chocolate scrub. Afterward, tour the 40-acre organic coffee plantation. Go behind the scenes to learn all about the harvesting, cleaning, drying and packaging process. From October through January visitors can even help pick beans. Finish with a coffee cupping session.

If you’ve gone rappelling or spent hours walking and have muscles to soothe, the thermal springs at Tabacón, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, provide a place you’ll want to laze around all day.

Then again, a large percentage of Costa Rica is the kind of place you’ll want to laze around all day.

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introducing

THE BAMBOO JEWELRY COLLECTION “I have a personal passion for jewelry, and wanted to create a glamorous, accessible, and versatile collection that is timeless.”

HOUSTON | SAN ANTONIO | NASHVILLE | NEW YORK | www.ElaineTurner.com | 1-877-599-PINK (7465)

vitamins Healthy living

live well

budget

low carb relax Cardiovascular

Concierge medicine

Fitness health Active aging

yoga

flexibildance ity

organic

Firmness

Prevention

Burn calories

nourish live well zumba marriage allergies

Beauty bliss

endurance vitamin d

guilt free

hydrate

the prime living guide to better health

inside:

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Health Buzz What’s New Feel Good Get Centered Beauty Buzz Prime Finds Look Good Charcoal On The Skin Be Good Check Your Emotional Baggage 75 • His & Hers Beyond Three Square Meals

Soothing massage

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Got Pickleball?

Story | Sally Classen

A Scouting for Health in this Galaxy

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any high-tech health tools allow you to track your heart rate, blood pressure or the number of steps you’ve taken in pursuit of wellness, but a new electronic gadget boldly goes where no other device has gone. Billed as the first medical tricorder, the Scanadu Scout is a handheld scanner with sensors that measure, analyze and track your vitals. You press the device on your temple for 10 seconds to get an accurate reading of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, skin/core body temperature, ECG and emotional stress. A compatible data app allows you to send the information wirelessly to your smartphone via Bluetooth LE. The Scanadu Scout isn’t meant for self-diagnosis, but the results can tell you if it’s time to see your doctor. Pre-order a first-generation Scanadu Scout for $199 through the crowd-funding site Indiegogo. indiegogo.com

Top Food Trends for 2014

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f you’ve got a hankering for a zucchini chocolate-chip cookie or hemp seed sprinkles, you’re in luck. At the annual Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference held in Houston, food and nutrition experts revealed the 2014 food trends that lean toward healthy. Among the categories to be a palatable hit this year: sweetened veggies, pea protein, such as that found in green pea flour, chia and hemp super seeds, bold seasonings (think kimchi tortilla chips), and new and improved energy bars.

new-old fitness craze with a funny name is sweeping the hard courts again. Pickleball, a cross between tennis and ping pong, is played on a badminton-sized court. Wood or composite paddles are used to volley a perforated plastic ball (similar to a Wiffle ball) over a net. Invented by three friends in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Wash., pickleball has gained increased popularity in the last few years. All ages are attracted to the retro paddle sport, though it is particularly appealing to the senior set because it’s social and easy on the joints. In fact, pickleball is now part of the annual National Senior games in Ohio and is considered the fastest-growing sport in the United States, according to the USA Pickleball Association.

Pass the Greek

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iddle aged women who follow a Mediterranean diet may live longer and reduce their risk of physical or cognitive impairments, as well as chronic illnesses as they age, according to a study published in the Nov. 2013, Annals of Internal Medicine.

A Mediterranean diet consists mainly of plants, beans, nuts, cereals, seeds, fish and poultry—and olive oil as the main source of dietary fat. Though specific health advantages of a Mediterranean diet are well-documented, researchers analyzed 10,670 women in their 50s and 60s using data from the Nurses’ Health Study to evaluate the diets’ link between overall health and aging. Researchers found that women who consumed a Mediterranean diet, or a similar diet, had a 40 percent increase in living past age 70, compared with those who did not follow the diet. They also were more likely to have an extended life span free of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases.

A Federal Trans Fat Admonition

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Olives, Please

he Food and Drug Administration made a dramatic step toward cleaning up the food supply by proposing a measure to eliminate artificial trans fats and declaring they are no longer “generally recognized as safe.” A major source of trans fats­—partially hydrogenated oils—are used for frying and baking, and appear in all types of processed food sources including frozen pizza, margarine and coffee creamer. Often food manufacturers use artificial trans fats in food products because it is inexpensive and increases the food’s shelf life, stability and texture. Avoiding foods containing artificially produced trans fats could prevent 10,000 to 20,000 heart attacks and 3,000 to 7,000 coronary heart disease deaths each year, according to one study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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live well

get centered w

Story | Angela ambrose

hen people hear the word yoga, they likely envision the practice of stretching and strengthening the body through poses. Although this is the most popular form of yoga in the United States, it’s isn’t the only aspect of the discipline that can deliver a state of centeredness and inner peace.

Other forms of yoga include breathing, meditation and chanting, which are often incorporated into yoga classes.

If you’re new to yoga, shop around before you take your first class. Look for classes that are labeled as gentle, basic, restorative or for beginners.

Fast-moving, sweat-drenching classes are designed for more experienced yogis and are not the best choice for new students.

“There are classes for all levels, all needs and all stages of life,” says Judith Hanson Lasater, a

yoga teacher since 1971 and author of eight books, including, “Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times.”

“What people typically do is they pick the yoga class that’s down the street without any preparation,” says the San Francisco-based Lasater. “And then it’s too hard for them and they quit.” To avoid injury, start slowly and gradually move to more challenging classes as your strength and stamina increase.

Lasater recommends taking at least one yoga class a week, and also practicing on your own.

You don’t have to roll out your mat to do yoga. Deep breathing, meditation and bodily awareness can be practiced almost anywhere—at your desk, in the airport or even when you’re stuck in traffic. Yoga teaches you to tune into your body and become aware of when you’re

hunched over the computer or holding tension in your body.

This heightened awareness can also help you identify true hunger and avoid overeating when you’re stressed or bored, explains Lasater, who went down two pants sizes by becoming more aware of her eating habits and making small changes to her diet.

What sets apart this 5,000-year-old practice from other fitness activities is the ability to control the breath, calm the mind and find deep relaxation. “Breathing is the fastest and most physiologically effective way to change mood,” Lasater says. “If you’re tense, if you’re tired, if you’re angry, if you’re impatient, if you’re stressed, 10 deep breaths will completely change your world.”

One of the most powerful and challenging yoga postures is Savasana, which is typically

performed at the end of a class or practice session. In this “corpse pose,” you lie on your back and completely let go of any thoughts or tension in your body.

“Our lives are so busy and so active and so stressful,” Lasater says. “We know how to go for a jog or swim laps or get on the stationary bike, and those are all fabulous things, but we don’t know how to relax, lie down and rest and breathe, and do one thing at a time.”

did you know?

More than 20 million Americans practice yoga, spending $10.3 billion annually on classes, equipment, clothing, vacations and media, according to the 2012 “Yoga in America” study published by yogajournal.com

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beauty buzz

prime finds

Jump start your resolutions with products that can help you reach your goals.

FitBit Force

Wireless Activity and Sleep Wrist Band. Available at fitbit.com

{FOCUS} More than just a pedometer, FitBit Force tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes and your sleep patterns. {FUNCTION} Set daily activity goals and this little wrist band will track them for you. It also tracks how long and how well you sleep, then wakes you with a silent alarm. The system comes with an online and mobile motivational dash board that cheers you on toward your goals—compatible with both iPhone and Android.

Tinké

Wellness Monitor. Available online at zensorium.com/tinke

{FOCUS} Track your heart rate, blood oxygen level and respiratory rate with just the touch of your {FUNCTION} While you’re transforming your outside, don’t lose track of the benefits

your body is reaping on the inside. Tinké tracks your fitness level through your vitals and then produces a chart so you can track your progress.

Slim & Sage

Portion Control Plate.

Available at slimandsage.com

{FOCUS} A fusion of science and design, Slim & Sage helps reduce inches from your waistline and adds style to your table.

{FUNCTION} The American College of Cardiology attributes 90 percent of weight loss to reduction of food intake. Available in both ruby red and pacific blue, the design on each plate indicates portions for you—one-quarter of the plate for lean protein, another for whole grains and one-half for vegetables.

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FitBit | Tinké | Slim & Sage

thumb.

live well

Look good

throw some

charcoal on the grill skin 1

Story | jessica mebane

i

michael todd true organics | giovanni cosmetics | origins

n Texas, if you build it, they will come—to a Texas barbecue that is. And where would a BBQ be without a helpful assist from a bag of charcoal?

But what about charcoal’s role in the beauty industry? Maybe you’ve never heard of activated charcoal as an ingredient in hair, skin and color cosmetics, but it has long been a major player.

It can also be found in air and water filtration systems, removing pollutants and allergens from your personal environment. If you want to get serious about removing dirt and buildup from yourself, there are a few new products on the market that contain activated charcoal. Here are just a few cosmetic brands to consider: 1. Michael Todd True Organics Melanie Velez is a licensed paramedical aesthetician and product development adviser on the Michael Todd team who says that in products, such as Michael Todd’s Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub, use gentle jojoba wax beads in combination with activated charcoal to effectively draw out impurities. “We find that it works even better to exfoliate the skin than many other chemical-based treatments—and doesn’t result in dryness and irritation caused by chemicallybased products.” She has a personal favorite in the Charcoal

Detox Cleanser. “It is perfect for combination skin,” Velez says. michaeltoddtrueorganics.com 2. Giovanni Cosmetics D:tox System This is the motto at Giovanni Cosmetics, where activated charcoal has been added to the product suite entitled D:tox System Facial Care. This kit includes a cleanser, facial scrub and moisturizer, as well as a facial mask that employs volcanic ash and activated charcoal to extract toxins and impurities.

Try the D:tox System Purifying Body Wash for an “eco-chic” clean feeling, or one of their handy, Transportation Security Administration-approved “Flight Attendant” kits to give yourself a first-class facial cleansing experience. giovannicosmetics.com 3. Origins If you’ve been having too many dull skin days and it seems like the face in the mirror could use a bit of polish to restore its glow and vitality, consider using Origins’ Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, which the company describes as “nature’s complexion clean-up crew.”

Use your next little moment of “me” time to refresh your face by opening the pores with a warm, moist towel, and then applying this mask for greater skin clarity via Origins’ unique formulation of active charcoal and white China clay. origins.com

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did you know?

According to Velez, activated charcoal has been around for a few thousand years, and was used by ancient Egyptians and many other cultures as a poultice to keep wounds clean and to heal ulcers and sores. Ultimately becoming an effective treatment for many skin conditions, activated charcoal is easier on the skin in some ways than benzoyl peroxide, which can lead to dry patches and some flakiness while cleaning the pores. And just in case you have any lingering reservations about using this unique ingredient, consider that active charcoal can be made from carbons other than coal, including those that arise from crushed nutshells, coconut husks, and peat and wood materials. Great for Texas barbecues and for your skin.

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live well

be Good

check your

emotional baggage

Story | Mary Jo Rapini

i

t’s tough being around loud, pushy people who voice every emotion they feel when they feel it.

On the opposite end of the spectrum and easier to be around are quiet people who don’t complain and keep their feelings to themselves. As it turns out, however, your body begins suffering physical symptoms when you hold unresolved emotions inside.

Research verifies that the more the emotional baggage is internalized, the worse it is for the body. Nowhere is this demonstrated as clearly as it is with heart disease or with emotional issues such as depression and anxiety.

According to experts in mind/body medicine, our emotions affect our bodies because they are linked via our immune, endocrine and central nervous systems. Just as a broken heart affects our heart and can lead to death, what we feel affects our body and how effectively it functions.

For women, emotions such as

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Consider a massage.

Massages are a common treatment for people who have experienced a serious crisis, unresolved grief or anger at and they’re also a wonderful a partner can cause intestinal treatment for fibromyalgia and problems and headaches as rheumatoid arthritis. Breathe easily as they can cause chronic and let go of held-in emotional pelvic pain and many other pain as the therapist works on physical issues. the body part that’s holding the Laugh as much as you can.

Holding in emotions weakens physical pain.

Watch funny videos and allow the immune system, making Medical care has come a long yourself to laugh out loud. it tougher to ward off colds way in the treatment of many and infections, and to get well illnesses. Your body, however, is Cry when you need to. after you get sick. When you more than physical; there is an Don’t hold it in; just let it flow. become ill, it is very important emotional and soulful part that to evaluate what you are feeling at the time, as well as what you Practice voicing, “I’m angry.” is more complicated to treat.

Knowing yourself and being You don’t have to take any have been feeling for the past able to express uncomfortable action, just say it out loud and six months. Some illnesses, feelings is healthy, not only for then say why. such as rheumatoid arthritis, your mind, but for your body may take months to become and soul as well.

Write it down. symptomatic.

Before you take medication for Emotional healing is very different from physical healing. any aches or to assist with sleep, consider what emotions you Working with cancer patients, are holding onto and jot them I was reminded of this many down. This small action offers times. The tumor went away huge rewards. and the body healed, but the mind lingered sometimes for years over the experience of losing hair, a body part and mary jo rapini trust in the body. Counseling is Mary Jo Rapini is a Houston-based psychotherapist specializing in sex and a wonderful way to release pentrelationships. In addition to being a speaker, author and TV personality, she shares her expert advice Tuesday mornings on Mix 96.5 and Friday up feelings so emotional healing mornings on Fox 26 Houston. For information, visit maryjorapini.com. can begin.

Five ways to heal your body from held-in emotional baggage There are many ways you can help your loved one or yourself unpack your emotional baggage.

Try these suggestions and practice them frequently.

live well

his & hers

beyond three square meals v

itamin and mineral intake recommendations do not differ significantly for men and women—but walk down the vitamin aisle at any grocery store and you’ll find blue and pink labels arguing the contrary. Many vitamin manufacturers provide supplement options with varying amounts of vitamins and minerals to address gender-specific nutritional needs. However, lifestyle, more than gender, plays a more prominent role in determining which nutrients might be lacking in your diet. We’ve identified some common vitamin and mineral deficiencies and typical lifestyle factors that might be the cause.

men

women

Responsible for energy production, and assists in cell reproduction. It’s also believed to reduce stress and depression.

Vitamin B-12 deficiency increases with age and can play a role in heart disease, the leading cause of death in men.

vitamin B-12

Women absorb less B-12 with age and typically eat less red meat, which is a good source of B-12.

Assists in the absorption of calcium. Being studied for its possible effects on diabetes, high blood pressure and autoimmune conditions.

Heavy clothing, such as suit coats, tend to block vitamin D-producing rays of sun from the skin.

vitamin D

Because this is a fat-soluable vitamin, following a low-fat diet might put you at risk of a vitamin D deficiency.

Known for keeping bones strong, but also assists the nerves in carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body.

High intakes of sodium and protein can inhibit the absorption of calcium in the kidneys.

Calcium

Postmenopausal women experience greater bone loss and do not absorb calcium as well.

Known to help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke; also believed to combat migraines, insomnia and depression.

An intense workout regimen coupled with bad eating habits and a love for beer creates the perfect magnesium-depleting machine.

Magnesium

In both men and women, the absorption of magnesium slows with age, and certain medications might inhibit the absorption of magnesium.

Strengthens the immune system, supports cognitive functions such as memory and helps in the absorption of other vitamins and nutrients.

Many men do not eat enough dark green leafy vegetables, which are great sources of riboflavin.

Riboflavin (vitamin B-2)

This vitamin can be found in dairy products, but is easily destroyed by light.

Choose dairy products that are not in clear containers to make sure you’re getting the full amount of riboflavin noted on the package.

Amy Goodson, a dietician and spokesperson for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, sheds some light on key points about vitamins. “Most people do not need more vitamins and minerals than the recommended amount. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy and healthy fats will help you get the nutrients needed over the course of the day,” Goodson says. “However, if you cut out a specific food group, such as grains or dairy, you need to supplement the vitamins you could be lacking.” Goodson recommends getting tested for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and to be sure to ask specifically about vitamin D, as that is not commonly included in basic lab work.

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list

Elizabeth Anthony Esther Wolf Style Show Elizabeth Anthony Esther Wolf â&#x20AC;˘ 10.8.13

Elizabeth Anthony Esther Wolf hosted a stylish evening featuring luxury designer Pamella Roland. Jereann Chaney and Leticia Loya chaired the event, which benefited the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. Guests sipped Champagne and noshed on light bites while enjoying an exclusive runway show featuring Pamella Rolandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resort/Spring 2014 Collection.

Photographer | Anthony Hynes

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1 Diane Lokey Farb 2 Jeff Shell, Brandon McClendon 3 Julianna Moorad, Caroline Walberg 4 Julie Phillips Roberts, Bobbie Nau 5 Gary Roberts, Justin Makris 6 Allison Marshall, Yvette Hill, Jereann Chaney 7 Elin Jackson, Kasey Keller 8 Nancy Stern, James Ruberti

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Trees of Hope Winter White Gala

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River Oaks Country Club • 11.8.13

More than 500 guests enjoyed a festive evening of fundraising at the 2013 Trees of Hope Winter White Gala chaired by Carol Buckley and Michelle Stewart. Each year the gala benefits children’s programs at Star of Hope, an organization that has assisted Houston’s homeless population since 1907. This year Baccarat stunned the crowd with a winter white tree decked out with a dozen Champagne flutes in their signature red. After some fierce bidding, Gary and Louise Moss won the multi candy wrapper wineglass artwork created by Alicia Kowalski— Anesthesiologist by day, artist by night. Honoree Robin Klaes carried home a “Trees of Hope” interpretation created by children from the Star of Hope Emergency Shelter. The event raised more than $800,000.

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Photographer | Priscilla Dickson Photography

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1 Gala Honorees Robin and Danny Klaes 2 Kristin and Robert Gauntt 3 Date and Johnny Carrabba 4 Heather & Richard Holmes and Julia & Eric Gutierrez 5 Carol Buckley and Michelle Stewart - Gala Chairs 6 Madeleine and John Elmer 7 Faith and Lee Majors 8 Jo Ann Petersen and Tony Davies 9 Steve and Laura Jones and friends

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2014 Heart Ball Kickoff Celebration

the

the home of lucia & michael cordua • 11.5.13

list

Houston Heart Ball Chairs Frank & Carolyn Grese along with the American Heart Association hosted a fabulous kickoff celebration at the home of Lucia & Michael Cordua for the 2014 Heart Ball—one of Houston’s most anticipated fundraisers of the year. During the kickoff celebration, the community and corporate 2014 honorees were announced. Attendees also got a sneak peak at some of the auction items that will be offered at this year’s Heart Ball—a luxurious Country Music Awards package, U.S. Open package and a dinner party package for 20 at the home of Michael Cordua. The 2014 “Ignite the Night” Heart Ball will take place Saturday, February 8, and has a goal of raising $1.5 million to fund heart disease research, education and awareness.

Photographer | Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design

Bone Bash

the

hotel zaza • 10.24.13

More than 300 partygoers dressed as skeletons, pirates, super-heroes and zombies as they slithered into the haunted surroundings of Hotel ZaZa for the 3rd annual Bone Bash in support of the South Texas Arthritis Foundation. Rocking this costume party were the Duck Dynasty crew, Cleopatra, a jelly-fish, a Mad Hatter or two and a bundle of glamorous witches. Spider webs spilled over the hallways and a a spooktacular graveyard as fortunetellers, palm readers, and dancing prevailed. The event raised nearly $150,000. Dr. Lamar and Mrs. Theresa Roemer were honored at the event along with Dr. Sandra Sessoms.

list

Photographer | Leroy Gibbins

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1 Shahla Rejaie 2 Ashley Thoapjol, Theresa Roemer 3 Mahzad Mohajer, Atticus Lyon, Carolyn Farb 4 Azar Taleghany, Cindi Rose 5 Britney Smith, Pete and Lara Bell

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Nutcracker Market

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Reliant center • 11.7.13 – 11.10.13

Shoppers from all over—including California, Arizona and Florida—arrived in Houston to attend the 2013 Nutcracker Market. More than 112,000 patrons flocked for four days of shopping, accompanied by special events such as the Wells Fargo preview party, Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show & Luncheon and the Macy’s Fashion Show & Brunch. More than 300 vendors from across the country offered unique gift items for the entire family—from home décor to clothing to novelties and more.

The event raised over $4 million to benefit the Houston Ballet Foundation, its Academy and Scholarship Programs.

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Photographer | Fulton Davenport

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See More photos at Prime-Living.com

1 Denise Malone and Cecilia Campbell 2 Debra Hovnatanian and Joella Mach 3 Shawn Stephens, Cynthia Brown and Kimberly Van Belle-Ebel 4 Rosemary Schatzman and Pam Lewis 5 Judy Nichols, Maggie Flecknoe, Ken Hoffman, Chita Johnson, Dana Tyson and Roula Christie 6 Richard Ray and Lynn Zeid 7 Philamena Baird 8 Cynthia Brown, Jim Nelson and Lynda Transier 9 Perry Sendukas, Scott David and David Wuthrich

january/february • 2014

79

parting

shot

deep discovery

Resolve this year to focus on your mind, body and soul; add an

item (or two) to your bucket list; travel to exotic destinations; and discover what your favorite color says about you.

Cheers to the New Year!

Photo credit: Conrad Rangali Island Maldives Resort

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