Sugar Land December 2017

Sugar Land – Community At Your Fingertips

HISTORY OF THE ASTROS

December 2017

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S IN HOUSTON

THE LIST Top 10 Things to do In December

Healthy Sleep Habits & Happy Kids

in thisissue

6 13 17 19

Parent Life

Healthy Sleep Habits & Happy Kids

The List

Top 10 Things to do in December

The Guide

Celebrating New Year’s

Community Spotlight The History of the Astros

The List | info@siennalist.com | www.thelist.city | 281-201-5998

Events in our Community December 15-January 1st from 6-9pm Constellation Field Sugar Land Holiday Lights 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land, 77498 Over 2.5 million lights and over 100 light displays, and Santa Claus

Sienna List was developed with the residents of Missouri City in mind. We offer free services for our members; a platform where members can find jobs, business recommendations, events, and more with the click of a button.

December 16th 5:00pm-9:00pm The Club at Riverstone Winter Wonderland 18353 University Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Snow slides and snow, Inflatables, photos with Santa.

It’s easy to become a member of Sienna List:

December 17th from 1pm-5pm Sienna Plantation Train Depot Sienna Community Farmers Market – 9600 Scanlan Trace, Missouri City, TX 77459 Local produce, fresh goods and more

3 - Click the Submit button.

December 31st from 7:30pm-12:30am Quail Valle Golf Club That 70’s New Year’s Eve Party – 2880 La Quinta Dr, Missouri City, TX 7745 New Year’s Eve Boogie Night Party

2

To Advertise, Please Call 281-201-5998

1 - Visit www.thelist.city Create a user name and 2 - password for your login.

Creating and sharing a local event such as a garage sale, classes, or a fundraiser has never been easier! Once you login, click create an event. Then fill in the appropriate fields and your event will be live on Sienna List.

health report

Our Beacon Award Winning ICU Staff & Hospital Leadership

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recognizes ICU at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital with gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), recently recognized the Surgical ICU Department at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital with a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence, making the hospital just one of seven ICUs in Texas to achieve this prestigious recognition.

The Beacon Award for Excellence — a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments — recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards.

Units that achieve this three-year, three-level award with gold, silver or bronze designations meet national criteria consistent with Magnet® Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

AACN President Christine Schulman, MS, RN, CNS, CCRN-K, applauds the commitment of the caregivers in the ICU at Houston Methodist Sugar Land for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence. These dedicated health care professionals join other members of our exceptional community of nurses, who set the standard for optimal patient care.

“The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in stellar units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes. Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care,” she explains.

The gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence signifies an effective and systematic approach to achieve optimal patient care by meeting the following evidence-based criteria: • Leadership Structures and Systems • Appropriate Staffing and Staff Engagement • Effective Communication, Knowledge Management, and Learning and Development • Evidence-Based Practices and Processes • Outcome Measurement “This achievement is a testament to the great ICU caregivers here at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. It has been our goal to work as a team making our patients safe and comfortable,” said Tumi Layinka, manager of the Surgical ICU. “I am truly honored and proud to work with such a wonderful team.”

To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit our website at houstonmethodist.org/sugarland. Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

December 2017

3

Logan’s generaL ContraCting Co. Kitchen And Bathroom Remodeling • Total Exterior Repairs Roof Replacement • Painting Interior And Exterior Hardie Siding • Stamped Concrete And Driveways Energy efficient construction and retrofit are our specialties!

Logan Guthrie 281.460.1587 3907 Panorama Dr., Missouri City, TX 77459 www.logansgeneralcontracting.com

Sugar Land Increase Your Visibility And Target Your Desired Audience Distribution of 20,000 Homes in the Sugar Land area

www.tHeLiSt.city info@SiennaLiSt.com • 281-201-5998 4

To Advertise, Please Call 281-201-5998

silverscreen December 15th Star Wars: The Last Jedi MEAGHAN BARSAMIAN CoFounder - CEO - Editor

Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order.

ALLEN BARSAMIAN CoFounder - Account Manager DAVID PEREZ Graphic Designer ALISA MURRAY Columnist JASON LUTHOR Columnist

December 22nd Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Four high school kids discover an old video game console and are drawn into the game’s jungle setting, literally becoming the adult avatars they chose. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji - you must survive it. To beat the game and return to the real world, they’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, discover what Alan Parrish left 20 years ago, and change the way they think about themselves - or they’ll be stuck in the game forever.

on the cover

December 22nd Pitch Perfect 3 After the highs of winning the world championships, the Bellas find themselves split apart and discovering there aren’t job prospects for making music with your mouth. But when they get the chance to reunite for an overseas USO tour, this group of awesome nerds will come together to make some music, and some questionable decisions, one last time.

December 29th Adam

Courtesy of Gabby M. Photography www.gabbymalcuit.com

The Greatest Showman The Greatest Showman is a bold bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, “The Greatest Showman” tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.

December 2017

5

Speech & OccupatiOnal therapy

We now Offer Ot (Occupational therapy) Autism Spectrum Disorders, Speech & Language Delays, Auditory Processing, Fine & Visual Motor Problems, Sensory Processing Problems, Dyspraxia, THERAPEUTIC LISTENING PROVIDERS inSurance and Medicaid accepted

5819 Hwy 6, Suite 360, Missouri City 77459 speechandlearning.com • 281.403.2600

Ray’s

AC & Heating Services Maintenance ❄ Service ❄ Installation Free Estimates On New Equipment

281-799-2556 BBB Accredited Business For reviews, visit www.sugarlandnetwork.com TACLB26076E

A/C or Heat Check Up

$

69

Each Additional Unit $59 (Reg. $89)

Bushi Ban International Sienna Plantation

832-833-0030 



After School Care with Martial Arts FREE Transportation Provided for Local Schools*



Little Warriors



Youth Martial Arts



Adult Classes



Advanced Training

50% DISCOUNT www.bushiban.com

6

7746 Highway 6, Suite A info@bushibansienna.com

off Registration Fee

+ FREE Uniform and Team Bushi Ban T-Shirt (while supplies last)* Coupon must be presented to redeem offer.

Restrictions apply.

Sugar Land Increase Your VIsIbIlItY and target Your desIred audIence

Distribution of 20,000 Homes in the Sugar Land area

www.tHeLiSt.city info@SiennaLiSt.com • 281-201-5998

6

parent life

Healthy Sleep Habits & Happy Kids

1

NEWBORNS (0-3 MONTHS) Infants sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day, including both nighttime sleep and daytime naps. There is so much variation at this age. Newborns can sleep from a few minutes to a few hours at a time and this also varies according to type of nutrition (formula, breast milk). Infants this young have little awareness of night and day. They begin to develop a more consistent sleep cycle between 2 and 4 months. At this age, you can help promote good sleep habits by watching for signs of sleepiness, encouraging nighttime sleep, and developing a bedtime routine.

2

INFANTS (4-12 MONTHS) As babies grow, they begin to follow a more consistent sleep routine. Infants in this age range typically sleep anywhere from 9 to 12 hours at night and nap between 2 to 5 hours during the day. The number of naps typically decreases during this time. All babies wake between 4 and 6 times a night, but some babies are able to self-soothe and fall back to sleep while others are “signalers” and cry until someone soothes them. It is important at this age to be intentional about having a consistent bedtime and routine. Make sure your baby is tired but not overtired, which can lead to a “second wind” and difficulty winding down. It is also helpful to avoid feeding infants to sleep and instead put them to bed drowsy, but still awake. Talk to your doctor or a child psychologist about more structured sleep training methods that can be used at this age.

Lindsay Asawa, Ph.D., PLLC

4

Sleep is one of the most important and frustrating aspects of parenting. There is nothing worse than a toddler waking up every two hours, a kindergartener waking up screaming every night, or a teen with insomnia. Studies have shown how important sleep can be for children and adolescents. It impacts their eating habits, immune system, attention skills, memory, emotional functioning, behavior, and so much more. Most parents have seen the effects of a poor night of sleep on their child, but it can be so hard to know how to help our struggling sleepers. Normal sleep patterns vary across age groups, but the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics have provided some guidelines and suggestions based on research findings.

TODDLERS (1-2 YEARS): By the toddler years, most children should be following a consistent sleep pattern. Toddlers need approximately 11 to 14 hours of sleep, including one long afternoon nap (1 to 3 hours). Sleep can be easily disrupted at this age by things like illnesses, changes in routine, and separation anxiety.

Consistency is key in getting them back on track.

3

PRESCHOOLERS (3-5 YEARS): Children this age need at least 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day, including naps. However, most children stop napping by the time they turn 5 years old. As this transition occurs, it is important to watch for signs that your child is tired in the afternoons and may still need a nap. Many children who no longer take naps can still benefit from “quiet time” in the afternoon to lay down, do a calm activity, and relax their body and mind. Sleep problems are very common during the preschool years. These include nighttime fears, nightmares, sleepwalking, and sleep terrors. As these events begin to occur, is so important that parents respond in a helpful manner. Responding to nightmares by allowing children to leave the bedroom and sleep with parents or siblings will only maintain and even increase their fear. The underlying message is that their bedroom is a scary place that is associated with scary dreams, while they are only safe somewhere else. It is more helpful to give a hug and reassurance, explain that their bedroom is a safe place, point out comfort objects (nightlight, stuffed animals), and tuck them back in bed. Sleep terrors are another confusing and difficult sleep problem to navigate for parents. They often include “bloodcurdling” screams, incoherent statements, wide-eyed terror, sweating, crying, and generally causing parents to panic. However, there is no major cause for concern. It is unlikely that you will be able to wake your child in this state, so the important thing is to comfort them and keep them safe. Sleep terrors may occur when children have to go to the bathroom, when they are getting sick, (continued on page 9) and when they go through transitions and changes.

is a licensed clinical psychologist with the Center for Couples & Families in Sugar Land and Pearland. She provides psychological and educational evaluations for children and teens, individual and family therapy, consultation, parenting workshops, and business and school presentations. Dr. Asawa can be reached at (832) 844-5576 or drlindsayasawa@gmail.com.

December 2017

7

INJURIES DON’T HAPPEN ON A SCHEDULE Specialized orthopedic care for unexpected injuries

At the Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic at Sugar Land, we’re expanding our services and hours to better serve the needs of Fort Bend County and surrounding communities. When you need immediate orthopedic care, count on our knowledgeable doctors and staff to quickly evaluate and treat your injury.

The clinic provides treatment for: • Acute orthopedic injuries • Concussions • Fractures and broken bones

NOW OPEN

Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• No appointment required • Office visit pricing • Major insurance plans accepted

• Injured tendons • Sports injuries • Minor dislocations • Sprains and strains • Painful or swollen joints • Torn ligaments

Chronic conditions, spine injuries, motor vehicle accidents and worker’s compensation injuries are not treated at the injury clinic. Please call 281.201.0396 to schedule an appointment with the appropriate physician for those conditions.

16811 Southwest Fwy., Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77479 | 281.609.7547 houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl

8

To Advertise, Please Call 281-201-5998

5 6 (continued from page 7)

SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN (6-12 YEARS): As our children enter elementary school, sleep remains more important than ever.

Children this age need at least 9 to 12 hours of sleep. Many parents assume their school children need the same amount of sleep as adults, but this is not the case. A recommended bedtime at this age is between 8:00 and 9:00pm. It is still important to follow a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule, regardless of extracurricular activities and homework. Naps may seem helpful, but particularly late afternoon naps may interfere with nighttime sleep. Most importantly, make sure your child turns off all electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime. The stimulation from electronics (including television) wakes up the brain and makes it difficult to get to sleep.

ADOLESCENTS (13-18 YEARS): Sleep in teenagers is often the least understood and most difficult for parents to manage. Most teens need about 9 to 10 hours of sleep, while the average teen gets closer to 7 hours. In other words, most teenagers are sleep deprived! That explains a lot, right? Sleep deprivation in teens can lead to irritability, depression, anxiety, risk-taking behaviors, poor decision-making, and all of the other problems mentioned above. It can be helpful to restrict napping to ensure they feel more tired at night. Teens also need to understand the importance of turning off the electronics. Phones are often used well into the night, but this can make it very difficult for the brain to relax enough to fall asleep.

Healthy children and adolescents need good sleep. We need to consider their sleep as important as the food

we give them, the illnesses we vaccinate against, and the safety we take so seriously. As always, if you and

your child are struggling to manage their sleep and it is impacting their daily functioning, talk to the pediatrician and consider meeting with a therapist or psychologist.

December 2017

9

communityspotlight

The History of the Astros

By Jason Luthor

It may have been weeks now, but Houston is still living in the afterglow of its triumphant victory in Game Seven of the World Series. After a year in which the team stunned the league by performing above all expectations, the Astros played a tense, seven game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Their victory in that seventh game marked the team’s first time at the top of the league, but how did they get there?

The road to becoming champions actually goes back decades, all the way back to 1962. That year, they played their first Major League game against the Chicago. In the 1960s though, they were known as the Houston Colt .45s, a reference to the wild west history that Texas was associated with. They wouldn’t stay under that name for long though, and on December 1, 1964, the team officially changed its name to the Astros.

stadium that today is recognized as a State Antiquities Landmark. The Astrodome would go on to be the home of the Astros and also housed the NFL team, the Houston Oilers, as well as hosted the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It continued to be used as a venue for different events all the way until the early 2000s, when it became an evacuation shelter for Katrina referees. Despite all the ways it was used though, the Astrodome is forever remembered in Houston first as the longtime home of the Astros. The team played from 1964 until its final game in the famed stadium on October 9, 1999.

During more than three decades, the Astros dazzled the city of Houston. In the 1980s, Nola Ryan arrived in Houston and began to carve out his hall of fame career by breaking numerous records, achieving more than 300 strikeouts in a season, and tossing nohitters. His fastballs were the things of legend, burning up at 108 miles per hour. It was Just a few short months later, the team moved into among the best performance by a pitcher the iconic and beloved Astrodome, a legendary sports in history.

In 1998, it trotted out a team that went 10260, which still stands as the best regular season the team ever had – a record that still stands today, after its dazzling 2017 season. That team was manned by some of the city’s most beloved players, many of which were household names for years.

The team included players like Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, players who held drive the team to the most runs scored for the team.

In 2005, the Astros reached their first world series by riding a pitching staff that included Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens. After a slow start, they began to rack up the wins during their season and worked their way into the World Series, only to be swept in a heartbreaking series against the Chicago White Sox. Still, a long 12 years later, the Astros are now champions. Players and owners changed, but the support of the city of Houston never did, and that is what drove them to victory.

NwaNyieze amajoh, m.D, FaCoG

D

r. Nwanyieze Amajoh is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She attended University of Miami for undergraduate, received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 2000 and completed her Doctor of Medicine degree from Wright State University Boonshoft school of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio in 2005 on a full medical scholarship.

Dr Amajoh completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Texas, Houston Memorial Hermann Hospital. Dr. Amajoh is one of the esteemed owners of Southwest Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates, LLP with offices in Houston and Sugar Land and has practiced medicine there since August 2009. Dr. Amajoh received “compassionate doctor award” from patient online reviews. In 2013 Dr. Amajoh was presented with the top 50 black Healthcare, Medical and Wellness award.

Dr Amajoh has special interests in high risk obstetrics, general gynecology, minimally invasive surgery including Da Vinci robot, infertility, routine health maintenance as well as in office procedures. Dr. Amajoh has a special interest in helping new moms with breastfeeding. She enjoys establishing a continuum of care with her patients and building lifelong relationships.

When she is not in the office, she enjoys traveling, trying new delicacies, dancing and reading novels. Dr. Amajoh enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and two stepchildren. She is an active member of her church, and enjoys volunteering for international medical missions and providing obstetric and gynecological care to the underserved.

10

To Advertise, Please Call 281-201-5998

the guide With the year rapidly approaching its end, millions around Houston will be looking for fun ways to ring in the New Year. New Year’s Eve can be a fun but also hectic day, so planning early is the key to making sure you enjoy the holiday. There’s something for everyone to do in a city as large as Houston, so you’re sure to find an event to enjoy.

Since New Year’s Even falls on a Sunday, many people will be able to spend the day out and about if they’d prefer to avoid the night scene.

1

At Houston’s City Centre, families can come out to the City Centre plaza from 11 AM to 1 PM and celebrate with Texas Children’s Hospital. During this time, a kid friendly DJ will be playing music and a flourish of bubbles will fall to celebrate at noon. Families will be able to enjoy face painting, grab some balloons, and sit down with a caricature artist to have a hilarious portrait made. You’ll also be able to take photos at the Lucky Shots’ magic mirror photo booth. If you’re looking to celebrate in the evening, festivities will begin at City Centre starting at 9:30 PM. Live music will be played by cover band, Bristol Fashion, while confetti and fireworks will ring in the New Year. Anyone attending should plan to arrive early, since the parking garage will open at 4 PM and cost $10 for entry. For more information, visit http://citycentrehouston.com.

CELEBRATING NEW YEAR’S

By Jason Luthor

2

If you’re staying closer to Sugar Land, you can always enjoy the celebrations being held at the Sugar Land Town Square. This celebration will involve both a children’s celebration and adults’ celebration. Starting at 7:00 PM, kids will be free to walk around, enjoy the street performance, enjoy a live DJ, and even get an early fireworks performance that ends the festivities at 9:00 PM. Afterward, the adult portion of the night will begin.

Starting at 9:30, adults can look forward to seeing some of the same street performance and live entertainers. The DJ will continue to bring the music and live bands will join the performance. Drinks will be on hand after the adult part of the celebration begins, and a 3D Sugar Cube Drop will countdown the New Year celebration, when fireworks will light up the night. You can find more information about this event at http://www.sugarlandtownsquare.com/events/.

3

Finally, for anyone that wants to just walk around and enjoy the festivities, downtown Houston will be packed for New Years Eve. All the local restaurants and bars will be open to travelers, but it’s once again advised to start early. Downtown is always packed during special occasions, and New Years Eve is going to be one of the biggest events of the year. With events happening everywhere from the heart of downtown Houston to Sugarland, it’ll be hard to miss out on the celebration. Whether you’re looking for good food, live music, or just fireworks, you’ll find it everywhere across Houston.

December 2017

11

Mobile Dog grooMing

Full Service grooming • Dog baths • nail Trims

Mark & Ashley Mitchell

281-643-7180

washgroomgo.com

$10 Off

First Grooming Appointment new Customers only

$10 OFF

Valid for New Customers Only

Build a Reason to Live Outdoors!

Patio Covers • Gazebos • Sunrooms Screened Porches • Outdoor Kitchens Decorative Patios and More

Call today to schedule a free design consultation or visit our website for ideas

12

281-265-1994 • www.TCPatioHou.com

community outreach

Volunteering for the Holidays

t

By Jason Luthor he holidays seem to be the time of year that brings together people in the spirit of the season. Even if life is incredibly busy, people find a way to set aside time to for volunteering. Whether you regularly volunteer or want to do something special for the holidays, there’s plenty of ways to give back to the community if you live around Houston. These are just a few of the amazing opportunities that are available for the holidays.

One event that’s still on the minds of everyone from around Houston is Hurricane Harvey. Even now, months later, there’s plenty of work that needs to be done to help the victims of the hurricane. If you’re hoping for a chance to help contribute to the recovery efforts, Bread of Life will be working throughout the Christmas season. Volunteers can help the organization unload, sort, and distribute donations that go to the families that were most hurt by Hurricane Harvey. Both individuals and groups can register, so if you’d feel more comfortable with a group of friends, you can bring them along when you come to help.

Another organization that will be helping throughout the holidays is Serving Love Through A Meal.

This organization helps distribute food every Tuesday and Thursdays, so if you’re free during the week and you have even a little cooking skill, this could be your chance to help. Serving Love Through A Meal needs volunteers to help prepare meals by cutting vegetables, boiling water, and cooking the main courses and side dishes. Food preparation starts at 3 PM and dinner gets served at 5:30 PM, so you can help with food preparation and distribution. Then it’s cleanup time, with dinner finishing at 6:30 PM. If you’re not great with food but you have a heart for helping the sick or elderly, you can also join with The Holiday Project. Although it sounds like it only operates around Christmas, The Holiday Project actually works all year round to bring visitors to hospitals, nursing homes, and other residential establishments. Volunteers get to interact with the residents and help brighten up their day, and there are few times when this is mort important than during the holidays. The Holiday Project will actually have a special event on Christmas Day itself, and visitors will get a chance to make cards and other holiday appropriate gifts for their visit.

Even if none of these sound like something you’d be comfortable with, there are still plenty of other opportunities available around Houston. The Houston Food Bank will be having events and hospitals and other medical organizations will be looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles.

If you’re looking for more information, you can visit http://www.volunteerhou.org/.

Volunteer Houston keeps an organized calendar of volunteer opportunities available around the city, so you’re sure to find an event where you can contribute.

December 2017

13

the list Alisa Murray’s Top 10 Things To Do In December 2017 With Auntie A 1. It’s time to plant the winter kale and collards in the garden. They will do well now planted and watered in with compost.

Soon you’ll have plenty of hearty greens for salads and for winter cooking.

2. Collect canned goods and cereal and drop off at the local food bank.

Many children will be hungry as the holidays means no school and no free meals.

3. Drive to Dewberry Farms and wander through the Christmas trees to find the perfect one this year to take home and decorate with your family.

4. Go buy small stockings and fill then with a sweet note and some candies.

Drop them off to the church to give to elderly or shut ins or drop them off at the local retirement community.

5. On my nightside table now…. #AskGaryVee: One Entrepreneur’s Take on Leadership, Social Media, and Self-Awareness

by Gary Vaynerchuk

6. Finish making all last minute gifts so that friends and family can drop in and pick up the goodies you have made for them. With perishables such as sugars and salt soaks that need to be consumed fairly quickly I’d call those friends and get them to pick up as soon as completed so they can enjoy the freshest possible with their gifts!

7. Make homemade bread and drop it off to each of your neighbors.

Dip pretzel sticks in white chocolate and cover with sprinkles, bagged up for teachers and last school day treats for close classmates.

8. Make a list of stuff that needs to be done around the house so in those last days of 2017 when the holiday is wrapping up, you can complete any household stuff before welcoming in the new year.

9. Make a batch of nutty coco balls for the men’s bible study and extras of course for anybody else that just happens to stop by! (see recipe)

10. Take the children to the Houston Zoo to see the lights.

You’ll need:

Antie A's Nutty Coco Balls

All my friends love to graze on these “cookies” during the holidays. They are great with coffee, milk and even hot chocolate! They are super easy to make because there’s no baking involved. Just put everything in a bowl and mix up with your hands and roll into balls! (the children love helping with this one!) Then let chill for about 30 mins in freezer and dip in melted chocolate. There are other varieties you can make using Oreo cookies crunched up, Nutella and cream de menthe. This is the original recipe that has been a favorite for years!

1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup crushed graham crackers 1 cup powdered sugar 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened 8 ounces semisweet or other baking chocolate *Extra cocoa or powdered sugar as added condiment if you want

14

In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and butter. Shape into teaspoonsized balls and place on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. Stick in refrigerator for 30-45 mins.

Meanwhile…melt your chocolate according to package directions and stir gently until smooth. Using two spoons, dip peanut butter balls into melted chocolate and transfer to lined baking sheet. Chill at least 30 minutes to set chocolate.

You can dust with powdered sugar or cocoa if you’d like an extra kick!

To Advertise, Please Call 281-201-5998

the lifestyle

The Art of Power

The art of power is a finely trained skill. Power is most often described as someone who can overtake, force change etc. What if we looked at this differently? Instead of striving to be powerful and strong in a forceful display, perhaps we should consider being more weak and kind. Our society trains us to see successful as being powerful but reality shows us that being flexible and sincere actually creates a more successful life…and I would argue most ardently a more pleasant one!

Laozi was a 6th-century BC philosopher who believed and repeatedly spoke of power and how it effects relationships. He stated that “imposing your will on others in an act of strength ultimately fails because resentment is bred in those we dominate.” That can be seen in so many situations both fact and fiction. It is always as Nana used to say “easier to get cooperation with kindness and not through being a bully.” Imagine how much we could accomplish in all aspects of our lives if we were to consistently strive to be equal and show respect towards others? It’s a world that we all can at least wish for.

Influencing others is best done with treating others as we would like to be treated… not hard really to understand but sometimes such a difficult task to actually do! Water is a great example of this in nature. Water, when faced with an obstacle goes around it and over it and sometimes it leaves a gentle groove in its path. It leaves changes gently. Although for some of us with this recent storm Harvey might argue differently on that! LOL Seriously though, power is best displayed quietly through understanding the situation and another’s perspective. Doing the right thing at the right time and showing in even a small way kindness goes a long way in getting what you want. And that’s true power and influence!

BY ALISA MURRAY

WWW.ALISAMURRAY.COM

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PORTRAIT ARTIST & AWARD WINNING COLUMNIST.

December 2017

15

ECRWSS

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD U.S POSTAGE PAID DENVER CO PERMIT NO. 5377