Februuary 2014 - Fort Bend Focus Magazine - People • Places • Happenings

FEBRUARY 2014

Sugar Land Face and Body Expands:

Pairing WINE & CHOCOLATE

New Operating Room

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+ Valentine's Day Gift Guide

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Photo by Nesossi Studios

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• ACCREDITED: We are the only accredited compounding pharmacy in Fort Bend County.

Shannon Maguadog, Pharm. D. Compounding Specialist/Owner

281-494-7777 • 1730 Williams Trace Blvd., Ste. K, Sugar Land fort bend

magazine • February 2014

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fort bend

   

magazine • February 2014

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COVER STORY FEBRUARY 2014

F E AT U R E S 24 DIAL DOWN THE DRAMA

Living With – and Loving – Teenage Girls

37 SMILE DOCS

Meet the Finest Dental Professionals in Fort Bend

60 VALENTINE’S DAYS GONE BY, RELIVED AND RENEWED

Ideas to bring touches of romance into your home for a memorable Valentine’s Day

68 VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Find the perfect gift for that special someone.

COLUMNS 18 FOCUS ON FINANCE

First Comes Love, Then Comes Finances

22 CULTURE AT ITS BEST:

The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas

48 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT Kennedy Sauls: In It To Win It

Dr. Eric Humble and Tiffany Alara.

80 LIVING THE SWEET LIFE

Photography by Nesossi Studios.

Be Your Authentic Self

14 SUGAR LAND FACE AND BODY PLASTIC SURGERY EXPANDS WITH NEW OPERATING ROOM

HOME 72 CONTROL THE CLUTTER Designated Drop Zones

With state-of-the-art medical equipment, the new on-site operating room allows Dr. Eric Humble and his staff to offer patients additional procedures, along with a more personal, concierge-oriented experience.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2014

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CONTRIBUTORS

FEBRUARY 2014

|

NEWSWORTHY 27 SPAGHETTI WITH A HEART FOR CHARITIES

VOLUME 10

|

absolutely!

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

Hosts Junior Superstar Auditions

30 SAM’S CLUB SUGAR LAND DONATES THOUSANDS To Help Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s Tiniest Patients

32 CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND Receives Grant from Ecolab Foundation

18 Zeenat Kassam Mitha Cultural Correspondent Page 22

26 WINTER BLUES?

Six Ways to Improve Mood and Energy

28 SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

Will Hardee Hardee Investment Group Page 18

NUMBER 4

22 Jennifer Elliott absolutely! focus media Page 24

44 FEBRUARY American Heart Month

54 NUTRITION LABELS DECODED

24

Tips for Interpreting Nutrition Facts Labels

Lauren Dante Benoit Contributor Page 48

MEDICAL

48 Caron Lopez Grand Windows & Interiors Page 60

55 MEDICAL FOCUS

34 FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER Completes Capital Campaign

36 CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND

Flex Training Applications Now Being Accepted

42 LAND PURCHASE OPENS THE WAY

absolutely!

DELICIOUS

60 Amy Gross VineSleuthUncorked.com Page 62

62 VINESLEUTH

Wine and Chocolate Pairing

62

63 absolutely!

DELICIOUS LISTING

Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 76

64 FRESH TIPS

For Game Day Dips

New Communities in Sienna Plantation and Riverstone

43 FORT BEND EMPTY BOWLS Scheduled for March 28th

49 FLAP THOSE HANDS AND FLING YOUR FRINGE Fort Bend Education Foundation’s Roaring 20’s Gala

51 SIENNA CROSSING ELEMENTARY

76

65 VALENTINE’S DAY TREATS

Alisa Murray Alisa Murray Photography Page 80

66 HEALTHIER SWEETS For Your Sweetheart

80

absolutely!

AUTO REVIEW 76 2014 TOYOTA COROLLA

IN EVERY ISSUE

Gears Up for Gator Palooza

52 FORT BEND CHAMBER, SUGAR LAND WINE & FOOD AFFAIR Inspire Future Hospitality

10 EDITOR’S POINT OF VIEW 20 SEEN ON THE SCENE 46 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF THE BEND 74 AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST 78 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2014

8

ON THE COVER: Dr. Eric Humble.

Photography by Nesossi Studios.

Ask These 10 Questions To Make Sure Your Dentist Stacks Up 1

6

2 7 3

A $25.00 flat fee for an x-ray & consultation A $74.00 value Low cost way to find out what’s wrong

8

(Does not include cleaning)

4 9 5 10

Tim Cashion, DDS

Teresa Cody, DDS

mydentist@candcdental.com

Formerly Cashion & Cody Family Dentistry and Orthodontics

17003 SW Freeway, Suite 100, Sugar Land, TX 77479

www.candcdental.com www.candcortho.com

Call us now!

281-206-4482

EXCLAMATION POINTS! THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP Vol. 10 No. 4 February 2014

Editor-in-Chief, PATTI PARISH-KAMINSKI During the month of love, there is much for us to love here at absolutely! focus media. First and foremost, I must say that we love being a winner! absolutely! focus media competed in an international marketing and communications professionals competition, and we earned three awards: one Platinum Award and two Gold Awards. Definitely an exciting time for us here as we have grown to publishing four monthly community magazines thanks to the support of our advertisers and readers. A huge “thank Patti Parish-Kaminski with you” to you for helping us be a winner! absolutely! focus media’s While our awards have made my Valentine’s Day even Platinum MarCom award. sweeter, this issue devoted to love is full of great ideas to celebrate with your sweetheart. For my fellow chocolate lovers, what’s better to pair with wine than chocolate? Our Vine Sleuth shares the winning formula for pairing wine and chocolate on page 62. And, if your sweetheart is looking for that perfect gift, check out our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide on page 68 full of great ideas from local retailers.

Our cover story is also about love. Loving how you look is what Dr. Eric Humble’s Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery is all about. From aesthetic to surgical procedures now available in their new state-of-the-art operating room, this medical spa has it all to help you look your best and love the way you look.

February is a busy month with so many community and fundraising events and many are listed in our Events Calendar. We will be out and about in the Bend at several of these events, and we hope to see you there!

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone and especially to my sweethearts: Tim, Kassidi and Kolton. Remember, Momma loves chocolate!

HOT

OFF THE PRESS!

www.FortBendFocus.com Facebook.com/FortBendFocus Ticket giveaways to area attractions and events.

tely! soIlu aA bW NNER Platinum Award February 2013 Issue Fort Bend Focus Magazine 100 Most Fascinating Things About Fort Bend

Marketing Promotional Campaign/ Branding Refresh absolutely!

Focus Media

Communications/ PR/Special Event Fort Bend Focus Honors the 2012 JEWELS of Fort Bend

.com • February 2014

E D I T O R- I N - C H I E F Patti Parish-Kaminski SENIOR AC C OUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Kij AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E S Stephenie Cox Susan Dannhaus Jennifer Elliott Kay Garrett Andrea Rigamonti Suzanne Stiles Bonnie Bell Woodrow A RT D I R E C T O R Grace Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ginger Garza Camille Hay C O M M U N I C AT I O N S C O O R D I NAT O R Sarah Bearden

CONTRIBUTORS Lauren Dante Benoit Jennifer Elliott Amy Gross Will Hardee Steve Kursar Caron Lopez Zeenat Kassam Mitha Alisa Murray INQUIRIES 281-690-4242 E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S editor@fortbendfocus.com

Published by

Gold Award

MarCom Awards is an international competition for marketing and communication professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of marketing and communication programs and print, visual and audio materials. absolutely! focus media competed with Fortune 500 companies, national advertising agencies, corporate and marketing communication departments and PR firms to win the three industry awards.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHERS Michael & Lisa Fredrickson

PHOTOGRAPHER Nesossi Studios

Gold Award

absolutely! focus media, parent company of absolutely!

Brazos Magazine, recently won three international awards for excellence in marketing and communications. The three MarCom Awards were earned for the following initiatives:

WWW.FORTBENDFOCUS.C0M

WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza

Absolutely! yours,

editor@fortbendfocus.com

4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE 700 STAFFORD, TX 77477 281-690-4242

10

Subscription requests are free to all Fort Bend addresses. Annual paid subscription of $25 required outside the Fort Bend area.

Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright © 2014 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

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FERTILITY INSTITUTE TURNING COUPLES INTO FAMILIES THE TEAM RECENTLY WELCOMED DR. JONATHAN KIM TO THEIR SUGAR LAND OFFICE.

JONATHAN KIM, M.D. Dr. Kim completed his undergraduate degree from Cornell University in neurobiology; his medical degree from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas; his ob-gyn residency training at Parkland Memorial Hospital; and his fellowship training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

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w w w. H F I - I V F. c o m TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Prior to joining Houston Fertility Institute, he performed extensive research in the role of obesity on the hypothalamicpituitary axis. In addition, he has co-authored multiple descriptive surgical videos in minimally-invasive and reproductive microsurgical techniques. His work has been presented at national meetings and published in peerreviewed journals. Dr. Kim is an active member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and is committed to delivering compassionate and personalized care to his patients using the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

.com • February 2014

12

Expands with New Operating Room

W

hen Dr. Eric Humble completed his new 6,400 square foot medical facility in 2013, it quickly became one of the “go to” places in Sugar Land for both medical and aesthetic spa services.

Beautifully appointed in a serene, spainspired setting, Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery’s new facility offered it all to patients, except for one thing: an on-site operating room.

COVER STORY

By Patti Parish-Kaminski Photos by Nesossi Studios

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

“Our new facility allowed us to offer so much more to our patients in a beautiful environment,” said Dr. Humble, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and visionary behind the expansion of Sugar Land Face and Body. “Our goal of a new, in-house operating room was always in the plans, and now, we’ve been able to realize that vision with the completion of our state-ofthe-art operating room.”

Concierge Care With a separate entrance from the main building to assist with both patient privacy and accessibility, the newly completed operating room contains state-of-the-art medical equipment and is in compliance with all State of Texas Department of Health standards, creating an accredited operating facility. This on-site operating room allows Dr. Humble and his staff to offer a more personal, concierge-oriented experience during the perioperative period providing patients with a complete plastic surgery experience all under one roof.

The operating room is adjacent to Sugar Land Face and Body’s main facility, which contains all of the comforts of a day spa, including a private library where patients and their families can relax before, during or after surgery. Other ame.com • February 2014

14

nities include private consultation rooms and a beautiful atrium with a 30-foot tower.

While convenience, accessibility and privacy are key benefits to the new addition, the continuum of care that Dr. Humble and his staff can now provide on additional procedures is the most important factor for the physician and his staff. “Continuity of care is paramount for my patients,” said Dr. Humble. “Our new operating room allows both me and my staff to personally attend to every aspect of our patient’s needs before, during and after their procedures in the privacy and comfort of our own building.”

This philosophy of care is important and appreciated by Dr. Humble’s patients. “Dr. Humble and his staff get to know you on a personal level as a person, and not just as a patient; it was very comforting,” according to one of Dr. Humble’s patients who received an otoplasty or “ear pinning.” “I enjoyed my time with them, and I’m thoroughly impressed with the procedure. Dr. Humble walked me through everything that was going on during my procedure, and what to expect afterwards. Even still months after the procedure, he and his staff still care about how everything is going and are willing to see me for any concerns that I may have.”

Dr. Eric Humble shows off his new state-of-the-art operating room.

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With the new addition, Dr. Humble can now safely and effectively perform the following surgical procedures conveniently on-site: breast augmentation and lift; implant exchange; tummy tuck; mommy makeover; face lift; rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty; otoplasty; liposuction and body and neck lift.

While surgical procedures are an important part of helping patients look and feel their best, Dr. Humble believes that rejuvenation, like health and wellness, does not start with surgery but instead is founded in nutrition, lifestyle and attitude. “While surgery can be the catalyst for creating a healthier lifestyle, there’s more to overall health and wellness, and rejuvenation is an important part of that process.

Rejuvenation helps one see on the outside the way they feel on the inside. I still remember the first face lift patient I operated on. After her operation, she began exercising, changed her diet and renewed her love of life. As a plastic surgeon, my reward begins with my goal of bringing out my patients’ love of life.”

With integrity and honesty, Dr. Humble consults with each patient in depth to find the best ways to enhance his or her facial features or body shape. In an effort to reach the optimum, most natural results, Dr. Humble gives his expert recommendation on each individual case, even if the course of action means a less invasive – and less expensive – method to achieve the desired aesthetic look.

“I take an active role in deciding if the patient would be a good candidate for CoolSculpting® or a tummy tuck. I tell the patient the advantages and disadvantages of each option.”

magazine • February 2014

15

Beauty Becomes You Now with their new operating room, Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery provides even more procedures at their new location, making both surgical and aesthetic options more convenient and accessible for patients.

Facial Rejuvenation Face Lift Eyelid Surgery Rhinoplasty Neck Lift Brow Lift Ear Surgery

The staff at Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery: Tiffany Alara, Angela Garza, Allison Grover, May Akbari and Dr. Eric Humble.

Breast Enhancement

Aesthetic Options Because of the variety of procedures offered at Sugar Land Face and Body, patients have multiple options all onsite if Dr. Humble feels that surgery is not the best course of action. One of the most popular aesthetic procedures performed is a relatively new procedure called Ultherapy®. “Ultherapy is an ultrasound tightening of muscles under the skin without surgery,” explained Dr. Humble. “It’s also known as the lunchtime facelift.”

Sugar Land Face and Body was one of the first medical spas in the Sugar Land area to offer the innovative, noninvasive procedure. After just one 60 to 90 minute procedure, the skin on a patient’s face and neck gradually reflects a more refreshed, uplifting appearance. “We have seen great results with Ultherapy,” said Dr. Humble. “It provides an alternative to those patients who are not quite ready for a face lift but who need age-prevention.

We have successfully treated many patients in their 40s and 70s who wish to prevent aging and sagging skin.”

Another relatively new procedure

that has been described as a breakthrough in aesthetic procedures is CoolSculpting. Dr. Humble has performed CoolSculpting on several patients with successful results. “CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that uses cooling technology to noticeably eliminate fat without surgery.

The fat cells get marked for death, and there is a natural mechanism that rids them from your body through a natural process thereby eliminating the fat cells.”

CoolSculpting treatments last one hour per area, and there is no downtime for the patient, an amazing benefit. “The procedure is relatively painless. There is no anesthesia or risk from anesthesia, no needles, no diet, no pills.

Patients can have an hour of treatment and go back to doing what they need to do. Patients are realizing phenomenal results with CoolSculpting.”

For more information about surgical and aesthetic procedures, visit www. beautybecomesyou.com or contact Dr. Humble at Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery at 281-313-0555.

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FOCU$ on FINANCE

First Comes Love, Then Comes Finances

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ove is in the air. Pretty pink and red items adorn store shelves. Pop up tents in grocer parking lots appear full of roses, chocolates and stuffed teddy bears once again.

Tis the season for love. I’m fairly confident there will be plenty of proposals on and around Valentine’s Day. First comes love, then come marriage, then comes blending finances. And this may have some seeing more red than they wish.

More often than not, households divide financial responsibilities. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing this, there’s one task both of you need to be on the same page – wealth management planning. Doing this together ensures both partners have equal input into managing family finances.

It’s unfortunate the number of times I’ve encountered a situation where a widow comes to me seeking financial guidance but doesn’t have the slightest clue how her husband handled the investments.

Tackling your finances together means making sure that both partners are on the same page. It may sound pretty basic, but start by talking about your cash flow. You should both know how much money is going out and how much is coming in.

Next, look at your debt. If only one of you is making the financial decisions, the other person may not even know what you owe in debt. Break down the debt and look at ways to reduce it.

This should be a top priority – especially if you have children.

Do you want to leave them a nest egg or a financial burden?

One of the most crucial aspects of wealth management planning as a couple is making sure you both know where all of your important documents are located. While you may not want to think about the “what ifs,” not knowing where financial records are could cause a big headache if a crisis were to strike. Consider keeping your important financial and legal documents in

a safety deposit box. You should also make sure that others, such as an attorney, your children or even your financial advisor, know where these documents are located.

When you’re rounding up your important papers, it’s also worth your while to check all of your assets that require a beneficiary. Who are the beneficiaries of your life insurance policies or your retirement plans? Do you even have a beneficiary listed?

Are these documents all up to date? Remember to review your wills and trusts as well. If you don’t have a will, you should strongly consider getting one. Remember, when you fail to plan, you place the burden on the ones you love most.

While tackling your finances as a couple may bring up some tough questions, it should ultimately give you peace of mind.

Even if one person in the household takes on the responsibility of saving, investing and paying the bills on a regular basis, both partners should feel better knowing that they understand the family’s overall financial situation and that important financial decisions are being made together.

Tired of trying to self-manage your family’s portfolio? Let the Hardee Investment Group help give you peace of mind. We understand simple and complex financial issues and often develop creative solutions to these problems. Our five member multigenerational team is set up to help you, your children and your children’s children achieve the financial future you’ve dream of for yourself and for them. Call us at 713-853-0879 or visit us online at www.HardeeInvestmentGroup.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

The views presented herein are solely those of H.H. “Will” Hardee, AWM, Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager- Portfolio Focus, and do not necessarily represent the views of RBC Wealth Management. Clients should work with their Financial Advisor to develop investment strategies tailored to their own financial circumstances. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The name Hardee Investment Group refers to a group of Financial Advisors working in the Houston, Texas office of RBC Wealth Management. The Hardee Investment Group is not a separate legal or corporate entity. All services offered and all memberships referenced in the presentation refer to the services offered or registrations held through RBC Wealth Management. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

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The Fort Bend Boys Tour Choir performed the National Anthem before a Houston Texans’ game in August 2013.

Culture at Its Best: The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas

By Zeenat Kassam Mitha

F

or those of you who may not be aware of a cultural phenomenon in our great county, The Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas, Inc. is an important part of Fort Bend history. The renowned choir began in 1982 by Founder and Artistic Director William Adams as a hobby, and it has now grown into the largest independent boys’ choir in the nation with five performing ensembles and 200 choristers.

“T

he choir was organized to give boys with special musical abilities and interests an opportunity to perform more challenging choral literature from classical selections to folk music,” said Adams.

The choir is a mixture of eagerness, passion, along with youthful and artistic wisdom.

At the annual Holiday Concert on December 7th at the Sugar Land Baptist Church, guests enjoyed four performing choirs – Training, Town, Tour and Music Magic. This was one of many of the choir performances throughout the year. In addition to their regular performances, the Fort Bend Boys Choir is also hired for events, including weddings, community events and retirement programs.

“The Fort Bend Boys Choir is comprised of boys aged 6 to 15 or through voice change,” said Executive Director Tiana Mortimer. The culturally di-

verse Tour Choir travels locally, nationally and internationally on tour, learns multi-cultural music and offers worldclass music education. Some of the places the choir has performed include the 30th Anniversary Tour de France, the 25th Anniversary Australia Tour, the Eastern Canada 2005 Tour, the 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the San Diego to Los Angeles Tour 2011, the Michigan Tour and the Colorado Tour.

This year, the Tour Choir will perform with the Houston Symphony, Houston Symphony Chorus and other artists for Mahler’s No. 8 Symphony.

The performances will be on May 9th and 10th at Jones Hall. Also called Symphony of a Thousand, the Tour Choir was specifically requested by former Houston Symphony Music Director Christoph Eschenbach. The Tour Choir will also be on a two-week summer performance tour in June 2014 to Illinois.

Due to the distinctive choir educa-

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tion, the choristers benefit from various long-standing values. They learn science (the study of acoustics); foreign languages (many musical terms and lyrics are in Italian, German and French); mathematics (rhythms are based on divisions of time through fractions); history (music often reflects the environment of its creation) and physical education (coordination of the body and proper breathing techniques).

Some of the key offerings the organization is proud of is that choristers develop self-discipline, self-esteem, leadership, responsibility, respect, teamwork, confidence, commitment and maturity through an empathetic environment.

Nationally acclaimed, the Tour Choir has been highlighted a number of times on local and national television stations for specials and news segments, including ABC's Good Morning America, a national NBC television special with Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson at NASA, a television holiday special entitled Houston Hometown Holiday, an NBC Houston Incredible Kids segment and on CBS Houston’s United We Sing news segment.

The Fort Bend Boys Choir has also appeared in several television commercials including: American General Life Insurance, Randall's Food Markets, Tom Thumb Food Markets, Cinco Ranch, Mazda North America, Inc., United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast and the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.

In May 2013, the Fort Bend Boys Choir was awarded a 2:1 matching grant of $25,000 by The George Foundation. Thanks to private donors and grants from other foundations and organizations, they reached their goal. This month, a special Gala Dinner and Auction will be held on February 8th with a patriotic 1940 WWII/USO theme.

Funds raised will help support all five of the organization’s music programs.

For more information on the Fort Bend Boys Choir, visit www.fbbctx.org or call 281-240-3800.

TO SHARE YOUR IDEAS

for upcoming cultural stories and events, contact Cultural Correspondent Zeenat Kassam Mitha at zeenat@fortbendfocus.com

By Jennifer Elliott

Dial Down the

Drama

Living With – and Loving – Teenage Girls

Y

ou knew you were blessed when you brought home your delicate pink bundle of joy. You showered all your love on her and watched her blossom. As she grew, you enjoyed tea parties and baked cookies together.

You hugged and laughed often. She wore princess dresses, and she adored you.

Then, she went to middle school, you bought her a cell phone, and everything changed.

For mothers with teenage daughters, it’s not uncommon to feel like you’ve gone from blessing to battle mode in the blink of an eye. Licensed therapist and life coach Colleen O’Grady believes there are things you can do to make the teenage years more positive and enjoyable for you and your daughter. “If moms have a strategy, they can have good moments with their daughter every day,” O’Grady said.

She suggests looking for small opportunities to show you are interested in your daughter. Just five minutes here or fifteen minutes there can really make a difference. Look for moments when she is

relaxed to strike up a conversation. Also, make sure that you don’t become the 24 hour monitor. “You can get so stuck being the 24 hour checker that your relationship becomes all about the list of things she has to do,” advised O’Grady.

Additionally, moms need to resist engaging in all the drama their daughters may create. O’Grady explains that teenage girls are hard-wired for drama. A girl’s prefrontal cortex, which controls impulsivity and emotional outbursts, is not fully developed until her late 20s. Combine that with her changing hormones, and you have a recipe for some tense moments and conflict.

“Drama is the enemy of any mother daughter relationship,” commented O’Grady. When your daughter is having a meltdown, the biggest priority is to get her to calm down and de-escalate the situation. This is not the moment to resolve the conflict or dole out punishments. “The reward for not reacting in that moment is that you have time to create a plan.”

Later, if you feel a consequence is needed, you can come up

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with something that helps your daughter make amends. For example, you can have her help you make dinner. “Empower her to be a healthy adult by learning to make amends. It’s a great life skill.”

Of course, it’s easy to say don’t match your daughter shout for shout, but not “losing it” in the heat of an argument can be pretty difficult. O’Grady recommends a couple ways to help you achieve that goal. A big part of her Power Your Parenting Program urges mothers to take care of themselves. She describes the Mom Phenomenon as when “you pay attention to everyone and everything in your life except you.”

Imagine yourself as a cup. When you first become a mother, you are full of patience, love and kindness. That is what spills out of you for your child. However, if you become consumed with caring for everyone else and neglect yourself, you become full of stress, exhaustion and resentment. Then stress and anxiety will be spilling out of you towards your child.

O’Grady firmly believes, “It is crucial to pay attention to you.”

Finally, O’Grady stresses living with intention. “An intention is a guiding principle that helps you remember what your really want and how you want to respond to your family.” Just saying you intend to be a good mom is too broad. You have to really examine your desires for your family and create a very personal statement.

For example, if you fear you are too hard on your daughter, your intention could be: “I intend to see my daughter’s strengths.”

O’Grady advised that, “If you live proactively and intentionally, these can be the best years with your daughter.”

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HEALTHY LIVING

Winter Blues?

Six Ways to Improve Mood and Energy

A

packed winter social calendar, endless temptations for fattening comfort foods and mounting holiday expenses may make one want to hide under the covers until spring. These feelings could be signs of the winter blues, said Catherine Powers-James, Ph.D., clinical psychologist in integrative medicine at MD Anderson.

"During winter months, some people experience feelings similar to depression," Powers-James said. And, the shorter days and darker nights of winter can amplify this sluggish mood. Daylight lets the body know when it should be awake and asleep. So, more sunlight makes people more alert and less sunlight makes people groggier. As a result, people crave comfort foods, lack interest in their usual hobbies and have less energy to exercise during winter.

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"But giving in to unhealthy habits can not only negatively affect your health, but also cause extra stress," said Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., professor and director of integrative medicine at MD Anderson.

Cohen and Powers-James offer these strategies to help avoid or overcome a winter slump: 1. Eat a healthy diet. Feeling blue can make it easy to desire foods high in fat, carbohydrates and sugar, but try to resist temptation. "A carbohydrate- and sugar-rich diet will spike your blood sugar, and then, it will drop," Cohen said. “So, one may feel more energized initially. But in the long run, feelings of tiredness and moodiness can intensify.”

Instead, eat more plant proteins, like vegetables, nuts and beans, fruits and whole grains. They provide vitamins, minerals and protein, which restore energy levels. Plus, it will also help maintain a healthy weight and lower cancer risks.

2. Get regular exercise. Exercise might be the first thing to go when the cold weather won’t let up. Don't let it.

"The feel-good chemicals released during exercise can help ease anxiety and improve your mental health," PowersJames said. And, exercise strengthens the immune system, helps people maintain a healthy weight and reduces risks for colon, breast and endometrial cancers. Aim for at least two and a half hours of moderate physical activity or an hour and 15 minutes of more vigorous physical activity each week.

3. Try sun therapy. Winter typically means less light and more darkness, making people want to hibernate inside.

Instead, get outside when the sun is shining, but be sure to wear sunscreen. "Being exposed to sunlight wakes up your body and allows it to adjust back to its normal sleep-wake cycle," Powers-James said. “A midday walk outside can do the trick.”

4. Increase social interactions. Being around family and friends can boost mood and help motivate people to do the things they enjoy. Ask a friend to go to the movies or grab a cup of green tea with a co-worker.

5. Get enough sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. That amount helps people wake up feeling refreshed. "Sleep is restorative. It's a time for the body and mind to heal," Cohen said. "Getting too little or too much can cause moodiness, memory troubles and problems with thinking and focusing."

6. Practice relaxation techniques. Anxiety and stress often accompany a winter slump, and both are damaging to one’s health, Cohen said. To boost energy and mood, try to relax.

If anxiety symptoms are severe or persist into the spring and summer, talk to a mental healthcare professional. They may offer more effective therapies or medications. The best bet to prevent the blues? "Engage in a healthy lifestyle year round," Powers-James said. "You'll feel better and lower your cancer risks."

For additional tips on health and exercise, visit www. mdanderson.org/focused. .com • February 2014

26

NEWSWORTHY

BREAKING NEW GROUND.

Spaghetti with a Heart for Charities

IN HEALTH CARE. AND IN SUGAR LAND. Announcing our latest commitment to innovation and to the community: a $93 million expansion of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital.

In three phases, over the next three years, we are making incredible Ray Aguilar, Jim Kij, Sue Lockwood and Don Kerstetter with the first prize, a Chevy Spark, of the raffle featured at the Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s 27th Annual Spaghetti Dinner.

Photo by Larry Pullen

Save the date for the Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s Spaghetti Dinner scheduled for Friday, February 21st at the Fluor Corporation Cafeteria located at 1 Fluor Daniel Drive in Sugar Land. This fundraiser provides over $115,000 annually to local non-profits including Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Texana Center for Autistic Children, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, Crime Stoppers, YMCA, DePelchin Children’s Center, Literacy Council of Fort Bend and many more.

Local law enforcement agencies and firefighters prepare a variety of spaghetti sauces hoping to win the cook-off trophy. A live auction, silent auction, raffle, live entertainment and a children’s area with a cake walk, face painting, games and prizes completes this fun-filled evening.

Dinner tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Children 12 and under eat free. Guests can win a Chevy Spark from Classic Chevrolet or a $5,000 shopping spree donated by Gallery Furniture by purchasing a $100 raffle ticket, which includes two dinners. Tickets can be purchased from any Exchange Club of Sugar Land member or online at www. ecsl.org/spaghetti-dinner.php.

changes. Including a 100,000-square-foot professional office building (coming 2014) and a 120,000-square-foot patient tower (coming 2016).

Cutting-edge technology, extended sports medicine services and over 160 new staff members are just a few of the many improvements you can expect. It’s better for Sugar Land and better for your health.

Visit memorialhermann.org. Memorial Hermann. Advancing Health.

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NEWSWORTHY

Sugar Land Town Square to Host Junior Superstar Auditions

Nine-year-old Gabriela Sanchez was named the 2013 Junior Superstar.

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Sugar Land Town Square will host open auditions for its fourth annual Sugar Land Junior Superstar competition on Wednesday, March 26th in the Plaza from 5 to 7 pm. The 2014 Junior Superstar will win a prize pack and have the opportunity to perform at future Sugar Land Town Square events.

Judges will select 15 finalists to perform during the live Junior Superstar competition on Saturday, April 19th from 7 to 9 pm in the Plaza, where one finalist will be named 2014 Sugar Land Junior Superstar.

Participants should be prepared to sing for 60 to 90 seconds without musical or vocal accompaniment at the audition. Contestants must reside in Fort Bend County to be eligible for the competition and must be at least nine years of age at the time of audition and no older than 13 years of age on April 19th.

Due to the popularity of its original format for contestants ages 14 and up, Sugar Land Town Square started the Junior Superstar competition in 2011 to spotlight the community’s younger vocal talent. Gabriela Sanchez, 2013 Junior Superstar, won the prestigious title for her rendition of Corinne Bailey Rae’s Put Your Records On. For more information on the competition, official rules and entry forms, visit www.SugarLandTownSquare.com.

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Sam’s Club Sugar Land gave a $20,000 check to Memorial Hermann Sugar Land on Friday, January 10th. The grant will allow the hospital to build a children’s playroom on the first floor and an upgrade to the children’s play area on the 5th floor. “Anything we can do to help take children’s mind off the fact that they are at the hospital, that benefit is huge,” said Eric Sweet, Manager of Sam’s Club Sugar Land.

Deborah White, physician services at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, has been involved with fundraising throughout the community for years. During that time, White has formed a relationship with the staff at Sam’s Club. “They are dedicated to being aligned with us to provide the best community care for our patients and their customers.”

Sweet, who lives in the community himself, came to tour the hospital as White explained some of the areas that needed the most attention. After Sweet was done with the tour, he explained, “It was a no brainer once the opportunity presented itself.”

The hospital announced this past year it would undergo a $93 million expansion and upgrade to benefit the growing population. Children’s services have been one of the fasting growing areas in the hospital, with the number of pediatric patients more than doubling in the ER alone. “This is a very important part of our growth as we continue to service our community’s pediatric patients. This allows us the opportunity to improve the health of children through prevention and treatment in a setting that is child friendly and stress free to a parent,” said White.

“I really appreciate Debbie and the work that Memorial Hermann is doing for the Sugar Land community. Anything we can do to benefit the parents and family that go to the hospital, we are happy to do,” shared Sweet.

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NEWSWORTHY

Child Advocates of Fort Bend Receives Grant from Ecolab Foundation Child Advocates of Fort Bend was thrilled to be recognized by the Ecolab Foundation for their work with abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County. Executive Director Ruthanne Mefford accepted a $10,000 grant from Nell Ciancarelli, Community Relations Manager of Nalco Champion, an Ecolab Company, to support two initiatives developed by Child Advocates for children ages 6 to 18 years old in foster care.

Seventy percent of the children and youth served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend fall within this age group.

Nalco Champion’s inaugural year of the Ecolab Foundation grant process started out with great success. More than twenty Fort Bend nonprofit 501 © 3 organizations benefitted from grants received from the foundation, which strives to improve the lives of those in need.

The two initiatives that the grant will support are N.E.S.T., a specialized program for foster children in the primary grades, to build solid foundations in educational achievement, social skills/ extracurricular involvement and health at an early age. As these children enter

Child Advocates of Fort Bend Executive Director Ruthanne Mefford; Kurt Kirchof, Senior Vice President of Ecolab and Nell Ciancarelli, Community Relations Manager for Nalco, an Ecolab Company.

middle school and high school, the second initiative, WINGS, prepares youth ages 14 to 18 years old for independent living after “aging out” of the foster care system. WINGS focuses on increasing high school graduation rates, enrollment in college or vocational school and having life skills for independent living.

Over the six years since the introduction of WINGS, high school graduation rates have increased dramatically and reached 100% in 2012 for foster youth in the WINGS program. “This is an ex-

ceptional outcome for our children and youth,” said Executive Director Ruthanne Mefford. The national norm for youth in foster care is oftentimes homelessness, involvement in criminal activity, imprisonment, drug and alcohol use, teen pregnancy and unemployment if these children are not provided with support and the necessary resources to help them be successful. Children in our N.E.S.T. and WINGS programs have proven that this doesn’t have to be the case in Fort Bend County.”

Child Advocates of Fort Bend provides a voice, heals the hurt and breaks the cycle of abuse and neglect for children in Fort Bend County. Through its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program and Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and more than 200 trained community volunteer advocates, Child Advocates touches the lives or more than 400 children each month.

To become a volunteer, contact Brandy Knudson at bknudson@cafb.org or 281344-5146. For more information on Child Advocates of Fort Bend, visit www.cafb. org.

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Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center Closer to Becoming a Reality with Completion of Capital Campaign

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The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center: A Very Special Project of the Children’s Museum of Houston has reached its fundraising goal. The $3.65 million capital campaign to fund the project was completed by its December 31, 2013 deadline. Two final major gifts were received from The George Foundation and Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land.

Capital Campaign co-chairs Debbie Fash, Jan Leaman, Rachel Leaman and Charlene Pate began fundraising efforts in April 2012 with a $1 million matching grant from The George Foundation.

Throughout the campaign, gifts continued to pour in from Fort Bend corporations, foundations and the community in support of the project.

The Discovery Center plans to contract a design firm to execute exhibit plans. That firm will work with the City of Sugar Land and The Johnson Development Corp. to remodel a repurposed building in Imperial Sugar Land on Highway 90, where the Discovery Center will be located.

Naming opportunities are still available, ranging from exhibit naming at the $250,000 level to painted tiles priced from $2,500 to $500. To make a charitable donation, contact the Children’s Museum of Houston Capital Campaign Manager Tracy Golden at 713-535-7237 or tgolden@cmhouston.org. Visit www. fortbendchildrensdc.org for more information.

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Gearing up for training are Child Advocates of Fort Bend CASA staff members Carol Thesing, Heather Rashid and Casey Davis.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend will offer a Flex Training Class this spring, allowing volunteers to log in from their home computers to complete 15 hours of their required 30-hour training. With the agency’s new Flex Learning curriculum, volunteers will be able to complete part of their training online and the remainder by classroom on Monday evenings. The new curriculum will be available March 31st through May 12th. Child Advocates of Fort Bend is currently accepting volunteer applications through March 21st.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County. With an army of volunteers, Child Advocates of Fort Bend currently serves more than 400 children each month through its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program and Children’s Advocacy Center.

Volunteers must be over 21 years of age, complete an application and interview and submit to background screening. For more information or an application to participate in Flex Training, contact Volunteer Services at 281-3445146 or bknudson@cafb.org.

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Meet the Finest in Fort Bend

Jane Lu, DMD and Scott Huang, DDS, MS

Samuel E. Cress, DDS

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magazine • February 2014

Teresa Cody, DDS and Tim Cashion, DDS

37

PROFILES

Jane Lu, DMD and Scott Huang, DDS, MS.

SCOTT & JANE ORTHODONTICS Husband and Wife Team Opens New Orthodontic Practice

B

oard certified specialists Dr. Scott Huang and Dr. Jane Lu of Scott & Jane Orthodontics recently announced the opening of their new state-of-the-art orthodontic practice in Missouri City. The newly completed office is conveniently located at 5418 Highway 6 in Suite 215, next to LA Fitness.

“After an accumulative 20-plus years of experience in the dental field, Jane and I made the decision to fulfill our personal dream of opening our own orthodontic practice,” Dr. Scott explained.

“As associate doctors in prominent Corpus Christi orthodontic offices, we became acutely aware of the need for care to be both convenient and affordable for individuals and families.”

Drs. Scott and Jane offer complimentary consultations and flexible appointment times, including evenings and Saturdays.

Treatment costs are conveniently arranged over a period of time with no-interest payment plans, and most dental insurances are accepted. “We want to be certain that cost does not stand in the way of any patient desiring a healthy, beautiful smile,” said Dr. Jane.

Both doctors received their Master of Science degrees in Orthodontics from the University of Michigan. Dr. Jane holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from UCLA and her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Scott graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Kaohsiung Medical University School of

Dentistry in Taiwan before receiving a scholarship to the University of Michigan. They are members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

The doctors possess a unique energy, ambition and love for the profession of orthodontics in addition to their very outgoing personalities. They go above and beyond to develop positive, trusting relationships with all their patients – both young and old. “We are dedicated to creating amazing smiles, knowing the transformations can produce a positive influence in an individual’s personal and professional life. We are eager for patients to experience the innovative approach, state-of-the-art treatment options and family-friendly practice facility we have established,” stated Dr. Scott.

The team at Scott & Jane Orthodontics really enjoys getting to know all of the patients during their orthodontic journeys, and they always look forward to making each visit positive, rewarding and convenient. At Scott & Jane Orthodontics, they are so confident in the smiles they create that they also offer a Lifetime Guarantee.

If your teeth ever require re-straightening after you’ve completed your treatment, they will gladly replace your braces at no charge.

“While it is our job to make sure you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment, our goal is to be known as your friendly, neighborhood orthodontist! When you arrive at our practice, you will be greeted with a smile, and our team will look after you like members of our family,” said Dr. Jane.

5418 Highway 6, Suite 215, Missouri City, TX 77459 832-539-6388 www.scottandjane.com TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

.com • February 2014

38

PROFILES

Samuel E. Cress, DDS

THE CENTER FOR CRANIOFACIAL & DENTAL SLEEP MEDICINE

W

hat is the difference in dentistry? Ask Dr. Samuel Cress, and his answer is simple: “Technology, education, experience and exemplary patient care.”

For nearly twenty years, Samuel E. Cress, D.D.S., Director of The Center for Craniofacial & Dental Sleep Medicine, has been a visionary in the field of Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine treating not only his patients for their general and cosmetic dental needs but utilizing the state-of-the-art DNA (Daytime Nightime Appliance) technology to treat the symptoms associated with Sleep Apnea.

“Certain disorders, including Sleep Apnea, Sleep Bruxism, TMD and chronic pain have a direct bearing on the practice of dentistry,” explained Dr. Cress. “Therefore, gaining a working understanding of Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine greatly enhances what dentists can offer their patients who need help in these areas.”

The new DNA appliance technology has made a difference in over 350 of his patient’s lives providing relief from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Now, Dr. Cress is utilizing the latest technology in porcelain restorations to help make his patient’s smiles even more beautiful and long-lasting: Elite Porcelain Restorations®.

“Elite Porcelain Restorations create much more than just a beautiful smile. They are the highest expression of today’s dental technology in strength and vitality. The Elite Smile enhances an individual’s own beauty and quality of life,” said Dr. Cress.

Crafted by Arrowhead Dental Labs, the makers of the successful DNA appliance, each smile is meticulously crafted by Ar-

rowhead technicians to meet the specific aesthetic and functional needs of the patient. “As a result of this custom process, Elite Porcelain Restorations have enabled me to achieve remarkable outcomes that were not possible using other dental porcelain restorations.”

Because of this customization, Elite Smiles are as unique and distinctive as the individual for which they are made. “I only prescribe Elite Porcelain Restorations using e.max® material,” said Dr. Cress. “Elite conveys warm, naturally magnificent smiles that enhance a person’s youthful appearance and improves overall health.”

And, Dr. Cress speaks from personal, as well as professional, experience. A firm believer in “practice what you preach,” Dr. Cress has had his own smile transformed with Elite Porcelain Restorations. “The promise of the Elite Smile experience is simple: you will receive the confident, youthful, natural-looking smile you’ve always wanted.”

In addition to his practice specializing in Dental Sleep Medicine, TMD, Full Mouth Rehabilitation and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Cress is a clinical instructor in the prestigious Dr. Dick Barnes Group, where he teachers other dentists the benefits and application of DNA Therapy and mentors in the area of full mouth rehabilitation.

He is also a featured speaker at industry conferences and educational seminars in the field of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Take Dr. Cress’ advice: “Transform your smile today to Elite, and experience the difference. I did.”

4545 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-565-4100 www.cfsdm.com fort bend

magazine • February 2014

39

PROFILES

Teresa Cody, DDS, and Tim Cashion, DDS.

C & C DENTAL

D

rs. Tim Cashion and Teresa Cody have been practicing dentistry together in Sugar Land, Texas for over 20 years.

This husband and wife team created C & C Dental with patient comfort and convenience in mind. “We know your lives are as busy as ours, so we found a way to bring together several specialties to offer our patients one-stop shopping. At C & C Dental, we can take care of all of your dental needs,” said Dr. Teresa Cody. “We extend our hours to 7 pm three nights a week, open early twice a week and come in one Saturday each month for the convenience of our patients.”

The doctors and staff at C & C Dental strive to make your visit easy, comfortable and painless by using the latest dental technology. Three new safe, effective lasers are now available including Waterlase. The Waterlase is the only laser in the world that is FDAapproved for safety and effectiveness for gums, bone and teeth.

They also use a laser scanner, which is the best advancement in dental diagnostics since the X-ray. “This laser detects cavities and decay much earlier than the eye can see it or catch it,” said Dr. Tim Cashion. “We use another laser to treat gum disease. Laser gum treatment can eliminate much of the diseased tissue and allow faster healing.” The most recent laser addition at C & C is the Cone Beam. It has 3-D capability, which allows the doctors to now see every side of the tooth. What a huge diagnostic difference!

You no longer have to wait until you are in loads of pain to find out what is wrong.

To make sure their patients are comfortable while they are being treated, C & C Dental provides massage and heated dental chairs and drop-down satellite TVs in every exam room. They also prefer air abrasion to fix cavities, which reduces the need to use loud drills and anesthetic. It is painless and very quiet. Who would have ever thought going to the dentist would be such a pleasant experience? “We have patients who come in sometimes just to hang out in the waiting room,” said Dr. Cody. “They bring their children in once a month for orthodontic appointments and start to feel at home here. We really love it!”

Something Extra Special Something else very near and dear to Drs. Cashion and Cody is treating special needs children. As parents of a special needs child, they understand the difficulties parents can face getting dental treatment. They decided to construct a dental room with special needs in mind and also started a non-profit foundation, Changing Minds Foundation, in 2007 to support further research and treatment of individuals with Down syndrome. Call C & C Dental today to schedule your appointment at their beautiful new facility. It’s time to find out what your mouth has been missing.

17003 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-206-4482 www.candcdental.com TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Donate Today At These Locations: PennyWise Resale Center Richmond 1120 Hwy. 90A Richmond, TX 281-344-5770 PennyWise Resale Center Stafford 13645 Murphy Rd., Suite 107 Stafford, TX 281-344-5782 PennyWise Resale Center Mission Bend 6808 Hwy. 6, South at Bellaire Houston, TX 281-344-5791

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The Johnson Development Corp. has purchased additional land adjacent to Sienna Plantation in Fort Bend County for a new neighborhood of luxury waterfront homes from Taylor Morrison available in the spring of 2015. The new community will be located near the intersection of Sienna Parkway and the Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road for easy access to the toll road and U.S. 90A, just minutes from downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center.

The property was acquired just as Sienna Plantation’s final neighborhoods were completed, thereby providing an additional opportunity for families once considering a new home in the awardwinning master-planned community.

“We secured this property just as we completed the last of Sienna Plantation’s existing neighborhoods, so the timing could not have been better,” said Doug Goff, Chief Operating Officer of The Johnson Development Corp.

Another 30 acres at State Highway 6 and Lake Olympia Parkway will be incorporated into the master-planned community of Riverstone for luxury garden patio homes. A final 30 acres in the newly acquired property on the corner of Sienna Parkway and McKeever Road will be set aside for longer-term commercial development, Goff added.

Visit www.johnsondevelopment.com for more information on Johnson Development Corp.

Submit newsworthy items editor@fortbendfocus.com

5th Annual Fort Bend Empty Bowls

Save the date! The 5th Annual Fort Bend Empty Bowls is set for Friday, March 28th from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at Safari Texas Ranch. Fort Bend Empty Bowls is the single largest fundraising event benefiting East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM). Guests will be served a simple meal of soup and bread as a reminder of families in Fort Bend County who don’t have enough food to eat. Although the meal may be “simple,” the soup will be delicious! Local restaurants will be serving a variety of tasty soups to try.

A featured part of the event is the pottery; hand-painted soup bowls and other hand-crafted pottery items created by amateur and professionals artists from the community. These items will be available for purchase to help raise funds to help families in need in our community.

There will also be silent and live auctions sure to have something for everyone.

Entertainment will be provided by the amazing Salvation Army Harbor Light Choir.

Tickets for Fort Bend Empty Bowls are only $30 per person and may be purchased at East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry or online at www.HumanNeeds.org. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. If you would like to donate to the silent or live auction or would like more information about Fort Bend Empty Bowls, contact Connie Esposito at Connie@HumanNeeds.org or call 281.261.1006. Please help fill empty bowls throughout our community.

East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry has been a mainstay in the community since 1990. The Food Pantry and other Emergency Assistance Programs at EFBHNM assist over 3,000 Fort Bend residents each month who are struggling to make ends meet.

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American

H

eart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but heart disease is preventable and controllable. Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year – that’s one out of every four deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.1 The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease), which occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Coronary heart disease can cause heart attack, angina, heart failure and arrhythmias.

Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, costs the United States $312.6 billion each year.1 This total includes the cost of health care services, medications and lost productivity. These conditions also are leading causes of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities.

The situation is alarming, but there is good news; heart disease is preventable and controllable. Every journey begins with one step, whether it’s

is

Heart

climbing a mountain or preventing heart disease. February is American Heart Month, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is offering tips for better heart health. Take your first step on the road to a healthy heart.

One Step at a Time As your journey to better heart health begins, keep these things in mind: Don’t Become Overwhelmed. Every step brings you closer to a healthier heart.

Don’t Go it Alone. The journey is more fun when you have company. Ask friends and family to join you.

Don’t Get Discouraged. You may not be able to take all of the steps at one time. Get a good night’s sleep and do what you can tomorrow.

Reward Yourself. Find fun things to do to decrease your stress. Round up some colleagues for a lunchtime walk, join a singing group or have a healthy dinner with your family or friends.

Plan for Prevention Some health conditions and lifestyle factors can put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease. You can help prevent heart disease by mak-

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Month ing healthy choices and managing any medical conditions you may have.

Eat a Healthy Diet. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; adults should have at least 5 servings each day. Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol.

Limiting salt or sodium in your diet also can lower your blood pressure.

Exercise Regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.

Maintain a Healthy Weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate a number called the body mass index (BMI). Doctors sometimes also use waist and hip measurements to measure a person’s body fat.

Monitor Your Blood Pressure.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis. You can check your blood pressure at home, at a pharmacy or at a doctor’s office.

Don’t Smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.

Limit Alcohol Use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. Men should stick to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one.

Manage Your Diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about treatment options.

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Have Your Cholesterol Checked.

Your health care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every five years. Talk with your doctor about this simple blood test.

Take Your Medicine. If you’re taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don’t understand something.

For more ideas about simple steps to take every day for better heart health, visit the www.cdc.gov.

1.

Go AS, Mozaffarian D, Roger VL, Benjamin EJ, Berry JD, Borden WB, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2013 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2013;127(1):e6-e245.

Source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.

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magazine • February 2014

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Photo by Sheena Navarro.

OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART

In December, Chris Morales kicked off his campaign for County Judge Court-at-Law 1 to a crowd of supporters. Attending the Kick Off Campaign Reception were Vanessa and Chris Morales with Patti and Tim Kaminski.

OF THE BEND

Imperial Arts celebrated the holidays with the family favorite film The Polar Express sponsored by Gingerbread Kids’ Academy and absolutely! focus media. Kids were invited to wear their favorite pajamas and were treated to popcorn, hot cocoa, a golden ticket and a special jingle bell gift.

Cynthia, Lane, Lee and Courtney Stavinoha made it a family affair.

Madison Uyen Nhi Le was the first baby born in Fort Bend County in 2014. Born at 1:05 am on January 1, 2014 at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Madison joined her mother, Diem Tran, and big brother, Cody Le, just in time to celebrate the New Year.

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Katy Dickey and Boek Duffy were all smiles in their cozy pajamas.

Having a blast were Carter and Jack Fredrickson.

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Adam Makee showed off his golden ticket.

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The Public Speakers Association recently held its monthly luncheon.

The featured speaker was Martha Giffen, author of Be Social Be Rich: Social Networking Your Way to Endless Profits!

Brooke’s Boutique held its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at their new location in Missouri City. The family-owned shop features upscale consignment of women’s and children’s clothing and home accents.

Debbie Elder, Red O’ Laughlin, Martha Giffen and Marian LaSalle.

Jill Parkey, Cecile Reynolds and Mayan Elmore.

Fort Bend Boys Choir alumni Emmanuel Arredondo, Bryan Pulliam, Chap Obregon and Nick Baker enjoyed hearing the choir at their annual Christmas Musicale at Sugar Land Baptist Church.

Gina Beam and Tiffany Jacobson.

Martha Turner Properties partnered with The Carmen and David Bridges Joyful Toyful to provide toys for children in need during the holidays. Martha Turner Properties Vice President and Partner Tom Anderson and his wife, Bibbi, are long-time supporters of Joyful Toyful.

Cecile and Andrew Reynolds.

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High School HOT SHOT

By Lauren Dante Benoit

K

Kennedy Sauls: In It To Win It

ennedy Sauls is a freshman, standout student at Stafford High School. Her confidence, courage and positivity will help her succeed throughout her high school career. Having only spent a semester in high school, Kennedy has already made her mark at Stafford in the classroom, as a member of the debate team and on the court.

In the classroom, Kennedy challenges herself by taking advanced classes and excelling in them. For an elective this year, Kennedy chose to take debate. “I have always loved to talk and argue my point, and in the future, I plan on becoming a lawyer,” said Kennedy. “So, debate seemed like the natural choice that would allow me the opportunity to express my point of view and prepare me for becoming a lawyer.”

Early on, Kennedy learned that she has to be loud when debating. Especially as a freshman, Kennedy does not want to seem nervous or unsure.

To boost her confidence while on stage, Kennedy works hard to know everything about a topic. Not only does she have to know the facts pertaining to a topic, she must also be able to discuss the pros and the cons of a topic. In her debate class, Kennedy first learned about Extemporaneous Speaking and the importance of being knowledgeable about a topic as well as how to argue both sides of the topic.

Kennedy’s knowledge of Extemporaneous Speaking allowed her to excel in the Congress contest. At her first competition for Congress, Kennedy placed third and advanced to

Kennedy the State Competition. Kennedy is the only student from Stafford High School that advanced. “My teacher gave me the tools that I needed to succeed at the competition,” said Kennedy. “I was prepared, and knew the facts, so all I needed was confidence and courage.”

In the Congress event, students discuss resolutions that Congress has not yet passed. Students have three to five minutes to convince the other students why they should or should not pass the resolution. After their speech, the students are allowed to ask questions in an effort to make their own individual point.

For the State Competition, Kennedy prepared for harder resolutions. There are 32 resolutions that she thoroughly researched. Kennedy will be judged on how well she can react to various arguments. Therefore, she has to be prepared for all of the arguments. Her favorite resolution is the one regarding improving curriculum in schools.

In addition, to preparing for Congress, Kennedy will also be competing in Lincoln-Douglas debate and Prose.

Lincoln-Douglas debate and Prose involve two of Kennedy’s favorite things: arguing and acting. In Lincoln-Douglas debate, Kennedy will argue with an opponent by preparing a two-minute speech over a topic.

In Prose, Kennedy will memorize a poem and act it out for an audience and judges. “Debate can seem difficult,” said Kennedy. “However, if you love what you do, then it’s not hard; it’s a challenge.”

Kennedy’s confidence on-stage makes her a natural in theater. Since she was a little girl, she has enjoyed acting. Improvisation is her favorite part of acting because she likes making people laugh. Kennedy is currently in the cast for the school play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

While she is not on stage, Kennedy is on the court for volleyball and basketball. She was on the freshman volleyball team this year and also played club volleyball for the Fort Bend Fire. “I like volleyball because it is very competitive,” said Kennedy.

“It is quick and exciting because you don’t know what will happen next and where the ball will go.”

On the basketball team this year, Kennedy really improved her skills.

She learned that it is so important for everyone to know their position and be alert during the game.

Although Kennedy has only been in high school a short period of time, she already stands out among her peers as a smart, poised, courageous and athletic young lady. She plans on obtaining a college scholarship in volleyball and becoming a lawyer.

Good luck Kennedy on all of your future endeavors!

“I have always loved to talk and argue my point, and in the future, I plan on becoming a lawyer,” said Kennedy Sauls.

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Photo by Mary Favre and Liz Furman.

NEWSWORTHY

Flap Those Hands and Fling Your Fringe for Education at the Fort Bend Education Foundation’s Roaring 20’s Gala What a decade full of free-wheeling fun! The Fort Bend Education Foundation and Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP are pleased to present the Roaring 20’s Gala. This keen evening will be held on March 1st at the Sugar Land Marriott Hotel.

Be the best dressed in the crowd as you get your Gatsby on.

Flappers, get all dolled up in your fringe, feathers and pearls.

Dappers, don your spats, canes and top hats. This is your chance to be a part of the style, panache and flair of the period.

Enjoy scintillating edibles and entertainment that is the cat’s meow! Get a wiggle on to the dance floor for some dandy dancing to the tunes of Password. The joint will be jumping as funds are raised to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all students in Fort Bend ISD.

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Fort Bend Education Foundation (FBEF) gala sponsors get their wiggle on for education: Wes Cowen, Ray Aguilar, Lina Sabouni, Harry Munday, FBEF Gala Co-Chair Patty Godfrey, Mike Siwierka, Sonny Roncancio, Priscilla Heistad, FBEF Gala Co-Chair Terrie Gorney, Manmeet Likhari and Linda Kilgore.

Saunter on over to the silent auction and bid board area where guests will find intriguing items up for bid. As always, the highlight of the evening will be the spirited bidding on the live auction items. The opulent array of packages and events presented for auction, along with James Patterson as auctioneer, will inspire generosity.

So, kick up your heels, flap those hands and fling your fringe for education! A swanky evening awaits you. It’ll be the bee’s knees! For table sponsorships, individual tickets or auction donations, visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation.

magazine • February 2014

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TRI-CITY CHURCHES RESALE SHOP & la BOUTIQUE

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You may have dreamt about a retirement house in Colorado or just a vacation home. You may want to consider a master planned development that offers much needed utilities. This beautiful waterfront lot with picturesque mountain views in Pagosa Springs is close to the family-owned Wolf Creek Ski Area and the mineral springs that made Pagosa Springs famous. This lot is approximately .24 acres in the Pagosa Lakes development that has all utilities as well as several fishing lakes, a golf course and other amenities. $89,000

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NEWSWORTHY

Gastroenterology Associates of Texas, PA “My patients always come first. Their needs are the most important to me.”

Sienna Crossing Elementary Gears Up for Gator Palooza Sienna Crossing Elementary, located at 10011 Steep Bank Trace in Sienna Plantation, is hosting its annual Gator Palooza Festival. The community is invited to attend this fun, family friendly event on Saturday, February 22nd from 11 am to 3 pm at Sienna Crossing Elementary featuring activities including inflatables, game booths, confetti eggs, Bingo, bake walk, golf cart rides, mechanical bull rides, a stretch raffle for great prizes, a silent auction and much, much more! Guests can also buy a delicious lunch or dessert from one of many food vendors.

Before the Gator Palooza booths open, lace up your sneakers and participate in the Gator Palooza Gator Dash.

Check in is at 9:45 am, and the run begins at 10:15. Register at www.scepto. org.

New to the event this year is the online auction. Have you ever wanted to go to the Teen Choice Awards, The Master’s, the Kentucky Derby, the Super Bowl or a California wine country retreat? This is your opportunity to bid on these and other fabulous auction items at the new Gator Palooza online auction. Visit www. scepto.org for all of the details.

Gator Palooza is one of Sienna Crossing PTO’s major fundraisers that helps the PTO continue to support outstanding educational opportunities for the students and staff at Sienna Crossing Elementary. For more information, visitwww.scepto.org.

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NEWSWORTHY

Fort Bend Chamber, Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair Inspire Future Hospitality Through the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce has inspired and influenced the careers of hospitality students at the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management for more than 10 years.

In 2014, those experiential-learning opportunities will be bigger, better and more intensive than ever before, thanks to the continued growth of the festival and a newly-minted studentleadership team.

After a rigorous application and interview process, Krystal Peay, director of the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair and alumnae of Hilton College, hand-picked a team of 15 students – twice the size of the inaugural student team in 2013 – to assist her in the planning and execution of the popular five-day festival.

“These students are some of the best Hilton College has to offer. Last year was the first year we involved a team of student leaders, and it was a great success. We had several students

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Keri Schmidt, Quinn Farrah, Vi-An Nguyen, John Bowen, Renu Khator, James Thompson, Calli Oreschnigg, Samantha Dignazio, Katie Proctor, Amy Mitchell, Regina Morales, Krystal Peay and Joe Zimmerman.

launch careers through the connections and experience they gained at our event,” Peay said. With the expanded team and the new, specifically tailored leadership roles we’ve established for them, we’ll be able to provide the ultimate experientiallearning opportunity for these promising young leaders.”

The students will meet weekly with Peay at the UH Sugar Land campus. Under her guidance, they will be responsible for developing and directing specific aspects of the festival; managing a team of 200 other student volunteers once the event is underway and serving as intermediaries between the Fort Bend Chamber and Hilton College, the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair’s producing partners.

It’s a relationship that has flourished as the festival has grown. The college provides an eager pool of industry-savvy volunteers to help the chamber with the logistics of such a large-scale event, and proceeds from the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair benefit a permanent scholarship endowment at the college.

“The chamber is proud to have the opportunity to give back to the community and positively influence the careers of deserving students through the scholarship endowment and our relationship with the University of Houston and Hilton College,” Keri Schmidt, president of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, said. “This is the most-anticipated event in the City of Sugar Land for a reason, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”

The Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair is the largest food and wine festival in the region, featuring top chefs and renowned vintners and brewmasters from all over the country and attracting more than 7,000 visitors annually. The 2014 events is scheduled for April 23rd – 27th. For more information, visit www.sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com.

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This is your opportunity to enhance your value personally, professionally and as a community stakeholder.

This ten-month program consists of monthly sessions and retreats covering a variety of topics.

“The Leadership Forum allowed me to gain valuable insight into many different aspects of Fort Bend County. The relationships, networking opportunities & leadership skills I gained were priceless. I highly recommend the program to anyone looking to enhance their careers.”

-Himesh Gandhi, Sugar Land City Councilman

For information please contact David Crowl at 281.491.2497 or David@fortbendcc.org

As a newcomer to Sugar Land, I was so grateful to find that the Fort Bend Chamber had a leadership program. Having participated in the Class of 2010, the program exceeded my expectations. Besides having a diverse class mix, the speakers were outstanding and I learned more about Fort Bend than anticipated. Now I have a greater base of colleagues to access thanks to the camaraderie of my Leadership class!

-Karen Daly, City of Sugar Land, Assistant City Manager “In 2012, Classic will graduate it’s fourth executive from Leadership, and I intend to send at least one employees every year...more if I can spare them! I love this program so much that I am now the primary sponsor. It is a terrific program exemplifying all the best about Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. If you want to build personal and business relationships that last, while learning about the unique, special place we live, then enroll in Leadership...it works!”

-Don Kerstetter, Owner, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land

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absolutely!

HEALTHY LIVING

Be Aware of Unhealthy Contents

Nutrition Labels Decoded

Tips for Interpreting Nutrition Facts Labels

T

ake a trip to the grocery store and you’ll encounter miles of aisles stocked with thousands of food products. Every product has a story to tell or better yet, sell. Information printed on packages is helpful but it’s often confusing and even a bit misleading.

While lists of ingredients and the Nutrition Facts panel are there to help shoppers choose foods to fit their nutritional needs, it’s not always easy to interpret. Learning how to decode the jumble of numbers and percentages is the first step in shopping for healthier foods.

“The best guide for making decisions affecting your diet is the nutrition facts panel, which is regulated by the FDA and for meats and poultry by the USDA,” said Carolyn O’Neil, registered dietitian and nutrition advisor for BestFoodFacts.org. “The Nutrition Facts panel lists all of the important specs, such as calories, fats, sodium, fiber, sugar and several key vitamins and minerals.”

Nutrition Label 101 Here are some of O’Neil’s tips on understanding nutrition labels, so you can be a more informed consumer and make healthier decisions for your family.

Always Note Serving Sizes While a food or beverage may seem like a good nutritional fit, the first thing to notice should always be the serving size. Watch out because if you read that a serving contains 100 calories, for instance, that may be for 8 ounces of a juice beverage and the container may hold 16 ounces.

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If looking to limit fat, sodium and sugar, pay close attention to these call outs on the label. Some foods might deliver more than your daily limit for sodium! Remember that trans fat should be avoided completely.

Look for the Good Stuff A healthy diet consists of vitamins and nutrients which nutrition labels also spell out. Go for foods that are good sources of the good guys – dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium, iron and potassium.

Don’t Be Fooled

by Healthy Looks While package design may illustrate people engaging in healthful activities, pretty farm scenes and adorned with “healthy” words, note that the FDA does not regulate the use of creative brand names. As always, it is the nutrition facts label where a consumer can see what’s really inside.

Trust Health Claims The FDA closely monitors the use of health claims on food packaging.

So, if you see wording such as “heart healthy,” you can be confident the company had to meet nutrition criteria set by the FDA. Prepared with nutrition label knowhow, shoppers can put this valuable information to work to make food shopping easier on the next trip to supermarket. Visit www.BestFoodFacts.org for other tips.

Source: Family Features

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MEDICAL FOCUS

Strong Bones

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Healthy Joints

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Better Balance

Dr. John Nguyen’s Commitment to Excellence at Sugar Land Plastic Surgery As part of his commitment to excellence, Dr. John Nguyen has achieved the prestigious distinction of becoming double board certified in plastic surgery and Dr. John Nguyen general surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Board certified physicians voluntarily meet additional standards beyond basic licensing, and board certification is an essential affirmation of a surgeon’s dedication to patient safety, expertise, skill and ethical practice.

In today’s health and image-conscious society, there are a plethora of options available to help patients achieve their distinct goals. Whether a patient is interested in a minimally invasive procedure or an extensive surgical body makeover, trusting the plastic surgeon is of utmost importance. Attention to detail and an artistic eye are crucial for any plastic surgeon. Dr. Nguyen’s artistry background enables him to apply his keen visual eye with talent, training and experience in order to achieve natural aesthetic enhancements. Offering undivided attention and taking time to listen is critical to Dr. Nguyen’s practice, and his board certifications authenticate his conviction in providing complete patient education during each consultation.

The numerous options and qualified providers in the community can be quite daunting for consumers seeking cosmetic enhancements. Board certification is an important distinction in searching for a plastic surgeon. Sugar Land Plastic Surgery is committed to providing the safest treatment environment, the latest proven techniques and the best-trained staff and surgeon. Contact 281-9808000 or www.mybodysurgeon.com for a complimentary consultation.

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MEDICAL FOCUS

Is Your Blood Pressure Too High, Too Low or Just Right?

John Passmore, M.D., cardiologist and Earl Mangin, Jr., M.D., cardiologist.

High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, confusion and be a symptom of serious illness. Blood pressure that’s “just right” is an important component of overall good health. So what is “just right” blood pressure, and how do you maintain it?

“Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart beats,” says Earl Mangin, Jr., M.D., board certified cardiologist with Methodist Diagnostic Cardiology of Houston. “Your blood pressure reading is made up of two numbers measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Systolic pressure, the top number in your blood pressure reading, is the measurement of pressure when your heart beats, pumping blood through the body. Diastolic pressure, the bottom number, is the pressure in between beats, when the heart is at rest. In general, your blood pressure is considered normal if it’s above 90/60 and less than 120/80 mm Hg.” Sometimes called the silent killer, high blood pressure (HBP), or hypertension, can damage your body for years before it causes noticeable symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one-third of American adults have hypertension and another 30% have prehypertension, slightly high blood pressure that is likely to become hypertension.

Left unchecked, high blood pressure can have deadly results. A 15 mm Hg rise in systolic pressure may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (including stroke, heart attack and heart failure) by 56% in women and 32% in men. HBP also causes arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), eye damage and vision loss.

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Also called hypotension, low blood pressure occurs when the force of blood being pumped through the body is lower than normal, which can reduce the supply of blood traveling to your brain and the rest of your body. Although low blood pressure is more loosely defined than HBP, most normal blood pressure doesn’t dip much below 90/60 mm Hg. And any significant and sudden drop in blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more can cause problems. Symptoms of low blood pressure include blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, fainting, light-headedness, weakness and sleepiness.

If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, sit or lie down and raise your feet above the level of your heart. Also, talk to your doctor. It’s important to find the exact reason for your drop in blood pressure to determine its seriousness and which treatment is best.

Recent studies indicate that, when it comes to blood pressure, lifestyle choices may outweigh the effects of aging.

• Shed extra pounds. Blood pressure generally rises as weight increases.

• Hop to it. Thirty to sixty minutes of exercise a day can lower blood pressure by 4 to 9 mm Hg. • Add a DASH of healthy eating. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.

• Slash sodium and boost potassium. High-potassium/lowsodium diets improve your blood pressure. Choose potassiumrich leafy greens, blackberries, grapes or grapefruit rather than sodium-packed packaged snacks.

• Check your blood pressure regularly to make sure you’re within normal limits.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mangin or another cardiologist with Methodist Diagnostic Cardiology of Houston at the Sugar Land or Houston office, call 713-776-9500.

FREE HEART SEMINAR & SCREENINGS To learn more about heart disease, join physicians on Thursday, February 27th at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s conference center to learn your 10-year risk for heart disease and receive cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Screenings are by appointment only from 5:30 to 7 pm, and the seminar is presented by Dr. Earl Mangin, Jr. and Dr. John Passmore from 7 to 8 pm. Registration is required. Register online at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281-274-7500.

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Dr. Mark Maffet First in Fort Bend to Use Stem Cells in Orthopedic Surgery

Ivan M. Mefford, MD, PhD

Oakbend Medical Center Announces Physician of the Year Dr. Ivan N. Mefford, family medicine physician, has been named OakBend Medical Center’s 2013 Physician of the Year. The presentation was made at the annual physician party at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Joe Anzaldua.

The award is an honor given annually to one outstanding physician who possesses significant practice experience, compassion, kindness and sincerity that translate not only to their patients, but to their nurses and other staff members that work closely with them. The hospital received several nominations for the award. Colleagues, nurses and patients praised Dr. Mefford for his dedication, considerate manner and teamwork.

“Dr. Mefford is always professional.

He shows that he cares for his patients as well as nursing staff. He is personable with patients and staff. He promotes OakBend Medical Center, has always been easy to approach and listens to his patient’s and staff’s concerns,” wrote a staff member at OakBend Medical Center.

Mefford received his medical degree at Duke University School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency at University of Texas - Memorial Family Practice, in Houston. Dr. Mefford served as Chief of the Medical Staff at OakBend Medical Center in 2004.

“Dr. Mefford is an outstanding doctor and very deserving of the Physician of the Year Award,” stated Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical Center. “His dedication to the field of medicine and to his patients is recognized and appreciated not only by his patients and their family but by his colleagues as well.”

Sugar Land orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Maffet of Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is the first orthopedic surgeon in Fort Bend County who is using stem cells to help accelerate healing and recovery after surgery.

“Stem cells hold a great deal of promise in orthopedics,” says Dr. Maffet.

“Right now, their use is cutting edge, but I believe they will ultimately play a huge role in making surgical repair more successful.”

Stem cells are found in bone marrow, blood and various types of tissue. Because they can differentiate into specialized cells and continuously divide, stem cells act as a “repair system” for the body and can replenish damaged tissue.

Dr. Maffet used stem cells to surgically repair Amy Statler’s ACL tear. ACL tears are a common sports injury that often requires reconstruction of the knee. Amy is an active woman who enjoys playing softball and exercising and wanted to get back to her active lifestyle quickly.

“Dr. Maffet made me feel comfortable by explaining the process and answering all of my questions about the surgery. It was important for me to have a quick recovery. I am currently in physical therapy and am expected to be back on the softball field for our first practice in February. I am so happy with my recovery thus far and I feel better every day,” explains Amy. During ACL reconstruction surgery, orthopedic surgeons take a tendon from the knee or hamstring (either a patient’s

own or from a donor) and use it to replace the damaged ACL ligament. Dr. Maffet has begun using stem cells to help the body accept the new tendon and to speed the healing process.

“The new ACL graft is soaked in a concentrate full of stem cells and other growth factors prior to fixation,” he explains. “In other cases, we can simply suture the torn ligament and inject the stem cell concentrate into the affected area.”

Dr. Maffet is also using stem cells in rotator cuff repairs of the shoulder. By creating vascular channels down into the bone at the repair site, his goal is to trigger the stem cells located there and improve tendon healing. Other physicians throughout Houston Methodist, including Dr. David Lintner in the Medical Center, are also offering this procedure.

“In time, I believe we will be able to show that the use of stem cells in orthopedic applications is making a difference in the lives of our patients,” he says. “The potential to repair and regenerate damaged tissue or bone, using the patient’s own stem cells, will give us a fantastic new tool in treating sports injuries and other orthopedic issues. The ability to make our patients’ recoveries easier and more successful is exciting.”

For more information about Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine located in Sugar Land, visit methodistorthopedics.com. For an appointment, email mostappts@houstonmethodist.org or call 281-690-4678.

Toko Nguyen, P.T., Amy Statler and Mark Maffet, M.D.

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MEDICAL FOCUS

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Receives Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

“With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award demonstrates Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s commitment to being one of the top hospitals in the country for providing aggressive, proven stroke care and addressing the important element of time,” said James Ling, M.D., Medical Director of the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Stroke Program.

“We will continue with our focus on providing care that has been shown in the scientific literature to quickly and efficiently treat stroke patients with evidence-based protocols,” said Maria Socci, Manager, Stroke Program. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has developed a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. This includes always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate.

To receive the award, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital achieved an 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month intervals and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with 6 of 10 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Measures, which are reporting initiatives to measure quality of care. These measures include aggressive use of medications, such as antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs and smoking cessation, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.

In addition to the Get With The Guideline-Stroke award, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has also been recognized as a recipient of the association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll, for improving stroke care. Over the past quarter, at least 50 percent of the hospital’s eligible ischemic stroke patients have

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Kate Simpson, American Stroke Association; Dr. Eddie Patton, Jr., Neurologist; Dr. James Ling, Medical Director of the Stroke Program; Maria Socci, Stroke Program Manager; Dr. Larry Tran, Neurologist and Dr. M. Faisal Khan, Neurologist.

received tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, within 60 minutes of arriving at the hospital (known as ‘door-to-needle’ time). A thrombolytic, or clot-busting agent, tPA is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the urgent treatment of ischemic stroke. If given intravenously in the first three hours after the start of stroke symptoms, tPA has been shown to significantly reverse the effects of stroke and reduce permanent disability.

“Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is to be commended for its commitment to implementing standards of care and protocols for treating stroke patients,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the Get With The Guidelines National Steering Committee and Director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

“The full implementation of acute care and secondary prevention recommendations and guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives and improving outcomes of stroke patients.”

“The time is right for Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to be focused on improving the quality of stroke care by implementing Get With The Guidelines–Stroke. The number of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for treatment is expected to grow over the next decade due to increasing stroke incidence and a large aging population,” said Janet Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Officer at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

For a physician referral, please call Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s physician referral line 281-274-7500, or visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland.

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Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Celebrates New Services with Physician Office Staff Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrated another successful year of delivering Leading Medicine to the Fort Bend community and surrounding areas by hosting a special luncheon for the often “unsung heroes” of medicine – office managers, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants and other professionals who keep physician offices running smoothly and provide the first level of patient care.

More than 175 people attended the event, which included brief presentations on Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital expansion plans, the new Headache Center and the new online scheduling tool, followed by a Q & A with hospital CEO Chris Siebenaler.

“Physician office staff members play a critical role in every patient’s treatment process,” Siebenaler said. “We are honored to celebrate the hospital’s leading technology and services and to share our excitement for the future with them.”

Office staff members were pleased to learn that Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers online appointment scheduling for imaging service and has opened a Headache Center. They were

Kelcey Zickuhr, Amanda Marshall and Helen Burgess with the office of Dr. Frank Mazza.

Fe A. Vicerra, Anna Ruiz and Donna Mahoney with Methodist Diagnostic Cardiology of Houston.

also excited to hear about the hospital’s expansion plans which include the following: • 6 story patient tower • 9,600-square-foot emergency care center on Highway 6 in Missouri City • facility on campus for Houston

Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine “We enjoy attending these luncheons and finding out the latest and greatest about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Knowing this information allows us to be better informed for our physicians, office staff and our patients.

It is wonderful to be a part of a hospital that is evolving and growing to meet the growing population of our community,” said Donna Mahoney, BSN, RN with Methodist Diagnostic Cardiology of Houston. “Our physicians rest assured knowing our patients are receiving the best care with the latest state-of-the-art technology all in one convenient place and so close to home.”

“It was exciting to hear that Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital now has an online scheduling tool,” said Helen Burgess with the office of Dr. Frank Mazza. “Our patients will enjoy being able to schedule their imaging appointments easily online.”

For a physician referral, call 281274-7500 or for more information about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland.

Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates Welcomes Dr. Angela McCain Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is pleased to welcome Angela McCain, M.D., as she joins Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates.

Dr. McCain is a long-time Sugar Land physician who is double board certified with a focus on rheumatology.

She treats patients with a wide range of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erytheAngela McCain, M.D. matosus, scleroderma, inflammatory muscle diseases, psoriatic and reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other autoimmune diseases. She has been named one of Houston’s top doctors and Texas Monthly magazine’s “SuperDoc” multiple times over the years. From 1996 to 2008, she was honored annually as one of “America’s Top Doctors” by U.S. News and World Report and Castle Connolly Medical. fort bend

Dr. McCain has written extensively about rheumatic diseases and has participated in clinical research since 1990 for arthritis and autoimmune treatment. She is a graduate of the University of Texas Medical School, and she completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

“I’ve been a member of the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital medical staff for many years, and joining Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates is a great next step, one that will benefit my patients tremendously,” says Dr. McCain.

“I’m excited about working with my new colleagues and accessing the state-of-the-art technology and outstanding staff that Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers.”

Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates is located in Suite 235 of Medical Office Building Two on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus, 16659 Southwest Freeway.

Dr. McCain is accepting new patients by physician referral only.

For information, visit methodistsugarlanddocs.com.

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Valentine’s

Days Gone By, Relived and Renewed

By Caron Lopez

A

s a grade school girl, I can remember the anticipation of Valentine's Day. We decorated our little white bags with red doilies and glitter and set them on our desks waiting for the special valentines from our classmates. My second grade teacher brought a wall of the antique brass post office boxes, and during the week of February 14th, each class had a turn at being the postal service for the day.

We learned how to address envelopes and open the combination locks on the boxes to get the Valentine’s letters she had us write in cursive.

The most special Valentine's memory of all was my father's expression of love for his girls. Each and every year, we knew he would come home with a big red heart box of chocolates for my mom and a small heart box for my little sister and I. Looking back at all the years of Valentine's Days, the expressions of love have been what made the day special.

You can start a special Valentine’s Day tradition for you and your loved ones by cooking a special meal together, baking cookies with your children and putting on the sprinkles, or for the special person in your life, creating a new ambiance for the home

for a special day or evening. You can lightheartedly go back to those nostalgic days and recreate those simpler times and just have fun, or you can set a whole new stage for expressing your love.

Plan Ahead Creating a soothing, relaxing evening takes some planning. You need to work ahead of schedule so you can really go into the evening without being tired and still crossing items off your list. You can create a new look by changing the colors in the room with pillows, a soft throw or flowers. Strip down the room to bare essentials, and add back only a few striking items. If you find you need to buy something new and fresh, focus on a larger, showy item, not a collection of small items.

Add Romance Indulge yourself in some of the niceties of the times. Soft sumptuous towels, fragrant bath salts and towel warmers create a spa retreat distancing you and your love from your daily routines. Creating an enticing ambiance in the home is easy by dimming the lights. Add a chandelier in the bath or in the bedroom.

Candles are a less expensive alternative but equally as sensuous. Group scented candles in a variety of heights and types around a bubble bath, and add a basket of aromatic oils, soaps or bath salts. For your evening of pampering, comfortable robes make for a nice gift.

Freshen and Declutter Freshen up your home by cleaning and removing clutter, and treat yourself by hiring someone to come help days in advance. Routine items need to be stashed. Hide the stacks of bills, papers and magazines. Yes, less is more when it comes to a soothing environment, but change is also good. Treat yourself again; accessorize your room.

Around the bed, add beautiful hardware and bed curtains above or beside the headboard. Select a sumptuous drapery for a seating area, and draw it back with a tassel. Fabrics can mesmerize if they are soft, delightful to the eye and comfortable.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Color choice for Valentine's Day is usually red and chocolate. Upstage the evening with tuxedo black and crisp white with a simple red rose. Lighting tapers in this room is a must. Couple your new romantic room with wine, the glisten of crystal glasses and a meal only you two selected to prepare. Enjoy, and have a memorable Valentine's Day!

D I N I N G OUT | RESTAURANT PROFILES | RECIPES

absolutely F O RT BEND’S DINING GUIDE

F E AT U R I N G

Wine and Chocolate Pairing Ruggles Green Fresh Tips for Game Day Dips Valentine’s Day Treats Healthier Sweets for Your Sweetheart

By Amy Gross

Wine and Chocolate Pairing

Wine and Chocolate Pairing Chart

Looking for a fun and easy way to determine what you like and don’t like when pairing wine and chocolate?

Download Amy’s Wine and Chocolate Pairing Chart at: vinesleuth.com/uncorked/category/wine-andfood/wine-and-chocolate-wine-and-food.

Wine and Chocolate Pairing Guidelines

A

lthough some might disagree with me, I absolutely love wine and chocolate together. I just love playing with all of the combinations to see what flavors work the best for me. Sure, sometimes I find a few that definitely do not work, but then I come across those pairings that sing and all is well again. And, who can complain when you just “have to” open a few different bottles of wine and gather a few different types of chocolate together for science? Or artistry?

Or whatever?

Now, I do realize that not everyone has the patience that I do to keep trying different combinations of wines and chocolates. Sometimes you just want to go with what you know will be good, especially when you are trying to impress someone on a Valentine’s Day date, even if that someone you want to impress is already your spouse. You gotta keep the sparks going, right?

So, for those of you who want a better chance of success without all of the experimentation, I’ve got a few guidelines for you.

When you want a go-to guide for wine and chocolate pairing, here’s what you really need to know:

In general, your wine should be at least a touch sweeter than your chocolate.

This is also the case for other desserts as well, and it explains why wedding cake never complements the dry sparkling wine it is most often served with at weddings. What a shame for both the bubbles and the cake! But I digress. When matching chocolate and wine, the darker, more bitter chocolate with a higher percentage of cacao typically goes with the more tannic and bolder wines.

Following that rule, here are a few successful pairings: • Milk chocolate with sweet Riesling or dessert wines • Dark chocolate with Merlot or Petit Syrah • Dark semisweet chocolate with Merlot or Pinot Noir • Dark bittersweet chocolate with Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel

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Now that you know the rules, I would like to encourage you to give them a try and play around with them a bit. Keep in mind that you may not feel that every Merlot or Petit Syrah will go with dark chocolate. So, to explore, you might consider opening several Merlots with one or two dark chocolate options and trying all of the combinations. Or, you might want to gather several chocolate options and two wine options each of two varieties.

For example, two bottles each of Merlot and Petit Syrah.

Wine is meant to be explored, and just like you and I may not agree on our favorite wines, we might also not agree on our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. I think the best way to find out what you like is to give a few combinations a try. And, I can almost guarantee doing this on a date night or even with a group of friends can be a lot of fun. Open up a few different bottles of red wine, pull out some different chocolates and see what you like best.

Here’s to a happy Valentine’s Day with lots of wine and chocolate.

Cheers!

Real Weddings Remember the day you said “I do” like it was yesterday.

absolutely! DELICIOUS LISTING CERTIFIED GREEN RESTAURANT RUGGLES GREEN 15903 City Walk Sugar Land Town Square, 77479 281-565-1175 www.rugglesgreen.com Ruggles Green, a locally owned and operated restaurant, offers a healthier, better tasting menu done in a sustainable way. Ruggles Green serves local, all-natural and organic menu items. They specialize in gluten-free and vegetarian options all in a family-friendly atmosphere including a gorgeous landscaped patio and a private room for special events. Their extensive menu features salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, pizzas and pastas, as well as organic and biodynamic wine and beer. Relax and “un-wine” at the greenest restaurant in Texas.

ELEGANTLY AMBIENT • CULINARY ARTISTRY • SPECIALITY DINING

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Sugar Land’s most authentic and finest dining experience.

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Have your wedding details and photos published in print and online in our magazine – absolutely free!

Located conveniently on the Southwest Freeway (between State Highway 6 and Williams Trace)

Lunch Buffet M-F: 11:00am - 2:30pm Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 11:30am - 3:00pm Dinner: 5:30pm - 10pm

Want to be a Preferred Customer? It’s Free!

Download the Free TCRN App today and take advantage of numerous Preferred Customer Offers or visit www.TCRN-SugarLand.com/mobile on your smartphone so you can start SAVING at the best businesses around town!

If you or your children have recently married and you would like to enter for a chance to be featured in our Real Weddings, all you need is at least ten high-resolution photos of the ceremony and/or reception.

It doesn’t matter where the wedding took place, as long as it was in the last year and you or your parent(s) reside in Fort Bend. Photographers are also welcome to submit photos – all absolutely free!

Search for ‘TCRN’

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absolutely!

DELICIOUS

Serve Delightful Dippers

Potato and tortilla chips go hand-inhand with tailgating festivities, but beyond these standards is a whole world of other dipping options. For a Mediterranean touch, go with flatbread, pita bread or pita chips. Instead of plain old butter rounds, opt for more texture with multi-grain crackers that include raw flax, chia or sesame seeds. Or, serve up a warm batch of buffalo wings with this smoky and spicy recipe for Hummus Buffalo Wing Dip.

Fresh Tips for Game Day Dips W

hen family and friends gather together to watch the game, loading up the table with a variety of easy-to-grab, flavorful appetizers is a winning plan. After all, casual food and good times are what game day is all about.

In the world of appetizers, dip is king. From savory to sweet, this simple tailgating party addition can take on flavors that span the globe, or that are as American and as beloved as the gridiron game itself.

Keep it Light

A tailgating scene can seem overwhelming for those who don’t want to splurge all their day’s calories, so be sure to have lots of fresh, crunchy vegetables on hand. Start with your standard dippers – like sliced carrots, broccoli and cucumbers – or score big with unique vegetable dipper options – like snap peas, asparagus spears and radishes. This recipe for Cucumber Cups creates simple and crunchy bitesized noshes with a delicious dip of Sabra Hummus in the center.

Yield: 16 servings 2 English cucumbers 1 container Sabra hummus 1 teaspoon paprika 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped Peel cucumbers and slice lengthwise into 1 1/4-inch pieces.

Using melon baller, carve out seeds to create a vessel, making sure to leave bottom intact.

Using piping bag or small spoon, fill each with hummus, about 1 teaspoon each.

Sprinkle with paprika and finely chopped parsley. .com • February 2014

1 1 1 1 1/4 1/4 1 1

teaspoon red wine vinegar teaspoon olive oil tablespoon tomato paste teaspoon Dijon mustard teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon onion powder teaspoon smoked paprika cup Sabra hummus

Whisk first seven ingredients together (vinegar through paprika). Add Sabra hummus and combine thoroughly.

Cucumber Cups

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Hummus Buffalo Wing Dip

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Offer Variety

A large spread of dippers calls for a wide assortment of scrumptious dips. As an alternative to sour cream or cheese-based dips – which are loaded with fat, preservatives and sodium – serve up an assortment of delicious Sabra Hummus.

Hummus offers up the protein, iron and fiber that other dips lack.

Incorporate a few of these dip tips into your game day strategy and watch as fans huddle up to fill their plates.

For more great game day recipes, visit www.sabra.com.

Source: Family Features

absolutely!

DELICIOUS

Bite-Sized Valentine’s Day Treats Get to the

Heart of the Holiday N

othing says “I love you” on Valentine’s Day more than heart-shaped, home-

made treats. This year, try individual treats to make each gift recipient feel extra special. You’ll

Chocolate Heart Petit Fours

love the fact that they are simple to create.

“T

hough small in size, mini-treats deliver a big message to all of the Valentines on your list,” said Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton.

“Decorating these treats is quick and easy thanks to Candy Melts Candy – a pantry staple for any decorating project.”

With a little help from Wilton you can bake to your heart’s desire this Valentine’s Day.

We Heart Valentine’s Day – Hearts are by far the top shape of the season. From giant heart-shaped cookie pans to cookie cutters to Heart Pop pans, there is a variety of bakeware options.

A Sweet Heart for Your Sweetheart – Create mini cakes, brownies or cookies with a Bite Sized Heart Dessert Shell pan. Once cooled, drizzle with red, pink and white colored Candy Melts candy for the perfect personalized heart-shaped treat.

Homemade Box of Chocolates – Make your own candies using shaped Candy Molds. Choose between hearts, lips, flowers and more. Fill the mold with the Candy Melts candy, color and flavor of your choice, and watch as you melt the hearts of your Valentines.

Give a Little Love – Valentine’s Day is a top giftgiving holiday. Give your made-from-the-heart homemade treats the gourmet treatment with festive packaging like heart-shaped boxes, colorful gift bags and brightly colored baking cups.

For more Valentine’s Day recipes, baking tips and gift inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.

Source: Family Features

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Makes about 40 mini cakes 1 1/2 3/4 1/2 1/2 6 2/3 1 1/2 2/3 1/2

2

cup all-purpose flour cup cocoa powder teaspoon baking powder teaspoon baking soda teaspoon salt tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, softened cup firmly-packed brown sugar egg teaspoon pure vanilla extract cup buttermilk cup peanut butter, chocolate fudge ice cream topping or cherry pie filling containers (14 ounces each) Chocolate or Vanilla Icing Glaze (optional) Jumbo hearts sprinkles (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare 24 cavity bite-sized heart dessert shell pan with Cake Release pan coating.

In large bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until well combined. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk in three additions, beating until just combined. Spoon one tablespoon batter into each pan cavity.

Bake 9-11 minutes or until tops of cakes spring back when touched. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Cool completely on cooling grid.

To decorate, place cakes on cooling grid with cookie pan below. Pipe 1/2 teaspoon peanut butter, chocolate fudge or cherry pie filling into shell; fill only to top of cavity. If desired, warm glaze according to package instructions; carefully pour over shell and tap pan to smooth. If desired, add jumbo hearts sprinkles.

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DELICIOUS

Healthier Sweets

for Your Sweetheart

I

t’s easy to share in the fun of Valentine’s Day by serving those you love sweet treats that are a healthier alternative to ordinary, heart-shaped confections.

Forget the expensive flowers, wines and chocolates. To really show you care, be a cupid and give your sweetie healthy, delicious treats that feature juicy watermelon.

Naturally dressed in the holiday’s hue of vibrant red, using this fabulous fruit in recipes adds color to the spread of any Valentine’s Day party, whether large or intimate.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

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Lips and Love Basket • 1 to 2 long, oval-shaped seedless watermelons • Cutting board • Green dry erase marker • Kitchen and paring knives • Melon baller • Assorted cookie cutters (X, O and heart shapes), if desired • Wooden skewers • Toothpicks • Strawberries • Fruits to make fruit salad filling • Large bowl and spoon Wash watermelon under cool running water and pat dry. On cutting board, place watermelon on its side and cut off 1/4 to 1/2 inch from stem end being careful not to cut too deep into white part of rind to provide sturdy base.

With marker, draw scalloped line around width of middle of watermelon.

Use paring knife to cut along marker line, then separate the two halves. Use melon baller to scoop out watermelon for your base.

Cut top half of watermelon in half and use dry erase marker to draw large set of lips on one half. Use paring knife to cut out lips. Once you have general shape, carefully carve away rind. Use paring knife to shape lips into more finished look.

Cut remaining 1/4-inch-thick slices and cut hearts, X’s, O’s or other shapes, discarding rind.

Attach lips to top of base using wooden skewers and toothpicks.

Slice strawberries lengthwise into 1/4inch slices, keeping strawberry tops on for decoration, if desired. Attach slice of strawberry with green top to center of each scallop using toothpick. Use rest of strawberry slices in fruit salad for fruit bowl.

Place fruit bowl on serving platter, fill with fruit salad and garnish with slices of fruit cut into hearts, X’s and O’s, if desired.

Mouthwatering Watermelon Treats For an elegant, upscale treat, serve Watermelon Petit Fours, which feature sweet watermelon, candied almonds and is topped with your favorite decadent frosting. Get the kids in the kitchen with Watermelon Cupcakes for a new take on the beloved classic. Served with pineapple cream cheese frosting, kids will love helping you decorate these darling delights.

Hearts Love Watermelon Beyond adding color and variety to your family’s diet, watermelon has other great benefits. Here are a couple of these heart-healthy reasons: • Fresh watermelon is certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart Checkmark program as being low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

• Watermelon is the primary source of an amino acid called citrulline found in fruits and vegetables. Citrulline can help maintain blood flow within the heart and cardiovascular function. fort bend

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If you really want to make their hearts skip a beat, carve an adorable Lips and Love Basket. Fill it with all of your sweetie’s favorite fruits for a fresh, flavorful display they’ll devour in a heartbeat. Remember, nothing shows your love more than edible gifts crafted by hand. For more sweet ideas, visit www.watermelon.org.

Source: Family Features

F O R T B E N D VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY G I F T G U I D E

Love

things we

BEAUTIFYING CARE FOR YOUR VALENTINE GIFTS FOR THE EYES Don’t forget the gift of sight when thinking of your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. Choose from an exceptional selection of prescription eyewear, sunglasses, contact lenses, sports eyewear and nutritional supplements. Dr. Elissa Wedemeyer, 6026 Highway 6 in Missouri City.

Call 281-499-2600; www.drwedemeyer.com.

BEAUTIFUL SKIN REVEALED Take 20% off Obagi products for your home treatment regimen. Forever Young Skin Care by Linda, Gallery of Salons, 11333 Fountain Lake Drive in Stafford and Alex Burton Salons, 2745 D Town Center Boulevard, Suite 112 in Sugar Land. Call 713-269-9955; www.lindasforeveryoung.com.

TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.fortbend

Give your Valentine an at home spa bath experience with a gift set of beautifying composition, cleanser and lotion. Salon Eben & Day Spa, 15510 Lexington Boulevard, Suite G in Sugar Land.

Call 281-980-5160; www.salonebendayspa.com.

VERTICAL COSMETIC II Shown in Neptune, an ocean inspired pattern, this clever cosmetic from Cinda B stands upright and can even hold fullsized bottles. Made in the USA. Luggage and Leather. www.luggageandleather.com.

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HANDSTAMPED JEWELRY Shop beautiful handstamped jewelry and special keepsakes at The Vintage Pearl, where each piece is handcrafted.

The Vintage Pearl, 16049 City Walk in Sugar Land Town Square. Call 281-325-0169; www.thevintagepearl.com.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM SUGAR LAND PLASTIC SURGERY Look Flawless this Valentine’s Day - Minerals Luxe Foundation with Glo and Finishing Powder. Diamond Powder technology erases imperfections for a radiant smooth complexion. Receive a free lipstick when purchased together!

Sugar Land Plastic Surgery.

Call 281-980-8000; www.mybodysurgeon.com.

GIVE THE GIFT OF FITNESS THIS VALENTINE'S DAY

FALL IN LOVE WITH DESIGNER GIFTS

When you give a loved one a gift card, it can be used to purchase classes or items from Reformed Body’s fabulous boutique! Reformed Body – Bar and Pilates, 3527 Highway 6, Suite 220 in Sugar Land.

Call 832-532-7986; www.reformedbodystudio.com.

If Diamonds are a girl's best friend, a designer handbag is a close second! Feed her passion at Brooke's Boutique.

Brooke's Boutique, 6212 Highway 6 in Missouri City.

Call 281-778-1100; www.brookesboutiquepearland.com.

GIVE YOUR SKIN A LITTLE TNS

CELEBRATE WELLNESS Purchase a gift certificate, and your Valentine will feel the toxins “melt” away at Joyce Long’s Wellness Institute with Lymphatic Drainage, Massage, Infra Red Sauna, Footbaths and Colon Hydrotherapy.

Joyce Long's Wellness Institute, 1308 James Street in Rosenberg.

Call 713-623-0866; www.joycelong.biz.

SkinMedica’s TNS Anti-Aging Serum features two antiaging formulas to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, lighten age spots and brighten your appearance. Limited supply. Only $160 (reg. $250).

Timeless Plastic Surgery, 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 300 in Sugar Land. Call 281-242-TIME (8463); www.timelessplasticsurgery.com.

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F O R T B E N D VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY G I F T G U I D E

Love

things we

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART Get the coolest, most unique speakers for your valentine! Watch the multicolored jets of water dance to the volume and beat of the music. Create an incredible light and water show.

Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, 16160 City Walk in Sugar Land Town Square. Call 281-242-TOYS (8697); www.toystoreshouston.com.

LOVE YOUR EYEWEAR Providing the best eyewear and service available, their optician is trained in all aspects of frame and lens choices, including the latest in breakthrough technology, to meet your fashion and lifestyle needs. Open Tuesday – Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 3 pm. Advance Eyewear, 736 Highway 6 S, Suite 101 in Sugar Land.

Call 281-240-0810.

GIVE THE GIFT OF RELAXATION TO YOUR VALENTINE I AM WOMAN Are you experiencing symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, depression and more? If so, I Am Woman will speak to you and start you on a path of healing.

Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa, 1437 Highway 6, Suite 100 in Sugar Land.

Call 281-313-7435.

STEAL HER HEART THIS VALENTINE’S DAY Steal her heart with the sterling silver Heart of Texas pendent with chain for just $225. J Loggins Jewelers, 14015 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Call 281-242-2900; www.jloggins.com.

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Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa has great Valentine’s specials, couples massage and gift card packages. Take advantage of the $49.95 introductory offers for a 1-hour massage or facial, or $69.95 for a 1-hour Hot Stone Massage. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, 16525 Lexington Boulevard in Sugar Land. Call 281-265-0065.

PICK A GARDEN GUY GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR YOUR VALENTINE Make someone’s landscaping dreams come true. Gift certificates starting in amounts as small as $150.

Garden Guy; www.garden-guy.com or www.facebook.com/ GardenGuyHouston.

STRENGTH, LENGTH AND BALANCE Give the gift of health to your Valentine. DEFINE Body & Mind offers barre, cycling and yoga classes and a special of $175 a month for unlimited classes. DEFINE Body & Mind, 16525 Lexington Boulevard in Sugar Land. Call 281-903-7335; www.definebody.com.

BEAUTIFUL EYES WITH OBAGI Purchase Obagi Elastiderm Eye Treatment Cream and receive a free Elastiderm Eye Serum and a cosmetic bag. Elastiderm is a topical eye cream intended to bring back lift, snap and resilience to the eyes. Sugar Land Face & Body Plastic Surgery, 6926 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land.

Call 281-313-0555; www.beautybecomesyou.com.

VALENTINE’S DAY FROST Give your loved one the gift of a gorgeous necklace and earrings set or a pair of stunning earrings. Stop by today to choose from an exquisite and unique collection. La Réve Bridal Couture, 15989 City Walk in Sugar Land.

Call 281-201-8145; www.larevebridalcouture.com.

RIDE IN STYLE Give your sweetheart a hot new ride this Valentine’s Day from TexasDirectAuto.com. With thousands of vehicles in stock, you’re sure to find a ride that you will love! Texas Direct Auto, 12053 Southwest Freeway in Stafford. Call 281-499-8200; www.TexasDirectAuto.com.

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Control the Clutter with Drop Zones A

HOME FEATURE

fter returning home from a long day at work, a weekend soccer tournament or an all-day shopping excursion, it’s natural to want to drop everything and relax. However, literally dropping everything can cause a tremendous amount of clutter in the home, leading to stress, misplaced items and wasted time. To eliminate the clutter that busy lifestyles create, try establishing designated drop zones throughout your house to regain a sense of order. Don’t worry, you can still drop everything and relax when you come home – just drop everything in the right spot.

Entryway As the first and last access point of your home, a lot of activity occurs here.

Coats, scarves, hats and bags are dropped everywhere, while dirty shoes are kicked off and left behind. Basically, the entrance to your home can become a minefield. To control unruly entryway clutter, try creating a drop zone near the door. The addition of a coat rack

or hooks make it easy to hang up outerwear, while a storage bench, like ClosetMaid’s 3-Cube Bench, is a convenient place to take off shoes and neatly stow them away.

Kitchen Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, many family members congregate here. Establish a corner of the kitchen counter to drop lunch boxes, bottles and coffee mugs used throughout the day. To prevent a pile-up of papers and misplaced items, set up a command center with enough space to file mail and bills and store your keys and other small essentials.

Living Room Don’t let relaxation be delayed because of disorganization. Depending on the size of your living room and how you use the space, you may need to establish several drop zones. For ex-

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ample, a coffee table tray or basket is ideal for storing remotes and chargers.

Add storage cubes with bins as a convenient place to store and hide laptop cords, tablets, gaming equipment and children’s toys. Consider labeling a bin for each family member to “drop” or stow their stuff.

Bedroom To clear clothing clutter, use a valet rod to hang up tomorrow’s outfit or clothes that need to be taken to the tailor or dry cleaner. Additionally, try designating a dresser drawer as a drop zone for jewelry, watches, your wallet or other valuables.

Make it a habit to use your strategically placed drop zones and your house will be organized and clutter free in no time. For further information on how to organize your home, visit www.ClosetMaid.com, www.StorganizationBlog. com or call 800-874-0008.

Source: Family Features

Special Advertising Section Coming March 2014

Home Is Where the Heart Is • • • • • •

Banks Developers Financial Institutions Furniture Home Builders Home Improvements

• • • • • •

Insurance Interior Designers Landscape Architects Pool & Spa Services Real Estate Yard Maintenance

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February 2014 Winner “One Spring Day in the Castle”

By Makoto Osawa Congratulations Makoto, you’ve earned a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant!

ENTER TO WIN Fort Bend Focus Magazine is looking for great amateur photos. Think you have a great shot? Any subject matter will be considered, black and white or color, special effects and/or edited are not necessary.

A WINNER EVERY MONTH Each month’s winner receives a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant and the winning photo will be published in our magazine. To claim your prize, call Sarah at 281-690-4242. Runner-up photos may be published in our “Readers’ Photo Album.”

Please make sure to send some basic information about every photo you submit such as: who, where, when, a title, your name and daytime phone number.

By submitting an entry, the photographer gives the Fort Bend Focus Magazine the right to use and publish their photograph. There is no contest deadline.

NO LIMIT TO ENTRIES To submit a digital photo, e-mail the jpeg file to Michael@ FortBendFocus.com. Digital photos must be HIGH RESOLUTION at least 300 dpi at actual size of at least 4” x 6”.

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BRAZOS • FORT BEND • KATY • MEMORIAL

we are hiring exceptional people Email resume: lisa@fortbendfocus.com

NOW

Submit your request and get the next issue of Fort Bend Focus delivered to your mailbox!

Get your copy - Subscribe Now

Go to www.FortBendFocus.com and request a FREE Subscription.

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Fort Bend Focus Magazine wants to provide readers with the best community feature magazine possible. We want to focus on our READERS and mail exclusively to residents who invite us into their home. Requests are FREE to all Fort Bend addresses*.

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12 issues a yearDelivered Free!

Mail completed form to: 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste 700, Stafford, TX 77477 * Annual paid subscription required outside the Fort Bend area. Call 281-690-4242. fort bend

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absolutely!

AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2014

TOYOTA COROLLA T he 2014 Toyota Corolla has emerged from a full redesign, and you may not recognize the sharp-looking new model. This is a new Corolla determined to throw off the reputation of the anonymous compact car that’s invisible to the stylish eye. This new Corolla will generate double-takes from drivers used to previous models that embodied the concept of “practical but, oh, so dull.”

The Toyota Corolla made its first appearance on American highways in 1968 as a tiny box of a car. It quickly captured a sizable market share of consumers that wanted a car that was less about style and more about reliability.

It did that in spades. So it’s no wonder that a fast forward to the present

shows the Corolla holding the title of the world’s most popular car model.

It still continues to attract car buyers looking for a solid and dependable car that will last for years.

However, as rival carmakers got better, the Toyota Corolla needed more than boring reliability to keeping attracting buyers. So, the Toyota designers came up with the 2014 model that will certainly turn heads and bring car shoppers to the showroom. The new exterior design features a front fascia that gives the new Corolla a dynamic athletic look. Corolla is the first compact sedan to offer standard equipped LED headlamps, which were adopted to both reduce weight and size, and in turn, help accentuate the Corolla’s tapered design. The interior is significantly better as well with upgraded materials and a much quieter cabin. Rear passengers especially will be happier in the new Corolla that adds almost five inches of legroom over the outgoing model.

With a starting MSRP of $16,800, the standard 2014 Corolla is pow-

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ered by a 132 hp, 1.8-liter aluminum four-cylinder engine that delivers EPA estimated fuel economy numbers of 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. For about $2,000 more, you can choose the new LE Eco trim level, which is equipped with a 1.8-liter engine featuring Toyota’s Valvematic technology. Along with enhanced aerodynamics and an efficient CVT transmission, the LE Eco will get you an estimated 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. For just a little more money than the LE Eco, you can pick up the S trim that’s equipped with a Sport mode to provide a more energetic driving experience. It’s just another reason to add the Corolla to your shopping list if you’re in the market for a new compact sedan.

Follow Steve Kursur at KursarOnCars. blogspot.com.

PROFILES

KEY

REALTORS COMING APRIL 2014 ALLOW US TO SPOTLIGHT YOU TO YOUR COMMUNITY As a Real Estate professional, you’ll want to be seen in our special Key Realtors’ section. Bring new clients to your office, and distinguish yourself among the top Real Estate professionals in the area with this unique opportunity to showcase your skills.

Our PROFILES are the ideal format to inform readers about your advanced training, specialties, client-friendly environment and community involvement.

To advertise: 281-690-4242 • www.absolutelyfocusmedia.com Space & Copy Deadline: March 1st

EVENTS February 1st, 6:30 – 11 pm Road Trip to the Winter Games

February 4th, 5 – 7 pm Weight Management Open House

Join Fort Bend Cares at the Winter Games right here in Fort Bend County! Fluor will be transformed into an array of international events, food, music and dancing. Enjoy a silent and live auction and main stage entertainment at One Fluor Daniel Drive in Sugar Land.

Email lrichard@fortbendcares.org or visit www.FortBendCares.org.

Learn to manage your weight with medical and surgical programs at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Held at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Conference Center at 16655 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land, the event will include refreshments and door prizes. To register, visit www. houstonmethodist.org events or call 281-274-7500.

February 1st, 7 pm Annie The Stafford High School Choir will present the hit musical at the Stafford Centre, located at 10505 Cash Road in Stafford. Tickets are between $10 - $25. For tickets, visit www. staffordcentre.com or call 281-208-6900.

February 2nd, 2 – 3:30 pm Six Flags Over Texas with the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra This concert features musical selections from the six countries that have all laid claim to the Lone Star State: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States of America and the United States. For tickets, visit www.fbso.org.

Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra musicians Gloribelle Kelly and Daniel Hung.

February 6th, 6:30 – 11 pm 2014 Girlfriends Giggle Women are invited to hang out with their best girlfriends while indulging themselves in massages, new hair styles, make-up tips and much more at Fluor of Sugar Land, located at One Fluor Daniel Drive. Shop for home décor, clothes and shoes! Come hungry, because Fort Bend’s best restaurants will serve up delicious food. For tickets, visit www.fortbendwomenscenter.org.

February 7th, 6 – 11 pm Reading Between the Wines The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County invites you to an evening of good food, fine wine and entertainment at Safari Texas Ranch, located at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond.

Guests will have the opportunity to purchase books from Blue Willow Book Shop, visit with several New York Times best-selling authors and have their books autographed. Gourmet bites, live music, a live auction, big board and dessert dash are also included. Visit www. ftbendliteracy.org or e-mail cmiddaugh@ ftbendliteracy.org.

Presented By:

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECH Water Treatment Specialists

Every Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, rain or shine 198 Kempner St. at Imperial Sugar Land

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February 8th, 6 – 9 pm Missouri City Dad and Daughter Dance 2014 The 18th annual event will be held at the Civic Center Complex, located at 1522 Texas Parkway. This circus-themed dance party will be a memorable experience for all ages. Tickets are $30 per lady/gent pair and $25 per each additional lady. Ticket price includes refreshments, a digital photograph and entertainment. Purchase tickets at the Recreation and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Drive. Call 281-403-8637.

February 8th, 6:30 pm Fort Bend Boys Choir Gala Dinner and Auction Enjoy a fun, casual evening of great food, lively bidding and an awesome performance by the award-winning Tour Choir at Safari Lodge at Safari Texas Ranch, located at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond. The patriotic theme encourages attendees to dress in period attire, such as bomber jackets, military dress or fatigues.

Proceeds will help support all five ensembles of the Fort Bend Boys Choir. Call 281-240-3800.

February 8th, 6:30 pm Wrangles N’ Rhinestones Dinner, Dance and Auction The Houston Metro Go Texan Committee Fort Bend/Stafford Subcommittee hosts this event with music by The Silverado Band and dinner by Safari Texas. The event will be held at the Stafford Centre, located at 10505 Cash Road in Stafford. Email Fortbendstaffordmetro@yahoo.com or call 281-633-1603.

EVENTS February 14th, 6:30 pm Valentine’s Day Dinner and Lecture at Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land Join Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) President Joel Bartsch for dinner and a unique presentation about the relationship between love and gems! The evening includes a cocktail reception, three course meal with wine and time to explore the exhibit halls together. Make your plans early, as the event sells out each year. This event is only for adults over 21. Visit www.hmns.org.

February 20th, 7 pm Fifth Annual Helen Cordes Award Dinner

February 27th, 5:30 – 8 pm Free Heart Seminar and Screenings

Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. presents the fifth annual award dinner honoring State Representative John Zerwas, M.D. and featuring CNN medical correspondent, neurosurgeon and best-selling author Dr. Sanjay Gupta as guest speaker at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, located at 16090 City Walk in Sugar Land. To register, call 281-207-2409 or visit web.fortbendchamber.com/events

February 22nd, 10 am – 12 pm Volunteer Tree Planting Opportunity Go Green this winter by planting trees along the Oyster Creek Trail in Missouri City, a free opportunity for all ages and abilities. No tree planting experience is required. Tools, training and refreshments will be provided. Please wear closed-toes shoes and gloves. Call 281-403-8645.

February 15th, 6:30 pm Men Who Cook The annual event, presented this year by SiEnviro, will feature entertainment by Ken Mondshine and the Brotherhood Band, along with the tasty temptations of more than 50 celebrity chefs and a live auction. Proceeds will benefit Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (L.E.A.F.), and the event will be held at Safari Texas, located at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond. For tickets, call Janice Knight at 832-223-0334.

Join Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to learn about your 10-year risk for heart disease and receive free cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Screenings are by appointment only. The seminar is presented by Dr. Earl Mangin Jr. and Dr. John Passmore from 7 to 8 pm. Registration is required. To register, visit houstonmethodist.org or call 281-274-7500.

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE CALENDAR OF EVENTS www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Call 281.313.SLTS

February 23rd, 8 am 2014 Darling Dash Memorial 5K/1K Family Run/Walk The Darling Dash 5k revenue will help fund As One Foundation’s scholarship fund and efforts to prevent future deaths of young athletes by promoting sickle cell trait awareness through Operation Hydration that encourages hydration as prevention of athletic or fitness related death, especially in sickle cell trait carriers. The event will take place at Skeeter Stadium, located at 1 Stadium Drive in Sugar Land. Call 832-3089984.

February 20th, 5:30 – 9 pm The Cardinal's Krewe Dinner Catholic Charities

February 25th, 7:30 am – 8 pm Senior Field Trip

This inaugural event will honor Daniel Cardinal DiNardo while raising resources for the Mamie George Community Center and Rio Bend Foster Care Community. All proceeds will provide support to thousands of Fort Bend County residents in need. The event will be held at Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, located at 16090 City Walk in Sugar Land.

Visit www.catholiccharities.org.

Travel with great company to the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, Louisiana for a day of game play and feasting. This trip has limited capacity and is only for senior citizens 50 and up. To reserve a spot, stop by the Recreation and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Drive in Missouri City, to pay the $10 transportation fee. All trip participants are responsible for providing their own money to gamble and eat. Call 281-402-8637.

Fred Astaire Advanced Mini Match Dance Competition Saturday, February 1st 6 – 9 pm

Fitness in the Plaza: Fit4Mom Friday, February 7th 9:30 – 10:30 am

Fitness in the Plaza: Pure Barre Friday, February 14th 9 – 10 am

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association’s Walk of Hope Sunday, February 23rd 8 – 11 am

Fitness in the Plaza: Boot Camp Friday, February 28th 9 – 10 am

Submit calendar events at editor@fortbendfocus.com

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Living the Sweet Life:

By Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Nationally recognized portrait artist and awardwinning columnist.

Be Your Authentic Self P

erhaps André Gide said it best: “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.”

Predictable. Stable. Contrary. Eccentric. Everybody has known someone who is through and through authentic. At least I hope you have. My goodness it sure seems to be a hard thing to do these days. One thing about being authentic means that sometimes what you believe might actually not be mainstream; it might be a little off from the norm. I remember friends of my mother once telling stories of Nana and “some of the things she would say.” She always spoke her mind, and she never cared a thing about who was listening and if they would be offended. She was true to herself.

As I have gotten older, it has occurred to me the rarity of finding such individuals who are, in fact, authentic. Take, for example, the friends that you associate with each week. How many of them would, if asked, be truthful about something perhaps a little controversial? It is always easier to say what is expected and to not to rock the boat.

When I learned of the forced hiatus of the patriarch of Duck Dynasty, I actually contacted the family for my own interview. I watched as media and religion collided to realize, as usual, that the end of their argument is to agree that there will never be an actual end. One must, in these matters, be cognizant that it was television that came into

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Brian and Alisa Murray.

the Robertson’s home. Viewers know full well what he believes; it’s on camera every week for anyone to see. Our society is in fact guided by the media. Given their prevalence towards political correctness, I, for one, was not surprised by the reaction and the response to the now famous interview. It is, in fact exactly the “authenticity and realness” of Phil Robertson that attracts so many to the show and why they as a now famous brand have such a strong following.

I do not subscribe to everything Phil says; however, he is authentic and that quality, whether you subscribe to his values or detest them, is to be admired. I know few people who will stand by what they believe in without a flying care in the world of what others will think. It is invaluable to be able to feel so confident in what you believe in that what others think is of no consequence for you. We have to learn to be tolerant.

How many times have we heard that? With that in mind, we should remember this: Phil is Phil. He has a right to be Phil. He has never pretended to be anything else but Phil, and for that, we should all be able to accept Phil whether we like it or not.

Take care of you!

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