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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2011
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Women
The Many Facets: J Loggins Jewelers
Houston’s CEO: Mayor Annise Parker $3.95
www.FOWmag.com
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a n d
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OakBend Medical Group, a community-minded group of physicians who provide services in the heart of Fort Bend County, offers many locations for the convenience of our patients. Our Obstetrics and Gynecology Physicians are proud to provide expectant mothers with a full continuum of care created especially for them. From pregnancy and childbirth classes to award-winning breastfeeding support and beyond, we ensure high-quality care is always within reach for mothers-tobe throughout Fort Bend County. We are here for you every step of the way.
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22001 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77469
1601 Main Street, Suite 500 Richmond, TX 77469
Scan this code with your smart phone to visit our website. www.OakBendMedicalGroup.com
OakBend Medical Group: (281) 238-7870
Compounding Corner Pharmacy, Inc. ®
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281-494-7777 • 1730 Williams Trace, Ste. K, Sugar Land October / November 2011 l
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1
Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland Benefiting Fort Bend County Charities
Presented by
Preview Night
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focus on women
l October / November 2011
Some friends are great on road trips. Some friends are great at dinner parties. Some friends will get breast cancer. Get a mammogram.
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Contents
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October / November 2011 Volume 3 l Number 4
The Many Facets of the J in J Loggins Jewelers For nearly thirty years, the J in J Loggins Jewelers, or Jan Loggins Hinson, has been a mainstay in Fort Bend. So, how did the petite, single woman create a fine jewelry store with a stellar reputation in a traditionally man’s industry? Through hard work, a passion for the store – her store – and excellent customer service.
Features 20 Mayor Annise Parker: Houston’s CEO
Houston Mayor Annise Parker is at the helm of the fourth largest city in the nation running the municipality as only a CEO can – with an appreciation for the past, a focus on the future, and a love for the City’s greatest asset: its people and their can-do spirit.
28 Celebrating Ten Years of Life: Cancer-Free
As Joan Rosenthal celebrates ten years of being cancerfree, she reflects on her journey from receiving her diagnosis to the positive outlook that carried her through remission. And, most importantly, the two new additions to her family that help make her – and her husband’s – life complete.
32 An Interview with Houston Filmmaker Larry Wade Carrell
Jan Loggins Hinson
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l October / November 2011
Lights, camera, action – in Houston! Who says Houstonians can’t do it all? Larry Wade Carrell proves that Houston is a mecca for talent as he wrote, directed and starred in the most recent independent film to come out of our city – Jacob. A compelling story that provides a glimpse into the mind of a pure schizophrenic, Jacob is merely the first of many productions by Carrell and his Houston-based Odyssee Pictures.
The entire staff of
The Design Source cordially invite you to their
16th Annual HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Thursday, November 3, 2011 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Come enjoy a leisurely day of shopping. As a gift, you will receive a 10% discount on all furniture and accessories and a 20% discount on all ready-made Christmas decorations. DECORATING DEMO RETURNING THIS YEAR! 1:00 - 2:00 pm New Trends in Christmas Décor 4:00 - 6:00 pm Happy Hour
3644 Highway 6 Sugar Land Texas 77478 281.242.3336 www.dessource.com
MARK ROBERTS FAIRIES & OTHER HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS! Refreshments served from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Let us show you how to put the sparkle into your holiday décor! October / November 2011 l
www.FOWmag.com
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Contents pg
50
style
18 The List: Things We Love
pg
A few fabulous finds for fabulous women.
36 & 38 Style Scoop: Fall Beauty Trends
69
chick flicks
40 Managing Menopause Naturally
Tips and tricks to achieving this season’s hottest looks.
From holistic treatments to psychological symptoms, this program is a comprehensive guide to managing menopause.
50 Juxtaposition Haute - and affordable - looks for Fall.
56 The Way
financial savvy 22 If…
A inspirational film that follows a father’s journey coping after his son’s death.
An insight into how our emotions can affect our investing.
63 The Cider House Rules
health & wellness
A compelling, Academy Award winning story following the journey of a young man who finds where he trully belongs.
24 Taking the Stress out of the Holiday Hustle
69 Buck
Get tips on how to manage the holiday madness.
This documentary film delves into a real-life horse whisperer’s powerful techniques to transform horses and people.
insights & issues 34 Women in Politics
Today, women take on defining roles in our society but lack representation in politics.
industry insights
42 Focus Media Expands Holdings to Include Two New Titles The acquisition of two Houston-area magazines expands the Focus Media repertoire.
pg
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Contents entertaining
48 Farmers Market at Imperial Enjoy great-tasting foods, gift items, chef cooking demos and more at this unique community market.
70 Locally Grown Restaurants Eat where you live! Get the scoop on Houston restaurants that utilize local goods in creating their cuisine.
pg
inspiring women
58 MD Anderson Volunteer Nancy Woo: Extending Support and Encouraging Words Offering peer support, breast cancer survivor Nancy Woo spends her spare time helping cancer patients.
career
60 The Value of Positive Affirmations Change your thought process and achieve your dreams.
stepping out with focus on women 64 The Ultimate Girls’ Night Broken 9 Boutique & Gifts
76 Pinktober
between the lines
pearls of wisdom
From style to spirituality, learn how to make every day of the year fabulous!
By Afreen Pappa, MD
75 365 Days of Fabulosity
fine arts
78 Memphis Menopause the Musical Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs An Evening with Buddy Valastro: The Cake Boss Sugar Land Choral Society Sting – Back to Bass Tour
77 Absolutely Fabulous! A Holiday Shopping Affair Anything Bling Boutique
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By Tracie Swonke
43 Beating the Holiday Blues
By Teresa Cox Reading, RN
47 Beyond Breast Cancer Survival By Sandra Templeton, MD
columns
well woman
80 The Last Word
focus on women
35 Now Style is a Little Sweeter in Sugar Land
Who’s saying what about Focus on Women.
By Alisa Murray A quick e-mail or a hand written note? The lost art of writing a letter.
Protect yourself against the influenza virus this season.
By Keron Weathered
45 If You Change the Way You Think…
The Design Source
68 Flu Season Is Coming Are You Ready?
31 The Reason to Hire a Designer for Christmas Decorating
fow feedback
66 Woman to Woman Deck The Halls
27 Can You Prevent Breast Cancer?
By Shannon Ingram
46 Heard Through the Grapevine
Southern Sister Designs
48
By Tanya Sterling Everybody has a story. Have you shared yours?
l October / November 2011
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78
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editor’s point of view I
Patti Parish-Kaminski, Editor in Chief
The Boys’ Club
F
or years in corporate America, high level and leadership positions have been defined by the boys. Men were the CEO’s of the largest corporations, men were the entrepreneurs in many industries, and men were the political leaders in our society. Over the past few decades, women have strategically found their way up the corporate ladder in many arenas, but in many ways, membership in the boys’ club is still the way to get ahead. Fortunately, women are making progress in big ways without belonging to or aspiring to be members of the boys’ club. Our cover story, Jan Loggins Hinson, is just one example of progress. Though she’s small in stature, the petite blonde has made her way by owning – and operating for the past thirty years – a successful fine jewelry institute in Sugar Land. Back when the fine jewelry industry was dominated by men, Jan stood tall in her high heels, got a loan with her car as collateral and made her way as a single, female entrepreneur whose business and talent have stood the test of time.
Tim and Patti Kaminski
Houston Mayor Annise Parker is yet another stellar example of our progress. One of only two women to hold the City’s highest elected office, Mayor Parker just happens to be mayor of the fourth largest city in the nation. She’s officially the CEO of Houston, and Houston couldn’t be in better hands. Of course, the mayor is one of only a handful of women mayors in the United States serving as CEO’s of major metropolitan areas. In fact, in cities with populations of ten million, there have been only ten female mayors in our country, two right here in Houston. That says a lot about Houstonians and about the exemplary females they choose to serve their community. Who was it that said, “Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels?” Yes, it was another woman making progress. A United States Ambassador to Sweden, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a White House Senior Staff member during the Reagan administration, Faith Whittlesey made her mark as she was considered a most aggressive ally in the White House. Her mission? To communicate President Regan’s entire policy agenda and to improve the access of traditional Christian and Jewish religious believers to the American political process and national policymaking. Yes, we’re making progress. Keep up the great work ladies. Pretty soon, the boys will want to join the girls’ club. Stay focused!
on
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Now issues a year 10
focus on women
Patti Parish-Kaminski editor@FOWmag.com facebook.com/FocusOnWomen
l October / November 2011
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 e, bulges, or uneven wear ag m da , ks lea – s re Ti ect Insp
S CHECK EV ERY 3 MONTH every 3,000 miles l and Oil Filter – change
Oi – add fluid if low Windshield Washer Fluid g Fluid – add fluid if low rin ee St r we Po d an ry tte Ba 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 hts, and turn signals work lig e ak br s, ht lig ad he re su Make operly. Make sure horn works pr d tear or “slippage.” Inspect brakes for wear an
lly inflated. Make sure spare tire is fu rust, damage, Inspect exhaust system for or loose parts. oil seepage or wear. Inspect shock absorbers for
SELL US YOUR CAR There’s an easier way to sell your car.
WE PAY MORE. WE PAY TODAY. Fast. Easy. Fun. Yes! It’s true. 12053 SW Freeway, Stafford Texas 77477 • 281-499-8200
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 “An Interview with Houston Filmmaker Larry Wade Carrell” on page 32, Nick interviews the filmmaker who does it all – write, direct and act – and learns about Houston-based Odyssee Pictures. Nick and his wife, Mikki, reside in Sugar Land, Texas.
A Louisiana native who has relocated to Richmond, Texas with her husband and two daughters, Linda Kliebert Eaves is a freelance writer with a love for children’s literature. In her story “Joan Rosenthal Celebrating Ten Years of Life: Cancer-Free” on page 28, Linda talks with the cancer survivor as she reflects on her journey from receiving her diagnosis to the positive outlook that carried her through remission.
Owner and personal stylist at Emmanuel Salon, Brian Benoit shares his style sense and passion for photography on page 50 in “Juxtaposition” as he showcases the season’s hottest new looks at the historic Imperial Sugar Land refinery. Brian and his wife, Stevie, live in Sugar Land, Texas with their four children.
Jennifer Babisak has written for numerous regional and national publications. In “Locally Grown Restaurants” on page 70, Jennifer tastes her way through Houston by visiting three restaurants that specialize in featuring home grown ingredients on their menus. When she’s not exploring area eateries, 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.
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l October / November 2011
Wlcomes
RICHMOND BONE & JOINT CLINIC
Candice Teunis,M.D. Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery / Reconstructive Microsurgery
“Since people are living longer and are more physically active, it is my goal to help patients regain and maintain an active lifestyle.”
Locations: Katy Richmond Sugar Land
281.344.1715
www.rbjc.com
guest columnists
Kimberly Cress, M.D. TMS Serenity Center Page 24
24
34
Jacquie Baly Chaumette Mayor Pro Tem, City of Sugar Land Page 34
Stevie Benoit Emmanuel Salon Page 36 & 38
36
60
Glenn Smith The Growth Coach Page 60
Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 66
66
80
Tanya Sterling Freelance Writer Page 80
October / November 2011 Vol. 3 l No. 4 4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 400 • Stafford, TX 77477 www.FOWmag.com To advertise call 281-690-4242 • TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7469 Direct mailed to physicians in the area and to Focus 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
Jan Loggins Hinson Photo by Nesossi Studios
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Michael & Lisa Fredrickson Patti Parish-Kaminski Nick Nicholson Jessica Kij Norma Cavazos Erin Gaynor 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 October / November 2011
cover story
F
or Fort Bend residents, J Loggins Jewelers is an institution. A mainstay in the community for nearly thirty years, while most people know J Loggins Jewelers, not as many know a great deal about the founder and owner, Jan Loggins Hinson, or the J in J Loggins Jewelers. With a passion for beautiful jewelry, Jan began in the industry in an entry-level position in a fine jewelry store in Sugar Creek. Along the way, she took advantage of any and all higher educational opportunities. “It was such a rewarding business to be in,” said Jan. “I wanted to learn everything I could about it.”
Photo by Nesossi Studios.
The Many Facets of the J in October / November 2011 l
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“At J Loggins, we feel a connection to the people we work with and to the people we serve,” said Jan. “It is my number one priority to assure our clients of our honesty and integrity and to always present ourselves professionally.”
A
s she learned all aspects of the fine jewelry industry, “Opportunities kept leading me where I never expected to go – store ownership.” Eventually, Jan leapt at the chance to purchase her own store in an industry when, at the time, female owned businesses were extremely rare. “I had a banker who believed in me, Clinton Dunn,” said Jan. “He gave me my first line of credit with only my car as collateral and made me promise not to leave town.” The petite, 5’2”, female store owner was single, independent and extremely determined. She named her store J Loggins Jewelers, omitting her first name so that the gender of the owner was unclear. As a female entrepreneur nearly thirty years ago, Jan had to work just a little bit harder to prove herself. “Being a woman in business has never hurt me. It’s only made me work a bit harder and develop a little more patience when I needed it.” Determined not to let any of her wonderful supporters down, Jan rolled up her sleeves and spent long hours devoted to serving her clients and growing her business. Today, Jan’s hard work has paid off. Working in one industry for so many years, some people might get at least a little bored, but not Jan. She has continued to grow her business by providing beautiful, popular and timeless designs, but most importantly, excellent customer service. “We strive to succeed in giving our clients what they want from $50 gifts to $50,000 one-of-a-kind pieces,” said Jan. “We treat everyone equally as valued customers
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focus on women
and will always give the best service we can in whatever we do from creating a memorable keepsake to wrapping it up beautifully.” J Loggins continues to grow each year, and this fall, the store will be adding another fulltime member to their team along with new, high tech equipment to maintain the highest and newest in industry standards which can be helpful in providing important peace of mind to clients. “When clients leave their precious items with us, we are very protective,” explained Jan. “We photograph every piece to make clients, especially new clients, feel comfortable that they are leaving their valuables in excellent hands.” Not only is J Loggins the go to place for fine jewelry purchases, J Loggins Jewelers has an established reputation as an exemplary custom design store known in the market as Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler. Loggins’ experienced designers focus on clients’ needs and desires so that the end results are unsurpassed in beauty, design and quality. “There’s nothing like helping a client realize their dream by creating a unique, custom piece that expresses their exact wishes and desires,” said Jan. Jan describes J Loggins as a “full service jewelry store.” Much of her success, particularly in the custom design area, is attributed to the store’s master jeweler, Omar Quinonez,
l October / November 2011
who has been with Jan for over twenty years. Described as a warm and great friend with a calm and patient attitude, Omar is a master craftsman who is the best at what he does. And, what he does is a lot – from the most basic sterling silver charm solder to an intricate and delicate restoration of someone’s precious family heirloom piece. J Loggins’ design staff can sketch and create a jewelry masterpiece specifically to the client’s specifications. Jan and her team treasure the long relationships they, along with their clients, have enjoyed with their master jeweler. In fact, Jan’s famous quote, “If we can’t do it, it can’t be done!” can easily be attributed to the talents of Omar and her entire team. “At J Loggins, we feel a connection to the people we work with and to the people we serve,” said Jan. “It is my number one priority to assure our clients of our honesty and integrity and to always present ourselves professionally.” Jan takes professionalism and education seriously when it comes to serving her clients. The role of a qualified graduate gemologist has taken the jewelry profession to new heights and having one on staff at J Loggins is another way of setting them apart from the rest of the fine jewelry industry. Jan is a certified diamond expert with the Gemological Institute of America, and team member Britt Hall is a graduate gemologist with the GIA. Adding to the expertise at J Loggins are Steph Saa, also a diamond and design specialist, and Andrea Sobran, gold buyer and quality control expert. “Having experienced professionals whose only priority is providing clients with the best service is what makes this business such a success.” Many Fort Bend area jewelers refer clients
to J Loggins due to their education, professionalism and stellar reputation. “To me, it is such a compliment when quality jewelry stores tell their clients that we are the only ones who can tackle certain repairs or designs. We acquire new clients on a weekly basis based on the referrals of our competitors. That is a true testament to our reputation,” said Jan. Referral clients from the area don’t have far to go when visiting J Loggins Jewelers. Conveniently located on 59 South at Sugar Creek for the past eleven years, Jan has is happy to report that she has just renewed her lease on their trademark building. “We have serviced clients for four generations in Fort Bend,” said Jan. “Our commitment to this community is strong. We are here to stay.” The look and feel of J Loggins Jewelers, designed personally by Jan, is that of a gallery. It’s both elegant and contemporary and very welcoming. “My goal in the design of the store was to create an elegant feel without even a hint of stuffiness,” said Jan. “The feel is relaxed and comfortable with the look of a modern art gallery.” Just as a modern art gallery features things of beauty, so does J Loggins. Featuring exclusive, well-known designer lines such as John Hardy, Charles Krypell and Vahan, Jan is also known for featuring the rising stars in the fine jewelry industry. “Designer jewelry has beautiful dimensions of form and function, and it is always evolving with something new.” One of the hot new designers now being carried by J Loggins is Lagos. Jan describes the Lagos look as “a mixture of silver and gold with a splash of color along with conservative diamond and gold looks.” J Loggins began carrying Lagos this fall as a beautiful and affordable addition to their roster of designers, and it compliments one of the trends that Jan has identified in the industry. “Stackables are very big right now,” said Jan. “Layering of jewelry is very popular – bracelets, rings, necklaces – similar to the trend of layering of clothing.” In addition to offering the latest in designer jewelry and custom design, J Loggins offers an expansive repair service. They repair any type of jewelry including restringing, engraving and stone replacement and are able to work with any metal – silver, gold and platinum.
The store also services and repairs all higher end watches including Rolex, and offers consignment services to their clients. “Our consignment services are very popular,” said Jan. “Many clients have something they no longer wear or inherited something that’s simply not their style. We can take those unwanted valuables and turn them into cash for our clients.” Jan prides herself on the fact that J Loggins Jewelers has grown into such a success by not only diversifying their services but based on the professional, thorough and personalized customer service that they provide. The store maintains a computerized “wish list” on each of their clients to assist with those special occasions. And, all clients receive a 10% discount if they are purchasing for a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary. “This is such a wonderful business to be in because we get to do happy things with our clients every day,” said Jan. Jan admits that owning J Loggins has been the greatest accomplishment of her professional life, but the greatest accomplishment of her personal life is her marriage to the “love of her life” Paul Hinson. Married for eight years, she and Paul are designing their dream home in Sugar Land. “I can’t imagine a life more fulfilled,” said Jan. “I am married to a wonderful man, I have a loving and supportive family and friends, and I work with people I like and respect in a beautiful store…my store.” The secret to Jan’s and J Loggins Jewelers’ success is perhaps best summed up in what Jan calls her golden rule: “We are in business because clients continue to need us and believe in us.” For four generations, clients have believed in the petite blonde who created a successful business in a traditional man’s industry. And, if you know Jan, you know that the best is yet to come.
Trunk Show at
J Loggins Jewelers Join Jan and her team on Friday, December 9th for a Trunk Show featuring one of the hottest designers in fine jewelry: Lagos. The new Lagos’ designs will be showcased at this special event. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and cocktails, and all guests attending the show will have the opportunity to register to win a Lagos signature bracelet.
Lagos Trunk Show Wednesday, December 9th 10 am to 5 pm J Loggins Jewelers 14015 Southwest Freeway at Sugar Creek RSVP: 281.242.2900 For a complete listing of upcoming events at J Loggins Jewelers, visit www.jloggins.com.
October / November 2011 l
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style
The List: Things We Love A few fabulous finds for fabulous women.
Chalk it Up
Writing on the walls used to be a no-no, but with chalkboard paint, write your grocery list, reminders and important phone numbers directly on the your walls while adding style to your space. Nothing can be more convenient and easier to remember. Embrace your childhood spirit while accomplishing tasks like a grown-up. The writing is on the wall! www.homedepot.com
Mani in Minutes
Sporty Spice
Football Season is upon us and it is time to get your game on in style! Support your favorite team by wearing their colors and mascots mixed with the hottest new fashion trend – Burnout Tees. Burnout T-Shirts put a new twist on the traditional t-shirt and definitely score a touchdown. These fitted tees are lightweight and perfect for tailgating on those hot Houston days. And, to complete the look and take care of those bad hair days, how about a cute cap? Go Team Go! www.academy.com www.gshdesigns.com
Love at First Bite
Great for the woman on the go, Sally Hansen Salon Effects gives you the perfect polish in minutes – with no dry time! The real polish strips are oh-so-easy to apply and come in a bevy of fabulous colors and patterns including “Kitty Kitty” and “Bling it On.” The cleverly packaged kit includes sixteen real nail polish strips in a variety of sizes to fit your needs, a cuticle stick, mini file and buffer to prep your nails. It’s everything you need to accessorize any outfit! www.target.com
Sweeten the deal with these delectable treats by CakePop Delicacies. Available as both cake balls and cake pops, they are the perfect surprise to thank a co-worker or wish a special someone a happy birthday. Looking for a people pleaser for your holiday party? Check out their customizable pops and displays! CakePops are a sweet gesture that everyone will love! www.htcakepops.net
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l October / November 2011
T, OCT S SA EN W EEKS —1 0 1 OPF R O —
OPEN Saturday 9am-1pm, RAIN or SHINE
HWY 90 at Imperial Development In front of the Char House & Silos
SHOP Local & EAT Well Local produce and edibles . Live music Chef tastings and demonstrations Picnic grounds
Hosted by Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce www.imperialsugarland.com
for a listing of the vendors & activities.
FFortBend
SPONSORS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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4545 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479 | www.tmsserenitycenter.com October / November 2011 l
www.FOWmag.com
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feature
By Patti Parish-Kaminski
I
Photos by Nesossi Studios
Mayor Annise Parker: Houston’s CEO
S
he is one of only two women to hold the City’s highest elected office, and she just happens to be mayor of the fourth largest city in the nation. Undeniably a big job with big high heels to fill, but with twenty years experience in the oil and gas industry and thirteen combined years as a Houston City Council member and City Controller, Houston Mayor Annise Parker is up for the challenge of her lifetime and is loving every minute of it. Annise Parker was sworn in to her first term as mayor of Houston in January of 2010. She is Houston’s second female mayor and the City’s 61st mayor. She serves as the City’s chief executive officer, and she is responsible for all aspects of the general management of the City and for the enforcement of all laws and ordinances. When I asked Mayor Parker what was the catalyst for her to run for such a big job, she explained it simply: love of her hometown and love of her community. “I love Houston, and yes, being mayor is a big job for anyone,” she said. “An interesting factoid I like to share is that of all of the cities in the United States with a population of over ten million, there have only been ten women mayors, and two of them have been here in Houston. It tells you just how ahead of her time Kathy Whitmire was when she was Houston’s mayor in the 1980’s.”
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l October / November 2011
“I love the people of Houston. I love the can do attitude here. Houston is known around the world for our entrepreneurial spirit – our tenacity to persevere.” - Mayor Annise Parker
After spending thirteen years serving the people of Houston, Mayor Parker decided it was time to aim for a position where she could do even more for the city she loved. She decided to run for mayor of Houston. “I was spending all of my time working for the community, and I wasn’t affecting change fast enough,” said Mayor Parker. “I wanted to work for our community full-time and became interested in municipal government. To me, municipal government is the most important level of government because we pick up your trash, we operate the sewage plant – we touch people’s lives on a daily basis.” Solving the many challenges associated with running a city the size of Houston might sound like a daunting task for anyone – male or female – but Mayor Parker’s enthusiasm, work ethic and unique perspective make it almost sound…fun. When dealing with budget issues, Mayor Parker quipped: “A tight budget is like a corset – it holds some things in and emphasizes others!” And what about those early morning television interviews where she has to discuss serious issues such as the recent drought conditions in our area? “I love getting up and coming to the office,” said the mayor. “You have to face things head on. I’m excited to go to work every day.” So few women have held mayoral positions in the largest cities in our country, and according to Mayor Parker, women in high profile leadership roles is an age old issue. “Being a big city mayor is a CEO position. It’s the same struggle as women governors and women as CEO’s of major corporations.
Women are judged differently than men. I joke about it, but I have received more contradictory fashion advice over the years. Wear skirts, wear pants, longer hair, shorter hair – and not to mention formal attire. Cleavage, no cleavage. What’s appropriate attire for a woman leader? Everyone has a different opinion. Nobody asks men those types of questions.” However, according to Mayor Parker, there are benefits to being a woman in politics. “There’s an odd combination of chauvinism and chivalry on the campaign trail because your opponent doesn’t’ want to appear like they’re beating up a woman. Of course, as a candidate, you have to overcome the hurdle of convincing voters that you are strong but not tough.” When asked what her favorite thing is about her hometown, it’s all about the people. “I love the people of Houston. I love the can do attitude here. Houston is known around the world for our entrepreneurial spirit – our tenacity to persevere.” When you consider that Houston was built 175 years ago on mosquito-infested coastal plains, it’s easy to see Mayor Parker’s point. “Houston is America’s largest foreign port, but we’re located 50 miles inland, so we had to create it. Houstonians take what we have in front of us, and we transform it so that we can move ahead. Everything about Houston is about looking forward. We attract people with that same attitude.” While the mayor is focused on the future, she is also focused on preserving Houston’s rich
heritage. In the coming years, preservation will continue to be a challenge as Houston is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, currently ranked fourth. “We’re number four but Chicago is losing population, and we’re gaining population,” said Mayor Parker who predicts that Houston is going to be number three by the next census making the City – and her responsibilities as mayor – even bigger. According to Mayor Parker, losing her anonymity is perhaps the only downside to being CEO of the nation’s fourth largest city. “It’s hard to throw on a baseball cap and go to the grocery store or go antiquing now.” But, this Houston trail blazer wouldn’t change the life she’s chosen and the role she loves. Her advice to young women is simple: do what you love. “I love getting up and going to work every day, and I work seven a days a week. Houston and its people are worth it!”
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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$
If… F
or many years, we have written about “greed and fear” and how they affect investors. We have used greed to sell and fear to buy. This is still a hard concept to master because fear occurs during panic and stress. This results in investors freezing like deer caught in headlights. Currently, we find ourselves in such a situation. Short on good news and long on problems. Perhaps Rudyard Kipling said it best with his poem “If.” We all can learn to better master our emotions and become better investors. IF you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools: If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’ If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, ‘ Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch, if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And - which is more - you’ll be a Man, my son! We’ve been there before. We’ve seen crisis and we’ve recovered from it. This isn’t our first rodeo, but this is when wealth can be made. Let us help you master your investing emotions. We encourage you to call us at 713-853-0869 or visit us online at www.HardeeInvestmentGroup.com for articles referencing fear and greed or to learn more about how we can help you. This article is provided by H. H. “Will” Hardee, a financial advisor at RBC Wealth Management’s Houston Center office, and was prepared by or in cooperation with RBC Wealth Management. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security. RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organization or publication. Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance. RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/ FINRA/SIPC.
Of the Elderly Living in Poverty, 75% are Women and 80% of Those Women Were Not Poor When their Husbands Were Alive Proper planning can help prevent unwanted results. Don’t become a casualty of procrastination. It is never too late to begin getting your finances in order. We can help. Give us a call.
Hardee Investment Group (713) 853-0869 • (800) 838-0757 www.hardeeinvestmentgroup.com Source: Rich Women, Kim Kiyosaki © 2011 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.
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Hardee Investment Group
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health & wellness I
By Kimberly Cress, M.D.
Tips on Taking the Stress out of the
Holiday Hustle
T
he hustle and bustle of the holidays means many things to many people - enjoying family gatherings, attending holiday functions, and shopping for that perfect gift for your loved ones. Unfortunately, for many, the holidays can also mean a more stressful time in our lives. How do you deal with holiday stress? Are you bringing stress upon yourself trying to find the perfect gifts for your family or trying to make it to every holiday gathering? Managing expectations during the holidays is key to helping reduce your stress during this hectic and joyous time of the year. Here are a few tips to help you manage the holiday madness and the stress that can come along to make your holidays less than jolly.
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An important aspect of relieving holiday stress is to set a realistic budget.
Try a new approach. Why not take a different path this year? Have your family sit down together and ask each member to write a Christmas wish list of what they would like. Include everyone – kids and parents. This provides a great opportunity for a family discussion about wants and needs, and helps set expectations. How often have you had buyer’s remorse? Have there been times when you really wanted something only to discover two days later that the urge had passed? Take the time to discuss and think about what you really need and what you would really like to see under the Christmas tree. This will give you important insight and help eliminate those stressful feelings of trying to find that perfect gift.
Prioritize your list. Now that you’ve discussed what’s important to you and your loved ones, create a list prioritizing what’s most important. This process provides an opportunity to reflect on what is really important. Perhaps your family’s wish list will not only include items that can be purchased at a store, but some quality time with one another. As our lives continue to become more hectic, we seem to have less time to spend together. We tend to divide and conquer when it comes to familial responsibilities. You take Jackson to football practice while I go to Kate’s soccer game. Creating a list may help you realize that not all gifts need to purchased – some can be given in quality time spent together creating the ultimate gift: family memories that last a lifetime. Create a budget. An important aspect of relieving holiday stress is to set a realistic budget. With your list completed, create a budget that provides clarity to what can be purchased this holiday season. Money is one of the key stressors in life especially in this economy and during the holiday season. Keep in mind the most joyful of gifts that come from the heart cost nothing at all, and what a great way to stay within budget. Create realistic expectations. What is your definition of the perfect Christmas? Is it the house decorated, wrapped gifts under the tree and Christmas dinner on the table? Sounds like a Martha Stewart perfect Christmas. But, most of us are not Martha Stewart. You are you, and Christmas needs to reflect who you are and what Christmas means to you. Accepting a less-thanMartha-like Christmas can be just as wonderful. Focus on the family and how Christmas is viewed through the eyes of the family. The difference will be the time to relax and enjoy fellowship with family and friends. Creating a Christmas list is key to helping you minimize your stress this season – a list that is filled with joy and happiness that can be shared with each member of the family. Focus on what is important during the holiday season by giving the gifts from the heart, and sit back and watch the stress melt away. What is on your Christmas list this season?
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Residential & Commercial Design
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l October / November 2011
Pearls of Wisdom
By Afreen Pappa, MD
Can You Prevent Breast Cancer?
E
very year since 1985, the month of October has been awash in pink ribbons for National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Unfortunately, every year the statistics remain the same: 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. If you are female and have seven female co-workers, seven female friends or seven female relatives, statistically, one of you will get breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns focus on educating women about early detection of breast cancer by encouraging self-breast examination, annual exams with their physician and regular screening mammograms. However, these tools are designed only for early detection and not prevention of breast cancer.
How can you and I take actionable steps to reduce our risk of ever developing breast cancer? Findings from the Women’s Health Initiative Study confirm earlier evidence that healthy lifestyle choices can sometimes trump genes and environment when it comes to breast cancer. These include: 1. Engaging in at least 20 minutes of moderate
to vigorous exercise five days a week to maintain a normal weight and balance hormones. 2. Limiting alcohol consumption to seven glasses a week. Excess alcohol consumption reduces the liver’s ability to remove estrogen and other toxins from the body. 3. Maintaining a normal BMI between 18.5 to 24.9. Overweight women have a greater risk of developing breast cancer after menopause most likely due to the higher estrogen load in the body.
What else can you do to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer? 1. Reduce the estrogen load on the body by avoiding synthetic hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills, xeno-estrogens (chemicals that act as estrogen imposters), hormone fed meat and progesterone: estrogen imbalance that often occurs in premenopausal women. 2. Eat a diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like the Mediterranean diet, avoiding corn, soybean and vegetable oils that have been known to promote the development of tumors. 3. Maintain optimal vitamin D levels in the body. 4. Eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables like
broccoli and cauliflower that are rich in anticancer nutrients. 5. Engage in stress reducing activities such as meditation and yoga. 6. Limit alcohol consumption to less than 7 drinks per week. 7. Use “green” household cleaning products to reduce your risk of exposure to xeno-estrogens. 8. Take pharmaceutical grade supplements including a multi-vitamin, fish oil and antioxidants daily to give your body the tools for maintenance and repair. These achievable lifestyle modifications can go a long way to lessen your chances of becoming that 1 in 8. In the future, I hope to see a greater emphasis placed on the prevention of breast cancer through awareness campaigns and that all of us will be able to rejoice in the fact that we may never know anyone who is diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Afreen Pappa is a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. She was named one of Houston’s Top Docs 2009 by H Texas Magazine.
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feature
By Linda K. Eaves I Photos by Alisa Murray Photography
Celebrating Ten Years of LIFE:
Cancer-Free Joan Rosenthal with her children Masha, Jackie and Victor.
P
eople who suffer a loss or experience a major illness often develop empathy and reach out to other people in their time of need. This was the case with friends Joan Rosenthal and Alisa Murray. Alisa Murray and Joan Rosenthal met when their daughters became friends at oneand-a-half years old. Later, Joan was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in November, 2001. Before Joan went through chemo, Alisa took several photographs of her and made a beautiful video of the photographs set to music. “It was really wonderful, and it meant a lot to me,” said Joan. “Alisa’s mom had passed away when she was young, and she really didn’t have a lot of pictures of her mom. She wanted my daughter, Jackie, to have pictures of me in case anything happened.” “Joan is a remarkable mother and a great friend,” said Alisa Murray, portrait artist. “She inspired me to create the Hope and Inspiration - Surviving Mothers of Breast Cancer Calendar currently celebrating its tenth year. The project has assisted numerous organizations and has provided hope to so many going through the disease. Joan is a blessing and an inspiration.”
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I just had to look ahead and know that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Strive forward. Don’t look back. Get your crying over with in one day and then, go forward.” ~ Joan Rosenthal
The Rosenthal family on vacation: Masha, Joan, Jackie, Victor and David.
Battling the Beast Joan had been going to the doctor every year for her mammogram. Her sister had breast cancer a few years previously. Both were tested for BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations. Neither she nor Joan is a carrier. Joan was breastfeeding her daughter when she first felt something wasn’t right. A month later when her daughter was weaned, she had a mammogram – everything was fine. The following year when she had her mammogram, there was a small change. The doctor ordered a biopsy because of her family history of breast cancer. She was diagnosed with ductile carcinoma and had chemotherapy, radiation, and a mastectomy with reconstruction as part of her treatment plan. Looking back, the doctors and nurses said she probably had the cancer when she was pregnant. Because it looked like fibrocystic tissue, the cancer was hard to diagnose. “My daughter Jackie was three-and-ahalf at the time. I wanted to do everything possible to save my life. I had a very fastgrowing tumor. I was HER2/neu-positive which means it’s more aggressive. I entered
into a study and was given the drug Herceptin which involved having IV treatments every three weeks for a year. The study found that Herceptin prevented reoccurrences, but not everyone can take the drug.”
Reaching Out to Others “I felt like I was given a second chance at life. I adopted two children because I wanted to give them more or less a second chance at life.” She talked with her husband when she was thinking about adopting; it turned out he was thinking the same thing. Their adopted children are Masha, 13, from Russia and Victor, 12, from Ukraine. “Giving two kids a second chance at life just makes me feel good.” “My husband was so supportive. It’s unbelievable. He was always there for me, always arranging for childcare, being there for Jackie. I know he was scared, but he never showed it. He wanted the adoptions, too. We both were thinking about it and both came to each other and talked about it. David said, ‘I was thinking the same thing.’” When she was going through the adoption process, Joan was required to have a notary witness her doctor sign a letter stating she
had the same chance of survival as any other person. In Joan’s case, her doctor felt she had the same life expectancy as anyone else because of the treatment and surgeries she underwent, because she took Herceptin to prevent reoccurrences, and the fact that she doesn’t have the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations. Joan and Jackie walked in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure; Jackie had Joan’s name on her back. “It was my birthday. I was going through treatment, and I didn’t have any hair. My husband asked me what I wanted to do, so we went to Austin for the walk.”
Jackie Copes with Mom’s Illness “My daughter was 3-1/2 years old when I was diagnosed. She went through a lot. She was scared that something was going to happen to me. She was shifted from house to house when different people watched her. She’s a very strong little girl because of this, and she has a lot of empathy for people,” said Joan.
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Joan and Jackie in 2003.
“When I lost my hair, I didn’t want to scare her, so I put a wig on. She looked at me and said, ‘Mom, take that silly looking thing off. I like you better without it.’ It meant a lot to me because it made me feel she wasn’t scared of what I looked like. She was going through everything with me, and she wanted me just to be me. Being bald didn’t matter to her. She would massage my feet and my back and rub lotion in my bald head.” “I felt like she gave me strength. I really had to be strong for her. And I had to get through this – no matter what – I had to get through it . . . because she was so young.” When Jackie was a little older, she and her friend donated the money raised with their lemonade stand to Susan G. Komen. Recently, Jackie donated ten percent of the monetary gifts from her Bat Mitzvah to Susan G. Komen in Joan’s honor.
A Positive Outlook Joan doesn’t sweat the small stuff anymore. “The things that really upset me and aggravated me don’t anymore. You have to put everything in perspective. Life is too short. I really didn’t think I was going to live because it was an aggressive cancer,
A
s Joan celebrates her ten-year anniversary of cancer-free living, friend and portrait artist Alisa Murray celebrates the opportunity to give a lasting gift that inspires others and offers a way to make a difference in the lives of women. The Hope and Inspiration Anniversary Collection showcases Alisa’s work with breast cancer survivors over the years. Each of them is at different points in their experience with cancer. The collection’s proceeds will benefit Memorial Hermann Cancer Center in Sugar Land, and the collection will become a permanent gift to the hospital. Details of the installation will be on Alisa’s website at www. alisamurray.com and blog at www.theartistvoice.com. A copy of the collection may be preordered through the website as well. In 2010, Alisa Murray’s Hope and Inspiration Calendar was featured nationally on the Today show. This past year, the American Cancer Association adopted the project as a fundraiser and a method of raising awareness of breast cancer. Joan Rosenthal – now with a son and daughter added to her family – was featured in the 2011 calendar as a special way to emphasize that life does go on.
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Masha, Joan, Jackie and Victor.
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and I couldn’t take the Tamoxifen. I feel like getting into the Herceptin study really helped me.” “I just had to look ahead and know that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Strive forward. Don’t look back. Get your crying over with in one day and then, go forward.” “Have a positive attitude,” Joan said. “I went out and bought new clothes, hats, wore bright colors. Whenever I went to the hospital, everybody told me how nice I looked. It brought my spirit up and made me feel good about myself. I might have had a drain hanging or no hair, but just having the new clothes and good outlook and staying positive really helped me.” “I love comedy and my husband would rent funny movies for me. Laughing and keeping your spirits up, I think, really helps. Try to have a positive outlook on things – I’m going to get better; I’m going to get through this.” Today, Joan is cancer-free. “This is a big deal for me because it’s been ten years. I have three children. I feel like I’m way past the cancer. It doesn’t rule my life like it did at first. It’s a big deal for me to be on the cover of Fort Bend Focus, share my story and celebrate my life.”
l October / November 2011
Pearls of Wisdom
By Keron Weathered
The Reason to Hire a Designer for Christmas Decorating
C
lients who have elegant and traditional looks in the home usually have the standard green and red colors for Christmas. Designers like to go a little different in order to give a unique look to the space. Some of the things that can be done in order to keep the elegant look can be to use ornaments and garland with pearls, crystals, metallic gold and bronze used on flowers, fruit, birds and animals, as examples. A designer can find sage, terracotta and burgundy colors to change out the typical red and green colors for Christmas. If a client has a more modern and contemporary space with certain colors in their home, market has many different color combinations that can be seen by designers in order to work beautifully in the space. The designer has a particular skill to understand not only the colors, but the
look that the client would prefer and how it would work in the client’s particular space. A designer goes to market at the beginning of the year and chooses all new Christmas ornaments, a new tree with lights or without, garland for staircases, and ribbon for beautiful bows to place over the staircase or on the tree. A new and elegant color scheme is always an exciting time to start fresh again for Christmas decorating. There is always something new at market and along with many choices. A designer wants to choose something different and unique, but still luxurious and very much like Christmas. For instance, the designer working with the more traditional client wants the client to be able to appreciate a more transitional look, which adds a little bit of a modern feel to a more traditional design. For instance, the colors that might be chosen can be
silver, gold, crystal, sage greens, terracotta, burgundy, bronze and cream colors. The metallic colors add a beautiful jewelry look on the tree and garland. The silver adds a more modern feel and pops out from all the gold colors. The sage green gives a softer and neutral feel. The terracotta and bronze add richness to the reds. The cream is a warm look of white which needs to also pop like snow in the winter. Christmas is just another time in which a designer can get the homeowner excited about their home, especially during parties! Have a Merry, Merry and beautiful Christmas! Keron Weathered, President Out of the Box Design, LLC Interior Designer Allied Member ASID
Keron Weathered
DE SIGN
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feature
By Nick Nicholson
An Interview with Houston Filmmaker
Larry Wade Carrell
L
arry Wade Carrell is a believer in the power of movies. For years as a kid, Carrell often sought out the sanctity of a good movie theater to provide him a sense of escape from the real world.
In a sense, you could say that Larry fell in love with movies. “Movies have the power to control the emotions of the audience. At the same time, films can also have a profound effect on peoples lives,” Carrell commented. “That is a responsibility I as a film maker take very seriously.” This really is a good thing since Carrell is the writer, director and star of Jacob, the most recent independent film to come out of Houston.
Travis Hester and Dustin Lane in Jacob.
Grace Powell as Sissy in Jacob.
Photos by Stacy Davidson, courtesy of Odyssee Pictures.
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Jacob is the brainchild of Carrell, yet the story came to life on the big screen through the collaboration of he and his business partner, Stacy Davidson, who together run Odyssee Pictures in Houston, Texas. Davidson worked as the cinematographer on Jacob, but both Carrell and Stacy wore many hats throughout the production process. The two friends work very well together and clearly represent
Filmed entirely on location in Houston, Carrell provides an interesting glimpse into the mind of a pure schizophrenic.
“Jacob is based on some true events that took place in Arizona years ago,” the director commented.
some of the cream of the crop of the filmmakers in Southern Texas. Their production company has been working around the clock putting the finishing touches on their cinematic gem that is sure to capture the hearts and minds of those who watch the film. Jacob is the story of Lawrence Kell (Michael Biehn), a true family man. He works the best he can to create the best situation possible with his meager salary for his pregnant wife, Edith (Krystn Caldwell), and son, Jacob (Dylan Horne). When Lawrence discovers he has inherited a house, his excitement turns into something completely different as he works to fix the place up and turn it into the house of his dreams. Unfortunately, there are other forces at work and as the suspense mounts, so too does the stress on Lawrence. A situation gets out of hand at the Rusty Nail, the local saloon, and Edith finds herself with Jacob and an unborn baby, alone, and wondering what to do and where to go next. We jump ahead a handful of years to discover Edith has had a witty and charming daughter, Sissy (Grace Powell), who plays the perfect sidekick to her son, the lonely and disturbed Jacob. He loves his sister more than anything and she, as the younger sibling, is often the defacto parent to Jacob - praising him when he is
Jacob on the Road in Jacob.
good and scolding him when warranted. Since the death of her husband, Edith has become attached to Otis (Larry Wade Carrell), an unbelievably crude and abusive individual that doesn’t care much for kids, let alone the two he has living with him in the house. When Sissy is tragically murdered by Otis, Jacob loses the last remnant he had to reality and goes on a maniacal killing spree, exorcising his vengeance on anyone and anything that gets in his way. Filmed entirely on location in Houston, Carrell provides an interesting glimpse into the mind of a pure schizophrenic. “Jacob is based on some true events that took place in Arizona years ago,” the director commented. “Those that take the time to watch the film may recognize some aspects of the story. Heck, there’s even a haunted house that focuses on the true premise of the violence that surrounds this story,” Carrell stated. What really helps give this film lift is the supporting cast. Young Houstonian and budding star Grace Powell is powerful and steals every scene she is in, along with the hearts of every viewer. When asked about casting, Carrell had a great deal to say. “We were down right lucky to have found both Dylan and Grace. Their chemistry is unquestionable, and they are both so talented. Without a doubt, they really add to the film. When you consider the addition of Krystn Caldwell as their
mother, the performances from that trio are beyond perfect.” No film is complete with a true master behind the camera. With Stacy Davidson behind the lens, the film is just beautiful to watch. Jacob isn’t a mindless slasher film at all, quite the contrary. In the vein of the classic film Of Mice and Men, Jacob is a tale from the heart that tells the story of the unrequited love of a brother and a sister. The film tugs at your heartstrings and dares you to not feel emotion. Powerfully gripping from beginning to end, Jacob is arguably the strongest independent film to ever come out of Texas. Originality is genius at its origin. When you combine the talents of very capable individuals, you have incredible opportunities before you. Whether you take advantage of those opportunities is your choice. Larry Wade Carrell and Stacy Davidson have clearly bridled that opportunity, and now, they have Jacob coming out for audiences to enjoy. Their second feature, Star Brigade, is in pre-production and will most likely come out in the summer. With their talents in hand and opportunities on the horizon, Odyssee Pictures has broken out of the mundane ‘been there, done that’ style of filmmaking. Carrell and Davidson are visionaries, and we are proud to have both of their talents working together in Houston.
Old Billy in Jacob.
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insights & issues I
By Jacquie Baly Chaumette, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Sugar Land
WomenPolitics in
T
oday, people often say that whatever a man can do, a woman can do as well. This reflects a growing recognition that women should have equal opportunity to showcase their talents in every corner of society. Yet, despite the increased prevalence of this view, the facts in society indicate a reluctance to accept women in politics. Today, women are under-represented at all levels of politics. Few women are presidents, senators, or council members, or other political posts. That said, we are now seeing an increase in the number of women entering the political field, and we should ask why. The rise of Sarah Palin exemplifies this new politician, as she leveraged her discussions of “mama grizzlies” into a national platform from which she could endorse many other women poli-
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ticians. She has positioned herself as the leader of a female conservative voting block which previously did not have as strong a spokesperson. Just contrast her impact with the approach and impact of Phyllis Schafly, a conservative woman who stood against the Equal Rights Amendment movement in the 1970s. Schafly, while very political, was never elected to any governmental position. More recently, Palin famously suggested that the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is lipstick — and we loved it. But despite the hoopla surrounding Sarah Palin’s historical political ascendance and that of Condoleezza Rice, Michele Bachman and others, why does the United States rank only 69th in the world in percentage of women holding political positions? Since 1980, American women have voted in larger numbers than men. In fact, the
l October / November 2011
gap became a remarkable nine million in the 2004 presidential race. In contrast, nearly a century after universal suffrage, women in the United States have yet to hold the highest office in politics. Currently, they make up only a small percentage of governors, senators and representatives. With women comprising over half of the population in America and the evident impact that they had on the 2008 presidential election, why is this? Even taking into account the presence of Sarah Palin, and now Michele Bachman, women have achieved a surprisingly low amount of seats. Our generation is accommodating more women in politics across the world – but even more significantly in the developed world. We have transitioned from a world where Indira Ghandi and Margaret Thatcher were anomalies to one where women have more seats at the tables of power than ever. The developed world in particular has systems that encourage and educate women to value civic engagement and helps them to see themselves as empowered leaders in politics and public policy. These systems are an outgrowth of the recognition discussed above. Studies conducted in the United States indicate that the public has more interest in women leaders. For instance, in a 2008 study, it was found that the public would like to see more women in politics and public policy. But then there are the facts: the number of women in actual political positions is lower than what would be expected, given these studies and other survey data. So, return to the question of why? Is it something as simple as women still bear the greater share of familial obligations and therefore are unwilling to assume the greater roles required by political office? Or, is it something related to the difference between generic female candidates and specific candidates actually running for office? Or, could it be some other reason undisclosed or misunderstood? These are the types of questions we will explore here in this column because understanding these questions – and their answers – is a method for understanding us both as women and as a society.
Pearls of Wisdom
By Tracie Swonke
Now Style is a Little Sweeter in Sugar Land
R
emember when walking into a boutique and being greeted with a warm hello as the sales person stepped out from behind the desk and offered her assistance? Well, that is what you will discover at Anything Bling Boutique. Tracie Swonke, owner of Anything Bling Boutique, expects and accepts nothing less from her personally selected sales staff. New to the area, Anything Bling Boutique is located in 4,400 square feet in Sugar Land Town Center (formerly occupied by Sharper Image). It has been transformed into a chic boutique adorned with black crystal chandeliers and fun zebra striped accents, and is full of fashion must haves. The buying team, Tracie, and her sister, Cherissa, shop coast to coast bi-monthly to make sure the boutique has something for everyone. They pride themselves on searching each market to find the latest fashion at the best possible price.
“We love a bargain but would never put quality in the store that we would not wear ourselves,” says Tracie. While at market, the pair keep an eye out for fashion that retails under $100, and maintain that guideline 95% of the time. Their buying philosophy also includes never buying more than six items per store, and they rarely reorder to insure that customers are not going to see themselves all over town. So what’s in store for fall at Anything Bling? This season, it’s all about suede and sequins, and the fall color palette is brown, cocoa, rust and copper. As always, black and grey have their presence in fashion, and we girls love our black! Also trending is a lot of Indian inspired accessories including fringe, feathers and turquoise on jewelry, belts and handbags, which when brought together, make for a really great fall collection – think chic Pocahontas.
This season, anything goes in the denim category, wide leg to pencil straight and low rise to high waisted. The key is to wear the jean that looks good on your body type. And, if you’re not sure, the staff at Anything Bling is there to help you. Regardless of the occasion that you are shopping for, the knowledgeable sales staff will assist you in finding the perfect look. When you leave Anything Bling, we want you to feel like you will be the cutest girl at the party! That is our fashion mission at Anything Bling. Come check us out for yourself at 16165 City Walk. We know that you will be pleasantly surprised at our selection, service and prices.
Tracie Swonke Anything Bling Boutique
NOW OPEN IN SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE!
Cocktail to Casual for ages 16 to 60
Holiday Dresses for all Occasions
Gift Items Fashion Consultants
281-240-0752
www.anything-bling.com 16165 City Walk, Sugar Land Town Square October / November 2011 l
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style
l
By Stevie Benoit
Style Scoop:
Fall Beauty Trends Fall into Fall in style with these cool beauty tips.
Bright Lips From ruby to crimson to geranium, red lips of all shades are everywhere this fall! And, there is a shade of red for every skin tone.
tip:
Exfoliate the lips with a toothbrush, add a dab of Chapstick for smooth application, and then apply a matte red for a super chic lip. Lightly line the lips, filling in the lip line slightly rather than totally lining. I especially love MAC red in Ruby Woo and MAC lip liner in burgundy.
Winged Eyeliner & Lashes Try this look for an instant update in your make-up repertoire.
Smokey Metallic Eyes This hot make-up look got a makeover this season by adding some shimmer.
tip:
36
Try adding, silver, platinum or golden tones to your smokey eye. You can pair these precious metal tones with navy, plum and grey to give your eyes an instant update.
focus on women
l October / November 2011
tip: Start with a soft black pencil and line the eye starting at the middle of the eye on the lash line. Smudge the line with your finger and top with a liquid liner. Start the line mid eye and closely trace your lash line. As you get to the outer corner, straighten the line extending it slightly. Top off with false lashes or two coats of mascara. Super Sophisticated!
October / November 2011 l
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style
l
By Stevie Benoit
Style Scoop:
Fall Beauty Trends Bouncy Blow Outs Full, voluminous, shiny hair is always beautiful! Many fall runway shows feature these looks.
tip: Create bouncy blow outs at home by using a volumizing rootlifting spray like Bumble and bumble thickening spray and blow-dry with a round brush. Then, roll the hair on Velcro rollers. Allow the hair to set for 10 minutes. Finish with Luminizing Morrocan Oil Hair Spray and voila... hair that would make Charlie’s Angels turn their heads!
Pixie Cuts Short hair is everywhere! The pixie haircut can be easily adapted to your facial shape and hair texture.
tip: The trick to short hair is maintaining
softness and sometimes length in the perimeter to keep it feminine. Find a stylist who is highly trained in razor techniques and all forms of texturizing with scissors.
Ponytails Ponytails, ponytails - how many ways can there be to wear a pony tail? High or low, sleek or loose, there are many ways to make your pony your own. Make a pony out of a loose braid and deconstruct it. Or, add a dollop of shine to some pomade and make a sleek, tight pony tail. Whatever option you choose, you can even personalize your look by changing up your elastic to one with ornamentation, a thick barrette or wrapping it with hair. Viva la Ponytail!
Ombre Hair Ombre hair is still a very HOT fashion trend. This refers to hair that has a graduation in color from dark to light. The look has softened up a bit this season, evolving into a more organic version. Think of a little girl with hair that was lightened all summer and has grown out a bit. This look is achieved by root shading and subtle balayage highlights. Bellissimo!
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Achieve the
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chick icks DVD Release
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anaging Menopause Naturally is a comprehensive, feature length program with a proactive, alternative take on the midlife years of women. The program explores and details both the physical and psychological symptoms women experience as they approach this amazing transition in life. Every woman goes through menopause, but not two women have the same experience. The options differ for everyone as do the choices for how those symptoms are dealt with as well. This unique documentary focus on holistic alternatives in addition to the established medical treatments that women might choose. Everything from peri and pre menopause to post menopausal outcomes are examined, symptoms and therapies are identiďŹ ed and other quality of life options are outlined.
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focus on women
l October / November 2011
By Nick Nicholson
Find Your Holiday Style! • Hair • Nails • Skin Care
• Massage • Full Body Hair Removal
• Body Treatments • Specializing in Color Correction
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Sienna Plantation Homes
Beautiful 2-Story Home Situated on Quiet Cul-de-sac Lot features Wood & Tile Floors; Granite Counters; Stainless Appliances; Dual Gas Log F/P in Living & Family Room; Bright Morning Area; 1st Floor Master Suite w/ Sitting Area + Master Bathroom w/Double Vanities; 1st Floor Guest Quarters w/Full Bath; 2nd Floor offers Game Room, Computer Area, 2 Bedrooms & Full Bath. Pool Size Backyard offers Large Covered Patio; 2nd Covered Patio w/Built-in Grill, Sink, & Ceiling Fan; Extensive Landscaping in Front & Back Yards. $525,500.
Beautiful 2-Story Home Situated on Acre Lot w/Mature Trees Galore! Home Features Elegant Curved Stairs w/Wrought Iron Rail; Wood & Tile Floors; Gourmet Island Kitchen w/Granite Counters & Stainless Appliances; 1st Floor Guest/Maid Quarters w/Full Bath; 1st Floor Master Suite plus Luxury Master Bath w/Roman Style Whirlpool Tub & Huge Double Glass Shower; 2nd Floor offers Game Room; Theater Room; Computer Area; 4 Bedrooms. $750,000 or $5000 Fully Furnished Lease.
Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS “Selling Fort Bend’s Finest Homes Since 1985”
281.414.8400 arolsen@cbunited.com | www.ArleneRolsen.com October / November 2011 l
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industry insights
Focus Media Expands Holdings to Include Two New Titles
F
ocus Media, publishers of Fort Bend Focus, Pearland Focus and Focus on Women, is proud to announce the acquisition of two new magazine titles: absolutely! Memorial and absolutely! Katy. The publishing company purchased the two six-year-old absolutely! titles in September of 2011 from founder and publisher Beth Nightingale. “Focus Media is proud to add to our roster of publications these two outstanding community magazines,” said Michael Fredrickson, owner, along with wife Lisa, of Focus Media. “Our mission with our Focus community titles is to provide an informative resource to their respective areas and be essential partners with the community as a whole. We look forward to expanding this mission to the Memorial and Katy areas with the absolutely! magazines.” With an extensive newspaper background, the Fredrickson’s started Fort Bend Focus magazine in 2004, and it quickly became the magazine focusing on people, places and happenings in Fort Bend. In 2009, they expanded with a regional women’s magazine, Focus on Women, and in 2010, they added the Pearland Focus title. All three titles have won awards for their editorial, columns, graphics, online and special events. As part of Focus Media’s commitment to their publishing communities, the Fort Bend and Pearland titles are regionally distributed in their respective communities via complimentary subscriptions and strategic rack distribution in area businesses. The absolutely! Memorial and Katy titles will feature the same complimentary distribution in their target areas insuring a broad and diverse distribution available and easily accessible to the entire community. Both absolutely! titles will have local associate publishers at the helm. For
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absolutely! Memorial, veteran journalist and television host Lara Bell will serve as the associate publisher. A familiar face in the greater Houston area, Lara hosted a weekly magazine show, Wild about Houston, on KTBU-TV Channel 55 for the past fourteen years, and she and her family reside in Memorial. Her emphasis for the magazine will be to continue to tell compelling, fun stories while supporting the community she loves. “My goal is to make absolutely! Memorial magazine the go to neighborhood resource for information, fresh ideas and interesting tidbits,” said Bell. Katy resident Claudia Richter will serve as the associate publisher for absolutely! Katy. Claudia has served as the Editorin-Chief of the magazine for the past five years and brings not only her journalism skills to the publication but also plans to utilize another of her talents: her extensive culinary background. With a degree in culinary arts from Horst Mager Culinary Institute, Claudia plans to “beef” up not only the dining section with expert restaurant reviews, recipes and dining tips, her plans include focusing on area businesses. “Our goal with absolutely! Katy is to continue to be a vital part of our community focusing on our people and events while integrating the many aspects of our business community that make our area not only successful, but a great place to live, work and raise our families,” said Richter. For the remainder of 2011, the absolutely! titles will remain a bi-monthly publication with the completion of the November/December issue. Beginning in January of 2012, both magazines will be published monthly. For more information on Focus Media or any of their magazines, call 281.690.4242.
Pearls of Wisdom
By Shannon Ingram
Beating the Holiday Blues
T
he holidays are considered a time of joy and giving, but they also can be a time of seasonal blues. Unrealistic expectations, loneliness, stress, grief and resentment can all contribute to transitory feelings of depression. The mere changing of the seasons can affect one’s outlook. People with seasonal affective disorder feel low energy from the drop in serotonin levels and limited amount of sunlight during the winter months. Throw expectations into the mix, and the season can become a burden instead of a joy. What can you do to beat the holiday blues? • Ask yourself, “Can I accept that I feel this way?” Don’t push against it. Whatever we focus on expands. Don’t confuse acceptance with approval. We can accept something without approving or liking it. Acceptance is simply a state of not pushing against something. • Share with someone you trust.
Can you remember how many times just talking about how you feel has helped you? Sharing your own darkness can bring you and the other person into the light. • Take action. The holidays are really about presence, not presents. Taking the time to write a special note to someone you’ve lost contact with or serving food at a homeless shelter are both actions that can help boost your mood. • Lower your expectations. What are you expecting during the season? A perfect gourmet holiday dinner? Harmonious family activities? Romantic evenings by the fire? Giving or receiving the perfect gift? How long is your to-do list? Simplify your life. Resolve to stay in the present moment. • Emotionally detach from gifts. Often we attach a person’s affection for us to their reaction to our gift. The message we receive is “If you don’t love my gift, you don’t love me.” Or, we expect a gift of great meaning from someone we love and then feel disappointed if the gift
does not meet our expectations. Releasing emotional strings from giving and receiving gifts frees everyone involved. • Find support for your grief. Hospice organizations provide excellent resources for dealing with grief during the holidays. They offer grief counseling, coaching and support groups to help you experience your feelings. • Love yourself. Sometimes during the holidays we focus too much on loving everyone else but ourselves. Louise Hay says that “love and acceptance of self” is the answer to many things. Can you love and accept yourself right now? Can you do something special to nourish and celebrate you? Look in a mirror, take a deep breath, smile and love the person you see. Shannon Ingram is the author of The Heart Way-A Journey from Corporate to Care, a book about her experience leaving a thriving corporate marketing career to care for her elderly parents. Currently, she is Vice President, Communications for Silverado Senior Living at the company’s home office in Irvine, CA.
Our Hospice Team: • Respect patient and family decision making • Are experts in palliative care • Enhance and retain family unity • Educate in palliative care • Provide bereavement support and counseling
“We recognize the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions in patients AND families.”
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October / November 2011 l
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Announcing the Opening of Oyster Creek Manor
Michelle Bailey, Concierge
Jana Massey,
Director of Wellness
Sandie Baumann,
Food & Beverage Director
Jeni Scarborough,
Community Relations Director
Jane Wagenaar,
Social Activities Director
The furniture is arriving and residents will soon be moving into their new home. We invite you to stop in for a visit and see the fruits of our labor. Oyster Creek Manor is a special place, designed to reflect the essence of what we all know and love about this community. Come discover a warm and gracious culture where vibrant living continues.
3 5 0 5 F M 1 0 9 2 • M I S S O U R I C I T Y, T E X A S 7 7 4 5 9 • O F F : 2 8 1 . 2 6 1 . 1 2 1 7 • W W W. O Y S T E R C R E E K M A N O R . C O M
PATIO COVERS • OUTDOOR KITCHENS • SCREENED PORCHES • DECORATIVE PATIOS • SUNROOMS & MORE
Your New Outdoor Living Room! Make it an Outdoor Event with Family & Friends!
Call today to schedule a free design consultation.
281-265-1994 www.TexasCustomPatios.com Fully Insured | Strong, Written Warranty
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Visit our photo gallery online for hundreds of design ideas! Scan code with your smartphone to launch website.
Pearls of Wisdom
By Teresa Cox Reading, RN
If You Change the Way You Think…
I
f you change the way you think…you will change the way you feel. How many times have you heard of this? Probably many times. Well, it is true. If you are thinking negative thoughts, your self-talk will be one of negativity. Consequently, your negative mood and behavior will most certainly follow. Also, low self-esteem can occur with these penetrating thoughts making life miserable and self-tormenting. However, if you are mindful about your thoughts (because if you are not aware of your thoughts, you have no means of changing them), there can be purposeful change. Most of the time in our busy lives, we are unaware of many things we do everyday, the many things we say all the time, and certainly, the many things we think. We may just stop short of what we feel, but do not realize the extent of where these feelings are coming from. Most people do not just “blow up” after one irritating event. It is most often cumulative and thoughts of
negative emotions from events that happen during the course of the day. There are many ways to become aware of your thoughts that lead to negative emotions. Some mindful things include: 1. Journaling – Just writing short notes on your self talk is helpful to be mindfully aware of the conversation with yourself. Just stop and ask, “What was I just telling myself?” 2. Exercise – By exercising just 30 minutes per day, you can increase frustration tolerance and boost your mood, thus having more positive thoughts, positive self-talk and just feeling better. 3. Share – Visit with a friend or family member that you enjoy. Your self-talk will be more memorable and more nurturing. 4. Be Aware – Realize and be mindful when you feel resentful or irritated with a person or circumstance. They may bring out the negative self talk that is deeper than you can connect with easily. 5. Know Yourself – Ask yourself if your self-talk is your own, or are you listening
William H. Reading, MD BOARD CERTIFIED* BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROLOGY
William H. Reading, MD
Teresa Cox Reading, RN
Visit our website and video at
www.DrReading.com
Call: 281-494-4471
12603 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 510 Stafford, Texas, 77477 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 12 noon - 10 pm
to the voice of another in your head that is reverberating? Is it your spouse’s voice or your parent’s voice that you are listening to? Be mindful of things you are trying to overcome in your life. 6. Therapy – Give yourself the gift of therapy. If it is too much to manage on your own, realize this and get help. You may also benefit from medication and psychotherapy. 7. FINALLY, be your own best friend! You would not criticize your best friend so easily as you would yourself, would you? Give yourself a break. Give yourself a vacation. Give yourself choices and even presents. Be mindful about your living. This can translate to mindful thinking, mindful eating, mindful shopping, anything that needs your attention...mindfully. 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
Our TMS MACHINE Is In! New Patients being accepted starting January 2012 for TMS Therapy for Depression.
October / November 2011 l
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Hair Services • Seamless Extensions • Keratin Complex • Massage
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Heard Through the Grapevine
The Highest Level of Satisfaction and Indulgence
Dear Focus Magazine, Thank you for the Schlitterbahn Galveston tickets in your Facebook promotion. We went yesterday and fully enjoyed the day. Thanks again for your wonderful magazine. Thanks again, Lori Sowa
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Skin care packed with multiple benefits. Special offers you don’t want to miss. Free samples so you can try before you buy. Free makeovers and expert tips. Shop at your convenience with my personal delivery. No crowds. No parking hassles. No drain on your gas tank. What better way to get all your skin care and makeup! Contact me today! Stefany Feeney Owens - 281-381-2353 Independent Sales Director Mary Kay® Personal Beauty Consultant www.marykay.com/stefanyfeeney
Denise wrote on our Facebook The giveaways are great and a great way to end a hectic work week. Love it and I love the Focus on Women Magazine and the great things you all do. Rowena wrote on our Facebook Love love love Focus On Women! A great guide to my everyday busy life. Suzette wrote on our Facebook Love this magazine and great articles! Women are the best in Fort Bend County!! :)
Find us on Facebook and give us your thoughts! facebook.com/FocusOnWomen For questions and comments, please e-mail: editor@FOWmag.com
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Pearls of Wisdom
By Sandra Templeton, M.D.
Beyond Breast Cancer Survival
T
hanks to earlier detection, improved treatments, and supportive care of family and friends, there are now more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. In fact, we have begun to think of breast cancer survival as a chronic disease similar to diabetes or high blood pressure. Cancer survivors have a complex set of concerns including physical and emotional issues. The physical effects from the cancer or the treatment received can manifest as fatigue, appetite changes, chronic pain, radiation changes, osteoporosis, or chronic arm swelling. Most of the physical problems improve with time or can be treated to alleviate some or all of the symptoms. Emotional issues typically tend to manifest as depression or anxiety. Depression can impact 20-40% of women with breast cancer either during or after their treatment. It is important to know these feelings will not
always be there and they often improve with time and treatment. One important way to deal with the anxiety from a cancer diagnosis and treatment is to find a support group. This can either be a structured group through organizations like the American Cancer Society or an informal network of family and friends. One survivor said with the strong support from family, friends and a faith in God, she was able to put breast cancer in her past. “Breast cancer no longer defines who she is, but it has made her much more aware of the joys of daily living and reaching out to others instead of looking at her own interests.� Many ask, what’s next? Mammograms are important for cancer surveillance if a lumpectomy was done, or in the breast without cancer. The first mammogram should be done 6 months after radiation, and then yearly afterwards. If the cancer was treated
with a mastectomy with or without reconstruction, yearly mammograms are not necessary. Initially, you should see your doctor 3-4 times per year the first few years. After 3 years, you graduate to every 6 month visits, and at 5 years, you only need yearly visits. This is because as more time passes from the original cancer, it is less likely to return. I am privileged to have patients entrust me with their medical care and allow me to be an integral part of their healthcare journey from diagnosis to survivorship. I look forward to accompanying you through the journey of your cancer from diagnosis and treatment and into survivorship.
October / November 2011 l
Sandra Templeton, M.D. www.templetonbreastcare.com 281-494-3000
www.FOWmag.com
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entertaining
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Photos by Nesossi Studios
Lauren Virkus and Scooter Goff.
Farmers Market at Imperial Presents Great-Tasting Foods, Gift Items, Chef Cooking Demos and More
F
resh-from-the-field produce, oneof-a-kind shopping finds, culinary demonstrations from local chefs, live music, children’s activities and more are all in store at the Farmers Market at Imperial. Located under a massive, covered pavilion at Highway 90 and Ulrich Street in front of the Imperial Sugar silos and historic Char House, the all-new Farmers Market at Imperial will be held rain-or-shine Saturdays from 9 am – 1 pm, October 1 through December 10. Presented by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the ten-week event is certified as an official Farmers Market by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Vendors include Froberg Farms, growing fruits and vegetables in Alvin since 1936; Pavlock Farms with its rich, Fort Bend County heritage of family farming and fresh produce and pecans from Fort Bend County native and farmer Tim Schumann; and Secret Garden with its selection of Oriental vegetables, grown and cultivated in Richmond. Epps Family Planters will present its heritage pork and all-natural produce and blackberries; Proverbs Farm & Dairy of Alvin will have its unique line of soaps and fresh cheeses; and Texas
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Olive Ranch will present its 100-percent pure Texas-flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegar. Shoppers will have the opportunity to select from Italian specialty foods made from the century-old recipes of the Marchese Sausage Company of Houston; all-natural, locally raised products from Georgia’s GrassFed Beef; wheatgrass and fresh sprouts from Grass on the Go; gourmet coffee, gelato bars and smoothie bars from Grizzaffi Coffee; luscious, gourmet cakes and pies from JS Desserts, jarred sauces for every taste from Momma Nats Slammin Sauce; and gourmet spice blends, seasonings and snacks from Lady Savory Spices. Angela’s Oven will showcase its artisan breads, pastries and cakes while the motherand-daughter team from Pampered Sisters will present its hand-poured candles and homemade soaps and baths. Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Stop by the John Henry Products booth for its unique spices, rubs and sauces. Check out the vegan-baked goods from Sinfull Bakery or pick up some organic dog treats and cat toys for your four-legged friends from BarkyDogZ.
Cindy and Bruce Wilkins.
Besides great produce, specialty foods and unique gift finds, the all-new Farmers Market at Imperial will host culinary demonstrations as presented by local, award-winning chefs. Chef Andrew Larue with Abuso Catering will present his approach to the finest in fresh cuisine on Saturday, October 8. Chef Frederic Perrier from AURA, renowned for his mastery of French classical and bistro cooking, will appear October 22 while Chef Randy Evans, who relies on the flavors of Texas at his new restaurant, Haven, will appear November 12. Visitors also will enjoy live music sponsored by Meritage Homes, America’s Green Builder, a massive pumpkin patch, children’s activities and appearances by
WOOD FLOORS, CARPET & TILE
the Sugar Land Skeeters, turning this traditional Farmers Market into a festival of food and fun. A select group of artisans and craftsmen also will be featured with gift items for sale just in time for the holiday season. The event also will serve as a fundraising opportunity for the PTA at Sugar Land’s Lakeview Elementary School. Students raise money every Saturday by carrying purchases to shoppers’ cars and assisting local growers and vendors by unloading produce and other items. The school also will use complimentary booth space to sell coupon calendars, Lakeview Vikings t-shirts and tickets for its Fall Carnival. Farmers Market at Imperial is sponsored by Enchanted Nurseries & Landscapes,
two family-owned and operated plant nurseries in Richmond, St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital and Silverstream Southwest & Associates which focuses on the design and supply of kitchen equipment for the restaurant industry. Imperial Sugar Land’s park-like setting, with picnic tables under sprawling oak trees, allows visitors to enjoy their locally grown food purchases while gathering with friends neighbors. Enjoy on-site, read-to-eat items from a variety of vendors including Berryhill, Grande Tamales and Teresitas Café and Keba Hut. Plus, free, on-site parking provides easy access to the market. Stay up to date as new vendors are added by visiting www.ImperialSugarLand.com/ FarmersMarket.
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October / November 2011 l
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style
l
By Brian Benoit for Emmanuel Salon
Juxtaposition …An act or instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.
Beautiful – Industrial Historical – New Raw – Refined
Cream & Gold Sequin Overlay Dress: $70 Gold Dangle Ball & Chain Earrings: $10 Gold Bead Stretch Bracelets: $3 Each Pearl & Tassel Necklace: $18
style
Nude Shorts with Rhinestone Detail: $54 Nude Sequin Tank: $26 Nude Petal & Bead Necklace: $24 Nude Chandelier Earring: $16
October / November 2011 l
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style
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By Brian Benoit for Emmanuel Salon
Pink Ruffle Dress with Black Spangles: $80 Black Ball & Chain Earring: $10 Silver & Black Stone Bracelet: $20
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style
Retro Black & Red Dress: $52 Black Earring: $10 Black Tassel Necklace: $22
style
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By Brian Benoit for Emmanuel Salon
Gold Trim One Shoulder Dress: $74 Black & Gold Earrings: $16
Lime Green Sex & City Dress: $64 Feather Earring: $14 Stone Necklace: $22
Royal Blue One Shoulder Top: $46 Silver Circle Necklace: $16 2� Stud Bracelets: $10 Ring: $10
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style
Black One Shoulder Dress: $118 Black Chandelier Earring: $12 Color Block Bracelets: $18 Each Green Color Block Ring: $10
Hair and Make Up By Emmanuel Salon. Make-Up: Mi Amore Cosemetics. Fashions Available at: Anything Bling Boutique www.Anything-Bling.com October / November 2011 l
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chick flicks I
By Nick Nicholson
Deborah Kara Unger, Joaquim de Almeida, Martin Sheen and James Nesbitt in The Way.
The most magnanimous aspect of this picture is the performance of Martin Sheen. Sympathetic and completely believable, Sheen’s work doesn’t root around seeking the standard audience approval. Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez in The Way.
Martin Sheen as Tom in The Way.
Martin Sheen, Joaquim de Almeida, Deborah Kara Unger and James Nesbitt.
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T
he Way is a powerful and inspirational story about family, friends, and the challenges we face while navigating this ever changing and complicated world. Martin Sheen plays Tom, an irascible American doctor who is so focused on his work he tends to ignore everything else in his life, particularly his son Daniel (Emilio Estevez). Shortly after receiving a phone call from his son during which he was anything but nice, Tom gets the call every parent dreads. He learns of his son’s death, killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Tom makes plans to travel to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of Daniel. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son’s desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn’t plan on is the profound impact the journey will have on him and his “California Bubble Life.” Inexperienced as a trekker, Tom soon discovers that he will not be alone on this journey, and the things that he will learn are many.
e u’r d! o Y ite Inv The most magnanimous aspect of this picture is the performance of Martin Sheen. Sympathetic and completely believable, Sheen’s work doesn’t root around seeking the standard audience approval. As the grieving father, he clearly begins to see the light bulbs come on, recognizing all of the things he missed - or ignored - from his son’s life. Once he realizes Daniel is gone and things begin to come into focus, the genesis of Sheen’s character is palpable. Estevez and his father were clearly on the same page and their work shows it. Deborah Kara Unger provides the balance and perspective that Sheen needs in order to digest his loss, and her performance is excellent as well. The cinematography of the film is simply gorgeous and the sound work is very well done. The Way is a bit on the long side, and if there is a negative to attach to the film, it centers on all of the secondary characters we meet along the trek. It’s as though Sheen is a magnet that must listen to and comment on all of the problems of the world - literally. These situations clearly are in the film to illustrate the personal growth and life-altering changes Tom has gone through, but it could easily be pointed out that enough is enough. This is a film about Tom dealing with the death of his son and how he copes with it. Yet, it seems time and time again, it is about something else entirely unseen. The Way is a good film, but if the soundtrack had included a track of Kumbaya, I would have run out of the theater screaming.
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The Way Starring: Emilio Estevez, Martin Sheen & Deborah Kara Unger Director: Emilio Estevez Company: Icon Entertainment Now Showing: In Local Area Theatres MPAA Rating: PG-13 Grade: B Photos courtesy of Icon Entertainment. October / November 2011 l
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inspiring women MD Anderson Volunteer Nancy Woo: Extending Support and Encouraging Words
Nancy Woo
N
ancy Woo is a breast cancer survivor and volunteer always looking for ways to do more and give a little extra. And, she has much to offer. A long-time resident of First Colony, Nancy is a new volunteer at MD Anderson’s Regional Care Center in Sugar Land, but she has been a Pink Ribbon volunteer at MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Texas Medical Center for more than seven years. Pink Ribbon volunteers are breast cancer survivors who offer peer support to women undergoing treatment. Because she loved volunteering in the
Nellie B. Connolly Breast Center at MD Anderson so much, Nancy asked for additional “duty.” The opportunity to work with patients at the regional care center close to her home was a natural fit. While she still devotes one day a week to the Pink Ribbon volunteers, Nancy now also moves from the waiting area to radiation and the chemotherapy unit of the Sugar Land center visiting with patients and their families. Wearing her powder blue volunteer jacket at Sugar Land – just as she does at MD Anderson in the Texas Medical Center – a Nancy provides support and encouragement to patients who she also calls her neighbors. “I so enjoy volunteering at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land because not only am I serving patients and families who have a great burden, but they are people who live in my community,” said Nancy. “It’s especially great to work with MD Anderson where patients can be confident in the care and support they receive. After my recovery, I knew I wanted to give back to MD Anderson where I had received such great care.” Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. She and her husband, Eugene, were
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raising two young daughters when she felt a lump. With no family history of breast cancer, Nancy said she was “completely caught off guard” with the diagnosis at age 42 years. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment, she also took the drug, Tamoxifen, for many years. Today, Nancy’s oldest daughter is in college and the other in junior high but both are learning the value of volunteering from their mother. “I don’t think patients realize what they give us as volunteers. People focus on what a volunteer gives, but it’s reciprocal,” she said. “I especially enjoy volunteering in the regional care center because I meet patients who are diagnosed with a wide variety of cancers. It doesn’t matter if you have cancer of the breast, colon, prostate, kidneys, ovaries or lungs, cancer is cancer, and survivors who know the fear, anxiety and uncertainty are called to be there for those going through the experience.” Nancy is one of many survivor–volunteers at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land and more than 1,200 volunteers at MD Anderson in the Texas Medical Center.
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By Glenn Smith
The Value of Positive
Affirmations I
have to confess that when I first heard someone speak to me about “affirmations,” I did not take the concept seriously. My mind went back to old TV episodes of Saturday Night Live where they made jokes about this practice. However, I’ve come to realize that positive affirmations can be life-changing! Affirmations can be a powerful too to help you change the beliefs, images, and thought processes that are holding you back from growing and achieving what you want in your life. Everyday we engage in self-talk, often on an unconscious level. This self-talk can be edifying or it can be limiting – possibly even destructive! In other words, if you are not aware of your self-talk, what you are affirming to yourself may not be good or productive. For example, I frequently hear and observe people saying things to themselves like “I’m no good at…” or “I could never do….” Too often, I talk to people who have negative self-talk that is undermining powerful performance! You want to deliberately design and use affirmations that support you in your personal growth, and help you achieve the outcomes that you desire. The use of positive affirmations and visualization on a regular, conscious basis will support your success. Positive affirmations alone do not guarantee success. However, creating positive statements that challenge our limiting or self-defeating messages can be powerful. As we review and rehearse these positive statements consistently, they will become a part of our beliefs and self-talk. They will transform our mindset, our behaviors, and our outcomes. Over time, these new behaviors become habits that lead to greater success.
So to summarize, here is the purpose of affirmations:
1 2 3
To re-train your subconscious mind, To remove your limiting beliefs, and To create new energy, hope, and outcomes.
I’m a skeptic turned believer! I review my affirmations daily, and I continually see positive changes in me and my performance. This is a practice utilized by great athletes, corporate executives, successful sales professionals, growing business owners, and many more people who want to grow and improve their outcomes. Why don’t you give it a try?
Everyday in every way, my successful career brings me fulfillment, joy, prosperity, happiness and love.
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THE IMPERIAL THEATRE SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE
THE CENTER FOR CULTURAL ARTS IN SUGAR LAND October 14— 14—7:30 p.m. October 16— 16—2:00 p.m.
TRIO ORIENS Johnny Chang, Violin; II-Ling Chen, Piano; Olive Chen, Cello
IMPERIAL LIVE! FRIGHT NIGHTS!!! For audition info— info—robyn@theimperial.org
$20 / adults; $10 / students and seniors
October 28 and 29— 29—7:30 p.m. [Auditions— [Auditions—October 13] $10 / General Admission
November 4 and 11 6:00— 6:00—9:00 p.m.
THE IMPERIAL GALLERY Artist Veronica Dyer
SUGAR LAND CHORAL SOCIETY Music of Mozart, Lauridsen, Whitacre, and Mulholland
Free Admission
November 14 and 15— 15—7:30 p.m. THIS WILL SELL OUT $10 / General Admission
TICKETS AND INFO — theimperial.org / 281.277.7444 October / November 2011 l
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Custom Interior & Exterior Painting Residential & Commercial Specialty Textures • Antique Finishes • Stain Work Wood Replacement • Stucco house Painting • Hardie Siding Jobs
with
on
Absolutely Fabulous! A Holiday Affair
Anything Bling Boutique 10.20.2011 • 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Pinktober!
Benefiting Cancer Patient and Business Woman Donna Bradshaw Southern Sister Designs 10.27.2011 • 5:30 – 8 pm
Deck the Halls
ABS I MPROVEMENTS
Over 18 Years in Business in Fort Bend Member of Sugar Land Rotary for 15 years
The Design Source 11.2.2011 • 5:30 – 7 pm Details are on pages 76 & 77. RSVP: 281.690.4242
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focus on women
281.265.3924 www.absimprove.com We Accept All Major Credit Cards • FREE ESTIMATES
l October / November 2011
Owner Mitchell Alison Fort Bend County Resident
chick flicks DVD Release THE CIDER HOUSE RULES Miramax
H
onored with two Academy Awards, The Cider House Rules tells a compelling and heartwarming story about how far a young man must travel to find the place where he truly belongs! Homer Wells (Tobey Macguire) has lived nearly his entire life within the walls of St. Cloud’s Orphanage in rural Maine. Though groomed by its proprietor, Dr. Larch (Michael Caine), to be his successor, Homer nonetheless feels the need to strike out on his own and experience the world outside. Then, while working at an apple orchard, Homer falls for the beautiful Candy (Charlize Theron) and learns some powerfully indelible lessons about life, love, and home! Based on John Irving’s best-selling American classic and featuring a sensational all-star cast including Delroy Lindo and newcomer Erykah Badu, this entertaining motion picture earned raves from critics and moviegoers everywhere!
By Nick Nicholson
Relaxing
Waterfront Living
Located on beautiful Copano Bay, this 6.27 acre property boasts an (approx.) 520 ft. waterfront. The (approx.) 5500 sq. ft. home has 4 bedrooms and 4 baths with an attached garage and a 4000 sq.ft. shop. A must see! By appointment only. $1,950,000. Mr. Jerre Ledbetter, Luce Properties 1819 Broadway, Rockport, Texas 78382 361-729-9161 jerreledbetter@yahoo.com October / November 2011 l
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with
on
Broken 9 Boutique Ultimate Girls’ Night August 25, 2011 • 5:30 - 7 pm Rosenberg, TX Dozens of our Ultimate Girl’s Club members joined us for a night of socializing, shopping and fun at Broken 9 Boutique. Attendees shopped for clothing, accessories and home accents while enjoying margaritas and appetizers. A few lucky ladies left the store with giveaways, courtesy of Broken 9 Boutique and Focus on Women.
Liz Moreno, May Tape & Lisa Arnold. Sammie Weaver, Cathey Holmes, Kim Denton, Betia & Margo Hobson.
Liz Furman & Mary Favre.
Amy Mitchell & Elizabeth Duff.
Jessica & Kristen Kij.
Caitlin Herrera & Lisa Fredrickson.
Debbi Holmes, Pam Roehe, Lenora Moreno & Sherry Fisk.
Wendy Denson & Claire Weatherby.
Rae Taylor & Mandi Bronsell.
Cindy Schmidt, Jill Ludwig & Janice Knight.
Don’t miss out on our next event!
Join Focus on Women’s Ultimate Girls’ Club. Visit www.FOWmag.com.
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Celebrating Bridget Yeung’s birthday in-style, a group of ladies arrived at Broken 9 Boutique in a limo. Pictured are Marcia Holmes, Carolyn Banfield, Lucia Street, Bridget Yeung, Mary Gale Brindley, Darlene Neeley, Ann Smith, Cathey Holmes & Janice Knight.
l October / November 2011
Party in a Pitcher!
Women’s Apparel • Home Decor Baby Clothes & Accessories Doggie Clothes & Accessories Tuesday - Saturday • 10 am - 6 pm
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W2W
I
By Alisa Murray
Woman Woman
The Lost Art of the Hand Written Note C
an you remember the last time you received a hand written note? I remember writing to my grandmothers in college and anticipating their responses, which over the days and sometimes even as long as a week, seemed like forever. Today the internet, facebook and texting has made it virtually impossible to justify the time wasted in sitting down to write anything...especially a note. The response time for a text and facebook wall posts are literally seconds – not days or weeks – and people, let’s be serious: time is money after all! But I ask you, is it time well spent? The ques-
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tion, to be more specific, is should you spend the time writing a personal note to clients and family or should you text them or write on their walls in facebook? And secondly, based on your choice, is it time well spent? I sat down early this year and hand wrote thank you notes to some of my clients. These notes were not a small jotting and a signature, but a thoughtful thank you of sincere appreciation for choosing me to be their portrait artist. Would it have been easier to send out a massive e-mail? You bet! Was my writing these thank you notes wasting precious time,
l October / November 2011
time that could have made more money? I don’t think so. In fact, as I have seen many a client bring in the now worn little notes along with their smiles, I am confirmed that my hand written notes were appreciated and not forgotten. And furthermore, not soon to be forgotten! You see because we live in such a crazy, fast-paced digital time, the vehicle that you use to communicate still does matter. There’s a place for a quick text to confirm a meeting or to let someone know you have finished their project. The tone is rather, well... impersonal. Texting is absolutely forbidden to do the following:
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• Thank someone for something important like flowers sent or a birthday gift. • To ask for the second date or to request a meeting with a new client. • To quit a job! Facebook walls are also a place where there has been many a faux pas, and subjects that should be hand written and directed only to one person get virally passed around leaving only the sender to blame....I mean really. The hand written note, albeit time consuming, has a lot going for it. Privacy being one of the most notable! The time we live in might encourage quick responses and tweets here and there as to our whereabouts (like anyone really cares where we are drinking coffee or getting our nails done except for a burglar!), but nothing beats opening a letter on beautiful stationary and reading (paper, a thing of the past) a thoughtful note or invitation. I have in a box tucked away in a special place love letters that my father wrote to my mother. They were written while they were dating and are on University of North Carolina stationery. I have tucked in that same box a stack of letters from Granny several pages each in length. They talk about the weather and who was sick at the time. They also tell me who to be when I grow up. I have letters from my Nana and letters from my great aunts that are a mix of recipes and hopes that I am doing well. All of those letters in that box are written by people who have all gone to heaven. When I thought about how I wanted to communicate with those that I care about, it became clear that time is never wasted in hand writing notes. People appreciate the fact that you took the time to dedicate to them rather than zapping out an email, text or wall post. And, when I think about the special box, I know that someday others will have of memories that I have made with them. I doubt they’ll have saved a text or a wall post or God forbid, an email! I would hope only my hand written notes would do! Take Care of you!
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Phone: 281-207-1295 | Fax: 281-207-1296 www.alphacounselingservices.com 19901 Southwest Freeway, Suite 114, Sugar Land, TX 77479
October / November 2011 l
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well woman
Flu Season Is Coming Are You Ready?
F
lu is an unpredictable and contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death, especially for people at high risk of serious complications. It is caused by a virus and generally spreads across the U.S. in late fall or winter and tapers off in the spring. “Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses,” says Julie Hung, M.D., board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics and affiliated with the Methodist Family Medicine Group. Everyone six months of age and older should be vaccinated against the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “In addition to getting a flu shot, several basic good health habits can help prevent the spread of flu,” Dr. Hung adds. Those habits include: • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them. • Wash your hands often. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Studies have shown that flu viruses can survive on surfaces such as telephones and doorknobs between two and eight hours. • If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Preventing the flu is not only important, it is relatively easy. Today, flu shots are not only available at most physician’s offices, many pharmacies now provide flu shots. As the adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That’s especially true during flu season.
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Importance of Getting a Flu Shot for Mothers-To-Be “Pregnant women are at a higher risk for serious complications from influenza than non-pregnant women of child-bearing age,” says Nwanyieze Amajoh, M.D., OB/GYN on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more susceptible to severe illness from flu and could potentially lead to premature labor and delivery.” However, the benefits from a flu shot are significant. A flu vaccine not only protects pregnant women and their unborn babies, but it will also protect the babies after birth. Studies show that a seasonal flu shot has been given safely to millions of pregnant women for many years. The shots have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies. If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you visit your OB or primary care physician to have your vaccine administered.
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B
uck, a richly textured and visually stunning film, follows Buck Brannaman from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. A real-life horse-whisperer, he eschews the violence of his upbringing and teaches people to communicate with their horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment. Buck possesses near magical abilities as he dramatically transforms horses - and people - with his understanding, compassion and respect. A truly American story about an unsung hero and one of the most successful documentaries of the year, Buck is about an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary life despite tremendous odds.
By Nick Nicholson
Your Health is OUR Business! Internal Medicine
Kimberly Coonfield, MD
Robert Satterfield, MD
Family Practice
281.342.6006 CARDIOLOGY Carlos Zorrilla, MD Majid Basit, MD FAMILY PRACTICE Khin Aung, MD Vaishnavi Reddy, MD Benita Brown, PA-C Rachel Cieslewicz, PA-C Ed Colon, PA-C GASTROENTEROLOGY Robin Ferguson, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE Kimberly Coonfield, MD Robert Satterfield, MD
NEPHROLOGY Elzbieta Daca, MD OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY Karyn A. Cumberbatch, MD Jeffery Gubbels, MD Greg Keffer, MD Marc Sangalli, MD ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Arthur Chau, MD PODIATRY Michael Krynski, DPM SURGERY Mystan Gurkin, MD
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entertaining I
By Jennifer Babisak
Locally Grown Restaurants F
resh! Local! Sustainable! Such is the rallying cry of the locavore. Whether in the name of environmental responsibility or in hopes of bolstering the local economy, more consumers are making a conscious decision to eat from where they live. For many green-thumbs, that means preparing meals with garden-fresh produce from their own backyards. But, for those of us with an inherent lack of gardening ability, a smorgasbord of Houston restaurants are dishing up fabulous menus full of locally grown food. On a recent restaurant-hopping spree, I visited three Houston restaurants to sample their diversiďŹ ed takes on local fare. All of these restaurants are headed by bold women who are passionate about the community in which they live and the food with which we nourish our bodies. It was my great pleasure to chat with these women as I enjoyed the delicious offerings from their creative menus.
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Photo by Christy Besser.
F
t’afia
irst, my husband and I stop by t’afia, the Midtown restaurant headed by Chef Monica Pope. We enjoy the view from the sundappled patio, its grey wooden benches, modern white light fixtures, and concrete floor creating a monochromatic breath of tranquility. As the sun sets, the spherical light fixtures cast a soft glow on the white tablecloth. To further enhance this relaxed mood, I order the trio of ratafia samplers. These drinks consist of wine and vodka infused with seasonal produce, and they’re riddled with local flavor. Much of the wine comes from Haak, the lovely winery in Santa Fe, Texas (just south of Houston); the vodka is Tito’s Handmade Vodka out of Austin, and the sugar comes from Wholesome Sweeteners out of Sugar Land. My ratafia flight includes a white, rose, and red version of the innovative drink. I enjoy tasting a variety of Monica’s every-changing menus, savoring each carefully-plated dish. I’m slightly apprehensive of the shishito pepper poppers (from Utility Research Garden near Surfside), especially when Monica advises me that approximately one in ten pack a wallop of heat. But, I pop only mild peppers, each leaving a faint trail of heat a few seconds after I swallow it. The cremini with goat cheese melts into my mouth with velvety richness. I’m impressed by the innovative chickpea french fries which are perfectly complemented by a heat-packing red curry yogurt with sesame coriander salt. Thinking of my french fry loving children at home, I decide to make them a version of this protein-packed fry sometime soon. Though I’m a bit intimidated by the prospect, I taste my first lamb cheek, which turns out to be an amazingly tender and flavorful dish. The succulent meat rests on a bed of braised brussels sprouts. For dessert, I try the huckleberry crisp with mascarpone gelato. The gelato is part of Houston-based Trentino Gelato’s chef series (where six Houston chefs help design and lend their names to custom gelato flavors), and Monica created the mascarpone with berries version after a trip to Italy. I marvel at the beauty of the deep purple swirls of huckleberries staining the creamy white canvas of gelato. The two pair just as beautifully in taste – the smooth mascarpone adds velvety tang to the sweettart huckleberries. As I reluctantly savor my last bite of the dessert, I admit that I would lick every last drop from the bowl if I were at home. After chatting with Monica, I better understood why she remains fiercely committed to using local ingredients, even after this droughtridden summer that has wreaked havoc on local farms. Her philosophy is summed up on her menu, which reads, “Here’s how we cook: we start from scratch with the best ingredients, mostly from around here. Animals are treated well, and don’t do drugs.” Monica found her love for cooking as a teenager when her grandmother taught her to create traditional Czech family recipes like makovkah, siski, and rohlicky. Even at that young age, Monica commented, “I am going to open a restaurant and change the way Houston eats.” And, indeed she has, spearheading the movement that encourages Houston to “eat where your food lives.” She encourages families to come together over food, sharing stories along with local food that’s alive in flavor. As Monica so eloquently says, “Food is the language of family, and I like to say stories are the salt!”
t’afia’s Endive, Cremini and Blue Cheese Salad Chef: Monica Pope
Dressing Ingredients: 1 tbls wholegrain mustard 2 tbls minced shallot 2 tsp thyme or summer savoury from the garden, chopped 2 tsp kosher salt ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar ¾ cup grapeseed oil ¼ cup truffle oil, white salt and pepper Salad Ingredients: Yields 4 salads 2 whole endives, Belgian, white or red, cut in half Remove core and slice on bias about ½” thick 8 whole cremini mushrooms, stems removed and quartered 4 tbls bleu cheese, crumbled* ½ cup pecan halves, toasted lightly and chopped kosher salt and white pepper to top salad Instructions: Blend in Cuisinart or bar blender until smooth. Slice ingredients right before serving and dress liberally with dressing. Sprinkle salad with salt and pepper. *Note: Texas bleu cheeses available are Paula Lambert’s Deep Ellum, Stuart Veldhuizen’s Bosque Blue or even Pure Luck’s saint Maure, a nice starter blue from goat’s milk.
City Hall Farmer’s Market & Canopy N
ext, I venture to the City Hall Farmer’s Market – a vibrant expanse of culinary brilliance which is just celebrating its first birthday. There, I catch up with Chef Liz Brooks from Montrose-area eatery, Canopy. Along with Chef Claire Smith, she brings highlights from Canopy’s menu to City Hall Farmer’s Market each Wednesday. Though the backdrop is casual – my children and I enjoy the Canopy offerings from a bench overlooking City Hall’s reflection pool – the food carries fine-tuned seasonal flavors. Canopy labels itself as “global home cooking,” and the pulled pork tostada and farm veggie quiche that I try epitomizes that niche. A flaky crust holds the light and creamy quiche, which bursts with greens from Atkinson Farms in Spring. In particularly transparent fashion, Canopy’s tent is set up right next to that of Atkinson Farms, so that I can observe the farm’s bounty of fresh produce in its raw state.
Photo by: Everett Taasvigen
Next, I try the pulled pork tostada. The sweet and spicy pork is accented by black beans, cheese, and mounds of guacamole and pico de gallo. I have to fight off my normally spice-wary children for bites of the succulent dish as my son remarks, “This is what I call deliciousness!” We wash Canopy’s offerings down with an icy glass of their blackberry honey lemonade: the vibrant violet beverage deftly walks the delicate line between sweet and tart. Liz tells me that she became a chef because she enjoys the creative challenge and adrenaline rush involved in using new ingredients and creating recipes that people like. Just as I relished seeing the raw ingredients that went into my meal, Brooks says that a highlight of using local foods is talking with the people who have grown the food that she cooks with. She adds, “I like local ingredients because first, it helps support the local economy and product is super fresh, sometimes picked just before they come to market.” She points out that in addition to supporting the local economy and offering a fresher, tastier experience, local foods also leave less of an environmental impact. “By buying local, you help protect the environment because your produce doesn’t travel hundreds of miles and less fuel is used during transportation.”
focus on women
Chef: Liz Brooks
Photo by: Everett Taasvigen
Market Quiche Ingredients: 12 oz quiche dough 1 qt custard 1 grilled zucchini 1 grilled yellow squash 2 oven roasted tomatoes 1 cup shredded gouda 1 tablespoon chives 1 cup pork sausage cooked
Pork Tostada
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Canopy’s Market Quiche
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Custard Ingredients: 3 cups heavy cream 6 whole eggs pinch salt pinch black pepper pinch nutmeg
Flaky Dough Ingredients: 1 pound all purpose flour pinch salt 12 oz butter (cold) 2/3 cup water (cold)
Custard Instructions: In a medium bowl, whisk together cream and eggs until combined, then whisk in nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Quiche Dough Instructions: 1. Combine the flour and salt on a work surface. 2. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients, using a pastry cutter or hand, until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Transfer the mixture to a medium stainless steel bowl. 3. Gradually add the chilled water, kneading the mixture until the dough just comes together. 4. Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and flatten it into a disk about 1 inch thick. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
entertaining
5. Place dough round on very lightly floured table. Very lightly flour a rolling pin. Roll out dough from the center to the edge, smearing the butter (which should still be visible), picking it up and turning it 1/8 of a turn to prevent sticking and to keep it as round as possible. Roll to 1/8 of an inch thick and a 13-inch diameter. 6. Lightly flour the rolling pin and wrap your dough around the pin. Unroll it to fit into the tart pan and press it into place, making sure it is pressed to the bottom and sides. With a paring knife, trim dough so it is flush with the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust all over with a fork. 7. Freeze for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the crust hold its shape when it hits the hot oven. 8. Line the dough with coffee filter and fill with beans to prevent the dough from puffing up and losing its shape. Bake in oven for 12 minutes, remove the beans and continue baking another 15 minutes. Bake until bottom of crust is dry but not golden brown. Putting Quiche Together: Place tart pan on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the sausage, cheese and vegetables. Carefully pour custard over cheese and vegetables. Bake until just set in the center, 40 to 45 minutes or until some browning on top of the custard and bake it a bit longer. If the crust is getting too dark, cover it with a cutout foil ring. Cool before serving. Serve warm or room temperature - it’s certainly good cold from the fridge and piping hot, as well.
Q&A
Chefs Claire Smith and Liz Brooks.
One on One with Canopy’s Liz Brooks FOW: What inspired you to become a chef? Liz: What inspires me is that I love all types of food, and being a chef gives me the creativity and adrenaline of creating food that people like. I get bored easily and being a chef, I can say that there is no room for boredom because it’s fast-paced and you can try new ingredients all the time. FOW: Why do you prefer to use local ingredients? Liz: I like local ingredients because first, it helps support the local economy and product is super fresh, sometimes picked just before they come to market. I like talking to the people that grow the product we are putting on our menu. FOW: It’s been such a tough summer for farmers. Have you had trouble sourcing ingredients? Liz: It’s been very hard to have consistent product, but at the same time, you just have to be resourceful and optimistic and find ways to use up the product that is available. FOW: Has the drought impacted your menus? Liz: Yes, but we work around those problems, and since I use the local product in the daily specials, we are able to use whatever is available FOW: Any words of advice for readers looking to incorporate local ingredients into their cooking at home? Liz: Use your imagination, and try new ways of preparing local products.
Atkinson Farms at City Hall Farmer’s Market. October / November 2011 l
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By Jennifer Babisak
Indika
or my final local food tasting, my friend, Christy, and I head to Montrose-area Indika, the innovative Indian restaurant headed by Chef Anita Jaisinghani. As we approach the restaurant’s ornately carved wooden doors, imported from India, I know that we’re in for something special. The interior space, warmed by hues of orange and gold, dimly twinkling lights, and softly draped curtains sets the stage for the richly layered meal to come. Anita chats with us as we devour plate after plate of her tantalizing creations. The mango lassi, a striking yellow yogurt-based concoction, proves invaluable for taming the fire of some of Indika’s spicier dishes. I experience my first taste of the aptly named bitter melon – this one stuffed with house-made cheese using milk from Jacksonville’s Way Back When Dairy. Anita tells us that while many cuisines hit on the taste points of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, Indian food often adds the fifth taste point of bitter. In another first, I try a smooth and spicy baby goat hash, accented with semolina crackers and cucumbers and served with naan. I taste tender okra, from local farmer Ewel Armstrong, that gives me a new love for the under-appreciated vegetable. But, my favorite dish of the night is the pistachio and apricot stuffed naan served with a vibrant-green cilantro champagne sauce. The tender, smoky naan serves as the perfect envelope for the sweet and crunchy filling. We finish the meal with Anita’s cardamom cookies, crisp and buttery, served with a thin slab of pistachio saffron ice cream. Anita tells us that she began cooking at age 13 when her mom became very ill. But, she came from a professional family, and in Indian culture, it is taboo to cook for a living, so she faced resistance as she sought to pursue her passion. These struggles, as well as the challenge of opening a restaurant while raising a family, only solidified her fierce determination. “I think that women chefs are stronger and more resilient,” she confided. And, such resilience has paid off for Anita, as evidenced by Indika’s ten successful years as well as her promising new venture, Pondicheri, a more casual Indian establishment that also emphasizes local ingredients. In fact, eating out of a package is a foreign concept for Anita, who grew up in India, where none of her meals came from a box. She’s perplexed that eating locally grown foods has become fashionable, saying, “It should be the only way.” After tasting the exquisite offering from these trailblazing female chefs, I agree with Anita. These chefs respect the life-story of food, from seed to plate, and they refuse to take shortcuts on any step of the journey. Their passion spills onto the plate, offering the diner an unparalleled culinary experience.
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Indika’s Spiced Lassi Chef: Anita Jaisinghani
Ingredients: 1 lb plain whole-milk yogurt 2 ½ cups water ½ tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp Indian rock salt or kosher salt ¼ tsp black pepper Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together and serve over ice. Garnish with mint leaf.
Photos by Christy Besser.
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abulosity is an art that must be put into practice each day. Houston area image consultant, life coach and author Beth Newman shares tips on how to do just that in her latest book, 365 Days of Fabulosity. 365 Days of Fabulosity is your daily guide to all things fabulous! From style to substance, spirituality to success, the book reveals the secrets to living a life of fabulosity. These compelling and fabulous strategies will assist you in creating the life you were meant to live! Part daily guide and part personal journal, 365 Days of Fabulosity allows you to look within to tap into the fabulous force that already flows within you. You’ll discover why what we think, say, do, and wear determines our ultimate level of fabulosity. To order 365 Days of Fabulosity, go to Amazon.com.
A sneak peak at The Fabulosity Factor…. The Fabulosity Factor: It’s All in the Attitude! By Beth Newman
F About the Author Beth Newman is an image consultant, life coach, and author based out of Sugar Land, Texas. She’s assisted hundreds of women, men, and children throughout and beyond the greater Houston area. She specializes in personal and professional mentoring, wardrobe selection, etiquette, and overall success strategies. In addition to one-on-one consultations, Beth conducts seminars locally and teaches courses online. She currently hosts the Internet series Style Watch with Beth Newman and has written articles for many publications, including Focus on Women magazine and Chic Galleria. Beth has appeared on Great Day Houston and The Authors’ Show. Her book, Become a First Style Fashionista, is also available through Amazon. For more information, please visit www. newmanimage.info.
abulosity. It’s not a real word, but one that I enjoy. I define fabulosity as the state of being fabulous. And that’s what I wish to share with you today – how to create your own little fabulous world. I truly believe that in order to be truly fabulous, you must practice fabulosity in all areas of your life. No area is too small. Everything we think, say, do, and wear contributes to our level of fabulosity. It’s the ‘total package’ effect, and that is my sincerest wish for you: to live an absolutely fabulous life. You are the creator. You have the power. So why not carve out a great big fabulous something for yourself? Fabulosity is a mindset. Your attitude plays a huge role here, my friends. When you choose to treat yourself - and others - a bit more fabulously, you will develop that certain something that sets you apart from the mediocrity of the world. You don’t have to have a ton of money, the biggest house, or a tremendous wardrobe (although one’s wardrobe does play a role in his/her fabulosity – more on that later). It’s about waking up each morning and proclaiming your fabulosity. It’s about doing those little things that are a bit more fabulous than you currently may be doing them right now. The Attitude of Fabulosity • Use the good napkins instead of paper towels.
• Turn off the TV and tune in to your friends and neighbors. • Focus on the positive and ignore the negative. • Face challenges head-on with grace and dignity. • A positive attitude – that’s the key to fabulosity! We certainly can’t forget about the way in which we present ourselves to the world. Looking your best is vital in order to live a life of fabulosity. If you’ve ever worn crocs to the grocery store, a track suit on an airplane, or pajamas to Starbuck’s, you must promise me you’ll never do it again. Because it’s just not fabulous! Bear in mind, too, that someone is always watching – a child, a friend, the gal standing behind you in Starbuck’s staring at your pajamas – and because they are watching, you must show them what fabulosity looks like. I believe in leading by example. If you want the world to be a more fabulous place, you must rise fabulously to every occasion. Be the fabulous change you want to see in the world. The power lies within you. Go forth each day as a conqueror, and accept nothing but the best for yourself. Maintain a positive attitude in all that you do. Dream big. Live bigger. Smile. Laugh. Love. Fabulosity can be yours – if you let it.
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for a
Causee
present
at Southern Sister Designs 817 Third St. in Historic Downtown Rosenberg
Pink cocktails, pink cupcakes by Sweet Tooth Bakery, great giveaways, shopping & much more!
A portion of proceeds from the following items at the event will be donated! Half of these items’ sales will be donated Southern Sister Strong T-Shirts, Custom Painted Pink Ribbon Hats, Southern Sister Totes & Woozie Wrap-Ons
RSVP to events@fowmag.com or call 281-690-4242. For updates, visit www.facebook.com/FocusOnWomen
&
with
on
presents
Absolutely Fabulous! A Holiday Shopping Affair Thursday, October 20th 5:30 – 7:30 pm
at Anything Bling Boutique 16165 City Walk in Sugar Land Town Square
Come in and enjoy wine, appetizers and giveaways while you shop! RSVP to events@fowmag.com or 281-690-4242. For updates, visit www.facebook.com/FocusOnWomen
You’re Invited!
Deck the Halls with
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Wednesday, November 2, 2011 5:30 – 7:00pm At The Design Source 3644 Highway 6, Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Join us for...
vres, u e o ’ d s r o h , s il a t Cock g! in p p o h s & s y a w givea
The
DESIGN
SOURCE
Put sparkle into your holiday décor! Shop Mark Roberts Fairies & Other Holiday Collections! As a gift for attending, you will receive a 10% discount on all furniture and accessories and a 20% discount on all ready-made Christmas decorations.
RSVP to events@ fowmag.com or 281-690-4242. For updates, visit www.facebook.com/FocusOnWomen October / November 2011 l
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fine arts
october 2011
EXHIBIT
October 16, 2011 – April 15, 2012: Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs. The acclaimed traveling exhibition Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs features more than 100 artworks, most of which had never been shown in the United States prior to this tour. These spectacular treasures — more than half of which come from the tomb of King Tutankhamun — include the golden sandals found on the boy king´s mummy, a gold coffinette that held his stomach, golden statues of the gods and King Tut’s rings, ear ornaments and gold collar. Also showcased are objects associated with the most important rulers of the 30 dynasties that reigned in Egypt over a 2,000year span. The exhibition explores the splendor of the pharaohs, their function in both the earthly and divine worlds and what “kingship” meant to the Egyptian people. Among the highlights is the largest likeness of King Tut ever discovered: a 10foot statue of the pharaoh found at the remains of a funerary temple. Monday - Wednesday 10 am - 3:30 pm Thursday - Saturday 10 am - 7:30 pm Sunday 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm Museum of Fine Arts Houston Law Building, Second Floor www.mfah.org
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MUSICAL
October 19 – 23: Menopause the Musical. Since March 2001, the hilarious show Menopause The Musical has entertained and inspired women from coast-to-coast and internationally. The musical is set in a department store where four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance at a lingerie sale. The all-female cast makes fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges. A sisterhood is created between these diverse women as they realize that menopause is no longer the Silent Passage; it is a stage in every woman’s life that is perfectly normal! 8 pm - October 19-20 and October 22 2 pm - October 22-23 Stafford Centre www.staffordcentre.com
MUSICAL
October 25 – 30: Memphis. Turn Up That Dial! From the underground dance clubs of 1950’s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, Memphis is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Memphis is the winner of four 2010 Tony® Awards including Best Musical. 7:30 pm - October 25 - 27 and October 30 8 pm - October 28 - 29 2 pm - October 29 - 30 Broadway Across America Sarofim Hall-The Hobby Center www.broadwayacrossamerica.com
fine arts
november 2011 MONOLOGUE
November 11: An Evening with Buddy Valastro: The Cake Boss.
Buddy Valastro will entertain audiences with his energy and passion for making beautiful, unique and delicious cakes.
Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s hit show Cake Boss, is coming to Houston for one night only. In Buddy’s cakefilled, all-ages live show, he will tell stories about his widely popular television series and colorful Italian family. There will be a Q&A with the audience and, of course, Buddy will give tips and demonstrate techniques for cake making – the skills that have made him a world-renowned cake boss! 7:30 pm Society For The Performing Arts Jones Hall www.spahouston.org
CONCERT
November 14 & 15: Sugar Land Choral Society. The Sugar Land Choral Society will launch their third season with a fall concert at the Imperial Theatre. The fall concert will include music by Whitacre, Sondheim, Mozart, Lauridsen, Chilcott and Gilbert & Sullivan. An ongoing initiative of Imperial Performing Arts, the Sugar Land Choral Society is under the baton of Maestro Kevin M. Klotz. Founded in 2009, the chorus is made up of residents of Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, Stafford, Houston, Cypress and other local areas. 7:30 pm Imperial Performing Arts www.imperialperformingarts.org
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CONCERT
November 17: Sting – Back to Bass Tour. Sting will embark on his Back to Bass Tour throughout North America as he celebrates the 25th anniversary of his solo career by taking it back to bass. All of his hits will be stripped down and played in an intimate theatre setting as they haven’t been played in years. Back to Bass finds Sting performing songs spanning his dynamic and enduring solo career, from his 1985 debut The Dream Of The Blue Turtles to his latest release, Live in Berlin, plus a selection of The Police’s greatest hits. Highlights include the Grammy winners Brand New Day and If I Ever Lose My Faith In You plus fan-favorites Englishman In New York, Desert Rose and Roxanne. 8 pm Verizon Wireless Theater www.livenation.com
Photo courtesy of livenation.com.
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the last word I
By Tanya Sterling
Everybody Has a Story
G Even when you are not initially drawn to a person, take yourself outside of your comfort zone and open yourself up to new people. Listen to their story. You won’t regret it.
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rowing up, my father always told my sister and I that “everybody has a story.” I’m not sure if I fully grasped the meaning of this simple yet profound statement until I had gone through a few things in life. Guess what? Everyone does have a story, so take the time to listen. In my time, I have heard many happy yet almost bittersweet life stories. I listened to the young mom, married to a successful entrepreneur, bemoan the fact that she barely has a relationship with her younger brother as he and his wife cannot be happy for their success. This brother of hers has no idea that his big sister sheds tears over the fact that they no longer have a substantive sibling relationship. I also hugged a woman who is a high achiever but can hardly get a date as so many men are intimidated by her success. Little do they know that this woman grew up neglected and dirtpoor, yet professionally did what she had to do to climb that corporate ladder. There was also that gentleman who, as I checked out a book from the public library, told me that he recently learned to read and was thrilled to finally have a job in a library. Everybody has a story. Our 15 year-old, Eric, is autistic. While my child is a good boy, he has had his share of life challenges in addition to us dealing with all the idiosyncrasies that come with raising a teen with special needs. I have cried, been frustrated and then cried some more but no matter what, we ensure that Eric has his best life ever. All that said, we have chatted with people over the years who, after watching a well-behaved Eric who walks around impeccably groomed, exclaim, “You all make raising a child with autism look so easy!” REALLY?! Everybody has a story. Never judge a book by its (happy) cover. I know a couple with five kids, one being developmentally delayed. A few years ago, their home burned to the ground. They were all severely burned, and they tragically lost one of their boys to the fire. When you first meet this family, you may be turned off by their significant skin burns. However, once you get to
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know them, you will soon find out that mom is a recently published author who recounted her family’s experience and perseverance in a well-written book. Even when you are not initially drawn to a person, take yourself outside of your comfort zone and open yourself up to new people. Listen to their story. You won’t regret it. The best example of this adage, “everybody has a story,” of course, is myself. Meeting me today and meeting me 12 to 15 years ago is like meeting two different Tanyas (always with the same personality!). Years ago, I was a young woman, just out of college, who was reconciling myself to the fact that I had just gone through an unexpected, high-risk pregnancy and was now dealing with a baby with, at that time, an undiagnosed disability. Today, I am a (quasi) well-adjusted mother of three who is completely happy with her current yet busy life and the direction in which it’s heading. Strangers and acquaintances may look at me now and determine that I have always been on “Contentment Boulevard” but have ZERO idea that I, too, am familiar with “Struggle Street.” Everybody has a story. Get to know people. You may be inspired and learn a life lesson thing or two. I sure have!
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