SAW Nov/Dec 2012

10 Anniversary Issue th

SAWOMAN.COM

US $3.95

Beverly

Purcell-Guerra The Face of San Antonio Woman

W EDITOR

10 | sawoman.com

CONTENTS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER//2012

22

53 42

114

34

Features 22 10 Years SAN ANTONIO WOMAN celebrates its 10th Anniversary

34 A Decade at the Helm Editor Beverly Purcell-Guerra puts heart and mind into her work

COLUMNS

CALENDARS

14 16 18 73 76 85 88

52 Fashion 118 Entertainment 126 Events

42 Art in Architecture Spanish colonial home overlooks Cordillera Ranch golf course

53 Holiday Fashion 2012 Evening Glamour

69 Focus on Food Puddings: Serve decadent versions at holiday meals

103 106 108 110 120 124 128 129 130

Editor’s Letter Contributors What’s New Beauty & Fitness Health Matters Dollars & Sense Business Woman Spotlight Mommy Matters Scene Around Town Wine Dining Restaurants Weddings Women on the Move AstroForecast Looking Back

SPECIAL SECTIONS

58 Shop SA Shopping in San Antonio made easy

91 Women Entrepreneurs Three small-business owners turned dreams into rewarding careers

98 Women’s Wellness Looking good for the holidays

114 Role Model

COVER Beverly Purcell-Guerra The Face of San Antonio Woman

Melissa Unsell works two jobs and volunteers on the side

Photography Liz Garza Williams

116 ArtBeat

www.sawoman.com

Assistant Conductor Akiko Fujimoto is the first woman to hold this job with the Symphony

12 | sawoman.com

W EDITOR

Liz Garza Williams

Letter from the Editor

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 PUBLISHER J. Michael Gaffney EDITOR Beverly Purcell-Guerra GRAPHIC DESIGN Kevin Herrera, Maria Jenicek, Jonathan Lee, Eric Weidner

How does it feel to be a cover girl? To join the many outstanding women who have appeared on the cover of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN? Wow! I can’t believe it. It’s just plain humbling.

Looking back over our first 10 years, I recall our first cover subject, KENS TV news anchor Sarah Lucero, and glance back at the most recent, Elizabeth Chambers, TV journalist, actress and owner of Bird Bakery in Alamo Heights.

SENIOR WRITER Jasmina Wellinghoff CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paula Allen, Robyn Barnes, Ron Bechtol, Courtney Burkholder, Mary Anne Cole, Denise Easdon, Kelly A. Goff, Carole Miller, Anne Moore, Pat Mozersky, Lance K. Rodriguez, Janis Turk

In between there have been women of a variety of talents and accomplishments.

To name just a few: City Manager Sheryl Sculley; banker Suzanne Goudge; Dr. Ruth

COPY EDITOR Kathryn Cocke

Berggren, director of the Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics at UTHSC; H-E-B executive Suzanne Wade; former San Antonio first ladies Linda Hardberger and Mary

FASHION Robert Mitchell

Alice Cisneros (also a City Councilwoman in her own right); and Anna Maria Chavez, who left her position with the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas to become CEO of Girl Scouts of America. In between have been dozens of other gifted women from our city.

PHOTOGRAPHY Liz Garza Williams, Al Rendon, Janet Rogers, Greg Harrison, Casey Howell

In addition to spotlighting these cover girls, it’s been our goal to write about a wide range of topics. SAW has featured women who have overcome massive obstacles, who’ve started successful businesses, who’ve made new lives for themselves after divorce or the death of a loved one, who’ve taken leadership in unlikely places, such as the Center for the Intrepid, which rehabilitates wounded warriors.

After assembling this retrospective, we eagerly anticipate the next decade and the special women we’ll meet. In this issue read about Dolores Wheless, wealth strategist at Broadway Bank; Role Model Melissa Unsell, involved in both technology and wine: Akiko Fujimoto, assistant conductor of the San Antonio Symphony; and three entrepreneurs— Sharlene Thum of Five Star Wedding Gown Specialists; JoLynn Powell of

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING Jen Earhart Cedric D. Fisher Madeleine Justice Jennifer Herrera ADMINISTRATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE Nancy A. Gaffney Josephine Guzman PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas

Collector’s Gallery/Christmas Gallery; and Jenna-Beth Lyde of Parish Photography.

Other articles take you to Cordillera Ranch to visit a Spanish colonial home and to the Golden Wok to experience the pleasures of dim sum.

Now, as we head into end-of-year celebrations, we bring you tips for holiday fashions and beauty. Women’s Wellness reminds that there’s still time for a noninvasive

For advertising information in

San Antonio Woman call (210) 826-5375 email: info@sawoman.com

tweak or two, and Health Matters explains a new approach to eating that can help you

Published by

lose weight without dieting.

What would the holidays be without champagne (see Wine), desserts (see Focus on Food) or decorating (see Mommy Matters)? Shopping suggests surefire gift ideas, and Dollars & Sense brings us back to earth with good advice on credit cards.

8603 Botts Lane, San Antonio, TX 78217 FAX 210-826-2856 • www.pixelworkscorporation.com

Be sure to stay in touch by checking our website at www.sanantoniowoman.com. and our Facebook page.

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we thank our readers and our advertisers for the support you have given us. We extend our best wishes to all of you for a happy and blessed holiday season.

BEVERLY PURCELL-GUERRA , EDITOR

14 | sawoman.com

San Antonio Woman is published bimonthly by PixelWorks Corporation (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. San Antonio Woman reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. San Antonio Woman does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Printed in the U.S.A.

W CONTRIBUTORS

Contributors

Senior writer Jasmina Wellinghoff has worked hard on the key articles marking the 10th anniversary of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN, and we wish to take this opportunity to thank her. She’s been reporting and writing about San Antonio for more than 20 years and is one of the city’s most respected journalists and arts critics. “It has been a pleasure to reconnect with so many of our cover girls for this anniversary issue,” she says. “They are an amazing group of women, making a huge contribution to our collective lives. But I also had a special privilege this time to write about our editor, Beverly Purcell-Guerra, the terrific lady who has led this magazine in a professional, open-minded and positive way from the start. It’s time our readers get to know her better.” Jasmina sends holiday greetings to all our readers and thanks you for reading SAN ANTONIO WOMAN.

Gifted photogrpaher Liz Garza Williams is a content creator, problem solver and risk-taking image-maker who specializes in commercial, fashion and editorial photography.

She is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers; her work has been utilized for ad campaigns, textbooks, catalogues and magazines for local and national markets. Her photographs, including all covers, have appeared in SAN ANTONIO WOMAN since its first issue. She says, “Ten years! I appreciate you, the readers and supporters of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN! Thank you! Making women look and feel beautiful is what I do best. What an honor and joy to have Beverly Purrcell-Guerra in front of my lens. You know when you are on to something when the light is just right and the subject is willing to trust you — you suddenly think, I’ve got it, I’m on it. You can both feel it happening.”

16 | sawoman.com

W WHAT’S NEW

What’s New BROADWAY BANK LAUNCHES FAMILY BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER Broadway Bank has launched its new Family Business Resource Center — the vision of the bank’s founding Cheever family.

Here businesses can connect, share ideas, find solutions to common problems and get information on critical issues. There will be regular informational events and networking opportunities.

At the special website, www.bbfbrc.com, registered members can access a library of articles, workbooks and helpful links and submit questions to “Ask an Expert” for guidance. Visit broadwaybank.com for more information.

COCKTAIL CONFERENCE COMING IN JANUARY The San Antonio Cocktail Conference will welcome cocktail enthusiasts, industry experts, sponsors and regional and national media to the Alamo City Jan. 17-20.

The 2013 event will combine cocktail education with good old-fashioned fun, offering sem-

18 | sawoman.com

inars, tastings, evening soirees, and more, all to benefit HeartGift San Antonio, a nonprofit that provides life-saving heart surgery to children in areas where necessary care is unavailable. Visit sanantoniococktailconference.com.

MUFUNGO HAS MOVED Mufungo has moved, but only four doors down from their original store in Castle Hills Market. They’re now located at 2211 N.W. Military Highway.

The store carries Lampe Berger, Beatriz Ball, Vagabond House, jewelry and many one-of-akind items and was recently voted “Best Store for Gifts” in a Best of the City competition. To learn more, call (210) 524-1498.

A GRAND REOPENING FOR D&D FARM AND RANCH D&D Farm and Ranch lived up to its reputation as “official outfitters of the West” at the grand reopening of its store in mid-September following a complete renovation.

D&D’s new name brands include Hurley, Roxy, Billabong, DC Shoes, Fox Head, GoPro, O’Neill, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Costa, Quiksilver, RVCA, Sanuk, Sperry, Skullcandy and Volcom. The store offers Purina feed plus an enormous selection of saddles, tack, Western wear, outdoor and fencing supplies, jewelry, gifts and home decor.

The store is located at 516 I-10 access road in Seguin. Call 1-800-292-5232.

CRUMPETS OFFERS GOURMET RAFTING TRIPS Chef Francois Maeder of Crumpets Restaurant is collaborating with Far-Flung Outdoor Center in Terlingua to treat adventurers to threeday rafting trips through one of the canyons of the Rio Grande at Big Bend National Park.

Guests will enjoy rafting, hiking in the Chihuahuan Desert and gourmet meals prepared by chef Maeder. Experienced guides will accompany guests.

Spring 2013 rafting dates are March 1-3 and March 29-31. For more information, call (210) 821-5600 or visit www.crumpetsa.com.

RASHID, RICE AND FLYNN EYE ASSOCIATES NOW PROVIDE BOTOX A recent study reported in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed a significant improvement in a patient’s mood and depression score after receiving Botox injections between the eyebrows. This study supports the evidence that Botox not only improves the physical appearance, but may help relieve muscle tension headaches.

Receive 20 percent off Botox when you have a complimentary LASIK consultation with Dr. Edward Rashid or Dr. Charles Reilly. Readers of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN or SAN ANTONIO MAN who do not need glasses or contacts can refer to this article to receive savings.

Call (210) 340-5058, or e-mail info@seeitclearly.com.

EDITOR W

november/december 2012 |

19

W EDITOR

20 | sawoman.com

W 10TH ANNIVERSARY

2003

10

Years

of San Antonio Woman For this 10th anniversary issue, we decided to touch base with some of our “cover girls” to talk about the changes in their lives, the issues they care about and the city we all love.

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Senior Writer

Photography by LIZ GARZA WILLIAMS

PREMIER ISSUE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2002

SARAH LUCERO In the 10 years since we featured her on the cover of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN’s first issue, the pretty KENS TV anchorwoman became a mother for the third time, and, she says, she’s come more into her own as a woman, a professional and a mother. “You learn a lot as you get older,” she notes. One important thing she’s learned is to appreciate family and friends who have supported her through the years. “So many people help you to be who you are, and it takes some maturity to recognize that. We can’t do it alone,” says Lucero.

As a journalist, she is well aware of how much the city has changed in the last decade, with the closing and privatization of military bases, new neighborhoods springing up all around, the steady growth of the biomedical industry and the increase in green spaces. A marathoner and a fitness buff, Lucero’s delighted that our city has developed new parks, that more people are engaging in outdoor activities and that Mayor Julián Castro launched a fitness initiative. “And we have our own marathon now that’s grown to 30,000 participants,” she adds. “It’s cool that I am living through this time in San Antonio and that I get to report on it.”

22 | sawoman.com

10TH ANNIVERSARY W

JULY/AUGUST 2003

2004

DEBORAH BAUER “I felt very honored to have been selected for your cover story,” says Bauer, a savvy commercial real estate broker who is one of very few women specializing in large land deals. “To this day business clients tell me that they learned more about me from your article than they had ever known before. It also brought out young women who wanted to talk to me about how to get into the business. I am always happy to share what I know.”

And she knows a lot. Bauer’s ideas have literally transformed huge tracts of San Antonio and Bexar County forever. As owner and president of the Drake Commercial Group, she continues to bring together sellers, developers, builders and investors to build new master-planned communities. The latter are almost like towns in their own right, including as they do a variety of housing, retail and business sections.

Her focus is currently on the area around Texas Research Park on the West Side. “It’s the new Stone Oak,” she says. “The whole West Side is going to change dramatically.” You’d better believe her!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004

KATIE HARVEY Just the day before we talked, KGB Texas founder and CEO Katie Harvey had to take a day off to stay home with her sick son. So, it

MARCH/APRIL 2004

was only natural to start our conversation

JOCI STRAUS

with a brief discussion of the career/ motherhood dichotomy. “Now that my boys are 8 and 10, it’s

San Antonio’s eminent community and political

easier in a way because they are more self-sufficient

activist continues to forge ahead with new proj-

but on the other hand, with all the after-school activ-

ects and causes, although she’s no longer as active

ities and sports, it definitely takes more of our time.

in politics as she used to be. That torch is now in

So, there are challenges,” she recognizes. “Fortu-

the hands of her son, Joe Straus III, the speaker of

nately, the company is in such a place to allow me the

the Texas House, whom she supports 100 percent.

flexibility that I need to spend with my kids.”

Straus and her husband, Joe Straus Jr., have three

Since 2004, KGB Texas has become the largest PR/marketing firm in town, notes the CEO, in addition

children, four grandchildren and a new greatgrandson, Peter, born in February of this year.

to having offices in both Austin and Houston. But the

Little Peter will likely be the beneficiary of his

ways of doing business have changed. Like the news,

great-grandmother’s current efforts to help the

marketing had to adapt in the wake of the digital rev-

San Antonio Children’s Museum raise funds to

olution and the social media explosion. “Today, you

build a new 70,000-square-foot facility on Broad-

have to get people talking about a brand. You can’t

way. Straus will be hosting a fundraising party at

just shout out a message at them,” she observes suc-

her house in November. It will be a different house

cinctly. “Things change quickly and we have to stay

from her cliff-perched residence we visited eight

on top of the developments to figure out how to con-

years ago. It was time to downsize, she explains.

nect people (target groups, consumers) using the channels that they are using.”

The founder of Las Casas Foundation that restored the Majestic and Empire Theatres, as well

And she has more news: this month KGB is mov-

as founder of the Women’s Leadership Council of

ing to larger premises in the Pearl complex, the latest

the United Way, which promotes philanthropic giv-

“in” place for creative enterprises, and the company

ing among women, Straus remains engaged with

has started KGB Texas Health Care Solutions to offer

both. “The Women’s Leadership Council has

marketing services to health care providers.

grown tremendously,” she says proudly. november/december 2012 |

23

W 10TH ANNIVERSARY

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006

2005

SUZANNE CHEEVER GOUDGE Last

year,

Girl

Scouts of Southwest Texas

recognized

Goudge’s

volunteer

work for the organization, describing her as “a role model for tomorrow’s leaders (who) has made significant contributions

to

the

quality of life in the community and to society as a whole.”

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2005

A banker and a mother of four, Goudge has always found time

LESLIE BOHL

to serve her community in leadership roles, stay-

Bohl’s life has changed signifi-

ing with each organiza-

cantly since we wrote about her

tion for long stretches of time. In addition to Girl Scouts, she’s served

seven years ago. She is now a single

the Alamo Heights ISD as a board member, has volunteered for the

mom of two growing daughters,

Junior League, United Way, the Sunshine Cottage School for the Deaf

with all the responsibilities and wor-

and other nonprofits. So we asked her to comment on many working

ries that that entails. “I am a mother

women’s lament that they don’t have the time for volunteering.

who has her daughters’ well-being

“Volunteer work is energizing. The more you do for others, the

at the forefront as they navigate the

more you’ll be able to do for yourself,” she says. “I have a sign by my

crazy teen and pre-teen years,” says

phone that reads: ‘Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time; they just

the co-anchor for WOAI TV’s News

have a heart.’”

4 Today. “Today’s parents have new challenges with all the social media and the possibility that outsiders

MARCH/APRIL 2007

could control your children. That’s a constant concern for me, to make

SONIA RODRIGUEZ

sure that I am up on the technology so I know what’s going on. It’s a

When we inter-

whole new set of risks.”

New technologies have also af-

personal injury attor-

fected the news business. “We can

ney Sonia Rodriguez

instantly get input from viewers,”

eloquently expressed

she notes. “I have an iPad on the

her mission on behalf

anchor desk, and we are constantly

of

getting feedback about events

clients. “My clients

her

suffering

from Twitter or Facebook. It has

are entitled to jus-

changed the way we look for sto-

tice,”

ries and the way we investigate

“What they need is a

them. News is more in the ‘now’ than ever before.”

To help her deal with the multi-

she

stated.

lawyer who advocates for them. I have to be their voice.”

She’s still provides that voice with passion and dedication as “a full equity partner” in Branton/Hall/Rodriguez/ Cruz. And she still serves

faceted life she leads, she gets a

as the chair of the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women to

daily dose of affirmation from a

which she was appointed by former Mayor Phil Hardberger. But there

phrase taped to her bathroom mir-

are also new appointments and new goals. She is now one of three

ror that says “I Can Do It All.”

24 | sawoman.com

viewed her in 2007,

chairs for Mayor Castro’s SA 2020 initiative, which became a separate

Bohl commends SAN ATONIO

nonprofit about a year ago. Her excitement is palpable when she

WOMAN “for a decade of bringing

speaks of SA 2020’s vision for San Antonio that aims to improve 11 as-

positive stories about women in

pects of city life, from downtown development and transportation to

our community to the forefront.”

health and fitness and family well-being.

10TH ANNIVERSARY W

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007

DIANE GOTTSMAN

2006

The San Antonio-based owner of the Protocol School of Texas has become a nationally known etiquette guru who is frequently interviewed on TV and quoted in magazines and newspapers. Now specializing in corporate/business etiquette, she flies all over the country to present seminars for a variety of business clients. “My career is on fire,” is the way she puts it.

Etiquette skills are leadership skills, she says, since etiquette’s basically about appropriate behavior and how we treat other people. Almost everyone needs some fine-tuning.

Gottsman was willing to share the following three bits of advice with our readers.

1. Pick up the pen and use it more often; hand-written notes are very important. 2. Learn how to use techno gadgets in a proper manner while in the presence of others. 3. Update dining skills and adopt the European eating style. The latter is more efficient, less noisy and allows you to maintain eye contact with your dining mate. Good advice!

MARCH/APRIL 2008

LINDA HARDBERGER Though her husband is no longer mayor, Linda Hardberger’s life has not changed as much as she thought it would. “I thought I would return to my nice quiet life, but we are still asked

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008

to do a lot in the community,” she says. This

SUSAN MENGDEN

fall, she was the honorary chair of San Pedro

Playhouse’s

100th

anniversary

Mengden believes in resilience. Setbacks and losses will happen in life, but it’s crucial to know that you can learn to cope with adversity and survive. A

celebration gala, and she and Phil are also the hon-

psychologist and co-director of the Eating Disorder

orary chairs for The Joffrey Experience, a series of

Center at San Antonio (EDCASA), she tries to teach

ballet and ballet-related events to be presented by

that concept to her troubled clients, and she incorpo-

ARTS San Antonio this winter. Additionally, Hard-

rates it in her own life. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer

berger is on the board of the new opera company

in 2006, Mengden applied herself to overcoming fear

that will be in residence at the Tobin Center for the

and becoming resilient, she told us back in 2008.

Performing Arts.

Well, she has good news. Her last annual checkup

Her assessment of the status of the arts in the

shows that she is still cancer-free.

city is positive and optimistic: “Luminaria (a project

Meanwhile, EDCASA has moved into its own

her husband initiated) is a fabulous event that spot-

building, where it can accommodate a larger staff and

lights San Antonio artists. We now have the Artists

serve more people afflicted with eating disorders

Foundation that gives grants to (individual) working

such as bulimia, anorexia nervosa and binge eating.

artists. Then with the new wing at the McNay and the

It’s the only place in San Antonio where adults suffer-

additions to the Witte, and new directors at both

ing from these conditions can get sustained profes-

SAMA and Artpace, it all means people want to

sional help. The results are very encouraging,

come here and work here because we are getting to

especially in the cases of binge eating.

be known in these fields. San Antonio has a commit-

EDCASA has also initiated a middle school pro-

ment to public art, too, as can be seen along the

gram called “Fat Talk” to help youngsters improve

River Walk. And how can I forget the Tobin Center?”

their body image. september/october 2012 |

25

W 10TH ANNIVERSARY

2007

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009

SHERYL SCULLEY Life is always dynamic for City Manager Sheryl Sculley. When we profiled her in 2009, she was working, among other things, on the execution of the 2007 bond program that aimed to take care of streets, drainage problems and other nonglamorous must-dos, in addition to a couple of libraries, a fire station and some park improvements. True to her reputation, she now proudly reports that 98 percent of the projects have been completed at $47 million under budget. “We are now embarking on the 2012 $596 million (bond) program,” she notes, the largest in San Antonio’s history, with $70 million dedicated for downtown improvements, including the renovation of the HemisFair complex.

“We continue to focus on financial management,” she adds. “The city had its AAA rating (by Standard & Poor’s Rating Service) reaffirmed recently; the 2013 budget is balanced, and we maintain financial reserves.”

And here is more good news. The city manager hopes to stay on the job after her current contract expires at the end of 2013.

MARCH/APRIL 2009

PAMELA BAIN Civil engineering firm Bain Medina Bain has been on the San Antonio Business Journal’s list of Best Places to Work in San Antonio multiple times, rising to the No. 2 spot in the medium-size company category in 2010. What better tribute can an employer get? President/CEO Pamela Bain is understandably proud of it. “Since we are a family-owned business, we cultivate a family atmosphere, professional but comfortable, so people feel at ease,” she explains. “Our employees are real people, not just employees, and we all care for each other. We give a lot of moral support to employees who are going through a difficult time in their life, and we listen to their concerns.”

Though not an engineer herself, Bain has successfully run the firm since the early ‘90s and was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in the business category in 2009. Her advice to other CEOs: Take time to listen to your employees, and try to make the work environment stress-free. It’s good for business.

JULY/AUGUST 2009

JANIE BARRERA What Barrera and Accion Texas do can be best described as “changing lives,” as she herself put it back in 2009. By awarding modest loans to small businesses or business startups, the nonprofit Accion has been enabling budding entrepreneurs to realize their dreams — and in the process improve the economy — since 1994. Because they deal with each borrower on a more personal level and provide guidance, their default rate is only about 5 percent. A former nun, Barrera has been the moving force behind the entire effort, which has turned Accion into the nation’s largest microlender.

She’s entered the halls of power, including sitting on the board of the San Antonio Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

Under her leadership, Accion has expanded its reach to eight states in the past few years with a total of 20 local offices, in addition to increasing the span of its loans, which now range from $500 to $250,000. At least half go to women, who are better at repaying them than men.

In this time of high unemployment, Barrera points to an amazing research result produced by the Association for Economic Opportunity: “Their study found that if one in three small businesses were to hire just one employee, we would eliminate the unemployment in the United States.” We hope employers will take note.

26 | sawoman.com

10TH ANNIVERSARY W

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011

SUZANNE WADE

2008

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

RUTH BERGGREN The president of H-E-B’s San Antonio Food & Dr. Ruth Berggren has a lot of news to share with

Drug Division puts her life philosophy into practice

us even though it’s been less than three years since we

every day. “I want to make the world a little better

profiled her. Passionate about her work, the director

and make each day count,” says the busy execu-

of the Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics at

tive, who oversees more than 200 stores, stretch-

UTHSC is happy to report that activities have grown,

ing from the border to Burleson near Fort Worth,

especially in the areas of community service learning

where the recently opened store was named Out-

and global health education. More medical school fac-

standing Business of the Year by the Chamber of

ulty members are choosing to devote part of their time

Commerce. One way Wade and H-E-B are living up

to the ethics programs. Among them is Dr. Andrew

to making the world “a little better” is the com-

Muck, assistant professor of emergency medicine, who

pany’s new emphasis on health and fitness, both

has also become the director of the new clinic for

for their employees and the customers. Wade is es-

refugees, which didn’t exist two years ago. Up to 1,000

pecially proud of the Slim Down ShowDown con-

refugees from countries such as Iraq, Congo, Nepal

test launched this year that enrolled 25 overweight

and Myanmar arrive in San Antonio every year, says

people who collectively lost 957 pounds in the

Berggren. At the clinic, medical and nursing students

course of 16 weeks. The winner, who lost 47

help refugee families with both acute care and referral

pounds, was rewarded with a $10,000 check. The

needs. Other budding doctors work throughout the

contest is open to the public state-wide. “We are

local community in free student-run clinics or travel to

also looking at all departments and how we can

far-away countries to learn and assist with medical

offer healthier choices,” notes Wade.

care there.

“No other medical school has a program quite like

On a personal front, she’s gained a new son-inlaw and two grandchildren and will be staying close

ours,” notes the doctor. “Our center focuses on ethics

to children on another level as a board member of

in action, not just theoretical principles. We believe in

Teach for America, an organization that sends high-

teaching our students principles of ethics that will

achieving college graduates to teach — mostly hard

allow them to deal with ethical dilemmas in a practical

sciences — in impoverished school districts.

way.” She sees access to care as a major ethical issue

A native of Oklahoma, Wade loves life in the

that’s closely related to social justice. “When a human

Alamo City and appreciates the many women lead-

being is suffering, there’s no room for politics or parti-

ers in the community. “And your magazine has

sanship. We want doctors of the future to focus on

helped by giving visibility to these women and to

that and be in the position to relieve human suffering.”

the causes that women care about,” she says. november/december 2012 |

27

W 10TH ANNIVERSARY

2009

MAY/JUNE 2011

ANNA MARIA CHAVEZ Chavez called us from Phoenix, Ariz., where she was visiting the local Girl Scouts council, to talk about the high-profile turn that her career has taken since she left San Antonio a year ago. After turning around the declining membership in the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas by responding to the needs and interests of today’s girls, she was tapped to lead the national organization headquartered in New York City. A former Girl Scout herself, the new CEO says she and her Texas team have “contemporized the programming” to continue to live up to the organization’s 100-year-old mission to “build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.”

Earlier this year, Chavez launched a major new initiative called ToGetHerThere, essentially a huge advocacy and fundraising effort to achieve parity in leadership between men and women across all sectors of society within a single generation. She’s now visiting the regional councils and talking to civic organizations and the media about the campaign that aims to raise $1 billion for the cause. And she has taken her message to Capitol Hill, too. “We want all organizations, governmental, philanthropic, nonprofits, to advocate for girls,” she says. “The message is resonating across the country.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

PAROMITA DATTA It seems like every family in America is touched by cancer in some fashion, and breast cancer remains a threat most feared by women. So we asked Dr. Paromita Datta, medical director of the Aurora Breast Care Clinic, to list some things that our readers may not know about the disease. Her answers: 1. Women with higher breast tissue density are at greater risk of developing breast cancer; 2. Vitamin D deficiency is also related to higher risks; 3. Soy products increase your chances to get ill; and 4.

A baby aspirin a day has been shown to be preventive.

An annual mammogram is fine for most healthy women, but those with a family history of breast cancers or those who are survivors themselves should have an MRI scan. Exposure to chest radiation and carrying certain breast cancer genes are also good reasons to have an MRI, she says. The Aurora Clinic has the only MRI machine in town especially designed for breast imaging.

She wants all cancer patients and families to know that Aurora will be starting a patient support group soon with doctors and staff present to answer questions.

MARCH/APRIL 2012

MARY ALICE CISNEROS Just a couple of months after her profile appeared in the magazine, Cisneros’ husband, former long-time Mayor Henry Cisneros, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. So naturally our first question is about his health and about her own state of mind. “Henry is doing real well,” she tells us. “He’s been through 45 radiation treatments and is now in a holding pattern; he’ll be rechecked in a month or two.

Never missed a day of work! We remain strong. We are onto the next thing.”

The next thing for her is her new involvement with the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame, where she’s now second VP in charge of membership. The nonprofit gives scholarships to women returning to school and recognizes local women who have made a substantial contribution in 15 different fields.

She was herself inducted into SAWHF during her stint as a councilwoman.

As the unpaid president of American Sunrise, Cisneros continues to work hard to raise funds for the organization that provides after-school educational programs for children and classes for their parents as well.

28 | sawoman.com

10TH ANNIVERSARY W

2010

JULY/AUGUST 2012

BECKY HAMMON Back in 2003, SAN ANTONIO WOMAN profiled Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil at a historic moment for women’s basketball in the city and the country. The former basketball Olympian had been hired by Spurs Sports & Entertainment to spearhead the effort to bring a women’s pro team to the Alamo City. Named the Silver Stars, that team launched its inaugural season that year with a Memorial Day game at the then-SBC Center.

Fast forward 10 seasons, and look at the Stars today. Though it has yet to become WNBA’s No 1, the current team has scored many, many wins and qualified for the playoffs for six consecutive seasons, including 2012. This represents the third-longest postseason streak in the WNBA, after Seattle (nine) and Indiana (eight). Our July/August cover girl, guard Becky Hammon, is a team leader, a six-time All-Star and one of the Top 15 players in WNBA history. And she’s an Olympian, too, though she played for the Russian Olympic team, not the American. What makes these achievements even more remarkable is that she is only 5 feet 6 inches tall in a world of 6-plus-footers.

“I have had to rely on my brain. I am going against bigger and faster people, elite athletes, so I had to become a student of the game and be creative,” says the fearless Hammon.

Go, Silver Stars, Go!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

ELIZABETH CHAMBERS Opening a bakery isn’t exactly top news, but when a Hollywood personality who is married to rising movie star heartthrob Armie Hammer returns to the city of her birth to bake cupcakes and pies … well, people get interested. Chambers has thrown her heart and energy into the Bird Bakery, and San Antonians are responding in kind. And for a good reason — the goodies are a big cut above the competition.

One bit she confided to us during the interview concerned the bird feeder she installed outside the door. When a certain cardinal comes by to peck, she feels like it’s the spirit of her grandmother coming by to say hi. Grandma ran a catering business in Alamo Heights for years, and most recipes originated in her kitchen. We like that sense of history and family loyalty around here! november/december 2012 |

29

W 10TH ANNIVERSARY

2011

San Antonio Woman

Staff Pix

30 | sawoman.com

10TH ANNIVERSARY W

THE WOMEN (AND THE MEN) BEHIND SAN ANTONIO WOMAN:

2012

MIKE GAFFNEY, NANCY GAFFNEY, JEN EARHART, KEVIN HERRERA, KATHRYN COCKE, CEDRIC FISHER, MADELEINE JUSTICE, JOSEPHINE GUZMAN, JONATHAN LEE, BEVERLY PURCELL-GUERRA, JENNIFER HERRERA, MARIA (MJ) JENICEK, ERIC WEIDNER

november/december 2012 |

31

EDITOR W

november/december 2012 |

33

W PROFILE

A Decade AT THE HELM Editor Beverly Purcell-Guerra puts heart and mind into her work

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Senior Writer

F

or founding editor Beverly Purcell-Guerra, the 10th an-

niversary

of

SAN

ANTONIO

WOMAN is a deeply gratifying experience.

Photography by LIZ GARZA WILLIAMS

elWorks owner Michael Gaffney. The publi-

tographers I knew, and they came through

cation was looking for a new publisher, and

for me. When that first issue came out, we

Gaffney was invited for a talk. Since Purcell-

were jumping from joy that we actually did

Guerra was the only one with magazine ex-

it in 60 days.”

Though SAN ANTONIO WOMAN (SAW)

“That we are still publishing after 10

perience, it fell to her to interview him. He

years gives me a wonderful sense of accom-

got the contract, but before long the tables

took a while to settle into its current format,

plishment and satisfaction,” she says. “We

were turned, and he hired her.

one question was settled right at the start:

have been able to cover so many aspects of

At the time, Gaffney was already consid-

who gets to grace the cover. The new editor

the community and to help a lot of women

ering starting a women’s publication for San

insisted that the cover photo should relate

understand other women’s lives and issues

Antonio, so when he learned of Purcell-

to the content and not feature models.

of importance. I am fortunate to have been

Guerra’s background, he lost no time offer-

Right away, she envisioned the magazine

involved with this magazine from the start.”

ing her the job of editor. “He hired me in

more along the lines of Vanity Fair than a

That start was sudden and swift. A for-

September 2002, and he wanted the first

traditional women’s publication. In her initial

mer editor for several San Antonio Express-

magazine in November,” recalls Purcell-

Letter from the Editor, she wrote: “The goal

News

was

Guerra. “That was quite a challenge. Fortu-

of the magazine is to capture the spirit of

serving as a volunteer advisory board mem-

nately, my experience at the Express-News

San Antonio’s women and to write about

ber for a local publication when she met Pix-

helped. I called upon the writers and pho-

the issues, the ideas and the trends that

publications,

34 | sawoman.com

Purcell-Guerra

W PROFILE

Beverly Purcell-Guerra became editor of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN in September 2002 and in 60 days produced the first issue of the brand-new magazine. Her contacts from the Express-News, where she had been editor of Images, helped her meet the challenge. She began her publishing career in her 20s, with stints at Ingenue, Glamour and Vogue. In 1979 she became merchandising editor at Vogue, a position she held for 17 years.

women want to know more about. We will present creative, stimulating and provocative social and civic issues for our readers.”

In addition, every issue has featured a personality profile and a variety of articles on the arts, health, food, decorating, finances and homes among other topics.

After 10 years, she feels comfortable saying that SAW has lived up to her expectations. Among hundreds of articles, it can be hard to recall the most memorable stories that resonated with the readership, but after a bit of reflection, she cites a few highlights: the article about military wives, the story about families with disabled children (heartbreaking), another about the women rebuilding their lives following divorce or death of a spouse (impressive) and the organ transplant story that covered both the heartache and the joy that are part and parcel of this life-renewing experience.

“These are the kinds of stories that are helpful to other women who may be going through similar situations in their lives,” says the editor. “Profiles are also a strong draw, as readers’ feedback indicates. Other highlights include the 2005 Magazine of the Year honor and the 2006 Best Editorial recognition from the Women’s Regional Publications of America.” Purcell-Guerra is quick to share credit with her entire team, however: “I have a wonderful group of writers, photographers, graphic artists and a wonderful copy editor. Quite simply, we have some of the most talented people in the city.”

nights. Sometimes stories fall through,

party, everywhere,” she says.

Which is not to say that things have al-

sometimes writers need more time, and

Publisher Michael Gaffney goes a step

ways been easy. Being the only editor on

sometimes you have trouble reaching the

further. “For all intents and purposes Bev-

staff — who since last year is also overseeing

people you need to reach. She’s always on

erly is SAN ANTONIO WOMAN,” he says.

PixelWorks’ newest publication, SAN ANTO-

the lookout for potentially good stories, she

“The magazine’s content is a direct reflec-

NIO MAN — she has had her share of sleep-

notes. “My life is the magazine. I represent

tion of her high standards of quality, which

less nights as well as staying-in-the-office

the magazine wherever I go — a meeting, a

gives us credibility with the readers. She is

36 | sawoman.com

PROFILE W

During her career at Vogue, Purcell-Guerra traveled across the country to coordinate and produce Vogue promotions at high-end stores and presented fashion shows and clinics for customers and management personnel. At right, two of her photographs from this period.

Below, she confers with graphic designer Jonathan Lee, center, and SAN ANTONIO WOMAN publisher Mike Gaffney.

not willing to compromise on that. She is also a person who is passionately interested in this community and has a finger on the

“Vreeland dictated what women were going

pulse of what our readers are interested in.

to wear,” says Purcell-Guerra. “She was a

She keeps the content focused on the peo-

fashion genius, very creative and imagina-

ple of San Antonio, and that’s our strength.

tive. Women followed her.” Purcell-Guerra

more traveling and commuting,” says Pur-

That’s even more remarkable, considering

was at Vogue in the late ‘60s, when Yves

cell-Guerra, who by this time was a single

that she’s not from here.”

Saint Laurent introduced pants in his collec-

mother of two.

The road to San Antonio

tion. Until then, women couldn’t wear pants

when Anna Wintour replaced Mirabella as

to work or even to a restaurant.

editor. Wintour is a powerful woman in fash-

Growing up in Boston, Beverly Kimtis

When Purcell-Guerra returned to Vogue

thought she would eventually have a career

in ‘79, Vreeland had been forced to cede the

She was also at Vogue

ion, and some say she was the prototype for the editor in The Devil Wears Prada.

as a department store buyer. When she

fashion throne to Grace Mirabella, and

As merchandising editor, Purcell-Guerra

moved to New York and applied for a buyer

changes in women’s lives had induced fash-

continued to travel across the country to

trainee job, however, she was told that it

ion to become more realistic. “The magazine

create, coordinate and produce Vogue pro-

wasn’t worth the store’s time to train her

went from dictating to designers to talking

motions at high-end stores and to present

because she would probably leave in two

to women about what they wanted or

fashion shows and clinics for customers as

years to settle in her marriage and have ba-

needed as they established careers and did

well as sales and management personnel.

bies. Her second try was luckier, and she spent a year with a clothing manufacturer learning how to merchandise a product line. That led to a job with Ingenue magazine, where she helped choose items featured on fashion pages and traveled beyond New York to put on teen fashion shows at stores that advertised with the magazine. In her mid-20s, she was beginning “to feel like I have a career going.”

Then came Vogue, Glamour and Vogue again, but in between the last two she took six years off for marriage and children, rejoining the fashion giant in 1979 as merchandising editor.

Her recollections of working with legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland during her first stint at the American fashion bible reveal aspects of the fashion press that few people know about. Vreeland was so powerful in that industry that she would summon famed designers to tell them what she wanted to see in their upcoming lines.

november/december 2012 |

37

W PROFILE

Purcell-Guerra married Dr. Fernando Guerra in 1982 and later moved to San Antonio. Their blended family includes her two children, his four children and six grandchildren, including the youngest, Dominic. The seventh grandchild is expected in February. Their adult children now live in five different cities.

She also did newspaper, television and radio interviews to discuss current fashion trends.

One such trip brought her to the Alamo City, where she met and befriended Mary Ann Guerra and her broadcaster/historian

husband,

Henry. On a subsequent visit, her friends took her to La Fogata for lunch and invited their cousin, Dr. Fernando Guerra, to join the group.

A busy pediatrician, he admits his “3-second decision” to have that lunch

terview, far from the office commotion, one

Center Foundation, the Cancer Center Coun-

changed the course of his and Beverly’s life.

of their sons and his wife were in San Anto-

cil and the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance and

They dated long-distance for 1 1/2 years be-

nio to introduce their new baby boy, the

has served on others in the past.

fore tying the knot in June 1982, merging their

Guerras’ sixth grandchild, with the seventh

family of six children, who at the time were

on the way. The grandparents find them-

ages 7, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14, all living with them.

selves flying all over the country to spend

Dr. Guerra was given a fellowship to study

weekends with their expanding brood. Pur-

nine years before turning her full attention to

serving on the San Antonio Symphony’s

the San Antonio scene. The couple’s adult

board and chairing the Friends of Hospice

"Beverly is SAN ANTONIO WOMAN. The magazine's content is a direct reflection of her high standards of quality, which gives us credibility with the readers. She is not willing to compromise on that ... She keeps the content focused on the people of San Antonio, and that's our strength."

children now live in five different cities.

board, a duty that’s close to her heart. The

Publisher Mike Gaffney

public health at Harvard and subsequently

cell-Guerra can rarely leave for longer than

became the longtime director of the San An-

that. With two magazines to run, her sched-

tonio Metropolitan Health District while Pur-

ule is demanding, yet she nevertheless finds

cell-Guerra kept her Vogue job for another

time for volunteer work as well, currently

Her life path has veered in several direc-

organization raises funds for the only non-

tions over the years, but she believes that

profit hospice in town, the CHRISTUS VNA

The main reason she likes her job is that

things happen for a reason. It’s an outlook

Hospice & Palliative Care, which helped Pur-

it allows her to get involved with the com-

she accepted from her mother and internal-

cell-Guerra in her hour of need.

munity and learn about what is going on

ized. So change is something she knows

“When my aunt had a long illness and her

how to handle, whether good or bad.

health started to deteriorate, we moved her

ing side is the most fun,” observes Purcell-

“When I left the Express-News, I thought I

here (to San Antonio). The CHRISTUS hos-

Guerra. “But I like to think that the community is also learning from SAN AN-

and what’s on people’s minds. “The learn-

was going to retire, and then Mike appeared

pice people were so wonderful to her,” she

and offered me a new opportunity to main-

explains. “They helped me as much as they

TONIO WOMAN magazine. We intend to

tain my career and continue to serve our

helped my aunt. When I had to use their serv-

stay in touch with our readers to keep cur-

community. Somehow, it all works out in the

ices, I realized how very important hospice is

rent on their needs, but we’ll also continue

end,” she says.

for end-of-life care.” Purcell-Guerra is also on

to bring them stories that we think are im-

the boards of the South Texas Blood & Tissue

portant, timely and relevant.”

The day we met at her home for this in-

38 | sawoman.com

EDITOR W

november/december 2012 |

39

W EDITOR

40 | sawoman.com

EDITOR W

TK

november/december 2012 |

41

W ENVIRONMENTS

42 | sawoman.com

ENVIRONMENTS W

Art

A traditional Spanish fountain is a feature of the U-shaped courtyard at Cecil and Linda Barcelo's Cordillera Ranch home, above. Opposite, the great room offers views of the golf course. The large exposed wooden trusses are built using mortise and tenon joints, with no nails.

in

Architecture

Spanish colonial home overlooks Cordillera Ranch golf course

By ROBYN BARNES Photography AL RENDON

they were going for in the home,” says Burger. “They wanted Spanish colonial from top to bottom, using new furnishings. The only things they were bringing with them were the furnishings for the secondary bedrooms. They didn’t buy a thing in their travels, while the home was under construction, without sending me a picture first. We knew from the beginning where everything

H

omeowners in Cordillera

this type of architecture. They knew

we bought was going to be placed. We

Ranch know they’ve got a

what they wanted and were very clear

also knew we weren’t going for a clut-

little slice of heaven: rolling

in sharing their vision. That always

tered look; we’d use bigger statement pieces and fewer items for decorating.”

hills populated by massive

makes a project much more enjoyable.”

oaks, native grasses and extraordinary

Christofilis chose architect Gustavo

Burger sourced most of the fur-

views. Cecil and Linda Barcelo were

Arrendoz and designer Barbara Burger

nishings from Marge Carson and other

taken by the area and selected a site on

of Studio Domaine to round out his

vendors in Dallas. The carpets came

the golf course for their new home.

team. Both were familiar with this type

from Bijan Rugs of San Antonio. “I’m

They chose Damon Christofilis of

of architecture, and Burger has exten-

extremely lucky that I have a wonder-

Burdick & Christofilis, Ltd. as their

sive experience in the Spanish heritage

ful business partner in Tawnya Zepka,”

builder. “The Barcelos were wonderful

of Central Texas.

she says. “We both worked on this project. She has a real talent for locat-

to work with,” he says. “They wanted an

“From day one, before the home

authentic Spanish hacienda and had

was started and the plans complete, I

ing

met with the Barcelos to ask what style

homes we design.”

done a lot of research over the years on

appropriate

vendors

for

the

november/december 2012 |

43

W EVIRONMENTS

Spanish fountain. The wrought iron, red

room, bar, kitchen and great room. Lime-

window casings and Talavera tile risers are

stone columns serve as delineators be-

all reminiscent of the Spanish style. A hand-

tween the dining room and the great room.

carved limestone façade leads to arched

The colonnade of arches is replicated in

Left, the arched iron entry doors with intricate carving were designed by Durango Doors. Above top, the barrel ceiling in the dining room appears to be brick, but is actually faux painting by artist Cheryl Ramirez; below, the bar area with its dragon red granite counter.

iron doors with intricate carving, designed

the 9-foot arched French doors that open

to create the texture and subtle variations

for the home by Durango Doors. The entry

onto the patio.

in the brick color is just amazing.”

The home’s front elevation centers on a

space. The open floor plan allows you to

U-shaped courtyard with a traditional

stand in one place and view the dining

features a fresco beneath a groined vault

The dining room seats 10 around a long

Across the hallway is the great room,

ceiling. The floor appears to be Saltillo tile

plank table beneath a beautiful chandelier.

afforded a fabulous view of the golf course

but is actually concrete by ArtoBrick.

The barrel ceiling appears to be brick, but

through a huge picture window. Two mas-

“Using real terra cotta tile is very expen-

is actually faux painting by area artist

sive chandeliers hang among large ex-

sive,” Burger says. “ArtoBrick offers a look

Cheryl Ramirez, who did the fresco in the

posed wooden trusses. “Those trusses are

you’d find in a true Spanish setting at a

entry. “Cheryl copied the brick used in the

built using mortise and tenon joints,”

more reasonable price.”

kitchen and reproduced it in the dining

Christofilis says. “There’s not a nail in them.

room,” says Burger. “The way she was able

The craftsmanship is incredible.”

Left of the entry is the home’s living

44 | sawoman.com

W ENVIRONMENTS

Craftsmanship is one of the

Top, the spacious kitchen, and below, two of the pieces of furniture acquired for the home.

home’s hallmarks. Room transitions are made by changing the shape and color of the tile.

Burger designed every piece of cabinetry, and then it was handmade in Monterrey, Mexico. All the walls are troweled by hand, with a finish called cake frosting. The attention to detail is part of what makes this home special.

A set of reclaimed Mexican shutters serves as a pass-through from the dining room to the bar, a center of conviviality when the Barcelos entertain. The striking dragon red granite bar seats three. This is a full bar, complete with sink and bigscreen television. A wine grotto adjacent to the bar stores chilled libations.

The guest suite has its own private entry from the courtyard. The 14-foot pitched cathedral ceiling features Douglas fir timbers and a blue accent wall.

“This suite is a little different from others I’ve built over the years,” Christofilis says. “The Barcelos wanted the lady’s vanity area separate from the bath and shower areas, so we used pocket doors to accomplish this. The vessel sink is of hammered copper, and Talavera tile surrounds the mirror. You’ll also notice there are no door casings anywhere. This enhances the home’s adobe feeling.”

The spacious kitchen is separated from the great room by a stepped overbar of the same granite used in the bar area. A 36-inch refrigerator and standalone freezer are set into a wall of old Chicago brick. Special cabinetry with bifold retractable doors hides a television and various gadgets that normally clutter kitchen counters. The square island features maize and blue tile on antique roja cabinets.

46 | sawoman.com

ENVIRONMENTS W

november/december 2012 |

47

W ENVIRONMENTS

big challenge with this space was to protect the Bacelos’ privacy while opening up the big view to the golf course,” Christofilis says. “We accomplished this by using several levels for the living area, the pool, the sunbathing area and the firepit.”

The master suite, located at the other side of the house, is accessed via a long gallery whose high ceiling is accented by a series of Douglas fir corbel treatments and recessed lighting. The doors to the master suite are of clear alder and reflect the archway of the home’s front doors. The floors are hand-scraped beveled hickory. A large, deep niche in one wall holds a handcarved entertainment armoire built specifically for the space. The drawer pulls are hand-forged iron. Opposite the entertainment armoire is a kingsize bed centered beneath the cathedral ceiling.

Cozy seating is grouped around the fireplace at the far end of the room. Solid twisted flutes support the heavy mantel. The flutes, mantel and cornice boards were all carved by the cabinet artisans.

The master bath is architectural artistry. Multiple groin vaults lead from a linen closet to a massive tub and shower silo, located beneath a coppercolored dome. All the fixtures are of brushed bronze; the sinks are hammered copper. Typhoon Bordeaux

The master bedroom includes a cozy seating area around the fireplace. The mantel and cornice boards were carved by the artisans who created the house's cabinetry. The master bath feature multiple groin vaults and a massive tub and shower silo located beneath a copper-colored dome. Fixtures are brushed bronze, and the sinks are hammered copper.

granite is used in the tub deck and the counters. A large his-and-hers walk-in closet completes the bath suite.

At the end of the gallery is the home office, which features built-in book-

At the far end of the kitchen be-

lot of flourish and strength, and they

cases and box beam tiled ceiling. The

neath a blue domed ceiling is the

are all black,” she says. “For the most

entire home operates on a controlled

breakfast area. A wrought iron chande-

part, the chandelier’s glass is intended

system for lighting, climate control and

lier hangs from the dome over a round

to look like onyx.”

video. Keypads replace traditional light

glass table with banquette seating.

The carved limestone fireplace is the

“The Barcelos didn’t want traditional

focal point of the living area. Built-in

lighting system lets one button do the

breakfast room chairs,” Burger says.

cabinets flank the fireplace, which is

work of many,” Christofilis says.

switches; keys serve as dimmers. “This

“We ordered the seats and had them

protected by a custom-made wrought

“I’m really proud of this home,” he

reupholstered here. The seating is cozy

iron grate. Deep sofas and chairs with

continues. “Taken as a whole, we were

and allows everyone at the table a view

tall backs provide seating. A baby grand

blessed to work with great clients, a

of the golf course.”

piano anchors one corner of the room.

good team and a God-given piece of

Burger says the lighting fixtures

The outdoor covered patio is actu-

property. In the end, we were good

throughout the home are typical of the

ally another living room with a masonry

stewards of the property we worked

Spanish colonial style. “They provide a

fireplace, a bar and a full kitchen. “The

with, and that’s very important to me.”

48 | sawoman.com

W

november/december 2012 |

49

W ENVIRONMENTS

50 | sawoman.com

W

november/december 2012 |

51

W FASHION CALENDAR

San Antonio

fa shion ev ent s November 7-8 Julian Gold Melissa Spalten Personal Appearance and Trunk Show Jewelry

November 7-9 Saks Fifth Avenue Nini Trunk Show Fine Jewelry

November 8-10 Kathleen Sommers Kathleen Sommers Trunk Show Latest Trends and Styles

November 8-10 Kathleen Sommers Lorena Angulo Trunk Show Jewelry

November 8-11 Collector’s Gallery Swarovski Swarovski Silver Jubilee 25 Years’ Celebration

November 9 Neiman Marcus David Yurman and Ken Downing Personal Appearance Jewelry

November 9 Saks Fifth Avenue Ippolita Trunk Show Designer Jewelry

November 10 Saks Fifth Avenue Carmen Marc Valvo Personal Appearance Fur Salon

November 12-14 Julian Gold Etro 2012 Escada Trunk Show Designer Wear

November 13-15 Neiman Marcus Natura Bisse Oxygen Bubble Spa Event

By Appointment

November 15 Neiman Marcus CUSP Department Opening and Cocktail Reception

November 15-16 Julian Gold Naeem Khan Trunk Show Designer Wear

November 15-16 Ranjana Khan Trunk Show Jewelry

Julian Gold

November 15-17 Collector’s Gallery Trollbeads Holiday Trunk Show Jewelry

November 15-17 Saks Fifth Avenue David Lee Holland Trunk Show Fine Jewelry

November 23-24 Julian Gold Monique Lhullier Trunk Show Bridal

November 26-27 Julian Gold Lela Rose Trunk Show Designer Wear

November 27–Dec 1 Andie & Barbara Painted Pony Spring Trunk Show Many Colors, Fabrics and Styles

November 28-29 Julian Gold Elizabeth Showers Personal Appearance and Trunk Show Jewelry

December 6-8 Andie & Barbara Ming Wang 2013 Spring Trunk Show Machine-Washable and Wrinkle-Free

December 7-8 Julian Gold Bed Head Trunk Show Sleepwear

December 10-11 Saks Fifth Avenue Oscar de la Renta 2013 Spring Trunk Show Newest Spring Trends

For more information, go to SanAntonioEvents.com 52 | sawoman.com

Holiday Evening

Glamour

By Robert Mitchell Photography Liz Garza Williams

Beaded and embroidered cream lace dress by Zang Toi, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Red suede booties by Brian Atwood, at Neiman Marcus.

2012

Black and cream embroidered, beaded and lace-appliquĂŠd gown by Zang Toi, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Ring by Alexis Bittar, at Neiman Marcus.

Black gown with beads and sequin detail at the hemline and inside of skirt, worn with a cream tulle bolero top by Zang Toi, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Red suede booties, by Brian Atwood; Lucite bangles by Alexis Bittar, both at Neiman Marcus.

Black leather and lace dress by Bailey 44, at Julian Gold. Purple and black collarless dyed coyote shrug by Christian Cota, at The Fur Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue. Black jeweled satin handbag by Prada, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Black Lucite cuff with feather detail and black and silver snake ring, by Miriam Salat, both at Neiman Marcus.

Black and ivory lace gown with leather belt by Catherine Deane; black Lucite cuff with feather detail by Miriam Salat, both at Neiman Marcus. Blue dyed chinchilla bolero by Carmen Marc Valvo, at The Fur Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue; rust and black sequined clutch by Prada, at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Makeup Donna Horner Hair Marguerite for Medusa Salon Fashion Assistant Justin Arrellano Location courtesy of Eilan Hotel Resort & Spa

W SHOPPING

SOFT AS A SNOWFLAKE — A silk scarf (did I hear Hermes?) is a classic gift. But a scarf needn’t hit a high price point to be pretty; any soft colorful one would make a good stocking stuffer. And no woman ever complained about cashmere, so think a warm sweater or a comfy throw or shawl for chilly mornings.

Holiday Gifts A

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Forget the gift card and go with our list

By JANIS TURK

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

recent Yahoo news headline claimed that what women want most for Christmas is a gift card.

Seriously?

Not since Eartha Kitt asked for a platinum mine

and checks from “Santa Baby” have I heard anything more ridiculous. How many of you have ever squealed with joy over a plastic Visa or a well-stocked Wal-Mart card? No one. So, Santa Sweetie, tell Yahoo to get a clue.

What women want most is a sleigh full of thoughtfulness, some holiday ho, ho, ho, and quality time under the mistletoe with our own Kris Kringle. We want Bing to sing White Christmas while chestnuts are roasting on an open fire. We want our kids to see Mama kissing Santa Claus.

Beyond that, there are a few basic presents that will always be welcome under our tree, so cut out this list and have your honey check it twice.

Let your Santa Baby know that no matter what he may have read on the Internet, he’s not getting off the hook by stuffing your stocking with a gift card. Only a fruitcake would consider giving a woman something that screams “I’m too lazy to shop.”

Only a Yahoo would think that’s the way to go.

FROSTING and SPARKLE — Crystal, china — all things frosted, sparkly and bright are gifts she’ll enjoy all year. What could be more merry?

58 | sawoman.com

SHOP SA W

november/december 2012 |

59

W SHOPPING

Sterling Silver and 18k Yellow Gold with Citrine jewelry from Peñaloza & Sons. penalozaandsons.com

SILVER and GOLD — How about beautiful unique jewelry from local designers, trusted jewelers and fine department stores in San Antonio?

FRANKINCENSE and MYRRH — The Wise Men were smart cookies — they brought fragrant gifts to pamper the senses.

Every woman has a signature perfume that is her trademark.

Gifts like Lamp Bergere products, sold at Mufungo, are a lovely way to bring the warmth of the holiday home, as well.

60 | sawoman.com

W SHOPPING

WHISK ME AWAY — Travel is always a winning ticket because women often want experiences and time spent with family instead of material things. While dinner out is nice, a weekend getaway to a Hill Country bed and breakfast is better. Turn to a trusted local booking service like Gastehaus Schmidt (www.fbglodging.com) to find a little cabin in the woods with a fireplace. They’ll send you a gift certificate and a map to get there, and faster than Frosty the Snowman can melt, you’ve got a romantic holiday getaway gift.

What women want most is a sleigh full of thoughtfulness, some holiday ho ho ho, and quality time under the mistletoe with our own Kris Kringle.

of the Ryan Bonneau

Board Telluride Tourism

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE — If you can swing it this year, book a ski trip to Telluride and let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Great deals are available through airlines and online travel search sites.

62 | sawoman.com

W

64 | sawoman.com

FabulousFinds EXOPHOBE, a novel gift idea

San Antonio author D. Kenton Mellott's latest novel blends sci-fi adventure with fast pace energy and will have you riding an EM wave of electromagnetic beings and global intrigue — always splashed with the lead character's intelligent humor. Kirkus Review says: "Readers will delight in Mellott's flights of imagination... this action-packed tale will satisfy readers looking for entertainment with substance." Hardbound first edition available at The Twig or buy signed version online.

(210)409-5475 www.exophobe.com

PEÑALOZA & SONS

Whether it's Ruby, Rubellite or Rhodolite, celebrate RED, the accent color of the decade. Experience fine jewelry in diamonds and all the colors of the rainbow. (Also see back cover.) For the holidays and everyday it's PEÑALOZA & SONS.

2001 N.W. Military Hwy. (210) 340-3536 www.penalozaandsons.com

MELISSA GUERRA

Let the fiesta begin! Beautiful blown glass from Rose Ann Hall accented with multicolored confetti dots. Gorgeous for casual or formal get-togethers! Made in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. A customer favorite!

303 Pearl Parkway, Suite 104 The Historic Pearl Brewery (210) 293-3983 www.melissaguerra.com

ALLEN & ALLEN COMPANY

SAN ANTONIO MAN

The perfect stocking stuffer for your special guy.

Give him a one-year subscription to SAN ANTONIO MAN, San Antonio’s newest magazine for men from the publishers of SAN ANTONIO WOMAN.

Subscribe Now for $15.95/year (210) 826-5375 www.sanantonioman.com

Traditionally fabricated with a porcelain basin and stone countertop, this classic vanity sink is carved from a single block of honed marble. Combine the subtle detailing of the washbasin with traditional console legs to bring a new Old World feel to the bath. Find this Renaissance Console Sink by Stone Forest and many other beautiful products at the Allen & Allen Company Building and Design Selection Center.

202 Culebra San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 733-9191 www.LumberHardware.com

visit us online at www.ShopSA.com

W AROUND TOWN

CANCER CENTER COUNCIL PRESENTS

EXPRESS-NEWS BOOK & AUTHOR LUNCHEON BENEFITING

THE CANCER THERAPY AND RESEARCH CENTER 1

1. Chris Bohjalian, Gijsbert Frankenhuyzen,

4

Joe Nick Patoski, H.W. Brands, Sandra Cisneros and Jack Bishop 2. Janie Everhart, Molly Wilkes and Shannon Stephens 3. Buddy and Rose Marie Banack

2

BOYSVILLE

5

PRESENTS

THE WILDEST AUCTION IN THE WEST 4. Ashley Smith, Joan and Craig Dixon with Julie and Clay Jett 5. Matthew and Lisa Allison with Cindy Arnold 6. Gardner Peavy and David Angulo

3

66 | sawoman.com

6

W EDITOR

68 | sawoman.com

Puddings

I

FOCUS ON FOOD W

Serve the decadent versions at holiday meals

By PAT MOZERSKY Photography CASEY HOWELL

t’s the little black dress of the dessert

more. All are part of this huge, and hugely

world. Dress it up and it’s fit for a festive

popular, genre. In the melting pot that is

holiday table. Dress it down, and it’s an un-

America, we appear to have embraced them

adorned cup of custard, appropriate for the

all and continually create puddings using our

nursery. No matter its attire, pudding conjures

own regional refinements.

up contentment.

Admittedly, these desserts are decadent,

Scores of cultures have time-honored pud-

even Rubenesque. Allow them to take you back

ding traditions, mostly variations of that simple

to an age of innocence, when whole milk,

custard made from milk or cream, eggs and

cream and eggs were considered good for you.

sugar. The English are inveterate pudding

The holidays are upon us. Go ahead — indulge.

lovers, famous for their glorious steamed

Those classic steamed English puddings are

Christmas Plum and Fig Puddings, and the ad-

not puddings in the modern sense, but more

dicting Sticky Toffee Pudding. The Italians are

closely resemble a moist cake. Chef Bruce

known for their lustrous Panna Cotta, the

Auden, a London native, introduced his incom-

French for their caramel-glazed Creme Brulee

parable Sticky Toffee Pudding to San Antonio

and the silken Creme Renversee au Caramel, a

at his restaurants — Biga on the Banks and

close cousin of the beloved Spanish flan.

Auden‘s Kitchen — and pastry chef Lilla Bernal

Then come the custard-based rice pud-

continues to prepare it to the delight of eager

dings, popular throughout Europe, India and

diners. This cake-like pudding is accompanied

Latin America, tapioca and bread puddings,

by two sauces — Sticky Toffee and English Cus-

bavarians, trifles, mousses, English sauce

tard. Serve it at your next holiday dinner, and

(creme Anglaise), Italian zabaglione and

your guests will be licking their plates.

Bruce Auden’s Sticky Toffee Pudding • • • • • • • • • • •

12 ounces (3/4 pound) dates, sliced 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon flour 1 cup boiling water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup brown sugar 3 1/2 ounces butter, softened 1/2 cup molasses 1 egg 1/2 pound all-purpose flour Scant teaspoon baking powder

Preheat the oven to 325οF. In a bowl combine the dates with the baking soda and 1 tablespoon flour to coat. Pour boiling water and vanilla over the dates, stir, and allow the mixture to cool, about 15 minutes. Butter 10 to 12 custard cups.

Meanwhile, put the brown sugar in the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, turn on to lowest speed (speed one) and break up any clumps. Add Continued on next page

november/december 2012 |

69

W FOCUS ON FOOD

the butter and pulse on speed one, just enough to incorporate it.

Scrape down the sides with a spatula. Add the molasses and mix, just until incorporated. Scrape down sides. Mix in the egg; scrape down sides again. Add the cooled date mixture; pulse three times.

Remove the mixer from the stand and by hand, stir in the flour and baking powder until well blended. Spoon the mixture evenly, about 3/4 of the way, into buttered individual custard cups (about 10 to 12) and place the cups in a deep baking pan. Fill the pan with enough hot water to come about halfway up the sides of the custard cups. Cover the pan very tightly with foil and carefully place it in the preheated oven. Allow the puddings to cook and steam for 35 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, transfer the cups to the counter and set aside to cool. To serve, run a sharp knife around the edge of each custard and unmold onto serving plates. Serve warm topped with Warm Toffee Sauce and English Custard Sauce.

Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Toffee Sauce • • • •

1 1/2 pounds brown sugar 3/4 pound butter 1 1/2 cups cream 1-2 tablespoons Meyer’s Dark Rum or bourbon (optional)

Melt brown sugar and butter in a pot. Stir to emulsify. Cook until the temperature comes to 220oF. (A thermometer is very helpful.)

Add the cream and stir. Allow the sauce to return to 220oF. and immediately remove from heat. Add rum, if using. Using a hand-held immersion blender or standard mixer, blend the sauce until smooth.

Strain the sauce, then transfer to a storage container. Warm the sauce to serve.

English Custard Sauce • • • • •

12 egg yolks, beaten 1/2 cup sugar 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons whole milk 1/2 vanilla bean, slit in half with a sharp knife, seeds scraped into the milk Honey, to taste

In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar. Heat the milk with vanilla bean and seeds in the top of a double boiler until a film appears on the surface. Add the hot milk gradually to the egg yolk and sugar mixture, stirring continuously. Pour it back into the top of the double boiler and cook over gentle heat, stirring and scraping the bottom of the entire pan continuously, until the mixture reaches 170oF. and begins to coat a wooden spatula. Immediately remove the pan from the heat. DO NOT allow it to boil, or it will separate.

Pass the mixture through a fine mesh strainer (a chinois) and add a bit of honey, to taste. Chill in the refrigerator.

American chefs are no strangers to the delights of custard puddings. Just check out this luscious Burnt Maple Custard, prepared

by Hill Country Hyatt Resort‘s pastry chef, Lou Venditti. Heavy cream and egg yolks make this as luxurious a custard as you’ll come across, worthy of a fine holiday dinner, or all year long, for that matter. In addition, Venditti accompanies the pudding with Bourbon Pecan cookies. True Southern comfort.

70 | sawoman.com

FOCUS ON FOOD W

Hyatt Hill Country’s Burnt Maple Custard with Bourbon Pecan Cookies Toffee Sauce • • • •

2 cups heavy cream (preferably organic) 1/2 cup maple syrup 6 ounces egg yolks (free range) 3 tablespoons sugar in the raw, to caramelize

Preheat oven to 325oF. Separate yolks and place in a small bowl. Pour the heavy cream and maple syrup into a pot and whisk together; bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the egg yolks. Divide the mixture evenly among 6 ramekins or soufflé dishes and place them in a deep baking pan. Gently pour 1 inch of hot tap water (120oF.) into the pan. Cover the pan with foil, leaving one edge slightly open to vent, and bake. Check after 30 minutes, and continue baking just until the custard is set. (Baking times will vary with oven temperature and quantity of water.) Remove the pan from the oven, transfer the dishes to the counter, and let them cool. Refrigerate to chill.

Just before serving time, evenly sprinkle the sugar in the raw over top of the chilled custards, and caramelize, preferably with a butane torch. (Chef warns, Do not caramelize your hand!) You can also caramelize the sugar by placing the dishes under the broiler, but watch them very carefully to avoid burning the sugar, and remove them once the sugar has caramelized. Serve accompanied by Bourbon Pecan Cookies. Makes 6 servings.

Bourbon Pecan Cookies • • • • • • • •

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup organic sugar 1 egg yolk (free range) 1/2 vanilla bean seeds (slit bean in half with a sharp knife, scrape seeds) 2 teaspoons bourbon 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 3/4 cups Texas pecan pieces

Preheat oven to 350oF. In a heavy-duty mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed. Add the egg yolk and mix until combined. Scrape the bowl and mix again. Add the vanilla bean seeds and bourbon and mix it in.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add it all at once to the mixing bowl. Continue mixing gently. When the flour is almost incorporated, add the pecan pieces; don’t overmix.

Form the dough into half dollar-size pieces, then press them flat. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, approximately 15 minutes. Makes 15 to 18 cookies.

november/december 2012 |

71

W AROUND TOWN

ANY BABY CAN PRESENTS

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE STYLE SHOW AND LUNCHEON 1. Honorees Jack and Laura Richmond 2. Anne Gamboa, Martha Coerver, Susan Meyer 1

and Sandy Ford

4

3. Lila Kahlenberg, Aspasia Erian, Julie Mellin, Kathy Rittmueller and Helen Hruska

THE WITTE MUSEUM PRESENTS

WITTE GAME DINNER 2

5 4. Andy Holland, Bekki Kowalski and Leslie Foley 5. Greg Kowalski, Kyle Watson and Tudy Perez 6. Martha O'Neill, Linda Leyendecker Gutierrez and Niti Volpe

3

72 | sawoman.com

6

BEAUTY & FITNESS W

BEAUTY SHORTCUTS FOR MAKEUP, HAIR, AND MORE Y

BY ANNE MOORE

ou’re rockin’ along with your already not-so-routine life comprising work, kids, family, school, social events, sports, volunteering, church plus unforeseen activities. BAM! Suddenly (it seems to sneak up on us) it’s October, which, along with witches and pumpkins, brings with it the need to stretch your time and energy for increased planning, shopping, cooking, socializing, traveling and more.

Well, you’re not the battery bunny. Stress will build. So take a look at these time-saving suggestions below and give them a try.

Too rushed for your usual, full-fledged shower? Splash some cold water on your face to wake up your skin. Even better, spritz your face with a hydrating spray (kept in the refrigerator) to help tone and tighten your skin. Skip your usual multilayered facial procedures and apply a tinted moisturizer. Be sure it contains an SPF for protection against sun and harmful airborne pollutants.

Zip through your eye makeup routine with a quick brush to shape your eyebrows; add a little highlighting shadow under the brow bone and then a quick smear of mascara. Voila! If you have an extra minute or so, you should curl your lashes before applying the mascara.

Many makeup artists believe blush is a much underrated beauty product. Choose a creamy blush product and use it on your lips and eyelids in addition to your cheeks.

MAKE YOUR SHOWER DO DOUBLE DUTY Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in your shower to brush your teeth while you bathe.

Slap on a hydrating mask so the steam can help penetrate into your pores.

Shave your legs ... you’re not supposed to shave dry anyway.

Push your cuticles back with your washcloth.

At the end of your shower, when your skin is softened, quickly smooth your feet with an exfoliating disk or a brush.

november/december 2012 |

73

W BEAUTY & FITNESS

QUICK WAYS WITH HAIR Long hair? Pop your hair up into a ponytail or twist. Buns are back, but they sit low on the neck, and sometimes a few ends are left sticking out for a more casual look. To get that smooth, sleek, pulled-back look with a hint of volume, use a volumizer on damp hair, blow-dry your hair straight. Part your hair if you want, and pull it back into a low ponytail. Twist into a chignon and spray to hold. For a wet look, comb in a leave-in conditioner, pull hair into a ponytail. Hair will dry to a slick finish.

A new tool for bun styling is a hairpin called the Pronto Styling Pin by Oscar Blandi. In three easy steps — push up, flip over and press down — use this three-pronged oversized hairpin, and you’ll be bunned.

Give your roots a little blast of dry shampoo, and then set your hair with hot rollers while you dress for a quick boost and a fresher, cleaner look. A couple of swipes from a curling iron or flattening iron can add “polish” to short hair. Luckily, hair accessories are very BIG (in more ways than one) this year. You’ll easily find decorative clips, clasps, pins, bands and combs and other innovative ways to enhance or simplify your hair care for your whole head or ponytail.

Or you can simply take care of curling, crimping or waving the top layer of your hair.

A FEW PRODUCT TIPS: Styling products that are clear (gels) give oomph to your roots, while those that are more opaque (creams and lotions) are good for smoothing flyaway or frizzy locks.

“Heat activated” means you must use a curling iron, flat iron, blow-dryer or other heated appliance for these products to work properly. Without heat, they just make your hair flat and dull looking.

Hide your gray roots with a spritz of one of four colors of Gray Away spray.

To prevent dull hair from shine enhancers (yep, it happens after a few sprays), try Glisten by David Evangelista, which adds sheen and hydration.

74 | sawoman.com

BEAUTY & FITNESS W

Check out the mini versions of curling-, waving- and smoothing irons to throw into your purse.

Make your style last longer by using a primer called, well, “prime” style extender by Living Proof.

Try a moisturizing comb, a widetooth comb infused with oils from macadamia nuts and argan seeds.

Multitasking products will not only save you time, and perhaps money, but will also save space in your purse! Look for combinations of foundation, makeup brush and sun protector. Or a threein-one manicure pen to file nails, soften and push back cuticles.

Find a concealer that also contains wrinkle-smoothing ingredients and sun protection.

Experiment with mixing an illuminating product with your foundation or tinted moisturizer for better coverage under eyes and overall “glow.” There’s even a lip gloss that also whitens your teeth and freshens your breath. One makeup professional mixes Nars Lip Gloss in Dolce Vita shade with C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve. When applied with a lip brush, it’s said to create a pink lip stain that looks good on everyone and isn’t sticky.

Shorten nail-tending time with nail polishes containing a top coat.

Speed up your skin care. A cream-type cleanser can dissolve everything at once — dirt, lipstick, eye makeup, sunscreen — using just a tissue to remove. Mix your individual creams in your hand and apply the “cocktail” all together. Keeping your skin care products in the refrigerator will expedite their “lifting” effects. Do your own facial to temporarily tighten and tone by mixing a little flour with two egg whites. Slather it on your skin, and rinse after 10 minutes.

SOME BASICS: The ultimate beauty tool is also the ultimate time-saver: SLEEP. In this relaxed state, your hormones and stress levels are down, which allows your body to work on breakouts, fine lines and dark circles. All you have to do is to get those seven to nine hours of Zzzzzs every night.

You can speed up cell turnover and collagen production with the regular use of retinoid creams prescribed by your dermatologist. Over-the-counter retinol creams are a bit gentler, but they also work. Both forms are drying, so it is recommended that you apply a hydrating cream or lotion about five minutes after the retinol application. Some experts recommend that for the first week or so the hydrating cream application should be used first, then the retinoid. Be sure to keep these products away from the eyes. And remember to treat your hands the same as your face.

Have happy holidays!

november/december 2012 |

75

W HEALTH

Healthy Eating for the

Holidays & Beyond

BY KELLY A. GOFF

Why are the holidays such a challenge when it comes to maintaining a healthy waistline? For me it’s the change in routine. As the calendar balloons with holiday preparations and extra social activities, my resolve to keep up healthy routines seems to shrink.

Experts agree it‘s important to understand why sticking to healthy habits over the holidays is so difficult. A number of factors collude to decrease physical activity and trigger the urge to overeat.

BEWARE OF THE TRIGGERS Stress — In an effort to ensure that you have the perfect holiday, you‘re doing all these extra things, like making sure you have the right decorations and sending cards, says Bethany Thayer, M.S., R.D., a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. All that extra work can be overwhelming. It can add to the stress, and the stress can lead to the overeating.

Celebrations — Food-focused celebrations abound, and alcohol is often a part of socializing. With increased opportunity and temptation, plus the obligatory nature of many holiday get-togethers, keeping your resolve can be difficult.

Cold weather — It gets dark earlier, the air is nippy, and nothing sounds more appealing than comfort food (that is often high in fat and calories).

Time constraints — With extra obligations comes encroachment on exercise time. "The No. 1 reason people report for not exercising is lack of time," says Cedric Bryant, Ph.D., FACSM, and chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise.

Emotional eating — For some, the holidays can be extra hard to handle emotionally. Using food to soothe sadness, anxiety or dissatisfaction is common. Others use the holidays as an excuse to overindulge.

Sleep deprivation — Getting ready for and attending all the festivities can leave you feeling tired and sluggish. Stress, depression or anxiety may affect your sleep, and when people are tired, they tend to overeat or eat less healthfully.

Decreased physical activity — Full stomachs, depression, anxiety and cold weather also make it mighty easy to talk yourself out of sticking to your fitness regimen.

Identifying the pitfalls is a start, but if we don’t do anything to mitigate these challenges to our health, then it‘s of no use.

So what‘s the solution?

76 | sawoman.com

Eat mindfully to avoid

weight gain

EAT MINDFULLY The idea of mindfulness is an Eastern practice of becoming more aware of our mind, body and spirit in each present moment. It is used to develop a more aware, compassionate state of self that focuses on the now. If that sounds too Zen for you, try this translation: Get your mind right. That’s what American fitness guru and creator of the P90X home fitness program, Tony Horton, says when he wants people to focus and commit to their health.

Employing this mindfulness in our approach to eating can yield surprising results. Unlike diets involving strict calorie restriction or limiting ourselves to a few chosen foods, using mindful eating is a way to change our relationship with food to one that is more satisfying (and healthy). Often eating fast results in eating more. Mindful eating nudges us beyond our cravings so we wake up to why we‘re craving it and what factors might be reinforcing belly-stuffing habits.

HEALTH MATTERS W

“This is anti-diet,” says Dr. Jan Chozen Bays, a pediatrician and meditation teacher in Oregon and the author of Mindful Eating: A Guide to Rediscovering a Healthy and Joyful Relationship with Food. “I think the fundamental problem is that we go unconscious when we eat.”

Practice this meditation exercise the next time you eat: 1. Ask yourself what caused you to come to this moment.

Are you really hungry? Or are you reacting to some emotion, social situation, or maybe even the clock? Maybe you are thirsty? Try drinking a glass of water before you take that bite. Many times our hunger is not driving us to eat.

2. How are you eating?

Are you multitasking while eating? Checking your email, watching TV? Distracting your senses from the joy of eating? Try to eat without distractions, at a table, alone or sharing the joys of eating with others.

3. Note how the food looks, its colors, size and shape.

As you pick it up, how does it feel between your fingers?

How does it smell? Notice the sound it makes as your teeth crunch down as you chew slowly. Feel the texture of the food on your tongue. Notice the complexity of its taste on your tongue. Advanced practitioners say it‘s much easier to do this when it‘s quiet. Try to institute a few minutes of silent eating at the beginning of each meal.

4. Notice how your stomach expands with each individual bite.

Put your fork down between bites. Be mindful of when you are satisfied and STOP! 5. Finally, be thankful for the food that is nourishing you.

Thank the farmer, workers, chef and everyone who helped bring you that nourishment. Thank the earth, rain and seeds that grew the plant or fed the animal.

Remember, this food did not come to you without much labor and love.

6. Try this every time you eat and notice how it changes the pace at which you eat, the amount you eat and how your body, mind and spirit react.

Mindful eating is not a diet or about giving up anything at all. It‘s about experiencing food more intensely — especially the pleasure of it. You can eat a plate of nachos mindfully, if you wish. You might enjoy it a lot more. Or you may discover halfway through that your body has had enough.

Or that it really needs some vegetables.

The rhythm of life is becoming faster and faster, so we really don’t have the same awareness and the same ability to check into ourselves, says Harvard nutritionist Dr. Lilian Cheung, who, with the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, co-wrote Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life.

That’s why mindful eating is becoming more important.

We need to be coming back to ourselves and saying: “Does my body need this? Why am I eating this? Is it just because I‘m so sad and stressed out”?

With that in mind, start with a few baby steps. Don’t be too hard on yourself. “You’re not supposed to be able to switch on your mindfulness button and be able to do it 100 percent,“ says Dr. Cheung. “It’s a practice you keep working toward.“

november/december 2012 |

77

W HEALTH MATTERS

PHONE APPS TO HEALTHY GOALS Smart phone apps help you track and zap the fat. Tuning into what and how much you’re eating (perhaps a cousin of mindful eating?) is one of the most powerful predictors of weight loss success. Research shows people who journal at least six times a week lose twice the amount of weight as those who don’t.

Pen and paper can certainly get the job done, but if you’re looking for something more comprehensive, then smart phone apps offer a plethora of informational and tracking tools to support your weight loss and fitness goals.

Fooducate: This is an invaluable grocery tool and a great way to find the healthiest option. Simply pick a food, scan the barcode and get the scoop on the nutrients inside. You can also read user reviews to find out if the product tastes as good as it supposedly is for you. Available for free on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, as well as Android devices.

Meal Snap: Food tracking has never been easier. Take a picture of the meal you’re about to eat, and the app estimates its nutritional values. It might make you rethink that Brownie a la mode!

Available on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad for $2.99.

Nike BOOM: This app creates the perfect exercise routine with upbeat music and audio motivation from

78 | sawoman.com

coaches. Users can also opt to raise money for cancer research through Livestrong, publicizing their progress to social media connections. Available for free on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. MyFitnessPal: This hugely popular product (a Wired magazine editors’ favorite lifestyle app) lets users track their daily activity and food intake. Nutritional info is available for almost any food, from filet mignon to PB&J. The app even comes with a bar code scanner that shows the nutritional value. Get support from friends with similar health goals and track each other’s progress. Available for free on the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Blackberry, Android and Windows.

HEALTH MATTERS W

MapMyRun: This free app tracks runners’ exact paths as they cross the globe on foot. Plus the app records other features of a workout like speed, distance, pace and calories burned. Users can share their achievements on social media sites. There are also versions for walking, hiking, biking and triathlons. Available for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Android and Blackberry.

Weight Watchers Mobile: Pack a support group in your pocket with this app from Weight Watchers.

The technology makes dining out a little easier for dieters: Enter a menu item and the app calculates the PointsPlus value.

Stay motivated 24/7 with weight-loss tips, recipe ideas and a network of Weight Watchers members. Also check out the Kitchen Companion and Calculator Apps, which make Weight Watchers membership a little easier. Available for free on the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Cooking Light Quick & Healthy Menu Maker: This app helps solve the problem of how to prepare healthy, tasty food on a tight schedule. Find recipes and photos of satisfying meals, complete with nutritional info. Share favorites on social media! Available on the iPhone and iPad.

november/december 2012 |

79

80 | sawoman.com

november/december 2012 |

81

W EDITOR

82 | sawoman.com

W

84 | sawoman.com

DOLLARS & SENSE W

It’s in the

CARDS … but read the fine print

A

By MARY ANNE COLE

t last count, there were 7,284,976 different credit card offers out there — and most of them have probably hit your mailbox. With all the wonderful-sounding offers (“0-percent bank transfer for 18 months!”

“25,000 free airline miles just for signing up!”) and all the television advertising for rewards cards going on now, you may be wondering whether “what’s in your wallet” is as good as it could be. (As a side note, let’s see how effective advertising really is: You’re probably aware of the “what’s in your wallet” slogan, but can you name the product it advertises? Me neither.)

Let’s look at a couple of important traps you should stay away from, and some nice surprises you may not even be aware of.

TRAP #1

INTEREST RATES AND ANNUAL FEES

Beginning with the assumption that you’re not Beyoncé and your money isn’t limitless, the most important question is whether you pay off your balance every month.

If not, your only concern should be the interest rate — forget about the cash back and the hotel miles; if you overpay on interest, you’ll be losing money in the long run. If you’re working to pay down a balance, find the card with the lowest interest rate possible.

Once you find that card, it’s essential that you pay your bill on time each month. One late payment can mean more than a late fee: It can mean that your interest rate doubles or even triples.

Every month, look at the summary of the finance charges on your bill and make sure that the interest rate hasn’t gone up. If it has, call and find out why, and see if you can negotiate it back down again. If not, start looking for a card with a lower rate.

If you’re trying to pay down a balance, don’t add to it with a card that has an annual fee.

november/december 2012 |

85

W DOLLARS & SENSE

TRAP #2

CASH ADVANCES

Even with a low-rate card, the interest rate on a cash advance can be astronomical, and there’s no grace period; it begins the instant you get your money, not 30 days later. If you’re traveling and you must have cash, move money into a checking or savings account you can access with your ATM card rather than using your card’s cash advance.

And here’s the really fun part: If you take a cash advance at, say, 25-percent interest rate, and you use the card for other purchases that have a “regular” interest rate of 8 or 9 percent, ALL of those lower-rate purchases have to be paid off before your payments will even begin to pay off the cash advance. That cash advance will just sit there accumulating 25-percent interest until everything else is paid off. If you do take a cash advance, you shouldn’t use that card for anything else.

And remember: If you use your credit card for overdraft protection, any use of the card for that purpose counts as a cash advance and applies that high interest rate.

TRAP #3

BALANCE TRANSFERS

Virtually all 0-percent balance transfer offers come with up-front “transfer fees” of between 3 and 5 percent.

(I’ve probably received a thousand of these in the last 10 years, and only ONE had no transfer fee. Thanks, USAA!) If you’re carrying a balance on a card with an interest rate of 8 or 9 percent, this can be an OK deal IF you don’t fall into the trap of not paying at least the minimum balance on time every month. You’ll probably lose your 0-percent interest rate if you miss a payment or pay late, and then you’re likely to be slammed with an interest rate that’s even higher than your current rate. If you take this kind of offer, set up an automatic payment so you’re never late.

And here’s the extra trap: Just as with the cash advance, if you use the card for other things, when you make payments, you’ll be paying down the balance that’s at the lower 0-percent rate and not touching the purchases made at higher rates.

Assuming you pay off your card every month and don’t carry a balance, paying an annual fee for some extras may be worth it — but only if you know about them. It pays to read the fine print for all those extra benefits that can come with your credit card.

NICE SURPRISE #1: PURCHASE PROTECTION This is my favorite of all the credit card “extras” that many people don’t know about. Not every card has it, but if you get into a wrangle with a retailer or service person because you didn’t get what you paid for, credit cards with purchase protection will put a hold on the payment to the provider while they investigate it. Especially if you’ve been with them a long time and haven’t abused the purchase protection, they’re likely to give you the benefit of the doubt.

86 | sawoman.com

DOLLARS & SENSE W

NICE SURPRISE #2: TRAVEL PERKS Free bag check. Even if you fly only a few times a year, this benefit can be a real money-saver. Usually all you have to do is fly on an airline using that airline’s card and you can save the $25 or $50 for a checked bag for as many as eight people in your party.

(But watch out: Don’t get a card for every airline, as too many cards can ding your credit score.)

Car rental insurance. We all have that moment of hesitation when we’re asked if we want to get the insurance at the car rental counter. Your own car insurance probably covers you, but your credit card may also if you use it to pay for the car rental.

Roadside assistance. Some cards charge extra for this benefit, but it’s worth checking your benefits because some offer it free.

If you’re not a travel club member and don’t have this benefit with your car insurance, having this benefit can save you the cost of a tow truck if you break down.

Accident insurance. Did you ever wonder whether you should get that travel insurance offered in airports in case the plane crashes? You may already have it. Some cards offer “common carrier accident insurance,” which pays the beneficiaries if the cardholder dies in airline crash — IF the card was used to pay for the ticket. Now, how many people know that?

MAYBE NICE SURPRISE: REWARDS If — and only if — you pay off your card each month, you may want to look into a rewards card for cash back or travel credits (free airline miles, hotel points, etc.). Average interest rates for rewards cards hover around 16 percent, and many have annual fees — neither of which you want to sign up for if you carry a balance. But if you don’t, there are plenty of offers out there to entice you. Which is best? It depends; what day is it? A couple of sites you can check out that have up-to-date information on current offers are at www.creditcards.com, www.topcreditcardrates.com, and www.nerdwallet.com. But check around more than one site, as they’re sometimes more reliable and sometimes less.

One problem cropping up more often with cards that offer airline miles is that the airlines keep raising their required mileage and/or blacking out more dates for the low-miles flights. I could swear that one airline I used to use quietly changed their miles requirements from round-trip to one way, doubling the required miles for a trip if you wanted not just to go but to come home too.

So which credit card is the best deal? It depends on your creditworthiness, whether you carry a balance or not, and what’s important to you. But there are differences among cards, and it’s worth reading the fine print to be sure you get the most out of the one you choose — and avoid the traps.

november/december 2012 |

87

W BUSINESS WOMAN SPOTLIGHT

Dolores Wheless Wealth strategist and director of Family Business Resource Center,

Broadway Bank What do you do? As a wealth strategist, I help

Business Resource Center and helping families

families develop and implement their strategic

meet their goals.

wealth plan designed to meet their needs and goals. This is not an event, but a continu-

When did you know that you were in the right

ous enlightening process as their

place in your career? I knew I was in the right place

lifestyle changes. I also oversee Broad-

when I found myself “working” on clients’ financial

way Bank’s new Family Business Re-

plans in my free time just for fun. I am most content

source

when serving my clients and helping them realize

Center.

This

center

was

launched in September of this year,

their dreams.

and it was developed to help family businesses connect, share ideas, ac-

Who were your mentors? I’ve had several men-

cess information and find solutions to

tors, but I will share only two. The first was a dy-

help their family business succeed.

namic partner of Ernst & Young, Deborah Von

Length of time at this job: I started with

degree. She gave me the courage to go to gradu-

Broadway Bank in July of this year; how-

ate school, which was my first great career move.

Stork. I met her while getting my undergraduate

ever, I have worked in the accounting and

My current mentor is my boss, Pam Parish. Pam is

finance arena for 19 years, focusing on

a fountain of encouragement and support, but

wealth management. I’m excited about the

she doesn’t hesitate to tell me what I need to hear

opportunities at Broadway Bank for me

when I need to hear it. She motivates me to be

and especially for my clients.

my best.

What is it that you like best about your

What

job? There is no doubt that the clients I

groups are you involved with as a volunteer? I

community

groups

or

not-for-profit

serve are what I love the most about my

am active with my church as a Sunday school

job. My passion is taking care of my clients

teacher for third graders. You can’t imagine how

by helping them with complicated issues

insightful 9-year-olds can be. I am also a director

such as transferring wealth in this indecisive

of the San Antonio Zoological Society. Our zoo is

time of tax law changes and other issues like

a treasure filled with adventure for all. And I re-

how to find the right college savings plan.

cently became a member of the Association of

Having a bond based on trust and mutual re-

Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting.

spect with my clients is my ultimate goal.

It is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for Latinos and building leadership and career skills

Education/major: B.S. in accounting and M.S. in

for today’s students.

taxation from Texas A&M University.

What did you want to be when you were growing What career path led you to where you are

up? I knew that I wanted to help people, and I

today? I started my career with Ernst & Young in

thought being a pediatrician was the way to do

1993 in public accounting. There was no better

so. I quickly found out that I was wrong and found

training ground than the rigorous schedule of a

a love for numbers, which took me down the ac-

young tax accountant. I was able to travel the

counting path. As it turns out, I don’t solve any

world and meet lots of great people working

complicated calculus problems, but I am actually

with the international tax department. It was

helping people and their families.

then that I realized that I wanted to help people meet their goals, which led me to finan-

What person do you most admire? I admire my

cial counseling. In 2004, I was part of a

mother the most. Growing up as working class in

group that developed the wealth manage-

Corpus Christi was not easy, and my mother made

ment group for a regional bank. I discovered

sacrifices that I only now understand. My brother

the value of bringing a full suite of services, in-

and I always felt loved and secure, and she ensured

cluding banking services, to our clients. In 2010,

nothing stopped us from receiving the education

I enjoyed the pleasures and challenges of start-

that she was never afforded.

ing a business as part of the founding staff of a local multifamily office. The combination of pub-

Photography Greg Harrison

88 | sawoman.com

What do you enjoy doing on a day off? I love

lic accounting, financial counseling and founding

spending my day off with my sons, Major and Max.

staff member brought me to exactly where I

We love the outdoors, so you will find us at our San

should be … serving as the director of the Family

Antonio Zoo, Sea World or, most likely, the pool.

W

november/december 2012 |

89

W AROUND TOWN

SUNSHINE COTTAGE SCHOOL FOR DEAF CHILDREN PRESENTS

SUNSHINE COTTAGE LEGACY LUNCHEON HONORING

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SAN ANTONIO 1

1. Junior League of San Antonio president

4

Debbie Callihan-Dingle and Mike Green 2. Jon and Shannon Turner 3. John H. White III and Sunshine Cottage founder Dela W. White

2

GOOD SAMARITAN COMMUNITY SERVICES

5

PRESENTS

MUMS & MIMOSAS 4. Angie Story, Doreen Magoon and Niti Volpe 5. Carroll Dorsey Walker, Lisa Wolff and Tracy Winter 6. Christy Gulley, Kathryn Eversberg, Mary Bush and Erin Clementson

3

90 | sawoman.com

6

WOMEN IN BUSINESS W

If

you’ve

ever

wanted

to

launch your own business, it’s a good idea to talk to other successful businesswomen to learn how they got started.

How can you figure out what you want to do and then do it all on your own? How does someone take a dream and make it pay? How can a favorite subject in school or something done in

Three small-business owners turned dreams into rewarding careers

career? For answers, we turned

BY JANIS TURK

to three local entrepreneurs to

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG HARRISON

learn the secret of their success.

everyday life inspire a whole new

november/december 2012 |

91

W WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Sharlene Thum President and co-owner, Five Star Wedding Gown Specialists

“Live life to its fullest because this is not a dress rehearsal,” is a personal motto of local businesswoman Sharlene Thum. However, if all the world really were a stage and life were one big dress rehearsal, she would have the perfect gown ready. She would have that outfit carefully cleaned and pressed, altered to fit and then later preserved for a future date.

Why? Because as the president and owner of Five Star Wedding Gown Specialists, Sharlene Thum is in the business of beautiful gowns,

Sharlene Thum

gorgeous dresses and extraordinary attire. It’s

restores vintage and

the perfect job for a woman like Thum, who

antique gowns at

says, “I love what I do.”

She has always enjoyed fashion and studied

Five Star Wedding Gown Specialists, a business she

at a prestigious design school in Los Angeles

co-founded with

known in the industry as “FIDM” (the Fashion

her husband,

Institute of Design and Merchandising). “I had

Richard.

a couple of job offers in New York while I was still attending FIDM, but instead of going to New York, I married the love of my life, Richard.

the church or the portrait sitting, and when it’s

We launched our own dry cleaning business,

all over, it can be cleaned and perfectly pre-

an adorable shih tzu. Balancing it all keeps her

which we still co-own in San Antonio,” she says.

served. Even if a dress has been in the closet

busy. “At work I oversee all aspects of the busi-

another special member of the family: Brutus,

That was 32 years ago, and through that

for 20 years, it still can be cleaned and restored.

Thum became an expert at taking care of bridal

But Thum handles more than just bridal

gowns, christening gowns, formal wear and

dresses: She takes care of quinceanera gowns,

“I love helping my clients. They mean every-

more. It was then that she realized there were

Fiesta regalia, first communion outfits, brides-

thing to us — we would not have enjoyed the

ness and personally do all of the restoration of vintage and antique gowns,” she says.

many other services that her clients needed. So

maids’ dresses, couture clothing and fine fab-

success that we have had over the last five

together with her husband, she ventured into a

rics. “We are the only licensed and certified

years since we opened if it were not for the

new business.

MuseumCare™ Preservation Specialist in South

wonderful people and businesses that have be-

Texas,” she says.

lieved in us and patronized us. We treasure our

“We decided to open a bridal salon because of the demand for services for this very special

Although the care of fine clothing is her

relationships with Nordstrom and Julian Gold,

clothing,” says Thum. The wedding gown is the

passion, Thum has other talents and interests,

along with many other boutiques and bridal sa-

most important garment a woman ever buys,

too: “I began playing the cello when I was in the

lons, which have referred their customers to us

so here brides are given bespoke service. A

second grade, became a concert cellist and

for cleaning and preservation.”

new gown may be altered, or an antique gown

played in competitions all across Los Angeles.”

Thum’s advice for budding entrepreneurs?

can be painstakingly restored and made to fit

She also loves horses and even rides and com-

“Do extensive research and source business

a modern bride. A mother’s vintage gown can

petes in dressage. Thum, who likes to work out

professionals before even considering launch-

be cleaned, altered and updated for her daugh-

and stay in shape, says travel and entertaining

ing your own business or company. It’s a lot of

ter — bringing a 1980s dress into the new mil-

are also important to her.

lennium. The gown is pressed and delivered to

92 | sawoman.com

Besides her husband, Richard, Thum has

hard work and sacrifice, but it’s worth it to do what you love.”

WOMEN IN BUSINESS W

JoLynn Powell President and sole owner of Collector’s Gallery/ Christmas Gallery

“I was always taught that I could do and be anything I wanted, if I worked hard enough,” says Jo Lynn Powell. This life lesson she took to heart.

Today, as the owner of a collectibles and gift shop/Christmas store, Collector’s Gallery and Christmas Gallery, Powell is a hard-working product purchasing agent, design coordinator, bookkeeper, marketing agent and sales manager for her company. But it took years of learning, planning, paying attention and long hours to achieve all she has. Still, as an active wife and mother, Powell was no stranger to hard work.

“I started my business in 1978 after both of my children were in school,” she says. “Be-

JoLynn Powell keeps 60 decorated and lighted Christmas trees year round at her shop, Collector's Gallery and Christmas Gallery.

fore that, I took business trips with my husband and often shopped during our travels. I

and lighted Christmas trees on the floor at all

both

especially enjoyed purchasing collectibles

times. We have nativity sets, angels, Santas,

Kim assist me in

Rick

and

and Christmas items. In 1976 I decided to start

nutcrackers, ornaments and everything you’ll

keeping my busi-

my own business. It took time because I knew

want for the holidays. Our specialty is helping

ness running on a

it was important to do extensive product re-

our customers pick the perfect gift to give,”

daily basis. Their

search prior to opening a store.

says Powell.

knowledge

and

experience

in

“I began to investigate the retail business

“I usually get into the store at 9 a.m. and

profile and determined that I would be com-

work till 8:30 p.m. or sometimes as late as 10

business

peting with established retailers in the area. I

p.m., but I love it,” she says. “I also spend as

‘life safety net’ to me,” says Powell. “I have

believed that I could provide products that

much time as possible being with my five

the best sales team working with me, too.

are

a

local retailers did not offer, so I traveled to

grandchildren and my children, and I love to

They are friendly and knowledgeable about

other states to find things that were not al-

travel,” says Powell, who also considers her

our products and have been with me for

ready available in San Antonio.”

customers as family. “They are so much more

many years.”

Planning paid off. Over the past 34 years,

than

just

customers

to

me

—

they’re

As for advice for others, Powell says, “If

Powell’s business has grown. “We offer a little

friends. My customers are the best in the

you plan to start a retail business, expect to

bit of everything — gifts and collectibles, fa-

world. Many have shopped with me for over

spend a minimum of 10 hours a day six days

mous brands like Lladro, Swarovski Crystal,

30 years, and now their children and grand-

a week if you want to be a success. Retail is

Precious Moments, Trollbeads, Willow Tree,

children shop with me too. It’s an honor shar-

not a whimsical, part-time business. We

Vera Bradley, Crocs, Yellow Box, Switchflops

ing their lives all these years and knowing

started small and grew slowly every few

and more. We have a great selection of home

their families. I treasure them.”

years, and my store is now 15,000 square

décor, children’s clothing (in our baby depart-

While Powell is the sole owner of her

feet. Plan on working hard to be a success

ment), accessories, shoes, wedding gifts and

business, she credits her husband, Richard,

and stay in business. I love what I do, the

unique items. We also offer year-round Christ-

and both of her children for all the help they

people I sell to, and the people I work with.

mas decor and keep more than 60 decorated

give. “Not only do I get moral support, but

I wouldn’t trade it ever.”

november/december 2012 |

93

W WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Jenna-Beth Lyde Owner of Parish Photography

Jenna-Beth Lyde became the owner of Parish Photography after its founder, Charles Parish, started looking for someone to take over the business.

It’s always inspiring when a young person discovers the path she was meant to take. Just three years ago Jenna-Beth Lyde was a business major at Trinity University and had never considered a job in photography — let alone owning her own studio. Although she had a good eye for art and a knack for taking pictures, she had an even bet-

Lyde learned quickly. All of this was just two years ago, but it didn’t take

ter head for business.

long before Parish knew Lyde was ready to take the reins.

With a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Lyde first

“After only about a year and a half we signed all the paperwork to

worked advising and teaching individuals and groups about financial

transition the business ownership to me,” says Lyde, who still relies on

basics. But then one day she met a man who would change her life, and

Parish’s advice and expertise. “Mr. Parish has a lot of history and expe-

it wasn’t a boyfriend or husband. It was Charles Parish, a local photog-

rience, and I’m very thankful to be under his mentorship. He knows a

rapher who had owned his own popular San Antonio studio for 48

lot about photography, but more importantly, he knows a lot about peo-

years. He wanted to ensure that his life’s business could be passed on

ple and relationships.” Parish continues to work as a photographer in

to a talented young person he could train, and that person turned out

Lyde’s studio that still bears his name.

to be Lyde.

“Today my job duties include a little bit of everything — photography, marketing, photoediting, taking care of the finances and more,” says

“I had just graduated when I first met Mr. Parish through networking. He was looking for someone to take over his business. When I was ready to move on from my previous job, I called him. We decided I

Lyde. Still she makes time for a social life: “I enjoy spending time with

would work for him and learn the business to see if it might be a good

my friends and my dog. I live in an old house built in 1900, so I like doing

fit,” says Lyde.

Working with Parish was like participating in an old-fashioned ap-

projects around the house. I also like volunteering with the Junior League and taking advantage of San Antonio’s wonderful culture.”

prenticeship. The two shared mutual respect and admiration, and Parish

Did Lyde ever dream her degree in business would lead to her own-

became a friend and mentor. Together he and Lyde photographed wed-

ing a photography studio? No. But as young as she is, she’s already

dings, took studio portraits, shot commercial headshots and even did

learned that success can come from something as simple as trusting

special event coverage. Digital photography was a brave new world, but

your heart and following a friend.

94 | sawoman.com

W

november/december 2012 |

95

EDITOR W

november/december 2012 |

97

W WOMENS WELLNESS

LOOKING

GOOD FOR THE HOLIDAYS I Noninvasive procedures are quick and effective

BY ANNE MOORE

f you’re thinking of getting a little touch-up so you can “bring it on”

Of course, the safest and strongest treatments are available at your

for the holidays this year, here are a few suggestions for some

dentist’s office. Teeth-whitening solutions are not permanent, so it’s

quick, effective noninvasive procedures.

Consider whitening your teeth to brighten your holidays. A beautiful

smile and gleaming white teeth can give you an extra spurt of confi-

good to avoid drinking dark liquids or foods that stain teeth, or, at least,

clean your teeth soon afterward. Some folks protect their teeth by drink-

ing through a straw.

dence when you’re stepping out. Some say bright, white teeth take 10

You can also obtain a more vibrant, friendlier appearance by having

years off your looks. There are many over-the-counter products avail-

one of the noninvasive rejuvenating cosmetic procedures widely avail-

able, including tray-based systems, kits using special light or heat de-

able. Or perhaps combine a couple of them for a “liquid facelift.” By the

vices, whitening strips and toothpastes or gels. Look for the American

way, health insurance does not usually cover cosmetic procedures. A

Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on these products.

few examples of these treatments include:

98 | sawoman.com

EDITOR W

november/december 2012 |

99

W WOMENS WELLNESS

should have a facial on a regular

or using a laser. Check with a specialist, and

monthly basis. By the way, after age

break out the short skirt.

60, results may not be the same.

Injectable Cosmetic Fillers are materials in-

Lip Augmentation is a cosmetic

jected under the skin to plump up wrinkles and

procedure designed to create fuller,

correct structural breakdown, giving you a

smoother lips and to reduce the fine

more youthful appearance. Collagen, hyaluronic

lines around the mouth. This anti-aging

acid and elastin make up a firm, spongy mesh-

procedure is accomplished with the

work under the surface of the skin, keeping the

use of injectable fillers, implants or sur-

surface smooth and firm. As we age, this mesh-

gery and must be performed by a

work weakens and thins out. Here’s where the

qualified physician.

fillers come to the rescue. This medical proce-

Mild Chemical Peels

are usually

performed on the face, neck or hands to

dure takes only an hour or so, and there’s not much downtime.

reduce fine lines, wrinkles or mild scar-

There are different types of these dermal

ring, reduction of age spots and dark

fillers that serve different purposes. For exam-

patches. They generally improve skin

ple, fillers can be used to plump thin lips, to lift

texture and color by eliminating dead

your eyebrows, to enhance your cheekbones, to

skin cells and promoting the production

fill out those deep “smile” lines and to give you

of new skin cells.

a rejuvenated appearance. You might experi-

Botox blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscles, causing wrinkles

ence some temporary redness, swelling or bruising at the injection sites.

Facial Massage is considered by some an

to relax. Injections take a few minutes, no anes-

anti-aging tool. It’s like a “workout for the face

thesia is required, and it takes only three to

muscles.” It keeps the skin firm. Kneading the

seven days to see the full effect. Results lasts

Juvederm, Perlane and Restylane. Versions

muscle tissue improves blood circulation,

about four to six months. You could have tem-

of these fillers are used for adding volume to

causing oxygen and nutrients to rush to the

porary bruising.

Here are some of the fillers and what they’ll do for you:

fine, medium or deep facial lines and wrinkles.

treated area, enabling the collagen fibers in

Sclerotherapy can rid you of those pesky

Other versions from these lines are used to

the skin to retain their elasticity. Ideally, you

unsightly spider veins in your legs, by injection

plump lips, earlobes or cheekbones. Hyaluronic

100 | sawoman.com

WINE W

november/december 2012 |

101

W WOMENS WELLNESS

add volume to the injected

Choosing a dermal filler is based on indi-

area. In addition, they stim-

vidual factors such as your budget and desires,

ulate the body to form new

the condition of your skin, your facial features,

collagen (the scaffolding

the doctor’s experience and recommenda-

that gives skin a youthful

tions, how soon you want results and how long

appearance).

the healing process lasts. Better schedule right

The

results

have been proven to last a year or more. There is no antidote for Radiesse.

away for this year’s social whirl.

Another way to appear more youthful is to tighten your skin without the need for general

Sculptra is made from

anesthetic, surgery, stitches or long recuper-

Poly-L-Lactic Acid. It is used

ation (hiding) periods of time. One such

to build

up

cheeks

and

method is Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound

sunken areas of the face. In

technology to see below the skin, in three-di-

addition, Sculptra increases

mensional digital imagery, to accurately tar-

the thickness of the skin,

get the deep structures that support the skin

which also helps the face look

for firming and tightening. This technique pro-

fuller and therefore more

vides a gradual, natural-looking resurfacing

Acid, which acts like a sponge and soaks up

youthful. Further, Sculptra encourages the for-

water to build up the area, is the main ingredi-

mation of new collagen. The subtle effects are

Still another great way to refresh your face,

ent of these fillers. The effects from these

not immediate, but they last up to two years.

Pelieve, is a process that is described as feel-

fillers last from six months to a year or longer.

There is no agent for reversal of Sculptra.

and toning.

ing something like a warm facial massage as

There is an antidote called Hyaluronidase that

LaViv is a fairly recent advancement in der-

will reverse the effects in the event you’re not

mal fillers. A small biopsy is taken from behind

pleased with the results.

the ear and sent to a tissue bank laboratory,

Since there are no federal regulations as to

Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylap-

where millions of your own bio-engineered

who can and cannot perform cosmetic proce-

atite in the form of microspheres. Used for

cells are grown. This tissue is then used for

dures and no laws to guarantee truth in adver-

deep facial folds and wrinkles, these micros-

your injections to build new collagen. The re-

tising in this area of medicine, you should go

pheres, and the gel they’re suspended in,

sults are said to be very long-lasting.

to a physician for these procedures.

102 | sawoman.com

this radiofrequency gradually rebuilds collagen in the deep layers of the skin.

MOMMY MATTERS W

H

oliday elpers:

Fun Decorating Options for Kids

Keep everyone in the holiday spirit

BY COURTNEY BURKHOLDER

I

have a confession to make: When it comes to decorating for the holidays, filling the cornucopia, trimming the tree, exchanging our everyday dishware for the Spode holiday plates, arranging the Na-

filled with the Christmas spirit just by looking at my handiwork.

I truly deserve coal in my stocking. But there it is, my deep dark secret brought out in the open for all of you to see.

tivity scene and setting up my porcelain Christmas village, the truth is,

With two teenage boys, whatever damage I inflicted on them with

I just don’t want any help. To borrow a phrase I hear often from my 3-

my selfishness is long since done, and fortunately, they seem to have

year-old, I want to do it by myself!

survived. But now I have a new problem, a baby girl, who, unlike her

I am a terrible mother, I know. I cannot deny this. Though I have

brothers, is exceedingly interested in all aspects of the decorating

tried for years to rid myself of my obsessive-compulsive decorating

process. And to top it off, she has no boundaries. Last year, Baby Jesus

behaviors, I have made little progress in this department. I just don’t

spent the entire Christmas season in her crib.

think it’s cute when little hands trim the bottom of the tree with orna-

The solution to this problem? Compromise as well as some distract

ments, leaving the top and middle largely unadorned. I don’t want

and conquer: finding fun, simple decorating options for the kids that

Santa and Mrs. Claus standing on opposite ends of the Christmas vil-

won’t cramp mom’s decorating style. It’s important for children to feel

lage as though they cannot stand the sight of each other. It is not OK

they are part of the process. Everyone needs to get in the holiday spirit,

with me for Baby Jesus to lie next to the baby camel, when he belongs

right? So finding ways for them to participate, celebrate the season, dec-

in the manger by Mary and Joseph!

orate and adorn is so important.

I even have a hard time with activities that are supposed to be for

This year, I have a new plan. One that will require some work on my

the kids, like decorating a gingerbread house. I find myself wishing

part, but one that will, in the end, provide happiness and fun for all. Here

the kids would get bored and go outside so I could straighten the

are some appealing decorating ideas and activities that will give your

candy canes and line the window sills with skittles in a variety of col-

kids ample opportunities to get in the

ors, not just yellow.

spirit of the holidays as well as allow you

You see my problem.

some space to do your own thing.

Some people dream of the family gathered to-

The kids’ tree: As so many of our fam-

gether on Christmas Eve, drinking hot chocolate and

ily ornaments are breakable and irre-

listening to Christmas music as they trim the tree and

placeable, letting the kids have their

tell the stories of Christmases past. I, on the other

own miniature Christmas tree to dec-

hand, dream of an evening alone, surrounded by

orate is a wonderful compromise. Set

boxes of decorations and ornaments, my husband and

it up in their playroom or bedroom

children out for an extended evening, and I at home

where they have total access to it,

alone, with a glass of wine and Scrooge playing on the

then let them decorate to their hearts’ content. This is a great place

DVR as I work my magic. Sometimes the fantasy concludes with the

for all the wonderful handmade ornaments they have been bringing

family returning home, flabbergasted by my decorating prowess and

home from school for years as well as the Spiderman and Dora the november/december 2012 |

103

W MOMMY MATTERS

Explorer ornaments that just don’t enhance your holiday décor.

Colorful, blinking lights and singing ornaments are popular, too.

Faux or fresh — it doesn’t matter as long as they are allowed to decorate it any way their little hearts desire.

A special kid-version of the Nativity or menorah may help protect a family heirloom as well as give kids their own decorations to manipulate.

Light it up! Lights don’t have to go on the Christmas tree — put them anywhere. A child’s sense of decorating is often quite different from their parents’, and they often prefer the flashy and bright. Kids love lights, and lucky for parents, they are an inexpensive decorating option. String them around their playroom, the legs of the piano, over houseplants or along any piece of stationary furniture. Choose an area of the house where you don’t mind a little chaos. Playhouses, trees or a swing set in the backyard are also great for twinkle lights.

Create kid-friendly traditions. There are millions of things to do with your kids to help get them into the holiday spirit that have nothing to do with trimming the tree: Play holiday music in the car, attend the Nutcracker ballet or look at Christmas

lights

in

neighborhoods

around town or on the River Walk, bake Christmas cookies, watch the old Christmas specials together, wrap gifts with Elf Louise, read books, shop for family members and wrap the gifts together, or choose a family in need to shop for this year. My kids have always loved tracking Santa’s progress on the Internet at noradsanta.org as well as participating in our church’s Christmas pageant. It’s a wonderful time of year, so don’t be afraid to stuff your calendars full.

Holiday cooking: Kids love experimenting in the kitchen. There’s just something fun about cracking an egg and licking a bowl. There are many fun and simple Christmas recipes available on the Internet for kid-friendly holiday treats, or let them help prepare one of their favorite dishes like mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie for the family meal. Some of our holiday favorites: Peppermint Popcorn, Puppy Chow, Coconut Snowmen and Fudge.

Plan a fun-filled holiday outing for Dad and the kids. All that holiday magic doesn’t happen by itself. It takes work, and much of this work can fall on mom. I find my husband really enjoys an evening with the kids, especially if I take time to plan and organize the outing for him. Start their evening off at a kid-friendly restaurant before they hit one of the family holiday movies or the mall to do their holiday shopping (just possibly for you!) This will give you time to decorate, shop, wrap gifts, bake or whatever is on your holiday to-do list.

104 | sawoman.com

WINE W

november/december 2012 |

105

W SCENE AROUND TOWN

2

1

3

Cowgirls, Good Samaritans Find Galas to Their Liking Fundraisers benefit Boysville, the Witte, Southwest School of Art and more

BY CAROLE MILLER

C

owgirls, supermodels, good Samaritans and glamorous galas were all on the most recent San Antonio social calendar.

Cowgirls and cowboys saddled up and hit the dusty trail for

1. Jim and Rhonda Hollerbach danced to the sounds of The Good Ol’ Boys at the Boysville Wildest Auction in the West 2. Honorary Witte Game Dinner chairs Kim and Rod Lewis enjoyed the traditional fundraiser for the museum’s annual fund 3. Take a Walk on the Wild Side Style Show and luncheon was a presentation of Any Baby Can. Chairs Rachel Roberts and Ginger Doherty are pictured with Any Baby Can president CEO Dawn Dixon.

works display that kicked off the festivities.

Proceeds from the event went to benefit the Witte Museum’s Annual Fund. This fund guarantees that this extraordinary museum will continue

Boysville’s largest fundraiser, The Wildest Auction in the West. The

to bring the best exhibits from around the country to San Antonio and

Westin La Cantera Ballroom traveled back in time to become a trail’s

ensure that the Witte remains a pivotal part of every school-age child’s

end campsite surrounded by a banquet of chuckwagons with the best

life experience. More than 80 percent of Bexar County residents have

food this side of the Pecos.

visited the Witte.

The auction is always an exciting event, where all the friends of

Meanwhile, back at the Pearl Stable, Jack and Laura Richmond of

Boysville dress in their fanciest Western attire and come ready to bid on

the Richmond Family Foundation were honored as the 2012 Angel

incredible live auction items, including a legendary whip that purport-

Award recipients at the Walk on the Wild Side style show and luncheon

edly brings one year of good luck to the highest bidder. After the auc-

benefiting Any Baby Can, a nonprofit organization that provides direc-

tion, the floor opened for cash donations, and guests watched in

tion and guidance for families of children with special needs free of

amazement as more than $100,000 was raised for the children of

charge, regardless of their income. The award was presented by Rick

Boysville in less than 20 minutes.

Byrd, president of the Any Baby Can board of directors.

The Witte Game Dinner offered local cowpokes food, food and more

Upon arrival, guests were greeted by the sounds of the Mwendo

food (including an entire house full of nothing but dessert) on the

Drummers. Local anchor Leslie Bohl served as mistress of ceremonies,

grounds of the museum. Patrons and their “pardners” danced the night

and Robert Gurwitz and James Glover of Julian Gold provided the fierce

away to the sounds of Asleep at the Wheel, bid on unbelievable prize

fashions and local supermodels to strut their stuff on the catwalk while

packages in the exciting live auction, and watched a breathtaking fire-

guests dined on a delicious three-course lunch.

106 | sawoman.com

SCENE AROUND TOWN W 4. Southwest School of Art gala chairs Walter and Mary Jon Hayne share a moment with Roxie and Jim Hayne at the Gardens of Pitti Palace gala 5. The Cancer Therapy & Research Center benefited from the San Antonio Express-News Book and Author Luncheon. Luncheon chairs Donna Thompson, Sherry McNeil and Laurie Kaplan are pictured with Cancer Center Council president Mary Brook 6.The Mums & Mimosas luncheon at the San Antonio Country Club raised money for Good Samaritan Community Services. Enjoying the day were Peggy Allison, chairman Francie Calgaard and Beverly Bryars.

4

famous authors: Sandra Cisneros, Chris Bohjalian, Joe Nick Patoski, Jack Bishop, H.W. Brands and Gijsbert “Nick” Van Franken-

5

huyzen. Books were available for purchase and the authors’ autographs. Emcee was the hilarious, self-proclaimed “Ms. of Ceremonies” Colleen Grissom, a longtime English professor at Trinity famous for regaling the audience with excerpts of really bad essays from her students between authors’ presentations.

The Book and Author Luncheon began in 1991 as the brainchild of Caroline Walker, Karen Norman and Terry Walder, three women from one of Dr. Grissom’s literary classes. It has grown exponentially every year.

This year’s event chairs were Sherry McNeil, Laurie Kaplan and Donna Thompson. Pro-

6

ceeds from the luncheon and book sales went to benefit the Cancer Therapy & Research Center, the premier cancer treatment and research center in Central and South Texas, headed by Dr. Ian Thompson.

And, finally, Mums & Mimosas Luncheon chairman Francie Steves Calgaard gathered several hundred of her closest friends at the San Antonio Country Club to celebrate motherhood at this lively annual event celebrating moms everywhere. Bubbly cocktails and great conversations flowed, and the Good Samaritan Center reaped the benefits. Featured speaker

The Southwest School of Art’s glamorous

ally recognized leader in arts education, cur-

gala, themed “Gardens of Pitti Palace,” was an

rently offering studio programs for more

ing author of more than 10 books on the uni-

over-the-top extravaganza based on the Pitti

than 4,000 adults, children and teens annu-

versal blessings and hardships that come with

was Lorilee Craker, New York Times best-sell-

Palace in Florence, Italy, famed for its royal res-

ally on its campus, and offering a Bachelor

motherhood, who kept everyone in stitches

idents, grand architecture and enormous art

of Fine Arts degree starting in the fall of

with her hilarious take on motherhood.

collection. The gala began as graceful guests

2013. The mission of the Southwest School

The Good Samaritan Community Services

in beautiful gowns and their dashing tuxedo-

of Art is to teach, preserve and advance the

support individuals and families in overcom-

clad escorts entered the gorgeous grounds of

visual arts, expand the creative potential of

ing the impact of poverty. It fosters educa-

the Southwest School of Art greeted by a re-

our community and connect cultures of the

tion, character development, healthy living

ceiving line led by chairs Mary Jon and Walter

world through participatory learning experi-

and self-sufficiency and provides a network

Hayne. Cocktails and an art sale among the

ences. An additional part of its mission is to

of support to young mothers raising children

tranquil gardens, arching trees and historic

preserve the former Ursuline Convent and

on their own. Mothers also receive training in

buildings were followed by a gourmet dinner

Academy as a place of historic significance.

and a raffle drawing during dessert, capped off

The Express-News Book and Author

with live music and dancing.

The Southwest School of Art is a nation-

Luncheon was another enjoyable and successful fundraiser that showcased the talents of six

literacy and financial planning, along with employment internships.

You know what they say: “If it’s not one thing, it’s your mother.”

november/december 2012 |

107

W WINE

Bubbles are Here for Holiday Cheer Celebrate with Champagne, prosecco or cava

By DENISE EASDON

T

he holidays are here, and once again it’s time for some good

are from 10- to 15-year-old vines, providing structure and elegance.

cheer! Champagne and sparkling wines are a perfect way to

This prosecco is easily enjoyed with or without food. Tiamo simply

celebrate with friends and family. Sparkling wines can bring ex-

means “I love you” in Italian.

citement to any occasion, setting a tone to honor your guests and expressing how special they are.

The range of sparkling wines and Champagnes can vary signifi-

The Secco Italian White Bubbles from Charles Smith Winery is produced in a prosecco style with one unique difference: It’s a blend of the traditional glera grape and the chardonnay grape. A lively contrast of

cantly, both in style and flavor profile. They generally pair effortlessly

acidity and fruit, this wine is bursting with a crispness that leads to a

with food. Some of the more popular include prosecco, cava and, of

dazzling finish.

course, Champagne from France.

Italy’s Piedmont region is most famous for asti spumante, a sweeter

Champagnes are the most highly prized of all sparkling wines, of-

style of sparkling wine made from the moscato bianco grape. Low in

fering palatable complexity and finesse. There are three primary grapes

alcohol, this wine is often served to complement dessert. As with pros-

used for producing Champagne — chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot

ecco, most asti is not vintage specific, and because of the large con-

meunier — and three different production methods. The most presti-

sumption and mass production, these wines are meant for immediate

gious and costly method is the traditional Methode Champenoise.

Champagne, by European Union law, can only be labeled “Cham-

consumption. Asti has enough acidity to accompany most foods, including salads, spicy Asian cuisine and especially a dessert course.

pagne” if it is produced within the Champagne region of France and

Spain produces a sparkling wine known as cava, typically produced

within the guidelines of French production laws. Known for versatility

in the traditional method and using the macabeo, parellada and xarel-

when paired with food, the finest of Champagnes easily complement

lo grapes. The majority of cava comes from the Catalonia region. The

a wide range of cuisine. For the perfect food match, embrace rich fare

most common flavor profiles include apricot, apple, melon, roasted

such as lobster, diver scallops, roasted chicken or shrimp. Consider the

nuts, vanilla and honey. Raventos brut cava is a perfect example of a

balance between sweetness and acidity, along with the wine's weight

traditional-style cava. An appetizer tray of artisan cheeses and meats

on the palate, which will guide you for the best food accompaniment.

offers diversity without overpowering this elegant yet satisfying wine.

Champagne can also be an astonishing match for a dessert course.

Choose soft cheeses such as chevre, havarti or fontina or firmer

Pinot noir-based Champagnes, especially those aged in the cellar,

cheeses like manchego, aged Gouda or Parmigiano-Reggiano. The

can also pair with pork and meat dishes. Because of the character de-

meat portion could include Bianco D’Oro salami, Spanish chorizo, pro-

veloped with a mature Champagne, its weight and flavors stand up to

sciutto d’Parma or jamon Serrano (dry cured).

veal, roast beef or grilled beef tenderloin.

Prosecco wines are most commonly produced in the northern regions of Italy, using the glera grape, dry or extra dry in style. They’re crisp and clean on the palate, with stone fruits and floral components

The best glasses for all sparkling wines are flutes, as they are tall and slender, concentrating the aromas of the wine and guiding the bubbles in a perpetual stream.

Start your new traditions this holiday season, and celebrate with

on the nose. Two popular prosecco-style wines are Tiamo and Secco

some bubbly!

White Bubbles. The Tiamo organic prosecco is made from grapes that

Denise Easdon is a certified sommelier and a certified specialist of wine.

108 | sawoman.com

WINE W

november/december 2012 |

109

W DINING

Golden Wok Dim Sum and Then Sum

By RON BECHTOL

Photography JANET ROGERS

T

he dim sum tradition, ancient in China, is almost absent in San Antonio. True,

potstickers seem to have propagated throughout Asian restaurants of every

stripe, and spring rolls are everywhere you turn. But the full, clangorous service with

steaming carts bustling their way through dining rooms crowded with extended families? One place only: Golden Wok. It’s a cultural experience not to be missed.

Not that it isn’t a culinary experi-

sual list on the back of the menu—then

ence, for dim sum is surely that. But

be prepared to abandon it and just let

even the literal translation, “touch the

dim sum happen to you. Oh, and one

heart,” is inadequate; dim sum at its

other thing: Dim sum is intimately

best is full-body: It involves all the

linked to yum cha, or tea tasting, so be

senses with more than a little mental

sure to take a look at the bottom of the

activity thrown in for good measure.

menu where teas are listed. We se-

This requires some explaining.

lected a pot of the earthy yet incisive

And it requires some pre-planning.

sow mee and were not disappointed.

Good company, family or friends or

It’s potluck, as it were, which cart will

both, is essential to the experience —

arrive first, and with the possible excep-

not to mention the ability to order

tion of those selections that might be

more dishes than might ever seem ra-

considered dessert, order is unimpor-

tional. On weekends, when dim sum are

tant. Lidded bamboo baskets bearing

served from carts from 10:30 or 11 to

steamed creations were our introduc-

about 2, endeavor to send someone

tion: popular and puffy char siu bau

ahead to get a name on a list. (Twenty

stuffed with roast pork; precious and

minutes was the word when I arrived

pinched sui mai stuffed with finely

just before noon; it actually took only

ground pork and shrimp; a kind of pig-

15.) When seated, quickly peruse the vi-

in-a-blanket encased in banded, MicheBelow, a dim sum cart-pusher makes his way through the crowd at Golden Wok. Above, a closeup of the cart's wares, including shrimp steamed in dough and shrimp on green pepper; at right, from top, steamed buns filled with roast pork, egg custard in pastry shells and fried shrimp balls with shredded wonton skins.

lin Man dough … it will soon become apparent that the menu is merely a suggestion of what might emerge from the kitchen. Don’t panic; just methodically decide what dish requires soy or chili oil — or no anointment at all — and concentrate on enjoying the process.

The universally delightful cart-pushers will be happy to aid and abet by explaining dishes that look forbidding — especially if you appear to be having a

110 | sawoman.com

DINING W

good time. Worried about what’s encased in that elaborately tied

around $45. Sure, breakfast tacos are cheaper, but where’s the chal-

packet of lotus leaves? Don’t; it’s a perfumed rice with chicken, pork

lenge in that? Second, the experience ended on a definite up note

and shrimp, and it’s wonderful. Think you’ve had too many dishes

with the arrival of two dessert-like plates. “I’m sorry, but there’s only

with the same ground shrimp filling? Think again. The steamed sui

one of me,” offered the dessert cart server cheerily upon being

mai is quite different in texture and, yes, philosophy, from the

asked about the availability of the lotus seed paste balls coated in

Medusa-like fried shrimp ball coiffed with shredded wonton skins.

crisp sesame seed — and then she detoured past the kitchen to pick

You aren’t obliged to have the steamed chicken feet in black

up a plate of them fresh from the fryer. That they happened to be

bean sauce (none actually made it to our table on this day—

filled with red bean paste instead (and another paste which might

though I have had them before), but if you do, the comforting bar-

have been lotus for all we knew) was hardly an issue; the point was

becue pork will more than compensate. Should they appear, try

the play of the still-warm and crackling exterior against the smooth,

the delicately braised (and only marginally chewy) squid fragrant

comparatively cool and barely sweet interior.

with ginger; they’re a beautiful counterpoint to the lusty “radish,”

Even more revealing was the egg custard presented in a cup

or taro root, cake, spiked with bits of pork — if I remember cor-

of flaky pastry. The color of the custard was that of yolk intensi-

rectly. Many things tend to blur.

A couple of things, however, are abundantly clear. First, the price:

fied, and the flavor was of egg raised to a power of 10 — truly an astonishing finale and a reminder of just how good Chinese food

For all of this — and three of us spent about an hour and a half,

can be when it’s playing on tradition, not being served from a

weren’t shy about sampling and had tea — the bill before tip was

buffet table.

november/december 2012 |

111

W AROUND TOWN

AURORA BREAST CENTER PRESENTS

CELEBRATING LIFE GALA BENEFITING

AURORA FOUNDATION 1

1. Dr. Peter Ho and Dr. Lillian Chou with Dr. Kathleen and Mike Hands

4

2. Julia Ho and Olivia Cheng 3. Dani Daneshmand, Cathy McLaurin and Mitzi Stewart

CHRISTIAN ASSISTANCE MINISTRY 2

PRESENTS

5

FEAST TO FEED 4. Stephanie Cavender and Ed Bondurant 5. Rachel Jesse, Gwen Graham, Karen Brady, Jerry Worden and Cynthia Scofield 6. Marisa Anderson and Carol McDonald

3

112 | sawoman.com

6

EDITOR W

november/december 2012 |

113

W ROLE MODEL

Mixing Technology and Wine

I

By PAULA ALLEN

Photography by JANET ROGERS

f Melissa Unsell had stuck to her original

Unsell loved science and joined an organiza-

plan, she’d be able to identify her occu-

tion for students aimed at health careers.

pation with one word: radiologist. In-

nally called Legal Xtranet, the firm stores and sifts through documents — “e-mails, PDFs,

At the University of Texas at San Antonio,

spreadsheets, anything that can be stored

stead, she took some unexpected steps and is

she was a biology major and member of the

electronically” — using its own software to

now marketing director for an electronic dis-

premedical students’ society. In her sopho-

weed out duplicates and organize the data

covery provider and co-owner of a boutique

more year, her mother and stepfather, Lisa and

into “concept clusters.”

wine shop that emphasizes education.

Stevens McComb, decided to start a litigation

At first, Unsell didn’t think she would re-

technology firm and asked Unsell if she’d like

main with the company. “I’m a science nerd

Unsell’s dual-career track may not fit into a blank on a form, but it suits her. Balancing both highly responsible jobs with civic activi-

to become involved.

“I hesitated because I was on track (for a

ties is easy, she says, “because none of it feels

medical career), and I’m a goal-oriented per-

like work.”

son,” she says, “but I decided to help them out

From Oklahoma originally, she moved to

and work part time while they opened.”

at heart,” she says, laughing. She stuck with her biology major but added some marketing and business classes in her senior year.

After graduation, instead of pursuing a career, she found her own niche within the com-

San Antonio as a teenager, when the company

Launched in 2000, the family startup really

her mother worked for promoted her with a

was a new business, a 21st-century service

LegalTech in New York, “I saw opportunities to

transfer. As a student at Churchill High School,

that couldn’t have existed much earlier. Origi-

grow and expand our company.” Previously a

114 | sawoman.com

pany.

Attending

trade

shows

such

as

ROLE MODEL W

MELISSA UNSELL Age: 32

project manager, she moved into marketing. “I had an eye for it,” she says, “and it turned out to be a good role for me.”

Occupation: Marketing director for elumicor, a legal-technology provider; co-owner, Vinously Speaking, a wine shop.

The days of putting a person in a room to pore over boxes of papers to find evidence

Personal: Single; her shih-tzu Bailey is “at my side whenever I’m at home.”

are long over, says Unsell. “In an electronic world, we have electronic data. Think of how

Why she’s a role model: Able to fulfill two demanding work roles simultaneously, in a family business and as coowner of a wine shop, while taking an active part in civic organizations.

much you can formulate on your phone alone.

It’s impossible for a human to review the millions of documents that accumulate on time (for a trial).”

From 2010 to a launch in January 2011, Unsell handled a re-branding of the company, a

Her own role models: “My mother — she’s a strong-willed woman who sets her sights high — and my close friends, who know who they are. I feel humbled that I know some of the women I do.”

“customized boutique business” that deals mainly with corporate clients. “Our name was

Best advice ever given: “’Always put your energy where your passion lies’ — I’ve heard it from several people over the years.”

outdated,” she says, noting that it seemed to imply storage and software access only. Work-

Believes in ... “Strategy, compassion, living your dream, having fun.”

ing with a consultant, the company developed a new look and a new name, elumicor. “We

Favorite relaxation strategy: Meditating several times a week, listening to music, being outdoors.

wanted a made-up word that would evoke brilliance and light, speed and discovery.”

Meanwhile, she was developing a new in-

What she’s reading: Wine Wars, by Mike Veseth; Egonomics, by David Marcum and Steven B. Smith and re-reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

terest of her own. Responding to a direct-mail offer, she started a wine course, receiving a

“We offer things the larger retailers can’t,”

members.” Working on the elumicor re-brand-

different wine each month with educational

says Unsell. Affordable prices make it easy for

ing at about the same time, she found that

materials. “It was a great way to learn,” says

customers to “explore and try new things,” as

both projects had the same purpose — “to pro-

Unsell, “without the intimidation of being in a

do the shop’s weekly tastings, focused on

pel our growth and to move forward.” She also

wine room with a lot of people who know

food pairings. She and her business partner

served last spring on the executive committee

more than you.”

hope to launch a further educational series. “If

^ de Cuvée, a new of the Junior League’s Fete fundraiser featuring wine tasting and auctions.

After reading the course materials “from

we can produce an educated customer base,”

front to back several times,” she did some In-

Unsell says, “we’ll increase their interest in

To work full time, co-run a business and

ternet research and found a wine-consulting

wine, whether they’re purchasing it from us or

stay involved at a significant level in civic af-

company with a home-party model. She

someone else.”

signed on as a consultant and began to facili-

fairs, Unsell has to manage her time carefully.

As marketing director of elumicor, Unsell

“Luckily, I’m an organized person,” she says. “I

tate tastings, learning about the featured

became active in several civic organizations as

like to structure my days and turn my respon-

wines in the process and eventually building

part of her community-relations responsibili-

sibilities into weekly chunks, which I break

her own team of consultants.

ties. Joining the North San Antonio Chamber of

down into tasks that fall under each of those.”

Late last year, with wine blogger Cecilia

Commerce was a “networking opportunity” to

She was also a founding board member of

Barretto, Unsell opened a brick-and-mortar

meet and compare notes with representatives

the Leadership Organization of Professionals

shop of her own, Vinously Speaking, at 7271

of other businesses of about the same size. In

(LOOP), a group that’s focused on making San

Wurzbach Road. Rather than worrying about

2009, she was a participant in its Leadership

Antonio an attractive city for young profes-

Unsell’s productivity at her day job, her

Lab, a nine-month program of seminars on cur-

sionals. “The city is starting to reap the re-

mother encouraged her to take the plunge.

rent thinking and best practices in leadership;

wards of putting its energy toward housing

“She’s an entrepreneur,” says Unsell. “She

since then, she has served on its alumni board.

that attracts young professionals to the center

thought it was an excellent idea.”

For this and other services to the Chamber and

city,” she says. “It’s easy to move into the new

The San Antonio wine scene seemed ripe

other organizations, she was honored this year

(downtown) complexes that are driving buzz

for a new venture. “It’s just on the cusp of

with its Athena Award for women who excel in

and community. It’s all about word of mouth

something exciting,” says Unsell. “There are a

their chosen fields and devote time and energy

— these people love their new neighbors, they

lot of people in this community interacting

to their communities.

go out together, and they talk about it.”

with wine on a high level, and we are on the verge of something bigger.”

Recently, Unsell put her professional ex-

Although Unsell spends many evenings at

pertise to work in the nonprofit sphere. A

civic functions and works Saturdays at the wine shop, she, too, is enjoying her life. “I relax

Because of this burgeoning interest in

member of the San Antonio Junior League

wine, she says, “There is a lot of competition

since 2005, she worked on a re-branding

and enjoy my weekends with friends and fam-

around us.” To stand out, the partners de-

process for the women’s volunteer organiza-

ily from Saturday evening through Sunday,” she says, “so I’m fresh to start the next week.”

cided that theirs would be a boutique wine

tion. “Our brand has been around for a very

shop, specializing in limited-production vari-

long time,” she says. “We wanted to give it a

The secret to keeping this complicated

etals (wines made from a single grape variety)

fresh and clean look that would give it a com-

schedule on track is simple: “Everything I do,

that sell for $20 and under.

petitive edge and be appealing to potential

I thoroughly enjoy. “

november/december 2012 |

115

W ARTBEAT

Lady

A CONDUCTOR &A

Assistant Conductor Akiko Fujimoto is the first woman to hold this job with the Symphony

W

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF Photography JANET ROGERS

hen she interviewed for the job of assistant con-

ductor with the San Antonio

Symphony last fall, Akiko Fujimoto was asked to deliver the same lecture twice, once with an adult audience in mind and the second time as if she were speaking to children. This was important because her duties include delivering educational talks to both grown-ups and kids.

“The lectures are informal,” she explains. “Sometimes the guest artist joins me, and we talk about the music and the composer, but I also talk about the orchestra, give people insight into the rehearsal process, relate an anecdote, tell them about the challenges and kinks that had to be smoothed out in the rehearsal process.

“When I speak to kids, I simplify a lot. I want everything to make sense to them.

Behind the wall of masterpieces there are real human beings who want to tell stories through music, I tell them. Things that happen to 3rd- and 4th-graders also happen

Assistant Conductor Akiko Fujimoto is enthusiastic about her position with the San Antonio Symphony. Likening her role to that of a move director, she says it's her job to make the script, or score in her case, come alive. Opposite, she confers with English horn player Jennifer Berg.

116 | sawoman.com

to composers, no matter what century they lived in. I want the children to feel like Beethoven could have been their friend or their uncle. In the end, classical music is about the human experience. I focus on the human elements of the music so that everyone can relate to it.”

ARTBEAT W

think I could function in Japanese society.

Professionally, I wouldn’t know the code (unwritten rules of behavior).”

In college, Fujimoto first thought she would study psychology, but a music professor spotted and nurtured her talent for music and conducting. It became clear that this was what she was meant to do. Even rejections along the way did not faze her.

She went on to earn two master’s degrees, one in orchestral and the other in choral conducting from Boston University and the Eastman School of Music, respectively.

Prior to coming to San Antonio, she served as conducting associate for the VirWe are discussing these issues a day

show up. That’s called serving as a cover,

ginia Symphony Orchestra and music di-

after the musicians and management have

which also means she must learn the entire

rector of the William & Mary Symphony

settled their differences and the first re-

repertoire for the season and be present

Orchestra from 2007 through 2011. As

hearsal of the season was allowed to pro-

at all rehearsals. It seems like a lot of re-

guest conductor, Fujimoto has also ap-

ceed. As a conductor, Fujimoto stood

sponsibility, but that’s what she’s here for.

outside such negotiations, hoping for the

“The symphony musicians are unbeliev-

peared with several other symphonies in the United States and in Canada.

best. Needless to say, she’s relieved that

able, amazing. They are my No. 1 inspira-

She is married to another conductor, Is-

the season will proceed as planned. This

tion,” she says with enthusiasm. “They

rael Gittzov, who works in Arkansas. For

fall she is scheduled to conduct the sym-

make me feel so honored to be here. The

them to find jobs in the same city is rather

phony in The Nutcracker, performed with

San Antonio Symphony has a national rep-

unlikely, but for the time being they are

Ballet San Antonio Nov. 23-Dec. 2; and two

utation for excellence.”

Christmas Baroque. The latter is the first

pursuing their respective dreams while seeing each other as often as possible and

holiday events, the Holiday Pops and CRAZY ABOUT MUSIC

spending summers together.

of the three-concert Baroque series that is

That reputation is what attracted her to

Given that most people’s idea of a con-

entirely under her control. All three will

the job. That, and the opportunity to work

ductor is probably a lanky man that proj-

take place at the San Fernando Cathedral.

with and learn from music director Sebas-

ects authority with each gesture, did she

“Many members of the San Antonio

tian Lang-Lessing. And San Antonio itself

find it difficult to be accepted as the leader? we wonder.

Symphony

about

was an attraction. “It’s my kind of town,

Baroque,” she explains. “It’s a great way to

are

knowledgeable

not a cookie-cutter city, but authentic,

“The era of the dictator man is gone,

highlight soloists from the orchestra. And

with its own history and culture. And the

not just on the podium but everywhere,”

there’s a lot of wonderful Baroque music.”

weather is warm, and I like Tex-Mex cui-

she says matter-of-factly. “In fact, people

The Christmas concert on Nov. 25 will fea-

sine,” says the slim, petite conductor, who

told me that it’s good to be a woman now.

ture holiday music — Christmas concertos

was born in Japan.

It’s

almost

an

advantage.

Musicians

couldn’t care less whether the conductor

by Corelli and Torelli — as well as Bach’s vi-

Though her family was not particularly

olin concerto in A minor and a couple of

musical, her mother was a classical music

is a man or a woman; they look for musical

other pieces. The sacred and the secular

fan who signed her daughter up for piano

authority and leadership.”

How does she see her leadership role?

will mix at the Holiday Pops, too. That’s the

lessons at age 5. The young girl became

repertoire she knows well, but The Nut-

“crazy about music,” eventually playing

“As a conductor. you are not a teacher.

cracker represented a bit of a challenge.

with a variety of ensembles and some-

My role is closest to a movie director.

Conducting with dancers on stage is a dif-

times taking charge if necessary. The

There’s a script, but he has to deal with all

ferent setup altogether. To prepare, Fuji-

Japanese have embraced the Western

the elements of a production to make that

moto spent a week in Boston this summer

classical genre in the course of the past

script come alive,” she says. “The score is

talking to the Boston Ballet conductor,

century at the expense of their own tradi-

our script, but there are many ways to per-

who gave her a few pointers. No. 1: Make

tional styles. Fujimoto doesn’t even know

form even a simple phrase. It’s up to me to

sure that you recreate the tempo that the

much about authentic Japanese music.

make those choices. You have to know not

dancers are used to.

Because of her father’s job, the family

just the score but also the musicians and the hall (you are performing in) and the

In addition, she is also in charge of fam-

moved to California when she was 14, and

ily and young people’s concerts and must

when years later her parents returned

whole situation. I make the executive de-

be always ready to step in and conduct

home, she decided to stay in the United

cisions on how the musicians ought to

any classical concert on the schedule

States. “I was in the middle of college,” she

play, but, like actors, they make the deci-

should any of the guest conductors fail to

explains, “had assimilated here. I don’t

sions on how to carry it out.”

november/december 2012 |

117

W ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT & THE ARTS Peter Pan the Musical Majestic Theatre 12/4-9 www.majesticempire.com The Santaland Diaries And Seasons Greetings Cellar Theater 12/7-16

Jim Brickman Empire Theatre 11/3 Sat, 8 pm Olivia Newton John Majestic Theatre 11/4 Sun, 7 pm Stolzman’s America YOSA Philharmonic Majestic Theatre 11/5 Mon, 7:30 pm Celtic Thunder Majestic Theatre 11/12 Mon, 7:30 pm Children’s Chorus of San Antonio Candlelight Celebration Laurel Heights United Methodist Church 11/17 Sat, 7 pm Randy Travis Majestic Theatre 11/18 Sun, 7 pm Steve Winwood Majestic Theatre 11/27 Tue, 7:30 pm Rush: Clockwork Angels Tour AT&T Center 11/30 Fri, 7:30 pm Bettye Lavette Jo Long Theatre 11/30 Fri, 8 pm Christmas with Aaron Neville Jo Long Theatre 12/6 Thu, 8 pm

Peter Pan/Majestic Theatre

Music

Manheim Steamroller Christmas Majestic Theatre 12/30 Sun, 7 pm

Symphony

Legend of Zelda: Symphony of Goddesses Majestic Theatre 11/3 Sat, 8 pm Bolero Majestic Theatre 11/9-10 Sat and Sun, 8 pm Veterans Day: Salute to Service Majestic Theatre 11/11 Sun, 7 pm Jupiter Majestic Theatre 11/16-17 Fri and Sat, 8 pm Holiday Pops Majestic Theatre 12/21-22 Fri and Sat, 8 pm

Dance

The Nutcracker with Ballet San Antonio 11/23-25,11/30 and 12/1-2 www.majesticempire.com Moscow BalletGreat Russian Nutcracker Majestic Theatre 12/28-29 Thu and Fri, 2 pm and 7 pm

Theater

Kenny Rogers: Christmas and Hits Majestic Theatre 12/10 Mon, 7:30pm

The Royal Drummers and Dancers Of Burundi Jo Long Theatre 11/8 Thu, 8 pm

The Romeros: The Royal Family of the Classical Guitar Empire Theatre 12/13 Thur, 7:30 pm

Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells Magik Theater 11/14 – 12/22

Robert Earl Keen Christmas Majestic Theatre 12/19 Wed, 8 pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra AT&T Center 12/22 Sat, 3 pm and 8 pm

November

By David Mamet San Pedro Playhouse Cellar Theater Thru 11/18

118 | sawoman.com

Annie San Pedro Playhouse Russell Hill Rogers Theater 12/7-23 Batman Live Freeman Coliseum 12/27-30 www.attcenter.com

Comedy

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club www.lolsanantonio.com/calendar River Center Comedy Club www.rivercentercomedyclub.com

Art

ARTPACE International Artists in Residence Dor Guez, David Benjamin Sherry and Sarah Sudhoff 1/15-1/13/13 Taco Fridays Every Friday 12 pm – 2 pm Mas Rudas 9/20 – 12/30 SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART Interplay: Mechanical Objects Thru 11/26 Peter French: Connecting Moments Thru 11/25 Mary Jo Adams and Bruce Barshop: San Antonio Snapshots Thru 11/25 Justin Boyd: Days and Days 12/6 – 2/10/13 Anita Valencia: Sun She Rise, Sun She Set And You Ain’t Seen Texas Yet 12/6 – 2/10/13 Juan de Dios Mora: Laters 12/6 – 2/13 GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER Día De Los Muertos Celebration Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center 11/2 All Day

Museums

INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES Family Day-Invisible: African-Native American Lives in the Americas 11/3 Sat 10 am – 4 pm

Arte Chihuahua 11/12-5/5/13 Bantu Eyez: Somali Bantu of Texas Thru 3/3/13 Fantasyland: Remembering the Holidays at Joske’s 11/17 – 12/31 Texans One and All The Back 40 MCNAY ART MUSEUM Estampas De La Raza Contemporary Prints from the Romo Collection Thru 1/27/13 Prints of the People The Taller De Gráfica Popular Thru 1/20/13 America’s Finest Recent Work by Vincent Valdez Thru 1/27/13 Songs of Social Significance Designs From the Tobin Collection Thru 12/5 SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART Love in Three Capitals Thru 11/11 Adad Hannah Intimate Encounters Thru 12/30 Aphrodite and the Gods of Love Thru 2/17/13 Rostros de Maria: The Virgin as Archetype and Inspiration Thru 2/20/13 WITTE MUSEUM Texas Performers Under the Big Top Thru 1/13/13 Mummies of the World Thru 1/27/13 Threads of South America: 2,000 Years of Textiles Thru 3/31/13 Artists on the Texas Frontier Thru 5/27

Misc.

Rock and Roll Marathon and Half Marathon 11/11 runrocknroll.competitor.com/sanantonio

W

november/december 2012 |

119

W FOOD & WINE

American

BIGA ON THE BANKS BOUDRO’S CAPPY’S CAPPYCCINO’S BISTRO CYPRESS GRILL ANNE MARIES’S BISTRO SAN ANTONIO CAFÉ CHEESECAKE FACTORY THE GRILL AT LEON SPRINGS GUENTHER HOUSE HOULIHAN'S J. ALEXANDER’S JOSEPHINE STREET KONA GRILL LIBERTY BAR ST. ANTHONY MADRID ROOM MAGIC TIME MACHINE MAMA'S CAFE RAINFOREST CAFÉ SCENIC LOOP CAFE SILO ELEVATED CUISINE VINEYARD

203 S. St. Mary’s 225-0722 314 E. Commerce 224-1313 5011 Broadway 828-9669 5003 Broadway 828-6860 170 S. Main St., #A, Boerne (830) 248-1353 555 Funston Place 826-5800 1150 S. Alamo 271-7791 7400 San Pedro 798-0769 24116 IH-10 W. 698-8797 205 E. Guenther 227-1061 14601 IH-35 N. 651-4744 494-3371 385 N. Loop 1604 W. 555 E. Basse 824-0275 400 E. Josephine 224-6169 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 877-5355 1111 S. Alamo 227-1187 300 E. Travis 227-4392 902 N.E. Loop 410 828-1470 2442 Nacogdoches 826-8303 7929 Pat Booker Rd 653-2002 517 N. Presa 223-3297 25615 Boerne Stage Rd. 687-1818 1133 Austin Highway 824-8686 483-8989 434 N. Loop 1604 27315 FM 3009 (830) 980-8033

Asian Hsiu Yu 8338 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 828-2273 TOKYO STEAKHOUSE CHINA BISTRO DING HOW FORMOSA GARDENS FUJIYA GOLDEN WOK HSIU YU ILSONG GARDEN INDIA OVEN INDIA PALACE KOI KAWA MENCIUS’S GOURMET MON THAI BISTRO P. F. CHANG’S SUSHIHANA SUSHI ZUSHI

TAIPEI THAI KITCHEN THAI LAO

TOKYO STEAK HOUSE TONG’S THAI

9405 San Pedro 10103 Huebner Road 4531 N.W. Loop 410 1011 N. E. Loop 410 9030 Wurzbach 8822 Wurzbach 8230 Marbach 8338 Broadway 6905 Blanco Rd. 1031 Patricia 8474 Fredericksburg 4051 Broadway 7959 Fredericksburg 4901 Broadway 255 E. Basse 15900 La Cantera Pkwy 1810 N.W. Military IH-10 W. and Wurzbach 203 S. St. Mary’s 999 E. Basse 18720 Stone Oak 2211 N.W. Military 18802 Stone Oak 445 McCarty 116 Broadway 23535 W IH 10 18410 US Hwy 281 9405 San Pedro 1146 Austin Highway

341-4461 340-7944 340-7944 828-9988 615-7553 615-8282 674-2577 828-2273 366-4508 366-1033 692-5262 805-8111 615-1288 822-3253 507-1000 507-6500 340-7808 691-3332 472-2900 826-8500 545-6100 366-3012 403-3316 344-8366 442-8110 310-3919 404-9898 341-4461 829-7345

Barbecue

BUN ‘N’ BARREL THE BARBEQUE STATION CHIT CHAT BBQ THE COUNTY LINE RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE

TWO BROTHERS BBQ

120 | sawoman.com

1150 Austin Hwy. 610 N.E. Loop 410 218 N. Cherry 111 W. Crockett 10101 I-10 W. 24152 IH-10 W. 15560 I-35 N. 10623 Westover Hills 12656 West Ave .

828-2829 691-3332 271-2888 229-1491 641-1998 698-2141 653-7839 520-5552 496-0222

FOOD & WINE W MILANO RISTORANTE

Cajun/Creole ACADIANA BOURBON STREET SEAFOOD PAT O’BRIEN’S

1289 S.W. Loop 410 2815 N. Loop 1604 121 Alamo Plaza

674-0019 545-0666 212-8698

PAESANOS

PIATTI PICCOLO’S POMPEII ITALIAN GRILL RISTORANTE LUCIANO SCUZZI’S ITALIAN GRILL TRE TRATTORIA

11802 Wurzbach 1907 Nacogdoches 555 E. Basse 111 W. Crockett Loop 1604 at N.W. Military 255 E. Basse 5703 Evers Rd. 16019 Nacogdoches 7400 San Pedro 4035 N. 1604 W. 4003 Broadway 401 S. Alamo

493-3611 821-6373 828-5191 227-2782 493-1604 832-0300 647-5524 946-5518 377-0022 493-8884 805-0333 223-0401

European Mediterranean Crumpets 3920 Harry Wurzbach San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 821-5600 ANAQUA GRILL BISTRO VATEL BOARDWALK BISTRO CITRUS COCO CHOCOLATE CRUMPETS FIG TREE FREDERICK’S FREDERICK’S BISTRO THE GAZEBO AT LOS PATIOS HOUSTON STREET BISTRO LAS CANARIAS LA FRITE BELGIAN BISTRO LION & ROSE ENGLISH PUB

LÜKE MESON EUROPEAN DINING WAXY O’CONNOR’S

Pasha 9339 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX (210) 561-5858 555 S. Alamo 218 E. Olmos 4011 Broadway 150 E. Houston 18402 Hwy. 281,#114 3920 Harry Wurzbach 515 Villita 7701 Broadway 14439 N.W. Military #100 2015 N.E. Loop 410 204 E. Houston 112 College 728 S. Alamo 5148 Broadway 842 N.W. Loop 410 700 E. Sonterra Blvd.

125 E. Houston 923 N. Loop 1604 E. 234 Riverwalk

229-1000 828-3141 824-0100 227-9700 491-4480 821-5454 224-1976 828-9050 888-1500 655-6171 476-8600 518-1000 224-7555 822-7673 798-4154 798-5466 227-5853 690-5811 229-9299

Hamburgers

BIG’Z BURGER JOINT BOBBY J’S BUCKHORN SALOON BURGER BOY CHRIS MADRID’S CHEESY JANE’S CHESTER’S HAMBURGERS

FATTY’S FUDDRUCKERS GOURMET BURGER GRILL LONGHORN CAFE MO MAK’S RED ROBIN SAM’S BURGER JOINT TEXAS HAMBURGER CO

2303 N. Loop 1604 W. 13247 Bandera Rd. 318 E. Houston St. 2323 N. St. Marys 1900 Blanco 4200 Broadway 1006 N.E. Loop 410 9980 IH-10 W. 16609 San Pedro 621 Pat Booker 1624 E.Commerce 115 Alamo Plaza.

8602 Botts Ln. 18414 Hwy. 281 N. 17625 Blanco Rd. 13838 Jones Maltsberger.

1750 N. 1604 330 E. Grayson St. 9010 Huebner Rd.

408-2029 695-4941 247-4000 735-1955 735-3552 826-0800 805-8600 699-1222 494-3333 658-3000 299-8110 223-9944 824-6703 545-3800 492-0301 481-3600 494-2500 223-2830 699-1189

Italian

ALDINO AT THE VINEYARD ALDO'S RISTORANTE BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA CAPPARELLI’S ON MAIN CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL DOUGH PIZZERIA IL SOGNO OSTERIA LORENZO’S LA FOCACCIA ITALIAN GRILL LITTLE ITALY LUCE RISTORANTE E ENOTECA LUCIANO’S MICHELINO’S

1203 N. Loop 1604 W. 8539 Fredericksburg 15900 La Cantera Pkwy.

2524 N. Main 12507 IH-10 W. 6989 Blanco 200 E. Grayson, #100 8032 Fredericksburg Rd. 800 S. Alamo 824 Afterglow 11255 Huebner 849 E. Commerce 401 South Alamo 521 River Walk

340-0000 696-2536 877-9300 735-5757 694-4191 979-6363 223-3900 692-9900 223-5353 349-2060 561-9700 223-0500 888-7030 223-2939

DEMO’S BIN 555 COOL CAFÉ COPA WINE BAR GREEK TO ME JOHN THE GREEK MIMI & DIMI’S PAPOULI’S GRILL

PASHA

7115 Blanco 2501 N. St. Mary’s 555 Bitters 12651 Vance Jackson 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

5440 Babcock Rd. 16602 San Pedro 7159 W US Hiwy 90 8250 Agora Pkwy., #120 255 E. Basse, #384 11224 Huebner, #201 9339 Wurzbach Rd. 1207 N Loop 1604 W

342-2772 732-7777 496-0555 877-5001 495-2672 699-6688 403-0565 674-3464 659-2244 804-1118 641-1313 561-5858 764-1104

Mexican/Latin El Jarro 13421 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 494-5084 ÁCENAR MODERN TEX-MEX AJUÚA! CUISINE DE MEXICO ALAMO CAFÉ ALDACO'S AZUCA NUEVO LATINO CASA RIO CIELITO LINDO EL CHAPARRAL EL JARRO DE ARTURO EL MIRADOR EL MIRASOL ALTA COCINA FRIDA’S MEXICAN CUISINE IRON CACTUS MEXICAN GRILL LA FOGATA LA FONDA ON MAIN LA FONDA SUNSET RIDGE LA FONDA OAK HILLS LA HACIENDA DE LOS BARRIOS LA MARGARITA LA POSADA DEL REY LOS BARRIOS MAMACITA’S MI TIERRA CAFE AND BAKERY ORIGINAL MEXICAN PALOMA BLANCA PALOMA RIVER WALK PAPPASITO’S CANTINA PERICO’S BAR AND GRILL PICANTE GRILL PICO DE GALLO RIO RIO CANTINA ROSARIO’S SALSALITO’S SAZO’S LATIN GRILL SOLUNA COCINA MEXICANA TOMATILLOS CANTINA

146 E. Houston 11703 Huebner 10060 IH-10 W. 14250 San Pedro 100 Hoefgen 20079 Stone Oak Pkwy.

713 S. Alamo 430 E. Commerce 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

15103 Bandera 2838 N. Loop 1604 13421 San Pedro 722 S. St. Mary’s 13489 Blanco 3023 Thousand Oaks 200 River Walk 2427 Vance Jackson 2415 N. Main 6402 N. New Braunfels 350 Northaven 18747 Redland Rd. 120 Produce Row 999 E. Basse 4223 Blanco 8030 IH-10 W. 218 Produce Row 528 River Walk 5800 Broadway 215 Losoya 10501 IH-10 W. 10820 Bandera 1439 E. Sonterra Blvd.

3810 Broadway 111 S. Leona 421 E. Commerce 910 S. Alamo 14535 Nacogdoches 11523 Bandera 101 Bowie 7959 Broadway 3210 Broadway

222-2362 877-0600 691-8827 495-2233 222-0561 494-0561 225-5550 225-6718 545-6965 695-8302 490-8302 494-5084 225-9444 479-8765 496-3023 224-9835 340-1337 733-0621 824-4231 342-8981 497-8000 227-7140 828-5666 732-6017 341-5424 225-1262 224-9951 822-6151 212-0566 691-8974 684-5376 402-6006 822-3797 225-6060 226-8462 223-1806 646-8088 558-6788 223-1000 930-8070 824-3005

november/december 2012 |

121

W

Pizza

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN FLORIO’S PIZZA GUILLERMO’S MISS ELLIE’S SORRENTO TRILOGY PIZZA BISTRO VOLARE GOURMET PIZZA

11745 IH-10 W. 255 E. Basse Rd. 7701 Broadway 618 McCullough 903 E. Bitters Rd 5146 Broadway 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.

5054 Broadway

699-4275 424-2014 805-8646 223-5587 499-1258 824-0055 404-1818 828-3354

Seafood

FISH CITY GRILL FUSION SEAFOOD, STEAK LANDRY’S SEAFOOD PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD OSTRA ON THE RIVER WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE

18130 Hwy. 281 N. 11703 Huebner Road 517 N. Presa 76 N.E. Loop 410 212 W. Crockett 1834 N.W. Loop 1604

495-3474 694-4201 527-1845 340-7143 396-5817 493-1600

Southwestern

CALIZA GRILL CANYON CAFE FRANCESCA’S AT SUNSET ORO RESTAURANT AND BAR ROARING FORK ZUNI GRILL

420 W. Market 225 E. Basse 16641 La Cantera Pkwy.

705 E. Houston 1806 N.W. Loop 1604 223 Losoya

224-6500 225-0722 558-6500 225-5100 479-9700 227-0864

Soul Food

MAMA LEE'S SOUL FOOD

6060 Montgomery

653-6262

Steaks Chama Gaucha 18318 Sonterra Place San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 564-9400

Fleming’s 255 East Basse Rd. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-9463 ANTLERS LODGE THE BARN DOOR BOLO’S ROTISSERIE GRILLE CHAUMA GAUCHA FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE GREY MOSS INN KIRBY’S STEAKHOUSE LITTLE RHEIN STEAKHOUSE MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE MYRON’S STEAKHOUSE OUNCE STEAKHOUSE THE PALM PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE RUTH'S CHRIS

122 | sawoman.com

9800 Hyatt Resort Dr. 8400 N. New Braunfels 9821 Colonnade 18318 Sonterra Place 255 E. Basse 10901 Scenic Loop 123 N. Loop 1604 E. 231 S. Alamo 849 E. Commerce 10003 NW Military 1401 N. Loop 1604 W. 233 E. Houston 15900 LaCantera Pkwy 7720 Jones Maltsberger 1170 E. Commerce

520-4001 824-0116 691-8888 564-9400 824-9463 695-8301 404-2221 225-1212 228-0700 493-3031 493-6200 226-7256 558-6161 821-5051 227-8847

WEDDINGS W

november/december 2012 |

123

W WEDDINGS

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Rey Sanchez (Ann Marie Winn) June 2, 2012

Parish Photography

Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Ruiz Carolyn Collier June 16, 2012

Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Dax Pummill (Heather Morlang) June 9, 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Nicholas Matheson (Cassandra Danielle Garza) April 21, 2012

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Wayne Miller (Lindsay Rebekah Recko) May 19, 2012

Straughan Photography

124 | sawoman.com

Mr. and Mrs. Warren Edward Hoskinson III (Amy Charlene Zwissler) April 14, 2012

WEDDINGS W

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Soyars (Catherine Dreiss) June 9, 2012

David Sixt

David Sixt

Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Angel Morales (Tracy RenĂŠe Elizalde) July 28, 2012

Straughan Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Michael James Posey (Julianne Bailey) July 14, 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Randy Wayne Whitener (Anna Teresa Friesenhahn) May 12, 2012

Parish Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Moussali (Hillary Singer) June 3, 2012

Straughan Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Armando J. Medina (Juanita B. Garcia) May 5, 2012

november/december 2012 |

125

W CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRIENDS OF HOSPICE PRESENTS

FALL MEMBERSHIP COFFEE

Beverly Purcell-Guerra, DeeAnn Simpson and Linda Whitacre

Rose Marie Banack, Kim Fischer and Jeanette Miller

San Antonio Food Bank Food 4 SA November 1-30 Security Service Federal Credit Unions (210) 337-3663

Respite Care of San Antonio 25th Anniversary Luncheon November 8 Pearl Stable (210) 737-1212

Say Sí Muertitos Fest 2012 November 1-3 Say Si Central (210) 212-8666

San Antonio Zoo “Night of the Dragon” Zoobilation Ball November 8 San Antonio Zoo (210) 734-7184

Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio 16th Annual Casino Night November 2 Rosenberg Sky Room (210) 436-0686

Transplants for Children Gayla’s Gala November 8 Leon Springs Dance Hall (210) 949-1212

American Heart Association Heart Walk November 3 Brackenridge Park (210) 617-2600

University of the Incarnate Word 10th Annual Veterans Day Celebration November 8 UIW Dubuis Lawn (210) 829-6000

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Purple Stride SA 2012 November 3 Schnabel Park (210) 542-3860

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 65 Roses Gala November 10 JW Marriott (210) 829-7267

Christian Senior Services/Tesoro Party in the Pasture Benefiting Meals on Wheels November 4 Rio Cibolo Ranch (210) 735-5115

Family Services Association Festival of Lights November 10 Alamo Quarry Market (210) 299-2400

Kappa Kappa Gamma Tablescapes November 5-6 San Antonio Country Club (210) 826-6411

San Antonio Musical Club Annual Fall Scholarship Program And Luncheon November 10 San Antonio Country Club (210) 858-4721

San Antonio Musical Club Alpha Home 7th Annual Luncheon November 7 Pearl Stable (210) 735-3822

S.A. Public Library Foundation 9th Annual Children’s Book and Author Luncheon November 10 Tripoint (210) 225-4728

Association for Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon November 8 Grand Hyatt (210) 347-0170

Opera Guild of San Antonio Fall Fundraiser Luncheon November 12 Pearl Stable (210) 650-4599

Anne Ownby, Betty Ferrell and Mertie Wood

Pat Birdwell, Renée Murray and Ann Parker

126 | sawoman.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS W

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART PRESENTS Bexar County Medical Society Women in Medicine Shopping Extravaganza November 13 The Club at Sonterra (210) 301-4391

Garage of Good 2012 Holiday Market December 1 Lions Field (210) 845- 2760

Chi Omega 5th Annual Wish Lunch November 14 San Antonio Country Club (210) 455-9111

Sembradores of San Antonio Educational Foundation December 1 Omni Colonnade (210) 733-6619

McNay Art Museum McNay Gala: Images of Power and Beauty November 14 (210) 805-1761

McNay Art Museum Holiday Brunch December 2 McNay Art Museum (210) 805-1761

Southwest Foundation Forum Lecture Luncheon November 14 The Argyle (210) 396-6615

Mission Road Ministries Grand Western Shindig December 4 Cowboy’s Dance Hall (210) 334-2455

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Run/Walk Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer November 17 Brackenridge Park (210) 219-1837

2012 Fabulous Holiday Brunch GED Scholarship Fundraiser December 8 Omni Hotel at Colonnade (210) 486-0455

San Antonio Food Bank The Great Turkey Challenge November 22 H.E.B. Arsenal (210) 337-3663

Friends of Hospice Poinsettia Ball December 13 Hyatt Regency (210) 785-5850

The Women’s Club Christmas in the Mansion November 27-30 The Women’s Club (210) 732-481

Rotary Club of San Antonio All-American Bowl Awards Dinner January 4 Marriott Rivercenter (210) 222-8242 x 11

GARDENS OF PITTI PALACE

Paul Krause, Fred and Raven LaBatt, Anne Krause, Carra and Jorge Garza with Tracee and J.J Feik

Cynthia Kerby, Catherine Bishop and Melissa Zuniga

Stefan Grater, Kathy and Julius Gribou with Libby Tilley

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center Blue Starry Night Gala November 30 (210) 227-6960

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Hecho A Mano November 30 – December 2 Guadalupe Gallery (210) 271-3151

San Antonio Rodeo Let’s Rodeo Ball January 19 Freeman Coliseum (210) 225-5851

San Antonio Rodeo Cowgirls Live Forever Style Show and Luncheon January 24 Pearl Stable (210) 225-5851

Josie and Marshall Davidson

november/december 2012 |

127

W WOMEN ON THE MOVE

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

Margaret Joy Barron

Sharron Brodbeck

Michelle DeStefano

Christine X. Hope

The San Antonio Symphony has named Margaret Joy Barron as the new vice president of development. She has previously served as executive director of the Center for Family Relations in San Antonio and as development officer of membership and annual giving at the McNay Art Museum.

She holds a master’s degree in museum and nonprofit management from City College of New York.

Sharron Brodbeck has joined Broadway Bank as senior vice president information systems manager.

She will manage client support services group, communication systems engineering and system administration team members. Her previous positions have been in IT client services and communication systems.

Brodbeck earned a business degree with a concentration in computer information systems from Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos.

Michelle DeStefano, B.S.N., M.P.A., R.N., N.E.A.-B.C., is the new chief nursing officer at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital. She comes from York Hospital/Well Span in Pennsylvania, where she was director of clinical services in neurosciences and cardiovascular service lines. There, she facilitated a restructuring of the hospital’s professional nursing practice environment that led to magnet designation for quality care and innovation in nursing.

The Fiesta® San Antonio Commission announces the appointment of Christine X. Hope as director of corporate and media relations.

She was previously director of marketing and sales for the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce in Tampa, Fla., where she oversaw public relations for the chamber and developed opportunities for businesses to have product and market penetration.

Barbara Watson

K.T. Whitehead

Methodist Healthcare has named Barbara Watson, M.S., R.N., A.C.N.S.-B.C., C.N.O.R., chief nursing officer at Methodist Texsan Hospital. She was formerly associate chief nursing officer at Denton Regional Medical Center. She has been a leader in patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes and staff cohesiveness and was recognized as one of the 2010 Great Women of Texas by the Fort Worth Business Press.

Elder law attorney K. T. Whitehead is now president of the National Elder Law Foundation and has become a 2012 Fellow of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys. One of three certified elder law attorneys in San Antonio, she is also guardian to four older San Antonians who have no family or friends to handle their affairs.

She previously worked at Morningside Ministries.

Send your announcements to: SAN ANTONIO WOMAN 8603 Botts Lane San Antonio, TX 78217 • For information, please call (210) 826-5375.

128 | sawoman.com

ASTROFORECAST W

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 Intense activities, strident efforts and enormous endurance will be surrounding you for any of your personal projects. Be watchful of being too overly assertive, as other individuals will feel intimidated. Proceed quietly and with great assurance. If you push too hard, unexpected events will delay even the best-laid plans. Your career directions can ultimately land you in positions of authority and power; remain humble with your ambitions for success.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 20 You start the month by implementing corrective measures with affairs that have become too lopsided and overextended. Know when to stop; otherwise, you can jump off a cliff without realizing there’s no safety net at the bottom of the cliff to catch you. There are many individuals, including yourself, who jump to conclusions without all the pertinent facts. Double-check all sides of a story.

Better to wear egg on the face than loss of trust.

AstroForecast

By LANCE K. RODRÍGUEZ

TAURUS April 21-May 20 A period of relationship adjustments will be experienced, and definitely watch for a “test of wills” that can create grudges, resentments and remorse.

Who in a partnership is challenged with budgetary goals?

Who is in overextension? Who says, “I’m always right in spite of how wrong I may appear”?

Who is overdue to let go of gravity to allow some levity?

Remember, the greatest power is never personal; true power is shared in tandem.

LEO July 23-August 22 Adolescents are in a tailspin in the month of November, and come to think of it, some adults can act juvenile. Contrariness aside, your challenge is to remain patient and allow these individuals to learn the necessary lesson without your preaching to them. You will have very little use for hypocrisy and double standards. December will more than likely witness corrections and apologies for all parties involved. Above all, maintain a healthy sense of humor.

CAPRICORN December 21-January 19 A once-in-two-year cycle involving the recharging of your physical stamina, exercise regimens and focusing on how you improve your outer appearance begins mid-November. The adage “When things get tough, the tough get going” applies to you, and coupled with a can-do attitude, you are practically unstoppable. You have shrewd insights into other people’s motivations. A crisis involving a friendship arises; be patient with the turmoil.

PISCES February 19-March 20 You are caught up with strong desires to beautify and organize your surroundings. These are wonderful directions for you to take unless the beautification efforts overwhelm the budget — you will only depress yourself when the bills come home to roost. Your imagination is highly stimulated, so reach out for that book you’ve been meaning to read on subject matters that take you far away from ordinary life. The joys of life are yours forever!

GEMINI May 21-June 21 The dreaded “foot-in-mouth” disease strikes any partnership.

Recall that a fool who opens the mouth and blurts out the folly will remove all doubts from the witnesses. That said, you will also have to review workplace practices that require the removal of doubts as well. MidDecember you will be able to be more candid about improvements that all parties can apply and implement. People are more accommodating with you if you are nonjudgmental.

VIRGO August 23-September 22 Domestic life will likely feel out of whack during the month of November. Really watch out for misplacing, losing or forgetting keys, wallets and important documents.

Ditzy individuals waltz into your life spouting what they think is best for you, and at first you may agree, but buyer beware. Extended warranties are really valuable for expensive items; do you really need them for sundry items? Learn to trust your inner intuition more than logic.

AQUARIUS January 20-February 18 Genius/madness? Which to embrace and which to surrender? You are experiencing high mental voltage that literally rewires the circuitry.

Flashes of insight may leave you breathless, so be sure to write them down or voice record them for later use.

Some ideas can become so farfetched and extreme, especially those that provoke you “to travel to the ends of the earth,” with nary a reward in return. Trust a friend’s advice to ground you.

ARIES March 21-April 20 Watch out for any type of accident proneness around the Thanksgiving holidays. Electrical mishaps, fires, cuts, muscle strains and physical exhaustion are some other examples of unexpected events at that time. Mid-December will eliminate these potentials for misfortune, and you snap back into place stronger than ever.

Stretch beyond present boundaries, and seek or create opportunities that will be beneficial for you for the new year ahead of you.

CANCER June 22-July 22 Be sure to create general group consensus and support with any of your creative projects that will eventually land you in the spotlight. The potential for the capacity of sustaining peak performances will allow you to exude joy in your life. Encourage children to learn confidence. Be unwavering in all of your commitments, as you will reap rewards for the new year.

Pay attention to the wise counsel of a parent or an elder who teaches you maturity.

LIBRA September 23-October 22 You are like the busy bee buzzing around the garden collecting the nectar of life.

Once the nectar collection is done, you turn inward and experience deep introspection of your most important personal values. You are in an excellent position to throw one of the most memorable holiday gatherings in a long time. You embody the grace and cultivation to impress others with your knowledge, your charm and pleasing wit. Go for the gusto!

Lance K. Rodríguez is a professional Astrology/Tarot Consultant as well as a Usui/Karuna® Reiki Master. He can be reached at AstroLance.net.

november/december 2012 |

129

W LOOKING BACK

1925 San Antonio children receive a small bank for saving money during a visit to San Antonio Loan & Trust Co. at 215 W. Commerce St.

130 | sawoman.com