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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2011
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Women
Joyous,Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives
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A Woman’s Guide to
Caring for your Car
Maintenance Checklist CHECK EACH MONTH
d check for leaks Oil Level – add oil if low an , rotten, or brittle Hoses – replace if bulging yed, or glazed Belts – replace if worn, fra low Tire Pressure – add air if d more if low Coolant or Antifreeze – ad y Air Filter – replace if dirt ar age, bulges, or uneven we Inspect Tires – leaks, dam
S CHECK EV ERY 3 MONTH every 3,000 miles an l and Oil Filter – ch ge
Oi – add fluid if low Windshield Washer Fluid g Fluid – add fluid if low Battery and Power Steerin low Brake Fluid – add fluid if fluid if low Transmission Fluid – add bles – clean if corroded Battery Terminals and Ca
S CHECK EV ERY 6 MONTH
worn, brittle, or smeary Wiper Blades – replace if work. e lights, and turn signals ak br s, ht lig ad he re su e ak M operly. Make sure horn works pr d tear or “slippage.” Inspect brakes for wear an
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Contents
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August / September 2011 Volume 3 l Number 3
The JEWELS of Fort Bend A history of the event created to do what women do: give. The JEWELS of Fort Bend, created by Lisa Fredrickson, has become a tribute to community service and to the women who make our communities better places to live, work and raise our families. These Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives do just that – and so much more.
Features 20 Planet Funk’s Shawn Welling Kicks It Up
Dance instructor, photographer and choreography guru Shawn Welling talks about Planet Funk, his champion team from America’s Best Dance Crew, and his latest endeavors as an award-winning film maker with Nick Nicholson. The go-to guy for performers for the NFL, the NHL and Cirque de Soleil – just to name a few – Nicholson talks with the versatile visionary of the arts as he prepares for his newest project and takes the world of dance to a whole new level.
28 It’s Not Winning or Losing But How You Played Your Game
In this personal interview with Major League Baseball’s Lance Berkman, Alisa Murray asks intriguing questions of the husband, father of four and former Houston Astro now St. Louis Cardinal – and you may be surprised at some of the answers!
32 Yenny Van Dinter: Swimming’s Golden Girl TM
©2011
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At 77 years-young, Netherland-born Yenny Van Dinter is making quite a splash in senior swimming competitions across the United States. Wayne Chandler followed Yenny as she churned her way this summer to three gold medals in the National Senior Games in Houston. And, retirement isn’t in the near future for this swimming phenom as she plans to compete in the upcoming National Senior Games – when she’s 79.
exquisite
Sugar Land’s leading designers working together again to beautify every home. Sherry Renfrow Moore is not new to Sugar Land, but new to The Design Source. She is bringing with her over 40 years of experience. Combining the talents of Jeanne Garland, who built The Design Source into an exceptional established business, they are a driving force in first class interior design.
The Design Source, with a full staff of creative Interior Designers, is sure to inspire the perfect design for any style. Sherry Renfrow Moore
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THE DESIGN SOURCE 3644 Highway 6 South | Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281.242.3336 Visit us at www.dessource.com or on Facebook
TEXAS GULF COAST
Contents pg
50
financial savvy 24 The Name is Bond; Municipal Bond
Get the scoop on investing your money for tax-free income.
style
pg
travel
26
26 The List: Things We Love
34 Top Ten Things I Learned on My Summer Vacation
Do we need it? Maybe not… but it’s too fabulous to not have at least one – or two!
Priceless memories and ten things learned – all from a family summer vacation.
38 Tips on Looking Great and Feeling Great at Any Age
46 Great Getaways on a Gallon of Gas
Get a fresh face and youthful glow by following these four simple tips.
Take a trip this weekend – and next – with these fabulously frugal getaways in and around Houston.
49 It’s Not Always Black and White… Sometimes It’s Gray! What is a girl to do when those gray hairs start to grow in? Let us help you decide – will you gray graciously or use calculated color?
50 Fresh… Flirty… Fun Get a hot look this season by mixing colors, textures – and of course – accessories to look and feel absolutely fabulous!
chick flicks
30 The Music Never Stopped
pg
Based on a true story, see how the power of music leads a cancer patient to make new memories.
35 Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost In the seventh installment of the series, Tom Selleck investigates the death of a young woman after losing his job – and his wife.
44 The Help This timeless, inspirational story touches on the universal theme of creating change for the better.
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Contents home
36 Easy Green Find 15 ways to be more eco-conscious in our continually “going green” society.
inspiring women 42 The Ties That Bind
From family to friends, women create bonds that undoubtedly withstand the test of time.
career
54 Just Because You Are Downsized, Doesn’t Mean You Have To Be Supersized Learn how to battle the bulge when pounding the pavement.
health & wellness 56 Mission: Weight Loss
All systems are a go – for weight loss! Learn how to eat properly and boost you weight-loss potential!
columns
40 Woman to Woman
pg
fow feedback
45 Heard Through the Grapevine Who’s saying what about Focus on Women.
well woman
58 Get the Facts on Radiation Exposure and Mammograms The risks associated with mammograms is far less than those of not being screened.
stepping out with focus on women
By Alisa Murray A lesson learned in taking control of… yourself!
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fine arts
62 Jesus Christ Superstar 18th Annual Theater District Open House A Tribute to the Big Band Era Mozart Under the Stars An Evening with Dr. Maya Angelou Acid on Metal Pacino: One Night Only From musicals to a monologue, check out these events around Houston.
pearls of wisdom
59 The Ultimate Girls’ Night
27 Let’s Get Your Yard Beautiful for Fall 2011- On a Budget!
Broken 9 Boutique & Gifts
By Todd Farber
64 The Last Word By Roseann Rogers Things learned… From basics to beauty to everything in between!
between the lines
31 Got Anxiety? By Kimberly Cress, MD
60 From Misery to Ministry
One woman’s tragic loss transformed her life into a powerful ministry of faith and perseverance.
39 Mirror Mirror on the Wall – What Do You See When You Look at Yourself? By Shelena C. Lalji, M.D.
61 Crazy About Money
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Identify your relationship with money and how to achieve a balanced attitude when it comes to your financial status.
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57 September is Suicide Awareness Prevention Month By Teresa Cox Reading, RN
editor’s point of view I
Patti Parish-Kaminski, Editor in Chief
My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
E Larry McMurtry and Patti Parish-Kaminski.
ven though I didn’t grow up in the days of the Lone Ranger and the boys on the Ponderosa, it’s true. I’ve always had an affinity for cowboys. It’s their character that appeals to me. They are trail blazers, smart, bold, independent, unwavering individuals who embrace what they are and are usually good at what they do. I had the opportunity to meet just such an individual on a trek through North Texas. A personal literary hero of mine, a trail blazer whose novels turned into movies and screenplays have won Academy Awards, along with the Pulitzer Prize for one of the greatest novels of modern times. Yes, the novel had cowboys as heroes; it was Lonesome Dove. I tracked down, literally, Larry McMurtry in Archer City at his book store, Booked Up, which carries close to half a million titles. I found him to be one-of-a-kind, bold, smart, some what sassy – a cowboy. In my definition, the term “cowboy” isn’t limited to the male species. I’ve met some women who embody the true spirit of a smart, bold, high-spirited and unwavering individual. In fact, the twenty ladies who have been crowned as JEWELS of Fort Bend, along with the visionary woman who created the concept, can certainly be described in that fashion. These are ladies who have worked tirelessly to support their community, and the work that they have done, frankly, has been tough, effective and meaningful. They have embraced their community and devoted their time and energy to making it a better place. Sounds like a cowboy to me. In this issue, you’ll meet another young lady that I would define as a cowboy. Yenny Van Dinter at 77 years-young has done it all including winning three gold medals this summer in swimming at the National Senior Games in Houston. Yenny lived through the Nazi occupation of Holland and remembers vividly having only tulip bulbs to eat. And now, she’s making plans to swim in the National Senior Games two years from when she’ll be 79. Yes, Yenny is a cowboy. World-renowned dance instructor, choreographer, photographer and now awardwinning film maker Shawn Welling has done it all and done it well. The go-to guy for performers for the NFL, Cirque de Soleil and Broadway, Welling has made a name for himself in the arts, and his visionary talent is taking the dance world by storm. Welling is definitely a cowboy. In 2006, Larry McMurtry accepted his Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Brokeback Mountain along with co-winner Diana Ossana. He was wearing jeans, cowboy boots and a dinner jacket and used his speech to promote books and reading by reminding the audience that Brokeback Mountain was a short story before it was a movie. Yes, he’s a cowboy, and as I left Archer City on a sweltering July day, he said to me, “Be careful out there – it’s awful hot.” Spoken like a true Texas cowboy. Stay focused!
on
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Patti Parish-Kaminski editor@FOWmag.com
facebook.com/FocusOnWomen l August / September 2011
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contributors Nick Nicholson is the Entertainment Editor for Focus on Women and the Film and, Entertainment Critic for CNN Radio, the Fort Bend Star newspaper, Fort Bend Focus and Pearland Focus magazines. He is the co-founder of the Houston Film Critics Society and is currently the President of the organization. In “Planet Funk’s Shawn Welling Kicks It Up” on page 20, Nick interviews dance and choreography guru Shawn Welling and talks about Welling’s latest endeavors as an award-winning film maker. Nick and his wife, Mikki, reside in Sugar Land, Texas.
The former publicity director for the Houston Astros, Astroworld and Astrodomain, Wayne Chandler interviews a senior swimming sensation in “Yenny Van Dinter: Swimming’s Golden Girl” on page 32. At 77 years-young, Yenny is making quite a splash in senior competitions with aspirations for the upcoming National Senior Games. A contributor for several years to Fort Bend Focus Magazine and The Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal, Wayne and his wife live in Sugar Land, Texas.
Jennifer Babisak has written for numerous regional and national publications. In “Easy Green” on page 36, Jennifer shares 15 easy eco-conscious ways to embrace the greener side of life. On page 46 in “Great Getaways on a Gallon of Gas,” Jennifer highlights Houston-area getaways that won’t break the travel budget. When she’s not exploring area attractions, Jennifer keeps busy by home schooling her children and squeezing in time for corporate, family and travel writing. Jennifer lives in Pasadena, Texas with her husband and three children.
Owner and personal stylist at Emmanuel Salon, Brian Benoit shares his style sense and passion for photography on page 50 in “Fresh…Flirty…Fun” – a look at how to combine these three F’s into your wardrobe for a look that’s fabulous! Brian and his wife, Stevie, live in Sugar Land, Texas with their four children.
DeAnne Pearson, M. Ed. has over 15 years experience in career coaching and consulting with the Texas Workforce Commission and Lee Hecht Harrison, one of the world’s largest outplacement and talent solutions firms. In “Just Because You Are Downsized, Doesn’t Mean You Have to Be Supersized” on page 54, DeAnne shares tips for keeping in shape and stress-free during the dreaded job search. DeAnne’s articles have appeared in newspapers throughout Texas and in magazines including Better Homes and Gardens and Focus on Women. She lives, works and writes in Austin, Texas.
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Meet the JEWELS of Fort Bend
Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives
Cari Middaugh Pat Hebert
Doris Gurecky
Judy Schmid
proudly announces the 2011
Lucia Street
Luncheon & Style Show
Safari Texas Ranch BENEFITING
The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County
Thursday, September Twenty Two, Two Thousand and Eleven 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Safari Texas Ranch ◆ 11627 FM 1464 ◆ Richmond, Texas
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Nancy Olson
Special Thanks to Our Official Jewels Contributors Alisa Murray Photography - Official Photographer J Loggins Jewelers - Official Jeweler Pamela Printing - Official Printer
Safari Texas Ranch - Official Venue Salon Eben & Day Spa - Official Salon May W. Tape, D.D.S. - Official Entertainment Sponsor
Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities ◆ 281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com
guest columnists Stevie Benoit Emmanuel Salon Pages 38 & 49
38
40
Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 40
Tanya Sterling Freelance Writer Page 42
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56 Heather Reichert, RD, LD, CDE Educate Your Plate Page 56
Kelly Dempsey, M.D., Stephen Phillips, M.D. and Sandra Templeton, M.D. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
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Page 58
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Roseann Rogers “The Buzz Lady” Marketing Director for Finger Furniture Page 64
August / September 2011 Vol. 3 l No. 3 4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 400 • Stafford, TX 77477 www.FOWmag.com To advertise call 281-690-4242 • TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7469 Direct mailed to physicians in the area and to Focus Magazine subscribers, and available at demand distribution locations. PUBLISHERS EDITOR IN CHIEF ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE OFFICE MANAGER ART DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER WEB DESIGNER EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
ON THE COVER
The 2011 JEWELS of Fort Bend: Doris Gurecky, Lucia Street, Cari Middaugh, Pat Hebert and Judy Schmid. Photography by Alisa Murray Staging by The Design Source Shot on Location at Safari Texas
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Michael & Lisa Fredrickson Patti Parish-Kaminski Nick Nicholson Jessica Kij April Lambert Norma Cavazos Norma Loredo Grace Belleza Joey Belleza Elizabeth Pace Joey Belleza / JOBpageGraphics.com Lauren Dante
The views and opinions expressed by our advertisers and columnists do not necessarily reflect those of the Publishers and their staff. 2011 Focus on Women Magazine. No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publishers.
l August / September 2011
cover story
By Patti Parish-Kaminski
I
Photos by Alisa Murray
The JEWELS of Fort Bend debuted in 2008 with five JEWELS: Billie Wendt, Dee Koch, Carole Brown, Tami McGuire and KK West.
As
women, community service plays an important role in our lives. We are raised to be helpful, giving and supportive from the time we are infants, and that philosophy of a giving spirit carries over well into our adult lives. As women, we naturally give. We cook meals for an ailing friend’s family, we serve on committees and boards to help further the efforts of philanthropies that make our communities better, and we coordinate activities for our children and their endeavors. It’s all in day’s work for most women, many times going unnoticed. It’s just what we as women do. As a tribute to women and their role in creating – and maintaining – a strong, productive community, Fort Bend Focus Magazine created a unique event in 2008: Fort Bend Focus Magazine Honors The JEWELS of Fort Bend. The brainchild behind the event, publisher Lisa Fredrickson, did what women do: she created an opportunity to give back to the community that had given her and her husband, Michael, so much. “Fort Bend has embraced Fort Bend Focus and because of that, we have been a successful part of this community,” said Lisa Fredrickson, publisher of Fort Bend Focus Magazine. “Because of the community’s commitment, faith and generosity to us as a new business, Michael and I felt compelled to do something extraordinary to give back to the community that has helped us be successful.” With this focus on giving back and an appreciation for the many women who serve tirelessly on behalf of their community, Fort Bend Focus Honors The JEWELS of Fort Bend was created. Aptly named to highlight the shining stars in the community, JEWELS is an acronym standing for Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives. And that’s exactly what The JEWELS of Fort Bend – both the women and the event – do. August / September 2011 l
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Lisa Fredrickson, Nancy Olson and Minerva PĂŠrez. Photo by Mary Favre.
Fort Bend Focus publishers Michael and Lisa Fredrickson presented Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels with a check for $15,000 as beneficiaries of the 2010 Jewels of Fort Bend. Pictured are: Paul Friesen and Manuela Arroyos, Fort Bend Seniors; Alison Wen, Safari Texas Ranch; Michael and Lisa Fredrickson, Randy Briones and Kristin Weiss, Fort Bend Seniors and Jan Loggins, J Loggins Jewelers.
Supporting the community Scheduled annually the fourth Thursday in September, Fort Bend Focus Magazine Honors The JEWELS of Fort Bend is a luncheon, program and choreographed style show that features many community leaders as models. The models donate their time and talents to get glamorous and walk in the show featuring fashions provided by Dillard’s and hair and make-up provided by Salon Eben. Held at, as well as sponsored by, Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond, the event is a state-ofthe-art production enjoyed by hundreds of guests all paying tribute to the JEWELS and supporting a local non-profit. The five JEWELS are introduced each year in a special on-stage tribute that includes a commemorative program, a cover feature
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in the September issue of Fort Bend Focus and a Champagne Reception hosted by Will and Lena Hardee of the Hardee Investment Group. At the private reception, the JEWELS are presented with beautiful keepsakes from Alisa Murray Photography and J Loggins Jewelers. Each year, The JEWELS of Fort Bend benefits a charitable organization based on needs and services that provides assistance to area residents. The charities must be located in Fort Bend, as well as provide direct service to the local community. Organizations who have been beneficiaries of The JEWELS of Fort Bend include Fort Bend Lawyers Care, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Inc., Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands, Inc.,
and Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels. In only three years, the annual event has contributed over $60,000 supporting the selected beneficiaries. Charitable organizations can apply to be the beneficiary of The JEWELS of Fort Bend by completing an Event Beneficiary Application available at www.FortBendFocus. com. Applications are due by January 31, and the organization is selected each year in late March. For the 2011 event, proceeds will be invested back into the Fort Bend community by supporting a vital organization: The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. This non-profit organization’s mission is to end inter-generational cycles of illiteracy in Fort Bend County by improving adult literacy skills and generating community-wide literacy awareness. Formed in 1987, the Literacy Council serves adults who have made the commitment to help themselves change their lives. Well-trained and supported volunteers work one-on-one with adults needing help in basic literacy and on a small group basis in English language skills. Since 1987, the Literacy Council has served over 23,000 adults and has donated 591,000 tutoring and learning lab hours to assist with decreasing the 24% rate of individuals lacking basic literacy skills in Fort Bend County. (National Center for Education Statistics (NCES); January 2009) “As a publisher, literacy is vital to the success of not only our business, but to the success of our community as a whole. With the illiteracy rate of Fort Bend County exceeding 20%, the valuable work of the Literacy Council is making a difference in our work force,” said Fredrickson. Since 1987, the Literacy Council has returned approximately $15,000,000 to the community in tutoring hours alone. “This year, the Literacy Council will spend approximately 22,000 hours tutoring citizens, and we are honored to assist with this much-needed and worthwhile program.”
Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives Each year, the JEWELS are five extraordinary women whose contributions to our community make them real gems. Over the years, the JEWELS have devoted countless hours to many organizations including the Fort Bend
The JEWELS’ Roster To date, twenty women have been awarded the distinction as a JEWEL of Fort Bend as a tribute to their commitment to making their community a better place both now and for future generations. These Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives included in this elite roster are: 2008 JEWELS: Tami McGuire, Billie Wendt, Carole Brown, KK West and Dee Koch.
Junior Service League, Fort Bend County Fair, Fort Bend Museum, Literacy Council of Fort Bend, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, ARC and the Richmond State School – just to name a few. Through their volunteerism, these women are all committed to making their community the best place to live, work and raise their families. But why such a commitment to community service? Carole Brown, a 2008 JEWEL, sums up her and her husband, Bob’s, commitment to the place they call home with one simple statement: “We made it here – we’re going to give it back here.” That sentiment is shared by fellow 2008 JEWEL Billie Wendt who has devoted nearly sixty years to community service in the place she loves and calls home: Fort Bend. Among her years of service, Billie helped organized a ground-breaking event, The Lone Star Stomp, held annually to support the Fort Bend County Museum Association. She shepherded that event that has raised over $2.6 million for fifteen years. “I loved it,” recalled Billie. “I was only eighty-years-old when I gave it up!” Many of the JEWELS have a heart and passion for helping children. That is certainly the case for 2008 JEWEL KK West and 2009 JEWEL May W. Tape. KK began her volunteer work with an inner city mentoring
2008 JEWELS Carole Brown Dee Koch Tami McGuire Billie Wendt KK West 2009 JEWELS Billie J. Neuhaus Lizz Sansone Ann Smith May W. Tape Donna Kay Tucker 2010 JEWELS Carolyn Banfield Peggy Duggan Brigit Engleman Lynn Halford Cassandra Wen 2011 JEWELS Doris Gurecky Pat Hebert Cari Middaugh Judy Schmid Lucia Street For more information about Fort Bend Focus Magazine Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend, visit www.FortBendFocus.com or call 281.690.4242.
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program through the Houston Trial Lawyers Association. “Some of these kids went without food at home, had parents on drugs or no parents at home,” said KK. “They were really reaching out for love and affection. They had the biggest smiles on their faces every time we came to see them.” This first hand experience with children began a career in volunteerism that led KK to leadership roles in the Fort Bend Junior Service League where she was able to assist numerous organizations benefiting women and children such as Child Advocates, the Women’s Center and the Rainbow Room. As a pediatric dentist and mother, children are at the top of May’s list when it comes not only to service but to being a positive role model and advocate for children. An advocate for international and domestic adoption, as well as foster care, May volunteers for Casa de Esperanza, an organization dedicated to finding foster families and adoptive families for children. “If I could do anything to increase the number of foster parents, I would do it,” said May. While the JEWELS are women who have devoted countless hours and tireless efforts to community organizations, many have also had a focus on raising their children to follow in their footsteps. Ann Smith, 2009 JEWEL, has served as a head wrangler for twenty-six
2009 JEWELS: May W. Tape, Lizz Sansone, Billie J. Neuhaus, Donna Kay Tucker and Ann Smith.
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The 2011 JEWELS of Fort Bend
2010 JEWELS: Peggy Duggan, Lynn Halford, Brigit Engleman, Cassandra Wen and Carolyn Banfield.
years for the ARC’s Best of the West fundraiser, a family affair where she, her children and grandchildren all help out. “The single most important thing in my life is to have raised a family that cares deeply about others and does something about it,” said Ann. Donna Kay Tucker, 2009 JEWEL, shares her family motto: “Our family motto is ‘When you are serving your fellow man, you are serving the Lord.’” Donna Kay’s children and grandchildren all honor the Tucker legacy of giving back to their community with their newest passion: recycling. Focusing on the future is paramount to the JEWELS, and that is evident in 2010 JEWEL Carolyn Banfield’s commitment to education. Carolyn began volunteering on PTA boards and school programs when the first of her five children began school in Rosenberg. “Neil and I know how important a good education is, and we were committed to doing what we needed to do to make sure our children received one,” said Carolyn. But once her children graduated, her work didn’t stop there. Carolyn has worked on bond elections for the LCISD, and today, she remains a long-time supporter of the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation supporting education as she has for the past sixty years.
l August / September 2011
This year’s JEWELS – the five Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives – are: Doris Gurecky, Pat Hebert, Cari Middaugh, Judy Schmid and Lucia Street. They will be honored at the annual Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend scheduled for Thursday, September 22nd at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond. The Luncheon and Style Show is from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, and the event is open to the public. Individual tickets are available for $65, and sponsorships range from $1,000 to 7,500 and include magazine advertising. Sponsors to date include: Emerald Sponsor Safari Texas Ranch; Ruby Sponsors Alisa Murray Photography, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land, Hardee Investment Group, J Loggins Jewelers, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Pamela Printing, Salon Eben and Day Spa and TexasDirectAuto.com; Corporate Gems Neil & Carolyn Banfield, Robert C. III & Carole D. Brown, County Judge Bob Hebert, Johnson Development, May W. Tape, DDS and Null-Lairson, PC and Sapphire Sponsor Sandra Templeton, M.D. For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets to meet the 2011 JEWELS of Fort Bend, contact Fort Bend Focus Magazine at 281-690-4242 or visit www. FortBendFocus.com.
2011 JEWELS: Doris Gurecky, Judy Schmid, Cari Middaugh, Pat Hebert and Lucia Street.
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feature
By Nick Nicholson
Shawn Welling and Marissa Lee, Planet Funk in Relephant from the Hobby Center. Photo by Todd Spoth.
Planet Funk’s Shawn Welling Kicks It Up
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imply put, Shawn Welling is an enigma. He is a dance instructor, photographer, film maker and visionary of the arts.
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The forty-something-year-old doesn’t look his age at all. When you meet the man, the first things that come to mind are questions. You know, the kind of questions that bring you to a point of doubting the reality of his accomplishments. The questions are numerous such as, “This guy is one of the best dance instructors in the world?” and continue with gems like, “This guy is an award-winning film maker?” It happens all of the time because Welling is such a humble and unimposing individual. Being grounded in reality is something Welling takes great pride in and is something that was instilled in him by his wonderful parents, Fred and Judy Welling. After meeting his parents, I can assure you the apple didn’t fall far from the tree with their son.
“If you want to learn something, nothing at all can or should stop you from enjoying yourself. That is the philosophy here at Planet Funk,” – Shawn Welling.
Debra Duncan and Shawn Welling on Great Day Houston. Photo by Todd Spoth.
Welling decided fifteen years ago to open Planet Funk, which is simply the place to be if you are a dancer in Houston. With styles of dance education that run the gamut from old school to completely progressive, Welling and his staff work hard to educate the masses on the art of dance, regardless of age. Students of Planet Funk are as young as seven and as experienced in life as seventy. “Age is a state of mind, really,” Welling said. “If you want to learn something, nothing at all can or should stop you from enjoying yourself. That is the philosophy here at Planet Funk.” One of Welling’s pupils, Katrina Hansen, had something to say about her dance surroundings. “Planet Funk has changed my life in so many ways. After the first month of classes, I found myself performing 8,000 miles away from home representing the United States in six different middle eastern countries. It was a life changing experience that I will never forget.” Regarding the Planet Funk Dance Academy, let’s put some of this in perspective. Who are you going call if you are a
mover and shaker in Houston, and you need entertainment? That’s right, Shawn Welling. His cadre of performers is the first on call for the Rockets, the NFL and NHL leadership. Ever heard of Cirque du Soleil? Guess who they called when they needed additional performers and some last minute choreography? You guessed it – Shawn Welling. His teams have performed on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, Deborah Duncan and Great Day Houston among many others. He has provided master classes for the Disney’s Lion King dancers, Broadway productions and even MTV programming. Bottom line is when the industry needs something regarding dance, regardless of where you are in the world, Shawn Welling and Planet Funk provide the answers with an exclamation point. What should come as no surprise is that Welling is also an award-winning film maker. With three films under his belt, all shot in the Houston/Galveston area, Welling Films is a hot ticket. His films, House of Dreams, The Messenger and Project Aether have all gained critical acclaim, and
2011 Project Aether, Welling Films, WorldFest Film Festival Best Picture Winner with Katrina Hansen, Best Actress Winner Joy Willard, Director Shawn Welling, Best Young Performer Winner Marissa Lee and Niece Waidhofer.
August / September 2011 l
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Exciting, creative and visually stunning, AXI is something that is a must see for anyone who wants to break out of the mundane “been there, done that” style of dance and short films. The crowned champions of the sixth season of America’s Best Dance Crew – I.aM.mE Dance Crew, from Houston, Texas, Planet Funk. Jaja, Pacman, Moon, Emilio, Chachi and Brandon. Photo by Shawn Welling.
his films have won spots in film festivals from Tribecca, Telluride, Sundance and even WorldFest. The awards for his pictures are numerous, and his most recent film, Project Aether, won Best Picture, Best Actress (Joy Willard) and Best Young Performer (Marissa Lee) from the Houston Film Critics Society. Welling has an eye for visual acuity and that’s putting it lightly. Welling’s latest project is an amalgamation of progressive dance and film that features the talents of the I.aM.mE (I am Me) dance team, also from Planet Funk,
in a project titled AXI: Avengers of Extreme Illusions. This team specializes in American hip hop and rose to prominence after being crowned champions of the sixth season of America’s Best Dance Crew. This is the first team to win the championship that did not come from Los Angeles. The six member team consists of Phillip “Pacman” Chbeeb, Di “Moon” Zhang, Brandon “747” Harrell, Olivia “Chachi” Gonzales, Emilio “Millie” Dosal and Dzajna “Jaja” Vankova. As the stars of AXI, they are featured in a new series of short films that are in the vein of the
House of Dreams cast by Welling Films. Photo by Todd Spoth.
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Twilight Zone but are infused with dance and lyrical movement that have never been seen before. You can check out these programs on YouTube by searching for AXI: Avengers of Extreme Illusions. Originality is genius at its origin – something that happens for the first time in history. How often do we have the opportunity to see something that has never been seen or done before? AXI - Avengers of Xtreme Illusions is just that: a new series of short films that are directed by Houstonian Shawn Welling and his company, Welling Films. While featuring a famous dancer in each episode, the focus of the individual segments is on the dancer, and the story that is told through movements and expressions. The performances in these episodes provide a unique glimpse into the art of dance in a manner that has never been done before. Exciting, creative and visually stunning, AXI is something that is a must see for anyone who wants to break out of the mundane “been there, done that” style of dance and short films. If anything, this series proves that dancing is indeed a sport and not for the weak of mind, body or soul. Welling is a visionary, and we are proud to have both he and his talents in Houston.
John Sotolongo, America’s Top Model 3rd place finalist, Hannah Jones and Shawn Welling, Project Aether at WorldFest 2011.
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financial savvy I
Provided by RBC Wealth Management and H. H. “Will” Hardee, AWM – Financial Advisor
Girls just want to have fund$
The Name is Bond; Municipal Bond
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recently had the honor of being a keynote speaker on tax-free investing at the Barron’s Investment Conference for America’s Top Advisors in Washington D.C. While there, I learned what other investment strategies advisors were using for the benefit of their clients. I received many questions on tax-free investing in light of the current environment. Recently, much has been written about the budget deficits that individual states and the U.S. face. Early this year, one analyst published a report forecasting widespread defaults in the municipal bond market, which caused a panic sell-off. Historically, according to Moody’s Investor Services, very few defaults have occurred. In February 2010, a Moody’s study stated the 10-year average cumulative rate from 1970 - 2009 was .09% compared to 11.06% default rate for corporate debt. For over 35 years, we have invested in tax-free bonds for the benefit of our clients, and have seen many dire
predictions of the demise of municipal bonds. These predictions invariably have provided very good opportunities to find “bargains” and enjoy tax-free income. By nature, municipal bonds are highly unique and very local. Generally, no two municipalities are the same. Over the years, we have attained considerable expertise in the Texas municipal bond market. Additionally, RBC Capital Markets is a leading advisor to municipalities in the Southwest. We suspect there will be more opportunities to find “bargains” in the coming months. A knowledgeable and skilled investor or advisor can use this to their advantage to increase their taxfree income. Now is the time to prepare and do your homework or contact us. My experience has taught me profitable inflection points occur 2 to 4 times a decade. We may well be approaching one of those times now. With over 85 years of cumulative invested experience, the Hardee Investment
Group has weathered many investment cycles and crises. Our five professionals bring this expertise to bear on each of our client’s individual needs. A number of our clients are widows and matriarchs of their families. We advise multiple generations from grandparents to great grandchildren on intergenerational wealth and how to manage and grow wealth for today and future generations. If your family could benefit from our thoughtful advice and experience, visit out website at www. HardeeInvestmentGroup.com or call us at 713-853-0879 today! This article is provided by H. H. “Will” Hardee, a financial advisor at RBC Wealth Management’s Houston Center, and was prepared by or in cooperation with RBC Wealth Management. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security. RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organization or publication. Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance. RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice.
What Every Woman Needs To Know About Her Financial Future 9 out of 10 women will be solely responsible for managing their finances at some point in their lives1. Yet lack of knowledge and experience continue to be obstacles for many women investors. Don’t leave your financial future to chance – take control and call me for a free consultation.
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(713) 853-0869 • (800) 838-0757 www.hardeeinvestmentgroup.com 2006, Allianz Women, Money and Power study.
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© 2011 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.
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style
The List: Things We Love Do we need it? Maybe not…but it’s too fabulous to not have at least one – or two! Animal Instincts
Fall footwear is all animal this year – especially leopard prints. These haute heels by Calvin Klein are the perfect way to channel your inner cougar and step out in style! The comfortably cushioned soles make them a breeze to wear to any occasion and the thoughtfully placed, elasticized straps make them a sure fit for any foot. Let’s face it – you can’t go wrong with a great pair of Calvin’s! www.dillards.com
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Pearls of Wisdom
By Todd Farber
Let’s Get Your Yard Beautiful for Fall 2011- On a Budget!
F
What kind of budget can we work with?
all is almost here! Have you gone out and looked at your landscape lately? With the recent drought in our area, you may have already decided that your yard needs some professional help. Whether your home is up for sale and you need an edge over the competition, or you just want to freshen up the look of things in the garden, it is possible to boost landscape curb appeal or create a relaxing, low-maintenance oasis, inside a reasonable budget.
Garden Guy’s work is comprised of projects ranging from small $700 spruce ups to $1700 mini-makeovers to large scale $15,000 front and back yard over hauls. Choose from a menu Clients love our proposals because they are menu driven. We break up each section of your yard enabling you to decide which portion you can afford at that time. Let’s get your yard ready for fall 2011! Fill out our design survey conveniently located at www.garden-guy.com or call 281208-4400 for an appointment.
Meet one of Fort Bend Counties’ best kept secrets: Garden Guy, Inc. Todd Farber, B.S. Horticulture from Texas A & M (Whoop!) and President of Garden Guy has owned and operated his design and installation company since 1991. Twenty years of designing and installing low-maintenance gardens at homes just like yours makes him a true authority on residential curb appeal.
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feature
By Alisa Murray
It’s Not Winning or Losing But How You Played Your Game: A Personal Look at Major League Baseball’s
Photo by William Greenblatt – UPI.
LANCE BERKMAN
Berkman at bat for the St. Louis Cardinals.
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Lance and Cara Berkman with Alisa.
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remember when I first met Lance Berkman, and no, it wasn’t at Minute Maid Park but as I opened my back door. He had come to have pictures taken of his family, and the honor was all mine. I remember how easy going he was and not pretentious. After we finished shooting, I apologized to him for not knowing the first thing about baseball. He said to me then, and I’ll paraphrase, “That’s okay. You do photography, and I do baseball. I understand.” A few years later, he came in again, and we talked a bit about what I had been achieving as an artist and how he was doing in baseball. Afterwards, he played with the children as Cara and I selected their portraits.
l August / September 2011
That was when he became “Uncle Lance” to our family, and I became “Auntie A” to his. He asked if I had any baseballs, and luckily, I did have a few for him to sign. On my ball, he then wrote: “To Alisa, my favorite portrait artist! Love You - Lance Berkman.” I tucked it away for safe keeping. Many a player has come to my studio to have me do what I do for their families, and over the years, I have become a family friend to some. My relationship with Lance, though, is a special one, and I see him and his family regularly. When he celebrated his birthday, Cara called and asked if I could send over the portrait I had shot of him and her saying she wanted it to be in the video. “That one is Lance’s favorite of us.”
I know Lance and Cara have had a few laughs over the years as I am “the fan of his that knows absolutely nothing about baseball.” Two funny stories stick out in my mind in particular. Once when on the rare occasion that I was at Minute Maid, the other via voicemail while scheduling their family portraits. I was in the private box of then pitcher Roger Clemens hanging out with his wife watching the game, and Cara dropped over or up to (honestly I had no idea where in the stadium I was!) to say hi. I wanted to go to Lance’s box, and Cara laughed at me and said they didn’t have one. I wrinkled my nose and said, “Well, ya’ll should!” She said I was hysterical and just smiled. The other was when I called to check in to see when they wanted to come in, and I gave them a few dates. Cara called back, laughing, saying what their schedule was, and the fact that I was so oblivious to the baseball schedule was funny. I do what I do, and he does what he does. They appreciated the innocence in all of that, and I, of course, appreciate them for understanding. When Lance came to see me a few weeks ago, I told him that I wanted to interview him, and I asked him a few questions. Our conversation went something like this: Alisa: What would you say is your greatest success? Lance: Personally, my family. I have an awesome wife and four incredible daughters. I don’t know if I can claim success in this, but it is a blessing from God. Professionally, playing in the Major Leagues for 12 years. Alisa: How do you think baseball has changed since you were a little boy? Lance: Amateur baseball is different because in high school and college, you play because you enjoy it, and the only concern is to win. The pro game has changed in the way guys train and the amount of media coverage. I guess I would say in one respect amateur baseball is more pure. Alisa: If you could do anything else with your life, what career would you have chosen?
Lance Berkman with his girls.
Lance: I would be a college coach. Outside of sports, I would either be a lawyer or work in real estate. Alisa: When you look back over your career, what stands out most in your mind? Lance: Our World Series appearance in 2005 with the Houston Astros but also the 2004 and 2006 seasons. Great group of guys....plenty of exciting baseball. Alisa: What is your favorite word? Lance: Incredible. Alisa: What is your least favorite word? Lance: Slump. Alisa: What sound do you love? Lance: I love the sound of a well-struck baseball, crackling fires and coyotes. Alisa: What sound do you hate? Lance: The alarm clock! Alisa: What is your most favorite thing to do with the girls? Lance: I like to take the girls to our ranch. We hunt, fish, swim, ride horses and just have fun hanging out. Alisa: Is there a profession that you would not like to do? Lance: I would hate to work on a hay crew during the Texas summer. I also wouldn’t do well as a teacher from kindergarten through about 5th grade. Alisa: What would you like to hear
God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Lance: Well done, good and faithful servant. Over the years of friendships with those playing sports professionally, I have come to recognize just how easy is to get caught up in being “a player.” As they gain points and status, their egos grow too. Lance Berkman is not one of them. He is a husband first, a father second and then, he plays great baseball loving the game and winning at being the very best he can be. Recently, he moved from the Houston Astros and has seen his career grow by having done so. He has played for a long time and if moving brings him to the status of a World Series player with the coveted ring and all that goes with it, (and hopefully a private box for his family and friends to see him play!), then no one is more deserving. One thing is for sure: After all of the stadium lights are off and each season closes, one fact remains ... Lance is a really amazing baseball player, but more important than any of that, he is a good friend. Deeply grounded by his faith and family, I am honored to call his family a part of mine. To use his favorite word, Uncle Lance, you are indeed “incredible!”
August / September 2011 l
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chick flicks DVD Release
Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland
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Pearls of Wisdom
By Kimberly Cress, MD
Got Anxiety?
W
hat is anxiety? Anxiety is defined as an unpleasant emotion that is experienced with anticipation of misfortune. Other synonyms for anxiety are nervousness, internal restlessness, apprehension and even distress. Anxiety is an emotion we all experience. However, there is a distinction between anxiety and an anxiety disorder. The prevalence of anxiety disorders is 18% of the adult population and includes generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive, post traumatic stress, panic, and phobic disorders. One of the more common of these anxieties is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD are worriers and make a mountain out of a molehill daily for six months or more. This can lead to insomnia, poor concentration, and physical symptoms such as headaches, irritable bowel, muscle tension, and jaw pain. Over 60% of individuals with GAD will also have Major Depression (MDD). With depression not only do individuals feel sad but also feel little joy in life and often a sense of despair or hopelessness. Sleep, as well as
appetite, are negatively impacted. Poor energy and motivation can impair a person’s ability to function at home or work. Major Depression is defined as 2 weeks or longer of 5 or more symptoms causing dysfunction in work, school, and/or social life. A variety of medications are prescribed to treat GAD and/or MDD. Medications such as Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, and Pristiq increase the amount of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an innovative, FDA approved treatment for Major Depression. TMS not only alleviates depression but also improves anxiety. TMS involves the use of an MRI strength magnet. The magnetic field stimulates neurons to release neurotransmitters without the risk of treatment side effects seen traditionally with medications. Over the past year, Dr. Kimberly Cress has treated many patients suffering from depression with TMS and dramatic improvements have been seen as a result of this revolutionary treatment. After TMS therapy, Shellie said,
“TMS has given me a life that I have dreamed of since I was twelve years old – the ability to feel true joy and happiness and the energy to express it.” And Shellie is not the only one. Lisa experienced similar results. “After years of being so depressed, it feels so good to be the person I once was. Being able to interact and react to situations with a whole new attitude and outlook is just fantastic!” TMS was ranked by CNN as one of the top 10 health innovations of 2009. The TMS Serenity Center located at 4545 Sweetwater Blvd. in Sugar Land is proud to be the first in the Fort Bend area to provide this alternative treatment for depression. For more information, please contact the TMS Serenity Center and Dr. Kimberly Cress at 281.240.4322 or visit tmsserenitycenter.com. Kimberly Cress, MD General Psychiatry
Are You Suffering from Depression? Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may be the answer for you. Benefits of TMS • No Weight Gain
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• No Traditional Side Effects Seen with Medication
Kimberly Cress, M.D.
281- 240 - 4322 4545 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479 | www.tmsserenitycenter.com August / September 2011 l
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feature
By Wayne Chandler
Yenny Van Dinter:
Swimming’s Golden Girl Y
enny Van Dinter at 77 years-young churned her way this summer to three gold medals in the 50-yard, 100-yard and 200-yard breaststroke swimming events in the 75-79 year old category at the National Senior Games at the University of Houston. Nearly 700 top national senior swimmers participated in these events, and the senior games, some also held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, attracted more than 10,000 athletes. It was a sweet homecoming for Yenny who grew up in The Netherlands during World War II and spent nine years in the Greater Houston area before retiring and moving to New Mexico in 2007. Yenny took home the gold in front of friends, co-workers and fellow volunteers from her years spent in Houston. And, she didn’t just bring home the gold. Yenny improved her times in the competitions. In the 200-yard breaststroke event, Yenny took five seconds off of her time, coming in at 3:54.85 against 14 other swimmers. Her performance was some 30 seconds faster than her nearest competitor and faster than many of the men’s times in this same category. And while that is impressive on its own merit, bear in mind that the 200-yard event is two football fields in length in one of swimming’s most exhausting events. Not bad for a 77 year-young athlete! Yenny’s swimming story just gets more golden. She has won 30 gold medals in the Greater Houston Senior Olympics, and won silver and bronze in the 2007 (Louisville, Kentucky) and 2009 (Palo Alto, California) biannual senior events. She’s planning on competing in the 2013 senior games in Cleveland, Ohio. “I’ve been swimming a lot since I was a teenager in Holland,” Yenny said. Along with her swimming memories, she also has memories of the Nazi occupation of her country. “I can remember many days when we had only tulip bulbs to eat.”
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Yenny winning the gold medal. With her is the runner up in the 50-yard breaststroke.
Yenny, in lane 5, finishing with the scoreboard showing all the times.
Yenny married an oil firm representative in The Netherlands, moved to New Guinea for three years, divorced, and moved to America in 1978. After spending six years in Colorado in the auto parts business, and then 14 years in California, she came to the Houston area with longtime friend, Pamela Gulbrandson, an oil company executive. Yenny’s arrival in Houston was a boon to local hospitals where she volunteered two days a week at the emergency room. She amassed a total of 2,400 volunteer hospital hours, and soon, she became a cover girl for the hospital which featured her in local newspaper ads for “leading the way to better patient care.” “I decided that I had the time and enough money that I could use my experience as a medical and dental assistant to help others,” Yenny said. While not at the hospital, Yenny would start her days early arriving at 7 am four mornings each week to swim at the
Top placers in the 50-yard breaststroke.
Fort Bend YMCA. “Sometimes they would have to take the cover off the pool just for me,” Yenny recalled, “but I insisted. I had to swim,” she smiled in her best Dutch accent. Since leaving Houston, Yenny has continued to be the energizer bunny. In October 2010, she competed in the Huntsman Senior Games in St. George, Utah, which involved 240 other master swimmers from throughout the world. She won three gold medals in these three same events and set two Huntsman World Games records. She swam the 50-meter free style, just for fun, and won a bronze! Last April, Yenny competed in the U.S. Masters Spring Nationals Swim Meet in Mesa, Arizona with 1,800 swimmers aged 19 to 90. Yenny, in her age group, brought home gold in the 50 and 200-yard breaststroke events, and silver in the 100-yard race. Yenny noted that all of these events, including the National Senior Games, which
originated in 1965 in St. Louis, Missouri, have been extremely rewarding, healthwise, and socially, too. “I’ve made friends with people from virtually every state,” Yenny said. The overall games have showcased thousands of physically fit seniors who are setting examples for all age groups. Competitors in their late 90’s have received standing ovations when they finish some of these long events, sometimes minutes after their rivals finished. Yenny, if she competes two years from now, will be 79, and she will be competing against some swimmers who will be four years younger. She’ll continue to compete in New Mexico and regional events. In her spare time, Yenny stays in touch with family and friends. Her son, Alan, daughter in-law and two grandchildren live in Seattle, and her daughter, Desiree, son-inlaw, and two grandchildren live nearby in Las Cruces, New Mexico. “Now, I spend my time communicating with my family, friends, and enjoying my retirement life,” Yenny said. And, of course, she still spends a great deal of time in the water participating in the sport she loves: swimming. People say that your golden years are for relaxing and enjoying the easy life. For Yenny, her golden years are literally defined by gold – gold medals. And, she doesn’t show the slightest inclination of slowing down.
August / September 2011 l
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travel I
By Patti Parish-Kaminski
Top Ten Things I Learned on My
Summer Vacation T
he family summer vacation. Nothing is more iconic in American history. It’s a long-standing tradition to pack up the kids, make arrangements for the pets and head out to parts – known or unknown – to vacay. And yes, my children taught me that the word “vacay” can indeed be used as both a noun and a verb. This summer was no different for our family. As the first of July rolled around, it was time to head west to cooler temperatures, majestic views and family fun. It was all that it was supposed to be – fun, frivolous, fantastic and frightening. Yes, it was all that and more for this mom. As the kids get ready to return to school, teachers across the nation will inevitably pose the question: “What did you do for your family vacation?” Students will be asked to write essays, share memories and draw pictures of their vacation. So, in keeping with this long-standing tradition, I will share with you some of the highlights, or as I like to call them, the top ten things I learned on my summer vacation.
10.
Watching your child dangle from a rope off of the side of a Kilimanjarosized mountain will make your heart stop.
9.
Any sport whose defining words are frigid and wet is not enjoyable; therefore, white water river rafting has been permanently removed from my “to do” list.
8.
Nature in all its splendid and untamed glory is overrated. There’s a lot to be said for a plush sofa and a remote control, not to mention a spa.
7.
No matter how many “fun” and “interesting” stops you make or how many new movies you purchase for your viewing pleasure, a twenty hour car ride never really works out well.
6.
When you’re on a mountain, and it is lightening, you are much more likely to die.
5. Bicycle riding up and down hills – in flip flops – is not my favorite activity. 4. Having an extremely energetic and adventurous friend is both a blessing and
a curse.
3.
When you are forty-something, strenuous physical activity will cause you to hurt in places you didn’t realize existed.
2.
Perspective is huge. For example, hiking down – and then back up – a mountain to see a natural wonder that has been photographed and shared with the world literally thousands of times is an activity that should be closely evaluated before tackling.
1. Family adventures, while many times painful by nature, are the best. Lessons learned – and shared – this summer along with priceless memories. Yes, I think I’m in for next year’s family summer vacay. Do you think I can talk my kids into a spa week? I’ll let you know how it goes.
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chick flicks DVD Release
JESSE STONE: INNOCENTS LOST Sony
A woman needs a doctor who listens and is responsive to her needs.
T
om Selleck stars as Jesse Stone in this seventh installment of the series. In this latest edition, Stone is trying to decide what to do with his life after losing his position as the head of the police force in Paradise, Massachusetts. While fighting depression due to the loss of his job and the divorce from his wife, things really pick up when a young lady winds up dead. All things point to the death being a suicide, but things are rarely as they seem, right? By Nick Nicholson
Jeffery Gubbels, M.D. • Karyn Cumberbatch, M.D. • Greg Keffer, M.D. • Marc Sangalli, M.D.
STMC’s Women’s Health Care Team offers comprehensive care for women of all ages. Well Woman Visits Pregnancy & Birth PMS Birth Control
Women’s Health Issues Menstrual Issues Incontinence Osteoperosis 2520 B.F. Terry Blvd. (FM 2218) Rosenberg 77471
281-342-6006 August / September 2011 l
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Green A
s eco-consciousness increasingly pervades our society, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the sea of green options in the marketplace. Retailers offer everything from organic mattresses to electric cars, and these eco-friendly options often come with a steep price tag. But incorporating eco-consciousness into your lifestyle doesn’t have to be a complicated endeavor.
Here, I’ll show you 15 easy ways to embrace the greener side of life:
1.
Make your own household cleaners – Commercial cleaners are often loaded with toxic ingredients. Yet, it’s easy to make effective, inexpensive household cleaners from simple ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda. Simply fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water; use baking soda as a scouring agent. You can use these all purpose cleaners on everything from the stove top to the bath tub.
3.
2.
4.
Stock up on house plants – In addition to beautifying the home, house plants make significant contributions to indoor air quality by filtering out toxins and pollutants. Aim for one house plant per 100 square feet of your home. A NASA study ranked English Ivy, Bamboo Palm, and Chinese Evergreen as some of the most effective plants for filtering benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from indoor air.
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Visit farmer’s markets – At these neighborhood markets, you’ll find fresh, beautiful produce and support your local community in the process. Often, farmers offer unique heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables that are nearly impossible to find in a traditional grocery store. And, farmer’s markets have more to offer than just produce. You can often find baked goods, jam, eggs, and even meat for sale as well. Reuse household items – Think twice before tossing a used item into the trash; often you can give the item a new life through reuse. For instance, most of my family’s drinking glasses are actually mason jars that formerly housed everything from salsa to jam. Other people use empty plastic containers as cereal bowls. You can also turn yesterday’s newspaper into today’s charming gift-wrap.
By Jennifer Babisak
5.
Carpool – Sharing rides is a no-brainer with today’s gas prices. In addition to saving on gas, you’ll spare miles on your car and help the environment in the process. Ride sharing may also get you to and from work a little faster, since you’ll qualify to use the HOV lane.
Pack reusable shopping bags – Almost every retailer offers stylish versions of reusable shopping bags. They’re usually inexpensive to purchase, and some retailers, such as Target and Whole Foods, even reimburse you a bit of change for every reusable bag that you bring.
6.
12.
Use low VOC paints – The next time you decide to remodel a room, consider an eco-friendly paint option. Many companies have developed low-VOC (volatile organic compound) lines of paint, which don’t have the odor or substantial off-gassing of traditional paints. Check out Benjamin Moore’s Aura and Natura lines as well as Sherwin Williams Harmony Interior Latex.
7.
Plant a small garden – Gardening doesn’t have to be a major endeavor. Choose a simple window herb garden to start. Or grow a garden comprised of only a few types of plants, such as a Salsa Garden (tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro) or a Three Sisters Garden (a traditional Native American garden of corn, squash, and beans).
8.
Compost – Your garden will love you for feeding it compost. Instead of throwing away pounds of food scraps, simply place them in a compost pile. This can be as simple as a lidded container on your counter top or a fenced in pile in your backyard. For fancier composting, you can purchase a tumbling composter that will efficiently turn your scraps into garden-food.
9.
Recycle – Most area cities have recycling programs in place. With only the minimal effort of sorting your recyclable glass, plastic, and paper items from the rest of your trash, you can spare many items from cluttering landfills. Contact your city’s Public Works department regarding local recycling schedules and guidelines.
10.
l
home
11.
Set up rain barrels – During this historic drought, we value every drop of water more than ever, and rain barrels offer a simple way to capture and reuse precipitation. You can purchase ready-made rain barrels or create your own from a recycled food barrel.
13.
Reduce electricity usage – Benefit both the environment and your pocketbook by employing strategies to reduce electricity usage around your home. This includes common-sense tactics such as turning off lights when you leave a room as well as unplugging appliances when they are not in use.
14.
Get moving – When running errands, considering walking or biking to destinations that are within a reasonable distance. Not only will you help the environment, you’ll also benefit from the exercise. And as your dependency on your car lessens, you won’t worry as much about rising fuel costs.
15.
Use cloth napkins – Bring a touch of elegance to your meals while you reduce consumption of paper towels and napkins by embracing cloth napkins. Cloth napkins now come in a variety of prints and patterns in addition to classic white. Taking these small steps toward an eco-friendly lifestyle will enhance your personal health as well as the health of the planet. Why not choose a few to add to your daily routine?
Shop at vintage or resale stores – Often, you can find high-end fashion items at a fraction of the original cost at resale shops. From neighborhood thrift stores to trendy vintage shops, these stores contain hidden treasures for those patient enough to sort through their offerings. Consider donating or reselling (depending on the store’s policy) your used clothing when you clean out your closet. Also, check the weekly schedule at your local store: some stores offer up to half-off of their already low prices on certain days of the week. August / September 2011 l
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style
l
By Stevie Benoit
Looking Great and F eeling G reat at Any Age
Tips on
When we put our best face forward, not only do we look our best – but we feel our best! Great make-up starts with great skin care, and many new advances have been made in skin care and cosmetic technology. Here are some beauty secrets – timeless, age-fighting tips – from the pros to help you put your best face forward!
Turn Back Time…
with Tri Complex Serum by Acutederm. This anti-aging serum is a retinal complex that contains vitamins A, C and E. Milder and less irritating than retina, Tri Complex Serum yields fantastic results by helping with exfoliation, improving skin moisture levels, increasing skin elasticity, thickening the epidermis and – best of all – reversing the signs of aging.
Get Primed...
Primer is the ultimate multi-tasking product. Incredibly lightweight, primer keeps your foundation looking smooth hour after hour. When used regularly, primer helps control oil breakthrough and keeps your make-up from settling into fine lines.
A Solid Foundation...
Foundation is key and not only evens out your skin tone, but many, like Mi Amore Cosmetics’ Liquid Powder Mineral Make-up, are now formulated with SPF 15 to help protect against sun damage. And, made with light reflecting pigments, foundation makes skin appear luminous and healthy.
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Bold Brows...
A fuller, well-defined brow is from and center this season. As we age, our brows can become thinner, so create a soft, natural look by filling in browns with feathery, hair-like strokes. Don’t over shape by removing hair from above your brows…instead, follow the natural shape and lightly fill in where needed.
Pearls of Wisdom
By Shelena C. Lalji, MD
Mirror Mirror on the Wall What do you see when you look at yourself?
D
o you look in the mirror and have trouble recognizing yourself? Whether you don’t feel like yourself on the inside or look like yourself on the outside, there is help to regain a sense of “you.” The way we look and feel deeply affects self esteem and confidence. I saw countless women lacking these important attributes but could do little for them at my OB/GYN practice. I opened my wellness and medical spa with women’s health and happiness at the heart of my practice. Not only can we treat symptoms related to inner wellness by utilizing: Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement, medically supervised weight loss, nutritional testing & supplementation, and allergies, we can also accentuate beauty by addressing outer wellness. When it comes to improving outer wellness, there are numerous options for patients to choose from. Common aesthetic treatments include: Botox addressing the fine
lines caused by repeating the same facial expressions over time. Many patients combine Botox with dermal fillers such as Radiesse and Juvederm for a “liquid facelift.” This is a quick procedure that provides lasting results to treat deeper folds and wrinkles and add volume to areas where collagen has been depleted by the natural aging process and restore a youthful look (without looking “done.”) Lasers can add the finishing touch to any skin type by addressing many common issues such as: laxity, sun damage, enlarged pores, and rough texture. We address skin laxity by utilizing an advanced treatment called the Titan which penetrates the deep dermal layer of the skin to lift and tighten. Patients notice a dramatic difference in the strength of the skin (on face, neck and body) after just 1 treatment and are happy to return immediately to their normal routine with zero downtime. If more superficial sun damage, enlarged pores, fine lines, poor texture and broken capillaries are
the issue, then IPL photofacial or laser genesis are the answers. Brown spots, rosacea and broken capillaries disappear with minimal treatments and maximum results. If you are new to restoring your inner and outer wellness, I encourage you to follow these few steps to ensure your happiness: 1) Pick your doctor and aesthetic center carefully … after all, it’s the doctor’s skill that counts—not the tools. 2) Schedule a complimentary consultation to review your choices and educate yourself before making a decision. 3) Enjoy yourself after reclaiming your inner and outer beauty!
Shelena C. Lalji, MD National Trainer & Speaker: Wellness & Hormone Replacement National Trainer & Speaker: Botox, Juvederm, and Lasers
Your Ultimate Destination for Beauty & Wellness BOTOX $11 PER UNIT RADIESSE Buy One, Get One 1/2 Off
$299
IPL, Laser Facial or Laser Vein Treatment
$99 LASER HAIR REMOVAL (first treatment any area)
$250 OFF
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Laser Skin Resurfacing Juvederm™/Radiesse™ Nutritional Testing Allergy Testing/Allergy Drops
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BHRT & hCG Weight Loss Shelena C. Lalji, MD “Dr. Shel” Medical Director National Trainer and Speaker for Lasers, Wellness, Botox and Fillers.
1437 Hwy 6, Ste 100, Sugar Land • (281) 313.SHEL (7435) • www.DrShel.com August / September 2011 l
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39
W2W
I
By Alisa Murray
Woman Woman
W
ell, after spending a few months out in the sun, I have finally come to terms with some cold hard facts. It’s that “dare to be bare” summer style flair that always seems to make me feel self conscious, and after fighting with the reflection in the mirror, I can no longer deny the fact that yes, even I, who once was a size 2, has gotten kinda chubby. I know, some of you my sweet sisters are thinking, oh Alisa, you’re not really... and thank you for the compliments. I appreciate them, but I secretly don’t believe you anyway. When I went to see my doctor, I tried to explain to him that I had always been able to eat whatever I wanted and still be small. He smiled and said, “Yes, but things are different now.” He then went on to say this year those words that I guess I had expected to hear at some point but somehow I wasn’t ready to hear them just as of yet. “You’ve hit middle age. You’re going to start adding belly fat, and your hormones are going to start changing.” Really? I couldn’t say much. After all, I had already started to notice the nights when I would wake up with sweat and the days that, if provoked, I would slowly turn red as if my feet had been placed in hot oil and waves crept up my body. This is not fun. This goes down in my ever running list of things Nana should have told me about the universe and somehow forgot
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focus on women
...after trying to work out with trainer after trainer and discovering that wasn’t working out at all, I have taken matters back into my own hands. to do so. Pregnancy and childbirth running now as close seconds! At first I thought I’d just go visit one of our what appear to be fabulous plastic surgeons. I made an appointment with one and discovered just exactly how much needed to be accomplished in order to return me to the girlish figure of my youth. Ladies... let’s just say it was complicated, and leave it at that. It did help though, when my husband, now of 21 years, just smiled and said he wanted no part of any
l August / September 2011
of that. He was “happy with exactly how I am and to change it would just not be me.” He also reminded me of what Nana would have said about trying to be anything more than just yourself. Hard medicine to swallow when I look in that mirror, or better yet, try to find clothes that fit just right. True, though I’ve always been generally happy with me. It was time to get down to business. I quit smoking, as many of you know, a few years ago and that was good for a lot of reasons. However, I gained 40 pounds the year I turned 40. That also was not good for a lot of reasons. So, after trying to work out with trainer after trainer and discovering that wasn’t working out at all, I have taken matters back into my own hands. Step One: Find a trainer who understands my schedule and that my client schedule can – and does – change by the day. (Ya’ll know what kind of photography I shoot and every week is different. Mommies having babies early, children getting sick overnight) Well, I found her. Amy has set up a special, custom tailored program to fit my needs for fitness goals, while at the same time, working with me to create an interesting exercise regimen. I don’t get bored doing the same thing every time we meet. We kick box one day while dropping in the pool the next, and she expects it done without asking for my enthusiasm, which is really great because
These are two examples of headers I will use. Business font is Animee, sub-font is Times New Roman Italic. I also use a symbol directly under my business name in some instances, when there is room.When using black backgrounds I use white lettering, and when using white backgrounds, I use blue outlined in black lettering.
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she knows there’s a million other things that I want to be doing rather than exercise! Step Two: Allow Amy to do what she does, and trust her that if I do it, no matter how much it hurts or how much I hate it, the results will happen. Step Three: Repeat for the REST OF MY LIFE. The last step I am still trying to get my head wrapped around because after dancing for 14 years and competitive swimming in college, this “kinda chubby” look I’m facing down now is like a stranger. I should not be surprised at all, though because when I was dancing and swimming, guess what? I wasn’t chubby! It’s in the things like daily life of raising children and working that have taken up days and weeks and years without doing physical activity. Commitment to just doing it. Yes! Well that is all that I need! So far, so good. I have lost about ten pounds, and the scales keep dropping. What’s even better news is that the workouts are getting easier. SHOCKING! So, I figure the next thing will be to figure out the hormones. I’m working on that now and that will likely be the focus of my next W2W. Life is a journey, and some things I’m discovering are worth working for…even if up until now I haven’t really had to try.
Contact us: 281-323-3630 info@thedesignersniche.com
P.O. Box 841161, Pearland, Tx 77584 Fax: 281-692-1013 (fax) www.thedesignersniche.com
Take Care of you!
August / September 2011 l
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inspiring women I
The
By Tanya Sterling
Ties That Bind T
here are bonds that inexplicably tie us together. At the end of the day, no matter how rich or poor we are, no matter where we live or no matter what we do for a living, we yearn to be around relatives and friends. We yearn to connect with family – biological or created. For many people, family is those tried and true blood bonds mixed in with memories, culture and traditions. For others, family is those tried and true friends who have been there for you and will always be there for you. They are the ones who you can always count on when blood relatives are simply not available. Over the last few months, I have observed various scenarios where people celebrated the bonds that tie us together. For most people, the task of taking your child by the hand and walking them to school or racing to a friend’s hospital bed side at 9 pm are all part of building and cementing those everlasting bonds. As women, we are mostly the ones who work at building relationships and friendships even when we are navigating daily mundane activities and when life mine-fields trip us up. But, have you noticed that as you nurse a sick child, administer medicine to an aging parent and wash those dishes that, inevitably, you pick up the phone and call a relative or a friend? That’s pretty amazing. In the midst of handling a myriad of activities, we almost always take the time to simply connect.
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My family and I recently took a trip to Jamaica, our country of origin, to visit family and friends. It was a long-awaited, highly anticipated trip as we had not been home for a few years. My in-laws, Hope and Edward Sterling, were thrilled see their big son, Jevaughn (my husband), as were his brother and sister-in-law plus their four-year-old son, Edward, whom we had never met. We finally arrived in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and it sincerely was a reunion! We stayed up late talking, laughing and reminiscing about all things family. Even though Jevaughn is now 30-something, with a wife and three kids, his parents and especially his mother, was beside herself with joy to see her child. For our entire 16-day trip, Hope just kept hugging her son, smiling at him and consistently praising him. Oh, the bonds that tie us together are so strong, they can be beyond our comprehension. One of the main reasons for our visit was to attend my father-in-law’s 60th birthday party. It was a fun affair. We all stayed up late cooking, decorating and cleaning. As small business owners in Montego Bay, my in-laws are well-known and respected in their community and so a high turnout to the birthday bash was anticipated. Almost 100 people attended this celebration to honor Edward. Yes, the house was packed, and yes, people were laughing and eating, but the most amazing part of the celebration was listening to the speeches that were given in honor of Edward. Friends and family praised his listening skills, his sense of confidentiality, his love of family and it went on and on. As I watched his face, I could tell he was truly surprised at the mundane traits for which people respected him. Sometimes, it’s the small things that create big bonds. My husband is from Montego Bay, Jamaica - a beach-laden, touristy community, and I am from Mandeville, Jamaica which is located inland. I left Mandeville and came to Houston in 1984 when I was thirteen-years-old. Since then, I have kept in touch with a meager amount of friends but unfortunately, not a whole lot and until
the advent of social media. Through social media, I was able to reconnect with over 30 friends from my Jamaican days. I let a few of my hometown friends know that I was back in the country. Before I knew it, I received a phone call where six of my classmates were just passing around the phone so we could all reconnect. I literally had tears in my eyes. I was talking with people I had not spoken to in almost 25 years! We all determined a time I would get to Mandeville, and my dear friends planned a little dinner party for me. Jevaughn and I, plus the kids, drove into Mandeville, and I was beset by tears and emotions as I had not seen my hometown in years. I had such a memorable time reaching back into my childhood and showing my family my house, schools, my mom’s office and local establishments. However, words cannot explain what it meant to break bread and share a few drinks with my classmates that I had not seen in 25 years. The event meant even more to me as this “reunion” happened on a Tuesday night, and my classmates all came out to see me even though they all had spouses and kids at home. We had a priceless time filled with laughter and memories. Their families and I will get together again soon, no doubt about it. The bonds that tie us together, forever friends even after 25 years, are surprisingly strong. After visiting Mandeville, we went back to Montego Bay and ventured out again - this time to my father’s hometown, Oracabessa, St. Mary. My 92-year old grandmother, Mother Vie, suffers from Parkinson’s and still lives at the family home so I was determined to make the time to go see her especially because Jevaughn and the two younger kids had never met her. Again, it was memorable being able to show my husband and kids a part of my past. Mother Vie’s caregiver was so excited to see us as well as my various cousins. Nonetheless, it was emotional to see my once-vibrant grandmother debilitated by Parkinson’s but that old spark was definitely still in her eyes! She is no longer verbal, but she was obviously pleased to see my little family. Eric, my fourteen-year-old, with autism, was especial-
ly enamored by his great-grandmother and kept on hugging her. The picture of them hugging is forever stamped on my mind. I spent some time telling Mother Vie all about my family, my parents, my sister and her family and about our lives in general. I enjoyed chatting and holding her hands. My arrival triggered several phone calls and soon enough, we were navigating those challenging roads and visiting long-lost cousins that I had not seen since I left Jamaica 25 years ago – such joyous reunions! The ties that bond family members together, even the ones you haven’t seen in decades, can be unbreakable. Our trip to Jamaica began as a vacation filled with high hopes of hanging out with family and maybe some friends, and ended up being all that and so much more. Amid the travel plans and all the logistics, those 3 weeks were life-changing and life-affirming. It is a life lesson for me to know that sometimes, the childhood family and friends that you remember back in the recesses of your brain, are alive, well and ready to re-bond. I will not forget our dalliance on my home island as it was a dance of love, life, family and friends that is etched into my life story. The bonds that tie us all together are real and are present. My advice to you is that you work on strengthening those proverbial ropes in your own life. It may be hard, and it may be nerve-racking, but it will be worth it. Even if the experience is not what you hoped, at least it happened, and you can continue on with your life without looking back. If it is a positive experience, your life will blossom even more and be filled with even more love and laughter than it previously had. Life and its entities can be challenging and yes, overwhelming. Thus, the bonds we have with others, near and far, are even more important as we try to raise our kids for the future while reaching out and reconnecting with those that helped shape our past and our present lives. We need and desire those connections. Thus, go forth and bond. Yay mon!
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chick flicks I
By Nick Nicholson
Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard and Emma Stone.
Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis.
S
et in Jackson, Mississippi, during the 1960s, The Help chronicles the relationship between three different and extraordinary women who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (Emma Stone) just graduated from Ole Miss and is intent on getting a job as a writer. Unlike the girls she grew up with in Jackson, Mississippi, Skeeter wants a career and is quite content to put marriage and children on hold, much to her married friends’, and her mother’s, constant consternation. When she lands a job writing the Miss Myrna cleaning-hints column for the local newspaper, she seeks help from Aibileen (Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer), her best friend’s maids, and finds herself embarking on a clandestine project, spurred on by a book editor in New York and inspired by the moving stories she uncovers. With quiet courage and dignity, Aibileen
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focus on women
fulfills her duties as the Leefolt family’s maid, including taking care of their little girl, Mae Mobley. When Skeeter enters her life, Aibileen finds herself opening up and telling her stories for the first time ever—even though the seemingly simple act brings with it the great risk of retaliation. Outspoken Minny Jackson is a 33-year-old housekeeper who has a reputation as the best cook in Mississippi. She works for Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard), but an act of defiance finds her fired and traveling to the outskirts of Jackson to work for lonely, fish-out-of-water Celia Foote (Jessica Chastain). Minny is Aibileen’s best friend and helped her get through her grief over losing her only son. Though strong and independent, Minny nonetheless is the voice of reason, as well as a healthy skeptic, when it comes to Skeeter’s project. A remarkable sisterhood emerges from their improbable alliance, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that
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sometimes those lines are made to be crossed - even if it means bringing everyone in town face to face with the changing times. Deeply moving, filled with humor, hope and heart, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change. The film is both inspirational and empowering, featuring relatable, funny, courageous characters who, by finding their unique voices, triumph and become the heroes of their own lives. Without a doubt, The Help is the best picture of the year thus far and will be a sure fire Oscar contender by the end of the year. The Help Starring: Viola Davis, Emma Stone & Sissy Spacek Director: Tate Taylor Company: Dreamworks Now Showing: in Local Theatres MPAA Rating: PG-13 Grade: A+ All Photos are courtesy of Dreamworks Pictures.
Heard Through the Grapevine
Susan wrote on our Facebook Imperial Performing Arts’ Shows - Fabulous way to spend an evening. Thank you for keeping us posted on what is happening in Sugar Land! Stefani wrote on our Facebook “12 Tips for a Fabulously Frugal Girls’ Night-In” - Loved it! Thanks for sharing these wonderful ideas! LeeAnn wrote on our Facebook WHY Focus on Women? Because women are the heart of the family, the inspiration of the country and the strength of the business world as it continues to evolve. Thanks LeeAnn... We agree!
Come visit our New, Updated Showroom! Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Serving Fort Bend County Since 1997 12603 Executive Drive in Stafford 281-494-9200 www.HamresFloors.com Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 - 4 • Sat: 10 - 3
We can install and manage your entire kitchen or bath remodeling project!
• Showers & Tubs • Cabinets & Countertops • Plumbing, Electrical & Painting • Wood Floors, Carpet & Tile
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travel
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By Jennifer Babisak
Great Getaways
on a Gallon of Gas
W
hen gas prices began their rapid climb, many families were forced to curtail lengthy road trips. Fortunately, you needn’t travel far to experience an enjoyable weekend getaway. In fact, Houston offers a variety of local getaways that many residents can access using only a gallon of gas.
So, instead of burning your money on fuel, put it to good use at one of these Houston-area destinations:
Museum Mania
Photo courtesy of hmns.org.
A perfect weekend getaway for adults and children alike, the Museum District offers a bounty of cultural attractions. Stay: Begin your weekend by checking into luxurious Hotel ZaZa where you can enjoy a hydrotherapy session in the ZaSpa or relax in the cool waters of the rooftop pool. Play: If you can tear yourself away from the posh offerings of the hotel, check out any of the 18 museums that comprise Houston’s world-class Museum District. In a single afternoon, you can marvel at a Renoir (Museum of Fine Arts Houston), gawk at a 2,000 carat blue topaz crystal (Houston Museum of Natural Science), and walk through a giant brain (The Health Museum). If you time your visit right, you’ll be able to catch a free performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre, located among the 445 acres of Hermann Park. Eat: When hunger strikes, head to Bodegas Taco Shop for casual Mexican fare, fantastic margaritas, and thirst-quenching agua frescas.
Boardwalk Bliss
Photo courtesy of KemahBoardwalk.com.
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Voted one of the top 10 American Boardwalks, Kemah offers a fun-filled weekend for families. Stay: Check into the Kemah Boardwalk Inn, where every room has a view of the boardwalk. Though it offers great proximity to the thrills of the boardwalk, this hotel doesn’t skimp on luxurious touches such as private balconies and feather pillows. Play: The Kemah Boardwalk offers an array of attractions including a double-decker carousel, a ferris wheel, and a 96’ wooden coaster called the Boardwalk Bullet. For tamer fun, check out the midway games, arcade, splash fountain, and playground. Eat: Kids will love dining in view of the floor to ceiling fish tanks at Aquarium, where you can nosh on all manner of seafood as well as classics like burgers and grilled chicken.
l August / September 2011
Sports Weekend
Discovery Green, a 12-acre public park, offers visitors a myriad of activities, including free fitness classes. Photo courtesy of DiscoveryGreen.com.
An ideal getaway for families or couples who love Houston’s professional sports scene awaits downtown. Stay: Head straight to Inn at the Ballpark. This baseball-themed hotel offers luxurious touches such as in-room spa services and complimentary transportation throughout downtown Houston. And, it’s located only steps away from Minute Maid Park. Play: Of course, the highlight of any sports weekend should be taking in a game. Head to Minute Maid Park to see the Astros in action or take in a Rockets game at the Toyota Center. For even more ballpark fun, take a Minute Maid Park tour or a Backstage Tour of the Toyota Center. If you tire of watching professional athletes and want to get in on the fitness action yourself, head over to Discovery Green for one of their many free fitness classes. The Free Fitness in the Park program offers classes such as Bum-ba Toning!, Joyful Yoga, and Strictly Street Salsa. If these classes don’t quench your fitness craving, hop in a kayak for a paddle around Kinder Lake. Eat: Head to Inn at the Ballpark’s on-site restaurant, Vic and Anthony’s, for prime beef and a terrific wine selection.
Antique Houston
Sycamore Heights, built in 1905, is just five miles from downtown Houston. Photo by Andrew Collins.
For a lovely girl’s weekend, take in the vintage charm of the Houston Heights. Stay: Relax in the beauty of Sycamore Heights, a Bed-and-Breakfast in a 100-year-old home. Situated in the Houston Heights, the inn offers two rooms outfitted with antique furniture in the main house as well as a carriage house. Play: Head to nearby West 19th Street for a full day of shopping. Here you’ll find an eclectic assortment of antiques stores, boutiques, and resale shops. You’re sure to snag a bargain or two among your inevitable splurges on must-have items. Eat: Drop into Cricket’s Creamery & Café for tasty vegetarian fare in a funky atmosphere. After you polish off a delicious quiche and garden salad, treat yourself to a scoop of gelato or a homemade milkshake.
Green Getaway
Photo courtesy of modernbb.com.
For a city that’s widely considered to be the energy capital of the world, Houston offers a surprising number of eco-friendly attractions that lend to an adventurous weekend for groups of friends. Stay: Relax in the lap of green luxury at Modern B&B, a four-story modernist abode in the heart of Houston. The B&B boasts eco-friendly touches such as an organic mattress in the Treehouse room, low VOC paint, and low-voltage lighting. Play: Head over to the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center to hike its five miles of trails. This 155-acre urban nature sanctuary also offers a Discovery Room containing interactive nature exhibits. For more time in nature, hop into a kayak and float along Buffalo Bayou on the Houston Skyline Tour. Just before dusk, head to Waugh Bridge to glimpse its resident 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats take flight. Eat: Chow down at Ruggles Green, Houston’s first Certified Green Restaurant. Try one of their fabulous wood-fired pizzas and save room for a slice of carrot cake for dessert.
August / September 2011 l
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facebook.com/FocusOnWomen
By Stevie Benoit l
style
Sometimes It’s Gray!
It’s Not Always Black and White…
What’s a girl to do when those pesky gray hairs begin to rear their ugly heads – on your head! The average woman starts to see those little signs of maturity around the age of 35. So, do you cover these strays completely or highlight them? Do you opt to gray gracefully, or do you wage war? Here are some style – and product – tips to help you navigate the world of hair care and make decisions that work for your lifestyle.
Gorgeous Grays
Calculated Color Color and Quench
Super Shine
If you chose to gray with grace, select products that enhance the shine and manageability of your hair as texture changes. Get a sassy hairstyle and let the world know you are embracing your silver locks – not neglecting your hair! A product like Morrocan Oil will restore shine and luster to your hair without weighing it down. Just a few drops will make your hair shiny and glossy.
If gray cramps your style, cover it! Permanent hair color is designed to cover those gray strays 100%, and you get choose a blend of colors to compliment your skin tone and eye color. But once you color, it’s important to quench – use shampoo and conditioner to support your color and keep your locks lovely. Products like Quenching Shampoo and Conditioner by Bumble and bumble restore lost moisture to hair while maintaining shine and movement.
Quick Fix
If you choose to color, you’ll need a good, quick fix for those in between times when you can’t quite get to the salon. Bumble & bumble Hair Powder will help blend away your regrowth line in between salon visits. This product is a dry shampoo that adds volume and color to blend away the grays and give your color a little lift.
Mix It Up!
Out with the old – in with the new? No, mix it up - naturally! Use a demi permanent color option that will blend in the gray without leaving a strong demarcation line. You can also highlight with multiple colors and leave a bit of the gray to get that natural look that requires less maintenance.
Shine On!
Whether you decide to embrace the gray or camouflage your curls, keeping the shine is a must! Shine spray adds a light sheen. Just spray dry hair and voila! Super shiny, gorgeous hair – of any color – at any age! August / September 2011 l
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style
l
By Brian Benoit for Emmanuel Salon
Fresh…Flirty…Fun B
eing fashion forward doesn’t always
mean haute couture. This season, add the three F’s into your wardrobe – fresh, flirty and fun! Mix it up with textures, ruffles and fabric for a playful, energetic look that complements your personal style. And, don’t forget one of the most important elements to defining your personal style – accessories! Fresh, flirty, fun, and of course, fabulous!
Little Black Dress: $86.90 Turquoise Pumps: $56.90 Green Beaded Necklace: $32.50
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style
Orange Off-the-Shoulder Satin Dress: $90.90 Gold Long Circle Necklace: $15.60 Satin Pleated Clutch: $32.90
August / September 2011 l
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style
l
By Brian Benoit for Emmanuel Salon
Fringe Sheer Top: $50 Crochet Linen Shorts: $39.90 Rhinestone Necklace: $39.60 Rose-Studded Snap Clutch: $60.90
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Black Fringed Tier Skirt: $84.90 Polka Dot Shirt: $45.90 Gold Ring: $9.60 Gold Shake Necklace: $24.60 Pink Feather Earrings: $15.60
style
Hair and Make Up by Emmanuel Salon. Make-Up: Mi Amore Cosmetics. Fashions Available at: Em&Lee www.emandlee.com
Black Nikki Rainbow Dress: $74.90 Beaded Necklace: $34.60
August / September 2011 l
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career I
By DeAnne Pearson, M. Ed.
Just Because You Are Downsized, Doesn’t Mean You Have To Be
J
ob loss, like many of life’s significant changes, can trigger a significant weight gain. On a national level, researchers have been trying to connect the dots between weight gain and the recession since layoffs and rising unemployment began sweeping the country in 2008. The U.S. topped the global obesity scales that year with a staggering 33.8% of citizens weighing in at or above the obesity level (30% BMI). At the same time, the unemployment rate hovered just below 6%. Since then, we’ve seen the unemployment rate spike to 9.7%, and the obesity levels have peaked to 34%. So why do people put on the pounds while they are pounding the pavement looking for a job? The connection between your waist line increasing as your bottom line decreases could be due to four key factors: loss of selfesteem, a more sedentary lifestyle, less money to spend on food and gym membership, and tackling the search alone. Each of these components can be perilous on their own,
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Supersized
but together, they create a perfect storm for increased weight. Let’s take a closer look at these factors individually, and explore some ideas for keeping our physical life together as we work toward our fiscal future.
Loss of self-esteem While in the throes of job loss, many people become disoriented by this personal blow to their self-esteem. The loss of employment puts the average person into unknown financial waters and disrupts the part of a person’s self-image, which is identified with a profession or position. If much of the person’s worth, social status, active hours or security is wrapped up with the previous job, then job loss or retirement can wreak havoc on a person’s self-image and feelings of worth. Recovering from the personal blow to your self-esteem may require reconnecting to personal values such as family, creativity, health and travel. Values’ inventories abound online and can help you connect with what is most
l August / September 2011
important to you in your life, give you a perspective from which to measure your next step, filter out opportunities that would not be a good fit and keep you grounded. You can easily perform a search for a free personal values’ inventory online, and I have included a Values Compass on my own blog at http:// passionforlifepassionforfood.blogspot.com/. Another ego boost that comes to mind includes making lists of your talents, skills and knowledge. Often making these lists on your own and then asking previous co-workers and colleagues that you trust to contribute to these lists benefits the job seeker two fold. First, these lists help expedite written materials such as resumes, marketing plans and reference pages that are needed to conduct a productive search. Second, this process provides the added benefit of highlighting your best attributes adding buoyancy to how you view yourself and your current situation.
A more sedentary lifestyle Although sitting on the couch in your comfy jeans or sweats pants with your laptop can seem like an ideal working situation at first, this prolonged time in sweats can promote a lack of routine eating habits. A sedentary lifestyle and over-eating, at extremes, can signify depression and a need for additional help. A meeting with your family doctor or a healthcare professional may be in order. So, I whole-heartedly recommend making a weekly schedule, designating a quiet work space with office supplies, the appropriate phone connections, computer or tablet, and even add in a professional dress code. Not only will these boundaries make the job search process more streamlined, but it will also define boundaries of work space from household duties and interruptions from family members. I also suggest that job seekers delegate household chores or leave the house to find privacy, structure and a change of scenery.
Less money for necessities Penny pinching is often a critical part of budgeting when facing a job loss. These cuts may include dropping gym memberships or reducing the grocery budget. Both of these activities can lead to weight gain for obvious reasons and some not so obvious reasons. Although some gym memberships can be pricey with additional services and amenities, there are cheaper alternatives available. Some athletic clubs will put your membership on hold for a number of months, and allow you to return at your current monthly fee schedule or extend the hold if needed due to special circumstances. Additionally, there may be less expensive fitness facilities in your neighborhood that offer more basic services and equipment for a lesser fee. So, ask around and do your research before dumping the gym altogether. On the brighter side, a change in schedule can afford you the time and flexibility to start new habits related to fitness, and add to your social well-being. Many people complain that they would exercise or participate in more activities with family and friends if they just had the time. Finally, you have the time to
swim in the local pool, play a pick-up game of basketball with the kids, or start a neighborhood walking group. This break in the daily search routine gives you something to look forward each day and gets you off the couch or away from your computer. Daily exercise can also lessen the symptoms of depression that often accompany job loss. How does exercise help depression and anxiety? According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise probably helps ease depression in a number of ways which may include: • Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins) • Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression • Increasing body temperature which may have calming effects The second victim of cutting the family budget is often the grocery bill. Unfortunately, spending less money on food often means sacrificing whole foods and organic options in favor of cheaper items. This change may also lead to weight gain. Simply put, many of the less expensive choices at the local market are the convenience foods that tend to be lower in nutritional value and higher in calories. These food items are often loaded with salt and simple carbohydrates. In addition, the repetitive nature of searching job boards, e-mailing resumes and updating your social media can lead to mindless eating at your computer. So, this is a critical time to purge the pantry, plan healthy meals and take the time to shop wisely. Studies have shown that people who plan their meals keep a healthier diet and weight by having healthy food on hand for meals and snacks. A bag of crisp carrots,
a few almonds, bottled water, fruit, granola, celery and other low calorie or portion controlled snacks can help you save those couple of pounds over a lengthy job search.
Tackling the search alone Even if you have everything you need to conduct a job search right there at home with healthy snacks and a solid routine, it is still a good idea to step away from the computer on a regular basis and connect with your peers. I suggest combating the stress of going it alone in a job search by finding a job search group or work team that will share the ups and downs of job search. There are several ways to find a group to support you in your search endeavor: tap into current job search clubs formed by civic or religious organizations, government sponsored programs found in your area and private organizations. Also, you can find local Success Teams originally created by world renowned career coach Barbara Sher. These teams are not just for job search but designed to build groups that help people reach their dreams through the sharing of ideas, connections, leads, resources and support on a regular basis. Check out http:// shersuccessteams.com/. If needed, build your own support team to remain motivated and stay afloat as you share similar the struggles and victories of the career changing seas. Creating a job search strategy that works for you should include: reconnecting with your personal values and your strengths, scheduled time for search, physical and fun activities, planning for healthy eating habits, and making social connections that are positive, supportive and consistent. With these factors in place, both you and your waistline can weather the storm of landing your next job.
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health & wellness I
By Heather Reichert, RD, LD, CDE
Mission: Weight Loss
“Houston, we have a problem…”
D
o you remember the space flight of Apollo 13? If not first-hand, then certainly you have seen the movie. The climax of the movie (and the mission) is when one of the oxygen tanks blow, destroying much of the critical electrical system. As a result, the crew had to abandon their dreams of landing on the moon and focus on returning to earth in one piece. In order to do so, they needed to “power down” many of the systems that kept them comfortable and operating efficiently, such as heat to the cabin, drinking water, lighting, etc. It was a very risky attempt to return to earth and caused much stress on the astronauts and ground control. So, why in the world is a story from Apollo 13 in a nutrition article? Here is why. When attempting to lose weight, we sometimes operate by the philosophy that
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“if less is good, then a lot less must be better,” in regards to calories. However, when we start to “power down” our bodies by decreasing the amount of energy (calories) that we are consuming, we are actually setting ourselves up for a frustrating plateau. When our systems receive the proper amount of calories (not an abundance), we are able to operate efficiently and “all systems are go for launch.” But restricting calories too much can cause certain systems to “shut down” a bit and metabolism slows. Essentially, your body abandons its mission to lose weight and focuses on survival. Severe calorie restriction, such as 5001000 calories per day, may give you some weight loss at the beginning, but soon your metabolism slows to match the minimal energy intake. This may initially not seem like much, but remember that Apollo 13 mission? Your “power down” may show itself as feeling tired all day, inability to remember things, foggy thinking, lack of energy, muscle weakness, etc. Your body is smart, and it does what is needed to survive, so it conserves energy because it doesn’t know when it is going to be fed again. So, instead of burning fat, it saves it; hence, the plateau. This plateau usually leads to frustration, and the frustration often results in a return to overeating. So, what is a reasonable calorie level to promote weight loss but avoid the dreaded plateau? For most women wanting to lose weight, it is around 1500 calories. For men, a calorie level of 18002200 is more appropriate. More specific calorie calculations accounting for height, weight, age and activity level can easily be found on-line. Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight requires hard work and planning. Even in this age of weight loss surgery, diet pills and programs, the true mission of obtaining optimal health cannot be acquired with quick-fixes. Though the Apollo 13 astronauts landed safely back on earth to end their mission, the road to a healthy weight does not end at a destination – it is a life-long journey.
Pearls of Wisdom
By Teresa Cox Reading, RN
September is Suicide Awareness Prevention Month
T
here is a big difference between someone wanting to die and someone NOT wanting “to live that way anymore.” The latter is the usual case and offers hope that things can be improved upon, as well as the fact that all suicide is 100% preventable. The below information is taken from the Mental Health America of Texas website and the National Institute of Mental Health. What should I do if I think someone is suicidal? If you think someone is suicidal, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get the person to seek immediate help from his or her doctor, the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Eliminate access to firearms or other potential tools for suicide including unsupervised access to medications.
Suicide and suicidal behavior are not normal responses to stress. Many people have these risk factors but are not suicidal. Research also shows that the risk for suicide is associated with changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters including serotonin. Decreased levels of serotonin have been found in people with depression, impulsive disorders, a history of suicide attempts, and in the brains of suicide victims. Mental Health America does not provide crisis or counseling services. If you need to talk or are concerned about someone else, please call 1-800-273TALK (8255). If someone is in immediate crisis, dial 911. Mental Health America of Texas is proud to announce a small iPhone app for suicide prevention. This app was developed from their own non-proprietary
William H. Reading, MD BOARD CERTIFIED* BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROLOGY
William H. Reading, MD
suicide prevention training program called ASK, sponsored by the Texas Department of State Health Services, and is freely distributable everywhere. We urge you to take a moment and download this app because when you or your friends are in crisis, a shortcut to the right help can make a huge difference in its outcome. Learn easy steps to help prevent suicide in your community right now. Search “suicide prevention” in the App Store on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You really can help save a life!
Teresa Cox Reading is a Registered Nurse, Clinician and Practice Administrator for Reading Recovery, Psychiatric and Psychological Services. She is on the board of Mental Health America of Fort Bend County and Committee for Suicide Prevention.
READING RECOVERY, PSYCHIATRIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES Improving the quality of life for families
• ADD • Mood Problems • ADHD • Emotional Instability • Adult ADD • Bipolar Variants • Depression • Addictive Diseases • Anxiety Disorders • Impaired School/Work • OCD Performances • Eating Disorders • Temper/Anger Problems • Behavioral Problems
Teresa Cox Reading, RN
Visit our website and video at
www.DrReading.com
Coming Soon: TMS Therapy for Depression Call: 281-494-4471
12603 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 510 Stafford, Texas, 77477 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 12 noon - 10 pm August / September 2011 l
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57
well woman
Get the Facts on Radiation Exposure and Mammograms
Kelly Dempsey, M.D., Stephen Phillips, M.D. and Sandra Templeton, M.D.
W
hen you think of radiation exposure, does a nuclear power plant disaster come to mind? How about airport scanners? Or medical imaging such as CT scans and mammograms? There have been media reports questioning dangerous levels of radiation exposure from these sources and as a result, there’s growing concern about the safety of mammograms and other imaging routinely used for detecting diseases like breast cancer. The fact is, the health benefits of getting a mammogram that may help diagnose breast cancer in its early stages far outweighs any risk of radiation associated with the test.
Mammograms Save Lives “It’s important for women to know that mammograms are considered safe, and it’s proven that they can save lives,” says Kelly Dempsey, M.D., board-certified surgeon specializing in breast surgery. The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society recommend that women age 40 and older get mammograms every one to two years. “Women with above-average risk for breast cancer should talk with their doctor about when to start screening and how often to get mammograms,” Dr. Dempsey adds. Risks associated with radiation exposure from mammograms and other X-rays are minimal. “There is a slightly elevated risk of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation, but the amount of radiation from a mammogram is very low, and the benefit of early de-
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tection of cancer far outweighs the risk,” says Stephen Phillips, M.D., board-certified breast radiologist and medical director of the Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. In fact, the amount of radiation exposure in one mammogram is the equivalent of the same radiation exposure you get from natural sources alone in seven weeks. Natural background sources of radiation occur in the atmosphere, such as radon gas found in homes, minerals in the ground and cosmic rays from outer space. “For women age 40 and older, regular mammograms read by a breast radiologist and clinical breast exams with a health care provider are powerful screening tools in detecting cancer early,” emphasizes Sandra Templeton, M.D., board-certified surgeon specializing in breast surgery. “Mammograms help physicians detect small tumors in the early stages of cancer, when there are more treatment options and greater chance of survival.”
Ways We Protect You The Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital limits unnecessary exposure to
radiation by using the lowest dose possible for all kinds of screening tests, including mammograms. Digital mammography equipment provides higher-quality images and a lower radiation dose compared to film mammography. “In addition, our Breast Center is reviewed by national and international radiology protection councils to make sure we are meeting certain safety standards,” Dr. Phillips says. To schedule a mammogram at the Breast Center, please call 281-242-PINK (7465). Diagnostic services available through the Breast Center include: • Digital mammography • Breast MRI • Diagnostic ultrasound • MRI-guided biopsy • Stereotactic biopsy • Ductography
Free Seminar Join a multi-disciplinary panel of physicians to discuss Updates on Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment and have your questions answered on October 19 at 6:00 p.m., located at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital main pavilion conference center. Seating is limited, call today to make reservations. 281-274-7500.
l August / September 2011
with
on
& present
The
e t a m i t l U Girls’ Night
Thursday, August 25
3
5:30 - 7 pm
1100 3rd Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471
Come for great fun, great giveaways, hors d’oeuvres &
cool margaritas!
RSVP to events@fowmag.com or 281-690-4242. For updates, visit www.facebook.com/FocusOnWomen
IMPERIAL FINE ARTS COUNCIL
presents
MATT MANALO
ARTIST from philippines, via houston — in his sugar land debut
VIP OPENING—THURSDAY, AUG 25—6:00 PM PUBLIC OPENING—FRIDAY, SEPT 2—6:00 PM 'deconstractivism'—'memory'—'disconnect/miscommunication' mattmanalo.com
THE IMPERIAL GALLERY, THE IMPERIAL THEATRE
SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE / 2210 LONE STAR DRIVE 77479 FOR INFORMATION: ROBYN MILLER, GALLERY DIRECTOR— DIRECTOR—ROBYN@THEIMPERIAL.ORG / 281.277.7452
www.theimperial.org
August / September 2011 l
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59
between the lines I
By Janice Havins-Hamric
A Woman of Victorious Faith and Perseverance:
Leah Foutz On a beautiful spring morning in 2004, Brian Foutz heard a car door slam shut in his driveway. He walked to his window, expecting to see his daughter, Victoria, returning from an overnight stay with a friend. Instead he saw two officers from the county sheriff’s office. The officers were coming to deliver news that would change Brian’s life forever.
L
eah Foutz never imagined that her life journey would take her down a path that fortuitously connected with a total stranger: Janice Havins-Hamric. Their eventual meeting blessed them both and forged a potential eternal friendship between the women. Leah was once the mother of Victoria, who was murdered in March of 2004, just three days after her 18th birthday. The three young men, who were to bring Victoria back to Katy that evening from Houston, shot her at pointblank range after accusing her of stealing a digital camera. They dumped her body in a field near Beasley, Texas; a passerby discovered Leah’s only child around 6 a.m. that morning. The digital camera was later retrieved from the van the men were driving. “Trials appear in our lives to grow us, to help us learn and to strengthen us in this earthly life. Many times these trials are fairly simple ones that do not require much on our part except to recognize them and move on. Other times, a trial can be a faith-rocking experience and almost more than we can bear,” said the inspirational woman of unyielding faith. “Even though my husband, Brian, and I experienced Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, God provided perseverance in everything brought before us. In fact, within 48 hours of Victoria’s death, God gave us a peace that transcends all understanding.” Leah also had to deal with the barrage of reporters and cameramen from various television news crews once the crime surfaced. Neighbors tolerated the bombardment upon their neighborhood street from the media people attempting to gather information and from family and friends who showed up to bring food, love, prayers, and emotional support. Leah recalls, “God’s peace and love covered me like a soft fluffy blanket. He put precious friends in our home to minister to us, bring food, and pray with us. He showed up in
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miraculous ways during her memorial service and throughout the days that followed. He put law enforcement officials there to properly investigate the murder and bring the guilty to judgment. He protected us when our marriage was stretched beyond what we could have ever imagined. We had the confidence that Victoria was with Him in heaven, and even though our earthly hearts had been broken, we knew that we would see her again in heaven.” Leah and her spouse have had many “divine intersections” in the last seven years where families who suffered great loss were sent to them. The couple’s life purposes have expanded exponentially and resulted in blessings received by those they have ministered to as well as incomparable blessings for them personally. Leah has ministered to other women in pain and suffering, who have been in a pit of exhaustion, depression, despair, and total brokenness. “Because of my earthly loss, I am able to give women tools to begin to live again. I can genuinely empathize with their great loss,” she says. After Leah’s husband shared their testimony in a Bible study class in January of 2008, a new friend would enter Leah’s life a year later. Retired teacher and librarian, Janice HavinsHamric, remembers, “After being so moved by hearing Brian tell his and Leah’s story, Victoria was on my mind for a solid year. I got the courage to finally ask Brian if they had thought about writing a book about their experience and ministry. When Brian told me
l August / September 2011
that they had been praying for someone to help them with a book project, I knew I was supposed to be involved.” A few meetings and shared meals later, the writing began and From Misery to Ministry: A Walk of Faith Through the Loss of a Loved One (Tate Publishing, 2011) was officially released in June 2011. “We know God called us to recount to others about how He could take a senseless tragedy and create people like us who, today, joyously serve Him,” says Leah. Janice adds, “As a mother of an only daughter myself, I am inspired and encouraged by Leah’s faith and strength, and I am blessed to call her my friend. Something supernaturally transforming brought this extraordinary woman from misery to a powerful ministry.” Leah, her husband Brian, and Janice now have partnered in a ministry called Hazak Ministries, Hazak being the Hebrew word for encouragement. From Misery to Ministry is available through the ministry at www. hazakministries.com.
Janice Havins-Hamric with Leah Foutz.
between the lines
Crazy About Money Author Offers 10 “Money Types” That Identify One’s Unique Relationship to Money
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rain wiring, behavioral quirks, and our early life experiences provide a new way of understanding our “money behavior.” The better you understand how you use money, how you think and feel about it, and how you organize it - or how it organizes you -- the easier it is to figure out what is holding you back from having a more balanced attitude toward money. Maggie Baker, Ph.D., a Philadelphia area financial psychologist and author of Crazy About Money: How Emotions Confuse Our Money Choices and What to Do About It has developed 10 “money types” which identify your unique relationship to money which are a part of your “financial self.”
Which type are you? 1. THE SPENDTHRIFT: Enjoys spending money for immediate pleasure; has a hard time saving and prioritizing for the future. 2. THE STOCKPILER: Hoards money; carefully follows a budget in order to achieve financial goals. 3. THE INDULGER: Saves obsessively, then spends all of his/her savings in a flash without really knowing why. 4. THE SPARTAN: Believes that the love of money is the root of all evil; self-esteem is derived from feeling superior to money and those who seek it. 5. THE ELUDER: Balancing a checkbook provides anxiety and tension. Avoiding the topic is this type’s course of action.
6. THE AMASSER: Self-worth is an extension of how much money they have accumulated. 7. THE GAMBLER: Risk-takers who love the thrill of adventure; tend to throw their money around in the hope of winning big. 8. THE CONSERVER: Determined to find the best value for their money no matter what it takes. 9. THE DEALER: Loves showing his/her power and ability to get a better deal on whatever he/she buys. 10. THE RISK AVOIDER: Hates financial surprises and setbacks; chooses safety and security in all things financial. Once you’ve identified your “money type” or mixture of types, Baker believes it will help you develop the awareness and ability to effectively reflect and understand how you behave with money, and how money affects your selfesteem. Baker states that the way we deal with money and the resulting emotions can interfere with rational decision-making processes. The impact of unacknowledged emotion on behavior and self-esteem is powerful and leaves people with little control over what is happening to them financially. By learning to experience emotions directly and reflect on them, we become more creative, solve problems more effectively, and feel better about ourselves. “None of the money types are essentially good or bad; rather, each simply characterizes
our attitude and behavior toward money. If our attitude or behavior is obsessive - too intense, too extreme, too rigid, or too destructive - it is time to examine your money type and behavior in depth,” says Baker. Crazy About Money: How Emotions Confuse Our Money Choices and What to Do About It is available at Amazon.com and maggiebakerphd.com. Copyright (C) 2011, Maggie Baker, PhD. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted by permission of Maggie Baker, Ph.D., financial psychologist and author of Crazy About Money: How Emotions Confuse Our Money Choices and What to Do About It.
About Maggie Baker Maggie Baker, Ph. D., has been a practicing clinical psychologist for more than 30 years. After counseling many individuals, couples, children and families dealing with financial stress, she developed an expertise in behavioral economics and the psychology of wealth. Recognized as an expert in personal finance and financial therapy, she has been quoted in a variety of national and local publications, including Money magazine, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Main Line Times. Baker lives near Philadelphia with her family.
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fine arts
august 2011
MUSICAL
August 19 – 20: Jesus Christ Superstar. This national tour of the popular rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, featuring music by Tim Rice, is finding its way to Houston’s Brown Theater at the Wortham Center for two nights only. This groundbreaking masterpiece, which is loosely based on the Gospels, follows the struggles of Jesus of Nazareth during his last days. Don’t miss your chance to see this adaptation of the Tony Awardwinning production. Friday, 8 pm Saturday, 8 pm Wortham Center Brown Theater www.worthamcenter.org www.ticketmaster.com
THEATER
August 28: 18th Annual Theater District Open House. Experience dance, music and theater! Visit the Alley Theatre, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Wortham Theater Center and Jones Hall! With performances offered on stage at all four of the Theater District’s venues, visitors can tour backstage, dive into the costume trunk, get up close with musical instruments at the instrument petting zoo and ride the Capital One Bank Trolleys from venue to venue all day long. End your day with the raffle drawing at the Hobby Center for the All-New CT 200h by Lexus, benefiting the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. No tickets or reservations are required for this event. 12 – 4 pm Theater District www.downtownhouston.org
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CONCERT
August 27: A Tribute to the Big Band Era: Igniting the Flame; Passing the Torch.
The late Conrad O. Johnson, a native Texan and long-time Houstonian, was a proficient jazz musician who dedicated 37 years to instructing students and conducting the award-winning Kashmere Stage Band.
The Conrad O. Johnson Regional Youth Orchestra, led by Claude Robinson and William Ports, with jazz trombonist Steve Turre of Saturday Night Live present this exciting show at the Miller Outdoor Theater. Enjoy soulful compositions and arrangements by the group’s late founder, Conrad O. Johnson, along with selections by jazz greats Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington. 8 – 10 pm Miller Outdoor Theater www.milleroutdoortheater.com
fine arts
september 2011 CONCERT
September 3: Mozart Under the Stars.
Photo by George Hixson.
What better way to welcome the evening than under a canopy of stars and beautiful Mozart melodies? Join Mercury Baroque Miller for a special free performance entitled: Mozart Under the Stars featuring some of Mozart’s finest and most cherished music performed with the passion and artistry that Mercury Baroque is known for – Eine Kleine Nacht Musik, Serenata Nottuma and aDivertimento for strings. 8 – 10 pm Miller Outdoor Theatre www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
LECTURE
September 22: An Evening with Dr. Maya Angelou. The Brilliant Lecture Series presents An Evening with Dr. Maya Angelou. The legendary 83 year-old poet, author, producer, actor and humanitarian speaks at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. A rare, candid, inspiring and powerful evening for the whole family, Angelou is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civilrights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world, spreading her legendary wisdom. 7 pm Brilliant Lecture Series St. Paul’s United Methodist Church www.brilliantlectures.org Dr. Maya Angelou will be visiting Houston as part of the Brilliant Lecture Series to stir our souls, energize our bodies and heal our hearts.
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EXHIBIT
September 11 - November 27: Acid on Metal: The Art of Etching and Aquatint. The exhibit chronicles the development of etching from the 16th century, through the golden ages of Rembrandt van Rijn and Francisco de Goya, to the medium’s revitalization and modernization under Pablo Picasso, James Abbott McNeill Whistler, and contemporary masters such as Brice Marden and Richard Stankiewicz. Acid on Metal focuses on the intaglio printmaking process of etching and the related technique of aquatint. Exploring various etching techniques as unique vehicles of expression, this show features a selection of more than 50 works on paper drawn primarily from the MFAH collection. Also on view are tools, plates and books to enhance the audience’s understanding of the creative force of etching. Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 am – 5 pm Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm Sunday: 12:15 pm – 7 pm The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Audrey Jones Beck Building www.mfah.org Artwork dating back to the 16th century will be on display at the Museum of Fine Arts.
MONOLOGUE
September 19: Pacino: One Night Only. Step into the world of one of cinema’s most riveting stars, Al Pacino, as he shares his passion for acting and directing up close and personal. In an on stage interview with clips (some never seen before), Pacino will give a rare glimpse into his life, work and creative process sharing backstage tales from a lifetime in the world of theater and film. This one night only event will end with a question and answer session with the audience. 8 pm Society For The Performing Arts Jones Hall www.spahouston.org
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By Roseann Rogers
The Things I’ve Learned… From the basics to beauty to everything else in between!
Although we live in the generation of e-mail, texting and twitter, I have learned I still like getting mail.
Mascara I can’t live without it. If I don’t wear mascara, I feel like I don’t have eyes. However, over the years I’ve learned that it’s not just for your lashes but works great on covering up your roots. It never fails – about one week before I am supposed to go to see Bruce Grossman, my stylist for 16 years now, all my gray hair just pops out. It is ridiculous! So, in a last minute effort to get my gray hair covered up, I just use my mascara. Now, I don’t’ recommend using the same tube you use for your eyelashes. If you haven’t already tried it, it works great - matches perfectly and the good news is that it will get you through to the next time you get your color! Botox I’ve learned that Botox really does work, and it’s worth it. I started using Botox in my late 30’s. Now, in my early 40’s, 43 to be exact, I’m still a fan. I just had a birthday last month; I can really tell it has helped over the years. I used to have this big line across my forehead. I guess I am just way too expressive when I talk. Well, it’s not there now. Dr. Shel has been doing my injections for about five years now, and I have never had any bruising. Plus, she knows how to get those key areas on my forehead and around my eyes, especially since I don’t wear bangs anymore. Yes, Botox really makes a difference. I wouldn’t say it’s made me look ten years younger, but I will tell you people do have a hard time guessing my age! The Slide I have learned that 43 is not too old to go down the big slide at the Bellaire Aquatic Center. I have been taking my son, Nikhil, since the pool opened and never tried it. In fact, I didn’t even know adults were allowed to go on it. Well, now I do. Not only did I go down one time, but try six times! Now mind you, my son went down at least 20!! As I was walking up the stairs, I thought, “Am I going to lose my bathing suit or am I going to hurt myself?” Neither happened, and I had so much fun. I’ll definitely give it another try.
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Pilates I’ve learned I’m not a yoga person but a Pilate’s person. I first started taking Pilates to get in shape for my wedding. Well, that was eight years ago. I started back up last August at Pure Body Studio. At the time, I was only a “reformer” person. I just hadn’t given mat Pilates a try. The owner, Heather Erdman, said, “Mat Pilates will make you stronger and more flexible!” She was right! I am totally hooked and take four to five classes a week. The fun part is we use all kinds of props – everything from balls to weights to rollers. I also enjoy the Barre class where you use the barre for leg exercises that really tone your muscles. I’ve learned you have to find an exercise or routine where you don’t get bored, and once you do, you really see the improvement in your body, and you feel good about it. Mail Although we live in the generation of e-mail, texting and twitter, I have learned I still like getting mail. While you can communicate faster with your phone or computer, I like coming home and seeing what came in the mail. I love to get a letter or a postcard. I know gone are the days when I used to get tons of mail during my television days as The Buzz Lady. Although, I still have the name and do a segment on KHOU every Friday, I’m not on four newscasts a day during the week. Yep, the mail was overwhelming. It was like Christmas every day. Friendships I have learned that friendships evolve and change over the years. Friendships really go in cycles, from high school, college, careers, marriage and kids. I’m excited to have discovered new friendships through my son’s school, and I’ve even rekindled old friendships. Some friends you just don’t seem to lose time with. The connection you had before is still there no matter how many years go by.